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Entries in Events (209)

Friday
Oct052012

An Ann Taylor Toronto Giveaway

Just wrapped up a whirlwind week filled with interviews, previews and parties. Now, I'm rolling home on my early morning VIA train as I consider the day ahead;  deadlines loom, big, fat turkey awaits and I fully expect a domestic explosion (of the housekeeping kind) when I return.  Oh, and the pies.  The fam will freak if I don't make pumpkin pies.  I'm actually thinking pumpkin whoopie pies this year.  Cray-cray?

Please give this blogger a day pass and in place of a proper post, accept this blinged out bangle from last night's Ann Taylor party as my sparkly apology?  Ann Taylor, in case you haven't heard, opens at Toronto Eaton Centre today but I got a sneak peek at last night's media launch. Gorgeous store, so many pretty pieces (and people) and the best part?  They're actually price-matching the US.  Hallelujah! #lessonlearned

Oh and speaking of J.Crew, the amazing new Eaton Centre store opened yesterday as well, with Toronto's first ever men's shop.  Check back soon for all of my party pics from the week and more gift bag giveaways.

To win the Ann Taylor Brooch Cuff (one of Kate Hudson's fall faves), tell me your favourite part of Thanksgiving - be it an experience, a family tradition or a yummy recipe you can't be without (help! need inspiration).  I'll announce the winner at 5 pm today!

Gobble, gobble, happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful weekend to you!

 

Monday
Sep172012

The Body Shop: Beauty with Heart

Model & Activist Lily Cole, The Body Shop's new global brand ambassador - photo: The Body Shop  

 

Johanna (aka rlr mini) and I, ready to hit the exclusive Pulse Boutique media preview - photo: Strategic Objectives

The Body Shop's 'Top 10' Gift Bag (scroll down for the giveaway) Photos by me

Last Friday, rlr mini and I woke up bright and (somewhat) early to head to the Toronto Eaton Centre.  The motivation?  The unveiling of The Body Shop's brand new (and much-buzzed-about) Pulse Boutique.  We strolled through the newly-renovated store to test out new products (everything from radiant BB Cream to shimmery Beautifying Oil) and reminisce about our old favourites (Johanna was obsessed with White Musk in highschool while I was a strawberry and kiwi lip gloss addict.  Remember those??).  Like us, The Body Shop has grown up, with its sophisticated new space, impressive makeup wall, and luxe-looking packaging. And of course, The Body Shop, as always, is way more than just a pretty face; its Beauty with Heart initiative aims to meld ethical practices (think zero animal testing) and Community Fair Trade ingredients with beautiful products (check out the video below to see the program in action and don't forget to follow The Body Shop on Facebook & Twitter to stay perpetually in-the-know about all of their new products and amazing initiatives)

We walked away with impressive swag bags filled with The Body Shop's 'Top 10' products including my can't-live-without Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover.  The best part?  The Body Shop gave us 2 extra gift bags to give away to you!  Yay!

Simply tell us your absolute fave product (past or present) from The Body Shop to win 1 of 2 'Top 10' Gift Bags (over $150 retail value each).  Contest closes at midnight this Wednesday!  Bonne chance, mes belles!  For all of the event pics, click on the thumbnails below x  

 

 
Friday
Aug312012

Fashion's Night Out

Vogue, the CFDA, the City of New York, and NYC & Company have teamed up again for the world's biggest shopping night, Fashion's Night Out (FNO) on September 6th!  Celebrate the hautest shopping night in style with this just-released FNO Collection at eLUXE, comprised of chic totes and tees. (40% of the proceeds raised from the sale of this collection will benefit the New York City AIDS Fund.) 

This year marks Toronto's very first FNO with retailers across the city hosting special events from 6 - 11pm, complete with style sessions, make-overs, treats and mad discounts.  rlr mini and I will be hitting up the parties at eLUXE, Gap, Holt Renfrew, and Intermix...though I expect we might make a few more stops along the way.  Want to join in the fun?  Check out the FNO Toronto website to plan your shopping route now. Hope to see you there! x  

Friday
Jun152012

Ann Taylor Brings Hip et Chic to Canada

Elevator doors get the Ann Taylor treatment on the way up to The Carlu

We fell instantly for this yellow dress. Add it to the list...

Ann Taylor's Parisan chic Fall 2012 inspiration board

Sheer perfection (aka: a compelling reason to get excited for fall)

A mint angora-blend sweater with a pastel tweed skirt.  Oui, svp!

A live-streaming board from the Twitterverse.  Can you spot my tweet?x  Photos by Johanna Simmonds

Any time a new retailer comes to Canada, there’s always loads of hype and, like a hard-to-get crush, the object of our affection is usually extra attractive because it’s so unattainable. When I heard that Ann Taylor was finally coming to Canada, my heart skipped a little beat or two, yet I was wary because a) Other US retailers who’ve planted their flag in Canada have set a nasty price-jumping precedent and b) I wasn’t sure if the brand was too safe, too conservative for my taste.

My sister and I walked into last night’s Ann Taylor Fall 2012 Preview at the Carlu not sure what to expect. Fast-forward 15 minutes (and 2 glasses of wine) later and we’re chatting with other excited editors, snapping photos, tweeting madly (“Must Have these gloves...TO DIE! #newanncanada #newannrocks) and getting far too familiar with a pair of fall boots.  The Ann Taylor of Fall 2012 is so not the Ann Taylor that I remember from my past cross-border pilgrimages.  A major shakeup in the design team in 2008, under the watchful eye of Creative Director of Design, Lisa Axelson (formerly of Club Monaco), has brought a decidedly hip vibe to the conservative brand, with pieces perfect for both work and play. Classic, well-made separates cavort with neon rock necklaces, while a cool mint angora sweater looks Mad Men-esque with a pastel tweed skirt.  My sister had to literally dab my chin with a napkin (Fashion Party Fail) after I drooled over the pony boots (colour-blocked and spotted), and I instantly put a printed black & white pant suit and leather driving gloves on my mental must-have list.

Now, onto the dollars and cents;  Ann Taylor is impressively affordable (not cheap, but not guilt-inducing by any stretch) and word is that we can expect the stickers to pleasantly surprise instead of shock, when the stores open this fall.  Thanks for the invite, Ann Taylor.  I hate to rush summer but now I’m so stoked for fall. Check back soon for my Ann Taylor giveaway.  Eek!

Mental Note: Ann Taylor is set to open at Toronto Eaton Centre in October 2012, Yorkdale Mall in November 2012, and online in 2013.  

Stay In-the-Know: Follow Ann Taylor on Twitter @AnnTaylor and get on the mailing list at anntaylor.com for all the Canadian updates.

Want more party pics?  Click away on the thumbnails below:

 
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