Found: The Best Dog Costumes Ever

 

I used to be the kind of girl who laughed at people that dressed up their dogs.  I mean, honestly, aren't they cute enough already?  Isn't it a little embarassing for a dog to go Gaga?  Then, we got Fonzie and as soon as Hallowe'en rolled around, there he was, reluctantly sporting his ladybug hat.  I'm a sucker for costumes and though I don't endorse dressing up your pooch the other 364 days of the year, Hallowe'en is a clear exception to the rule.  I don't plan on turning Real Life Runway into a style guide for your furry friends but had to post these hilarious costumes from Old Navy.  At $19.50, they're a perfectly justifiable buy, especially since dogs stay the same size from year to year (yo-yo dieters excepted).  We'll be taking Fonz trick-or-treating with us this year and since my newborn isn't eating solids yet and chocolate is toxic for dogs, this is going to be one seriously happy Hallowe'en for yours truly.   

The posts have been few and far between lately but thanks for your patience and keep checking back this week for loads of fall fashion.  Happy official first day of fall!

Found: The Perfect Toque

You know you live in Canada when you know how to spell the word 'toque'.  An essential component of every snow bunny's wardrobe, the toque can make or break an outfit.  The perfect hat can keep our heads warm and make us look smoking hot while a poor choice stops the heat from escaping but gives us a serious case of the winter uglies.  Okay, you think I'm being dramatic and perhaps I am, but consider this:  do you really want to look like a pool cue from November to March?

For years, my toques have been little more than afterthoughts.  I've always waited until the last possible moment before finding a hat, at which point all of the good toques have been snapped up and I'm left to stuff my head into something that makes me look bald and leaves lines on my forehead.  This year, I'm a little bit older and a little bit smarter and I've already picked up a true gem of a toque from Roots that's actually making me excited for the first snowfall.  It's soft, the perfect shade of grey and I swear, actually makes my eyes look bigger.  I'm also a little bit in love with their legwarmers.  Perfect over skinny jeans, jeggings or leggings and under your wellies or tall boots, they are every cold-weather Canadienne's best friend.  Speaking of boots, check out the new video from Roots and if you're like me, you might actually get a little excited for fall.  Those boots are heaven! The Antonia Cable Toque ($24) and Cabin Legwarmer ($22) are in Roots stores now or online at www.canada.roots.com.  Oh, and am I the only one who just spell-checked 'toque'?

Found: The Perfect Flat

I've always loved ballet flats for their timeless style and easy wearability.  I was having the hardest time finding a decent pair of pretty ballet flats this summer as most of them were either too stiff, too delicate, or far too expensive.  I mean, I love Tod's and Tory Burch as much as the next girl but paying over $250 for a little pair of shoes just doesn't sit well with my husband.  So, I was thrilled beyond belief when I walked into Gap the other day to see a wall full of gorgeous, expensive-looking flats in a wicked array of colours.  I picked up a pair of city flats in shimmery silver and road-tested them for a full day of walking around Toronto.  The verdict?  Super cute, supremely comfortable (no blisters!) and at $39.50, I'm debating getting them in a few more colours to get me through fall.  Check them out at www.gap.com and get ready to retire your flip-flops. 

Joe Fresh for even Less

Have you visited the Real Life Runway Facebook page lately?  Become a RLR fan and gain special access to coupons, discounts and insider tips.  Today's find?  $10 off at Joe Fresh when you spend a minimum of $50 between now and June 15th!  Just click on my Facebook link to the left to download this sweet deal.  Happy Friday everyone!

Canada's Answer to Target

Okay, so first I told you start shopping at Sears.  Next, I told you that Joe Fresh is one of my fave shopping destinations.  But Zellers?  For reals?  I can be a bit of a snob sometimes but I never like to shut the door on a potentially fab find because of deeply entrenched (and often totally wrong) perceptions.  If you and your friends are like me, I get really, really excited to make the trip to the States and set my GPS to the closest Target.  I see the red and white sign and my heart starts beating a little faster, my wallet quivers in my purse and I sit poised on the edge of my seat, ready to jump out and attack.  I walked into Zellers the other day and pretended that it was a Target.  Instead of trying to shield my eyes from the meatloaf and pie special at the Zellers restaurant, I focused instead on their adorable assortment of stationery.   Did you know that they have a sweet selection of greeting cards?  Instead of scoffing at the fluorescent lighting and unfortunate boxed bras, I perused the cosmetic aisle and found some seriously impressive deals.  I needed a new duvet cover and was so excited to see their Alfred Sung line of bedding which is incredibly current and chic.  The main reason for my visit, though, was to check out the PURE Alfred Sung line that's sold exclusively at Zellers which I'd heard was fashion-forward, excellent quality and too reasonable to pass up.  I was not at all disappointed.  Cute trenches, pretty pink blazers, sweet metallic ballet flats and comfy leggings beckoned me into the change room.  I took one look and decided to take my pretty finds directly home without a try-on instead.  Sorry Zellers, I'll be your friend but fat mirrors are not good for any girl's psyche.  Next time you pass a Zellers, head on in and check out PURE Alfred Sung.  I still love Target but I'm thrilled to have found a worthy Canadian rival without having to contend with power-tripping border guards.