Snake Charmers

Spring '13 at Proenza Schouler, Gucci & Erdem - photo credit: Fairchild Photo Services

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Snakes suck. I mean, not literally (I don't think?) but let's face it: they're cold, and creepy and can kill you. And so, I've never really been a fan. Now that I think of it, I don't think I know anyone who likes them. The sad part? It's so not their fault. A little baby snake with its cute little baby snake diaper is probably pretty sweet and I'm fairly certain it doesn't actually want to hurt anyone. It's just that, if someone was coming at me with a pitchfork or a shovel, I'd probably lunge, too, wouldn't you?

As it turns out, most people are almost as afraid of snake prints as they are of the slithery beasts themselves. And I'm here to tell you, as a full-blown ophidiophobic (yes, I looked that up), that when it comes to python, it's just not that scary. In case you missed the memo, 2013 is the Year of the Snake - that's right, the year where we celebrate all things serpentine - so I can't think of a better time to face our fears head on. So how do you wear python print? Think of it as the leopard's slightly edgier younger sister, something that's good in small doses, say in a shoe or a bag or a statement blazer, to add an instant dose of cool to any solid ensemble. Want to go all out? Try pairing a neutral python with a summer floral or opt for snake print done up in a pretty pastel or bold bright.

Before you know it, you (and maybe even I) will be sssimply sssmitten for snakes. Well, the print at the very least... 

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

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Pink Tartan Launches E-Comm Site

Image courtesy PINK TARTAN

Something must be in the air this week because yet another retailer is going online.  This time, I was especially thrilled because said retailer is Pink Tartan, Kimberley Newport-Mimran's extended closet full of luxe, sophisticated sportswear and chic accessories.  The site launches tomorrow and will ship to Canada, the U.S and internationally.  #trouble

Visit pinktartan.com and check out the gorgeous behind-the-scenes video below to get properly tempted. Can't wait for the Fall '13 show next week at World MasterCard Fashion Week - will be sure to take lots of pics xx

PINK TARTAN - Campaign Video from pinktartan on Vimeo.

Graphic Content

A model walks the Jil Sander Spring 2013 Runway. Photo © 2013 The Fashion Group International

I don't know about you but I've got a few sides to my personality. There's the work me, the girl who uses words like 'fantastic' and 'absolutely'. There's the mom version of me, who has to play the heavy to make sure we don't spend all day watching Bubble Guppies but then uses stupid voices and sings ridiculous songs to entertain. Then there's the 'me' with my best friends who usually ends up on the floor from laughing so hard, especially after a few glasses of wine. We've all got our different sides, both dark and light, good and bad, and though I usually try to be good, it's sometimes fun to get into a little bit of trouble, too.

For Spring '13, designers played up the contrast, sending models down the runways of Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Jil Sander in mod black & white looks. The new way to wear it? Stick with clean silhouettes and graphic prints (ie. bold black & white stripes, polka-dots and checks) and make sure to make a true statement by keeping it black & white from head to toe (including your bag, por favor). Feel like you need a bit of colour? Go for a bright and matte red or hot pink lip. Mwah!  For those days when you can't decide which of your personalities to bust out, I can't think of a better way to dress.

For the full story, including some of my fave black & white finds in stores now read on here. 

Then check out my article this week at iVillage.ca for 3 ways to wear black & white for spring.

Italian Leather Colour-Blocked Tote, $170, Winners

Contrast Stripe Jean, $49, Joe Fresh 

Cat-Eye Sunglasses, $12, ALDO

Zadig & Voltaire Coming to Canada

Images from the Spring '13 Lookbook courtesy Zadig et Voltaire

It's so tough to get that perfectly layered Parisian look; luckily certain labels have perfected the art so we don't have to.  With stores like Scotch & Soda, Zara and All Saints now (or soon-to-be) so blissfully available to Canadians, our morning mash-up has gotten a whole lot easier of late, making us realize that it's not always about how you wear it but what labels you choose to wear. 

As reported by Retail Insider, Zadig & Voltaire is coming to Canada! The popular French label, started by the grandson of the founder of Lacoste, has that whole layered, I-just-threw-this-on, rocker vibe all figured out. Zadig & Voltaire will open both men's and women's shop-in-store locations inside of Holt Renfrew stores in Toronto (Bloor St.), Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal. As for the price? I'm not gonna lie - it's not cheap (items are mostly in the $200-$500 range)- but the brand is still way more affordable than its similarly cool French sisters Balmain and Isabel Marant, so definitely worth the investment if you can save up.

Check out the video below for a stamp of approval from Britain's top girls-about-town including Poppy Delevingne and Tallulah Harlech. I wish I had a British accent. I just do.

ps - Did Sophia just call it a skirt? Clearly, someone was not paying attention at the presentation. Tut, tut.

Ann Taylor and LOFT Now Shipping Across Canada

A sunny shot from the Ann Taylor Spring '13 Campaign - photo courtesy Ann Taylor

In more amazing-for-those-not-living-in-the-city news, Ann Taylor and LOFT just announced that they now offer shipping to over 100 countries, including our own home and native land. Huzzah! Both companies are offering free shipping on orders over $100 US until March 17th, so now's the time to get on it.

Happy Friday and happy March Break! And if you haven't already - check the post below for yesterday's fab contest to win 1 of 2 chic sets of TASCHEN books from Chapters/Indigo. If you aren't planning a trip to Paris, NY or London, it's the next best thing. x

Oh, and here's my spring/summer wish list from Ann Taylor so far. Shopping on the job again (bad girl):

Ponte Flounce Dress, $128 

Ankle-Strap Sandals, $118 

Ikat Pencil Skirt, $78 (available in June) 

Embroidered Floral Dress, $214 

Diamond Colorblocked Skirt, $95 

Poetic Slim Cropped Pant, (available later this month)

Gwen Lace-Up Exotic Heels, $170 

Color-Block Dress, (available in July) 

Two-Tone Envelope Clutch, $44