FIT BITS: Game Changing Gear

Sexy Back. Photo via GAP.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I work out. Okay, sometimes I work out. Fine - I used to work out. Blame it on babies or lack of motivation or a general aversion to pain but for some reason, my once super active lifestyle has tanked. Anytime this happens, I know just what to do - and no, I don't mean personal trainers. So expensive, so barky, so mean. I'm going to pay you $200 an hour so you can make me cry? No thank you very much. 

I prefer a more subtle approach to motivation that lets me go shopping at the same time. I like to call this the win-win strategy to getting in shape.

From envy-inducing yoga gear to the fitness accessories you'll love, I've rounded up my favourite game-changing workout gear to help kick your workouts into high gear. And you thought getting fit was complicated...

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Banana Republic x Roland Mouret Lands Today!

You're on this, yes? You've already justified one of the Roland Mouret for Banana Republic dresses in your head, right? I know I have, and just put it into practice as I clicked 'buy' on an insanely sexy man-killer of a dress (the Galaxy-esque lace-sleeve). The just-released limited-edition collection of body-con dresses are like a parade of femme-fatales: flirty, sexy, yet completely soignée, and guaranteed to make jaws drop.

The brilliance in the Roland Mouret for Banana Republic Collection is its BR Sloan fabric - a unique blend of magic, bi-stretch fabric, providing the ultimate in figure-flattery. Mouret, famous for his exceptional skills in draping, structure and style, naturally gravitated toward this signature material, which he hand-draped, cut and pinned on the body to create this iconic capsule.

The nearly 30-piece collection has landed at select Banana Republic stores today and online now at bananarepublic.ca. Head there now to finally score yourself a bonafide LBD. Make like a French woman and follow your heart, not your head. Spendy? Oui. Worth it? Oh, absolument.

GIRL POWER: 3 New Ways to Wear Lace

A model on the Burberry Prorsum Spring '14 runway. Photo via Fairchild Photo Service.

Originally posted in The LOOK

You know how you wake up some mornings and are like, 'Oh. Em. Gee. I have NOTHING to wear. Like, literally nothing. Grrrr.' In front of you is a closet bursting with stuff but at this point in the summer, you might be seriously done with all of it. Like you could just dump the entire contents in the Goodwill bin and then you'd actually have nothing to wear but that would be better than those hangers upon hangers of soul-sucking sartorial nothingness. Fret not, fashion mavens, don't let your lack of killer outfits bum you out this summer. Of course, you can find loads of inspiration in my previous posts. But here's one more for you: how about a fabric revisit?

Let's talk about lace, babies. The fabric, oft-maligned for either being too overtly sexy or too grandma's doilies-esque has enjoyed a seriously fun shake-up for summer thanks to designers like Chloé, Peter Pilotto and Elie Saab. The key, whether you're going for sexy or sweet, is to not take lace too seriously. No matter how you style it, lace is meant to be played with. For work, try mixing up a bunch of pastels (google Burberry Prorsum Spring '14 for inspo.) For date night or a big fancy fête, black lace is fail-proof sexy but not when worn with big tacky satin plaforms. Keep your footwear sleek and always add an element of fun - either a pair of bright playful earrings or a bold statement watch. And for the weekend, channel Osheaga style with a sweet lace tunic, distressed denim and neon accents to look like a festival veteran.

Scroll down for 3 new ways to wear lace right now to help instantly shake up your summer look...

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HOLA MEXICO: Embroidered Pieces We Love

Embroidered Pom-Pom Maxi Dress, $178, J.Crew

It's Friday and I couldn't be happier. My #FOMO syndrome has taken over and after a summer of moving and renovating, I'm so ready for a break. So next week, the kids are finally out of daycamps and we'll be cramming a summer full of activities into one week. And by cramming, I mean ice cream cones in our faces, sprinklers on full blast, a lemonade stand or two, daily (make that twice daily and twice nightly) mojitos and then finally, a trip to our friend's cottage at the end of the week. Can. Not. Wait.

Since I do this fashion thing for a living, I of course have already thought of what I'll wear that screams 'I'm on vacation' and what better way than Aztec embroidery? I am loooving the Mexican influenced pieces in stores right now. Whether done in graphic black & white or in a rainbow of playful hues, embroidered tops, shorts & dresses are inherently perfect for scoring that coveted casual summer style.  

Happy Fri and happy August! Seriously, how is it going so fast?!

Embroidered Cotton Gauze Short, $55, J.Crew

Embroidered Sleep Tunic, $10, Joe Fresh

Pia Pauro Bag Embroidered Bag with Tassels, $250, Holt Renfrew

Embroidered Peasant Top, $44, American Eagle

Star Mela Mezzy Embroidered Clutch, $63, asos.com

Prairie Life Embroidered Top, $24, Forever 21

Mexican Fabric Bundle, $25, Etsy

DAY Birger et Mikkelsen Embroidered Blouse, $185, NET-A-PORTER 

ASOS PETITE Premium Embroidered Swing Dress, $113, asos.com

SEASONLESS STYLE: Buy Now/Wear All Year

Love this seasonless look from the InWear Summer '14 Campaign. via InWear

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Smack dab in the middle of summer, we're often faced with the toughest of dilemmas: to buy, or not to buy? I mean, should you pick up that cute sundress right now, even if it's on mega sale? How about sandals, or bathing suits or super trendy pieces that might be SO last year once next summer arrives. Yet looking at all of the chunky knits and fall boots making their way into stores just doesn't feel right when it's a balmy 25 degree day.

The idea of seasonless dressing has always made sense but it's especially relevant to our generation. We live in a world where it can be as freezing in your air-conditioned cubicle as on a cold December day. And in the winter, we're usually hot-flashy, whether chilling in front of our gas fireplaces or cruising to work on our (literally) hot bums. 

Want to know the trick to shopping smart this month? Make this mental note to self: Can I wear it all year? From denim to dresses, scroll through the slideshow below for 40 seasonless pieces that'll get you through the entire year without having to make a full wardrobe switch. And when it gets really cold again, just add a parka. Ooops....did I say that out loud? Sorry, you can go back to your air-conditioning now...

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