RLR SHOPS: My Shopbop Top Ten

SHOPBOP asked me to pick out my Top 10 wants from their October collection and share them with you. As the weather cools off, I find myself gravitating towards black, grey and camel done up in rich wools, felts and leathers.

My apologies in advance for the 10 not-so-guilt-free temptations ahead. Luckily, gifting season isn't too far away...

xx

Rag & Bone Dunaway Hat, $250, Shopbop

Botkier Python Embossed Soho Tote, $338, Shopbop

Giles Brother Skinny Railroad Spike Cuff, $63, Shopbop

Matt Bernson Tundra Shearling Lined Booties, $437, Shopbop

Helmut Lang Sonar Wool Cardigan, $448, Shopbop

3.1 Philip Lim Pashli Medium Satchel, $1015, Shopbop

Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack, $335, Shopbop

Monrow Faux Leather Pants, $199, Shopbop

Loeffler Randall Junior Work Tote, $448, Shopbop

Matt Bernson Darby Oxfords, $283, Shopbop

While you're at it, CK Underwear is currently 25% off from today until Oct 13th, so now's a great time to stock up. Promo details here.

Disclaimer: Real Life Runway occasionally receives vendor/brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services. 

TRUE LOVE: Amal's Wedding Dress

Amal & George cover People Magazine. Photo: People.com

I don't know if George and Amal's love is real or just a pre-fab Hollywood closet block. And I still don't know whether or not George Clooney is gay. But I do know, since everyone is debating this right now, that Amal Alamuddin is officially > Kate Middleton when it comes to style. Amal has been nothing short of spectacular all week, from her hi-low fiery red McQueen micro-mini on her hen night, to her chic Bianca Jagger-inspired white pantsuit at her civil ceremony. Like Kate, Amal rarely has a fashion miss but here's the difference: Amal pushes it every single time. Kate? It's safe, pleasant, ironed. Excuse me while I take a Royal nap. Um Kate, the Queen called, she wants her nude hose back.  

Though Amal went leggy and edgy leading up to the big day, she opted for classic and timeless for her wedding day. People just released the first pics of her custom Oscar de la Renta French lace wedding gown, complete with hand-embroidered pearls and diamanté accents, plus an off-the-shoulder neckline and full circular train. Pretty, right? Here's the thing - Kate knows classic. Kate was perfect on her wedding day and so on that day she wins. I will give Kate her wedding day. But for everyday fashion choices, it's Amal. I love her brains, her hair and her style, and I wish her a long, happy life with George's credit card. Not that she needs it. 

Did you love Amal's Venetian Fashion Week? What did you think of her dress? And do you think that, wedding day aside, Amal beats Kate when it comes to style?

CHEAP THRILLS: See the Sexy New Joseph Altuzarra for Target Collection

Photos courtesy Target.

Originally posted in The LOOK.

With the upcoming 50 Shades of Grey flick on the horizon (you've seen the steamy trailer, right?), I've noticed a return to unapologetically sexy dressing. With stretched schedules and everyday stresses putting constant pressure on us all,  a little bit of lace here and a sexy stiletto there can work miracles at making you feel like a natural woman (woma-a-an). 

Target's newest designer collab with Parisian label Altuzarra takes seductive dressing to the next level with a limited-edition collection of women’s apparel, accessories and shoes for fall. At only 31, Joseph Altuzarra has quickly become one of fashion's youngest, most respected designers, winning a slew of international prizes including the 2014 CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award.

“One of the guiding principles of Altuzarra is that fashion can be transformative, changing not just the way you look, but also the way you feel," says Altuzarra.

So, apparently this collection is designed to transform you into a vixen with its tailored suits (your 9-to-5 will never be the same), flowy dresses and sexy heels for the modern, feminine, confident woman. As for this modern woman? I've got my bedroom eyes trained on the Romanian swiss-dot black maxi, the cropped faux fur jacket (insane!), the tailored blazers, and those crazy sexy over-the-knee boots. Va-va-voom, non? To add to the temptation, the collection ranges from only $18.99 to $89.99, making this one of the most affordable Target designer collabs to date. Yes, yes, yes!

Mark your calendars, ladies: Joseph Altuzarra for Target launches September 14^th at mostTarget stores across Canada with a select assortment also available on NET-A-PORTER.com.  

Take a peek at the entire Joseph Altuzarra for Target collection below. I know, I'm such a tease...

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The Luxe for Less Guide

A look from the Tory Burch Summer '13 Lookbook. Photo courtesy Tory Burch.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

 I'm not going to pretend that I don't covet budget-breaking designer things. I do it on the daily - whether flipping through magazines, checking out blogs or watching girls parade by me in their $1,500 shoes. Sigh...

But stronger than my desire to wear the latest label is the thrill I get when I can score something for way less. Unless it's a closet staple - a gorgeous coat, perfect jeans, beautiful boots, a classic handbag that I know I'll wear for years - it doesn't seem worth it to me to overwork by Visa just to help a designer build his fifth home in Capri. Just me?

July is the perfect time to score amazing deals on the season's top trends since stores are in major markdown mode. Check out these 7 luxurious-looking finds that will instantly update your wardrobe for the rest of summer...

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Sneak Peek: The Banana Republic L'Wren Scott Holiday Collection

Photos courtesy Banana Republic

Banana Republic has already teamed up with well-known designers like Milly and Issa, so the announcement of another collab wasn't a huge surprise. But here's the shocking part: this time BR has wooed none other than the notoriously exclusive L'Wren Scott. How amazing is this?! The 6'3" glamazon designer (and longtime girlfriend of Mick Jagger) is known for her super-luxe, impossibly-expensive designs but with her first big retail collection, looks like Scott is finally ready for mass-marketdom.

Banana Republic Creative Director and Executive Vice President of Design, Simon Kneen says, “We share an appreciation for genuine luxury, beautiful fabrics and unexpected details. The designs created for this collection bring a modern approach to pieces you will love forever.”  

“A partnership of this scale was a first for me, and I was very excited to find a true partner in Simon,” says L’Wren Scott. “Through this collection, we were able to bring our shared vision to life and the end result is a capsule we’re both so proud to call our own. It beautifully combines the ultra-feminine with wearable polish and will bring a sexy confidence to our consumers.”

The limited-edition Banana Republic L’Wren Scott Collection is designed to inspire glam holiday parties out on the town or at home.  The more than 50-piece collection includes apparel and accessories for women, ranging from sequin party dresses and bejewelled cardigans, to feminine, tailored jeans and lace dresses, plus accessories like chain-handled clutches (that double as jewellery), striped cashmere blankets, berets and totes.

Three original prints are featured prominently throughout the capsule. A dramatic lip print (a Rolling Stone reference?), a print of romantic peonies, and finally, a candy stripe of black, Ultra Violet, Poster Red and Lipstick Red. Not a big fan of the red/purple/black combo but for the legendary L'Wren, I'm willing to reconsider.

The capsule launches at select Banana Republic retail locations worldwide and online December 5, 2013, just in time for Christmas shopping. I can name some girls (Me, Myself, and I) who will be putting this right at the top of their lists. Exciting, yes?!

xx