GIFTED: WIN a $100 EXPRESS Gift Card

Photos courtesy EXPRESS. How fantastic is that men's look? I love.

My go-to place for all things celebratory (and where you should really go-to, too) is EXPRESS. The store is currently stocked to the brim with party-ready dresses, gorgeous oversized earrings, and far-from-ordinary menswear, all ideal for the parties, primping and all-important fêting in the weeks ahead. 

EXPRESS has given me a $100 GIFT CARD to give away to you, my dearest RLR friends. Here's how to win it:

1) Leave a comment below telling me how you like to celebrate New Year's Eve. 

2) For a bonus entry, follow @ExpressLife and @realliferunway on Twitter and tweet the following: '@realliferunway & @ExpressLife are giving away a $100 EXPRESS Gift Card and I want to #win it! http://bit.ly/J2TtzI' 

3) Contest closes this Friday at 5 pm. I'll announce the winner on Monday, Dec 23rd.

4) Contest open to residents of Canada only.

GOOD LUCK! XO

15 Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Should Own

Originally posted in The LOOK

Happy (?) Monday! How is this day always so punctual? Be late for once, take your time getting here, just...chill, would you? One thing that always makes Mondays especially tough is figuring out what to wear after a long lazy weekend. Luckily, getting dressed in the morning can be pretty easy; if you have the right things in your closet, that is. These 15 new wardrobe essentials will always keep you chic, even on those days like today when you think you have absolutely nothing to wear. 

READ MORE...

(and while you're at it, be sure to check out the new, very festive 'me' on the Intercity blog. Only in cartoon do I ever get to wear Celine. Thanks Korkola Design! xx)

How to Look Cute Without Even Trying

Slouchy, dishevelled and oversized? Count me in. Photo courtesy H&M

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Fashion has never been about comfort - it's just the unfortunate price we pay to look good. And while I totally get the desire to look tall and skinny, even I've had enough of the toe-pinching and stomach sucking for a little while. It's no wonder guys are usually more laid-back. I mean, wouldn't you be a little less irritable if you could actually feel your toes?

Luckily, one of fall's biggest trends goes completely against the typical fashion grain - you know the one where pain is good and comfort is bad. The new look is all about looking like you just rolled out of bed. Um, sign me up (you'll find me on the couch), show me the way to the sweatshirt section and toss me in front of Garance Doré. I am sooo ready to rock this.

From cozy knits that you won't want to take off, to cooler versions of your lived-in sweatshirts, to the cutest toques that'll hid any signs of bed-head, I've hand-picked the season's cutest, most comfy finds. We'll go back to painful fashion next time but for now, let's just enjoy this moment. And breathe.....

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Hudson's Bay Unveils Team Canada Olympic Uniforms for Sochi 2014

All pics courtesy Hudson's Bay

I went to school for 2 things: Kinesiology and Fashion. The Kinesiology part went nowhere (sorry Western) but when I watch the Olympics, I at least know the history of the Games (marginally useless info, I know), and I am somewhat qualified to comment on the team uniforms. I might not remember a radius from an ulna (I blame it on the partying - again, sorry Western) but I can definitely tell a good team uniform from a bad one. Hudson’s Bay just unveiled the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Team Collection for the upcoming Sochi 2014 Games and I'm impressed. 'Impressed' is a technical word I learned at fashion school along with 'cute' 'I die' and 'totes amaze.' 

Created by the Hudson's Bay design team, the inspiration for the Sochi 2014 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Team Collection was to capture the spirit of Canada. The outfits incorporate the perfect shade of red (naturally), the maple leaf, and Canada's animals, including the beaver. Don't laugh.

“Canada’s style and personality is instantly recognizable internationally, and we designed the Olympic uniforms to reflect who we are as a nation,” says Hilary Kelley, VP of Design, Hudson’s Bay Company.  “The Collection embodies modernity and classic refinement.  Canadians are passionate about their country; they are avid competitors, they are caring and dedicated.  For the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Uniform, we wanted to ensure our amazing athletes could feel proud, confident and carry with them the tremendous support of an entire nation as they prepare to bring home the gold.”  

The 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Collection boasts a wide range of items including colour-blocked tees, classic sweaters and athletic sweatshirts and hoodies, down-filled and puffer jackets, and brand new accessories including the now-famous Red Mittens, ranging from $5 - $275. 

The entire 2014 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Team Collection can be purchased online now at  thebay.com and will be in all locations of Hudson’s Bay from October 30 until 2015. 

So...thoughts? Do you love the new uniforms? And who will you be cheering for at Sochi 2014 in 98 days? I want the red toggle coat and Caroline Calvé's legs. Is there a way to get those without all of the pain, hard work and sacrifice?

Speaking of sacrifice, I'm off to dress up like a flamingo. The things we do for our kids...

xx

Start Shopping: Joe Fresh E-Shop is Now Live

It's here, it's here! The Joe Fresh online shop is officially live at joefresh.com, and better yet, offering a compelling reason to test out the new site. Enter code JOEFRESH10 at the checkout for 10% off your first purchase if you shop by this Sunday, Oct 6th, plus everyday free shipping with any purchase over $50.

So exciting, right? Happy shopping!

xx