The Horsey Set: Our Favourite Looks from Queen's Plate 2013

Très-Chic Trifecta: Colin and Justin (no last names necessary) went matchy-matchy while TV Producer/Director Natalie Deane sported a cheeky star-studded peplum by Maybe by Catalfo and a feathered fascinator.

Horsey Hostesses: Tara Ng and Sharon Ng Hayes of Backseat Stylers hosted the VIP party at the Grey Goose Lounge and looked beyond lovely in their custom David Dunkley fascinators, though we think Sharon's Erdem dress stole the show.

The Power Players: Anita Clarke (with her lovely mum), Vicki Hogarth, and Gail McInnes rocked fierce fascinators by Midencé Oliu while Amira de Vera went for pretty florals and an oversized floppy hat.

Oh Canadaaaa: CBC's Monika Platek reported live from the Hats & Horseshoes party in oh-so-Canadian red and white.

Photo Finish: This dapper Toronto realtor had a lot going on but pulled it all off with aplomb.

Lacy Lady: This pretty party-goer's lace dress and oversized fascinator by Lilliput Hats made for a total fashion win.

As for me? I ended up wearing a Gatsby-esque crystal headpiece by Toronto's I Love Goldie while James wore a bow-tie blazer combo. 

Cute husband and I hit up the Queen's Plate at Woodbine this past Sunday and while neither of us are avid horsing enthusiasts, the party definitely took my love of the races to the next level. Thanks to an invite from Backseat Stylers, we hit the Hats & Horseshoes Party VIP-style, with access to the Grey Goose Lounge, complete with cocktails, canapés and an extremely stylish crowd. As it turns out, Queen's Plate might be one of the best people-watching events of the summer, with everyone trying to their best to outshine the rest. The fascinators were fab, the gents looked dashingly dapper and while there wasn't a set dress code per se, haute hats and bow-ties were the horsey set uniform of choice.

A huge thanks to Backseat Stylers and Woodbine for all the fun! 

xo

Check out pics of my fav street-style looks from Queen's Plate 2013. Don't you just love all the amazing headpieces? Yay or neigh?

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 

 

The Girl From Hipanema

 

Hipanema Bracelets, approx. $90-$115 each plus shipping

Pardon for the late Friday post but let's just say it's been one of THOSE days. First, I lost my wallet. Next, I lost my iPhone. Then, I lost my mind. Luckily, I found the wallet and the phone (phew) AND I just discovered these wicked Rio-on-your-wrist bracelets from up-and-coming French brand Hipanema. The brand of bracelets, swimsuits and bags was started by two Parisian girls who met while partying in Rio. Um, j'adore. All's well that ends well, as they say...

Am heading to the Queen's Plate and Hats & Horseshoes Party with Backseat Stylers and some other super-stylish blogettes this Sunday. Are you coming? Will be sure to post all the pics of 'fascinating' ladies and dapper bow-tied boys next week! 

Happy, happy weekend! Now, off to see a man about a strong G&T. Can you blame me?

MILCK It

ela MILCK Lipstick Stud Clutch, $300, the code

Gwyneth Paltrow with Tom Ford (and her ela MILCK). Photo via ela's WORLD

With all of the saving we do on the daily here at RLR, the occasional splurge can always be justified. I know I've mentioned ela handbags before but a brand this good (and Canadian to boot) bears repeating. ela has garnered a devoted following over the past few years, thanks to the brand's luxe materials and sophisticated designs; her bags are classic, cool and always seem to elicit compliments anytime I tote mine around. Since Gwyneth was recently spotted carrying the ela MILCK (money/ID/lipstick/cell/keys), looks like the bag's It status has officially been cemented. 

We love the metallic and classic black version but this perfect red is particularly ready to go for the Canada Day weekend. If you don't already own one (or even if you do) get your ela MILCK now at Holt Renfrew, elahandbags.com or thecode.ca.

Happy loooong weekend!

With Glowing Hearts

Does it get more Canadian than Degrassi? Sarah Fisher of Degrassi gets her pom pom on for the Roots Summer '13 Lookbook. Photo courtesy Roots.

Sometimes, you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone. I've travelled quite a bit, even lived in Europe for a year, but as much as I love to explore other countries, I always really miss Canada when I'm not here. I'm not sure if it's the super friendly people or the beautiful change of seasons or the Timbits (probably the Timbits), but you must admit, being a Canadian rocks. We are gloriously free to think, to do, to be whatever we want. And since this is a fashion blog, let's not forget how lucky we are to be able to dress however we want, too. 

This July 1st, why not show Canada some sartorial love? If you're a loud and proud patriot, wear your flag emblazoned boldly on your sleeve with the chic Canadiana at Roots or hop on over to Hudson's Bay for the country's oldest, most iconic print - the HBC stripe. You'll break out these pieces year after year so you can totally justify. Consider yourself a more low-key Canadienne? Get in the spirit by wearing Canada's colours, of course...

Read the full story and get your free Canada Day-ready iTunes compilation from Roots here 

Hudson's Bay Sets Sights on Saks

There's never a dull moment in the fashion world and today is no exception with the rumour of a Hudson's Bay buyout of US retailer, Saks Fifth Avenue. According to WWD, Richard Baker, Chairman and CEO of Hudson's Bay Co., is the major contender to purchase Saks Inc.

Hudson’s Bay’s potential acquisition of Saks department store and its outlet, Saks OFF 5TH, could see both stores opening up in Canada in the not-too-distant future. HBC currently owns 48 Lord & Taylor department stores and 3 Lord & Taylor outlets in the eastern United States as well as 90 Hudson’s Bay department stores and 69 Home Outfitters housewares stores across Canada. 

All rumours, all speculation at this point but can you imagine? Target, Nordstrom and Saks all without having to border-hop? Think this is the reason for Bonnie Brooks' recent promotion to Vice-Chairman?