Never Say Never

Chambray Blazer, H&M; White Shirt, Banana Republic; Scarf, Club Monaco; Belt, Banana Republic; Pants, Zara; Polka-Dot Socks, Winners; Shoes, Johnston & Murphy

When I first met my husband way back in 2000, I had a serious style challenge on my hands. He was like a badly-kept, beautiful old home, except instead of shag-covered hardwood and dropped ceilings, his gorgeousness was hidden away by a bowl cut and tragic Eddie Bauer pleated khakis. 

I loved him right away, penny loafers and bad 'do notwithstanding, and could definitely see loads of potential in his tall/dark/handsome looks, but wondered if he'd ever actually let me make him over. Here's the thing with guys - they don't like to ask for directions, they prefer to find their own path, get lost along the way, and take a really, really, long time to do it, and then eventually, 10 - 12 years later will finally come to you. And when they do, you will be there, armed with a pair of slim-fit trousers and a chambray blazer. 

This outfit is what I consider James' graduation day. I have taught him what I know over the past few years, and this morning, this is what he came up with ALL BY HIMSELF. #proud #sniff

I'd give him a cap & gown but I'd hate to cover up all of this hotness.

Happy Friday, y'all! Any fun plans for the weekend?

Holt Renfrew Launches New H Project Shops in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver

The new H Project shop at Holt Renfrew Bloor St. launches today. Photos courtesy Holt Renfrew

We can always count on Holt Renfrew to keep things fresh, forward-thinking and fashionable. Case in point: Holts' brand new in-store shop, H Project, featuring a curated assortment of apparel, accessories, home décor items and beauty products with a focus on culture, craft, and global artisans, 

Leading the charge of H Project is the store's always-on-top-of-it Director of Brand Strategy, Alexandra Weston. “We are thrilled to partner with exciting international designers – some well-known and others just making their mark,” noted Weston. “H Project offers a stage to help tell their unique and compelling stories."

The shop will offer exclusive designer collabs, often with an element of sustainability or a charitable component. H Project shops will launch with over 30 covetable brands that have been scouted from around the globe including Acca Kappa, Cornelia Guest, FEED, Jenny Bird, Lemlem, Lizzie Fortunato, Me to We, Proof, Rodin, S’Well, The White Briefs, Virginia Johnson and WeWood. 

As for the shop's design, Holt Renfrew collaborated with Janson Goldstein to design a modern gallery-like space where customers can discover elements of theatre, art and culture. The open flow shops will inspire with artisanal installations, cultural music, and videos on a listening wall where customers can learn about the stories behind the products. So, it's kind of like a mash-up of MoMA and Ten Thousand Villages, then?

H Project pilot shops are open this week at Holt Renfrew Toronto (Bloor), Calgary, and Vancouver, with the first full concept H Project shop set to open at Holt Renfrew’s Yorkdale location in fall 2013. See you there - I'll be the one getting my Lemlem on. x

Summer Crush: Mirrored Sunglasses

Mirrored shades on the Burberry Prorsum Spring '13 runway. Photo via Fairchild Photo Services

I don't know about you but I had the best weekend; It was everything that a long weekend should be - hot & sunny, plenty of G&T's on deck, sparklers after dark, and not a single tent peg in sight. Trouble is, after four glorious days of ushering in summer, I now find it impossible to get back to work. I try to focus but it's like my internal clock has been reset to 'relax' mode and Bob Marley has set up camp in my brain. I wanna chill but I also wanna love you, I wanna love and treat you, love and treat you right.

And so, let me share my favourite sunnies of the moment with you.  I'm loving all of the mirrored shades out there right now, especially the top-of-my-list Ray-Ban 3025's. They're lighthearted and fun, like summer should be, and will help make any summer look just a little more cool, a little more playful. Scroll below to find your perfect pair. 

Is this love, is this love, is this love, is this love that I'm feelin'? x

Ray-Ban 3025 Aviator Sunglasses, $199.95, Sunglass Hut

SUPER Basic Wayfarers, $166, Revolve Clothing

Future Flavor Aviator Sunglasses, $14, Urban Outfitters

ASOS Mirrored Lens Wayfarer, $20.96, ASOS

Proof Ontario Bamboo Sunglasses, $135, Holt Renfrew

Neon Aviators, $6, Aeropostale

Feeling Blue

Photo courtesy H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

What is it they say, 'If you think it, it will come,' or something like that...

Well, I don't know about you but I'm thinking about summer and I subscribe to the philosophy of dressing for the season, even if The Weather Network disagrees. Once I've put away my winter coats, they're away for the next 5 months. Once I've stopped wearing socks, it's pedicure time from here on out. People might stare at my bare legs and sandals in the middle of a mid-May hailstorm but you know what I say to them? Stare all you want, I am not, repeat NOT, going back to tights and winter boots. Fuhgeddaboudit, donezo, screw you winter, we've had our fun, but I am more than ready for patios, sunhats, heatwaves and blasting A/C. Though Mother Nature might be waffling, I, for one, am fully committed to the hotness ahead and when the pavement sizzles, nothing cools me down quite like blue. I've always loved the serene colour in all of its many hues, reminiscent of crystal clear lakes, cloudless skies and a bottle of Bombay Sapphire (well, maybe not the whole bottle...)

Are you feeling blue like I am? Read the full article here for my favourite blue finds, from breezy cobalt dresses to easy striped espadrilles, perfect for shuffling to the pool and back again. Sigh...doesn't it just make you want to dive right in? 

The Vogue Festival 2013: Meet Victoria Beckham and NET-A-PORTER's Natalie Massenet

Photo and videos courtesy Vogue UK

The Vogue Festival 2013 just wrapped up in London and I've been given access to all of the style sessions from the prestigious event held last week. Lucky me - I feel like I'm back in University except instead of being scruffy and disheveled, the profs are wearing Céline!  If you love fashion (which I'm assuming you do, since you're here) and have a lunchbreak or evening free this week, check out a few of the fantastic sessions from the event including NET-A-PORTER's stylish and inspiring founder, Natalie Massenet, plus a glimpse at the surprisingly charming Victoria Beckham. Wait 'til you see N.M's dress - drool! 

Class is now in session. Enjoy! x

(P.S - I just added the Michael Kors session, too, just b/c I love him so)