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A model walks the Jil Sander Spring 2013 Runway. Photo © 2013 The Fashion Group International

I don't know about you but I've got a few sides to my personality. There's the work me, the girl who uses words like 'fantastic' and 'absolutely'. There's the mom version of me, who has to play the heavy to make sure we don't spend all day watching Bubble Guppies but then uses stupid voices and sings ridiculous songs to entertain. Then there's the 'me' with my best friends who usually ends up on the floor from laughing so hard, especially after a few glasses of wine. We've all got our different sides, both dark and light, good and bad, and though I usually try to be good, it's sometimes fun to get into a little bit of trouble, too.

For Spring '13, designers played up the contrast, sending models down the runways of Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Jil Sander in mod black & white looks. The new way to wear it? Stick with clean silhouettes and graphic prints (ie. bold black & white stripes, polka-dots and checks) and make sure to make a true statement by keeping it black & white from head to toe (including your bag, por favor). Feel like you need a bit of colour? Go for a bright and matte red or hot pink lip. Mwah!  For those days when you can't decide which of your personalities to bust out, I can't think of a better way to dress.

For the full story, including some of my fave black & white finds in stores now read on here. 

Then check out my article this week at iVillage.ca for 3 ways to wear black & white for spring.

Italian Leather Colour-Blocked Tote, $170, Winners

Contrast Stripe Jean, $49, Joe Fresh 

Cat-Eye Sunglasses, $12, ALDO

Zadig & Voltaire Coming to Canada

Images from the Spring '13 Lookbook courtesy Zadig et Voltaire

It's so tough to get that perfectly layered Parisian look; luckily certain labels have perfected the art so we don't have to.  With stores like Scotch & Soda, Zara and All Saints now (or soon-to-be) so blissfully available to Canadians, our morning mash-up has gotten a whole lot easier of late, making us realize that it's not always about how you wear it but what labels you choose to wear. 

As reported by Retail Insider, Zadig & Voltaire is coming to Canada! The popular French label, started by the grandson of the founder of Lacoste, has that whole layered, I-just-threw-this-on, rocker vibe all figured out. Zadig & Voltaire will open both men's and women's shop-in-store locations inside of Holt Renfrew stores in Toronto (Bloor St.), Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal. As for the price? I'm not gonna lie - it's not cheap (items are mostly in the $200-$500 range)- but the brand is still way more affordable than its similarly cool French sisters Balmain and Isabel Marant, so definitely worth the investment if you can save up.

Check out the video below for a stamp of approval from Britain's top girls-about-town including Poppy Delevingne and Tallulah Harlech. I wish I had a British accent. I just do.

ps - Did Sophia just call it a skirt? Clearly, someone was not paying attention at the presentation. Tut, tut.

Ann Taylor and LOFT Now Shipping Across Canada

A sunny shot from the Ann Taylor Spring '13 Campaign - photo courtesy Ann Taylor

In more amazing-for-those-not-living-in-the-city news, Ann Taylor and LOFT just announced that they now offer shipping to over 100 countries, including our own home and native land. Huzzah! Both companies are offering free shipping on orders over $100 US until March 17th, so now's the time to get on it.

Happy Friday and happy March Break! And if you haven't already - check the post below for yesterday's fab contest to win 1 of 2 chic sets of TASCHEN books from Chapters/Indigo. If you aren't planning a trip to Paris, NY or London, it's the next best thing. x

Oh, and here's my spring/summer wish list from Ann Taylor so far. Shopping on the job again (bad girl):

Ponte Flounce Dress, $128 

Ankle-Strap Sandals, $118 

Ikat Pencil Skirt, $78 (available in June) 

Embroidered Floral Dress, $214 

Diamond Colorblocked Skirt, $95 

Poetic Slim Cropped Pant, (available later this month)

Gwen Lace-Up Exotic Heels, $170 

Color-Block Dress, (available in July) 

Two-Tone Envelope Clutch, $44 

She's Crafty

Anytime I'm in need of style ideas, I can always count on Pinterest to inspire. Want to get crafty? Check out my article this week at iVillage.ca with my Top 10 DIY fashion pins on Pinterest to help you uncover loads of untapped potential in your closet - consider your weekends warned...x

P.S - If you don't already, follow Real Life Runway on Pinterest here

Spring Fling

Leather School Bags, Joe Fresh, $99 each. Photo courtesy Joe Fresh

Back to work, back to the grind, and a headache's en route to my too-relaxed mind.  

Mondays can be a real shock to the system; which is why I was thrilled to come across these cool leather school bags from Joe Fresh.  Briefcases/laptop bags don't often turn my crank but these are both pretty and practical - sort of like a spoonful of sugar for your work week. I plan on getting the white one to tote around during World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto. It looks sturdy enough to handle my laptop, a pair of heels, and any treats that come my way, while simultaneously satisfying the street-style paps lurking outside.

One other thing that makes this particular Monday a little easier? It's March! Could not be more thrilled that spring is almost here...xx