Tie one on - a scarf that is - from Etsy, Banana Republic and mark.!

QWear01 Cat Infinity Scarf in Black - $20.30 - a chiffon scarf that can be worn long or doubled up - I love it because not only is it cats it requires no ability to be able to tie a scarf in all of those amazing creative ways that most people seem to be able to!

Available at www.etsy.com/ca.

Banana Republic Floral Rectangular Scarf - $74 - black floral print on white twill fabric in a generous size - 70" x 36" - that you people who can tie these things will be able to do wonderful things with!

Available at Banana Republic stores across Canada and online at www.bananarepublic.ca.

mark. Fragrance Scarf - $20 - in fall inspired black and white houndstooth acrylic that looks great with everything! - 183 x 50 cm

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Make a statement with a necklace from Happiness Boutique, Avon and Banana Republic!

Happiness Boutique Ivory Flowers Statement Necklace - $39 - with a zinc bronze chain that is complemented by ivory flowers and lots of sparkle.

The annoying reasons that I don't usually like to mail order from other countries don't exist here - standard shipping is free, it arrives within a couple of weeks and prices on the website are in Canadian so I don't have to do mental calculations trying to figure out what the actual price is. There's also a generous reward program making it easy to earn free jewelry and other fun gifts!

Check it out yourself at www.happinessboutique.com.

Avon Layers Of Fun Statement Necklace - $29.99 - with luxe looking black and goldtone beads - 46 cm L with a 9 cm extender.

Available now from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

Banana Republic Ribbon Collar Necklace - $74 - glamourous sparkle that is the perfect piece to dress up a boring neckline - made from zinc, steel, brass, glass and ribbon with a lobster clasp.

Available at Banana Republic stores across Canada and online at www.bananarepublic.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Accessories to brighten your spring from Nine West, Banana Republic, Avon and Garnier!

Nine West Farlee Suede Wedge Sandal with Ankle Strap - $125 - in Yellow, Green, Dark Pink (shown) as well as in Turquoise Blue, Black and White - in full and half sizes from 5M to 10M.

Available at Nine West stores across Canada and online at www.ninewest.ca.

Banana Republic Pebbled Italian Leather Tote - $240 - in Orange, Pink Blush and Black - a structured tote that is 100% leather and suede featuring an inner slot pocket, shiny goldtone hardware and snap closure with side snaps that let you choose an open or closed silhouette. Measures 19 3/4" x 6 3/8" x 11 7/8". 9 1/2" handle drop.

Available at Banana Republic stores across Canada and online at www.banananrepublic.ca.

Avon Brilliantly Bright Stripe Watch - $29.99 - in Green/Multi, Black and White or Pink/Multi - with a silvertone case and 25cim long nylon strap.

Available now from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

And now there's no reason that your hair can't be your best spring bright with:

Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color - $10.99 - in 21 ultra-vibrant shades: D++ Maximum Bleach, D01 Extreme Bleach, LB2 Ultra-Light Natural Blonde, 326 Deepest Violet, 416 Deep Ash Violet, 426 Deep Violet, 260 Black Cherry, 350 Sweet Cherry, 560 Opal Red, 660 Fiery Red, HL1 Bright Toffee, HL2 Dazzling  Caramel, HL3 Golden Honey, 43 Dark Golden Brown, 53 Medium Golden Brown, 400 Dark Brown, 500 Medium Brown, 600 Light Brown, 010 Black, 117 Intense Ash Black, 210 Blue Black - that transform even dark hair in 1 single step to deliver a shiny, ultra-vivid colour with a rich cream that seals the pigments deep within the hair fibre for an ultra-long lasting hold.

Available now at drug, grocery and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Accessorize with colour from Keds for Kate Spade, Banana Republic, Avon and Sephora!

Casual becomes a lot less boring with:

Keds for Kate Spade - $89.95 - with canvas, cork or leather uppers - depending on the shoe, lace-up closures and rubber soles in all kinds of colourful options. I am especially taken with the lemon ones!

Available in Canada at The Shoe Company and online at www.theshoecompany.com.

Make a colourful statement with:


Banana Republic Catalina Flutter Necklace - $110 - with turquoise glass and acrylic stones.

Available at Banana Republic stores and online at www.bananarepublic.ca.

Carry your colour with:


Avon Sabrina Collection Bag - $44.99 - faux leather, fully lined and available in pink and black - with 3 roomy interior compartments - a magnetic snap-close centre and 2 zip close outer sections as well as a cellphone slip and zip pockets and snap-close expandable sides - with padded double handles for comfortable wear.

Avon Sabrina Wristlet - $19.99 - faux leather, fully lined and available in pink and black - with 1 zip and 4 slip pockets, 3 card slots and a secure zip-close.

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

Or apply your colour with colour with:

Sephora Carnavale Makeup Sponges - $10 - A set of four soft and absorbent foundation sponges for flawless makeup application in brilliant summery colors with a triangular shape is ideal for achieving smooth, even coverage.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Banana Republic Milly Collection Summer 2013

For summer, Banana Republic brings us an exclusive collaboration with Lilly, the talented designer known for her signature prints and sophisticated style. I dare you to resist these...

Navy/Pink Medallion Printed Roll-Sleeve Top and Navy/White Elephant Print Short

Chili Red Banana-Leaf Print Dress

Blue/White Colorblock Pleated Maxi Dress

 Coral Multi Stripe Fit and Flare Dress

 Lime/Navy Sleeveless Chevron Stripe Dress

Lime Sleeveless Jacquard Dress

Available in store and online at www.bananarepublic.ca May 30th - no doubt it will be a hot seller so don't wait to pick up your fave!

- Lisamarie -

Banana Republic inspired by Anna Karenina for Holiday 2012!

You may have hear that their a movie version of Anna Karenia coming your way this fall and nothing goes better with a epic 19th century love story then a holiday capsule collection inspired by the luxurious fashions!

Banana Republic has one coming your way curated by twice-Academy Award-nominated Anna Karenina costume designer Jacqueline Durran. Designed by Banana Republic, it is inspired by the film and re-imagined through a modern fashion lens.

Encouraging a return to elegance evocative of the era of Anna Karenina, the capsule features modern pieces for men and women, including polished, feminine looks for her and tailored styles for him. Reflective of the film’s high-society period, the capsule presents a modern-day collection including alluring embellishments, luxe fabrics, and romantic styles.

The Banana Republic Anna Karenina collection includes statement accessories and apparel fashioned with velvet, faux fur, lace, and a touch of sparkle that embody the style of the era. Working alongside Kneen, Durran pulled a selection of her favourites from the collection, which would become the capsule. These looks were most reflective of the film’s aesthetic, whether representative of a specific character personality or a modern translation of one of the film’s elegant costume pieces.

Let me tell you, I haven't looked forward to a Banana Republic collection so much since Mad Men! All the fur touches are making me drool and I just love everything about the outfit above!

The Banana Republic Anna Karenina collection launches exclusively at Banana Republic North America retail locations and online in late October, building up to the much-anticipated movie debut this November. 

- Lisamarie -

Banana Republic Trina Turk Collection

Banana Republic Trina Turk Collection – a limited-edition 60-piece capsule featuring chic summer essentials inspired by the cool, modern vibe of southern California lifestyle - that can easily transition from office to poolside. And as you would expect from Trina, some of the prettiest prints I've seen in a while - I am super excited for this collection!

Here are my fave pieces from the collection - (items with stars are part of the Banana Republic core collection) and what you will be fighting me in-store for:

Pink Pisces Printed Sonya Strapless Patio Dress $160.00

Chartreuse Statement Bib Necklace $95.00

Chartreuse Bracelets $55.00

*Gold Tonya T-Strap Flat Sandal

Pink Pisces Printed Wren Top $110.00

White Sateen Short $62.00

Orange Lily Pendant $62.00

*Ivory Panama Hat

*Gold Tonya T-Strap Flat Sandal

Pink Swirl Printed Bonita Tunic Dress $150.00

Orange Lily Earrings $55.00

Orange Cocktail Ring $55.00

*Red Tonya T-Strap Flat Sandal

Blue Coachella Printed One-Shoulder Dress $185.00

Orange Wide Enamel Bangle $55.00

*Gold Interlock Link Bracelet

*Black Ghia Sunglass

*Black Regan Buckle-Heel Sandal

Black and White Zazzy Zebra Printed Tunic Top $110.00

*White Logan Cotton Straight Pant

*Black Organic Wood Pendant

White Crazy Botanical Printed Sunhat $74.00

*Black Ghia Sunglass

*Black Regan Buckle-Heel Sandal

* White Cap-Sleeve Woven Shirt

Black and White Zazzy Zebra Printed Sateen Skirt $95.00

*Organic Wood Pendant

*Black Ghia Sunglass

Tomato with Turquoise Stone Box Clutch $124.00

*Black Regan Buckle-Heel Sandal

White Crazy Botanical Printed Astrid Top $95.00

Black Sateen Short $62.00

*Ivory Enamel Buckle Belt

*Black Oversized Stone Bracelet

*Black Ghia Sunglass

*Black Regan Buckle-Heel Sandal

White Crazy Botanical Printed Twist-Strap Dress $160.00

*Ivory Enamel Buckle Belt

*Ivory Liz Sunglass

Lime Mixed Printed Enamel Bangles $62.00

Orange Pinking Tote $175.00

*Red Tonya T-Strap Flat Sandal

Blue Swirl Printed Cowl-Neck Knit Dress  $160.00

*Tan Skinny Oval Buckle Belt

Lime Combo Printed Enamel Bangles $62.00

Lime Skinny Enamel Bangle $45.00

*Chocolate Woven Satchel

*Black Selena Embellished Flat Sandal

Blue Pisces Printed Wren Top $110.00

*White Sateen Pencil Skirt

*Yellow Lizard Belt

Chartreuse Bracelets $55.00

*Gold Tonya T-Strap Flat Sandal

Blue Pisces Printed Cora Strapless Dress $185.00

*Tan Skinny Oval Buckle Belt

Turquoise Pendant $62.00

Turquoise Cocktail Ring $50.00

Turquoise Pinking Tote $175.00

*White Grosgrain Stripe Sunhat

*Gold Tonya T-Strap Flat Sandal

Available June 7th in-store and online at www.bananarepublic.ca

- Lisamarie -

Lancôme, Banana Republic and Trump International Hotel want you to get out of the house and do some shopping!

For a second consecutive year, Lancôme is celebrating women by supporting Look Good Feel Better, Canada’s only cancer charity dedicated to empowering women to manage the effects that cancer and its treatment have on their appearance.

 

Lancôme will donate $7 for every Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate sold at Lancôme counters in Canada or at lancome.ca between March 1st and 14th. The suggested retail prices for Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate are $95 for 30 ML, $125 for 50 ML and $155 for 75ml.

 

Moreover, Lancôme extends this initiative with social media by donating $1 to Look Good Feel Better for every new fan of the Lancôme Canada Facebook page and $1 every time a fan shares the Lancôme Celebrates Women application to their network between March 1st and
14th. www.facebook.com/lancomecanada

 

Lancôme has pledged to donate a minimum of $10,000 to Look Good Feel Better to celebrate International Women’s Day!

 

Banana Republic’s latest Mad Men collection will be in stores across Canada March 1 - however you can enjoy a sneak peek at their Mad Men launch event at Yorkdale Mall on Wed. Feb. 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Get chic 60s style with a ‘How to Get Mad Style’ presentation (6:30 p.m.) from noted expert Tammy Palmer, makeup artists demo the perfect red lip and winged eye liner, retro cocktails, appetizers and more. 

Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto is teaming with leading luxury jeweler Birks to create exclusive shopping experiences for its guests. The partnership, in conjunction with Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry, underscores the newly opened hotel’s promise to set a new standard of luxury on the Toronto hospitality scene. 

Launching the program is a special “Warm Your Heart” romantic getaway offer.  The package is an ideal surprise for a very special someone and includes:

- Option of one or two nights in a luxurious one-bedroom suite with champagne, bouquet of roses and personalized note waiting in-room 

- A private VIP shopping experience at Birks’ flagship boutique, located at 55 Bloor Street West in Toronto, to redeem a $1,500 CAD gift certificate towards a special piece of Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry.  For example, the 18k rose gold mother of pearl cocktail ring, pictured above, is a stunning piece,, valued at $1,995 CAD and the perfect gift for your favourite blogger.

- Complimentary set of champagne flutes from the Birks Living Collection (valued at $120 CAD) 

- 4 PM late check-out to linger a little longer

Priced starting at $1,795 CAD for one night and $2,195 CAD for two nights, the Warm Your Heart package will be offered throughout 2012 and is subject to availability. 

Trump Toronto guests will also enjoy invitations to exclusive, in-store events on an ongoing basis at Birks, whose closest store is just a five minute walk from the hotel.  On arrival at the store, they will be treated to a welcome glass of champagne, and will have access to a private lounge for discreet shopping. In addition, jewelry orders will be delivered complimentary to the hotel.

Reservations can be made at www.TrumpTorontoHotel.com or by calling (855) 88-TRUMP (87867).

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Banana Republic Mad Men Collection!

I think Mad Men is one of the best shows on tv - the drinking, the glamour and of course the clothes! So how tickled am I that Banana Republic has come out with a whole Mad Men inspired collection!

I do wish that they had used a curvier model as their "Joan" - the fact that she is a real women with curves is a big inspiration to me and I expect a lot of other women too!

Available now in store or online at http://bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca/

Lace Shell - $62, Animal Print Cardigan - $110, Full Circle Skirt - $134

Begonia Print Dress - $185

Lace Shell - $62, Cigarette Pant - $160, Izzy Classic Pump - $120

 Betty Dress - $185

- Lisamarie -

From Cali to Paris: in Search of The Perfect Little Black Dress

Little black dresses have rocked the world since Audrey Hepburn. Every woman should have at least a couple in her wardrobe, in my opinion, because these dresses can be so versatile. They are easy to accessorize and a classic design will last you many, many seasons. Just ask Lisamarie: she bought her first little black dress in 1988 1958 (it's payback time for this holiday post).

I have selected a few dresses from seasonal to classic, from reasonably priced (no, really) to impossibly expensive!

High Street

Zara's one shoulder black dress is on trend and affordable (just don't ask me how much, I can never find prices on that website!)

Unlike Mango's website with prices everywhere! This one shoulder dress is a little more festive and will look better on curvy women than the previous one. Yes, it costs $139.90, just in case you're not paying attention.

Banana Republic ($98)

Classic and comfortable, this dress may not be the most exciting in the world but it's the perfect outfit to take you from the office to a night out with different accessories and jewelery. And what's even better? It's a great shape for curvy girls.

The designers' corner

The Hot Chick look by Canadian Carlie Wong ($380) for her Spring 2010 collection. If your legs are looooong and lean, this design is for you.

This sparkly number is from Naeem Khan's fall 09/10 collection. This American designer became hot property after dressing Michelle Obama last year. His style is usually quite mature but elegant. The shape here is classic, and again, should last for a few seasons. On top of that, I never get tired of glitter. EVER. I bathe in it. Daily.

This is what I call the Hot Bitch look, I would totally wear this at the office...if I had a few thousand dollars to spare right now. Good thing that Michael Kors is gay...Lisamarie and I would fight over him. With clothes like that, I just know I would be his dream woman. From Michael Kors Pre-fall 2010 collection.

And last but not least, a flirty and printed dress from the Spring 2010 Christian Dior collection. At this point, you don't even care about the price, do you? You know you would need to take a small mortgage to afford it.

Custom Made

Well, instead of taking a loan to buy a beautiful, fitted dress...I just ordered one from a tailor. Inspired by this Christian Dior dress (worn here by Dita Von Teese) it cost me $440 (for our Toronto readers, go check out  the Wardrobe Workshop), not cheap I'll admit, but the dress fits like a glove and I'm planning on wearing it forever! Or at least until next season. Same thing.

So go, get yourself a couple of black dresses, they are well worth the investment!

-Christelle-