Aritzia Neil Jacket

Aritzia Neil Jacket - a perfect staple year-round!

Wilfred Dauphine Jacket in Abstract IKAT

Wilfred Dauphine Jacket in Abstract IKAT 

GIFT GUIDE… for him

“If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart.”

< $25 – Fur Trapper Hat: help him stay snow-shoveling-ready (and warm!) with a fur trapper hat.

< $50 – Roots Ipad II Sleeve – this iPad case offers padding and a bright kelly green interior.

< $75 – UGG slippers – these slip on scuff slippers are a pillow for his (and your!) feet.

< $100 – HUDSON’S BAY COMPANY COLLECTION flask with blanket sleeve: thanks to Mad Men, flasks have made a comeback. The Bay’s signature print flask is a great conversation piece.

< $125 – UGG Shearling Glove: comes in brown, camel and black leather – a cozy classic.

< $200 – A plaid scarf: not too-fashion-forward, but a soft statement that keeps him looking pulled together. This look works for the office and weekends.

< $300 – Red Wing® for J.Crew Wabasha boots: help him fight rain and snow in style.

< $400 – Barbour® Beaufort jacket: every man needs a Barbour jacket, it’s a classic staple.

< $500 – Alden® for J.Crew suede longwing bluchers: if he doesn’t know what shoes to wear with jeans on casual Friday or nights out, these are them! They also work with dress pants and a suit. They aren’t to be missed in black or dark brown leather either (a shoe in for a more conservative dresser – for the daring, check out the high tops).

Cyber Monday

It’s no secret that m0851 is my favorite brand. So with today’s Cyber Monday festivities, I wanted to spread the love… and share the savings. Because friends don’t let friends pay retail. Use promo code “CYBER MONDAY” to receive 20% off the entire webstore. And if you have a chance to check out the new Bayview Village store in Toronto, please tell Frank and Brian I say hello! For those midtown who have been missing the Saint Thomas Street boutique, the new Yorkville store (38 Avenue Road, just North of Bloor) will finally be open mid-December. For other store locations in New York, Montreal, Paris, Vancouver, Calgary, Antwerp and Taipei see m0851′s website.

blush blazer

 

Blush Blazers are a go-to for spring and summer that can be worn right into fall… their neutral palette goes with everything!! Without competing to be the focus of your outfit, this blazer keeps you cool from day to night – battling over-air-conditioning and breezy nights. Worn over a tank or blouse with white skinny jeans and nude patent round-toe pumps, you’ve got your summer uniform. Softer and more feminine than beige (although I love Gwyneth’s look too), you can opt for an oversized boyfriend or more fitted style. Even men (ahem Justin Bieber…) are BLUSHING.

 

WILFRED CHEVALIER BLAZER

the. best. blazer. ever: WILFRED CHEVALIER BLAZER

L.A.M.B. white tuxedo blazer

L.A.M.B. White Tuxedo Blazer – a great staple, year-round

“the girls”

Reese Witherspoon c/o cdn.babble.com; Cameron Diaz c/o coolhitmusic.blogspot.com


Reese Witherspoon and Cameron Diaz are both fans of THE GIRLS apparel, both wearing Tummy Control Capri Pants (style #7079) above. The $everyday workout leggings retail for ~$30. Favorite to Katie Holmes, Nicole Richie, Kate Hudson, Amanda Seyfried, Emma Roberts, Lauren Conrad, Whitney Port, Ashley Tisdale, and Amy Adams – it’s no surprise these crops are a BEST seller. Their snugging (not spreading) material keep your wobbly bits in place, so you can wear them before and after the gym… and anywhere your day takes you.

Reese rocked hers on the West Coast – choosing a navy hoodie and yellow retro Ray-Bans – while Cam went for a navy and red training jacket, accompanied by the most powerful accessory of all… boyfriend, New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez (not shown).

Water bottles in tow, both blondes remind us to stay hydrated. Thanks ladies, or should I say “girls”.

 

Levi’s Trucker Jean Jacket

Levi’s 70′s Trucker Jacket – Bohemian – wear on top of anything!

April’s no-fooling must-haves

“April showers, bring May flowers.”

… with that let’s greet April’s rain in style and hope for a gorgeous spring and summer.

10 – A big umbrella - Bella Pagoda Umbrella – B&W Pinwheel: A big pinwheel umbrella is a style statement that keeps you dry. Imagine? Ha. So many times we sacrifice function for fashion, but when it comes to rain that’s just not practical for daily life.

9 – Slim calf rain bootsHUNTER Regen Quilted Rubber Rainboots: Hunters new rain boots are slimmer in the calf, keeping your legs drier and offering a more flattering fit. This black quilted pair scream classy riding boot!

8 – A hooded anorak - Jil Sander Navy Hooded Coat: throw on a water-resistant hooded jacket on gloomy days and you’re ready to roll. This coat takes you to the gym, errands, brunch, and more.

7 – A totally water-proof rain coat - Topshop Blue Shiny Hooded Plastic Mac (also in bright yellow and orange): when it rains, it pours! So be sure to have one coat that will keep you totally dry even when it’s coming down in bucket loads. Go for navy, or a bright red, orange, yellow or blue. Just because the skies are dull, doesn’t mean your outfit has to follow suit.

6 – Cute rain hat - Burberry Cotton Reversible Black Bucket Hat: I have this hat. Rain isn’t so bad when it provides an excuse to wear fun pieces like this. I’ve never worn it with the signature print showing, I prefer the black showing and the tartan for myself. It’s key to keeping your hair dry.

5 – Classic Trench - J.Crew Icon Trench: every woman needs an iconic trench in her wardrobe. The name of J.Crew’s “icon trench” says it all. Whether you investment in Burberry or opt for French Connection – start with a classic beige with basic buttons and a belt (NB: double breasted never goes out of style, but spring 2011′s leather and studded details are a trendy take on a classic look and won’t make it to next season). Longer styles will keep you drier, and are more figure-flattering.

4 – Printed rain boots – Chooka Panthera Leopard Rain Boot: I’ll admit to owning three pairs of rain boots, excessive I know. But I do think there’s room for two pairs in every woman’s wardrobe. One tall black classic (back red zipper and buckles optional). And one printed. My choice of print are Stuart Wietzman’s subtle leopard (not available, similar to these Chooka’s), but I have friends who love a bright polkadot, plaid, striped or just plane BRIGHT. A shorter pair can also be a great addition (great for petite woman). Of course homage must be paid to Burberry’s signature print boots (as classic as their trenches), just please don’t pair these with any of the following: a Burberry signature print umbrella, scarf, or rain hat… anything signature print – you get the idea!

3 – A neutral nail - Essie Chinchilly: Let the rest of your outfit do the talking this month, give your nails a neutral break from the darker grays of winter. Bonus: your mani will stay chip-free longer.

2 – A bright scarf – J.Crew wool gauze scarf: I love banner blue – aka “hot-blue” – as I commonly call it. On cooler April days pop this scarf around your neck and your face will glow. It’s a great color to wrap around the shoulder strap of a purse so it’s always close by.

1 – An eco-friendly tote - Green is Good Tote: Earth Day is April 22nd, go green with a gift that keeps on giving. To the environment – and my future grandchildren – thank you.

 

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”

- Dolly Parton