urban outfitters

Everyone knows the store (or has at least heard mention of it by someone). The place where the trendy go to get basics and and the hip buy their furniture. Urban Outfitters is amazing but I am sad to say that my shopping ventures there never seem to go past dreamily browsing through their online store.

Their website shows many of the items that they have in store as well as in their online catalogue. They have the absolute cutest summer items. Their floral dresses and and cute flats are worth making the trip to Toronto to see. Some of my favorite pieces are

the brodie strapless chambray dress

the kimichi blue lace romper

They even have a vintage section for all you old school aficionados. Their vintage pieces claim to be one of a kind handcrafted items. These vintage items do run a bit higher priced than their non vintage counter parts but isn't that how it always is with vintage?

urban renewal chiffon dot ruffle blouse

The store is also filled with fun ideas for rooms, such as old school styled furniture, cute little hooks along with drapes, bedding and little dresser organizers like jewelry boxes and ring holders.

Within their cute bedding section they have THE most adorable pillow cases imaginable. Some of these have animals (like the all so popular owl) or you can have a neat little saying on it like a pillow case that has a puzzle design with the words ME and YOU written inside the pieces

If you wanted you could even go and buy a painting or a print from their art section. They are pretty neat but just know that you could also get them printed as an iphone skin, laptop cover or as a gallery quality art print.

Hopefully within the next few weeks I'll have bought something from the store I claim is amazing and "oh so cute" so that I can actually be a credible witness to its adorableness. And with the roommie shopping trip to buffalo fast approach (mainly for the ZAC POSEN collaboration with Target), hopefully we will stop at the local Urban Outfitters and I'll have gotten at least one thing.

The Scarf

Since the extremely sad passing of Alexander McQueen on February 11th, I had made it my goal to purchase one of his wildly popular skull scarves. These had been abundant a few years ago, with celebs like Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, and Ashlee Simpson wearing them constantly. Well, two weeks ago I finally bought one (off ebay) and I am ecstatic to announce that it has finally arrived! I almost don't even want to remove the tags, or even breathe on it since the chiffon looks that fragile!

Thank you Mr. McQueen, for allowing me this small happiness in the form of something so simple yet truly incredible. It was a shame the fashion industry had to lose you.

lg fashion week

Us with our Bestie Adrian Mainella

IZMA fashion show

Again

Opening words from Robyn Kay

Fashion Environment Area (this is where we worked)

All in all it was a whirlwind of a few couple of days and I wouldn't have it any other way.... sorry for the lack of IZMA photos... I thought there would be more of the show but none of them turned out well at all!

a dash of adrian with a pinch of IZMA and a little bit of jeanne on the side

So as we previously mentioned we volunteered for Lg Fashion Week (Toronto's special little thing). Let me just tell you right now, it was AMAZING! There were so many things to look at it was crazy. The first day, we volunteered for the Party of Style Part I and the IZMA (Adrian Mainella's line.... you know that guy that was on Fashion File) show. We also got a photo with the designer.

Not only did we get an awesome photo with the designer (who was so sweet and asked our names and than personally thanked us by name for helping out with the "behind the scenes") we also caught glimpse of model scout extraordinaire, Elmer Olsen, dare I say it.... boyfriend. Love him, you know he was the guy who discovered Daria. Well anyways, besides Elmer (yup first names for us), we also saw the infamous and crazy Jeanne Becker. Well we didn't exactly see her full on, I saw the side of her face and Kiley only heard her. It was a little taste but I loved it.

Aaaaand we also managed to grab a swag bag. It was pretty sweet.

We also managed to sneak into see our very first fashion show... it was for IZMA. It was so good. I am not going to explain the pieces, we have pictures and videos so you can check it out for yourself. There will b posted soon.

On the second day we were able to see the two television personalities from Cosmo Tv, Wilder Weir (hot!) and Josie. We also were able to see the socialite, Ainsley Kerr and the blogger Nolan Bryant. Apart from having to stand at the entrance way with the creepiest security guard it was a pretty sweet job. We are most definitely going to volunteer in the fall for the spring/summer shows. It was such an amazing experience. You don't really get to see the shows but the whole experience and knowing that behind a wall a show is happening and you are helping with the event makes it worth it. I think next year though we should take a day off and come and actually spend the day watching the shows as well.

What more can I say than I'm hooked. I love it. The whole atmosphere of the shows and all. hopefully next year a backstage can be an option. How cool would that be, watching the models get ready, seeing the clothes before they even go out.

Gah... can't wait until next year!

a "gilty" pleasure...

These days everyone is trying to make bank by selling their designer clothes at exorbitant prices. Unfortunately for us, we can't all be millionaires that casually drop $500 on a pair of michael kors cigarette pants. Welcome our saviour, gilt.com. Everyday at various times throughout the day, sales will begin on the website for designer clothing. You can purchase men's clothes, women's clothes, children's clothes, and even home furnishings all at a significantly slower price than offered in boutiques and department stores. Of course, there are still some pieces that are at the $300-500 range, but those are items that would regularly be $700-1000. They offer many designers, from Proenza Schouler to Marc Jacobs, from Roberto Cavalli to Nanette Lepore, from Carolina Herrera to Twenty8Twelve. There is a bit of a catch to the website though, you either have to be invited by someone you know who is already on the website or you must apply to be invited. But go check it out, apply, and you'll be dancing in designer heaven in no time!

www.gilt.com

welcome to the Garden...

H&M released their new "garden collection" on the world yesterday and I am happy to report that it did not disappoint (although I'm sure I will be disappointed when everything sells out before I have the chance to snatch something up!) The line is made with environmentally adapted materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and organic linen which the company proudly boasts will "contribute to a more sustainable world". Whether or not you believe in going green, the cheap prices and soft fabrics are still enough to entice you to buy from the collection.

I have not had the chance to go to H&M yet to buy something (although I will report my findings on Saturday), but an employee friend has informed me that it is selling out fast! The collection itself is spring/summer 2010 so expect loads of florals, cute patterned summer dresses, light airy fabrics in white or tan, and a some of adorable shorts (think safari inspired khaki). Also I found there to be a lot of bright blue and bright red garments which just scream WEAR ME. The thing I like most about the collection is that it is not for the weak hearted or fashion scaredy cats. Most collections I've noticed are either too "blah" to bother wearing, or they just don't catch my eye enough. Most of the pieces in this collection however, are loud statement pieces (especially some of the more intensely coloured dresses) and must be worn very simply without a lot of accessories. Finally, a collection that actually makes me WANT to spend money (the prices I found extremely reasonable as well, some pieces I'd even be willing to spend more on!)

Here are some pieces so you can get an idea of the collection.

View the full collection at http://www.hmthegardencollection.com

white eyelet dress $24.95 USD

works as a beach coverup or a sweet dress

a crazy steal at $19.95 USD

also comes in bright blue for the more brave

functions as either a tunic or a dress $24.95 USD

unfortunately not all the pieces can be knockouts

pair extremely high waisted pants, a straw boater hat and gold strappy heels

floral corset $17.95 USD

definitely a statement piece, only for the fearless fashionista!

floral dress $19.95 USD

a mix of two floral patterns create a unique summer look

dress $17.95 USD

one of my favourite pieces, simple but perfect

capped sleeve dress $12.95 USD

be sure to wear with a simple top!

floral shorts $24.95 USD

another favorite of mine

blue overall dress $34.95 USD

searching for the perfect pair of oxfords

I absolutely love oxfords. They are cute and functional, a rarity sometimes in fashion . They seem to be able to be paired with anything from the most girly dress to a pair of slacks that hit just above the ankle.

Urban Outfitters

There is only one problem with these shoes for me, I have a size 10 foot and these shoes don't seem to be very accommodating for us big footed people. They are either too small or too narrow. I feel like a giantess when I go into a store ask for a size 10 and they don't fit and then have to ask if they carry size 11. Gah it's times like these I wish I were shorter or had smaller feet.

I am now running on three failed attempts at finding a pair that fit my feet.

First up we have these cute little things, they were the first pair that I tried on. The salesperson brought them out and I thought she was joking when she pulled out these itty bitty things.... they looked like baby shoes. No lie. So disappointing.

Aldo

Next up we have these. Saw them on a clerk and thought they were adorable (I should probably mention that she was like 5'4" with tiny feet). Asked for a 10 and I couldn't even get my heel in. I asked if they carried 11's and she said yes but they didn't have any in at that time. She then tried to make me feel better about my large feet not fitting into them by saying, "yeah these shoes run a bit small. I had to go up a whole size but they do stretch out." Thanks betch, you made me feel so much better.

Steve Madden

And these are my dream pair.... the ones that I long for and pray will fit me perfectly. I have yet to venture to Toronto to try them on and see if they are meant to be. Fingers crossed.

Urban Outfitters

I am getting sick of it... the endless search... but let's face it I'll never give up until I find the perfect ones.