TOPSHOP anyone?

In a weeks time I will be flying across the pond to what I like to call my second home, England! I will be embarking on my journey next Sunday to go visit my family who resides there. I couldn’t be more excited to see what England has to offer on the shopping front! I remember ever so vividly when I was ten years old visiting my relatives and my Aunt told me about a store that Victoria Beckham was caught shopping in - right when I heard Victoria Beckham I new this store would be my all-time favourite place to shop when I was in England. That store was TOPSHOP. When I first visited Topshop, I was a little overwhelmed by all the merchandise, I didn’t know where to start… and then I found so many articles of clothing and with prices that were so reasonable! Ever since then, Topshop has always been my go-to store when I’m abroad. Now I have even better news: we know that Topshop is growing and already has a store in NYC on Broadway and Broome in SOHO, but the store is now coming to my real home TORONTO! Yes, to all you Topshop lovers: Topshop is now coming to Yorkdale. I hear that the official opening date is September 20^th, 2011. I can’t wait! To honor the upcoming grand opening of Topshop, I have picked four of my favourite things from Topshop that I will most definitely be picking up when I am in England! With fall right around the corner, I have found a few pieces that I can’t wait to get my hands on!

1. I am in love with this blue chiffon blouse, which could be for a night on the town or dress it down to attend class.

2. Another one of my favourites is a cream tank with a zipper on the back. I love the extra detailing!

3. I have been searching for a new pair of ankle boots for so long and I finally found the ones I have been looking for! I can’t wait to get my hands on these suede beauties; I love the buckles on the side. These ankle boots will look great with a pair of dark washed jeans and a cute top.

4. Last but not least on my list is this oversized red cardigan. I am a sucker for oversized cardigans they are my favourite things to wear when I am just relaxing around the house or attending class in the fall/ winter. Also I love its Grandpa-esque feel… it just makes me want it more.

I am overjoyed that Topshop opening here in Toronto! I can't wait to go to England and fill my void in the meantime!

<3

Dress like Draper

THIS JUST IN: BANANA REPUBLIC HAS LAUNCHED A MAD MEN INSPIRED LINE!

If your a die hard Mad Men fan like I am, you'll be thrilled to learn that Banana Republic has teamed up with Emmy-award winning costume designer, Janie Bryant, to bring you a limited edition and affordable collection of adorable pieces. This collection offers a modern take on the 60's style garments that we love to ogle on the show.

"Working with Janie to gain a true understanding of the Mad Men look and feel was a delight," says Banana Republic Creative Director Simon Kneen. "Janie was instrumental in helping us achieve the series aesthetic and standard of authenticity with this capsule collection, offering sketches, her own inspirations and actual artifacts from the production set to help inspire the Mad Men within all of us."

The men's collection contains a number of tailored suits, vests, straight leg trousers, fitted sweaters, and your grandfather's favourite, the pocket square. The urban city dwelling men are going to be looking dapper eh? The women's collection includes chic trenchcoats, fitted curve-hugging dresses in the style of Joan Harris, high waisted circle skirts that make Betty Draper look so classy, silk-neck tie blouses and of course, pearl earrings and gloves. I can't wait to get my hands on these gorgeous pieces... especially that high-neck lace tank top with some vivid red lipstick. So chic!

With the collection ranging from $40 (sadly, for accessories only) to $250, it's perfect for the working girl who wants to dress to impress. Check out Banana Republic stores today or bananarepublic.com!

Clogged Pores? No More!

Many of us know how important it is to moisturize and keep our skin looking hydrated and fresh, but with so many lotions out there how do we know which one is better than the others? Well I am here to tell you a little trick that I learned a while ago when it comes to looking for that perfect moisturizer. This can benefit every skin type or problem that you may have: next time you are out and about looking for a lotion to help keep your skin smooth and hydrated, make sure you are looking for a NON-COMEDOGENIC lotion. Non-comedogenic lotions will not clog your pores! This is very important for people who have oilier than average skin. Here is a list of great lotions that are non comedeogenic to help you keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated without those unwanted break outs that some lotions leave you with.

The top three non-comedeogenic moisturizers:

1. Alba Hawaiian Oil Free Moisturizer– This non comedogenic moisturizer is infused with Aloe Vera and green tea antioxidants to bring you the absolute best in facial care without the drawback of clogging up your pores. It provides excellent protection from dehydration and is made from 100% vegetarian ingredients.

2. Cetaphil Fragrance Free Moisturizing Cream – Cetaphil is a brand you can most definitely trust when keeping your skin hydrated, soft and looking fresh. This cream is as easy on your wallet as it is on your pores!

3. Proactiv Solution Green Tea Moisturizer– This is definitely the most expensive out of the three and you may have a hard time finding this in your local drug store, but if you have the funds and know a place close to you that sells Proactiv products, try this mineral rich lotion that will deeply hydrate your skin.

Next time you need a lotion keep in mind non-comedeogenic and your skin will be looking fresher and healthier then ever!

- SB

The Battle of the Sole

As some of you may know, there has been some feuding going on within the fashion industry, between top designers Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Louboutin. YSL introduced their new line of shoes recently, which didn’t sit so well with Christian Louboutin... as the shoes have red soles (his signature trademark). Christian Louboutin filed for a lawsuit against YSL for copying his trademark. But let’s get the story straight before I go on any further: Christian Louboutin was NOT the first person to introduce the famous red sole, it was originally Valentino in 1969 and in 1983. Nonetheless, Christian Louboutin was fuming and continued his lawsuit of preliminary injunction against YSL. The verdict was issued today and it looks like Christian Louboutin lost this battle. Judge Marrero wrote in his ruling:

"Because in the fashion industry colour serves ornamental and aesthetic functions vital to robust competition, the court finds that Louboutin is unlikely to be able to prove that its red outsole brand is entitled to trademark protection, even if it has gained enough public recognition in the market to have acquired secondary meaning." - Judge Marrero

Do you think the ruling was fair? Let us know

<3

- SB

Up and Coming: Paper Crown

Do you love MK&A's Elizabeth and James but find it a little pricey? If so, you'll be happy to know that Lauren Conrad's new line, Paper Crown, is scheduled to hit stores soon (we hope at least!). The Paper Crown collection is made up of oh-so-adorable pieces that we can picture Lauren herself wearing, whether she is hanging out in the LA sunlight or dressing up for a night out. In fact, shes quoted saying, "My inspirations are translated in different ways throughout the process. We do keep our various customers in mind, but I make sure each style is true to my vision and brand. I usually end up slipping into every piece after the fit model during fittings, and sneaking samples as soon as I am able to. I wouldn't include a piece in my collection that I wouldn't wear personally. Besides, half the fun of designing is getting to wear the clothing!" - LC. We can hardly contain our excitement over the fashionista's upcoming trends: leather shorts, silk blouses in blush tones (mmmmm), oversized blazers, flouncy skirts and maxi dresses - to only name a few. Lauren describes the overall line as a feminine, modern take on classic style. Understatedly elegant, effortless, and lovely." LOVE LOVE LOVE!

-LS

Copenhagen Fashion Week

So my parents just returned from an incredible trip around Europe, and brought me home a few goodies (pictures to come, don't worry!). One of my favourites was a 2011 Copenhagen Fashion Week Festival guide that my mother picked up en route. Copenhagen is one of the most fashion forward cities in the world, of course ranked up with its European neighbours, Milan and Paris. The trend that seems to be popping up all over fashion week is bold colour blocking: skinny jeans, wide leg pants, silk tops, men's-style blazers, all in bright vivid colours. Here are a few snapshots I managed to take of the Fashion Week guide. Enjoy!

- LS

Front cover! I am in LOVE with those orange skinnies! JBrand, please take note!

10 Must-Do's at the Fashion Week Festival! "This season, the staff behind this guide recommend that you explore the Copenhagen Fashion Festival's diverse celebration of fashion-from sweet designer treats and chilled retreats with fashion week updates to full blown champagne infused collection viewings." Sounds like a dream!

The H&M advertisement seems a bit different from the North American H&M eh? Not sure if I'll be able to pull of the turtle neck...

Enter Enter Enter!

Attention all readers! This just in: enter to win an $1000 shopping spree PLUS a style consult with Jenna Lyons and Lisa Tant. Hello, such a dream!

Jenna Lyons is J.Crew's Creative Director and has been with the company for 20 years. We often are inspired by "Jenna's Picks" on the J.Crew website; she has such a classic yet trendy sense of style. I know what some of you might be thinking, J. Crew's style is TOO preppy and, dare I say, conservative, but YFH begs to differ! We can hardly wait until the new store FINALLY opens at Yorkdale in Toronto! "We still have the same pieces: polo shirts, khakis, a great classic blazer, a beautiful white shirt. But what we’ve been trying to do is change the way things are presented. Maybe that little cargo jacket that we would have shown ten years ago with a polo shirt we’re now showing with a little sequin top and high heels." - Jenna Lyons.

Couldn't have said it better ourselves. Mixing timeless pieces, such as a blazer or striped sweater (Lauren's fave), with more edgy items, is always a go-to look for oh-so-many occasions.

Lisa Tant is Editor-in-Chief of FLARE Magazine, and we are absoultely in love with her clean and stylish look. According to Lisa, her staple must-haves for the summer include an oversized envelope clutch, classic Mary-Jane heels and, our personal fave, any item of clothing that falls under the trend of colour blocking!

Take these helpful hints into consideration on your next shopping trip, or just apply for this contest and keep your fingers crossed that these two style gurus will do if for you!