Introducing Everly (Full Lookbook)

I was recently introduced to the L.A. based label Everly just a few weeks back and was charmed by the  simple, feminine looks that were designed by 2 sisters.  Iwas completely surprised when I later learned that the price point of the collection is well under $100 with pieces starting at just $46 for a dress!  The collection incorporates easy-to-wear wardrobe staples in animal prints, graphic chevrons, dots and zig zag stripe.

Although there are a couple of body con dresses most of the silhouettes skim over the body giving plenty of room for eating, moving and just life in general.  Everly just exudes that effortless kind of pretty but not trying to hard attitude that could take you from the everyday to a great date night look.

Catching Up with Robin Tomas

We first noticed Robin Tomas’ clothes on the runway of the Supima Fashion Competition last January.  Since that point his award winning t-shirt has been produced exclusively for Bloomingdales and gone on to create a collection of women’s wear under the label “TOMAS”.  Building on his passion to create refined yet wearable art Tomas just released his sophomore collection.

The Fall 2011 collection was inspired by the Amish community and features distinctly austere sensibilities and purposeful pleating.  While the color palette is predominantly darker and subdued, luxe fabrications and shine give new life and a sense of modernity to the simple silhouettes.  While the clothing is very “covered up”, the softly structured shoulders and sleeves look strong rather than demure.

We had a chance to catch up with Tomas to see how he was doing and a bit about his latest collection and what he’s dressing up for as for Halloween.

+J: Fall/Winter 2011 Launch

A couple days ago I hit up Uniqlo to check out the final +J collection. There was a bit of line up in the store but nothing too crazy. The two new stores opening on 34th and 5th Ave will also carry the lineup so fear not in case you don't get a chance to check it out.

Overall - the collection is heavy on outerwear and there was a noticeable improvement in the construction of the outerwear over the previous fall/winter season - definitely a plus. The shapes of the jacket themselves also ramped up this season which was nice to see. Prices for outerwear range from $169.90 - $229.90.

Jackets seemed to be moving quickly - along with size selection so if you're looking to pick up some items now's the time!

If you're a fan of the puffer, there were a few of the quilted down parkas left and quite a few vests.

The jacket shown above left is one of the items on my shortlist - unfortunately, it's launch date is set for late October so for now I'll just have to wait. I love the simplicity of the jacket paired with the oversized collar and hood.

Plenty of blazers in tweed and wool were available including this flannel shawl collar piece (shown above left) and tweed blazer (shown above left). Prices on blazers run from $169.90-$199.90.

The other items that I thought were great were the pants. Slim fitting wool pants all going for $69.90 which can carry you from the office to happy hour.

Lanvin: 2011 Fall Campaign Video

Recently there's been a spike in designers compiling videos to promote their collections, campaignes, etc. Even our very own Lani and Erin starred in Katherine Kwei's video promoting her Lulu bag a while back!


However, the girls of Sugar Rock Catwalk are no match for Alber Elbaz's amazing dance moves. This is seriously one of the best videos I've seen in a while - Elbaz never ceases to amaze me...

Enjoy - (Elbaz comes on near the end...it's worth the wait!)



Have a great long weekend!

Perry Ellis: Black is Back

Perry Ellis is launching a capsule collection with....itself. The focus is black - 14 pieces of it to be exact. The collection is set to include short and long sleeved Ts, a cardigan, sports coat, trench, zip-up jacket, denim and dress pants...all in black.

John Crocco, the creative director for Perry Ellis notes, “Black is a versatile and practical shade to wear. There are few colors men can wear head-to-toe and actually look masculine and modern. That insight led us create an edited collection of perfect black pieces that every guy should own.”

If you're in NYC for this upcoming fashion week, Perry Ellis will unveil a fleet of Perry Ellis Black cars in September, which will be available to consumers, editors and influencers. The cars will be free to anyone traveling in New York City, and can be flagged down on the street if spotted. The cars, using #PerfectRide, can also be followed on @PerryEllis twitter profile.

The collection will be available online, at Macy's and Dillards on Sept. 15, 2011 with prices ranging from $45-$185.

Target x Missoni: Lookbook

Last week we showed you a preview up the upcoming Missoni x Target collab - so to follow up on that, here is the entire lookbook (minus kidswear) that Target released earlier this week. The majority of the items come in under $39! Can't wait until the collection drops in stores on Sept 13, 2011.

Click after the jump to see the entire lookbook.

Fall Footwear: Lady Loafers

I'm a fan of menswear-inspired footwear especially for fall. Over the past two years, I've acquired quite a few lace up oxfords. My latest obsession? Slip-on loafers! They're comfortable and easy to wear to skirts or pants.


DV by Dolce Vita "Marcela", $69.00I love the wingtip detals and tassels. I bought these loafers in the natural sand color. It's a bit hard to keep light colored suede and white soles looking fresh, so looking back I kind of wish I had gone with the magenta. I'd imagine they'd hide the dirt better, and they're an affordable way to sport the jewel tone trend happening this fall.


Matiko "Lilo", $114.95These flats are a bit manish, but I'm a sucker for perforated leather and I love how sleek these look. They're black flats; you can't really go wrong.


By Paige Fox "Black Needlepoint", $147.00Needlepoint might seem a bit grandma, but I love how cozy they look. With fitted pants or a pencil skirt, these foxy flats could look great.



Steven by Steve Madden "Madee", $119.00Leopard, love leopard! Pair these with some classics like dark jeans or tapered black pants for perfection.


Jeffrey Campbell "Sunshine", $119.90These vintage-inspired loafers are perfect a preppy black to school look.

+J: Fall 2011 Preview

Like so much in life, all good things eventually come to an end - and the +J collection is no different. The longstanding partnership between Jil Sander and Uniqlo has ceased with the final collection to debut this coming fall (le sigh).

This is one of my favorite collabs for great basics so I'm definitely sad to see it go - will definitely be stocking up once this drops in stores.

As usual, the collection will house menswear and womenswear and so far, the outerwear looks pretty slick from the preview pics.

Images courtesy of Uniqlo

Brose Fall 2011

When I was first introduced to Brose, I was impressed by the feeling of luxury and feminine beauty. It is the kind of clothing that women would love to dress up in. Sparkling crystals, airy feathers and sequins lend their beauty to the eveningwear side of this collection while simple architectural lines create quite the modern approach to daywear.

As for the woman behind the brand? Marika Brose is a triple threat with a plethora of international experience. In addition to a background in design, cutting her teeth at the likes of Chloe, AlexSandro and Pink Tartan she also ha extensive background in fashion merchandising as a buyer at Bloomingdale’s, Armani Exchange and the Hudson’s Bay Company. Working in marketing for luxe Holt Renfrew and Prada round out her experience. From the looks of her collection - I think that none of her experience was wasted.

Since I am a sucker for sparkle, the Brose eveningwear pieces were a natural attraction but the sharp daywear pieces were the icing on the cake - especially the assymetric turtleneck sheath and skirt. Sexy, sophisticated, effortless - conjuring up in my mind comparisons to Reed Krakoff.

Brose is available at select Holt Renfrew locations in Toronto and online at Beyond 7 Boutique. This may be the first time you've heard of the label Brose, but I'm sure it won't be your last. What do you think of the collection?

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