If I told you that you could buy a limited-edition Marc by Marc Jacobs tote or a cozy Canada Goose toque for about $50, you’d probably think I’d lost my mind. But last night I learned that’s exactly what’s happening in Holt Renfrew stores this fall. Not only are both items exclusive to Holt’s, but a portion of sales go to charity.
The super cute totes hit stores September 30. And with Vision Spring (a non-profit that provides eyeglasses in the developing world) as Marc By Marc Jacobs charity of choice, you’re right to think the design was inspired by an eye exam chart. “I predict they’ll sell out in 48 hours,” said Holt’s president Mark Derbyshire. To make sure you get the one you want, jump the cue and reserve online starting September 7.
The Canada Goose toques land in stores November 4. Lined with fleece and featuring the classic Canada Goose crest, they’ll certainly help you brave the elements this winter. Proceeds from sales go to Polar Bears International, a non-profit dedicated to saving these great white giants from extinction.
–Laurie Jennings
I hate to be so Toronto-centric but feel that I must share this little tidbit should you be in the GTA today.
Alexander Wang is making a personal appearance at Holt Renfrew – TODAY. From 12:00 – 1:00 the designer will be at the Holt Renfrew at Bay and Bloor (50 Bloor St West).
The CFDA award-winning designer makes the most gorgeous collections and is riding into town to show it off.
Plus, if you buy $500 worth of his footwear, handbags of eyewear you get one of his amazing tees for free! (And trust me, it’s not hard to drop that kind of dough on his wares.) Or just drop by to take a peek at someone making design history.
– Kate Daley
The latest beauty scoop just in. Exclusively this month at Brow Bars in Holt Renfrews you can buy the Tweezerman for Benefit collaboration. I couldn’t resist putting this up right away because I adore Benefit products and of course Tweezerman has been a staple for years. The best tweezers for getting those invisible hairs! Now this is really the best of both worlds. Find it in your local Shoppers Drug Mart and Murale stores starting in May.
Find it at Holt’s now. And check out the newest Benefit Brow Bar at Yorkdale’s Holt Renfrew, opening this Friday.
– Kate Daley
Oct
07
Calgarians are getting lucky lately. With the new Hermès and Louis Vuitton expanding their Calgary locales, these lucky Albertans will have an array of items to spruce up their cowboy hats and boots. (Hey, I’ve only been there during stampede, what can I say.)
Either way, these luxury brands have felt the urge to go West. On October 7th, at the Holt Renfrew location on 8th Avenue SW, the Louis Vuitton store will double in size. Not too shabby eh? So now you can either browse the men and women’s shoes and check out all of their luxe leather as well as accessories like jewellery and sunglasses.
The Louis Vuitton Bag Bar in Calgary’s Holt Renfrew.
And get this – the store will debut a Louis Vuitton bag bar, the first of its kind in Canada. The other Vuitton locations at Holt’s include Bloor Street and Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, Dunsmuir Street in Vancouver and at Manulife Place in Edmonton.
And if Louis doesn’t do it for you, Hermès no doubt will. Their new 130-square-metre store at 510-8th Avenue S.W. in Holt Renfrew was designed by the RDAI, the Parisian interior architecture agency, (so it’s obviously fancy because it’s French) and it has all of their silks, leathers and jewellery, as well as ready-to-wear.
It’s the fourth location in Canada including Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto… And if you haven’t checked out their amazing leather bracelets you must. I cannot justify spending the money quite yet but someday!
– Kate Daley
Sep
08
You know what I’m really glad I’m not doing? Going back to school. While there are many moments I miss my free and breezy university days, I think I’ve had my fill of essays, all-nighters and cheap beer for the next little while. (Okay, maybe not the beer.)
But I know many people who are going back to college, grad school, and of course the all-important teachers who get to deal with the throngs of excited children on a daily basis back in the classroom. (Let me just say, you have more patience than I.)
But for those of you who are heading back to work or school, I thought I’d share some insider knowledge.
Suits: Everyone, and I mean almost everyone, asks me for advice on suits. I’m definitely not the expert because I don’t have a job that actually necessitates wearing a suit but I know the fashion world and have a lot of friends who are lawyers. (And they have to wear some serious suits.) So here’s my fashionable advice based on what I know:
Teenflo– I’m obsessed with their suiting and if I were to invest in one this would be it. It’s not exactly cheap but if you’re really looking for quality I’d say go with these. Check it out at TNT, Holt Renfrew and other independent retailers. (I love the colour of this one below.)
Holt Renfrew – If you’re up for spending the dough, you can get a personal shopper to show you what’s what. They have a great selection of suit options from a variety of brands.
Tiger of Sweden- This Swedish-based retailer has opened up a concept store in Montreal or you can check out their chic wares at their e-store. My sis got a fancy one there that she loves.
Armani – A good staple for great jackets and tailored pants, this isn’t for the budget-conscious. But there are outlets in the States. If you’re up for it, you can head to Woodbury Commons just outside NYC and snag a suit for a very reasonable price. (They also have Michael Kors, Tod’s and Chanel outlets among other designers so it’s worth a stop in at least.)
Banana Republic –You literally can’t go wrong with their tailored sheath dresses, pencil skirts and silk tops. It’s also a really reasonable price or you can wait until one of their frequent promotions or sales.
Jacob – This August, the brand re-designed all of their pants and blouses to better fit a woman’s body and they come in a size 0 to 14. Check out their upscale counterpart Josef for some luxe separates.
Aritzia– While you might think this store is all TNA pants and bar tops if you peruse a little further you’ll see beautiful silk pieces by Wilfred and a lot of pretty suiting options.
J. Crew– If you ever want some work-wear inspiration look to this retailer. The pieces are trendy and yet classic. Order their catalogue or check them out online – they definitely deliver to Canada.
Joe Fresh– While you might have to search a bit, you can find some great basic dresses or pants here. You might not find a full suit, but you can pair these separates with your investment pieces to mix up your ensembles during the week.
Good luck to everyone who is back to school or heading back to work!
-Kate Daley
