adidas Originals – All Originals, Iconics Commercial 2011
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Category Archives: Celeb Fashion
Adele wears a Moschino Jacket in the ‘Someone Like You’ video
Moschino Jacket: Techno fabric - Zippered cuffs - Three pockets - Zip closure - Belt loops - Belt attachment. 100% Polyester. $895.00 USD Picture c/o http://news.instyle.com/category/where-can-i-find/
Yours in fashion,
Mel xo
Topshop comes to The Bay (Toronto): Yonge & Queen and Yorkdale Mall Review
Topshop and Topman open at The Hudson’s Bay Company at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto on Oct 5, 2011 at 11am. Are you excited? 
It’s almost here…..
One of the first Topshop’s opened at Yonge and Queen Street on Thursday, June 30, 2011 to much pomp and circumstance. It was a big deal when Topshop came to our humble Toronto town that’s fo sho. ;)
The Bay also announced as part of this new relationship with Topshop as of this September; shoppers from across Canada will be able to purchase Topshop and Topman merchandise through thebay.com/topshop and thebay.com/topman websites. This agreement is an international first, and will allow fashion lovers from across the country to be a part of the Topshop and Topman experience.
Since it launched in 1964, Topshop has become a major style authority and one of fashion’s biggest success stories. Topshop began as Peter Robinson’s Top Shop, a young fashion brand in the basement of the former department chain, Peter Robinson Ltd. The first standalone Topshop store was opened in 1974.
In 1994, the Topshop flagship store was born, as the brand took over a 90,000 sq ft space at London Oxford Circus. It remains there today, and is considered the world’s largest fashion store on the high street, attracting over 200,000 shoppers each week. In April 2009, the first American Topshop store opened its doors in New York.
In 2005, Topshop showed its own in-house designed collection, Unique, as part of the official London Fashion Week schedule. The only high-street brand to show on schedule, Unique’s witty approach to style has made it a first choice for those who like to stay ahead. 2012 will see the tenth anniversary of Topshop’s sponsorship of New Generation, which has nurtured an impressive roster of British talent over many seasons of London Fashion Week.
My connection with Topshop is a sentimental one.
On my first trip to London with one of my gf’s at 19 we hit stores like Topshop, Primark, Miss Selfridge and C&A. We were just some urban Toronto girls and never exposed to such fancy street wear but man we were instant converts. These stores were the epitome of fashion. The clothing and accessories were super trendy, cool, daring and on sale decent towards the Canadian dollar. We were in love. We came home with our suitcases packed to the brim. Yes, we even had to sit on each other’s cases on our last day in London. We were over in our baggage allowance flying back on Canada 3000 – but we didn’t care.
Every time since I have been back to both London and Manchester I hit Topshop. It’s expensive and now having a mortgage and full time job I can’t go as crazy as I used to as a kid. But I have still picked up staple pieces like a fitted army jacket, cute miniskirts, warm woollen tights, a silver leather handbag, a yellow and chocolate brown leather clutch, cheap and cheerful necklaces, rings and earrings and even better many a flat shoe and heels. I have stuff from Topshop I bought 8 years ago that I still wear! They are investment pieces.
This past week I checked out the Topshop at Yonge and Queen. It’s no Topshop London ladies. The pieces are lovely sure. There is nothing English and traditional about the pieces. They look like simple items you could find anywhere really. They are also way too boring for the Canadian market. To top it off the prices are obscene. The accessories…meh.
The Bay is really bringing their A game to try and sell the Topshop brand to a whole new younger retail market. I get it. But I am not going to spend $100 for a cardigan. Nor will I pay $70 for a plastique/imitation leather satchel. Why would I? When I can do my research as a 38 year old and go to Winners? Joe Fresh? Or a vintage show and get something more unique with a brand name with some weight behind it.
These Topshop clothes are meant for Forest Hill kids. They aren’t meant for urban Toronto kids. Hey I know Toronto kids have money – but why would they want to put money in a brand that’s at The Bay? Their mom’s, dad’s and grandparent’s stores? They need to be wooed in our already cluttered disposable trendy retail clothing market.
Now Topshop has been doing their wooing on Twitter and Facebook – I give them that. But come on, you’re gonna get them in the door once. There’s no guarantee they are going to come back once they see those prices no matter how many free gift cards and scarves you give away. http://ow.ly/i/ilVC
Do you honestly think kids in Halifax or Winnipeg are going to be able to afford this stuff full price? Nope. These kids when they visit Toronto as well as Toronto’s urban kids have brand relationship connections with Old Navy, The Gap, American Eagle Outfitters and Hollister all located closest to Dundas Square and in the thoroughfare at the Eaton Centre. Going into The Bay to look at Topshop is miles away. It was miles away for me and I work downtown.
Toronto teens may check this stuff out – sure. But they will still continue to take their wads of cash and credit cards to the disposable fashion stores like H&M, Forever 21, Madewell, Urban Outfitters and Ruche. They aren’t looking for long term relationships with their clothes at the Topshop’s current price point. Personally, even as an adult I will wait for this stuff to go on a 75% sale rack. Even then I’m not going to heat up the doors outside of The Bay to get in and snag these offerings.
Now in terms of colour blocking – yes I love it! The cobalt blues, eggplant purples, orange jewel tones and patent leather are dynamic. I love the pops of colour intermixed with the black hues.
The quality of the dresses and cardigans are oh so Topshop. Perfection! But again I can probably find similar items at a vintage shop in the city for a fraction of the price. That said I will haunt a few dresses and see if I can get them on sale. The holidays are coming up….I may need a new frock or two.
The shoes. Don’t get me started. They are Payless meets Shoe Company. Horrific. They are nothing special – bypass them quickly and do not dwell on them. Hopefully, they will get better as the collection progresses at The Bay.
The bags are cheap pleather. For a $70-80 price tag – I wish they were better quality and a lil more eccentric a la Oxford Circus Topshop.
I’m hopeful that the buyers at The Bay get their act together and see what sells and doesn’t sell this season. I’m sure the pricing for this stuff to send from the UK after duty etc. is nuts – but think brand loyalty please. Remember the Toronto consumer likes quality, bang for our buck, staple pieces and most importantly affordability. If The Bay wants to secure a whole new demographic of buyers they have a limited time to woo us. I give you one more season.
In regards to the Yorkdale store – let’s hope learning from the J.Crew controversy they keep their prices reasonable. But then again, the calibre of shopper that shops at Yorkdale maybe able to sustain them.
Lastly, I hear on twitter that there will be a special live performance at the Yorkdale Topshop opening. The Kills are the rumour. I’ll keep you posted!
Check out details at Facebook.com/TopshopCanada and Facebook.com/TopmanCanada as well as on Twitter @Topshop_Canada#TopShopCA and @TopmanCA#TopManCA. Watch the sites for news on the hottest trends out of the UK as well as details on Canadian events and exclusive contests.
Yours in fashion,
Mel xo
p.s. October 7, 2012: Check out my latest review on Topshop titled, Topshop Invades The Bay (Toronto): Bay & Queen Street Review, http://thirtyfourflavours.wordpress.com/2012/10/07/topshop-invades-the-bay-toronto-bay-queen-street-review/
The Clothing Show Review – Friday Sept 23, 2011 at The Queen Elizabeth Building (Toronto)
What? The Clothing Show
Location? Queen Elizabeth Building, Toronto’s Exhibition Place, 195 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto, Ontario.
Dates and Times?
Friday September 23: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday September 24: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday September 25: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tickets Prices?
Adults, $8 online, $10 at the door.
Students 13 – 17 yrs., $7 at the door.
Seniors, $5 at the door.
Children under 12, free with an adult.
Free re-admission.
It always seems when I go to the Clothing Show here in Toronto, be it in the Spring or Fall, it’s always pissing down and I mean pissing down. But I never let that detour me from getting dressed, getting my umbrella out and trekking down to the Queen Elizabeth Building on the first day of the show. I like being there promptly for 5 p.m. when the doors open. I’ll be honest, I look forward to the spring and fall shows every year – it’s one of my favourite rituals.
I have got so many friends and family onto the show – sometimes I think perhaps I need to be their ambassador. For the past 3 shows, Prisca and I have been going together. We make a good team. We know what we like and can quickly edit each other’s purchases. We bargain together and also laugh at ourselves. It’s always a great time!
I have been coming to the Clothing show since I was a teen when it was called The Old Clothing Show and Sale and was held in The Automotive building at the CNE. Now in its 34th year the show is now known as The Clothing Show.
Back in the day I remember the vintage section would be busting at the seams and the new, young and hip designers would be steadily dealing with customers and modelling their wares. I’ve found in past years the show has gotten considerably smaller and a lot slower on the Friday afternoon. The vintage section is segmented to a quarter of the room. The young designers are still there but not as varied in products as it used to be. Recessionary times? Perhaps. But I do miss the flea market/stall like atmosphere from years past.
There is even as fashion show which showcases the local designer stock and a beautifully set up back drop which adds a nice polish to the pieces. It runs over the weekend as well as adds for a nice break to your browsing schedule. Plus you can see some designers frocks on that perhaps didn’t read as well when they hung on the hangers.
Back in the day, we would get these amazing swag bags full of free samples, razors, magazines and the like. These days you will still get the free The Clothing Show shopper bag but its empty and the only way you can get a free magazine is by giving a food donation. Which hey, why not? You have to spread the wealth here right? That said I gave in my cans of Heinz soup and picked up a bilingual KILL magazine which is packed with articles on Alexander McQueen, the latest make up and accessories for the fall and some lovely haute fashion shots.
The prices of the sales items have also considerably gone up, it’s funny. But the admission hasn’t. I love hitting ‘I miss you vintage’ as my first stop when I get to the show. They have the best vintage bags, boots, shoes, scarves, belts and accessories. I have bought many a bag from them in the past and picked up a pair of vintage Cole Haan boots for $25 2 years back. The amount of times I have been asked about those boots when I’m out and about and have told people what I have paid for them – they make people instant believers in the show.
I noticed this weekend that ‘I Miss You Vintages’ prices have all gone up quite considerably. I’m not sure why. In the spring I picked up a vintage Coach Bucket bag for $10! Yes $10! On Friday, I scrambled through the bags filed by colour like books on a shelf and narrowed my purchase down to one vintage Coach Bag in blue for $39! $39 in one shot at their booth indeed was well worth it but really it’s not what I am used to paying for a vintage bag with ‘I Miss You Vintage’ – it was pricey. I made sure I loved it before I handed the cash over to the lovely Brandon. (By the way, Brandon is always so sweet and patient with us. Plus he always rocks this super sweet lady bag that makes him look super-hot. ). It’s too bad they don’t leave any room for bargaining. ;( They could have got some more cash out of me if they brought the pricing down a lil. Maybe next year guys? (I Miss You Vintage, 63 Ossington Avenue, Phone: 416-916-7021).
The thing I love about The Clothing Show is that the staff, sellers and patrons are always so friendly. Seriously! I have never met anyone that was a curmudgeon. Even as I walked around with Prisca and asked ladies if I could take their photo they happily obliged and the sellers were super excited to have their pieces showcased. It’s a very familial and chilled space to browse, try items on, haggle and chat to other shoppers up to see what they bought and what they scored.
Another fav seller to hit is Foxy Originals. Again we have been hitting them as our next stop at every show. They have great offers on jewellery. Buy three items for $5 and get the third for free. It’s a sure win for quick trendy items for you for work and play. I love buying lil pieces to give to friends for Christmas and birthdays. This time we didn’t spend an hour and a half there like we usually do. I only bought 3 pieces (plus one free) and packed it in. Honestly, it gets addictive and tiring searching through the bins but at the same time it’s so much fun to see what goodie you can find every show. If you look at Foxy’s website and compare what you bought from them at the show – you can see instantly the deals you have got. A savings of $25 – $30 is sometimes always guaranteed. (www.foxyoriginals.com)
So on a scale of 1 to 10, this show was a high 8 for me. We always end up staying for 4 hours and leaving exhausted. This time was no exception. Our feet were tired; we were hungry and just wanted to get home. That darn Bathurst streetcar was waiting for us as we walked past BMO field like our chariot. Luckily the rain had stopped too.
Stay tuned for pix of the items I bought at The Clothing Show in the next blog post.
Yours in fashion,
Mel xo
Alexa Chung for ‘Madewell’
Alexa Chung for Madewell Gold Patrice Top
Alexa Chung is one of the latest offerings from the UK in terms of TV presenters/hipsters and you would think her alliance with Madewell would be more ‘hip’. Um not so much. I found the line, that can be found at www.madewell.com, to be pretty blah.
Alexa Chung for Madewell Ruby Cardigan
Negatives aside. I liked these pieces that I pulled together for this blog post. They are crisp, age appropriate and fresh. Sure, you can find some similar stuff in vintage shops or Goodwill but it would be nice to actually feel and try on these pieces. Perhaps the $188 price point for a dress (I think you are paying solely for Alexa’s name on the outfit) makes up for it in style, fit and design?
Alexa Chung for Madewell Suede Pixie Jacket
Check it out and tell me what you think. I wonder what Fearne Cotton would have done if she did a line for Madewell?
Yours in fashion,
Mel xo
Sofia Coppola and bringing the Pretty
I love her films. They always have a french ambience, girly, perfectly styled, pretty, pastel, sweet esthetic with dark undertones. Her work is so finely tuned into the Coppola legacy…..she makes you feel like part of the family.
My kinda work.
Lastly, she puts her husband’s (Thomas Mars from Phoenix) music in her films which is lovely.
Get acquainted with her work here:
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A present from me to say thank you for subscribing to my blog!
The holidays are coming up and for those faithful followers to my blog, I would like to post out a sweet gift as a thank you in December!
If your a fan of my blog and already subscribed…Thank you! Expect a gift in the post! Just e-mail me your mailing address by making a comment on any of my posts. Better yet e-mail me at thirtyfourflavours@gmail.com
For those yet to subscribe – please do! I’d love to have you on board!
Yours in fashion,
Mel xo
Oh to wear boots or not to Lolla?
Its gonna be hot and now I see it may rain in Chicago this weekend…so what do I do? I’m perplexed. My wardrobe is pretty much ironed out but boots vs. adidas are proving to be a conundrum.
If I wear my combat boots then I’m trekking around in them all day for three days. If I wear my adidas samoa’s..well I’ll look more sporty than rocker but will be a tad more comfy but those kicks could get wet and mucky. Man, if I was going to Glastonbury it would be easy..full on wellies.
Rachel Bilson, Nikki Hilton and Whitney Port wearing booties
If I had a $1000 to buy a whole new outfit for Lollapalooza 2011 – I’d buy…
Alright, I’ve been looking at my wardrobe in preparation for Lollapalooza – ugh. It’s okay. It’s doable but man I wish I had a couple grand kicking around to buy some designer kicks to rock out in and to be seen in. Here’s my dream list.
Bench Hat
Well, I actually own this hat – which I happened to find at The Clothing Show in Toronto for ten dollars. Its fun and looks super cool on. It was normally priced at $40.
Winter Kate Thistle Tank in Silk Crepe with Lace Detail
I saw this lil number on the Asos website and thought it would be a great piece to be revelling in at Lolla. Yes, I know its black and black will attract the hot Chicago summer sun but its light, looks cute and can be easily rolled up and chucked into a carry bag. Priced at $230 USD.
Cynthia Rowley Charlotte Frame Shoulder Bag
As an ode to Cynthia Rowley (as she is from Chicago) I thought it would be fitting to add a purse from her latest collection to enhance my dream Lolla outfit. It’s a poppy red bag with a $300 USD price tag. I could also fit another pair of shoes, a make up bag and other festival essentials into her. Its not too bulky but would suffice for a day on my shoulder in weight and size.
Tokidoki Cruiser Sunglasses
I’m usually a RayBan Wayfarer kinda girl but I thought I would change it up with some frames from Tokidoki. These Cruiser Sunglasses are similar to that of a Wayfarer but have a more graduated tint to the lens and some neat graphics on the inside of the lens arms. No price listed.
- HIGHNESS Blue Jewel Embellished Cross Over Sandals from Top Shop
Well I am daydreaming after all, but these HIGHNESS Blue Jewel Embellished Cross Over Sandals from Top Shop are luxe. Priced at around 40 Sterling Pounds on sale at Top Shop. I’m sure they would flare up feet pain very quickly so they wouldn’t be the best shoes for an all day festival on grass – but they look sexy non? I’m planning on bringing a pair of sneakers in my bag to change into. At least for half the day these sandals would be supreme.
Yours in fashion,
Mel xo
Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s
Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Maxi Dress $45
I’m not a huge fan of Kohl’s personally. Maybe its the stores I’ve been in but they are kind of all over the place when it comes to their stockists of celeb designer offerings. Vera Wang, Lauren Conrad…yeah ok. That’ nice. But the quality is a bit hit and miss. I rather go to JC Penney and hit up the I Heart Ronson line from Charlotte Ronson. Its young, fun, based on her own private label pieces and most of all crazy cheap.
Embroiderred Dress $30
I watched The Hills every week and I thought LC was a pretty cool girl in a acting-reality-tv kinda way. I liked her California laid back style and her staple Chanel bags. Ahem. The Hills is long gone and the girl is still selling her brand. Good for her! Work it.
The LC Lauren Conrad line for Kohl’s includes tiered tanks, breezy maxi dresses and California-girl shorts. Prices for the clothes range from $17 to $45—with most styles currently on sale!—while sunglasses and jewelry are priced as low as $12. Its a decent line for young women. Its no Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie..but its fun and cheap. It’s worth checking out next time your on a Buffalo shopping trip with the girls.
Yours in fashion,
Mel xo
Floral satin skirt $22
