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by The Backseat Stylers | June 13th, 2013 
That Carrie Bradshaw sure knew her shoes. Thanks to her, Manolo Blahnik became a household name, and when we made the leap to designer shoes the brand became a favourite of ours too. Mr. Blahnik makes some of the most comfortable pumps of any upscale footwear designer, and many of the day-to-night staples in our closet have been his creations.
That’s why we’re incredibly excited about Neiman Marcus‘ brand new made-to-order Manolo Blahnik service, available online and in stores. Timed perfectly with the triumphant return of the single sole heel this season, NM is offering the ‘BB’ style, a classic pointy-toe pump, in 20 colour/fabric combinations, including cobalt satin, magenta suede, and navy shimmer patent. The BB also comes in 5 different heel heights, ranging from a 50mm kitten heel to a 115mm stiletto. The cost? A relatively reasonable USD$595.
Now comes the bad news: NM.com doesn’t ship the made-to-order MBs to Canada. That’s hardly a hinderance though for a girl with a pair of shoes in her crosshairs. Now might be a good time to ask your best American friend for a small favour!
by The Backseat Stylers | June 5th, 2013 
No one does the novelty clutch quite like accessories designer Charlotte Olympia. Before we discovered her whimsical wares, we never would have considered paying top dollar for a python banana clutch - or the matching shoes, for that matter. And yet we find her cheeky designs utterly irresistible.
The latest? The ‘Take Pandora’ perspex clutch. From the Hollywoodland collection for Pre-Fall 2013, this fun clapperboard clutch is perfect for film and fashion fans alike. And there’s even a pair of film roll sandals to match. One of each, please!
Available at Net-a-porter for $995.
by The Backseat Stylers | May 29th, 2013 
It’s been over 90 years since the first bottles of Chanel No. 5 were released, and now Karl Lagerfeld has created the perfect ode to the iconic perfume: the Chanel No. 5 perfume bottle clutch. Seen recently on the Cruise 2014 runway, it was shown in two different colourways, and even comes with the design house’s signature leather chain strap.
It’s both uber chic and wonderfully whimsical. No word yet on pricing, but we’ll be daydreaming about this one until it hits stores later this year.
Images via TPF
by The Backseat Stylers | May 28th, 2013 
We’ve always been big fans of contemporary label Milly and the girly designs founder Michelle Smith churns out season after season, so we were delighted when we heard that she’d teamed up with Banana Republic on an limited edition capsule collection.
Inspired by the Hamptons, the Banana Republic Milly Collection features over 60 pieces of men’s and women’s apparel and accessories in bright colours and bold prints. “It’s a very positive, happy collection and I think the colors and patterns really capture the modern spirit of summer,” said Michelle Smith.
The line-up includes summer-ready frocks, separates, jewelry and other accessories, and is priced from $24.50 to $175. On the top of our wish list? Those fun elephant-print shorts already spotted on Olivia Palermo.
Banana Republic x Milly launches this Thursday, May 30. Check out the complete lookbook below. Which pieces are you eyeing?
  
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by The Backseat Stylers | May 22nd, 2013 
Summer wedding season is officially in full swing, and with it the hunt for the perfect dress or two to wear to all those nuptials. It can be a frustrating search to be sure, looking for a frock that’s befitting a guest and doesn’t encroach on the bride’s sartorial glory, but still shows your personal style.
While scouring the internet for such a dress, we came across this Alexander McQueen number, which is right up our alley. The jacquard intarsia knit is gorgeous, the colour palette is right on trend, and the asymmetric flounce hem adds a lovely feminine touch. The only catch? Its price tag of $2,240.
Available at saks.com.
by The Backseat Stylers | May 14th, 2013 
For those of us who prefer our costume jewelry big and bold, there are statement necklaces aplenty to choose from these days. But a versatile piece that will continue to make a statement 40 wears in? Now that’s harder to come by.
The newest item on our wish list definitely fits the bill. The agate and stone necklace by Italian brand Iosselliani is just the right mix of glamour, sparkle and edge. In fact, that describes designers Roberta Paolucci and Paolo Giacomelli’s entire line. It’s hard to resist, but one piece at a time, right?
This stunning necklace is currently stocked by the lovely ladies over at RAC Boutique (CAD$460), who we’ll be blaming for introducing us to Iosselliani, our latest obsession. It’s also available with coloured stones over at Shopbop (USD$428).
by The Backseat Stylers | April 30th, 2013 
You’re going to want to sit down for this one, fellow Hermès fans. There’s no easy way to share this news, so we’re just going to go ahead and break it to you as gently as we can: the biennial Hermès Special Silk and Accessories Sale will not be held in Toronto this year. No official word on why from the scarf gods, but it’s definitely a no-go in 2013 according to those in the know over at TPF.
The downside? No half-priced silk scarves for me (and you!) and no swanky, discounted ties for the Mister. The upside? Hermès will reportedly continue its support of multiple sclerosis research at St. Michael’s Hospital in other ways, as can we. Donations to the St. Michael’s Foundation can be made here.
In need of your biennial (or more frequent) Hermès silks fix? Don’t fret – you can shop new at hermes.com or vintage at sites like luxury-scarves.com.
xx, S
Image via Fashion Gone Rogue
by The Backseat Stylers | April 25th, 2013 
For those of us who have been waiting for what seems like forever for the arrival of The Great Gatsby in theatres, May 10 just can’t come soon enough. Carey Mulligan‘s Gatsby-themed editorial in Vogue and the slew of trailers have tided us over until now, but with just 2 weeks to go, we’re getting a bit antsy. Enter Tiffany & Co. with the best distraction of all: The Great Gatsby Collection, a stunning line-up of jewels created for the film with costume designer Catherine Martin.
Inspired by designs from the Tiffany Archives, “the jewelry symbolizes the story’s themes of wealth and privilege, and we approached its design with the utmost style and luxury in mind,” said Jon King, executive vice president of Tiffany & Co. The pièce de résistance? The Savoy, a breathtakingly beautiful headpiece of diamonds and freshwater cultured pearls donned by Carey Mulligan’s character, Daisy Buchanan. A close second is the to-die-for daisy-motif hand ornament, featuring diamonds, platinum and pearls – oh my!
Emerald-cut aquamarine earrings, black onyx bangles, sapphire and diamond rings – this is the stuff of dreams. Check out the complete, jaw-droppingly gorgeous collection in the gallery below. And in case you’re interested in owning a piece or two, prices are available upon request.
  
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by The Backseat Stylers | April 24th, 2013 
London-based accessories designers Charlotte Olympia and Tom Binns have collaborated on a punk-inspired collection of shoes and bags, in honour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute’s “Punk: Chaos to Couture” exhibition opening this May.
The limited edition line-up will feature punked up versions of Charlotte Olympia classics, including the Dolly Riot, Anarchy Kitty, and Punk Pandora. The offerings will be sold exclusively at Charlotte Olympia’s flagship stores in London and New York, as well as through charlotteolympia.com starting on May 2.
The last time Charlotte Olympia collaborated with another designer, it was Olympia Le-Tan and the result was S’s adorable Charlotte’s Web book clutch. I have the distinct feeling her CO collection is about to grow yet again.
 
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by The Backseat Stylers | April 17th, 2013 
I’m a girly girl at heart, with a closet full of bow-embellished clothes and shoes to prove it, so I always have a hard time resisting any sartorial item with a whimsical touch. The latest object of my desire is a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps that don’t look anything like a Christian Louboutin design, at least not of late. There are no spikes, no studs, not even a platform. What it does feature is…a pair of Minnie Mouse ears.
The ‘Madame Mouse’ patent pump is incredibly chic, and an adorable twist on a classic style. They would make a fabulous addition to my footwear rotation, right next to my Charlotte Olympia kitty pumps. These lovely spring shoes retail for $845 over on christianlouboutin.com.
xx, S
Image Credit: Browns Fashion
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THE BACKSEAT STYLERS BY T & S
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