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by The Backseat Stylers | March 5th, 2013 
The temperatures may be bitterly cold this week, but my mind has already moved on to spring – and spring bags, in particular. I’ve been on the hunt for a colourful new accessory to help usher in the warm weather that I’m certain is just around the corner, and Chanel‘s Boy Bag is currently a top contender.
Karl Lagerfeld introduced the new style a year ago, which features Chanel’s signature quilted leather and double C kisslock, but has a decidedly edgier vibe than the ubiquitous classic quilted flap bag. For Spring 2013, it’s being produced in a range of punchy colours, including a to-die-for navy and black combination.
It’s taken a year for the Boy Bag to catch my eye, but now I can’t get it out of my head. How about you – are you a yay or nay on this Chanel bag?
   
xx, S
Images via Purse Blog
by The Backseat Stylers | February 21st, 2013 
Great news Mad Men fans: Banana Republic and the series’ costume designer Janie Bryant have teamed up on a third capsule collection for spring. The campaign images featuring Coca Rocha (loving her on The Face right now!) landed in my inbox this week and I’m loving the aesthetic of this latest joint effort.
The line-up of dresses and accessories was inspired by the style of Megan Draper, the character played by Canadian Jessica Pare. The decidedly mod collection has a much different vibe from the previous two collabs, and features dresses in vibrant colours and bold, psychedelic prints, as well as jewelry, scarves and even shoes.
The collection launches in stores and online on February 27. I’ll obviously be first in line for a frock or two. Will you be too?
 
by The Backseat Stylers | February 20th, 2013 
Oscar de la Renta‘s exclusive collection for The Outnet launches in only 6 days, and this sneak peek of Olivia Palermo’s ad campaign for the collaboration has us incredibly excited. On February 26, we’ll finally be able to add some ODLR to our closets at much more pocketbook-friendly prices than the designer’s wares usually retail for.
The 24-piece line-up features chic cocktail dresses and sophisticated separates that will retail from $325 to $1,295. I’m counting down the days until I can get my hands on that tea party-ready floral frock! What do you have your eye on?
xx, S
Images via Grazia Daily
by The Backseat Stylers | February 9th, 2013 
Happy Chinese New Year! We at The Backseat Stylers are celebrating the only ways we know how, namely by: (1) stuffing our faces with dim sum, and (2) buying swanky new kicks. Specifically, we’ve got our eye on Converse‘s sneaker collection in honour of the Year of the Snake.
The line-up features 2 styles, the Chuck Taylor All Star Chinese New Year Collection ($75-100) and the Pro Leather Year of the Snake ($130), and both are to-die-for. Leather high tops have been on my wishlist for years now, and these are definite must-haves.
Converse’s CNY offerings are available in selected retailers around the world and on converse.com. Now all I have to do is settle on which pair…decisions, decisions…
 
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by The Backseat Stylers | February 7th, 2013 
Happy National Sweater Day! What better way to celebrate than by (a) donning your knitted best, and (b) shopping for a new favourite sweater. We’ve got 4 we’re seriously lusting after today (clockwise from top left):
1. Whether it’s Blue Mountain or Aspen, Étoile Isabel Marant‘s ’Kiliann’ cardigan is exactly the type of sweater we’d pack for a winter weekend getaway. We love the oatmeal, red and navy colour combination. Available at Net-a-porter for $570.
2. Markus Lupfer‘s hot air balloon intarsia sweater is a whimsical piece with an edge, thanks to the longer back hem. Tuck it into a cute skirt for a softer look or toughen it up with leather pants. Available at Net-a-porter for $410.
3. Comme des Garçons Play‘s long sleeve wool cardigan has been on our wishlist for some time now, and the combination of the burgundy wool and contrast bright red heart logo is proving irresistible. Available at SSENSE for $520.
4. Club Monaco‘s navy cashmere ‘Blair’ sweater couldn’t look or feel any cozier. It’s the perfect knit to bundle up in when you’re looking for both warmth and style. Available at Club Monaco for $349.
xx, T & S
Images via My Theresa, Net-a-porter, Club Monaco, ASOS
by The Backseat Stylers | January 30th, 2013 
While Charlotte Olympia‘s kitty flats have been spotted on the likes of Anne Hathaway, Alexa Chung and even Lena Dunham, it’s the high-heeled version that have found a regular spot in my shoe rotation. My black velvet pair have served me well (see the evidence here and here); so much so, in fact, that I’ve got my eye on a second pair.
A bit of online window-shopping recently led to the discovery of the existence of navy velvet kitty pumps. The words “navy velvet” alone are enough to get my heart rate up, never mind the whimsical cat faces. Obviously, I need them too.
Feel the same way? They’re available at Net-a-porter for $695.
xx, S
Image Credit: Net-a-porter
by The Backseat Stylers | January 26th, 2013 
Harper’s Bazaar Style Director and street style star Joanna Hillman has dipped her toes into design. The enviably chic Toronto native teamed up with Edition01, an online retailer of exclusive designer collaborations, and Martin Greenfield, legendary tailor to the stars and the American political elite, on 2 limited edition blazers.
The first is a 2-button burgundy dinner jacket with black lapels and the second is a cropped navy blazer with contrast white lapels. Both are to-die-for, and are available for pre-order for $900. Quite the price tag, but they’re being made by President Barack Obama’s tailor, after all.
 
xx, T
Images via Fashionologie
by The Backseat Stylers | January 24th, 2013 
Valentine’s Day is officially only mere weeks away! And no matter how you might feel about cupid’s holiday, it’s a fantastic excuse to get your shop on (not that we generally need one!). Whether you have a date or are on the hunt for one, you’ll need a new dress.
The search for a V-Day ready frock calls for a shopping trip to Sherway Gardens, the fashion and lifestyle centre in Toronto’s west end. With over 200 stores on its directory, there are plenty of chic options to choose from (clockwise from top left):
1. Juicy Couture Ponte Banded Dress, $158
Cobalt blue is one of our favourite colours this season, and this ponte knit dress is a surefire way to stand out from the Valentine’s Day crowd. It’ll be a cocktail party go-to all year round.
2. French Connection Denise Crepe Dress, $228
A peter pan collar and full skirt combine for a charming little frock that can be styled with menswear-inspired brogues just as easily as your highest pair of stilettos.
3. Banana Republic Monogram Purple Sheath, $185
With its sweetheart neckline and lovely shade of purple, this ladylike sheath can make a smooth transition from the office to Valentine’s Day dinner date with a quick accessories change.
4. Jacob Crepe Dress with Front-Knot Detail, $79
For the true romantics, a LRD is a must on February 14. Make this bright red crepe dress your own with your shiniest jewels, or the new ones that might be coming your way.
5. Club Monaco Cynthia Leather Dress, $395
For those of you who prefer an edgier vibe, a fitted black leather dress is the way to go. We’re betting it’ll become a favourite in the wardrobe rotation post-Valentine’s Day.
6. French Connection Glamour Stretch Dress, $228
A cut-out neckline, demure skirt length and eye-catching colour make this body con dress a V-Day look that’s more sexy than sweet. Suitors are sure to flock.
Can’t pick just one? Neither can we. Valentine’s Day probably only calls for one dress, but here’s how you can justify buying all of them: by winning Sherway Gardens’ Love Your Style $1,000 shopping spree sweepstakes! In fact, you’d even be able to justify some swanky new shoes to go with your dresses. Click on over to Sherway Garden’s Facebook page to enter the contest. Good luck and happy shopping!
xx, T & S
Sponsored by Sherway Gardens
by The Backseat Stylers | January 12th, 2013 
The Prabal Gurung for Target lookbook has landed! The collaboration between the discount department store chain and the New York-based designer, who counts Duchess Kate and Jennifer Lawrence among his fans, was announced last October and the complete collection has now finally been revealed.
Inspired by love, the 80-piece line-up includes ladies’ apparel, shoes, handbags and jewelry priced from $19.99 for a t-shirt to $199.99 for a leather jacket. The collection will hit Target stores and target.com on February 10, 2012, just in time for Valentine’s Day. It will be available through to March 23, 2013.
I’m definitely going to be needing some of those floral print pieces in my life. Target won’t have opened up shop in Canada yet (soon!), so I’ll be making the trek south of the border to get my hands on some Prabal Gurung x Target. Will you? Check out the 42-image gallery below to get started on your wish list.
   
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by The Backseat Stylers | December 31st, 2012 
We Backseat Stylers are equal opportunity shoppers, but there are a handful of labels that have a strong presence in our joint closet and one of them is definitely Pink Tartan. The Canadian brand, helmed by designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran, is our go-to for chic, well-made pieces for both day and night. From gold tulle skirts to chocolate leather shorts, the brand’s offerings are always filled with pieces we just can’t live without.
Pink Tartan’s holiday 2012 collection was no less covetable than usual. From the moment we laid our eyes on the gold brocade designs in particular, we knew we had to have them. The smoking jacket and contrast collar shirt are both classic pieces with a modern feel that will see years of play in our wardrobe rotations. We’ll be pairing them with denim for nights out with the girls or with flirty skirts for cocktail parties all year round. Gold brocade is so versatile in our books that we’d almost call it a neutral. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding style shots.
Brocade smoking jacket ($495)
This blazer is a showstopper. It’s an eye-catching piece that can be dressed up over a glamourous gown for a black tie affair or dressed down when paired with skinny jeans.
T’s look was decidedly menswear inspired. She styled the brocade jacket with an Eight Sixty embellished collar blouse, Topshop leather trim pants and Bass loafers. S had an edgier take, pairing the blazer with her favourite Club Monaco faux leather shorts, a newly-acquired collared shirt by Joe Fresh, and her beloved Charlotte Olympia x Olympia Le-Tan book clutch.
Brocade contrast collar blouse ($295)
Looking for a subtler way to incorporate gold brocade into your wardrobe? This contrast collar shirt is the answer to your sartorial prayers.
S wore hers with her gold tulle skirt (another Pink Tartan gem), Alexander McQueen open-toe booties and a teal Y-Mail clutch by YSL for a girly ensemble perfect for date night. T, on the other hand, went for a more casual look, layering her brocade blouse with a mint green sweater by J.Crew and accessorizing with a Toodlebunny cameo necklace, Balenciaga bag and FLARE x ALDO oxblood shooties.
See what we mean? Practically a neutral. And we’re betting you have brocade on the brain now too. Get Pink Tartan’s smoking jacket and collared shirt online at The Bay and at a Pink Tartan stockist near you.
xx, T & S
Image credits: Product shots by The Bay, all others by The Backseat Stylers
Sponsored by Pink Tartan
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THE BACKSEAT STYLERS BY T & S
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