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by The Backseat Stylers | February 14th, 2013 
The Mister and I met in September 1999, back when ICQ was all the rage, a sweet young lady named Britney Spears was taking over the pop scene, and I was only beginning to develop some sense of style. It wasn’t love at first sight exactly, but pretty darn close; I liked him immediately, and a lot. He enjoys telling people that I picked him up. In fact, I didn’t, but I did introduce myself first, and it was the best thing I’ve ever done.
We were kids back then with little in the way of responsibility and plenty of time to date. We watched terrible movies, ate like our metabolisms would never slow, and just enjoyed each other’s company. That’s all we’ve ever needed, really, though we do enjoy fancy dinners, theatre tickets and travel now and then.
My favourite dates are those when we explore something new together, like our bike ride through the streets of Paris, those drinks we had at that ice bar in Stockholm, and our first ever visit to the Metro Toronto Zoo, when we walked non-stop all day in the blistering heat so we wouldn’t miss any of the animals.
What are the ingredients to a perfect date for you? Share in the comments and tweet us using the hashtag #BRLove for a chance to win a special his and hers Valentine’s Day gift set from our friends at Banana Republic! The package includes two new signature fragrances, one bottle of W and one bottle of M, a gorgeous cuff for her and a handsome printed silk tie for him, all valued at over $240. Contest rules are below.
UPDATE:
Congrats to the winner of our #BRLove giveaway…Neeraj! Thanks to all who entered and stay tuned for our next contest.
Good luck and happy Valentine’s Day!
xx, S
Contest Rules:
1. To enter, leave us a comment telling us your ingredients to the perfect date.
2. In addition to step #1, follow @backseatstylers and @BRStyleCA on Twitter and tweet us the following: “The @backseatstylers and @BRStyleCA are giving away a $240 his and hers gift set, and I want it! http://bit.ly/XPjPHI #BRLove #giveaway”
3. The contest closes at midnight on February 20, 2013. The winner will be selected randomly and will be notified by e-mail.
4. Contest open to readers in Canada only. Winner must have a Canadian shipping address.
5. There are no prize substitutions and no cash value. Prize might not be exact colour/print as shown. No exchanges or refunds permitted.
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 | November 27th, 2012 
As I ran around a largely deserted mall on December 24th last year, I vowed to myself – for at least the fifth year in a row – that I would never leave the task of gift buying to the very last minute ever again. Next year, I promised myself, I’ll be one of those extremely prepared folks who get to brag about having finished their holiday shopping weeks – months even – in advance.
Well, it seems the moment of truth has come, and while I have exactly zero presents purchased to date, I do have a stellar gift guide prepared with a whopping 18 incredible items for only the most fashionable females on your list. Now, all you and I have to do is print out this blog post, get to the nearest computer or mall, and get shopping like the proactive, stylish elves we are. Good luck!
1. Nicholas Kirkwood Floral-Embroidered Sandals ($1,695), Holt Renfrew
Kirkwood’s metallic floral-embroidered mesh sandals are nothing short of perfection. Sealed with a bow, this exquisite shoe is perfect for soirées this holiday season and year round.
2. Banana Republic ‘Breanna’ Bow Flat ($120), bananarepublic.ca
We all need a break from heels now and then. Banana Republic’s bow-embellished, pointy-toe flats are so chic that even the most devoted of stiletto fans won’t be able to resist them.
3. Christian Louboutin ‘Decollette’ 554 Pumps (US$625), neimanmarcus.com
A surefire way to a shoe addict’s heart? Christian Louboutin, obviously. Whether it’ll be her very first pair or her 50th, these black patent leather stiletto pumps with those signature contrast red soles will become footwear rotation regulars.
4. Jason Wu Lace-Trimmed Cape ($3,305), The Room at The Bay
As far as outerwear is concerned, it doesn’t get much more luxurious than Look 21 from Jason Wu’s Fall 2012 ready-to-wear runway show. With its lace overlay and of-the-moment oxblood shade, it’s the perfect cape for the superwoman in your life.
5. LINE Knitwear ‘Uptown’ Knit & Leather Jacket ($550), Holt Renfrew
Wrap the edgy LINE Knitwear ‘Uptown’ in a box and put some fierceness under the Christmas tree. This black leather jacket with knitted panels will keep its new owner toasty warm and looking über-chic.
6. 3.1 Phillip Lim ‘Pashli’ Satchel (US$895), saksfifthavenue.com
Every woman needs a chic everyday carry-all, and Phillip Lim has created a fabulous option in his ‘Pashli’ satchel. Marrying fashion and function, the street style favourite is available in a range of sumptuous colours to complement any wardrobe
7. Tiffany & Co. Coin Purse ($85), tiffany.ca
The mere sight of that unmistakable shade of Tiffany blue will put a smile on any girl’s face. Slip a Tiffany & Co. bauble into this lovely patent leather coin purse for an extra special gift.
8. ela Editor Pouch ($188), thecode.ca
Whether she’s a fashion editor or merely one in her daydreams for now, she can look the part with ela’s edgy Editor Pouch. The studded clutch is available in several colours, but silver mirror is our favourite by far.
9. MAKE UP FOR EVER Backstage Collector Bag ($359), sephora.com
Featuring 28 of MAKE UP FOR EVER’s most popular products, this Sephora.com exclusive is both the perfect face paint introduction for a neophyte and a makeup lover’s dream come true.
10. Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura Eye & Cheek Palette ($85), Holt Renfrew
Lagerfeld fans will love his latest collaboration with Shu Uemura, which includes lipsticks, fun faux eyelashes, a mini brush set and more. Our pick is the eye & cheek palette in smoky velvet or prestigious bordeaux, featuring the Kaiser’s whimsical muse for the collection, Mon Shu Girl, on the compact.
11. Nixon ‘Kensington’ Leather Watch ($150), nixon.com
Timepieces are always great holiday gift ideas — what better way to count down the clock on New Year’s Eve? — and this classic leather watch by Nixon is no exception. The no frills design makes it a handsome, versatile option that will go with any outfit.
12. FALLON for eBay Stud Charm Bracelet (USD$88), ebay.com
FALLON designer Dana Lorenz churns out to-die-for statement jewelry like nobody’s business. Her holiday capsule collection for eBay is the perfect opportunity to add some edge to any arm party.
13. Lauren Elan ‘Abagail’ Choker Necklace ($195), laurenelan.com
Toronto accessories designer Lauren Elan mixes Swarovski pearls, chains, crystals and rhinestones to create a stunning statement necklace that serves up a whole lot of bling for your buck.
14. Tibi Penguin-Intarsia Sweater (US$375), net-a-porter.com
Who says a holiday knit has to be tacky? Tibi’s exclusive penguin sweater for Net-a-porter is anything but. Whether she wears it casually or edges it up, this is one adorable piece the lucky recipient will be wearing non-stop this winter.
15. MOON Apparel Lace Dress ($89), moonapparel.ca
The MOON Apparel crochet lace dress is a go-to for me, and this season the Canadian brand has recreated the popular piece in eye-catching turquoise. It’s a very ladylike and versatile design that is sure to become a closet favourite.
16. Smythe Herringbone Equestrian Jacket ($595), eluxe.ca
No one designs jackets quite like Smythe’s Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe (just ask Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge!). Their classic equestrian blazer is a wardrobe essential that will be worn for years to come.
17. “The Little Black Jacket: Chanel’s Classic Revisited” by Karl Lagerfeld & Carine Roitfeld ($102.50), chapters.indigo.ca
This beautiful coffee table book is a fantastic present for any fashion lover. Pair it with a classic black tweed jacket by the design house and that Chanel devotee on your list will be over the moon.
18. Neiman Marcus x Target x CFDA Holiday Collection Ornaments by Jason Wu (US$49.99 for 3), neimanmarcus.com
For the gal pal with the most stylish of Christmas trees, these limited edition ball ornaments and their lace-print trim are both festive and fashionable. Available starting December 1.
xx, S
by The Backseat Stylers | October 26th, 2012 
World Mastercard Fashion Week (WMCFW) is currently in full swing and there’s no more fashionable a city in Canada right now than Toronto. Whether it’s models strutting their stuff on the catwalk, editors and VIPs sitting front row, or bloggers getting a sneak peek backstage, everywhere we turn it’s a fabulous feast for the eyes.
Being surrounded by many of the most sartorially gifted industry insiders for 5 days in a row is both inspiring and dangerous; our fall/winter wish lists have grown rapidly while we’ve people-watched over the course of the week, not so stealthily ogling the sea of chic ensembles around us. Unable to resist the urge to shop, we snuck a trip to Toronto Eaton Centre (TEC) in between runway shows. Armed with the top street style trends we’ve spotted at the fashion week tents just down the street, we scoured the 3-floor fashion mecca for pieces that would help us – and you! – get the looks.
We loved freelance fashion writer Bianca Teixeira’s cobalt blue, double-breasted pea coat, which she donned over a similarly-hued frock for a monochromatic look on opening night of WMCFW. Want a vibrant pop of colour in your fall/winter outerwear rotation too? Stop by Toronto Eaton Centre for a teal lapelless option at H&M ($129), an oxblood wool biker coat with leather sleeves at Zara ($269) or a raspberry wool blazer with contrast piping at Juicy Couture ($361). These are sure to cheer you up on a rainy fall day.
Whether it’s zebra, cheetah, or snake, the animal print trend is going nowhere fast. While it was a wonderfully loud leopard print coat that caught our eye, you can start small with a scarf like Massimo Dutti’s woollen green snakeskin foulard ($59.50) or a handbag like Banana Republic’s ‘Jamie’ box clutch ($150). For those of you who are ready to fully embrace animal print, a dress is surely the way to go. Who needs a LBD when you can rock Ann Taylor’s zebra knit jacquard sheath dress ($98) or Juicy Couture’s ponte knit green python dress ($218) instead?
We’ve spotted everything from crisp white cotton button-downs to colourfully-printed silk blouses so far this week, and one of our favourites has been the studded collar shirt we saw on Jenn Campbell, FLARE Magazine’s Senior Digital Editor. TEC has tons of collared shirts to choose from and whittling the list down to just 3 was a tough task, but J. Crew’s silk boy shirt in heart throb ($158), Club Monaco’s ‘Patricia’ silk shirt with contrast leather piping ($149.50) and Mendocino’s graphic print blouse by Clover Canyon ($312, arriving in November) are our top picks.
When it comes to statement necklaces, blogger Nelia Belkova is the queen; we’ve seen her sporting one fabulous piece after another every day this fashion week. Go big or go home, her accessories philosophy seems to be, and it’s ours too. Hang a conversation starter like H&M’s insect necklace ($14.95), BCBG Max Azria’s rocker statement necklace ($178), or the Lulu Frost for J. Crew crystal petal necklace ($220) around your neck to take your fashion week outfit to the next level with some help from TEC.
It’s the last day of WMCFW today, and U.S. retailer EXPRESS, which is launching a new store at Toronto Eaton Centre next month, is set to close the week. We’ll be live-tweeting tonight’s 9pm show, so be sure to follow @backseatstylers and @toeatoncentre on Twitter for updates straight from the runway.
See you at the tents one final time this season – and then at Toronto Eaton Centre! After all those fashion shows this week, you’ll want to do some serious shopping at TEC’s newest boutiques: Canada’s first unisex J.Crew, North America’s first Massimo Dutti, and Canada’s first Ann Taylor. We know we will.
xx, T & S
Sponsored by Cadillac Fairview
by The Backseat Stylers | October 24th, 2012 
Excited for Anna Karenina’s debut on the silver screen this November? Here’s a little something to tide you over until then: Banana Republic has designed an Anna Karenina-inspired holiday collection, styled and curated by the film’s costume designer Jacqueline Durran.
The incredibly chic 56-piece collection for women features lace, velvet, and faux fur in black, black and more black. Anna Karenina fan or not, the dresses, costume jewelry and cold weather accessories are perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Pricing starts at $28 for a pair of lace floral tights and caps at $345 for a double-breasted wool top coat.
The capsule collection will be available in Banana Republic stores and online starting October 31. Give the gallery below a gander – which pieces are you coveting?
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by The Backseat Stylers | September 4th, 2012 
Nothing cures the end-of-summer blues quite like a fall fashion shopping spree, and it seems that’s exactly what the doctor (i.e. yours truly!) has ordered for you. We helpfully suggested recently that you hightail it to Sherway Gardens for your pick of the fresh new outerwear arrivals, and this week we’re proposing a second trip to the upscale shopping centre in Toronto’s west end. The mission for round two is 6 essential pieces your fall wardrobe won’t be complete without (clockwise from top left):
The Belt
The equestrian stretch belt by Banana Republic is a must-have accessory this fall. At a reasonable $68, it’s a flattering waist cincher and is an easy and affordable way to give new life to dresses, coats and sweaters from last year. It’s available in both black and brown, and obviously you need both.
The Print
When it comes to prints, no one does it quite like Clover Canyon. The California-based brand is churning out to-die-for pieces in eye-catching prints season after season. If you don’t already have some Clover Canyon in your closet, now’s the time to stop by Mendocino for your first and definitely not last. The Galaxy blouse ($312) is our pick.
The Clutch
An oversize leather tote or satchel to carry all your essentials with you would be the practical recommendation…but where’s the fun in that? Besides, we’ll assume you’ve already got one. Instead, pop by Michael Kors for a clutch in a gorgeous autumn shade like the ostrich-embossed Gia in crimson.
The Dress
A new season calls for a new party frock. This highly covetable style from Juicy Couture combines a deep mossy green lace with contrast leather trim, and can be both ladylike and fierce based on how its styled. It’s the perfect dress for date night or a girls’ night out. Retails for $328.
The Boot
The riding boot is to fall what the wedge sandal is to summer. If last year’s pair is in bad shape, Stuart Weitzman is the shoe shop to head to for a fabulous new replacement pair. Our pick? The Mount boot, which is the perfect balance of style and comfort. It comes in both black and brown, and retails for $675.
The Cardigan
Cardigan options for fall are aplenty, but great cardigans are hard to come by. Club Monaco’s Diamond sweater jacket ($159.50) is chic, versatile and oh so warm. It’s a piece that can be dressed up for the office or down for the weekend. In fact, we can see ourselves putting it on and refusing to take it off until spring.
There you have it – six items you should run out and buy right now. And don’t forget those fall jackets you were eyeing last week! Long wish list? Not a problem – that’s where Sherway Gardens’ Fall Into Style Contest comes in. Until September 17, enter to win the grand prize of a $1,000 shopping spree at Sherway Gardens or 1 of 20 $100 Cadillac Fairview shop! card® gift cards over on Sherway Gardens’ Facebook page.
Good luck and happy fall shopping everyone!
xx, T & S
Image Credits: Banana Republic, Club Monaco, Juicy Couture, Mendocino, Michael Kors, Stuart Weitzman
Sponsored by Sherway Gardens
by The Backseat Stylers | August 15th, 2012 
There was a period of my life during which I had a serious addiction to Banana Republic accessories. I couldn’t stop buying the jewelry, in particular, and I found myself buying new pieces on a weekly basis (you know, when they had those irresistible 40% off coupons every Wednesday!). Thankfully (for my pocketbook, not my wardrobe) the obsession has been less intense the last few seasons, but all that is about to change.
I attended Banana Republic’s Holiday 2012 preview last week, and was very, very tempted to steal just about all of it, especially the accessories. Between the statement jewelry, timeless leather bags and chic shoe offerings, there are quite a few pieces on my wish list. The Anna Karenina-inspired collection was intriguing too for a lover of all things black like me.
Fall’s not even here yet, and I’ve already got holiday on the brain, thanks to Banana Republic. Check out the gallery for a sneak peek of the collection and start making that wish list! Race you to the closest Banana Republic this holiday season?
    
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by The Backseat Stylers | July 30th, 2012 
Back in April, I attended the Fall 2012 previews for Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy. At the time, however, with hopeful thoughts of summer filling my brain, there wasn’t much room for fall fashion. Now that we’ve been sweltering in 30-degree Celsius weather for some time now, I decided a short respite from the heat was needed.
Turn up the A/C, grab a cup of hot coffee and give these 21 photos of classic trenches, chic scarves and must-have smoking slippers a gander. Not to worry – we’ve still got lots of summer to go. But when it’s finally gone for the year, at least there will be plenty of highly covetable fall fashions at Banana Republic, Gap and Old Navy to help soften the blow.
    
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by The Backseat Stylers | April 25th, 2012 
On Day 4 of World Mastercard Fashion Week, I donned what was probably one of my more outrageous (to me!) getups, well, ever. And I kind of loved it. My day job isn’t particularly tutu-friendly, so I relish every opportunity my other gig as a fashion blogger affords me to dress up in my most office-inappropriate duds.
Gold tulle skirt? Check. Velvet cat shoes? Check. A giant fur collar? Check. All the ingredients to a rather outlandish outfit that was, actually, very me.
 
Elizabeth and James blazer / Pink Tartan skirt / Charlotte Olympia shoes / Banana Republic belt / Chanel bag / LeiVanKash ring / MAKE UP FOR EVER make-up
xx, S
by The Backseat Stylers | February 23rd, 2012 
Earlier this month, Banana Republic announced that a second Mad Men-inspired collaboration with the television show’s costume designer, Janie Bryant, was on the way for Spring. Today, we’ve got a sneak peek of the 40-piece collection for you, modeled by none other than Canadian supermodel Shalom Harlow.
So far, the 60s-inspired line-up of dresses, separates and accessories are looking very promising indeed. The collection launches in stores and online on March 1. Are you liking what you’re seeing so far?
P.S. If you’re in Toronto, Banana Republic is hosting a Mad Men Sneak Peek Event at Yorkdale Shopping Centre on Wed. Feb. 29, 5-9pm, including a ‘How to Get Mad Style’ presentation, a make-up artist demonstration on how to perfect the red lip and winged eye liner, gifts with purchase*, retro cocktails, appetizers and more. See you there!
  
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THE BACKSEAT STYLERS BY T & S
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