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by The Backseat Stylers | January 23rd, 2013 
Jason Wu‘s name has been on everyone’s lips since the moment Michelle Obama arrived at the 2013 Inaugural Ball this week in his custom scarlet red gown, the second time she’s bestowed such an honour on him. The New York-based designer has developed quite the following since that fateful day 4 years ago when MObama stepped out in his ivory creation at her first Inaugural Ball. He’s collaborated with Target, launched his contemporary line Miss Wu, and continued to dress leading ladies around the world in his glamourous and sophisticated designs.
Because we’re obsessed with all things Wu – and Mrs. Obama has given us the perfect excuse – we’ve gleefully trolled through the archives and rounded up the 10 most memorable red carpet moments courtesy of Jason Wu, inauguration outfits notwithstanding. From Diane Kruger (pictured above) and Karlie Kloss at the Met Ball to Zoe Saldana and Jessica Pare on the awards show circuit, the designer’s devotees always look nothing short of spectacular. Whether it’s a whimsical bow-topped gown for Michelle Williams, a pink princess frock for Fan Bingbing or a sexy LBD for Jaime King, Jason Wu never fails to deliver.
Karlie Kloss at Met Ball 2012 (pictured with the designer)
Michelle Williams at Venice Film Festival 2010
Sarah Gadon at Toronto International Film Festival 2011
Fan Bingbing at Tokyo International Film Festival 2011
Continue reading →
by The Backseat Stylers | December 20th, 2012 
Dear Santa,
I know you’re a busy man, so I thought I’d give you a hand this year. When I spotted this Jason Wu velvet blazer (pictured on Emily Weiss of Into The Gloss) at The Room at The Bay last week (on sale, no less!), it instantly shot to the top of my holiday wish list. I took the liberty of taking it home with me, and it’s now sitting under my Christmas tree. Feel free to come by on Christmas Eve to sign your name on the card, and have some milk and cookies. Say hi to the Mrs. for me!
xx, S
P.S. We’re giving away a $500 shopping spree to The Bay this week! Enter the contest here, Santa.
Image Credit: Vogue UK
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 | November 21st, 2012 
Diane Kruger stepping out on to a red carpet is always good fashion blog fodder, but it’s especially so when she sports a design by Jason Wu. The actress attended the opening of the Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique at the Place Vendome in Paris last night, and looked downright fabulous in a navy lace jumpsuit from Wu’s Spring 2013 collection and vintage-looking animal print fur coat on top.
A jumpsuit has been on my wish list for some time now, and while I’d originally envisioned a chic black version, that just won’t do anymore. I’m now officially on the hunt for a jumpsuit just as glam as Diane’s. No easy task, I’m afraid.
xx, S
by The Backseat Stylers | November 14th, 2012 
Coco Rocha
The American fashion industry gathered in New York last night for the 9th Annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund gala dinner. Greg Chait, founder of cashmere label The Elder Statesman, won the coveted cash prize and mentorship program, while jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer Maguire and footwear designer Tabitha Simmons were named the runners-up.
The other story, of course, was what gala attendees wore, and we’ve gone ahead and picked our five best dressed of the evening. Red carpet favourite Emma Stone was an easy pick; the actress was decked out in a peplum look straight off the Burberry Prorsum Spring 2013 runway. Dakota Fanning, in pink Jason Wu Spring 2013, also chose a peplum for the occasion. Rounding out the top five were Coco Rocha in a printed Sono number, Karlie Kloss in a sheer, ladylike ensemble, and Alexa Chung in an unexpected pairing of baby blue and red.
Karlie Kloss
Emma Stone
Alexa Chung
Dakota Fanning
xx, S
Images via JustJared
by The Backseat Stylers | October 17th, 2012 
Neiman Marcus, Target and the CFDA announced a rather unexpected but definitely very intriguing holiday collaboration this past July, and now the 50-plus piece collection of men’s, women’s, home and children’s gift items has been revealed.
The offerings were designed by 24 CFDA designers, including: Alice + Olivia, Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders, Brian Atwood, Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Eddie Borgo, Jason Wu, Judith Leiber, Lela Rose, Marchesa, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Philip Crangi, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Robert Rodriguez, Rodarte, Skaist-Taylor, Thom Browne, Tory Burch and Tracy Reese.
The collection includes everything from Rodarte wrapping paper for $7.99 to Alice + Olivia bicycle for $499.99. I’m thinking a quick shopping jaunt south of the border might be required so I can get my hands on a Prabal Gurung bow cape ($79.99) for me, an Eddie Borgo letter opener ($34.99) for the Mister, and a Jason Wu polka dot dress ($59.99) for the daughter I’ve yet to have.
Mark your calendars – the collection will be available in both Neiman Marcus and Target stores and e-commerce sites (neimanmarcus.com ships to Canada!) starting December 1, and is sure to sell out in a flash. Check out the gallery below for the complete collection. What’s on your wish list?
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by The Backseat Stylers | September 24th, 2012 
January Jones in Zac Posen
The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards took place last night, giving us our first real awards show red carpet fix in several months. Obviously, we were delighted! So much so that we were even happy to see Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Osbourne again…ssshhh, don’t tell anyone.
Our greatest pleasure by far, however, was spotting January Jones in a stunning black Zac Posen number; in fact, there may have been some squealing and jumping up and down. She just looked that fabulous. Ginnifer Goodwin, who’s become a reliable source for gorgeous red carpet looks over the last few years, didn’t disappoint either, donning a floral and vine embellished orange frock by Monique Lhuillier.
We’re now new fans of Mad Men‘s Jessica Pare, who was the picture of classic Hollywood glamour in a custom black-and-white Jason Wu. Julianna Margieles also surprised us, walking the red carpet in a floral-printed green and purple Giambattista Valli gown. Julianne Moore rounds out our Emmys best dressed list; she looked like a ray of sunshine in a long-sleeved yellow Dior Couture gown that complemented her red hair beautifully.
We absolutely loved all the vibrant colours on the Emmys red carpet this year, but it was a head-to-toe black-clad January Jones who came away with the best dressed title by our measure. Who were your sartorial favourites at the 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards?
Ginnifer Goodwin in Monique Lhuillier
Jessica Pare in Jason Wu
Julianna Margulies in Giambattista Valli
Julianne Moore in Dior Couture
xx, S
Images via Just Jared
by The Backseat Stylers | July 18th, 2012 
If you’ve been admiring Jason Wu’s wares from afar but haven’t been able to shell out the 4-digit prices for his main line, this announcement is going to make your day: the designer is launching a contemporary line, Miss Wu, in January 2013. The first offering, a 40-piece collection of Sixties-inspired dresses, separates and outerwear, will be available exclusively at Nordstrom. Getting excited? So am I.
A concept conceived by the designer and Jeffrey Kalinsky, EVP of Designer Merchandising at Nordstrom, Miss Wu will offer softer, feminine clothes to the contemporary market. The first collection will retail from $195 for a silk blouse to $795 for a leather jacket, much more accessible price points than his eponymous label.
“Instead of just doing ‘Jason Wu-for-less,’ the idea is to explore the other side of myself,” Wu told WWD. “I always see Jason Wu as my aesthetic, my design sensibility. Miss Wu is my personality. It was really fun to explore that facet of who I am — slightly more downtown, and with a more relaxed attitude.” Kalinsky added, “What’s great is that while feeling different from the Jason Wu signature collection, it still clearly has Jason’s design DNA.”
Miss Wu will be available at Nordstrom’s Via C departments and at nordstrom.com for one year, after which it will expand to other retailers in the U.S. and around the world, it is hoped. By then, he also plans to have added accessories to the line-up.
While there are currently no Nordstrom locations north of the border (I’ve been praying to the shopping gods for one!), nordstrom.com does ship internationally, so us Canadian shoppers will be able to get our hands on some Miss Wu too come January. In the meantime, I’ll be counting down the days.
xx, S
Images via WWD
by The Backseat Stylers | July 10th, 2012
By now we’re rather accustomed to hearing about unexpected collaborations (Valentino for GAP, anyone?), but Neiman Marcus x Target definitely takes the cake. The unlikely duo of retailers announced today the creation of a 50-plus piece collection of limited-edition men’s, women’s, home and children’s gift items by a roster of 24 CFDA members.
The list of designers who have created pieces for the collection is impressive: Alice + Olivia, Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders, Brian Atwood, Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Eddie Borgo, Jason Wu, Judith Leiber, Lela Rose, Marchesa, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Philip Crangi, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Robert Rodriguez, Rodarte, Skaist-Taylor, Thom Browne, Tory Burch and Tracy Reese.
Due to hit both retailers’ stores and online shops on December 1, the collection is priced from $7.99 to $499.99, with the majority of items under $60. Not having yet seen a single item, this is already sounding like the collaboration of the year. Prabal? Proenza? Atwood, even? I can’t wait to see what some of my favourite designers have cooked up for Neiman Marcus and Target. Stay tuned!
xx, S
Image Credit: Neiman Marcus
by The Backseat Stylers | March 20th, 2012 
Diane Kruger wore a beautifully embroidered cape from Jason Wu‘s Fall 2012 collection to the opening of the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami Beach, Florida earlier this week. Actually, she donned the cape and nothing else but a pair of Gucci ‘Kelis’ sandals on her feet. Meaning, no pants!
So what’s the verdict, ladies and gents – is this ensemble daring or ridiculous? I’m on the fence. But, either way, I sure admire Diane’s gutsy sense of style.
 
Jason Wu Fall 2012
xx, S
Image Credits: tlfan, vogue.it (via TFS)
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THE BACKSEAT STYLERS BY T & S
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