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by The Backseat Stylers | March 26th, 2013 
When it comes to horror movies and TV shows, I’m too much of a wimp to partake, but fashion inspired by actress Jessica Lange’s character in the TV series American Horror Story turned out to be a proposition even I couldn’t resist.
Designer Kimberly Newport-Mimran presented the Fall 2013 collection for her label Pink Tartan last week at World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto with the help of a troupe of blond wig-donning, slightly deranged-looking models styled like the fictitious Constance Langdon. Newport-Mimran had created a fall wardrobe fit for a murderous yet incredibly chic woman, complete with fabulous blue fur coat, sophisticated camel-coloured cape, and lovely abstract print frock.
I may not be a fan of American Horror Story, but I’m a huge fan of Kimberly Newport-Mimran’s designs, and this latest Pink Tartan offering is no exception. That camel leather dress with knit sleeves and deep V back will be mine.
   
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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
by The Backseat Stylers | October 24th, 2012 
Earlier this week, ELLE Canada did a little feature on me and my thoughts on fashion week, and when asked for my must-see shows, I named Pink Tartan among my top 3 with no hesitation. Over the past few seasons, head designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran has knocked our socks off with chicer than chic peplums, feathered skirts and head-to-toe emerald green ensembles that I’m still dying over, and the Spring 2013 collection she presented on opening night of World Mastercard Fashion Week this week was no less covetable.
Down the runway came a stellar cast of models that included Irina Lazareanu, Amanda Laine and pink-haired Charlotte Free in one ladylike look after another. The show opened with sweet butterfly print and lovely mint green floral pieces perfect for spring, and closed with a series of silver and gold metallic print separates that I would happily wear right now and into the holiday season. In fact, there’s a certain gold reptile print midi skirt that I’ve been daydreaming about since Monday’s show. I need it in my life, now.
Is it spring yet, Kim? Because I can’t wait to get my hands on this collection.
   
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by The Backseat Stylers | July 26th, 2012 
M∙A∙C Viva Glam Fashion Cares 25 has announced the line-up of musical talent and fashion designers that will be taking part in the star-studded fundraiser scheduled for September 9, 2012 in Toronto. Raising funds in support of HIV/AIDS awareness and the AIDS Committee of Toronto since 1987, this 25th and final edition of Fashion Cares will feature performances by Sir Elton John and his guests, including Scissor Sisters, Janelle Monáe and Sky Ferreira.
Supermodel Linda Evangelista and designers Dean & Dan Caten of DSQUARED2 will serve as hosts of an evening that will feature a cocktail reception, a Fashion Cares-inspired fashion show, and musical acts that will also include Canadian favourites like Jully Black, Kreesha Turner and more. In addition, attendees will enjoy a 25-year Fashion Cares retrospective exhibit showcasing glamourous looks from past Fashion Cares events, as well as items from Elton John’s costume archives.
Designers contributing original pieces to the fashion show include: Comrags, David Dixon, DSquared2, Elie Saab, Farley Chatto, Gareth Pugh, Greta Constantine, Hoax Couture, Izzy Camilleri, Joeffer Caoc, Manish Arora, Marty Rotman, Mercy, Pat McDonagh, Pink Tartan, Sandra Rabasca, Stephane Rollande, Susan Dicks, The Blondes, Valencienne and Welly.
Musical performers joining Elton John on the Fashion Cares 25 stage will include: Aleesia, Anjulie, Jully Black, Diamond Rings, Divine Brown, Keshia Chanté, Jarvis Church, Shawn Desman, Sky Ferreira, Elise Legrow, Midway State, Mia Martina, Stephan Moccio, Janelle Monáe, Billy Newton Davis, Carole Pope, RyanDan, Serena Ryder, Scissors Sisters, Kreesha Turner and Nikki Yanofsky.
Fashion Cares 25 promises to be nothing short of spectacular, and all in the name of a very worthy cause. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit fashioncares.com.
xx, S
Images via FUSE Marketing, SALON, Nialler9
by The Backseat Stylers | May 30th, 2012 
Leather shorts in 25 degree weather? Only a leather addict like yours truly. I know you’ve got one burning question for me: wasn’t your posterior uncomfortably sweaty? Indeed it was not. You’ll just have to take my word for it.
This Erdem blouse, by the way, is one of my most beloved items in my closet. It was a permanent fixture in my wardrobe rotation last summer, and I’m so happy to welcome it back. I’ll be wearing this blouse until it’s threadbare. Same goes for the sweaty leather shorts by Pink Tartan.
  
Erdem blouse / Pink Tartan leather shorts / Cole Haan shoes / Chanel bag / LeiVanKash ring / Prada sunglasses / MAKE UP FOR EVER make-up
xx, S
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 | March 23rd, 2012 
Kimberley Newport-Mimran, Pink Tartan’s President and Chief Designer, gets me. She really, really gets me. I don’t know how she does it, but season after season she seems to know exactly what I’m going to want to wear, before I even know it. There was that blouse with contrast grosgrain trim I’ve been living in, that gold tutu that afforded me my very own Carrie Bradshaw moment, and even that rosette skirt I was sporting when I had my Shane West fangirl moment.
It looks like she’s got my Fall 2012 wardrobe all figured out already, too, based on what she sent out on the Toronto Fashion Week runway last week – a very covet-worthy collection of peplums, feathers and fur. The show, styled rather perfectly by FLARE’s Fashion Director Liz Cabral, was a hit. Everything red – from the blazer with contrast leather trim to the body-hugging dress Amanda Laine rocked down the runway – made me swoon. The feather skirts, as impractical as they may be, were just too lovely to resist; I need one in my life, stat.
And, of course, the entire tent oohed and aahed in unison over the emerald green peplum top and matching pants ensemble, myself included. It’s going to be a race to nab those pieces when they hit stores later this year, but one I definitely don’t intend on losing. And to think that only a few days ago, I hadn’t the faintest clue I even needed a head-to-toe emerald green outfit. But Kim Newport apparently did. She’s just that good.
   
xx, S
Images courtesy of Pink Tartan
by The Backseat Stylers | December 17th, 2011 
I prepare holiday gift guides in the same manner that I do my holiday shopping: last-minute. With only a week left to find the perfect presents for the fashion-minded folks in your life, and perhaps buy yourself a treat or two, we’ve rounded up our all-Canadian picks for this holiday season. Because we have a feeling we’re not the only procrastinators who’ll be scrambling for gifts this week!
Clockwise from left to right:
1. Ela Handbags M.I.L.C.K. clutch ($280) – With just enough room to fit the essentials (money, ID, lipstick, cell phone, keys), this clutch is the perfect pop of colour to your outfit. Comes in a range of colours, including purple suede (our favourite!) and black fur.
2. Biko Jewellery Adoria spike necklace ($175) – I’ve been wearing this Biko classic non-stop since I bought it (see here, here and here). It’s an incredibly versatile piece that adds just the right amount of edge to any outfit.
3. Smythe tweed riding jacket ($650) – I’m obsessed with Smythe’s smart-looking blazers and equestrian jackets. I think every woman should have at least one in her closet. They don’t come cheap, but they’re investment pieces she’ll be wearing for years to come.
4. Flare Magazine and FASHION Magazine subscriptions – What could be an easier stocking stuffer than renewals to a gal’s favourite Canadian fashion magazines? Both are must-reads.
5. Philip Sparks mountain sheep muff ($350) – It doesn’t get much more luxurious than this (in my world, anyway) when it comes to cold weather accessories. This muff was at the top of my wish list after I attended Sparks’ Fall 2011 presentation earlier this year.
6. Lauren Elan ‘Aaron’ bracelet ($35) – The arm party is still going strong! Add to it with this lovely, rather affordable piece from one of our favourite Canadian jewelry designers.
7. Nella Bella Miami weekender bag ($150) – I’ve been daydreaming about this bag ever since the Toronto-based brand’s Fall 2011 preview. It’s from the men’s line, but it can be a great travel piece for women too.
8. Hudson’s Bay Company Collection striped sweater ($300) – What’s merrier than classic HBC knitwear? The fact that it’ll keep her warm through the winter is an added bonus.
9. Brave Leather Roshana bow belt ($140) – A chic statement belt for the lady in your life who loves bows, ruffles and all things frilly.
10. Pink Tartan gold tulle skirt ($395) – This is perfect for New Year’s Eve festivities, as well as parties throughout the year. Who doesn’t need a gold tutu? I know I do.
11. ‘A is for ALDO’ fragrance ($45) – ALDO’s new range of fragrances has a scent for every personality type. Is she a Blue, Yellow or Red?
12. Maryam Keyhani necklace – This piece is at the top of my holiday wish list. I wrote to Santa about it; here’s hoping I find one under my tree on Christmas Day!
Happy holiday shopping everyone!
xx, S
by The Backseat Stylers | October 13th, 2011 
When Ryan Michael Cheung of FLARE contacted me about participating in the magazine’s Wear Canada initiative, the only question in my mind was, “What to wear?!“. With a range of Canadian talent in my closet, it was a tough decision, but I landed on a rather predictable choice: Smythe. Anyone who’s followed this blog for even a minute knows I have a serious addiction to Smythe jackets:
“The first time I spotted this Smythe tartan equestrian jacket, back in the Fall of 2009, it was love at first sight. The red plaid, contrast leather elbow patches and flattering fit reeled me right in. Just when I think I can’t possibly justify buying another Smythe blazer, designers Christie Smythe and Andrea Lenczer surprise me again with yet another colour and fabric combination I just can’t live without. The fact that this talented duo is Canadian, and their designs made in Canada, is a bonus.”
But one plaid blazer, as fabulous as it is, does not an outfit make, so I paired it with my favourite Pink Tartan blouse for an extra dose of Canadian fashion power, and threw on some Thakoon pants and Brian Atwood boots (purchased at least from a Canadian retailer, The Room at the Bay) to round out the ensemble. Thanks Ryan and FLARE for including me and my sartorial ode to Canadian fashion in your feature!
Check out the complete gallery on FLARE.com here to see all 22 of the lovely bloggers from across the country. And be sure to join us in showing our national pride on October 19, and wear Canada!
xx, S
by The Backseat Stylers | April 6th, 2011 
With Toronto’s Rogue Fashion Week having come to a close with the Greta Constantine and Ezra Constantine show, it seemed almost symbolic (of what, I’ve yet to determine) that designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong’s lines then took part in Holt Renfrew‘s opening show for the official LG Fashion Week mere days later. Joined by top Canadian designers Denis Gagnon, Jeremy Laing, Lida Baday, Pink Tartan, Smythe, Todd Lynn, TWENTYCLUNY, Wings + Horns and, curiously, Canada Goose, to make up this season’s line-up, the cast of the Holt Renfrew Presents Fall 2011 edition looked almost identical to the Spring 2011 show but felt quite different. Gone were Mikhael Kale and Wayne Clark, replaced by Canadian-born, London-based designer Todd Lynn and TWENTYCLUNY by Sara Rabkin.
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THE BACKSEAT STYLERS BY T & S
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