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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 | September 13th, 2012 
After months of speculation and prayers to the shopping gods, Nordstrom has (finally!) officially announced the opening of the company’s first four locations in Canada. The Seattle-based retailer held a press conference in Toronto today to outline its plans to partner with Cadillac Fairview on its first stores north of the border at Sherway Gardens in Toronto, Pacific Centre in Vancouver, Chinook Centre in Calgary, and Rideau Centre in Ottawa.
The Sherway Gardens location will be a newly-constructed store, while the others are former Sears sites that will be vacated this fall and renovated by Nordstrom. The new locations are tentatively scheduled to open as follows:
- Chinook Centre, Calgary: two levels, approximately 140,000 square feet in Fall of 2014
- Rideau Centre, Ottawa: two levels, approximately 157,000 square feet in Spring of 2015
- Pacific Centre, Vancouver: three levels, approximately 230,000 square feet in Spring of 2015
- Sherway Gardens, Toronto: two levels, approximately 138,000 square feet in Fall of 2016
Not soon enough by my measure, but we’ve waited this long already, so what’s another few years? For our patience, we may just be rewarded with a few more stores: Nordstrom also announced that it will continue working on further expansion opportunities for both Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack (yes!) in Canada in the future.
Excited? You have good reason to be. Nordstrom was recently named the top American luxury retailer in a consumer survey, no doubt as a result of its legendary customer service. Between accepting a customer’s return of car tires that Nordstrom obviously doesn’t sell and driving to the airport to deliver packages accidentally left behind by a visiting shopper, popular tales of the department store chain’s exemplary customer service are both unbelievable and entirely true. In addition to its famously accommodating return policy, Nordstrom also price matches its competitors and throws very generous sales.
“It’s exciting to finally have this opportunity to better serve our Canadian customers closer to home and we can’t wait to open our doors,” said Erik Nordstrom, president of stores for Nordstrom, Inc. in a press release. We can’t wait until you open your doors either, Nordstrom. And now with target dates officially announced, we can mark our calendars and start counting down the days!
xx, S
Image via Retail Week
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 20th, 2012 
The kids are getting ready to go back to school, the leaves will soon be changing colours, and I’m already dreaming of leather jackets and riding boots – sure signs that fall is on its way! And rather than fight it this year, I’m going to embrace it because autumn is, hands down, my favourite sartorial season.
My love for fall dressing is in large part due to my outerwear addiction, which I’m more than happy to share with you. The search for the perfect fall coat obviously entails a trip to Sherway Gardens, the upscale fashion and lifestyle centre in Toronto’s west end. With over 200 stores on its directory, there are plenty of stylish outerwear options from which to choose (clockwise from top left):
1. The Trench – Burberry (Available at Holt Renfrew)
Every woman needs a trench coat in her closet, and none is more iconic than Burberry’s classic take. Whether you’re on the hunt for single- or double-breasted, epaulets or no epaulets, tan or black, Holt Renfrew stocks a selection of styles from the UK-based design house. Our pick for the season is a double-breasted version with leather accents that’s classic with an edge ($1,695).
2. The Motorcycle Jacket – Jacob
Whether it’s done in cotton, wool or leather, I’ve never been able to resist a great motorcycle jacket. Jacob’s white textured cotton offering, priced at a very affordable $99, is downright irresistible. Not a practical colour, you say? With a price tag like that, this fabulous little moto jacket is completely worth the risk. (Just carry a Tide pen with you!)
3. The Blazer – Club Monaco
There’s always room for one more blazer in my rotation, especially when it’s as sharp looking as this one from Club Monaco’s September collection. Colour blocking trend or not, the combination of the light brown plaid and contrast navy sleeves is simply perfect. Dress it up for the office or keep it casual for the weekend – you’ll get a lot of mileage out of this jacket (US$249).
4. The Varsity Jacket – Roots
Whether or not you’re currently in school is completely beside the point. Varsity jackets have never been cooler, and if you aren’t lucky enough to have a vintage piece you can fish out of your (or dad’s?) closet, then Roots is your very best bet. There’s a range of styles and colours available, but our hands-down favourite is the Sorority Jacket in grey ($358).
With such chic outerwear options, it’s rather impossible to pick just one, isn’t it? 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*. And don’t forget to share your winnings with the lovely blogger who told you all about the contest. Hint, hint.
Good luck and happy outerwear shopping!
xx, S
* Open to Ontario residents only.
Image Credits: Burberry, Club Monaco, Jacob, Roots
Sponsored by Sherway Gardens
by The Backseat Stylers | July 19th, 2012
How’s that for foreshadowing? Just yesterday in our post about Jason Wu’s new contemporary line, Miss Wu, we lamented the lack of Nordstrom locations north of the border. Mere hours later, The Globe and Mail reported that Nordstrom is finalizing plans to open its first department stores in Canada in the next few years – not one, not two or even three, but four of them! This, my dear fellow Nordstrom fans, is a shopaholic’s dream come true.
According to “industry sources”, Nordstrom will be launching at Sherway Gardens in Toronto, Pacific Centre in Vancouver, Chinook Centre in Calgary and Rideau Centre in Ottawa, three of which are former Sears sites. The Seattle-based retailer is said to be awaiting approval of the expansion from its board of directors. The news has yet to be confirmed by either Nordstrom or Cadillac Fairview, but I’m already celebrating.
Rumour has it that Nordstrom is, not surprisingly, also keen to set up shop in both Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. However, with Sears uninterested in letting go of its TEC store and Yorkdale’s owners Oxford Properties reportedly insisting on a package deal with a Square One Shopping Centre location, this may not happen in the near term.
Nevertheless, the department store that recently topped a consumer survey of American luxury retailers – beating out Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and even Bergdorf Goodman, I might add – is coming to a Canadian city (hopefully) near you.
With it, Nordstrom brings a stellar designer list that at its U.S. locations includes everything from Gucci to Alexander Wang to Kensie; their incredibly generous Half-Yearly Sales and legendary Anniversary Sale featuring products exclusive to Nordstrom; a price matching policy I’ve had the pleasure of taking advantage of in the past (on a pair of Christian Louboutins, no less); and an unparalleled return policy with no time limit (seriously!). Essentially, Nordstrom is customer service at its finest, which will be a breath of fresh air in Canada’s luxury market. The Bay and Holt Renfrew, who will be directly affected by Nordstrom’s arrival, should take note.
I’ve been patiently waiting for years for a U.S. luxury department store chain to come north of the border, but suddenly Nordstrom can’t come soon enough. How excited are you, Canada? Because yours truly is on a high right now that’s usually only reserved for new shoe acquisitions.
UPDATE (Sept. 13, 2012):
The news has finally been confirmed! Read all the details of the new Nordstrom store openings in Canada here.
xx, S
Image via Retail Week
by The Backseat Stylers | May 17th, 2012 
Spring has finally sprung! But is your closet ready? I’ve finally packed all my winter gear away (yes!!) and have been evaluating my warm weather wardrobe from last year. Some pieces are looking rather haggard and beyond saving, while others now seem like, well, questionable purchases in hindsight. The conclusion? I don’t need a whole new spring wardrobe (nor can I afford it!), but a few essential updates are in order, stat.
A seasonal closet refresh that won’t break the bank means only one thing: a trip to Sherway Gardens! The upscale fashion and lifestyle centre is one of the best shopping destinations in Toronto’s west end, thanks to its over 200 stores, including many of my favourite retailers. My spring wish list isn’t long, and I know exactly which budget-friendly boutiques at Sherway Gardens will have what I want need:
1. Sweet Skirts - M for Mendocino
I’m ready to shed my black tights and show some leg – under some darling little skirts, that is, like the ones I’ve spotted at M for Mendocino at Sherway Gardens. Ever since I was introduced to Mendocino‘s trendy, more affordable sister, it’s been on my list of stores to visit for my fast fashion needs. My spring wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without the ladylike, blush-coloured skirt ($49) and whimsical turquoise polka dot skirt ($62).
2. Lightweight Knits – The Bay
With my thick winter knitwear packed away for the season, my sweater drawer is looking rather sad and empty. What it’s sorely lacking is a few lightweight knits like RACHEL Rachel Roy‘s Country Lace Pullover ($109) and Open Tie Back Pullover ($89), which have been on my wish list ever since I spotted them at the brand’s spring preview. Both styles are available at The Bay at Sherway Gardens, where generous sales may mean snagging these sweaters for up to 40% off.
3. Spring Jacket – Club Monaco
The arrival of spring calls for a new spring jacket! From light parkas to jean jackets, the possibilities are endless. The price tags on my two picks from Club Monaco, the Christy motorcycle jacket ($239) and Emma short trench ($279) aren’t cheap, but they are classic, investment pieces that can be worn for many seasons to come. Club Monaco’s Sherway Gardens location has many more styles where those came from, too.
4. Coloured Denim – Gap
Resistance is futile: coloured denim is where it’s at, so it’s time for me – and you! – to get on that bandwagon. Gap at Sherway Gardens offers jeans in different cuts and all the hues of the rainbow, starting at $69.95. I plan on taking the coloured denim leap in a pair of emerald green jeans this spring. I might even get my courage up for a pair of bright yellow skinnies by the time summer rolls around. What colour will you be rocking?
5. Wedge Sandals – ALDO
Surely there’s no better excuse for new shoes than a new season! This spring, I’m on the hunt for a new pair of wedges. ALDO Shoes at Sherway Gardens has plenty of open and closed toe styles to choose from and in a range of colours. A neutral-toned pair to wear with my new coloured jeans, like the Kanosh ($120) or Botwin ($90), is definitely a must. But which pair to choose? Perhaps there’s room in the budget for both after all.
So there’s my five-stop trip to Sherway Gardens all planned out, though I have a sneaking suspicion I’ll be making unscheduled visits to many of my other favourite retailers along the way. Holt Renfrew, Stuart Weitzman, Sephora…here I come!
Inspired to plan a shopping excursion too? Tell us what’s on your wish list for a chance to win a $100 Cadillac Fairview shop! card® gift card that will kick-start your very own spring shopping spree at Sherway Gardens! Contest rules are below – good luck! And be sure to check out Sherway Gardens’ brand new blog The Endless Closet and online store directory and follow the centre on Facebook and Twitter to help you plan your upcoming trip.
xx, S
Contest Rules [CLOSED]:
1. To enter, leave us a comment on this blog post telling us what’s on your spring wish list and ‘like’ Sherway Gardens’ and The Backseat Stylers’ Facebook pages here and here.
2. For a bonus entry (you must complete step #1 first), follow both @sherway_gardens and @backseatstylers on Twitter, and tweet the following: “Step into spring with the @sherway_gardens x @backseatstylers $100 Cadillac Fairview gift card #giveaway! http://bit.ly/KbVTqZ #contest”
3. The contest closes at midnight on June 17, 2012. The winner will be selected randomly and announced on June 18, 2012. The winner will be notified by e-mail.
4. This giveaway is open to our readers located in the Greater Toronto Area only.
5. There are no prize substitutions. Prize does not include travel and cannot be redeemed for cash.
UPDATE:
Thanks to everyone who entered the contest. Congratulations to Beth on winning a $100 Cadillac Fairview gift card for Sherway Gardens!
SPONSORED BY SHERWAY GARDENS
Image Credits: Sherway Gardens, M for Mendocino, RACHEL Rachel Roy, Club Monaco, Gap, ALDO Shoes
by The Backseat Stylers | November 5th, 2009 
A mere 7 locations across Canada to meet our Stella for Gap needs. I’m feeling rather spoiled here in Toronto with 4 of them!
xx, S
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THE BACKSEAT STYLERS BY T & S
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