Old Navy Takes Us On A RoadTrip: Spring 2015

Is there a better way to show that your brand is a favorite all across American than taking it on a road trip?  That was the theme of Old Navy’s Spring 2015 event last night.  The spring collections were grouped into destinations by climate with travel-friendly ensembles.

Food stands were set up along the path like a roadside snack stop, serving up spiked lemonade, pies, gourmet burgers and hot dogs along with rum drizzled milkshakes.  You could snap a photo in front of iconic American landscapes and a team was on hand to dish out road trip itineraries. 

The first delivery had primary, nautical colors like red, yellow, khaki, navy and white.  As “spring” is still pretty chilly when it hits the stores, there were cotton peacoats and boots.  For the second delivery, the color palette was denim-focused. The collection had a lot of blue shades with printed florals and stripes.  It was a dressed up denim, with dresses and statement necklaces to upgrade the look.

Things warmed up in the third delivery.  Brighter colors like coral popped into tropical florals and t-shirt dresses.  Sandals and sneakers were paired with fun, light rompers.

It was a treat to make my own trail mix, I think I have to try that at my next brunch.  I remember doing a lot of road trips as a child.  They were never this stylish or this tasty.  My family might have actually made it to Disney World if they had!

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Aritizia Holiday 2014

What are you wearing to work this winter?  Aritizia's Soho Boutique hosted a preview of their winter and holiday collection last week.  While this clothing chain is new to many of my fashion friends, they have been a go-to destination for Canadian peeps for years.

They are not selling revolutionary new styles, but are trend driven and sophisticated at a great price point.  This was the store that you graduated to after you left behind the fast fashion and high street stuff of placed like H&M to be taken seriously with the proper wardrobe of an adult.

I love that their designer look sportswear is price accessible to almost everyone. The super soft jersey and silk tunics I just purchased I have already spent days lounging around in, ($45-$75).  Their new fall dresses run mostly from $50-$165.

While I know their clothing pretty well, I am quite excited about their new handbag collections.  They are launching full grain leather bags in chic structured silhouettes in a price range between $200-500.  I have to say, most contemporary leather handbags with high end details like hand-painted edge coating and custom hardware are positioned in a much higher price point.

I don't know how Canadians manage to do it.  Like Joe Fresh, they seem to be able to produce stylish, budget-friendly fashion at prices that Americans just scoff at.  This is coming from me, who has worked on the development side of sportswear and leather.

Hello Aritzia, nice to see another ex-pat in town.

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Eva Mendes for New York and Company

I'm here at the Lucky FABB conference in NYC this week.  One of my favorite speakers was actress Eva Mendes.  She was this month's Lucky Magazine cover girl and was also there to represent her collaboration with affordable clothing brand New York and Company.

I don't usually review large mass market brands.  I also rarely find "celebrity" fashion ventures worthy of writing about.  However, hearing Eva Mendes speak about her goals with this project made me make an exception.  Here's why:

She looked gorgeous in her dress from the collection.  She spoke about her family roots from the low end of middle income family.  She talked about how her mission was to create a collection that looked beautiful that women from that economic level would be proud of.  Ms. Mendes humbly would not refer to herself as a designer as she felt she did not earn it (refreshing!).  She DID discuss bringing in a whole bag of vintage samples as design inspiration and proudly flaunted a vintage belt that cost barely more than a cup of coffee.

In a world of fierce red carpet competition, she stressed how women should support each other and how instead of "Who Wore It Best" it should be how everyone looked great.  She attributed her healthy attitude of body image to her Latin family which always encouraged people to eat, and entering the Hollywood world later (her 20s) rather than growing up with the pressures of being thin.

After checking out the collection online, I did find the sihouettes pretty and flattering to a range of body types.  The styles were timeless but modern.  The price point was indeed accessible, dresses topped out under $80, etc.  The most expensive jewelry piece was $35.

Eva charmingly borrowed an audience member's scarf to do a quick demo of how to do a head wrap which earned her a wall of instagram photos in response.

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Glitterrings Gatsby Jewels

A little eye candy for the weekend.  Were you inspired by the opulent style of The Great Gatsby?  Affordable jewelry company Glitterrings certainly were.  They launched a pretty collection available now that is styled with intricate vintage patterns in a rosy gold or silver metal.  Like their name, tiny crystals have an antique pave look.  

While I love this style anyway, I admit I do get sucked into film fashion excitement (I bought a dalmatian print top after watching Glenn Close's fabulous turn as Cruella De Ville).  I checked out the showroom for Glitterrings and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of their pieces considering their wallet friendly price point.  Rings were under $40, the elaborate pendant necklaces about $85. 

Have you ever been inspired to add to your wardrobe from a movie's style?  Which movie and what look?

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Top Easter Dresses Under $40

The holiday of chicks and bunnies is coming up.  I’m gathering up my favorite Easter dresses like eggs in a basket.  Looking for a “Ladies who brunch” outfit? How about a dinner date banquet dress? Ruffled frock to hunt eggs on the White House lawn?  Yes, yes, and yes to all and bonus when they are all so wallet-friendly. 

Start with 2013’s color of the year and don a sexy emerald green halter wrap dress from Mossimo for only $30. 

Sip a mimosa and mix two top trends of ombre and the high/low hem with the sleeveless Mossimo Hi-Lo pullover dress for $25.

I love the lemony ruffles of Prabal Garung for Target Dress for $40.  This one is perfect twirling in the garden in your bare feet.

The V-neck Mossimo printed dress looks like a bunch of glowing Easter eggs melting in the night.  It’s either that, or I am suffering from a sugar coma from too many chocolates.  All I know is that the sophisticated palette of midnight and pastels is pretty on this dress and I love the flowing hem.

Now that you’re properly attired for the rites of spring, make sure you have the right bonnets and accessories too!  But that’s for another day…

It’s Time for Springtime.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.”

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