All posts tagged: Holt Renfrew

Chanel Les 4 Ombres

Chanel Les 4 Ombres

This week I got to preview the new eye shadow palette from Chanel at the Holt Renfrew Bloor Street. Chanel Les 4 Ombres takes inspiration from the classic Chanel tweed fabric. The colours for each eye shadow palette are literally based on thread colours from previous Chanel tweed combinations. There are six combinations available: Tissé Vénitien – A tweed that reveals the mysteries of Venice Tissé Mademoiselle – A tweed in the colours of dawn Tissé Cambon – A very feminine tweed that accentuates the style of Chanel Tissé Gabrielle – A tweed that borrows its grays from a stormy sky Tissé Vendôme – A sparkling tweed that reflects the City of Lights Tissé Riviera – A tweed with hints of Southern France All the colour combinations are beautiful but I love Tissé Cambon, Tissé Riviera, Tissé Vénitien and Tissé Gabrielle. Chanel had one of their amazing makeup artists on hand to test drive Tissé Vénitien on me. Great makeup artists have a way of making you feel amazing and excited about a product and …

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Philip Sparks Shoes

I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Fashion, Beauty and Jewellery

It’s that time of year again and I want – I got is putting together massive Gift Guides of things I think would be perfect to give as gifts this season. The fifth edition of the Gift Guides is the one we’ve been waiting for Fashion, Beauty and Jewellery. This is a big one and I could go on for days with selections. Who doesn’t love the 20s? It’s my favourite style era and I love these Vintage Style Flapper Dresses by Cabaret Vintage. They range in price from $195 to 350 and are available online or at the Queen Street location. It’s really unfortunate that I don’t own anything by Comrags yet (Note to self, remedy this in 2014). I love the Quartz Border Ed Tunic by Comrags for $335. It’s available online or at their Toronto location. Philip Sparks’s Footwear is amazing. I love every style with the tall boots being my absolute favourite. They range in price from $350 to $495 and are available at the Ossington location or online. The ultimate …

Holt Renfrew x Paul Smith x Movember Mittens

Holt Renfrew continues with it’s designer charity collaboration with Paul Smith and a cause close to my heart, Movember. I think this is the cutest collaboration yet, limited edition mittens in Paul Smith’s iconic stripes. Holt Renfrew is looking to reach it’s goal of providing $100,000 to Movember through the sale of the mittens this season. I think they’d make a great gift. Holt Renfrew has collaborated with renowned British designer Sir Paul Smith on an exclusive collection of mittens for Movember. Paul Smith created the limited edition mittens uniquely for this partnership, which are available only in Canada and only at Holt Renfrew. Every pair of limited edition Paul Smith mittens purchased will help support the men’s health programs run by Movember. In Canada, Movember supports prostate cancer and male mental health initiatives in the area of education, awareness, research and survivorship. “We’re absolutely thrilled to collaborate with Paul Smith and Movember on this special edition mitten collection,” said Alexandra Weston, Holt Renfrew’s Director of Brand Strategy. “We partnered with Paul Smith to create …

i got: Chanel Summer 2013 Inimitable Waterproof Mascara

There are so many lovely things in the Chanel Summer 2013 makeup collection. Chanel Nail polish is always a must have for me but I never really though about Chanel mascara. I didn’t even know Chanel had mascara until I saw an email about Le Volume de Chanel mascara a few months ago. My catlike curiosity eventually got to me and I used a Hudson’s Bay gift card to buy the pricy mascara in black. Le Volume de Chanel didn’t disappoint and I loved its forumla and brush. When I saw the mascara colours for the Chanel summer 2013 collection I lost my shit. They were bright in a way that I usually isn’t associated with Chanel. Yellow (Zest), lime (Lime Light), aqua (Aqua Blue) and blue (Blue Note) aren’t colours you see very often and not in such a pigmented way. I made my way down to the Chanel counter at Holt Renfrew to get a look at them in person. I knew that I would buy Blue Note as I’ve been constantly searching …

The Great Gatsby x Holt Renfrew Windows

Are you excited about The Great Gatsby movie? I generally hate movie remakes but I’m very excited about the visual possibilities for this movie. The costumes will be incredible and that’s enough for me. The film didn’t play on it’s original release date in the fall of 2012 and was pushed till May 10, 2013. This isn’t usually a good sign but this is an eye candy movie for me. I doubt it will be better than the 1974 Redford classic. Holt Renfrew teamed up with Warner Bros to create two window displays. The Holts’s visual team and costume designer Catherine Martin were the creatives behind the windows that includes original wardrobe pieces from the production. The Great Gatsby x Holt Renfrew windows are on display at the Bloor Street location until May 20, 2013. Holt’s Muse has an interview with costume designer, Catherine Martin. To get customers into the roaring 20s mood, Holt Renfrew created The Great Gatsby Lookbook featuring products in the store that fit the 20s theme. images: courtesy of Holt Renfrew

geekiviews: MARNI Fragrance

Way back in November I sat down with Trudi Loren who is the Vice President, Corporate Fragrance Development at Estèe Lauder Companies. She was in Toronto to introduce Marni’s first fragrance to members of the press. I’m a big fan of Marni and head designer Consuelo Castiglioni. I see her clothing in person at Holt Renfrew and I find myself coveting everything. I wanted to know if she could translate that feeling to a fragrance. Marni isn’t stereotypical feminine either, how would that translate into scent. Trudi starts with the origins of the fragrance. Consuelo had specific ideas for the fragrance when she met with Estèe Lauder perfumers. They tweaked her custom fragrance after numerous design cycles using their knowledge to take the fragrance to market and still be true to Consuelo vision of Marni. She was very involved in every step of the design process, treating it like editing a collection. The starting point was typically material: it was woods and spices and the incense that Consuelo wanted, somehow reminiscent the woody landscapes of …

i want: Peplum Moto Jacket by Sacai

I got to touch the Sacai Peplum Moto Jacket in person at Holt Renfrew the other day. It’s so beautiful. I love Chitose Abe’s take on the moto jacket with the addition of the peplum back and the choice blue striped fabric. It’s available online at Barney’s and also available in Khaki Green. images: lyst.com

Kara Ross Spring Summer 2013 Preview

Kara Ross is Queen of the exotic skins. This award winning designer is known for her luxury clutches made of out of a colourful assortment of skins like lizard, python, alligator and ostrich finished with a clasped made from coloured stones. Kara is a certified GIA gemologist and she puts that experience into her handbag and jewellery designs. To compliment the skins, Kara uses mother-of-pearl, labradorite, black onyx, rock crystal and hematite gemstones. Kara by Kara Ross jewellery uses alternative materials like jet, marcasite, lava, wood and chalcedony to create her statement making jewellery in addition to traditional materials like resin, crystal, Malachite, Lapis, Tiger’s Eye, Amethyst, Turquoise and Onyx. I attended a preview of the Spring Summer 2013 Kara Ross Handbags and Kara by Kara Ross Jewellery. It was the first time I got a look at the product in person and I’m such a fan of the handbags. I love the Art Deco inspiration in the shape and the clasp design. The skins are so unique and colourful with all kinds of colour …

John & Jenn Spring Summer 2013

John & Jenn is the diffusion line from Line Knitwear designers John Muscat and Jennifer Wells. The collection features lots of stripes, bright colours and textured lightweight knits. I’m loving the stripes and bright colours of this collection, nautical and a little 80s. The model is a little thin looking in these shots for me though. John & Jen is available at TNT, Holt Renfrew and Mendocino. The price point is cheaper than Line Knitwear with nothing over $200. images: courtesy of John & Jenn

I want – I got Holiday Gift Guide – Part 3

So, part 1 and part 2 of the I want – I got Gift Guide Series are complete now it’s for Part three. This is the part three of four in the I want – I got Gift Guide series. I have so many favourite things I wanted to include. This gift guide is very much I want – I got. You’ll see things I want, things I got and other obsessions. Some things are affordable and some aren’t but I’ve tried to mix it up. The list covers fashion, beauty, electronics, art, toys and booze. Basically, all the items on the gift guide are I want – I got approved. So, join me the third part of this exploration of things I would love to see under my tree at Christmas. JdJ Studio collection Clover gemstone, sterling silver braided band or yellow gold band in blue topaz, amethyst or citrine ($375-$675) – 60 Bloor Street West, Suite 600, Jewel Box at Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Lobby, 181 Wellington Street West Jenny Bird Earth Angel Earrings ($125 …

I want – I got Holiday Gift Guide – Part 2

Yup, this gift guide madness is continuing. I’ve got three more days of I want – I got Gift Guides. You might want to take a look at Part 1 of the I want – I got Gift Guide series. This is the part two of four in the I want – I got Gift Guide series. I have so many favourite things I wanted to include. This gift guide is very much I want – I got. You’ll see things I want, things I got and other obsessions. Some things are affordable and some aren’t but I’ve tried to mix it up. The list covers fashion, beauty, electronics, art, toys and booze. Basically, all the items on the gift guide are I want – I got approved. So, join me the second part of this exploration of things I would love to see under my tree at Christmas. Clover Canyon Printed crepe de chine tunic dress ($238) – Net-a-Porter L designed by Linda Lundstrom Indigo dyed red fox Shawl Collar ($395) – designedbylindalundstrom.com RIMOWA …

I want – I got Holiday Gift Guide – Part 1

So, this year I lost my mind and I decided to create a holiday gift guide. I’m usually anti-gift guides because I’m not much of a Christmas person and gift guides are a shit ton of work. I don’t know what made me change my mind this year but here we are. People have told me this is a good idea, so I hope you find it helpful or amusing. This is the part one of four in the I want – I got Gift Guide series. I have so many favourite things I wanted to include. This gift guide is very much I want – I got. You’ll see things I want, things I got and other obsessions.  Some things are affordable and some aren’t but I’ve tried to mix it up. The list covers fashion, beauty, electronics, art, toys and booze. Basically, all the items on the gift guide are I want – I got approved. So, join me on this exploration of things I would love to see under my tree at Christmas. …

Holt Renfrew Fall Winter 2012

TFW Spring Summer 2013 – Holt Renfrew

The tile of this post is a bit of a misnomer because Holt Renfrew didn’t show any looks from the spring summer 2013 season. Instead they opted for a showcase of merchandise Canadian and international that is available in stores now. I don’t have much to say about in general since these clothes originally went down the catwalk in March. “Tonight we’re proud to present a special take on ‘Canadian Catwalk’ — celebrating Holt Renfrew as the destination for those who love fashion”, said Alix Box, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Holt Renfrew. “Our runway showcases this unique moment in our 175 year history with an inspiring collection of contemporary and designer fashions to wear right now.”(source: Press Release) Holts opted to hold a breakfast fashion show that showcased their Canadian designer’s spring summer 2013 collections. I missed this cause it was too early in the morning, ha ha. The show had about 65 looks and they had all the best models ripping through those looks. It didn’t seem like a long …

Jem and the Holograms are Coming to Holt Renfrew

The best news came across my computer yesterday. Integrity Toys Inc is releasing a new set of collectable dolls based on Jem and the Holograms. I’m super psyched as I really liked the show when I was growing up but was really a bit too old to play with the dolls (even though I really wanted them). Now in 2012, it’s acceptable if an adult has dolls, so yay for me. On November 17th Holt Renfrew stores across Canada will carry the first four characters from the original JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS collection. Following the sold-out release of the Special Edition: HOLLYWOOD JEM doll in San Diego this summer, Integrity Toys Inc. (under license by Hasbro) released the newest collectables in the series, which extends to CLASSIC JEM, her alter ego JERRICA BENTON, magical holographic computer SYNERGY and RIO PACHECO, JEM’s road manager and love interest. Each exciting character comes dressed in a “truly outrageous” and authentic look, which includes a set of rockin’ miniature accessories. “JEM fans will be thrilled when they see the …

Holts 175th – The Magenta Collection

Holt Renfrew is turning 175 this year. It’s amazing that this retailer has been around since 1837. Holt Renfrew started as a hat shop in Quebec City and over the years developed and expanded across Canada. In the 1930’s, Holts began it’s luxury focus and even welcomed Christian Dior in 1947 when he launched the “New Look”. The company was under foreign ownership for many years and in 1986 it was purchase by The Westons moving Holt Renfrew into the company it is today. Holt’s partnered with many of it’s luxury brands to create the limited edition, Magenta Collection. It was cool to see some Canadian faces in the mix like Smythe, Naked & Famous, Mackage, Moose Knuckles and Canada Goose adding their magenta inspired pieces. There are a number of limited edition items available outside of the ones I’ve posted here. You can see the entire Magenta Collection online at Holtrenfrew.com. images: courtesy of Holt Renfrew  

Smythe Pre-Fall 2012

Andrea and Christie of Smythe have unveiled their first Pre-Fall collection for 2012.  Now Smythe junkies have more jackets to choose from in a year.   The collection will be available after June 1, making my birthday month even more amazing. I’m a huge Smythe fan but this is the first collection where I wanted every jacket.   The furry ones are calling my name. I love the three coats with the furry details from the collection, but I’m also digging the check blazer with the cropped sleeve (pictured below). It’s very Thom Browne menswear to me. You can find Smythe at the usual suspects: Holt Renfrew, Dealuxe.ca and Ssense.com, Intermix and TNT Woman. images: Courtesy of Smythe.

Holt Renfrew x Tory Burch x FEED Limited Edition Totes

Holt Renfrew’s latest charity collaboration brings Tory Burch together to benefit Lauren Bush Lauren’s FEED Foundation and the Tory Burch Foundation. FEED was created to help fund the United Nations World Food Programme’s school feeding efforts stateside, abroad and during humantiarian disasters. The Tory Burch Foundation, together with partner ACCION USA, provides microloans in women-owned small businesses in the United States. “FEED is thrilled to partner with Tory Burch and Holt Renfrew to create and sell a product that will provide much needed food and nutrition to children around the world through the FEED Foundation as well as empower women through the Tory Burch Foundation. This bag is a fashionable do-gooder’s dream come true!”- Lauren Bush Lauren “I am so thrilled to partner with FEED on this initiative,” says Tory Burch CEO and designer Tory Burch. “I have always admired the organization’s mission to help children around the world. When this opportunity came up we didn’t have to think twice — the collaboration between Holt Renfrew, FEED, our brand and our foundation was a natural …

Phosphorescent Invasion, the LouLou Jean by Hudson – Spring Summer 2012

If I was 19 again, I would be all over the Loulou Tuxedo Crop Super Skinny Jean by Hudson. The style is inspired by LouLou de la Falaise, Yves Saint Laurent’s muse. She was a big influence in the design of Le Smoking. The thing that makes these tuxedo inspired jeans special is the glow in the dark neon strip that comes to life under black light. The rave going 19 year old me would have freaked. Here is a trippy video that shows the denim in action created by Hudson. The Loulou Tuxedo Crop Super Skinny Jean comes in three colourways: Dark Navy with Phosphorescent Orange stripe, Burgundy with Phosphorescent Pink, and Olive with Phosphorescent Yellow. Holt Renfrew is the place to get this denim from and it will retail for $265. They will be hitting the shelves this February.  On February 10th, there will be a big launch event during NYFW in the Meatpacking District including street art installations, videos and a big party at Scoop. images: courtesy of Hudson Jeans

i got: Black Perforated Leather Sandals by Givenchy

Trolling the racks of Holt Renfrew’s now or never sales is always a Saturday afternoon pastime. I have this uncanny ability to find great designer pieces at great prices. There is one sales associate at Holts that is always amazed at my finds over the years like Dries Van Noten pants, Rick Owens Jacket and Alexander McQueen Shoes for example. This season’s find are these sandals by Givenchy. They were featured in a post back in January called i want: Perforated leather sandals by Givenchy. I liked the white and tan colourway at that time but the black and brown is much more comfortable. I’m not a strappy sandal type of girl but these are Givenchy and the heel isn’t towering. It’s always good to have some versatility in the shoe closet to combat the clunky and platform heavy options.

The Celine Uniform

I received this in a Celine email blast a few weeks ago when the Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 treatments were being given to all the designer site. If I had to pick one designer to wear only, I think I could totally love the Celine uniform over and over again.  Celine is available at Holt Renfrew Bloor Street and Calgary.   I find it weird they aren’t listed on the website. images: celine.com

Sacai Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

I love Chitose Abe and Sacai.  The Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection is fun as always.  Season after season Chitose has be combining and reworking clothing in wonderful ways.  She blends knitwear, parkas, dresses and lingerie together with incredibly wearable and cool results.   This is definitely a line I always check out on sale because it needs to be part of my collection.  Sadly, I’m not there yet but hopefully soon. Sacai is available at Holt Renfrew in Canada. images: vogue.com

Rodarte x Opening Ceremony Spring Summer 2011

UPDATE: March 27, 2011. The collection is available at Holt Renfrew right now. Rodarte collaborated with Opening Ceremony for a small Spring Summer 2011 collection. Holt Renfrew will be carrying the line in Canada. I got the scoop on some of the styles you can expect to see in Holts and they are pictured below. Unfortunately there will be no Tapestry Fringe Cape or Bandeau Swing Dress. Overall, the collection really isn’t my style. I have some favourites with the tapestries. I like the Aztec Intarsia Sweater and Stained Gauzy Button Down. I don’t know what to make of some of it. Pieces like the Lace-Up leather shorts just leave me baffled, so ugly. images: openingceremony.us

Holt Renfrew Valentine’s Day Windows

I hate Valentine’s Day but even the Holt Renfrew Valentine’s Day themed windows brought a smile to my face. Holt Renfrew’s Valentine’s windows celebrate all things love. For the month of February at Holt Renfrew stores across the country, cupid shoots his arrow at whimsically –themed mannequin couples. Each window is its own love story, with mannequins expressing their love for one another while wearing the colourful fashions and accessories of the spring 2011 season. Some of the window themes include, the romance novel, friends of Dorothy, dating games and kissing a sailor. images: courtesy of Holt Renfrew

Zero + Maria Cornejo Pre-Fall 2011

So, Proenza Schouler has been my favourite Pre-fall 2011 collection so far. Zero + Maria Cornejo pre-fall 2011 collection is also among my favourites. I think it’s all about the print for me right now. Zero + Maria Cornejo always has fashion forward cuts that don’t forget wearability and comfort. You can find Zero + Maria Cornejo at Holt Renfrew and Jonathan + Olivia. images: style.com