Shopping with Sophie

Fashion News

Old Navy gets it right with boys sizes!

Posted on July 20, 2012

There have been a lot of discussions online lately about boys and self-esteem and body image.  Women have been dealing with these issues for decades, but now it seems our boys need the same attention.

There just don’t seem to be as many supports to help boys feel comfortable in the size they are in- they come in all shapes and sizes.

I was really pleased to see that Old Navy is trying to do better with a variety of “shapes and sizes” for all boys!  While this has traditionally been offered for adults, many kid’s stores just still don’t get that the need for a various cuts and styles.

The best example at Old Navy is the jeans- available in Regular, Skinny and Husky (many on sale right now!).  They have a fabulous size chart to help you find out what you need. 

Put Old Navy on your shopping list for this Back-to-School season….they “get it”.

If you shop online- shipping is always free over $50 and returns are a breeze!

Sophie xo

Fall Fashion Preview from H&M

Posted on July 13, 2012

Are you ready for Fall Fashion???

I know you don’t want to give up your hot summer looks to cover up for fall, but every fashionista and shopping addict knows that if you want the next season’s must-haves, you have to get them early!!!

H&M is a retailer who GETS fashion- and at an affordable price!  Whether it’s an accent piece to update your wardrobe, a top you never thought you’d wear or even some faux fur to bring out your inner Diva, they have it all!

Their website is one of my faves for great fashion editorial. Their H&M Life section bring you the latest looks for the upcoming season with fab photos, celebrity sightings and trend reports. 

All Autumn items in their preview will be available instore after July 18th. Check Store Locations.

H&M Autumn Preview:

1. London love letter
The irreverent style of British girls influences this look, blending a polished trenchcoat with animal prints and oxblood tights.

2. A chicer chick
An elegant fake fur collar and cropped slim jacket is the perfect match to this girlish skirt and weather-ready boots.

3. Funky college
Shake up the classic college look with some daring colour combos, fun layering and a beanie hat. The bright tights are an instant pick me up for rainy days.

4. The wild one
Show off your naughty side with a cropped biker jacket and black mini skirt. If the jacket says “Don’t mess with me”, the golden chain says “Glam bam, thank you ‘mam!”

5. Boho sparkle
Take some style cues from late 1960s boho girls, but refine the look with some nice jewellery and an embellished t-shirt.

6. Black and white babe
Wild-patterned tights are set against a tailored blazer and long warm scarf. Staying with a black and white colour scheme makes it easier to nail this urban cool girl look.

7. Colour shock
Cobalt blue is one of the season’s key colours. If you’re feeling brave enough, go for the total monochrome look. You’re bound to stand out from the crowd.

Show Your Colours!

Posted on July 11, 2012

While Canada Day has come and gone, the Canadian pride is about to come alive again with the Olympics coming to London at the end of this month!

Who better to outfit our athletes than our own national retailer, The Bay! 

Visit any Bay store right now and you will be greeted with the red and white Official Canadian Olympic Team clothing; tees, winter gloves, knapsacks, baseball caps,  denim jackets with badges and even babywear!  You can’t help but get Olympic fever when you see the designs and variety in what is available this year for kids and adults! 

Even if watching the Olympics on tv is not your thing (opening ceremonies start, July 27th), you can still show you support for our athletes by buying a cute tee or fun accessory!!  Prices are really reasonable with most tshirts at $20-$30. 

SOPHIE’S PICK?

It’s gotta be this hot Ladies Denim jacket!  Right now, all denim jackets are 50% off – and you can order directly online (using your HBC credit card gets you free shipping over $45!).  If you have a jacket already and you just want to add your own unique Olympic flare- buy a new or vintage patch for $2.50 and sew it on!

How will YOU support our Canadian athletes??

Stampede Fashion by Roots

Posted on July 7, 2012

I love proud Canadian retailers! They never forget their Canadian ‘Roots”….

The Calgary Stampede is celebrating one hundred years – and what could be a more perfect synergy than the Calgary Stampede and Canadian icon, Roots.

Stampede” fashion has be around in Calgary for a while now and even hit other cities from time to time- in fact, even Sophie had a few pairs of cowboy boots in her 20s! Of course mine were red suede!
I love that Roots wanted to support and celebrate this event with a signature bag and jacket with a custom logo! I also admire the bag’s design and authentic western hide. Roots always brings the leather quality, but also the modern look of this style could be used in any urban setting for the next 100 years! Roots is timeless. While they only seem to sell the bag in stores in Calgary…I’m sure they will be available for FREE SHIPPING on their site soon.

Roots helps celebrate 100 years

More on the Calgary Stampede running July 6-15th- watch this fabulous video.  

My Pick This Week: Maxi Skirts by Joe Fresh

Posted on July 5, 2012

Joe Fresh has my vote!

Summer is here and the hot weather has really hit us this week in the T-Dot.  When this weather hits, I love to feel cool in dresses and skirts for work and play but I don’t want to look like I should be on a beach!

MY PICK FOR THIS WEEK:

Remember the freeing feeling when you wore the peasant skirts from a few years ago…the same feeling comes with this season’s MAXI SKIRTS! 

Unlike the MAXI dress (that looks like you are going to a pool party),  the MAXI skirt can be matched with a simple tank or tee for a much more casual and everday look.  My sandal choice would be a cute flat gladiator sandal for daytime or even a cheap pair of flip flops from Joe Fresh for after work!

I was actually getting some groceries today when my eyes met this incredible MAXI skirt in the JOE section….I knew I had to have it!  It cost less than my favourite summer ice cream at $19!  Can you believe that price?  I totally love that JOE is not only accessible, but the prices are just unreal…seriously crazy low! 

Find the closest store to you… http://www.joefresh.com/en/stores/

Do you wear more skirts and dresses in the summer?  Will you try this long flowing look? 

Sophie xo

It's MINE....thanks Joe

The Power of Colour!

Posted on June 5, 2012

I was just watching this morning’s CityLine about the “Power of Colour” and I’ve been inspired to put some new energy into my blog and write about my LOVE of colour this spring!  Even my “go-to” colour trend source, Pantone, is behind this fab summer brights!

SOPHIE'S PICK!

Whether it’s an accent wall of a hot new shade of paint, fabulous new pillows, (I found tons on Esty)  or new linens to update your home it’s hard to escape the hottest trends this this Spring!

My closet consists of every pant, skirt, dress or jacket in black, mixed in with some denim, but for this season, I decided to hunt for ways to update my own look with colour (while keeping to my budget)!

I went to two fabulous parties this weekend and what was everyone wearing? CORAL!  Seriously, we looked like we were a school of goldfish! Pair your best jeans, with a cute coral top and sandals and you can make an entrance at any party!

Forever 21, Winners, RW&Co. are great places to pick up that cheap and cheerful coral tee or a flowing top.

SOPHIE’S PICK

I found my coral SHOE PICKS at Town Shoes.  They have fabulous tangerine embellished flats or wrapped up wedges now on SALE!!! 

 

What have  YOU done to add some colour to your closet?  Where have you found the season’s hottest shades on sale?

Recessionista

Posted on October 8, 2009

Fashionista is a badge worn by many. Often times it isaccompanied by a very large credit card bill & only brand names. However now days it can mean many things & has even been tagged as a negative. Due to the current state of the economy a knew title has been spawned. This title wouldn’t be caught dead with plastic or a name brand. This title stands for class & common money sense. Reusing pieces to make a new look & bargain bin diving. I love this knew title & feel I wear it proud.

Being tagged a recessionista is an honor for me. To me it means I have found a way to be happy & well dressed without breaking the bank. To be called this means that I have made it & my sense of fashion was not based on a label telling me what it is or is not!

Now this does not mean I dislike shopping…DUH! However I can’t imagine returning to my old ways of retail therapy as a cure all. For those of us that love to shop & have to budget I feel that this recession has helped us to examine our own  intent behind shopping. For me the love of fashion is a factor, but I also shopped to gain things that would help me fill a hole, or to obtain things that would give me self worth.

As I dawn a new day with a new badge of honor I realize that you can love something & not let it define you. You can be beautiful in Gucci, Prada, Salvation army, or Target.  Will I give up shopping.. no but would I survive if I couldn’t.. you bet!

So call me a recessionista, I am proud of it & my hope is that you too will consider examining your own shopping habit. Consider how, what,& why you buy. Then tell me which badge you want to wear!

-Sophie

xoxxoxox

Bankrupt Celeb lines

Posted on July 12, 2009

Today Celeb fashion broke the story about celeb Kimora Lee Simons Wife of Business & fashion mogul Russel Simons company having to file for bankruptcy!  The site reported the fashion Diva’s news today in this post http://www.celebrityclothingline.com/

 

She isn’t the only one the high cost of celeb fashion lines coupled with the sharp downturn in consumer spending has put several of these big name companies with high price lines in the red. I guess being the fair priced Target designer  doesn’t seem so bad! In fact big name designers who diversified and created lower priced lines for Target, Macys, & Kmart are doing better than ever!

Apparently Excess in out & thrifty is the new black!