Joe Fresh Has it All: Why be a yogi? When you can be a Jogi!

First, Joe Fresh was up-to-date on fashion-forward clothes for under $100 and soon Joe Fresh showed you how to accessorize those ever-so-trendy looks with their affordable costume jewellery line. Then Joe Fresh came out with a make-up line, nail polish and bath products and now, the perfect accessory to bring to your next exercise routine! That's right, Joe Fresh has a new line of exercise and fitness equipment to assist your workout with the newly launched and adorably named, Jogi! Is their anything that Joe Fresh can't do?

The line is a collection of jump ropes, yoga mats, toning balls and balance boards, all perfectly suited to amp up your workout and take it to the next level in style. Coming in hot pink and grey, they are the perfect motivator for those days when you would rather be sitting in front of your computer and reading Amanda's Fashion Spot.

The pieces are undoubtedly affordable ranging from $5 to $45 and are available at the Real Canadian Superstores, Atlantic Superstores and Maxi & Cie stores. I know what I will be using for my next yoga session. How about you?

What are ways that you up the style factor in your workout attire? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Rumour Has It.....Joe Fresh Heading South?

Fashion is always full of gossip and rumours galore with the latest one being that Canadian retail chain, Joe Fresh is heading to the Big Apple!

Following the footsteps of Joseph Mimran's baby Club Monaco, Joe Fresh may soon be available for our southern neighbours to enjoy on none other than Fifth Avenue. Despite having the majority of Joe Fresh stores being attached to Loblaws, the possible NYC location will be a stand alone store, second to Vancouver's location, that Flare.com  is reporting to be 15, 000 square feet.

What Canadian stores would you be interested in seeing on your next trip to the States? What American stores would you like to see on Canadian soil?

Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

J to the O to the E to the Fresh: LOU LOU Magazine Fashion Block Party is Back Again!

What's better than shopping and parties?


On Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 151 Bloor Street in the T.Dot, LOU LOU magazine and Joe Fresh will partner up for the second year in a row for the LOU LOU magazine's Fashion Block Party!

From 5-9pm enjoy yourself at the Joe Fresh pop-up shop and sip yummy cocktails, taste some hors d'oeuvres all while checking out the highly coveted Joe Fresh runway collection. If you thought that was not enough be sure to stop by and receive a $10 coupon off of your next purchase of $50 or more at Joe Fresh locations country-wide and spend $150 and get a one-year subscription to LOU LOU!

For more information click here and find out how you can shop 'til you drop!

	Amanda amandasfashionspot@gmail.com https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Chillin' on the West Side: A Fashion Comparison

In the West Village you have your hipsters, the West 11st Street Cafe, Magnolia Bakery, and one of my favourites, Marc Jacobs!

On Bleeker Street is the famous Marc Jacobs that carries Marc by Marc Jacobs and his even lower-priced line in which he sells fun items like $11 (woo-hoo!) flip flops and $14 cashmere ankle socks. Actually all the lower-priced, high-quality items remind me of Canada's favourite, Joe Fresh!

Oh the similarities! First, both are loved by the fashion crowd, New York for MJ and Toronto for Joe, second, both are contemporary, fun and colourful when they want to be, third, each dabble in the trends while still staying true to their brand and fourth, each show that being fashionable and high quality can be affordable!

In Canada, Joe Fresh is known for selling a slew of very au courrant yet classic pieces using high quality fabrics while still managing not to break the bank. Marc Jacobs lower-priced line as mentioned above $14 cashmere ankle socks, show that anyone can have a part of the MJ world without maxing out the credits cards.

Each time I have come to New York, I always love checking out the Marc Jacob's store because it is full of colourful, fun little pieces that are full of wardrobe inspiration. One of my first pieces from there was a purple quilted bag and today they have an enviable animal print plastic slouchy shoulder bag. They also have a metallic silver MJ monogrammed sleek gym bag that I would love to tote around, along with adorable heart shaped (and broken heart) compact mirrors.

On the clothes front, what is there not to love? My favourites are a squared shaped '60's-style striped double-breasted cardigan that was red, gold and navy, perfect for when fall rolls around. They also had the same jacket in hot pink, orange, white and gold with a matching A-line skirt. Super cute for your summer internship or strolling around on a nice day. I also loved a group of dresses that came in fuchsia and teal with large yellow flowers. They had a pleated neckline and pleated details at the pocket hem. They were made of some sort of silk or sateen and had a lovely shiny finish. Ideal for a summer night first date or a cool concert.

Next time you find yourself in NYC, make sure to make the Marc Jacobs store in the West Village one of you first shopping stops. You will not be disappointed, I promise.

Enjoy!

Amanda

One Little Closet, So Many Ways!

Here you go! This is my outfit from Monday. I am wearing a silk blouse from Joe Fresh that I love and oh so chic dark skinny jeans! (My favourite!)

Amanda

Galen Weston Sets His Sights on Barneys New York

Last fall, rumors began to fly stating that CEO of Loblaw Corporation, Galen Weston had the intentions of purchasing America luxury department store, Barney's New York. For those that may be thinking, "What does the owner of a grocery store chain know about fashion?" Well, let me fill you in my dears.

Weston's Loblaw Companies own luxury companies such as, Holt Renfrew, Selfridges in the UK and Brown Thomas in Ireland as well as Loblaws grocery stores that are in partnership with Joseph Mimran & Associates, which runs the affordable, chic Joe Fresh.

For years, Barneys New York has suffered a great deal of financial trouble thanks to the slowing economy and the loss of its current investor Isthithmar, CEO David Jackson, leaving the company without a CEO. If the rumors are true then Mr. Weston will soon be able to add Barneys New York to his list of companies.

As a Canadian fashionista, I have become accustomed to hearing news of American take overs of Canadian fashion companies (Hudson's Bay, anyone?) and to hear this is honestly a breath of fresh air. It is nice to see that a Canadian company has the potential to stand its own overseas.

We will all have to stay tuned to see how this unfolds.

Amanda

Fashion Gives Backs This Winter with CHFI's Give-A-Kid-A-Coat

With the weather getting colder and colder, fashionistas and fashionistos, are looking for different fashionable ways to bundle up and stay warm. While looking fashionable is a top priority to many of us in that Canadian chilly months, staying warm is the only concern for children whose parents cannot afford to purchase a warm winter coat.

That is where local Toronto radio station 98.1 CHFI comes in, with their Give-A-Kid-A-Coat Drive. Between November 6th and 8th be sure to make your way to the Scarborough Town Centre to donate a new or gently used clean coat. Coats are accepted in all sizes to accommodate children of all sizes, so don't forget to bring that winter coat you bought last year with the tags still and never wore. Also, be sure to bring that impulse purchase that you bought six weeks ago and can't refund because it is past the store's time limit for refunds.

Remember that your donation will make a very lucky child enjoy the chilly winter in comfort. One person's trash is another person's treasure, so get out there and donate!

For more information, click here.

Amanda

LG Fashion Week Round Up!: Numero Uno

So now the famous LG Fashion Week has come to a close and may I say that this fashion week had to have been my favourite thus far! In addition to a new venue, increased (and deserved) exposure, the designers pulled out their very best. Each collection took a risk in it's own right and made something that was truly memorable. Elegance, romance and modernity sums LG Fashion Week Spring 2010 for me. What about you? Check out some of the loveliest looks for the warm season.
-Nada Sheppard is always one to take a calculated risk when it comes to her designs. Her clothing always show women in a strong, powerful way that screams glamour. From her Dynasty-inspired collection from a few seasons back, to her Utopian leather dominatrix looks of Fall 2009, Nada never forgets to show that a strong woman knows how to dress and her Spring 2010 line is no exception. Filled with painted lace and perforated leather, the collection that aims to express, in her words, "infatuation" did just that with bouffant hairstyle and sexy pencil skirts. Despite the strong looks, the collection also had an element of soft Romanticism with touches of silver and lavender.

-Kimberley Newport-Mimran. Now she does she know style or does she know style? Her spring 2010 collection was nautical, sophisticated and defined city chic! Black and white stripes dominated the runway appearing on fitted mini skirts, wrap dresses with exaggerated shoulders and open cardigans. Sequins added shine to pants and boleros, showing that just because the temperature is rising, it doesn't mean you have to put away the shine. The models made their way down the catwalk with that oh-so-cool fashion attitude with loose hair and a subtle red pout. In the Pink Tartan world chic is the name and fashion is the game!

-Joe Fresh Style is slowly, if not already, becoming Canada's go to spot for affordable and irresistibly stylish pieces. Being the most anticipated show of LG Fashion Week for the past 3 years, the Joe Fresh show made a statement with underwear being worn as outerwear. Theodora Richards daughter of rock legend, Keith Richards kicked off the show filled with, as Mr. Mimran himself describes "transparency". Sheer blouses and skirts in nudes, creams, yellows and pinks pranced along the runway creating a soft, clean look for spring. One of my items were the white clogs and loafers as well as diaphonous pink skirt. For one who does not wear running shoes and finds flats terribly uncomfortable, these are a chic, fresh approach to the famous flat and the floaty pink skirt will bring out the inner ballerina in all of us.

Stay tuned for LG Fashion Week Part Deux!

Amanda

J to the O to the E to the Fresh: Lou Lou Magazine Fashion Block Party

On a humid Wednesday night, swarms of eager shoppers filled the Joe Fresh shopping boutique in Yorkville's, SassaFraz. 

As a Joe Fresh employee and lover of all things fashion, I had the privilege of participating in this exciting fashion event. The large second floor of SassaFraz was a cool escape from the sticky evening and served as a cool retreat to shop, shop, shop! 

The room had minimal decoration with the fall/winter '09 styles from Joe Fresh lining the cream coloured walls with white ornamental trees in the centre of the room. The fall/winter '09 Joe Fresh fashion show played in the background as make-up demonstrations for the Joe Fresh make-up line took place. Shoppers were able to sip on champagne, dine on hor d'oeurves and browse the racks of affordable fashion.

The shopping clock struck 6pm and from start to finish the event was packed from the cash register to the entrance. Popular items, such as the faux leather motorcycle jacket, classic argyle sweaters and bell-shaped skirts sold out in about an hour. (Typical Joe Fresh which is known to sell out of its popular styles in a matter of days!)

All in all it was a joyous occasion that brought together Toronto's fashionably elite, working girls and everyday women together, who were able to bond over their excitement of this spin on shopping. 

Amanda

Fall Inspirations: Fall Fashion Finds

Here are some of my latest fashion finds. Each evoke a certain sophisticated femininity that I love. 

Photo #1: The fucshia bubble skirt (from Joe Fresh) is a really fun piece that adds a little flirtiness and ease to my fall wardrobe. Paired with a black turtleneck, statement necklace and some booties will make for a look that is a paired-down version of glamour. 

Photo #2: Believe or not, that motorcycle jacket is only $49 (kudos to Joe Fresh). I like to wear it with a white ruffled top (from Joe Fresh) because it adds a soft touch to the edgy jacket.

Photo #3: The nautical look is one of my favourites and I love that this dress (from Anthropologie) has adds that appeal with a shade of green. The fit is divine and I can't wait to wear it with a grey or yellow knit cardigan.

Photo #4: This is my new favourite skirt (from Anthropologie). It fits like a glove and has a classic yet modern look. The thick tweed-like weave is puurfect for fall and it goes just about anything from, the ruffled top (above) to a classic knit sweat.

Amanda

LOU LOU Magazine turns the big 5!

NYC may have Fashion's Night Out, but Toronto has a fashion block party. To celebrate it's 5th anniversary, Canada's Shopping Expert, LOU LOU Magazine has a whole a list of fun, fashionable events. 

Kicking off in Toronto on September 23rd, 2009 there will be an exciting shopping block party taking place on Bloor Street's Banana Republic, Guess?, Town Shoes, Winners, BCBG Maxaria, Gap and Puma stores. Not to be outdone, Canada's favourite recessionista-friendly store, Joe Fresh will have a pop-up boutique in Yorkville's, Sassafraz.

Each of these participating stores will be offering some sort of discount whether it be a 25% off coupon at Banana Republic or a $10 Joe Fresh gift card after spending $50 at the pop-up shop! (Woo-hoo!)

That's not all to the fashionable soiree. Each store will also have a little something extra to add to your shopping adventure, whether it be LOU LOU's editor-in-chief's Claude Frambroise's take on fall trends or an acoustic performance by musician Kate Voegele.

If you won't be in Toronto to enjoy shopping affair (no need to fret!) the block party will be travelling to Montreal the very next day!

For more on this tres chic shopping block party, click here. 

Amanda

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!! Celebrate your country's birthday in style

Many people find wearing your country's colours to be a little tacky or corny but personally I find it lots of fun! I love the holidays and any excuse to have fun with fashion (don't get me started on Hallowe'en). Today is Canada Day and I thought what better way to show this amazing country some love than wearing it's colours. Ready on for some helpful tips to wave your patriotic flag with style!

Checkmate!

I find the best way to mix to solid colours, is to do it with a print. Gingham is great because it is classic, vintage-looking and a fresh alternative to plaid. Just look at the fitted button-up from H&M towards the top of the article or full skirted Michael Kors Spring 2009 dress to the right. These are both great ways to incorporate a little patriotic style at the barbeque.

Flower Power

If you plan on spending your Canada Day by the pool, why not try wearing a floral printed bathing suit? The vintage red and white style of the Jessica Simpson Collection swimsuit above, looks great with a large white sun hat or red pashmina to cozy up while watching the fireworks.

Red meets White

Luckily, Canada Day is right at the cusp of the summer, which means you have more options to wear different types of clothing. For example, you can pair white pants with a vertical striped blouse or like the photo above, cute white shorts with a gingham button-up.

Pierre Elliot Trudon't

The best way not to look like your great Aunt Joyce from the retirement home, is to never, ever wear the following items: a gigantic tent like t-shirt with a large red maple leaf (believe me, this is flattering for no one) and maple leaf monogrammed anything. Also, don't wear shorts with a top, hat and shoes whilst carrying a Canadian flag that all say Canada at once. Like any trend, it is important to have balance with strategically placed colours, prints and a good 'ole maple leaf. Take a look at the DSquared maple leaf high heels. Dean and Dan take their Canadian pride and turn into stylish stiletto.

So remember ladies and gentleman, when going out tonight remember to show your patriotism and to always do it with style!

Amanda

What's In Your Closet?: A look at where your clothing is made and how it affects it's retail price

Dragon Warrior
Have you ever wondered where your clothing comes from? Are you one of those people that reads the tag of your clothing before making a purchase? For a recent school assignment, I had to look through my wardrobe and record the country of origin, fibre content, brand name and price of 35 pieces from my wardrobe. As I rummaged through very full closet, I discovered that (expectedly) that the majority of my garments were manufactured in China with these items accounting for 42% of my wardrobe. The garments that I had purchased in China included a $100 Adidas sweater made of polyester and cotton purchased from Aritzia, a $15 fitted blue t-shirt made of spandex and cotton purchased from Garage and a $19 white eyelet dress made of polyester and cotton purchased from Reitmans. What I found interesting from this selection, was that the most expensive item (a brand name) used the same fibre content and was manufactured in the same country as the two lesser expensive items. This discovery made me realize that there is more to retail price than just the country of origin or fibre content for a given garment. Retail price can also be determined by brand name, designer prestige and store image.

Oh Canada!
To my surprise, Canada came in second place (WOOHOO!) with 19% of my wardrobe being manufactured in the North American country. This was something I was pleased to discover because personally, I am a very strong supporter of Canadian manufactured apparel items and although Canada does have a good reputation in terms of workmanship, the last thing that this nation in known for is apparel manufacturing. Clothing items that were manufactured in Canada include, Guido & Mary jeans purchased from Jean Machine with a retail price of $119.95, a plaid fitted dress from Le Chateau with a retail price of $89.95 and a floral printed tank top from La Senza with a retail price of $25.

Mass Manufactured Quality
As I continued with my treasure hunt it was revealed to me that (surprise, surprise) the majority of my wardrobe has been purchased from fast-fashion retailers such as Forever 21, H&M, Joe Fresh Style and Zara. Each of these retailers are known for providing trendy, affordable apparel items that often have lower quality standards, are made with less expensive fibres and are manufactured in countries with lower labour wages. My army green button-down quarter-sleeve length shirt from H&M, grey and navy striped sweater from Joe Fresh Style and polka dot halter top from Zara each contained high quality, more expensive fibres, including lambswool, silk and linen. This stood out to me because the average price of these items were $36, an affordable price for a top and they all contained a natural fibre, something that tends to be used with more expensive garments. After reviewing this I realized that budget retailers are able to charge lower prices for their garments because they tend to purchase them in larger quantities. In the apparel industry, the more fabric you buy the less expensive it is.

Winding Up
Taking the time to look at my clothing from a different perspective (not just admiring the beautiful details, prints and fit) made me realize that even though a certain item is manufactured in a particular country, it does not mean that the fibre content of the garment came from that country. For example, according to my results spandex is often used in garments that have been sourced from Canada, China, Morocco, Spain and Turkey. This activity has encouraged me to take a closer look at the garments that I purchase. Instead of only looking at the construction and aesthetics of a garment, I will begin to look at the country of origin and how it relates to fibre content, store image and retail price. Now, how about you?


Amanda