Magnolia wants you and a friend to shop free!

With all the lovely seventies inspired and colourful clothes for spring infiltrating magazines, blogs and street style everywhere, you may be thinking it's time to update the 'ole wardrobe! And what better way to do that than at a chic boutique that is kept all to yourself, so you can shop, sip on some bubbly and nibble some delicious cupcakes!

Magnolia offering you the chance to shop at their boutique at 333 Eglinton Avenue in the T.Dot with a $700 shopping credit and 15% off following purchases in the year 2011.

If this sounds like the ideal way to spend your afternoon, then all you have to do is send an unique email to springshopping@magnolia.ca including your Twitter or Facebook account and tell them how your clothing choices effect your everyday life. Then, log on to Twitter, follow Magnolia @magnoliatoronto and tweet: "Dear @magnoliatoronto, I want the $700 shopping spree". After that, "like" Magnolia on Facebook and become a temporary fashion critic by commenting on an outfit. You can look at the picture by clicking, here.

To take advantage of this exciting shopping opportunity, enter this contest by Saturday, March 5th, 2011 at noon so you can shop until you drop with Magnolia! For full details on this exciting opportunity, click here.

What do you love about fashion contests? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

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

Embrace Valentine's Day Cocktail Party featuring Bijoux Bead

Magnolia boutique located at 333 Eglinton Avenue celebrated Valentine's Day early at the Embrace Valentine's Day Cocktail Party. Showcasing Bijouxbead, an intricate and earthy collection of handmade necklaces, bracelets and earrings - made with glass, metal and stone - this was the place to be for all the single ladies who wanted to treat themselves or the gentlemen who wanted to treat their ladies. After all, diamond's (in this case, beads) are a girl's best friend!

It was a chilly and icy night but that didn't stop the fashionable attendees from stepping out. Enjoying some bubbly and cupcakes, guests were able to browse the cozy yet elegant boutique which carries the designs of Moschino, Pringle of Scotland and Canadian designer, Tara Jarmon. Despite the beautiful clothes, this evening was all about the jewellery, in fact this is the first time that owner, Juan Carlos has had jewellery in his store.

Bijouxbead designer, Darlene Martin has had a lot of success, with her jewellery line being held in several Canadian galleries as well as creating a line of necklaces inspired by Evan Bidell's, Sunny Fong's and Andy The Anh's Spring/Summer 2010 fashion lines.

It was a lovely affair and the perfect way to kick off the long Valentine's Day weekend!

Amanda