Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week Part Three

Rebecca Taylor

Another day, another day at New York Fashion Week! Rebecca Taylor's collection was full of ladylike separates in pink, blue and soft grey. These combine a classic ladylike tailored look for a young sassy fashionista. If you ever pondered on how to make your work attire a little more colourful, the look on the left is your answer! Paired with a grey blouse and sweater jacket, it looks like grey is becoming the new black. The middle look is how I like to look when out on the town during the winter, a sugar 'n' spice cocktail dress with a chic fur coat over it. It's the way to cozy up when the temperature goes down. The last look shows how to add a little flair to a monochromatic look, add ruffles and a little texture. Now no one can ask why your outfit is so blue.

 

Jason Wu

He had his first break when he dressed Michelle Obama and has had oodles of success since then. His latest collection was inspired by the Baroque Period and the historic Chateau de Versailles, which created a beautiful collection for the chic princesses in all of us (I am talking to you Blair Waldorf!). High collars and crew necks seemed to be the shirt style of choice with this gorgeous black lace sleeveless blouse contrasted with a mustard yellow silk pleated skirt in the look to the left. This is how you do leather and lace as elegantly shown in the middle look, with the sunglasses adding an air of mystery to the outfit. The look to the right, is perfect for any cocktail parties you may have listed in your fashion calendars. The feather ruffles add a playful touch with the hint of red adding a dose of glamour! Bravo, Monsieur Wu!

Jason Wu 

My favourite Jason Wu looks didn't end with his above the knee looks up top, they also include these beautiful gowns that he had plenty of in his Fall 2011 collection. The gown to the left is Chinoiserie-inspired and very vintage-looking with the delicate flower pattern and small hints of gold. Shimmery and stunning. If you read Amanda's Fashion Spot, you know I love a red dress and this one on the right is no exception. With lightweight chiffon and satin that lightly floated down the runway, the black lace mask made a nod to the lace loving Baroque period and the look that I plan on wearing at my next masquerade party! 

What are your favourite looks from Fashion Week? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

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

Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week Part Deux!

Wider Shades of Red

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week continues through the deep freeze and snow, with fashionistas making their way to each show in their stiletto heels. You didn't think a little cold weather would stop New York's fashion set from looking their absolute best did you? Adding to the latest looks for Fall 2011, are looks by Luca Luca and Jill Stuart. These designers clearly had autumn colours on the brain with their looks in bright orange and rusty reds accented by the accessory du jour-although I don't think it's going anywhere-fur! The neon orange shirt dress by Luca Luca on the left is the perfect simple dress for the fall wardrobe, with the bright colour adding some cheer to the grey and cloudy months. The middle look also by Luca Luca, shows wide-leg rust coloured trousers and an ornately designed matching blouse with a soft grey fur coat. This is one of my favourite colour combos and an excellent way to up the chic factor at the office. The last look on the right, comes from Jill Stuart's forest-inspired collection filled with fox motifs on silk dresses. This silk dress is a beautiful bright red in an A-Line cut. The vertical stripes add a playful touch along the bow tied at the side.

Rebecca Minkoff

This collection was the quintessential chic downtown girl look. With fur bomber jackets, boyfriend blazers, lace frocks and dashes of leopard print here and there. The camel coloured trench coat with the fur shoulder detail to the left, takes a timeless look to a super glam, uber-chic and sassy level. Fur tends to do that to most looks, however when your wearing fur, make sure it's faux fur. The sassy leopard jumpsuit in the middle, shows that no matter how simple or lightweight a look leopard always make it sassier. With some stilettos, tousled hair and chain link bag, you're ready for a night on the town. Now onto the look on the right, the red tweedy bomber jacket make the look. It can be worn in a multitude of ways from over a cocktail dress for a sassy, youthful vibe or over a maxi dress for a boho vibe. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

What are your favourite looks from New York Fashion Week? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

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

Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week!

Another fashion week has begun and this time it gives us a sneak peek of what is in store for this fall. Since the weather is still frigidly cold, it is not too hard to start daydreaming about wearing these chic outfits. The first collections to stick their necks out for Fall 2011, are coincidentally newer lines by Zac Posen for his Z Spoke line, knitwear company St. John and celebrity stylist turned designer, Rachel Zoe. If their collections are any indicator, black, grey, white and lots of texture are what we have in store for our fall wardrobes.

Look on and be inspired:

 Rachel Zoe

Uber-stylist, Rachel Zoe is known for dressing all the most fabulous celebrities in Tinsel Town including Anne Hathaway, Cameron Diaz and Paula Patton. Her BravoTV reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project is hilarious and her QVC line is a hit! Now, she has branched out in the next logical step in fashion, her own contemporary line called non other than Rachel Zoe.

A true Rachel Zoe look would not be complete with touch of some faux fur, a maxi dress or a dash of the seventies and her debut collection includes all of the above! Highlights include, several faux fur bomber-style jackets, a vintage inspired black and white sequin shift dress and good deal of chic de la chic capes. My favourites include this GOR-JUSS double breasted wool and fur trim peacoat to the left. Hello! If this doesn't say chic winter wear, I don't know what does. I love it! In the centre is a perfectly styled outfit perfect for a crisp fall day. The light colour of the vest goes perfectly with the blouse. The last look on the right is true Zoe fashion with the asymmetrical collar and tiered layers. A goddess dress perfect for a special event or casual wedding. Kudos to you, Rachel Zoe!

St. John's


This line which is known for it's knitwear, has debuted its first-ever collection for New York Fashion Week by staying true to form with knit pieces such as, this simple yet elegant cream sweater dress accented with light grey leather gloves and a luxe fur cropped scarf in the centre. This collection focussed on well put together separates ideal for fall such as, wide-leg trousers paired with ruffled blouses and wool trench coats as well as knit dresses with fur trim capes. The collection was ladylike with some modern touches such as the look to the right, with a fun and trendy silver sequin maxi skirt with a grey v-neck sweater accessorized with a brown leather belt and ruffled gloves. The look to the left is the ideal ladylike look with the slightly off the shoulder leopard trench coat, because the perfect way to add a touch of glamour to any look is with animal print.

Z Spoke By Zac Posen

This is the second collection for the Z Spoke line and it featured a great deal of heavy wool, grey, navy and black, black, black! Once the temperature drops most people tend to dress in the colours of the night so its fitting that this collection reflects that. A very wearable line, it was full of separates perfect for that back-to-school fall look with a small dash of Gossip Girl style. The look to the left features a leather pencil skirt and black cardigan with a skinny belt, which is a classic and sexy way to add some edge to any fall look. No autumn look would be complete without a wool coat and from the looks of it this coat in the centre photo fits the bill of a uber-chic coat that goes with just about anything. The pleated striped skirt adds flirtatious touch to the whole outfit. The last look on the right is a bright navy, if there ever were one and continues with the grown up schoolgirl look of this collection. The light weight fabric of the skirt takes away some of the heaviness felt by the collection and the fitted cardigan is something that we all need in our drawers once September rolls around.

What are your favourite collections from New York Fashion Week so far? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

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

Fashionista.com knows where to shop, None other than the T.Dot!

As a fashionista, it is important to be well-versed on the fashion ins and outs of all the major cities around the world. New York, Paris, London, Tokyo and Toronto mainly. One look around the T.Dot and anyone can tell that a few of things that reign supreme in the fashion world here are scarves, Canada Goose jackets, leather jackets and vintage, vintage, vintage! It seems like a few other people are starting to take note of what us T.Dot fashionistas wear on our backs, starting with New York-based fashion blog, Fashionista.com!

Recently they posted their first ever shopping guide and they have started with Toronto! If you are familiar with the Toronto fashion scene you will recognize some of the favourites such as, 69 Vintage and Jonathan+Olivia, both on the trendy Ossington as well as the higher-end Holt Renfrew and The Room at the Bay. Written by two Toronto-natives Hayley Phelan current writer at TeenVogue.com and John Ortved, you know that they have a keen eye of what Toronto shopping is all about. Although I am surprised Mendocino, Aritizia and Joe Fresh did not make it onto the list, oh well maybe next time!

Check out the article here!

What are your favourite places to shop in Toronto? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

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

Fashion Inspiration: Lucy Kaylin Talks to Ed2010

One of the things that I love the most about the fashion industry is how inspiring it is. From a gorgeous Pucci print to a timeless Chanel quilted handbag to hearing how some of the top fashion players have made it to the top. It's not only the beautiful clothes that keep me excited, but it's knowing how they come together, go down the runway and end up in a magazine that keep me on my toes.

The must read website for any future fashion editor, Ed2010.com recently published an informative short interview with Lucy Kaylin, Deputy Editor of O Magazine, the printed tome belonging to the one and only Saint Oprah. Kaylin talks about how she ventured into the publishing industry, embarrassing moments, what a day on the job is like and most importantly, how to end up in a well-respected and fabulous job like hers!

To read the helpful piece, click here and let me know what inspires you to work in the fashion industry 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

A New York City Sample Sale!

 

In the land of fashion, west of the Atlantic Ocean we have the Big Apple. A fashion mecca in the world of fashion and home to the most amazing sample sales!

From November 9th to 11th from 9am to 7pm and November 12th from 9am to 5pm there will be a Nanette Lepore Sample Sale! On the 4th floor of 225 West 35th Street. enjoy oodles and oodles of the NYC-based free spirited designer's colourful, fun yet ladylike collections!


Cash and credit cards are accepted so get down there and have fun! 


Enjoy!

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

Hot Off The Runway: Spring 2011 New York Fashion Week

September to October is fashion-filled with the Emmy's, the Toronto International Film Festival, Fashions Night Out and more importantly, fashion week!

New York's Mercedes Benz Spring 2011 Fashion Week has come and gone with fashion being anything but forgettable. Designers showed the latest collections prancing down the runway and a few of the notable trends were sheer rosettes, linear graphic prints with a hint of embellishment in nude, white and pure saturated colours.

Check out my favourite looks from New York Fashion Week below:

 

Georgina Chapman never disappoints with her beautiful and geometrically creative fashion line, Marchesa. For next spring it is all about tulle, nude tones and bejewelled chains in dresses ranging from a mermaid silhouette to cocktail numbers that resembled avant-garde, fashion forward wedding dresses. My favourite looks include a cocktail dress with white flowing sheer fabric with an ornate top made out of jewelled chains. Perfect for any fashion risk taker attending a dinner party.

Anna Sui showed us the quintessential boho girl with a glam twist. Filled with layers and patterns with pops of burgundy and denim she showed that the relaxed cool girl in always in style. My favourite look is a lightweight military jacket on top of a nude embroidered dress with a feathered necklace. Crochet was also seen on the runway accompanied with a sheer nude, embellished tank top that would be perfect under a boyfriend blazer for any night out. I love the embellishment and dainty touch to this collection because it shows that casual looks can still be infused with a little glamour.

New York fashion designer, Monique Lhuillier has sure come a long way since her days at FIDM and created a beautiful collection fro Spring 2011. In this collection we saw full-length gowns, which are perfect for any red carpet or high profile event and ruffles adorning everything from blouses to cocktail dresses with pops of red and blue. My favourite gowns are a blue ombre sweetheart neckline dress with a full ruffled skirt and thin satin belt. I also love also this GORGEOUS embellished strapless gown which is the perfect stand out look. It reminds me of a fashionable version of Jessica Rabbit's signature sequined red gown. Meow!

Milly showed a modern lady's approach to separates with chic little jackets and trench coats. These looks are anything but basic and incorporate a great deal of clean lined graphic shapes and chic jewelled statement necklaces in every bright colour under the sun. I love the multi-coloured look with the bright red spring coat and purple and black striped top. Mixing unexpected colours and patterns is the perfect way to make any look personal and extra special and Milly shows how to do it while still being a lady.

 Christian Siriano is fierce, sassy and anything but a hot tranny mess. He has certainly made a huge name for himself after winning Project Runway with several fashion collections, books and a make-up line. His designs for Spring 2011 are every bit attention getting and perfect for the girl who wears her clothes confidently. The fiercest of them all is strapless gown with a full skirt reminiscent of a glamorous cloud with a bright shiny bodice. This dress is fit for any chic princess. For a completely different take on classic cut, try Siriano's pink animal print shiny blazer with coordinating shorts. 

Enjoy! 'Til the next fashion week!

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

Fall for Liv by Au Lit

Are you one of those people who start planning your fall wardrobe as soon as August hits? Have you already started daydreaming about a faux fur vest and leopard print scarf? 

If you are more than ready to start you Fall 2010 shopping spree, may I suggest stooping by Liv by Au Lit? The lovely boutique lifestyle store that sells everything from vintage-inspired vanities with crystal door knobs and ornate details to chic, chunky sweaters and stylish jeans. Their fall 2010 collection has landed and is filling up the racks with pieces from Amanda Uprichard, James Perse, Mink Pink and more!



If you are in search of the perfect Italian cashmere sweater (I know I am!) or leather leggings then be sure to make Liv by Au Lit your first stop on the shopping trail!


Enjoy!


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

So you want to live in Manhattan?

As you all know I have spent the last 10 weeks living in the Big Apple! It was an exciting, life-changing experience and I learned some very important lessons about living in the city that never sleeps. As mentioned in a previous post, for part of my stay I lived in the NYCIntern housing for living in Manhattan which is affordable and fit for any student (it even comes with roommates!)

What if you don't want to live the student life while living in New York? What if that's not your thing and you want to live like a real Manhattanite? Ladies and gentlemen, you are in luck!

There are tons of options for those of you who want to live in New York the non-student way. Read on:

1) Corporate Housing!


This is a form of housing that provides furnished or unfurnished apartments for a minimum of 30 days throughout Manhattan. Ideally for anyone who is living in New York City for a short period of time and does not want to sublet (which means you live in a stranger's apartment).

PRO:  It's great because you don't have to buy furniture. Also some offer house keeping and dry cleaning services.

CON: Availability for the apartments fills up really fast so you gotta be quick when booking a place. Be sure to check out the area you would like to live in so you can give the agents an idea of where you would like to live.

Try: Furnished Quarters and Bridgestreet

2) Extended Stay Hotels!


Some hotels offer apartment-style rooms equipped with a full kitchen and appliances, housekeeping and laundry services. These are great because you get the luxury of a hotel at a lower price point.

PRO: You get the feeling of being at home coupled with the benefits of a hotel.

CON: Some apartment-style hotels are located in obscure areas of Manhattan i.e. really North in Manhattan and in the really busy, tourist-y Times Square. Also, some do not provide wireless internet.


Try: Michaelangelo Hotel and Marmara Hotel 

3) Hotel 


If you are going to stay in Manhattan for a month or two, may I suggest staying in a hotel? If you are staying during the summer, many hotels offer discounted prices especially if you are going to there for a long time. The good thing about about living in a hotel is that they want to please YOU so if you have any problems i.e. bed bugs, cockroaches (Very common in NYC. EW! I know.) the hotel staff will be there to assist you in a heartbeat!

PRO: Security, daily housekeeping, a concierge to help guide you through NYC and the front desk to count on if anything goes wrong!

CON: Staying in a hotel can sometimes come at a hefty price however, don't underestimate the word negotiation. Also, many hotels have expensive laundry services and no kitchen or appliances. 


Try: On The Ave 


For part of my stay in Manhattan I stayed in a hotel called, On The Ave and it was great! I didn't have a kitchen but since I was staying there for a long time the hotel staff kindly offered me a mini-fridge to use during my stay. With On The Ave being located on the Upper West Side right across the street from a really cool organic restaurant it wasn't hard to take care of food. And when you live in NYC, who eats inside anyways?

For all of you independent types who would like to live in NYC, I highly suggest trying any of the above accommodations when staying there. Living in an environment that you feel comfortable in while living in a big, foreign city is crucial, so before you go rushing to live in student housing do a little research.

Believe me it is well worth it!

Enjoy!

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

A Day in the Life: I Had A Dream Part Twelve "A Canadian Girl in the New York City"

Well ladies and gentlemen, today was my last night at my very exciting, very fashionable and very wonderful internship. The entire experience was everything that I imagined and more. It was a complete change from anything that I have ever experienced in the fashion industry and I absolutely loved it! Going through this entire experience only reaffirmed all the hopes and dreams I had when moving to New York City and motivate me even more to go after my dreams. Mark my words, this will NOT be the last internship I have in this city. My experience here was only the tip of the iceberg.

Now that the experience is over, here are some valuable lessons that I have learned:

1) Always put yourself out there

Any time an opportunity arises to do something to help out your boss or try out something you have never tried before but have an interest in, do it! This will be an excellent opportunity to learn a new skill or a new facet of the magazine, pr company or showroom, that can be very valuable in helping you determine what direction you would like career to go in and an opportunity to do something fun!

2) Always ask questions

If you are unsure about a given task, don't be afraid to ask questions. It is much better to ask your boss how to do the right thing than not ask and do the wrong thing. That does not mean that you should ask your boss about every lil' thing. Try your best to figure out what you need to do to see if you may be able to find a solution and if that fails, you can always ask your boss.

3) Dreams DO come true

When I first embarked on my journey to New York City, I cannot even tell you how many told me that pursuing an internship here was impossible or that a Canadian pursuing an internship in New York City was unrealistic. As you can see, I am living proof that Canadians can get their foot in the door in the New York fashion industry. Let your haters be your motivators. If you someone tells you that you cannot achieve your life long dream of having a couture show in Paris or writing for British VOGUE, don't let them stop you. Stay focussed on your dream, believe in yourself and enjoy having the last laugh.

That's all fashionistas and fashiomistas! I loved writing about my journey to New York City and I hope I have inspired some of your to achieve your own dreams. Go big or go home and always shoot for the stars! 

I can't believe that my summer in New York City is almost over but this is not goodbye to New York City, it is only see you later!

Enjoy!

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

Twitter World? Amanda's Fashion Spot has arrived!

Dear: Fellow Readers, Followers and Fans of Amanda's Fashion Spot,

As I have mentioned many times on my blog, this is the year of taking risks and moving forward. With that in mind I have decided to take Amanda's Fashion Spot to the Twitter world, so if you are a member of Twitter feel free to follow me there too at https://twitter.com/AFSpot.

Thanks for reading!

Enjoy!

Amanda amandasfashionspot@gmail.com

Sale! Sale! Sale!: Love Potion No. 6 and Big Wang's!

It's everyone's favourite words...................SAMPLE SALE!

One of New York's favourite vintage hot spots No. 6 is having a sample sale this Tuesday, August 3rd starting at 10am. Just in time for those mix and match summer pieces to go with your fall wardrobe. (Sigh, fall is not that far away) Items will be up to 70% off and goody goody gum drops, will continue to be on sale after the sample sale. So check, check, check it out at 6 Centre Market Place in Little Italy. 

That's not all! The recipient of the Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund and winner of the Swarovski Womenswear and Accessories Designer of the Year awards, Alexander Wang is also having a sample sale! On Thursday, August 5th from 2pm-7pm, Friday, August 6th 10am-7pm, Saturday, August 7th 10am-7pm and ending on Sunday, August 8 10am-3pm, you can enjoy discounted items from Mr. Wang, the king of the sexy jeans and tee look. You know you love it! Where will you be able to find these fab pieces? At 93 Mercer in New York, New York!

Enjoy!

Amanda amandasfashionspot@gmail.com

Sale! Sale! Sale!: Vivienne Tam Style

We all love a sample sale don't we? Well if you are in Manhattan this Wednesday you are in luck!

Head over to 260 West 39th Street between 7th and 8th Avenue on July 14th at 9am and you will find yourself in the middle of a Vivienne Tam Sample Sale showcasing the 2010 Spring line. Even better, if you spend $200 or more you will receive a FREE butterfly printed scarf.

Don't you just love being given something after you have treated yourself? This will be an excellent opportunity to add to your summer wardrobe!

Enjoy!


Amanda

WINK: The City Made You Look

Upon a stroll in a trendy part of the Upper West Side, amongst Intermix, Theory and excited Eclipse fans lining up at LOEWS theatre, stands WINK. A cute, girly boutique filled with hot pink and silver damask wallpaper and crystal chandeliers. It is not just any WINK store either, but the very same WINK store featured on a recent episode of MTV's The City. If you are like me, you will probably check out the store hoping to try some Whitney Eve pieces but unfortunately you will have to wait until the fall.Until then you can enjoy the lovely, flouncy blouses, rompers and dresses by Yumi Kim and Amanda Uprichard.

       Lining the walls of WINK were lightweight pieces such as an oversized floral t-shirt, a soft brocade style hot pink party dress. My favourite piece had to be a navy blue romper with white stripes with pink and white flowers throughout. Made of silk and designed by Yumi Kim, it is my official go-to piece when I want to look like I have spent the weekend in St. Tropez or the Hamptons.

For you purse lovers out there, WINK has got your covered with their decorated purse wall. That's right! An entire wall decorated with purses hanging from a nail. It takes the concept of fashion meets art to a whole new level. My absolute favourite was a red leather cross body chain bag by Andrea Brueckner. Perfect for your summer nights and autumns days. Hell, it's perfect for everything! 

WINK is my kind of store with the perfect mix of girly fun and chic style. If you ever find yourself on the Upper West Side and need a place to find your perfect summer outfit, this is the place!

Amanda

A Day in the Life: I Had A Dream Part Eleven "A Canadian Girl in the New York City"

It has now been about two weeks since I have been in New York City and boy has it been a whirl wind! I have started my dream internship and it is fabulous. It is fast paced and fast fashion with a whole lotta fun in between.

Having an internship at a magazine and dealing with fashion one would think that in terms of style expression anything goes. However, it is important to remember that even though you may be working in a fun environment, an air of professionalism should be visible in your attire.

Ever wonder what is appropriate to wear at a fashion internship? Well read on my friend for some key advice:

Rule #1-Keep it undercover

Never wear anything that shows too much skin including short shorts, crop tops and low cut tops. The above may be in style and you are working in a fashion department but it does not make it ok to show the whole office your goodies. If you do want to have fun with your wardrobe at work, try it with colours or prints.

Rule #2-

A blazer solves everything, well almost everything

Keeping in mind the above rule, if you are going to have fun with trends in the office a blazer is a great way to keep your look professional. Blazers look great with pretty much everything from a romper, to a dress to skinny jeans with a button-up and are the perfect way to elevate a casual look to a professional one. For example, if you plan on wearing a floral summer dress to your internship pair it with a blazer, it will help take your look from fun in the sun to office appropriate. 

Rule #3-Ditch the heels honey!

Despite the fact there are tons amazing stilettos, wedges and pumps that are in this summer, believe me when I say this, leave them at home! At your internships especially a fashion internship, you will most likely be running around the city, the fashion closet and more. Make sure to wear flat comfortable shoes. You will thank me later!

Well that's fashionable folks! The basics to what you need to know about how to dress appropriately at a fashion internship.

Enjoy!

Amanda

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