Everlane: Heading North

For all our Canadian readers, we have some great news!  Everlane is going to be making it's way northbound.  The online retailer that turns out solid basics at an insanely reasonable price ran a campaign recently and met its target of $100K worth of pledges so up to Canada they go.  I checked out the pop-up shop here in New York a few months ago and I loved what I saw.  Clean basics, casual lines and comfortable/wearable pieces. To shop online just click here and sign up to become a member.

From perfect T's to silk blouses to wool sweaters to oxford shirts, Everlane has you covered.  By eliminating all the middlemen, the final cost of the garments to the end customer is significantly reduced.  When you look at a pricetag on a piece of clothing, even though the cost to produce the actual item might run $15 dollars, the retail price on the tag can translate to $100+.  Every party in the retail chain from the maufacturer, the actual designer, the distributor and the retailer all need their cut of the pie.  Everlane's pie just has less pieces than your average brand which benefits both them (since they can retain a larger chunk of the final selling price) and us - the customer (since we fork over less of our cash to buy an item).  It's a win/win situation.

I don't know about you but I always end up spending more of basics that I plan but, at the end of the day I get the most wear out of them. I know a lot of people who end up doing the same thing so I'm glad to see the expansion of Everlane to my homeland in Canada.

There are still a few days left of the Canadian campaign where you can pledge an amount to be used towards future purchases.  There are different tiers which come with different things but whaever you pledge you will receive a credit for in that amount (along with free one time shipping, early access or free stuff depending on the pledge level you choose).

Joe Fresh: À la Canada

I'm visiting my hometown Toronto for the holidays and wanted to show you guys/gals the humble beginnings of Joe Fresh.  With their flagship store on 5th and 42nd and another spot in Flatiron, I forget sometimes that it all began with food...

  

Loblaws (a grocery chain in Canada), is where the brand got it's first retail outlet - along with the dairy aisle.  Even though their US counterparts only have freestanding retail outlets, the Joe Fresh line is still primarily sold inside the grocery store chains here in Canada.

The concept is pretty smart - everyone needs food and everyone needs clothes.  I stopped by my local Loblaws today to pick up a few essentials:  Milk -> check, eggs -> check, bread -> check, chips -> check, wool sweater for $19 -> check! 

While the merchandise is a bit different from what's available in the NY stores (there were no cashmere sweaters available for example), it's still a fun and interesting experience - I definitely recommend it if you ever make it to Canada for a visit!  Whether you're looking to fix dinner, grabbing a sequinned skirt for a party or a sweater to keep you warm, Joe Fresh has you covered.  They also have a huge kids/baby section with some uber cute things (what 2 year old doesn't need reptile slippers!) which isn't available in the US.

On a side note - if you ever do make it to Canada and a Loblaws store, be sure to pick up a bag of Dill Pickle chips. They. Are. Ahhhhmaazzinng.

Anxiously Awaiting: FLARE x Aldo Fall 2012 Collection

Earlier this week, Aldo tweeted a preview of their upcoming collaboration with Canadian publication FLARE.  I'm dying to get my hands on the burgundy and red pair on the right.

Aldo and FLARE had collaborated last season on a pair of sandals which quickly sold out across Canada.  For fall, FLARE fashion director Elizabeth Cabral designed three pieces - a stacked heel for the day, lace bootie for the night, and a tote.

Photo by Daniel Harrison via Flare.com

FLARE x Aldo shoes: Oxblood shootie, $155 & Lace stiletto bootie, $175

I can't stop staring at these shoes.  I love the texture and details of each pair.  The red shooties make such a bold statement, and the lace booties are super feminine. Shoe lust!

Photo by Daniel Harrison via Flare.com

FLARE x Aldo shoes: Faux croc bag in blue and red, $70

And these bags with their bold color and texture are so awesome!  I would love to make one of these my work bag.

You can read all about the design process at flare.com.  The capsule collection will be sold online and at select Aldo locations, but I believe that's limited to Canada.  Time to reach out to your favorite Canadian.