Street-Style Sportswear: Activewear Gets a New Look from Topman Sport

Combining technical fabrics, functionality, and breathable materials with sleek fits and a heavy dose of street style, Topman takes on fast-fashion competitors, like H&M and Joe Fresh, with its foray into activewear under the new Topman Sport label.

The 20-piece capsule collection debuts with running tights, marl gym tees, and performance pieces with mesh venting and dry-tech technology. Reflective elements and thumbholes give the line a futuristic look and add even more function to the label, while daring prints and colour hues give this collection a signature Topman look.

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from Topman

Luxuriously Affordable Lingerie: Altuzarra for Target Hits Stores This September

Surprising us all, Target recently announced that its next designer collaboration, Altuzarra for Target, will be a little naughtier than the big-box retailer’s past couture joint ventures. Partnering with designer Joseph Altuzarra on a luxe line of lingerie, shoes, and accessories, Target will be releasing the nearly 50-piece, ready-to-wear collection in store and online at both Target.com and NET-A-PORTER.COM come September 14, 2014. 

Keeping Joseph Altuzarra's aesthetic for beauty in mind, romantic details and sensual styling are sure to be a part of the affordably chic collection. Set to range from $17.99 to $89.99 per piece, the Altuzarra for Target collection offers bedtime elegance at price points that women will be immodest to reveal. 

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from A BULLSEYE VIEW

Canadian Designer Collaborations: The Sarah Stevenson for Target Collection Hits Stores March 23rd

Shown here in the Sarah Stevenson for Target collection’s 12-page lookbook are colourful pieces that fashionistas on a budget can expect to line up for when the collection launches in select Target Canada stores on March 23, 2014.

The Spring/Summer line contrasts bright and bold, floral prints with darker shades of navy and black for a more sophisticated interpretation of the spring season. Laser cutouts combined with various other textures and fabric combinations bring Sarah Stevenson’s designer, textile-based aesthetic to the masses at an affordable price range, with the most expensive piece capping at $59.99.

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from Target

Seasonal Countryside Couture: The Jigsaw Autumn/Winter 2013 Lookbook Combines Traditional Styles with Modern Cuts

Sweeping countryside vistas, freshly chopped firewood, and warm, cozy, knit sweaters all help set the scene for the current, Jigsaw Autumn/Winter 2013 lookbook. The fast-fashion retailer’s men’s edit celebrates the best in British style by staying true to the brand’s roots with a seasonal selection of traditional tartans, plaids, and houndstooth designs.

Updated, modern tailoring and slimmer silhouettes keep Jigsaw’s menswear range contemporary and fresh, while its fabric selections, masculine cuts, and classic styles are all hallmarks of the label’s rich appreciation for the history and heritage of British fashion.

Starring actor and ‘Emmerdale’ veteran Noah Huntley as the ruggedly handsome face of the campaign, the Jigsaw Autumn/Winter 2013 lookbook is a sartorial story of buffalo-checked jackets, suited separates, patterned pullovers, and bold pops of colour. 

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from Jigsaw

Fashionable Christmas Countdowns: The 'Topman Presents Advent Calendar' Doles Out the Digital Deals

Offering a different deal every day from today until December 24^th, 2013, the ‘Topman Presents Advent Calendar’ is a clever way the fast-fashion retailer is vying for your holiday dollars online this season.

With a new deal gifted to shoppers daily on some of the brand’s most covetable products, including: outwear, luxury gifts, suiting, accessories, and edgy, fashion pieces, Topman’s digital advent calendar is sure to be a hit with those looking to score some deep discounts when checking friends, family and … themselves off of their nice lists this year.

Authored by John Ibbitson

Image from Topman

Fashionably Expanding Department Stores: Simons to Bring Quebec-Based Couture to Toronto Streets

If you ask any fashionable Canadian for advice on the best places to shop in Canada, department store Simons, which is located mostly in the province of Quebec, would definitely top their list. The family-operated chain of stores has been known to the style conscious for years as a one-stop shop for finding the best in affordable, fast fashions, in-house labels and designer apparel. 

With recent plans to expand the chain across Canada, Torontonians have eagerly been waiting for news regarding a possible store opening in their city after the first store located outside of Quebec opened its doors at the West Edmonton Mall last year. Now, it seems as if this plan may happen sooner than expected as the company is negotiating for retail space in both Yorkdale and Square One shopping centres. 

However, Simons does have some heavy competition against them coming from out of the south. The ever-popular, American department store, Nordstrom, which is also a favorite of Canadian shoppers, has also entered in the bid for the store space that is currently being leased by Sears. Time will tell who will win this battle, but THE BRUNETTES are showing their Canadian pride and rooting for Simons. 

Authored by John Ibbitson

Image from Toronto Life   

Affordably Couture Collaborations: The ISABEL MARANT POUR H&M Collection Hits Stores in November

Our favorite affordable retailer H&M has teamed up with French designer Isabel Marant for its next collaboration collection. The line is set to launch in 250 stores worldwide on November 14, 2013. The stunning collection will feature both clothing and accessory items for women and teen consumers that will exude the designer's signature brand of effortlessly cool elegance.

Thanks to the designer's youthful aesthetic, the upcoming ISABEL MARANT POUR H&M collection is sure to have fashion lovers of all ages, including THE BRUNETTES, lining up for the style-setter's covetable garments. Moreover, the collaboration will mark the designer's first-ever accompanying menswear line that will ensure a new following of fans for the Parisian talent.

Authored by Jana Pijak

Images from H&M

Audubon Athletic Apparel: The Agi & Sam for Topman Collection Takes Flight

 

Hitting stores on June 4th, the Agi & Sam for Topman collection is sure to fly off the shelves with its nature-inspired prints and soccer influences. The capsule collection focuses on sportswear, but really soars to ultimate heights with its sharply tailored suiting. 

With design references of egg shells, feathers, and birds' nests, as well as more literal owl prints, present throughout the range, one may be reminded of classic Audubon imagery when shopping the youthful, yet sophisticated, line. So if fine feathers really do make fine birds, then the Agi & Sam for Topman collection is one that shouldn't be missed. 

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from British GQ