Source: InStyle (Left to Right): Camila Alves, Pippa Middleton, Zoe Saldana, Duchess Catherine

 One of the biggest trends right now is coloured denim and pants. From celebrities, to royalty, to fashion bloggers, it seems everyone is finding new ways to incorporate colour into the bottom half of their wardrobes!

I took a browse around the shops of Brunswick Square and found plenty of colourful bottoms in different cuts and sizes!

You can wear coloured bottoms with either a neutral top or be a little bold and mix them with a different colour top, a pastel or bright hue, for a colour-blocking effect!

As when buying any trouser or jeans, before making the purchase, try them on, be sure to move around in them and always try a sit test. Being comfortable and choosing the right fit for your body is most important. Then, have fun and take your pick of the rainbow! Dress them up or dress them down for work, casual, or an evening out!

Love Quotes scarves are quality, lightweight linen scarves that come in a wide variety of colours. Each scarf comes with an inspirational quote and 10% of proceeds are donated to international childrens charities. Not only will you look good in this cozy scarf and feel good about making a contribution to charity, but how often do you get the chance to say you’ve worn the same item as fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker (aka Carrie Bradshaw)?

Not only can you look as hot as Kate Winslet did in this Elie Saab dress, but you don’t have to break the bank to find a similar gown at Colwell’s. Also, check out the keyhole back , of this glamourous gown! Show off your curves and save thousands of dollars for this designer-look JS Collection dress. For $240, you’re actually paying less than stores online (and you’d don’t have to pay or wait for shipping)!

Hany Panky is an underwear, sleepwear and lingerie line made in the USA that is a favourite of countless celebrities. Each piece of undewear is made of over 30 yards of thread- more thread translates into more stitches per inch, which results in a high-quality product.

Your outfit starts with your undergarments, so picking a comfortable pair is an essential for all day garment wear. These underwear prevent you from committing a fashion faux pas by not showing your panty line! You can even check out the size chart before you go shopping.

For those brides to be, check out this perfect “I Do” thong  for you big day and cross that something new off your list! (You can even get specially labelled underwear for your bridesmaids!)

It’s no secret that Kate Middleton is closely watched for what she wears and has become a trendsetter world-wide. Now you can channel Kate’s classic, sophisticated style in this JS Collection dress that looks identical to the Erdem dress she wore. The only difference you’ll notice is the price: the JS Collection dress sells for a fraction of $1600 Erdem dress worn by the Dutchess of Cambridge.

Be sure to visit Colwell’s Ladies store on the 2^nd level of Brunswick Square and follow them on Facebook to stay up to date on their new arrivals and other celebrity-worn styles!

This week, for the spring edition, the event will be taking place this week on Thursday, April 5! Here’s an opportunity to glam up (might I might recommend practical shoes for running from shop to shop!) and meet us at 6pm for the kickoff at Brunswick Square’s centre court on the 1^st floor!

Brunswick Square will kindly be providing free parking tokens for parking in their garage that evening and be serving some delicious sparkling punch! You’ll also be able to get your hands on a list of the shops, what they are offering that evening, and a map guide you to the participating shops! And the same rule applies again: the 1^st 100 shoppers on the scene will receive a surprise goody bag!

If you take a look at the map (below), ½ of the participating retailers are actually located right in Brunswick Square! Be sure to visit the 2^nd floor and guess which mannequin is wearing which fashions from which Brunswick Square shop! Guess right, and you could win a gift certificate from Brunswick Square to spend on your favourite outfit!

Here’s the scoop on what your favourite Brunswick Square shops will be offering up this Thursday, so get ready to do some serious shopping!

• Perfumes Plus (1^st floor)- starting at 6:15pm, they’ll be hosting a liquid eye liner how-to demo every half hour and offering free samples with purchase!
• Collectables (2^nd floor)- at 7pm, see their latest items on live models- they’ll be hosting a live mini fashion show!
• Je Suis Prest Boutique (2^nd floor)- to celebrate their 3^rd anniversary, they’ll be offering treats, drinks and special discounts!
• Cricket Cove (2^nd floor)- offering no tax from 6-9pm along with some treats!
• Jay Set (2^nd floor)- will have tasty treats available while you shop their store!
• Colwell’s Ladies (2^nd floor)- no tax from 6-9pm and serving treats too!
• Pseudio (2^nd floor)- shop tax free on regular priced merchandise and enjoy Starbucks samples!
• Olsen Europe (2^nd floor)- they’ll be hosting a draw for a whooping $250 gift certificate!
• Baubles (3^rd floor)- spend $25+ & enter your name for $250 Gift Certificate. You’ll receive a free pair of earrings with ANY Arcane purchase. They’ll be announcing a new product launch that evening, and to top it off, they’ll be serving a delicious combination of champagne & chocolates!
• Colwell’s Mens (3^rd floor)- no tax from 6-9pm and serving treats!
• Franks Furs (3^rd floor)- you can enter to win a $75 gift certificate draw! Grab yourself a tasty cupcake and sip on some tea or coffee while you shop.
• Hairacy’s (3^rd floor)- have your style questions answered! They’ll be available to answer to your hair woes and wishes regarding color, condition, styling tips, style suitability, and hair alternatives. Want the opinion of a pro? Just head up to the 3^rd floor!

So be sure to head to Brunswick Square this Thursday to shop the night away from 6-9pm, hit the other shops uptown and then relax at the Canterbury Lounge after 9pm, where you can exchange your coupon included on the itinerary card to sip on a special fashionista cocktail!

BB Dakota’s Able Pant in Cosmo’s February issue featured as one of their picks office pants.

BB Dakota’s Naples jacket featured in Marie Claire’s January/February issue
 to recreate an affordable runway look

An excellent selection of the entire spring line  for BB Dakota is currently in-store at Je Suis Prest Boutique. What I love about the collection this season is the variety in colours: the mix of brights and pastels. There’s a lot of solids to chose from, which make them very easy to mix and match in your current wardrobe as well as some beautiful eye-catching prints that you won’t be able to resist- I couldn’t leave the store without the striped Auburn top (2^nd from the left in the picture below) and my next pick will be the neon yellow Mia dress (3^rd from the left).

 
Photo source: BB Dakota website

The pieces above are carried at Je Suis Prest Boutique!

Most items are typically under $100, which I realize is afforable for some or may be an investment for others. The good thing about spending your hard earned pennies on a BB Dakota top, dress, or bottoms is that this is a brand where you get what you play for: good quality and classic pieces that can last you multiple seasons. The cut of the clothing can often be work or leisure apppropriate, depending on the setting. I have a lot of BB Dakota items that have appropriate lines for a business casual environment at work but the colour or pattern is still pretty enough that I can remove the extra sweater I was wearing or swap the pants for a skirt and throw on a pair of heels and I’m ready for a night out with my girl friends!

If you’ve spotted any pieces from this post that you love, Kiera and the girls from Je Suis Prest Boutique are friendly, approachable and very helpful when it comes to helping you find what you are looking for!

According to the Spring 2012 Fashion Color Report from the Pantone Color Institute, Tangerine Tango is slated to be the top colour choice for 2012.  

Tangerine

(Left to Right): Chanel- June* | Nicole by OPI- Hello World^
Sinful Colors- Boogie Nights^ | Revlon- Make Mine Mango^

Popular spring colour picks from style casting sources Refinery29  and Fashionista include a range from playful pastels to shocking neons.

Pastels

(Left to Right): Nicki Minaj for OPI- Pink Friday* | NYX- Soft Teal^ | NYX- Lavender^
Revlon- Jaded^ | Nicole by OPI- Kim-pletely in Love^

Neons & Brights

(Left to Right): Nicki Minaj for OPI- Did It To ‘Em* | Nicki Minaj for OPI – Fly*
Milani- Neon Pink^ |Milani- Neon Yellow^

Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippman predicts that the “glitter craze” will continue into spring, but we’ll be seeing variations from the traditional glitter polishes with new shapes, colours and sizes of sparkles.

Mixed Glitter

(Left to Right): Nicki Minaj for OPI – Metallic For Life* | Nicki Minaj for OPI- Save Me*
Nicole for OPI- Rainbow in the S-Kylie^ | Nicole by OPI- Follow Me^ 

* Nail polishes can be found at Perfumes Plus, 1^st level of Brunswick Square
^ These polishes can be purchased from Lawtons, 1^st level of Brunswick Square

Chanel Spring 2012 Collection

I would have to say that over the past couple years, this collection from Chanel has to be my favourite. There is an assortment of warm, flattering hues to choose from that it makes it hard to pick just one favourite product.

Le Vernis Nail Colour
(Left to Right): April, May, June

I can say that I am always drawn to the colours that Chanel chooses for nail polish. The quality is also worth the purchase- sometimes I find that I only have to apply one coat to get full coverage and colour saturation on my nails.

(Left to Right): quadra eye shadow palette, natural finish pressed powder, highlighting face powder

The eye shadows for spring include two solo shades- Tigerlily (a light orange) and Rose de Mai (a soft pink)- as well as the 4 colour palette, Eclosion (featured in the photo above). The pressed powder, Jasmin, actually has a subtle, but visible sparkle to the product and provides a translucent, natural matte finish when applied over make-up or for touch-ups. With the highlighting face powder, Glowing Blush Harmony, you can apply the rose, coral or peach gradations separately or blend them together to highlight and accent features.

Hydrating Creme Lip Colour
1. Chalys | 2. Superstition | 3. Paradis | 4. Charme | 5. Destinee

With in-coming spring trends it seems to be a blending of opposites- with softer and bold colours. You can go with either end of the spectrum when choosing a lip colour. You could select a neutral such as Superstition (#2) or go for a bold look with the darker shade, Destinee (#5).  In the above picture, I applied the lipstick shades the underside of my wrist/forearm to give an idea of how the colours appear. They are a little more subtle in hue when actually applied to the lips. My personal favourites were the coral (#1- Chalys) and bright pink (#3- Paradis) lipsticks.

But when it comes to choosing a lip application, there’s also lip balm, sheer lip shine, and lip glosses in similar colours to choose from. Perhaps you can see why I had such a hard time deciding what products I liked best- because I was in love with them all! So, in the end, I ended up playing with different looks and trying quite an assortment!

 1. Suzy Shier has specially tagged items marked down to 5, 10, and 15 dollars. Some merchandise is 50% off the lowest ticketed price!

2. Colwell’s men’s store is offering up to 60% off items in their store!

3. Olsen Europe is offering 15% off already reduced Olsen Europe prices (Brunswick Square is home to the Olsen Europe’s Outlet store). 

 4. Je Suis Prest Boutique has their racks of women’s clothing sorted and marked down to 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% off fall and winter merchandise. Plus some of their beautiful spring items are already in!

5. Collectables is hosting a blow out sale of 50-70% off their store!

6. Colwell’s ladies’ store has racks designated as 30%, 40% and 50% off!

7. Baubles popular yard sale just started with amazing discounts off a lot of their accessories!

8. Franks Furs & Fashions has a designated table out front with discounted accessories and in the store there are racks that have items that are 20%, 30% and 50% off!

9. Perfumes Plus has a sale table set up at the front of the store with perfumes, lotions and nail polishes marked down.

 Other noteable savings include J&R’s 30% and 50% discounts on select clothing and shoes as well as Bently’s buy one get one half off if you are looking for a new bag, purse, or luggage.
This is a great time to expand your winter wardrobe for less- after all this is the season for layering to stay warm. Many of the stores have tables or merchandise out front with the mall-wide sidewalk sale continuing until January 28.

I’d like to recommend putting shopping local on your list of things to do in 2012. It was made clear to me a couple of years ago, after seeing a favourite Uptown venue I enjoyed close its doors, that I needed to increase my efforts in supporting local. In order for our favourite shops, restaurants and businesses to be there for us, we need to be there for them! 

Did you know that the majority of the shops in Brunswick Square are independent businesses owned and operated by local residents? Brunswick Square has quite a few local jems specific to our city! To quote Kiera Fraser (owner of Je Suis Prest Boutique) from her most recent KV Style article:

“They’re supportive, unique and customer service oriented. Local businesses help build strong communities and neighbourhoods, linking citizens and nurturing local causes. They are passionate about their customers, the area they live in, the causes they support and the products they sell.”
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or others, try shopping local first. And Brunswick Square combines local merchants, the latest trends, as well as variety. If I see something I like online, I always check my favourite stores in Brunswick Square first! For example, if it’s a BB Dakota sweater or a Kensie dress, Je Suis Prest Boutique often offers it at a similar, if not lower, price- plus I don’t have to bother with additional shipping costs. If it’s an Everly top or a pair of Guess jeans, Pseudio is the best place to check. And did you know that outside of Halifax, Perfumes Plus is the only boutique that carries Chanel cosmetics in all of Atlantic Canada? To check out the full variety of shops in Brunswick Square, click here.  

You honestly don’t need to leave the city to find quality clothing, cosmetics, accessories, services or gifts. You can find quite a variety in Brunswick Square without spending the additional money on gas, food, and accommodations that you would need to fork out if travelling to the States, or even to another city. Even if you find a few great deals, the additional travel costs (and duty if you cross the border) leave you spending more in the end.

Local merchants try their best to target their prices at what’s affordable for Saint Johners. When you shop the stores of Brunswick Square, you often have the owners right at your service. They take an invested interest in knowing what their customers love. They have the power to change and add to what they carry in order to cater specially to their local customers’ wants and needs. So when drawing up the list of New Year’s resolutions, add shopping local and supporting Saint John to that list!

Whether you are hitting the town for a big event or attending a house party, this is evening to add a little glam to your ensemble. Sequins and glitter are a big hit this holiday season and the shops of Brunswick Square have so many great options to choose from!

Sequin dresses

If a sequin dress, form or loose fitting, is on your NYE wishlist, there are plenty of options! Bare your legs or wear them with a pair of tights or leggings (neutral or festive colour) and complete the look with your favourite heels or boots! If you opt for brightly coloured legs, go for a neutral (i.e. black) shoe. A pair of black tights with a red pump would look fabulous too. With a dress like this, modest jewellery is the best choice where the dress itself is the show stopper!

1. Poema- Pseudio (2^nd level)
2. BB Dakota- Je Suis Prest Boutique (2^nd level)
3. Michael Kors- Colwell’s (2^nd level)
4. Michael Kors- Colwell’s
5. Pseudio
6. Michael Kors- Colwell’s

Dresses with Texture

For an excuse to wear something a little extra special on NYE, a dress with a little texture is always a great choice. Adornments like feathers or studs add a certain visual appeal and glamour to an otherwise simple cut dress. Faux leather in skirts, pants, and dresses is trend of choice this winter so the classic little black dress with a panel of faux leather is one way to accomplish that trend.  Going with a dress that draws attention to the smallest part of your waist is another option that truly flatters. Dresses with pleats and ruching can also flatter as they can hide problem areas very well!

1. Yumi- Je Suis Prest Boutique
2. Jack- Je Suis Prest Boutique
3. BB Dakota- Je Suis Prest Boutique

Tops that Sparkle

Add a little shine with a top that glimmers! Depending on the party you attend, this is a choice that can be paired with a skirt, dress pants, or jeans for a really fun look!

(Left- top to bottom): Colwell’s, Je Suis Prest Boutique, Pseudio
(Right): Michael Kors top- Colwell’s

Other Great Outfit Options

There are so many ways to add a little special sparkle to our NYE ensemble this year! A sequined blazer or fun sequin shorts are other options! You could also go for a brightly coloured top, paired with dress pants and a bold statement necklace to ring in the New Year. An always classic choice is to wear a black blazer over a fun top- this is always a great, easy way to dress up an otherwise casual outfit!

1. Sequin jacket- Colwell’s
2. Top with dress pants- Colwell’s
3. Pseudio has a great, affordable selection of black blazers in stock
4. Sequin shorts- Je Suis Prest Boutique

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a bright and fabulous New Year’s Eve!

For Her

1.  Nail polish- Perfumes Plus (1^st level) | 2. Chanel mascara- Perfumes Plus
3.  Redken shampoo/conditioner/styling products- Hairacys (3^rd level)
4. Moleskin notebook- Coles (2^nd level) | 5. Bracelets- Baubles (3^rd level)
6. “All Out Of” checklist- Coles (2^nd level)| 7. Neutrogena hand cream- Lawton’s (1^st level)
8. Magazine- Coles | 9. Urban Spa mani/pedi set- Lawton’s

For Him

1. Hex Bug micro robots- The Source (2^nd level) | 2. Gadget Tree mini pop up speakers- The Source    3. Trivia & quote daily calendar- Coles (2^nd level) | 4. Talk bubble sticky notes- Coles | 5. LED light- The Source | 6. Soothing post-shave lotion- Lawton’s (1^st level) | 7. 14-in-1 multi tool- The Source |  8. Cup holder multi-port- The Source | 9. USB memory stick- The Source

 Top It Off

 1. Laura Secord chocolates (2^nd level) | 2. Sweets and candy from Lawton’s (1^st level)
3. Starbucks gift card (2^nd level) | 4. Tim Horton’s gift card (2^nd level)

In order to bring this blog post idea to life, I did a little research and went shopping! I found so many gift ideas within Brunswick Square to put in those stockings. For those men in your life, you could also get hair products from Hairacy’s, socks or a tie from Colwell’s or perhaps an interesting find at The Little Shop of Science (to suit his inner-child). For more ideas for the ladies, be sure to browse places such as Decor8, The Source, or any of the clothing stores (for accessories or a gift card)!

Happy shopping!