Hudson's Bay & Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games

I'm sure you guys heard, the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games will be held in Toronto this summer! I'm super excited about the games and had already ordered tickets to some of the events: the Opening Ceremony, Volleyball and Badminton! If you get a chance, I think you should definitely go and check out the games, for more info & tickets, click here. Go Canada, go!

Just last week, Canada's iconic retailer, Hudson's Bay unveiled the official Team Canada Collection for the games. Athletes were present and showed off the uniforms Team Canada will be wearing during the Games.

Inspired by the 50 year anniversary of the Canadian flag, Hudson's Bay's internal team of innovative and creative designers used the maple leaf as the starting point for the graphics showcased throughout the collection. Each of the 22 pieces is reminiscent of classic varsity sport; while at the same time are a modern nod towards the current athleisure trend in fashion.

The collection unites style and sport. Key elements woven throughout the collection include the bold and confident use of red, white, grey and black and modernized maple leaf, shown either outlined or solid with a strong Canada wordmark, designed in a font inspired by an oval athletic track. It captures a contemporary and modern fashion feel and hightlights the essence of Canada's strong and distinguishing personality.

The collection, priced from $30 - $140, for men's, women's and children's apparel and accessories, is available now to purchase in stores and on thebay.com.

What do you guys think of them? What's your fav item? I better go pick up some pieces before they sell out : )

Loving these items!

Roots XL Collection to Celebrate its 40th Anniversary

Roots, is launching the Roots XL Collection, a line of premium fleece sweats designed by the company’s award-winning athletics and special projects guru, Adrian Aitcheson.

Based on the company’s extensive archives and named “XL” to highlight the company’s 40th anniversary (“XL” means “40” in Roman numerals), the nine-piece premium mix-and-match collection is made with the most exceptional sweat fabric ever produced by Roots in its 40-year history — a 20 oz. heavyweight cotton-rayon blend based on their classic workout jersey.

 

 

Made in Canada, the special collection comes in a vintage grey mix as well as an all-over print inspired by a topographical map of Algonquin Park, and features minimal logo-ing and meticulous detailing such as flatlock stitching and nickel-plated brass talon zippers.

What a great idea! A very nice collection - can't wait to check them out. I bet they're super comfy. I really like the shade of grey, plus the topographical map of Algonquin Park print is pretty cool.

To celebrate this special collection, Roots will host a Toronto-only Pop-up store at 567 Queen Street West. It will provide customers with an opportunity to purchase the Roots XL collection before it officially hits select Roots stores across the country, and online at roots.com, starting March 3.

Pop-up store will be from Thursday, February 27 to Sunday, March 2. Hours: Thursday & Friday, 12-8pm. Saturday & Sunday, 11am-7pm.

Bar Isabel's owner and chef, Grant van Gameren,
for the XL collection campaign.

Happy 146th Birthday Canada!

Hope everyone had a great Canada day. We went camping this past long weekend with the family. The weather was great, fun times was had by all!

Here's a pic of my 3 years old nephew and I celebrating Canada Day sporting our Canada graphic T-shirts. (FYI: My t-shirt is from Bluenotes) We love our country!

Proud Canadians!

Target and Phillip Lim to Debut Fall Collection

Another reason why I'm happy that Target is finally here in Canada - I can get my hands (literally) on their designer collaboration collection. No more crossing the boarder or trying to purchase them on line, like I had to do before.

Early this month, Target announced it is collaborating with designer Phillip Lim on an exclusive collection for women and men. Mark you calendar - it will be available September 15. How exciting! 3.1 Phillip Lim features a range of apparel and accessories, including bags and even travel pieces. The collection will be chic, affordable options for women and men on-the-go.

"Since an early age, I've been intrigued by the idea of design evolution," said Lim. "One of the reason I wanted to collaborate with Target is because I felt that together we could create a collection that would inspire - one that is modern and chic, but still very accessible."

I can't not wait to see what's going to be in the collection! Stay tuned.

FVT by Heys - Limited Edition Luggage

If you're in and around Toronto, I'm sure you've noticed all the billboards, subways and bus shelter ads from Heys. It's for their latest luggage - a limited edition series of luggage created by artist/illustrator Fernando Volken Togni. I'm a fan of his work. I love the look and style - it's my kind of luggage!

I really like the design especially the Canadian theme! I love the colours and all the icons/landmarks used that represent Canada. Canadian pride indeed! It's so fun and definitely a stand out! You can get them exclusively at the Bay or from their website. Anyone want to share the 3 piece set? : )

 

I'm a fan of Heys. You can always count on them to travel in style! What do you guys think of this latest luggage?

Images from Heys.

My Visit to Target in Toronto!

Yes, Target is finally in Canada! Me like many shoppers are jumping with joy : ) They are currently having "soft opening" which really means a test run to make sure everything goes smoothly and make last minute adjustments before the official grand openings happening in early April.

Being a fan and curious I went this morning and checked out the East York Town Centre location in Toronto. Another reason was to get my hands on some of the pieces from the Roots limited collection - Roots Outfitters, one of many brands Target partnered with. FYI - I ended picking up some sweats and tops.

The store was nice, bright, had 2 floors and fully staffed. There was a Starbuck at the front entrance. There was a nice grocery section. Overall, pretty much the same layout as what is in the states. It had great signage, easy to find what you're looking for. A little disappointed there wasn't the value (dollar) section. I also noticed a lot of sub-brands - i.e. Denizen from Levis, Trans from Jansport, Leo by Heys, etc. There was also a Fan Zone with some very nice merchandise for the Maple Leafs and the Blue Jays - which I thought was a nice idea to include. Other than that, there wasn't really any 'deals', but tons of selection at low prices = Expect More. Pay Less.

Check out some of my pics below. Looking forward to going back, next time with my Target REDcard! Where you can save 5% off your purchases - and who doesn't like more savings : )
Please comment below and share your thoughts. Happy Shopping!

Roots limited collection: Roots Outfitters

Some of the sub-brands (which I found interesting):

Trans for Jansport

Converse - One Star

Denizen from Levis

Leo by Heys

Happy Canada Day!

Just wanted to wish the best place on earth, Canada a very Happy Birthday!! FYI, Canada will be turning 145 years old! Still looks great, eh?! Enjoy the day and don't forget to wear your red and white proudly.

I love Canada! 

Happy Canada Day!

Just wanted to wish Canada a very Happy Birthday!!! Happy 144th to be exact.

Hope everyone will have a great and fun long weekend - go out and enjoy the great summer weather! I, myself will be going camping with the family.

Don't forget to also celebrate the great country we live in! O' CANADA!!

I created this design about 2 years ago! It was entered into a t-shirt
design contest put out by retail store, Giant Tiger . And I won!!