did someone say Topshop comes to Toronto!?! June 19th?!?

Topshop takes Toronto
Get ready to shop Topshop: Jonathan + Olivia opens high street boutique this June
By Andrew Sardone (NOW magazine)

Jonathan + Olivia’s Jackie O’Brien has pulled off the retail score of the season and landed U.K.-based Topshop for her Ossington store. O’Brien is blowing out J + O’s back wall to create a 800 square foot Topshop boutique that will open to shoppers on Saturday, June 19 at 9 am.
“I don’t want to sound like a geek but I’m really excited to exclusively bring Topshop to Canada,” said O’Brien this morning. “It’s nice to be able to buy fast fashion and mix it with Jonathan + Olivia’s other designer labels like Alexander Wang and Isabel Marant.”
Speculation about which Canadian retailer would land the coveted high street collection has been swirling since the Bay announced they were in talks with Topshop last December. Holt Renfrew carried supermodel Kate Moss’ Topshop holiday line in 2007 but the Jonathan + Olivia debut will be the first full representation of its main line and Unique Boutique womenswear and shoe collections in the country.
“We’re a forward looking store that debuts new designers in Canada so it’s a good fit,” said O’Brien.
Only 11 other independent stores worldwide, including The Department Store in Auckland, New Zealand and Incu in Australia, have similar access to the collection. Previously, the closest Topshop for Torontonians was its sole U.S. store on Broadway in New York City.
O’Brien talked to other retailers who have launched the line and to avoid the boutique being cleaned out, she will be restocking the Topshop racks ever other day over the launch and bi-weekly after that. The Kate Moss collection and Topshop’s new cosmetics line will arrive at Jonathan + Olivia in the fall.
Launched in Northern England in 1964, the retailer now has over 300 stores in Great Britain and more than 100 international locations. Designer collaborations and accessibly-priced merch with high fashion flavour have put it on the global style map while its sponsorships of emerging talent have helped names like Erdem and Todd Lynn onto the London Fashion Week catwalk.

This is FABULOUS news!! During my many visits overseas throughout the years I would visit Topshop on Grafton my first day of arriving to scope out my future purchases. I would then leave sans purchase and re visit the next day so that I wouldn't impulse shop with all the excitement. As I have not had the opportunity to visit Topshop I have had to resort to other shopping locations to get my fix. HOWEVER, nothing comes close to a sweet, original ,trendy, yet classic find that only topshop can offer! Can't wait for a little Topshop wardrobe revamp! June 19th - I will be there! (well might be at the cottage...but will be there shortly after!)

to cook or not to cook?

most often the answer is 'not to cook', but rather enjoy the meals and delights of my surrounding family and friends, and when there is no other option (cooking was never one), I would either order Sushi or Thai. So here goes ... drum roll please... this summer I will take up the habit of actually preparing delish meals and sharing my creations with my loved ones. Please no chirping from the peanut gallery (you know who you are). It first started with Chris wanting to cook a meal for my family in Florida...i was like do you know who you are dating? I really don't enjoy it! I much rather help out when forced while drinking a glass of wine...and do the cleaning afterwards. Anywho getting off track. So he has somewhat inspired me, and though it's been rare that we actually do cook I would like to change 'rare' into 'sometimes' (baby steps). Also doing this cleanse has really made me realize if I am only allowed one meal a day it better be a healthy damn good one!! I even bought a clean eating magazine yesterday to browse the recipes. hmmm?? Perhaps this weekend? we'll see. So stayed tuned for recipes that have been tried par moi (and Chris...as I would never do it alone!). Ok procrastination over...onto my online course!

the countdown is ending!

Tomorrow night Josie, Erin and I hit up the theatres to sit back, relax and take SATC all in! One more sleep!

ps. went out for a great bike ride this afternoon in Georgetown...despite the pouring rain it was amazing to be on the roads!

pps. because of this lovely (sarcasm!) cleanse I am on I have not had Starbucks in 10 days. Will I cave?

A couple things to mention

1. Well it's true I recently turned 30. oh mon dieu! ...I feel like it was awhile ago, but none the less it was a great birthday celebrated with the people I love....and of course up at the cottage! Champagne, Tiffany's, Wine, The Byrd, Roses, After hours, Kayaks, and pressies. Good times! Though I have much to reflect on as I have left my 20's, my new mentality in life is let the good times roll ;) 30 is where it's at!

2. So while ending my 20's I also finished my first 'guy' sweater, and created a Beer Pong Inspired Cardi for Lover (Dave Love). Exhibit B.

3. My mom, Steph and I are all doing a 30 day cleanse. We are all at different stages, but I am on day 8 and am STARVING!! I have never been on a cleanse in my life, and I really don't know if it's right for me, but as I always take on new challenges this is one for the books! Today is the toughest day I have ever had, and I keep saying I have run 4 marathons, I can definitely get through today....argh! Today is the super cleanse day which consists of cleanse powder and water. oh dear! One day at a time...one day at a time!

4. Spent a fab weekend in Smith Falls/Perth and Ottawa - playing golf, boating, witnessing Chris become a godfather to Brody, and sharing in some laughs. Good times.

ok I am soo brain dead at the moment....I might have to shut er down, but I thought posting might take my mind off of the bag of pretzels in our lower cupboard. ha! night night!

mitchie

thx vings for sharing!

The Carrie Diaries

Seeing as this is the month when Sex and the City 2 comes out....why not read the new novel out by Candace Bushnell: The Carrie Diaries

synopsis:
Meet the teenage Carrie Bradshaw before ‘Sex and the City!’Before Carrie Bradshaw became the queen of the New York City social scene, she was a regular girl growing up in the suburbs of Connecticut. How did she turn into one of the most-read social observers of our generation? THE CARRIE DIARIES opens in Carrie’s senior year of high school. She and her best friends are inseparable – and then Sebastian Kydd comes into the picture. Sebastian is a bad boy – older, intriguing and unpredictable. Carrie falls into the relationship that she was always supposed to have in high school – until a friend’s betrayal makes her question everything. With her high school days coming to a close, Carrie will realise it’s finally time to go after everything she ever wanted. Fans of SEX AND THE CITY will love seeing Carrie Bradshaw evolve from a regular girl into a sharp, insightful writer. And we'll see what brings Carrie to her beloved New York City, where the next CARRIE DIARIES book will take place.

ps. yes it is very high school of me to be reading this...but I am reading way too many high level thinking books to become a better teacher...that I need a little breather ;) plus the book resembles a louis vuitton clutch....hello!?! - will let you know how it goes! Josie the count down is on!

Met Gala 2010

In between doing my online AQ course, preparing for my NTIP and preparing lessons I tend to browse the Internet to see what's a shakin'....so you may find me posting a wee bit more...as I tend to procrastinate when stuck in a moment. Anywho the Met Gala was on last night, and of course the stars came out to walk the red carpet in style. Here are my top 2 choices for fav couple of the night! Of course fashionista Sienna Miller and Jude Law tied with timeless Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson! okee back to work and then off to yoga!
ps. I miss running!! I'm starting to get a little teary even thinking about it! Tomorrow I pick up my road bike from the shop so hopefully I will get my groove back! Anyone like to join..drop me a line!

10 staple items

so this weekend I had my long over due hair appointment ... decided to switch things up and try out Civello's in Oakville. Sunday is the new Saturday at Civello and I was pleasantly surprised by my visit. As always I browsed the tables and gathered my collection of magazines, so that I could tune out and relax. I started with Flare, went through Vogue and still had time to read through Oprah's mag. I've never been a huge fan of the O magazine, but this time around it was great! O is celebrating her 10th year of the magazine and she has a whole bunch of top 10 lists about different topics...my fav!! I couldn't get enough...I read the mag from cover to the last page. Here is an example of what I am talking about - but can I just say my 30th birthday (ahhhhh!) is way too close for comfort and I lack some of the mistake proof items!! How is that possible?? I am usually always on par. hmph!:

10 Mistake-Proof Items Every Woman Should Own
1. Touches of animal print. On a bag or shoe, a little bit of zebra or tiger operates like a neutral. Michael Kors and Ann Taylor bring them out almost every season. - check - but I wouldn't say my representation really counts.
2. A Leather Jacket. Now a year-round staple, they come in lighter weights and pale colors, like Tory Burch's in camel or Banana Republic's in beige. - don't have one...and it was only up until last fall that I desired one....gotta love my new found budget
3. A men's watch. I like men's styles because they're not too fussy or dainty. If you wear a lot of gold jewelry, go with gold tones (Tag Heuer's are great); if you wear mostly silver, pick stainless steel (Citizen and Swatch have affordable options). - Technically yes I have one...My Michael Kors one does the job...a definite staple in my wardrobe!
4. Diamond hoop earrings. More youthful than studs, hoops polish off a casual look and complete a dressy one. Unless you want to be mistaken for one of Beyoncé's backup singers, find a medium size. I love Daniel K's, and Carolee makes great faux ones. - No :( ...and I think you can only do the real deal for these
5. A sequined scarf. Every woman should have sequins for day. I think the unexpected combination—plain plus fancy—is key. - Dont think I agree with this...I do like a little sparkle though
6. White jeans. CJ by Cookie Johnson's and Gap's come in nice heavy fabrics. - yuppers! Love my white jeans! Top Shop...boooya!
7. A neutral shoe. In leather, patent leather, or fabric, a pair of heels that matches your skin color visually extends the line of your leg. - check, check. However, when I visualize a must have neutral shoe...I dont think of a stylesense shoe, but rather a red soled Christian Louboutin...one day?!
8. An oversize blazer. The "borrowed from the boys" look isn't going anywhere. At the office, throw on a jacket—black, navy, or pinstriped. - check...but it's not a staple for me! My jean jacket is more like it!
9. A pencil skirt. Sexy without being revealing, and appropriate at any age—it works for every woman. If you have a boyish shape, it gives the impression of curves; if you're curvy, it plays up your figure; if you're plus size, it's more flattering than a full skirt. - ya ya check check
10. A laced trimmed bra or cami. Peeking out from under a V-neck, a little frill on a Soma bra or Mary Green cami adds a touch of femininity. - I do have one....but should pull it out more if it's a must have!

ps. So I have been brainstorming a new goal for myself...and for some reason climbing to base camp or one level higher on Mt Everest came to mind! I of course need a partner in crime...so when presenting my idea to Chris I think he thought I was crazy...but I'm serious...and he's coming with me, he just might not know it yet! Within the next 2 years I will accomplish this goal!

Boston...holla!

check and check! It's taken me awhile to really sit down and reflect on the fact that I accomplished one of my all time goals...to participate and finish the Boston Marathon! It took me 3 marathons to finally get a time under 3:40 that was to allow me to take part in a marathon that all runners dream of one day saying that they were there, they ran it, and they got the jacket to prove it! sigh! The entire weekend was a weekend I will always remember. There were 26,776 entrants, 23,071 starters and 22,588 finishers in the 114th race. The entire city was buzzing with excitement and unity...it was a feeling I really can't put into words. I wore my jacket all weekend, and so did the rest of the 23,000 runners...and to know we all were there because of the dedication, hard work, and determination was something to be proud of! The actual race day turned out to be somewhat of a different experience then I had hoped, in that it turns out an injury really can stop you...but I crossed the finish line after a long 4 hours and more of crying, smiling, sweating, crying, cheering, walking, running and crying some more and was so happy to see close to the finish line the poster my parents created for me. The mental and physical battle I had throughout the race seemed to somewhat disappear when crossing the big blue line that I knew that i would have done it all again!! Being part of the Boston Marathon is one of the greatest feelings in the world!! 15924 boooya! Congratulations also to Sarah and Katie who also put a big check mark on their bucket list! Onto the next goal as dreams really can come true! Hugs and love to my parents, Jodie, Chris, Heather, Lyndon and John who helped to make it a weekend to remember! xo

Sex and the City 2 Trailer

true dat

boston blue!!! 15924

Alright...so my bag is officially in my room to pack my things, and I am about to lace up for my last casual run until Monday and I couldn't be more nervous! My flight leaves tmrw at 6:39am! ahhh! I just wanted to say thank you to all of you have said such kind words and have shown your love and support...it means the world to me, and it's so nice to know I have such amazing people in my life! It will definitely help to carry me through especially on the hill they call 'heart break'. argh! also thank you over and over again to my peeps who are boarding flights today and over the weekend to route me on! this is going to be an experience of a lifetime! xoxo
A fellow runner sent out an email with some inspiring quotes and I thought I would share!

• "The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare." - Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner
• Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it." - Oprah Winfrey
• "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." - John Bingham
• "Whether you believe you can or believe you can't, you're probably right." - Henry Ford
• "No one ever drowned in sweat." - Author Unknown
• "There's no such thing as bad weather, just soft people." - Bill Bowerman
• "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." - Muhammad Ali
• "Human beings are made up of flesh and blood, and a miracle fiber called courage" - George Patton
• "You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face" - Gatoraide
• "When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on" - Theodore Roosevelt
• "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy" - Martin Luther King, Jr.
• "It's rude to count people as you pass them. Out loud" - Adidas ad
• "Pain is only temporary, Pride is forever"
• "Marathoning is like cutting yourself unexpectedly. You dip into the pain so gradually that the damage is done before you are aware of it. Unfortunately, when the awareness comes, it is excruciating." - John Farrington, Australian marathoner
• "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will" - Vince Lombardi
• “Do or do not... there is no try" - Yoda

ps. it seems I'm all about the Boston Blue!! Bring it!!
pps. I will be wearing all black this time around but with a bright blue hat...so look out ;) bib number: 15924
ppps. this is a victory lap...if I end up getting more than 4 hours I will be happy no matter what! that's what I am saying and I'm sticking with it!