I had been told to look for the tie at Brooks Brothers prior to the opening of the iconic double B brand but pictured it with trepidation.  Actually, my concern was more akin to horror.  A bowtie?  Really?  Are we not familiar with PeeWee Herman?  And women wearing the bowtie?  Flash in the image of 1980’s flight attendants.  These are not things you want to see any longer in my not-so-humble opinion. 

Fast-forward to Brooks Brothers opening.  The majority of men on the 3^rd level (read: men’s club) of Brooks Brothers sport the bowtie.  I’m a believer.  They make that tie look good.  Or classy.  Or trendy.  Choose your poison, someone in that store wore it well and formed it to their personal style.  I include the women in this statement.  Impressed?  Yeah.  I am.  Still hesitant that I could wear this thing?  Most definitely.  So I walked in and told them to persuade me a bowtie could look good.  Convince they did.  There were colours and patterns and a bow tying lesson (it’s actually really easy).  And let me reiterate my 4^th sentence in this paragraph: they make that tie look good. 

Every man I have seen sporting the bowtie has made it work.  I believe the key is confidence (and probably a nice suit).  As for the girls, they’re sporting the bowtie in a variety of ways to make it work for them.  Classic around the neck, untied and loose with a collared shirt open at the top, in your hair as a headband, around a wrist as a bracelet….the options are endless (well not quite but it gets my point across).  My conclusion?  Anyone can wear the bowtie so tie, tie away.

 

A few fun facts to note about the new store- it has the largest shoe department out of any of the Harry Rosen stores. They can also boast that they have the only Armani boutique in North America and the first Brunello Cucinelli in Canada!

You walk into the second level location into an entire level of sportswear- and yes that includes a denim wall! Another attractive feature about this floor a huge Hugo Boss boutique!

Ride the escalators up to the third level, and you’ll find the classic suit that you associate Harry Rosen with. This includes a made to measure area- fit for an episode of Mad Men.

With everything ranging from luggage, to shoes, cufflinks or a Tom Ford Boutique Harry Rosen has it all to make a shopping trip for the guys easy.

As any girl on a budget knows a classic LBD can be worn so many ways you may never recognize it as the same dress. A pair of shoes, a blazer or scarf can change the look drastically.  I’m one of those girls who uses her hair and makeup to change up her look and stick to classic pieces of clothing.

I hadn’t gone makeup shopping in a while and wanted to stop in somewhere new so I headed to Holt Renfrews cosmetic section. I was drawn to the farthest counter which happens to be Benefit.

The girl working was cheerful and helpful and trust me when I say not in a pushy sales clerk way. She asked if I needed assistance and we quickly began talking about the products and history of Benefit. While looking through products she noticed my interest in the brow shaping kits.

I quickly learnt that Benefit was known for brow shaping and actually had an aesthetician on staff for appointments or walk-ins for a brow tweezing or wax. About 30 min later I walked out with amazing eyebrows. They take the time to ensure you are happy with the shape and style of your brows, and a quick makeup touchup so you avoid walking around with the tell tale red eyebrows.

After another quick walk through of the cosmetics I walked away with a few purchases including a great red lipstick but you’ll have to read Stephanies blog next week to learn more about that one…

When I first saw that we were getting a new shoe store I was excited and when I heard it was a new concept store from the Aldo group (which includes Aldo, Spring and Feet First) I was curious to what the store would carry. The CORE has one of the current two locations- the other being in Montreal.

The store is bright and open, and is completely welcoming to any shoe addicts much like myself. They carry some amazing lines like Bloch and Pegabo and are able to say they have the exclusive rights locally to sell the Me Too line. I couldn’t help myself from trying on a pair of clear plastic flip flops from Giselle Bundchen’s line. It made me remember jellies. Now for you guys we have been told that Clarks are the it thing to buy.

In store features some great artwork which is all produced by a local artist. You won’t have to go far to find this talent she happens to work at Indigo, right here at the CORE.

Lôcale promises to represent a community store- with a downtown vibe, and artwork that’s changed out every 6 months I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

I never have that problem at Tristan. I can walk into the store, try on a stack of clothing and usually walk out with a few things. By now even my husband recognizes the Tristan shopping bag and knows that I’ve gone shopping.

I walked in yesterday, not expecting to try anything on but somehow landed in the fitting room with a dozen items. The manager is great and as I’m there so often she recommends things I wouldn’t think of trying on- and will give me an honest opinion when something doesn’t look right.

I noticed a section of the store with green hangers and didn’t think much of it until I got to the cash register with my pile of clothes. The green hangers- also known as the Momentum line- means a steal of a deal!

One of my purchases was a classic ballet sweater- ladies you know the type, deep v neck wrap sweater. I had one years ago and loved it, and this one was only $40! So I picked up one in gray, and one in black. Other items included in the Momentum line- jeans under $50!

There are some great buys not included in the new line, including accessories. I picked up a pearl necklace with black lace for $40, and a bandage wrapped black skirt for under $70.

I walked out with a large shopping bag without the large bill and I am wearing my new ballet sweater today!

Jacob Connexion was located on the third floor of the shopping centre, but was closed due to mall renovations. We recently announced that Jacob will open a 16,000 square foot, 2 level store next to Holt Renfrew but we didn’t mention Jacob Connexion.

Jacob has become a one stop shop for your work and play clothes by combining the two stores into one. “From Work to Play- One Jacob” is the new slogan and fits the new concept perfectly.

You will no longer have to go to two separate stores to get your favorite Jacob items & once the amazing new store opens next spring shopping will be all that more easy. You don’t have to wait until next year though- check out Jacob on the second level of the CORE and shop the new fall selection just released!

I have been anxiously awaiting the opening of Brooks Brothers for months but haven’t really known the story behind the store. What is Brooks Brothers- and why the flying sheep?

The first thing I needed to know was why a gold sheep… and the answer is a lot simpler than I imagined. A sheep suspended with ribbon has long been a symbol for British woolen merchants so in 1850, 32 years after Brooks Brothers launched it became their logo.

Their website has years of history and fun facts including that in 1858 Abe Lincoln was wearing a Brooks Brothers jacket the night that he was assassinated and in 1949 when the ladies line launched it created a sensation when a classic pink button down was featured on Vogue magazine. It wasn’t until 2009 when the classic American brand came to Canada and we are excited to say we will have the first Alberta location.

The store will occupy three levels, and will have a section for their country club collection, mens wear, ladies wear and a new children’s line. This will be the first Canadian location to carry the line!

The CORE was lucky to get a sneak preview of the ladies line this past March- when the store was featured in the Calgary Flames Wives- Ultimate Ladies Night Out fashion show. We will also showcase the classic outfits starting this October when our customer service staff will wear shirts and accessories from the store!

Make sure to stop by and take a look at all the great clothes- the store will open up at 9:30am on august 17^th.

Ok, enough about bad hairstyles, we’re here to talk hair product.  This summer, we’ve seen the braid come back and (as per summer) the beach look.  I spent my share of weekends at lakes the first half of this summer and did not have the amenities, or the time to take away from the water, to spend forever styling my hair.  This presented a problem as my hair is too short to braid.  The beach look is not pulled off with crunchy, air-dried gel but my hair needs product to remind it that it’s wavy.  I was at a loss and honestly, I hate spending a ton of money on hair products that I end up only using once.  Tommy at Green Apple suggested that I try Redken’s Wool Shake so with trepidation, I bought a bottle of the spray.  Tommy had told me that some of the benefits were the product staying well after swimming, so I didn’t have to load more into my hair constantly, it’s spray-in so there’s even distribution and it looks natural when dry.  Wool shake gives you the “salt water” look without drying out your hair like the salt sprays do.  Even though all this sounded great, I was still nervous as I’ve been sold a lot of “great” products in my time.  This time I wasn’t disappointed.  I would get out of the shower, spray the product throughout my hair and I had natural looking beachy waves within the hour (it takes forever for my hair to dry so I wouldn’t use my dry time).  I’ve become addicted to this look and use Wool Shake constantly.  It’s especially awesome in the evenings post-yoga as I can just spray it in and go.  Also, not only is it great for beach-worthy waves but I can spray it on my dry, straightened hair to get volume without being weighed down by hairspray.  Pretty much it’s amazing. 

If you haven’t experienced Wool Shake and you want to take advantage of this last month of summer to go beachy with shorts, a tank, gladiators and water-worthy waves, then you need to visit Green Apple Hair Shoppe and use this for yourself.

If you haven’t stopped by the fourth level food court lately you are in for a surprise.  Cultures, and Tandori Grill have both opened their stores!

Cultures boasts healthy food fast- not to be confused with fast food. They offer a variety of salads, soups and sandwiches. My favorite is combo 1- my pick of 3 tasty salads!

Tandori Grill gives us a taste of the Middle East, a great place for some great flavor.

Or stop by some old favorites we’ve got a taste of everything from Thai Food to French Fries and burgers. Opening Soon- Sushi!

Dear EnCORE Subscriber:

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of EnCORE fashion writer, Lincoln Phillip. Lincoln had been writing for EnCORE since we first started the newsletter back in 2007 and most recently, he began sharing his talents as one of our weekly fashion bloggers. Lincoln was also a fashion columnist for the Calgary Herald, as well as a contributing fashion writer for Fast Forward and Outlooks. His fashion work frequently involved fashion styling and working with models and photographers on photo shoots. Lincoln’s unique take on fashion was an inspiration to EnCORE readers and fashionistas everywhere and he will be greatly missed.

Due to Lincoln’s passing, we have decided to halt production on the upcoming fall and winter issues of EnCORE. The newsletter will return in Spring 2011 and in the meantime, the CORE’s Fashion Blogs will continue as scheduled.

On behalf of everyone at the CORE and all EnCORE readers, our deepest condolences go out to Lincoln’s family. You can read Lincoln’s previous blog posts here.
 

The store has what has to be over 100 varieties, ranging from wellness, to white tea and everything in between. Each tea is stored in tin containers, which the staff will let you smell while they let you know what is in the batch.

The staff seems to know everything about tea- which one helps you loose weight, which one helps you sleep better and which one makes the best iced version. That’s right- all the teas can be served hot or cold, and there is a hot and cold tea available each day to try out.

So far my favorite has to be “Rise n Shine”- it smells like the gummy cola bottles we all enjoyed as kids… my name is Sarah and I’m a candy addict….

Maybe I’m biased because I love our stylist, Carl Abad, but what I noticed the most was the patterned shirts the guys were rocking.  It’s not often you see bright colours or mixed patterns on guys (look at the inside checked cuffs rolled up on the striped shirt from Harry Rosen).  It’s a nice way to mix up the everyday dress shirt look.  As well, I do love graphic tees under a button up shirt.  I have no idea what the appeal is but it looks so good!  Stampede-wise, it’s a great way to get the stampede look in with maintaining your usual style.  Finally, the guys’ piece I loved the most had to be the dark brown leather jacket from Boutique of Leathers.  It was completely James Dean on the outside and modern on the inside with the striped lining.  Guys, if you want to know the way to a lady’s heart, it’s through fashion.

I myself am not a huge Crepe fan- I’ll even go as far as to admit I am a picky eater but I was up for the taste challenge and decided to pass the Stampede breakfast line up today and go right to the food court.

The store is now bright and clean looking, with backlit menu boards and a really cool looking drink cooler. The best addition has to be a new menu including frozen yoghurt and smoothies.

I quickly decided on the Meat lover’s breakfast crepe- filled with cheese, eggs, sausage ham and bacon which tasted just like a ham omelet. I had to go back for a dessert option and went for one that tasted just like apple pie complete with whipped cream.

There can’t be anything better than dessert for breakfast- so the only thing left to do is choose what to try next…

When you walk into the store, you can expect a higher quality outfit and the service to match. You might experience sticker shock when you see a dress for $325 I’ll admit I sure did, but when you try on the outfit I can guarantee it is well worth it and more! Continue shopping and you will see a mixed price point with necklaces starting at $40, and sale items at the back of the store.

We had hoped the store would be open in time for our 2010 Stampede fashion show and when we realized they weren’t going to be they sent us outfits to use for the show! When I opened the box, I knew a few of the dresses and skirts would be making their way into my closet!

I couldn't wait this morning to stop by to try some of these items on and was surprised to see more than just Teenflo items on the shelf. Expect items from brands like James Pearse, Velvet and Citizen jeans just to name a few.

The sophistication that comes along with the Teenflo name, promises style and flare. I can guarantee that when you step foot into the store you’ll get all that and then some.

 Finally a place to stop in quickly on your lunch breaks and grab a quick snack, a lotto ticket or a package of cigarettes.

 A new bonus to the new store- a Slush machine! What a great way to beat the summer heat

To ensure your look is stampede ready join us this Thursday- July 8^thfor a preview on the hottest stampede fashions. CORE stylist Carl Abad will be pulling looks from Holt Renfrew, Harry Rosen, Bluenotes, Browns Shoes, Aritzia, Urban, Banana Republic and Judith & Charles.

Watch the models of Artists Within show you how to wear your boots this year as they walk it out on Stephen Ave at noon- just outside the Metropolitan Grill.

Harry Rosen will be there giving tips on how to pick out denim and even more important- how to care for it. Did you know there are certain brands that you aren’t supposed to wash for up to 6 months?!

Stop by and say Hi- I’ll be the girl handing out CORE Swag bags filled with samples, products and coupons.

You are invited to a pre-Stampede style party at BCBG (July 8th 11:30 am - 3:30 pm).

Drop by and get yourself dressed in this season's hottest looks and trends that will take you on the Stampede party circuit in fine style. Look for ruffle details, tiered dresses, draped one sleeve tops and finish with sparkling statement jewelery.

Champagne and desserts will be served, and save $100 with every $400 purchase of regularly priced merchandise.

BCBG is located on the second floor of the CORE

We can never have too many shoes, and are excited to welcome Browns Shoes to our collection of footwear boutiques. And what's even better than more shoes? Designer exclusives like: Adidas Y-3 by Yohji Yamamoto, D&G and Donna Karan New York.

Ladies elevate your summer style with these phenomenal wedges by Donna Karan New York (pictured), on point with this season’s monochromatic trend as well it will make your legs look long and lean with a straight cut trouser.

Guys rev up your look with these two toned driving moccasins by Luca Del Forte (pictured), perfect for casual Friday’s with your linen looks or a pair of tailored shorts.

Browns is located on the second floor of the Core-TD Square.