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back to school trends

Back to School: If I Could Turn Back Time

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It happens every August. The flyers circulate; the commercials repeat, the clothes beckon. And for just about two minutes I wish I was returning to school. I see myself packing a stiff new backpack filled with sharpened pencils and spiral notebooks. I marvel at the texture of brand new erasers and the firm snap of three-ring binders. I make a promise to pack my bag every night, instead of struggling to jam things together in the morning.

I miss back to school. 

And the feelings of nostalgia only become more intense as I witness the parade of über stylish, über cool binders, notebooks, organizational tools, locker accessories, lunch bags and more. So I got to thinking… what if I could turn back time? What if I could choose my back to school supplies – but have the benefit of this year’s technology, fashion and functionality? Here’s what I’d select.

Fashion FixYes folks, the ombre trend has migrated from tresses to notebooks! And I could be happier – especially since it’s combined with neon and animal prints, also hot for 2014. It’s the trilogy of trends! And glitter binders? Sign me up. …

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Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: Promenade Pep Rally

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Hands up if you’re THRILLED the kiddos are back in school? (*Waves hand furiously*)

Now that a routine has been established, the weather has cooled off and I can happily get rid of one of my offspring for a handful of hours each weekday, I’m in the mood to celebrate! It’s safe to say that Fall really is the hap-happiest time of the year.

Another reason to love the season? Fall fashion, of course! A few weeks ago, I shared with y’all information about the Promenade Pep Rally. Well, I’m happy to declare that the event was a huge success! We had everything from performances from the Argo Cheerleaders and the Choir! Choir! Choir! glee club to fashion tips (courtesy of yours truly) and an anti-bullying workshop to get kids ready for school.

Well, what about those fashion tips, you ask? You know I’d never exclude my readers from the goodness I shared with the audience at the Promenade. However, since my segment was 15 minutes, and that translates into a very long blog post, I thought I’d just present you with the highlights. Introducing…

Lena’s Top 3 Fashion Trends for Fall

1. Cobalt Blue. I simply can’t get enough! There is a vibrancy and starkness that looks completely modern, and, it complements a rainbow of colours so well. Surprisingly, it even looks great with other shades of blue – making it an all-time universal favourite. Design brands such as DKNY, Victoria Beckman, Iceberg, Nautica, Costume National, Moschino, and Lacoste all showed off this electric blue during their Fall/Winter 2013 collections.

Pictured above, women’s fashions from Sandro – a new retailer at the Promenade. Missed Milan Fashion Week? Not to worry – all the latest in ladies fashions and accessories from Italy and France can be found here. This is the perfect boutique to find the hottest in European trends for the office, a night out or a special occasion. Located on the 2nd level adjacent to Club Monaco.

I popped into the store during the Pep Rally and my jaw dropped to the floor. So many covet worthy pieces, including the cobalt blue shift dress pictured above. They have stunningly gorgeous fashions – pop in if you’re in the area….

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Get Pumped for BTS: The Promenade Pep Rally!

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Read this:

“Back to School is fast approaching!  Visit the Promenade on Saturday, August 24 from 11am-3pm for the Promenade Pep Rally featuring the Argo Cheerleaders, fashion tips from Listen to Lena’s Lena Almeida, an anti-bullying workshop and performances from glee sensation Choir! Choir! Choir!”

Wait – what?? That’s right – if you live in the Greater Toronto Area, come meet me on Saturday at the Promenade! Discover what everyone will be wearing around campus this fall as I share back to school trend tips for the entire family. I’ll even demo the latest fashions from some of my favourite stores in the mall! Expect to see classic prints like houndstooth and leopard, chunky knits, military inspired looks, knee socks, platform shoes, bold blazers and crisp collared shirts in the classroom for girls. V-kneck sweaters, button down shirts, khakis, loose fitting cargo pants, graphic t-shirts, colourful shoes and printed sneakers are must haves for boys.

(Super Cool Moment: We recently had coverage in The Toronto Sun! There I am in all my fashionista glory >>)

The Schedule for the Pep Rally:

11:00am Promenade Welcome and introduction
11:05am Choir! Choir! Choir!
11:40am Back to School Trend Tips with Lena Almeida
12:00pm Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders
12:10pm Leave Out Violence Anti-Bullying Workshop
1:05pm Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders
1:15pm Choir! Choir! Choir!
1:50pm Leave Out Violence Anti-Bullying Workshop
2:10pm Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders
2:20pm Back to School Trend Tips with Lena Almeida

And, if you are looking for back to school bargains, this Wednesday is a great time to shop: the Promenade is hosting an exclusive “We Pay the Tax” Event on Wednesday, August 21 from 5pm-9pm. Nearly 100 retailers will be participating and offering to take care of the taxes for you!

Some of the major retailers participating are: H&M, Old Navy, BCBG, Honey, Sandro, Simon Chang, Rinascimento, Town Shoes, Aldo, Aldo Accessories, Garage, Suzy Shier, Jack & Jones, Tristan, Lucky Brand Jeans, Little Burgundy, HMV, Gymboree Play Centre, Jacob, Davids Tea, M for Mendocino, Femme De Carriere, Bench, Costa Blanca, The Body Shop, Sears, Bath and Body Works, Sunglass Hut and numerous Food Court retailers to name a few. Visit www.promenade.ca for a list of all participating retailers.

I’d love to see y’all! If you are in the mall, be sure to stop by and say hello :)

7 Back-to-School Trends You’ll LOVE

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The wonderful thing about back-to-school shopping for tweens and teens? They’ll tell you what they want need to wear. As in, “Mom, I really NEED a pink lumberjack shirt this year. All the guys are wearing one.”

(Thought you’d never hear that one, huh? But check out the Men’s Superdry Lumberjack Brush shirt in Smith Pink pictured right – it’s actually quite stylish. I’d totally love to see a Bieber-esque dude sporting one of these… especially with low-slung jeans and a pair of killer retro kicks. From To Die For Mens Clothing.)

So why will you LOVE these back-to-school trends? Simple – you can find them readily available, almost anywhere. No worries about pounding the payment to find obscure pieces; just add these popular items to your list of must-haves, pop into your nearest trendy store, and earn your status as back-to-school hero.

(And if you happen to spot a pink lumberjack shirt, do pass along deets or a photo! Dying to buy one for Ryder.)

1. Coloured demin and chinos. Or as I like to call it: The trend that just won’t die. Hence, you may as well grab a pair for both yourself and the kiddos, because as long as Jessica Alba is rotating her collection of likely 46 pairs, bright bottoms are here to stay.

(Side note: someone tell this girl to just stop. I get it, Jessica – you like coloured denim. But when you become the poster child for rainbow-hued pants, it’s probably time to mix it up.)

I’m digging these Rich and Skinny Legacy Skinny Jeans available at SHOP.CA. Pair these fun, bright, raspberry-coloured jeans with a simple white or black tee. Rich and Skinny has a reputation for making jeans that give you the longest, leanest legs possible (rich girls need not apply; skinny girls have a slight advantage here).

Other places you can snag a great deal on this back-to-school favourite:

Old Navy – love their Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans
H&M – the same look in a Stretch Twill Trouser – great for business casual
Marshalls and Winners – find a whole rack of options for as low as $19.95
Simons – Flash Colour Skinny Jeans come in an enviable variety of colour options
GAP –  iconic and affordable, 1969 Ankle Zip Legging Jeans are a best bet
Express – Zelda Coloured Jeans – their sexiest jean
American Eagle – Skinny Jeans in Teaberry Pink (my fave colour EVER)…

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