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        <title><![CDATA[Flare Fashion Blog]]></title>
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                      <title><![CDATA[Smart Shopping in NYC]]></title>
                      <description><![CDATA[I’m in New York this week and sale season is in full swing. Actually, I’ve never seen the deals so sweet – when labels like Prada and Lanvin are 50% off by mid-June, you know it’s not business as usual. The temptation is to spend, spend, spend – and then end up with a bag full of pieces that spend more time in your closet than on your back. Here’s my smart shopping strategy: *take an inventory of your closet before the sales start. Either make a list or fill a digital file of photos. This will prevent you from buying the same thing over and over – a bad habit I have when buying shoes and jackets. *NEVER buy a piece that’s too small. The idea that you might fit into it some day soon is about as likely winning the lottery … and nothing hurts more than giving away a great piece with the tags still attached. *If you buy clothing that’s a bit too big, consider the cost of alterations. Hemming is easy. Re-cutting an armhole to reduce a too-wide shoulder line is an expensive venture – and chances are, the alteration won’t suit the garment’s design. *Buy shoes mid-day. If they feel too snug from the first step, don’t buy them. Loose shoes bought at the end of the day will always be too big. *If a piece is damaged AND on sale, nicely ask for a further reduction. While one salesman adamantly turned me down in front of other customers, I noticed an additional 5% was taken off at the cash register. Happy shopping! Lisa www.flare.com/fashion]]></description>
                      
                      <link>http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/247965</link>
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                      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:09:58 -0400</pubDate>
                      <author>Lisa Tant - Flare Magazine</author>
                      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/247965</guid>
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                      <title><![CDATA[Two Nights In Paris]]></title>
                      <description><![CDATA[I took a whirlwind trip to Paris last week. At only two nights, it was painful (I never seem to be able to sleep) but, then again, Paris is always fabulous. I had just two hours to myself so I quickly toured one of my favourite shopping streets – rue St. Honore-Faubourg. I love checking out the high-end designer boutiques to see the runway fashion that never comes to our shore. The best stretch of the street is roughly equivalent from the main entrance of the Louvre to the Place Concord – a block over on the rue Rivoli. First stop for me is always Yves Saint-Laurent for the bags and shoes. Both are chic and practical – even with those killer heels. In the same block, you’ll find Hermes. I always pop in to check out their fashion collections – prices are sky-high but the quality is impeccable. Don’t miss the custom-made saddles. In the next block, you’ll find Lanvin, Prada and Gucci. While Lanvin is totally out of my price range, I love the beautiful simplicity of the designs. (Rumour has it that Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz may replace Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel.) I was pleased to see the black nylon tote I bought for $385Cdn in Switzerland at Foxtown Factory Stores for 460 Euros at the Prada boutique. Cross the street and treat yourself to lunch at Laduree. The little café is so very French and serves the most delicious macaroons. There are several Chanel shops in the vicinity – the best is on rue Cambon. Chanel’s apartment and workrooms are right above the boutique so you’ll often see Paris elite – models, celebrities and Karl himself – coming and going. Down the block is Miu Miu, Prada’s sister shop. I never fail to find the perfect pair of shoes here and this trip was no exception. I picked up a pair of patent spectator flats with a black bow and gold studs. Another block down is Colette, one of the world’s best fashion boutiques – a playful mix of books, music and outstanding up-and-coming collections. There’s so much more to see if you’ve got a few more hours. Stores open at 10:30am and close at 7pm. Take your passport. If you spend over 175 Euros, the store will fill out the form to get part (about 12%) of the 19.5% VAT refunded. Just don’t forget to present the paperwork with the receipts and merchandise before you go through security at any EU airport. It’s worth it. And the best week to shop is just around the corner. Sales start the first week of July – and just about everything gets marked down. Au revoir for another week! Lisa www.flare.com/fashion]]></description>
                      
                      <link>http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/244685</link>
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                      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:44:22 -0400</pubDate>
                      <author>Lisa Tant - Flare Magazine</author>
                      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/244685</guid>
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                      <title><![CDATA[Summer Picks To Buy Now]]></title>
                      <description><![CDATA[Now that sandal and short weather is finally here, stores are clearing out their summer stock. It’s a great time to pick up some hot deals earlier than ever. In past years, summer sales didn’t generally start for a more few weeks. Discounts are good – many start at 40% - so here’s what to buy with a eye to next summer as well. White – White is a hot choice this year but it’s a timeless pick. You can’t go wrong with any piece you buy – whether it’s skinny cropped jeans or a flowing cotton tunic. Snakeskin – Reptile patterns are another timeless choice but make sure you pick classic pieces. A slouchy tote is a smarter buy than gladiator sandals. A wide python belt or pumps has more style mileage than a corset belt. Colourful leather – Bright bags are popular in a rainbow selection of hues. Rich purple and blue carry into fall while hot pink and sunny yellow have ‘one-season summer’ written all over them. Bold watches – Sporty watches with colourful rubber straps are another long-term smart buy. Big timepieces with white leather straps (totally impractical) continue forward as well. Jeans – Torn acid wash is cool right now but doesn’t have ‘legs’ past fall. Instead of buying the pre-torn version, pick up a pair of skinny jeans and bleach and rip your own. Wear to death and toss aside in a few months. Cropped leather jackets – This popular look – worn right now in buttery light coloured suede and leather – goes right into fall. Dresses – Ankle-sweeping patterned dresses have had their day in the sun so stock up on knee-length dresses in solid colours. Simple and versatile, they’ll go with whatever accessory trends are big next summer. Cardigans - Skip picking up another basic cardigan in favour of a loose boyfriend jacket. Happy shopping!&nbsp;&nbsp; Lisa. www.flare.com/fashion &nbsp; &nbsp;]]></description>
                      
                      <link>http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/238166</link>
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                      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:35:54 -0400</pubDate>
                      <author>Lisa Tant - Flare Magazine</author>
                      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/238166</guid>
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                      <title><![CDATA[Designer Discount]]></title>
                      <description><![CDATA[Week of May 25 Last week while visiting Italy I took a detour to Switzerland to check out a buzzed-about designer discount outlet. Many editors attending the fashion weeks in Milan make the trek to Foxtown Factory Stores in Mendrisio, Switzerland. It was a short hop away - about a 30 minute drive from Lake Como where I was visiting - so I made the trip. The outlet is about a 90 minute drive from Milan. It's very easy to find just over the border in Switzerland. Check out www.foxtown.com . &nbsp; Foxtown Factory Stores is like a regular mall - clinical feeling, bright lighting, bad food court - but it's a treasure chest of brilliant designer labels that are rarely discounted. Many of my favourite stores are here - Gucci, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Burberry, Dior, Bottega Veneta, Jil Sander, Armani - so the shopping was fantastic. The deals are great - on average 50% off on classic pieces like a Burberry trench or black nylon Prada totebag, and year-old collections. I saw many good pieces from the Spring 2008 collections. &nbsp; Handbags and shoes are the best buys at discount malls. Be savvy about your clothing buys. Don't buy anything without trying it on first. Many items are samples with unperfected fits and others are 'seconds' that may have print discolourations or rips and irregularities. &nbsp; Give yourself enough time to shop. A full day here is best. I scoped out the entire mall first and then went back to narrow down my buys. I picked out a couple of Prada bags but skipped a YSL skirt when I noticed a long 'ladder' down the side panel. Bring a calculator - all prices are in Swiss francs which, at the moment, is pretty much on par with the Canadian dollar. You can claim the VAT (Value Added Tax) back but do it before you leave Switzerland. I tried to file the papers at the Milan airport but no luck. &nbsp; I've been using my Prada tote non-stop! A great buy at $400. &nbsp; Until next week ... Lisa www.flare.com/fashion &nbsp;]]></description>
                      
                      <link>http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/238161</link>
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                      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:29:23 -0400</pubDate>
                      <author>Lisa Tant - Flare Magazine</author>
                      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/238161</guid>
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                      <title><![CDATA[Get Inspired, Flare-Style! ]]></title>
                      <description><![CDATA[I’m often asked if it’s tough to come up with ideas for Flare every month. Quite the opposite! We always have far too many great story ideas. I wish I had double the pages every month to do justice to everything we come across. Where do these ideas come from? Pretty much everywhere. Each of my editors is responsible for a certain area – fashion, beauty, health, pop culture – but we’re all tuned in to the world around us. When we’re not reading, going to the movies, shopping, eating at the latest hot spot, checking out exhibits etc, we all spend a lot of time online. My personal favourite sites: style.com; jakandjil.com; thesartorialist.blogspot.com; stylebubble.co.uk; runway.blogs.nytimes.com;perezhilton.com; thebusinessoffashion.com; plus flare.com and teenflare.com of course … the list goes on. I’m also&nbsp;a huge fan of Twitter. I love reading about Dita von Teese’s adventures and Karl Lagerfeld’s timeless quips are always insightful. I'm on Twitter&nbsp;myself – have to admit that I’m hooked. Sorry for the short post this week but it’s been a nutty few days. We’re putting the finishing touches on our July issue –the fashion team, in particular, did an amazing job on our annual style on a budget theme – and then heading to Italy to see Chanel’s cruise collection in Venice on Thursday night. I’ll tell you all about that next week. Ciao! Lisa www.flare.com &nbsp;]]></description>
                      
                      <link>http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/228189</link>
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                      <pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 09:00:41 -0400</pubDate>
                      <author>Lisa Tant - Flare Magazine</author>
                      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/228189</guid>
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                      <title><![CDATA[Elegant Affairs]]></title>
                      <description><![CDATA[Week of April 27 &nbsp; One of the best parts of my job is the variety of events I'm invited to. Last week ranged from the Brazilian Ball to the Becel Love Your Heart Benefit Concert. &nbsp; Saturday's Brazilian Ball was over-the-top as usual! This isn't the night to pull out your trusty LBD. The best dressed included Suzanne Rogers in fluttery white Marchesa and Kim Newport-Mimran in a silver mini from her own Pink Tartan label. I chose a slinky royal purple jersey gown by Greta Constantine. But it was the Brazilian dancers who paraded through the MTCC who really stole the show. I don't think I've seen that many hot bodies, glitter and spandex in one room! &nbsp; By contrast, earlier in the week, the Becel Love Your Heart Benefit was a lot more subdued but equally as passionate. Three internationally known Canadian singers Chantal Kreviazuk, Deborah Cox and Diana Krall performed to help raise funds in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation's The Heart Truth campaign. No question, Diana Krall was the evening's most low-key yet sparkling standout. As I listened to her gorgeous sensual voice, accompanied by just a piano, I thought back to when I first interviewed her. It was in 1996, just before I left Vancouver, and the sultry jazz singer with the fresh-faced look (who would expect a sunny blonde to sing like that?) was starting to make waves. We met at a downtown hotel and our connection was like two high school girlfriends catching up - Diana is a day older than me. Our chat went way too long and she had to rush off to catch the ferry to take her home to Nanaimo. &nbsp; I saw Diana again at this year's Junos where she was presenting an award with her hubby, Elvis Costello. She's never looked better - dressed in Erdem for the show and then changing into a sinuous Alexander McQueen gown for the presentation. I'll be listening to her latest disc this weekend. Back next week with more Flare news. In the meantime, follow me on Twitter. Lisa LISA TANT, &nbsp; www.flare.com/fashion]]></description>
                      
                      <link>http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/222097</link>
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                      <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 11:11:49 -0400</pubDate>
                      <author>Lisa Tant - Flare Magazine</author>
                      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/222097</guid>
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