I have to credit Off the Rack for a great find. They featured Rachel Bilton looking adorable int this Theory Caplet. Ah, Theory. Theory dishes out some of the best suits and adult clothes. That instant I am woman feeling.

But to justify $395 for a trendy piece - well that’s still hard to do. But here’s a substitute at heck of a deal. I’m impressed at the budgetista offering at Forever 21 for $30.

Let me give you the background on the funky brand, Chulo Pony. The Canadian music makers behind Nettwerk Records (aka Avril Lavigne and Sarah McLaughlin) decided to start producing their own swag…which eventually led to this designer line coming out of their backroom. It clearly holds it’s own fashion.

Last year’s favorite, the corduroy dress (left) is back but now in black and old gold. Slightly modified to modern it up (after all a whole year has gone by). Or for a dash of Eastern flavor there’s the wrap dress with bell sleeves (right). Finally a kimono style that doesn’t make you look like a wonton wrapper.

Shop on line in Canadian or US prices. Or on both sides of the border you can find it at Zebra Club.

Sign up! for  The It Lists monthly newsletter (far right side) and you’re automatically entered to win. this fun little book of witty new mixed up modern words.

MIXTIONARY(n.) A guide to communicating efficiently in the modern world, in which new-fangled ideas and phenomena leave us at a loss for words. (root words: Mixed Up and Dictionary)

In The Nude…Lips That Is Fab Sugar  (read full article)

With all the dazzle and dressing up during the holidays it’s best to leave some things minimal, or rather, nude. This trend has been gracing the pouts of Hollywood, as seen in this weekend’s Life & Style, as well as the Spring ‘07 runways, as beauty marked by CocoChic. This look is especially necessary when glamming up your eye makeup - to create balance and maintain a complete, not overtly made up, face.

Artinjection by Dave Stevenson Couture in the City  (read full article)

Looking for the perfect can’t-find-this-just-anywhere gift for your artistic friend, boyfriend or sister? Then check out the collection of Artinjection sterling silver jewelry at LeFashionista. Created by accomplished bronze sculptor Dave Stevenson.

Designer Profile: Michelle Zacks * Spring & Clifton Omiru  (read full article)

Born in California and based on the East Coast, Michelle Zacks of knitwear line Spring & Clifton deftly fuses the sophisticated attitude of New York with the easy-going vibe of the Golden State.  And she has exactly what you need to bundle up this winter…and all the subtleties that make up something very special.

Beauty Buzz. A Marriage Made In Infomercial Heaven? Sephora Debuts on HSN Second City Style (read full article)

In case you just can’t get to a location at a mall near you, JC Penny’s or your computer to place an order…Sephora’s drive to take over the beauty world is moving to TV with the debut today of a series of one-hour shows on Home Shopping Network! Oh no! 

My favorite accessory is a watch. But I have to admit I’m notorious for not having it set to the right time (or time zone), but that’s another story. I think three fun brands - that don’t fall apart and are also affordable enough to own many -  would be Fossil, Timex and Marc Jacobs (darling of the season). Here are my pics…

Gold-tone watch with leather strap, Timex (saw this in Dec InStyle Mag). Patent leather watch (also comes in white but I’d destroy that - I’ll stick to blue) Marc by Marc Jacobs. Fossil’s Retro Rectangle and disc chain - but also worth checking is the Frank Gehry and Fossil Motion that has an animated dial in retro patterns.

Update: Dec 22  I finally had to call Timex for details on the gold and rawhide watch. I tried the Canadian customer service and let’s just say that was a painful experience. I do have to give kudos to the lovely, helpful woman with the southern drawl on the USA side. Turns out they’re sold out until after Xmas (more soon they promise). In the meantime there is still some stock of a  similiar black one.

Or if you’re on www.timex.com the stock numbers to search:

• brown  T2M251* (make sure to put in the *)
• black T2M281

A Prayer before you go shopping……..
 
Armani 
Who art in Holts
Hallowed be thy shoes
Thy Prada come
Thy shopping done
On Bloor Street
As it is in Paris
Give us this day, our Visa Gold
And forgive us our balance
As we forgive those who charge us interest
Lead us not into Wal-Mart
And deliver us from Sears
For thine is the Chanel
The Gaultier, and the Versace,
For Dolce and Gabbana………..Amex.

Courtesy of DJ Amtrak (aka Ann)

Madonna to design for H&M Couture in the City  (read full article)

Pop icon Madonna is to design a range of clothes and accessories for Swedish fashion giant Hennes & Mauritz, which will be launched in March 2007. "The ‘M by Madonna’ fashion line will reflect Madonna’s timeless, unique and always glamorous style," H&M said.

Designer Profile: Melody Kulp of Sweetees Omiru  (read full article)

Armed with t-shirts, scissors, fabric glue, and appliqué, Melody Kulp and her partner (and now fiancé) David Reinstein founded Sweetees in 2002.  4 yrs later, Melody Kulp’s line of of effortlessly luxurious tees, sweaters, and dresses is firmly entrenched in the young contemporary market—and in the closets of celebrity style icons from Sarah Jessica Parker to Beyonce Knowles.  Read on for Melody’s Fashion Do’s and Don’ts, design inspiration (travel), and more. 

Second City Style’s 12 Days Of Christmas Second City Style (read full article)

Second City was so excited about sharing their wish list until they realized that they’d fallen madly in love with all their things…The It Lists has to agree. These are a great way to count down to Christmas! Read the full article - here are some teasers.

John Fluevog’s Vespa Modvog, $215 Fluevog.com

Honeycrisp Sweater Coat $288 Anthropologie

Fidelity Denim Buying Tips Fashion Salad  (read full article)

Fidelity Denim dishes on fit, fabric and finish of jeans. Shelling out the “dough” on a great pair of jeans is arguably the most important purchase in a woman’s wardrobe. Think of enjoying a pair of jeans as you would a fine glass of wine….the color, the character and all the subtleties that make up something very special.

I don’t have a local Sephora (sigh), but I do make use of the interweb to do my ca-chinging. My recent Seattle round let me explore the aisles and find those little treasures that just get lost on the website. A lot of my gals are getting this little find, the Round-A-Pout.

I picked up a tube of Sephora brand Gold & Glow gloss because it’s great to wear solo or over lipstick to take a shade from day into nite. When I noticed it was part of the Round-A-Pout Beach Bronze I had to grab a bunch. The little round bauble contains four glosses to transform your pout from fizzle to sizzle, best of all they’re all under $10.

If you’re looking for safer, pinker tones then nab the Beach Ball. Yah, I had to grab a bunch of them too. Another value set is this Harmony Set.

And one last find. I’ve got more Rosebud Salve then I know what to do with, but still had to pick up their latest addition: Minted Rose Lip Balm

Just spent the last few days in Seattle with my husband and dog; we set up camp at the W Hotel. It’s ridiculous how dog friendly that hotel is - I think Theo was treated better than we were. His stay included a W dog bed, matching ‘woof’ placemat and bowls, stick, ball, cookie, and a special poo bag.

I managed to squish in some Christmas shopping. You know the theory - one for you, two for me. Including a little stop by Tiffany.

I drool over the entire Frank Gehry collection (of Bilboa fame), but in my budget I pointed out to my husband my wishlist that included a bit of the classic, Paloma Picasso X Pendant (in gold, or the silver with the solo diamond) and new Tiffany 1837™ lock ring (love that on the tiny locket it says 925; the stamp that it’s real sterling).

The only problem is that if I get the X pendant then there’s always the need to compliment it with the Love & Kisses ring!

FW06 Trend: Winter Hats I am Fashion  (read full article)

I was about to devote a blog on how much I love all the winter beanies just floating around everywhere this season and recommend a few that I liked. But then I went out and tried on a few and it occured to me that winter beanies are just about the hardest thing for anyone to wear- especially the ones this season! They looked so different on me than on the mannequin (and the next girl) that I realised that one simply cannot tell from pictures whether a hat is cool of not. …

Denim Trends Spring 2007 Fashion Salad  (read full article)

David Lim, designer and founder of Kasil, shares his insight on denim trends for spring and summer 07 and how to complete the look…

Profile: Lisa Klein Omiru  (read full article)

The It List adds: If you’ve ever been to Kitson’s (fun!) then you have to have popped across the street to Lisa Klein.

In the past year alone, Lisa oversaw the opening of three of her eponymously named boutiques—and gave birth to a brand new baby.  Read on to get a glimpse of life in the fast lane, from Lisa’s foolproof outfit to what she loves about LA…

Our Love for Tees Couture in the City  (read full article)

This Aqua VI shirt is punk rock with a girly touch! A simple black tee with a skull graphic outlined in gold on the front…

Merry Monochrome Holidays, what to wear to your office party Style Bites  (read full article)

Assuming that you’ve got a fashionable group of colleagues, this might do for a holiday party. When thinking office-do, don’t reach for anything too sexy, even if it’s after hours. Patent leather, anything that laces up the back (or front), low cut neck lines and the like are all no-no’s. And for goodness sake, hold your drink!