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Spring is just around the corner but it has already appeared on mannequins and the racks of retailers in Southcentre. We took an inside look at what some of our retailers are saying about the hottest trends for spring this year.

Aritzia
The perfect mix of silks, linens, cashmere and hand-washed denim in a colour palette of fresh sorbet hues, washed down pastels and saturated brights.
Spring '12 Preview

Express
Glam up your going out or workday look with the must-have looks of the season.
MUST-HAVE LOOKS

Blu's
What we love about spring is a short course on what's happening for spring and a brief introduction to the new collection.
The things we LOVE about Spring

Nine West
This season there is something for everyone from the flattest sandal to the highest heel - pastels to brights - wedges to platforms to single-soles and everything in between.
Spring 2012 Trends

Stay tuned as Southcentre unveils a fantastic spring promotion featuring these and other hot trends starting April 16th.

Valentines picks with Kim Flanagan

We chatted with Kim Flanagan, our very own stylist for her top Valentine's picks from retailers in the mall. Here is what she shared with us.

The Children's Place
For the little valentine who loves you every day! You are his lady!

Aritzia
Eat all you want and not look like Barney in this fabulous purple tunic! This is what I am wearing for V Day over jeans, just because...

Rocky Mountain Chocolates
Give this strawberry bouquet to all on your heart list! Delicious!

BCBG
Dress up red hot no matter what you are doing. A red dress always looks heart stopper.

Sephora
Cheek play - adding a little blush will get you in the pink quick and maybe in the mood.

xoxo

Learn To Run in 2012

There’s an old adage about never running unless you’re being chased. I subscribe to that theory myself. However I can’t help but notice how many people around me have taken it up and it got me wondering if it might be worth trying. The problem is, I’m not entirely sure how or where to begin, other than that I’ve been told I would need more practical shoes than my Jimmy Choos. Fortunately I’m not the first person to ask this question so I decided to look into it a bit further to see what would be required

Make a Plan

According to Runner’s World, new runners should begin with a simple, progressive program that helps gradually build endurance. The Cool Running website says a common mistake is that many would-be runners start out too fast and end up thinking they can’t run or that it’s not enjoyable.

 Most beginner programs begin with a walk and run combination, with more walking than running. A Couch-to-5k program is a good way to start. Cool Running’s advice is to stick to the program and avoid skipping ahead even if you feel you can do more. The basic program calls for three sessions per week, ranging from 20 to 30 minutes each and gradually increasing running time until you’re able to run the full five kilometres at the end of two months.

Find a Friend

The easiest way to stick with any type of workout plan is to find a like-minded friend to do it with you. You’ll be less tempted to skip workouts since someone else is depending on you. Not only is it a great way to remain accountable, you’ll also be giving yourself the gift of gab. Think of it as having an athletic social life. You can chat and catch up, and best of all, it will help the time pass quickly so that you don’t notice if it hurts (and I’m sure, that like a new pair of Jimmy’s, in the beginning it will hurt).

Reward Yourself

If you successfully complete the program, treat yourself whether it’s to a spa day, a great new pair of shoes (you’re just waiting for me to mention Jimmy again, aren’t you), or you know a little getaway, say to somewhere like Hawaii for 10 days. Incentive will often be the thing that pushes you out the door on days when you’re tired or tempted to bail on your plan.

Get the Gear

Fortunately, unlike golf or hockey, running is a relatively inexpensive activity to take up. The best thing you can invest in is a good pair of shoes, which is all you really need to get started. Consult someone who knows what they’re doing, such as one of the helpful experts in the Sport Chek shoe department. They can help you find the right shoe for your needs.

And while shoes may be all you technically need, there may be some other gear that makes your experience more comfortable – and most surprisingly cute!

A good sports bra will keep the ladies comfortable and well supported.

Ta-Ta Tamer II (Lululemon)

A base layer should wick sweat to prevent chafing and keep you cool on a warm day or warm on a colder day.

Run: Back on Track Short-Sleeve

Your bottom layer can be as cute or as practical as you want. Running skirts have gained in popularity if you aren’t a fan of shorts. However, if you’re worried about your thighs rubbing together and starting a fire (not to mention painful chafing), tights or crop pants can tuck you in all the right places and give your legs some compression.

Run: Pace Setter Skirt

Run: Inspire Crop II

A sock that also wicks moisture will help prevent blisters and give you a bit of extra padding.

Good luck!

Is Your Face in a Rut?

Every so often, I find myself in a make-up rut – the same shade of eye shadow, blush and gloss haphazardly applied in the three precious minutes I have in the morning for such luxuries. However, like a new haircut and colour or a fantastic new pair of jeans, the ability of some fresh products to perk up a  busy mom can’t be undervalued.

Rather than going on a spree and replacing everything in your makeup drawer, the best, most cost-efficient approach is to focus on one or two new products based on current trends. And if it’s any indication, this spring is going to be a great time to experiment with your look and try something different. The best part: you can try out most products before you buy and unlike a bad highlights job, if you don’t like the results, you can wash it right off.

For some ideas, check out these beauty trends for spring 2012 and see which ones you’d like to try!

Shell pink lips

Seen at the Elie Saab and Valentino shows, the look is fresh, natural and perfect for the softer appeal of spring.

Try: Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lipgloss in Shiny Baby Doll Pink (Sephora)

Red lips

Have no fear is soft pink lips aren’t your preferred look. Making appearances at Temperley London, Anna Sui and Donna Karan, red lip shades ranged from cherry gloss to dark chocolate red and even metallic crimson at Yves St. Laurent. Keep the rest of the face clean and neutral, with shimmery metallic eyes.

Try: Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in Little Red Dress (Sephora)

Dewy skin

The fresh natural look is a refreshing change after a heavier matte look we gravitate toward during the winter months. Exfoliating, good moisturizer and an illuminating primer and/or light-reflecting foundation are necessary to achieve this look.

Try: Smashbox Photo Finish Luminizing Foundation Primer (Sephora and Murale)

Winged eyeliner/Cat Eyes (black or coloured – bronzes, metallics, grays, greens)

It looks like the Amy Winehouse tributes will be showing up in more than just song. Jean-Paul Gaultier’s show during Couture Week last week featured Winehouse look-alikes wearing her trademark winged eyeliner. The look has also shown up on the runways of recent Dolce & Gabbana and Matthew Williamson shows. The look isn’t limited to black – try a little flick of colour in bronze, metallic grey, or even shades of green or blue.

Try: Stila Kajal Eye Pencil in Tiger’s Eye or Emerald

Bold brows

Get your esthetician on the phone, because the upcoming season’s brows are clean and defined, but the key is full, full, full. If you’re lacking in the brow department, use a good brow kit to fill in what you need. Remember, the look should be bold without crossing into Chola territory.

Try: MAC Cosmetics Penultimate Brow Marker (The Bay)

Multi-use products (eyes, cheeks and lips)

Perfect for the busy mom who doesn’t have time to rifle through her makeup bag searching for multiple products, these can be applied to the eyes, cheeks and lips for a fresh, natural look that still shows you didn’t run out the door without even a glance in the mirror.

Try: Nars The Multiple in Orgasm (Sephora)

Snap! It is Cold!

This cold weather has got me thinking about sun, sailing and Mickey Mouse.

The call of Disney is an unmistakable one, now that my kids are getting a bit older. However as much fun as the theme parks are, I’m not sure my youngest is quite ready for a week of It’s a Small World at Disneyland or Disney
World. Fortunately the Disney Cruise Line is specifically designed for family adventures balanced with some well-deserved R&R for mom and dad.

Recently I decided to sail off into the sunset with my family and Mickey on a cruise to Mexico.  If you’ve ever travelled to any of the Disney properties, you know that the service they provide is second to none. The Disney Cruise Line continues this tradition. Every employee in the kids clubs is fabulous with the children (and I don’t get the impression it’s because Goofy slips something special from the Magic Kingdom into their coffee mugs every morning) and the servers who follow you from restaurant to restaurant each evening makes it possible for mom and dad to savor  a long meal.  Anytime one of my kids started to squawk, they were quick to produce a Jack Sparrow hat out of a napkin or a Mickey Mouse shaped ketchup dollop on their plate.

The ideal age group for the Disney Cruise is hard to pinpoint. If you are an adventurous family, you may even want to consider waiting until the kids are a bit older, as many of the shore excursions had a restriction of five-years old, and children who are not toilet-trained cannot swim in any of the five pools on board. There is a splash zone for those kids who are not yet potty trained inconveniently located next to a really, really cool pool. My little one was not impressed.

Tips and tricks

Palo

If you have a chance to cruise with Disney, you MUST take the opportunity to book yourself a reservation at Palo, the premier, adults-only restaurant onboard. Make sure you book this reservation at least six weeks prior to sailing – yes, you read that correctly. If you wait longer, you won’t get in. Presumably because it’s the only eatery on the boat where your server won’t decorate your plate with a Mickey Mouse-shaped dollop of ketchup.

Nursery babysitting

If you have a little one under the age of three, they will go to the nursery when you and your significant other are in need of some adult-only
time (and no, you may not drop them off the moment your cruise sets sail and pick them up just prior to de-boarding the ship).

Kids Club

My six-year old discovered the Kids Club the first day in, with activities including a climbing area and room to dance and move, while older crowds can enjoy computers, craft tables, cooking experiences and video games. On a regular basis, as my daughter sat focusing on a craft, a character like Goofy would swing in and sit down beside her. 

Spa

The spa aboard the Disney ships are award winning. Being rocked by gentle waves as someone rubs my back, massages my toes or extracts my pimples is my idea of a vacation.

Evening Events

Every evening features a live theatrical performance at 8:30. Each one of these shows was Broadway quality and totally worth keeping your little ones up for, especially the pirate themed night. Get your best swashbuckling duds on and head to the show and fireworks, or walk the plank (forgive me, I couldn’t resist).

http://youtu.be/3WWK6vANEmY

Shore excursions

The Disney shore excursions in the Mexican Riviera included whale watching, swimming with dolphins, city tours and even tequila tastings (for which I would recommend booking a spot in the nursery immediately following). Even though it was a bit pricey, watching my daughter swim with the dolphins in Puerta Vallarta and ride one around the pool like Roy Rogers (had he had an aquatic adventures) will be one of the greatest vacation memories I have ever had.

Costs

Okay, I know you are going to ask me about the cost of this little adventure. Yes, it is an investment. Once you are on the ship, you can expect to pay for gratuities, nursery/childcare costs, alcohol, shore excursions, more alcohol and spa services.

Don't you just feel better dreaming of warmer weather? Head to the Flight Centre or Sears Travel Centre to book.

News Year's Resolution - Building a Better Wardrobe

If your New Year's Resolution was to build a better wardrobe ie. one where you always have something to wear for every occasion, Kim Flanagan gives the following advice:

1. Get a great sweater or coat - keep stylish inspite of the fact your spit will freeze before it hits the ground this winter. This one is from the Bay in the Lauren by Ralph Lauren Collection.

2. One great black layer piece and one neutral layer piece. The Bay, Nygard



3. A black skirt that you can sit in. Talbots



4. Jeans you feel hot in, and I don't mean your temperature. Gap, The Always Skinny Jean



5. A good shoe boot that you can use as a weapon on a tough day. Browns, Michael Kors boot.



Voila! A wardrobe is made! Now go one and trade those sweats for something a tick more on the fierce side.