Kate Middleton wore a bird-print coatdress to a solo charity appearance today

We’re suddenly finding ourselves craving a certain style of outerwear: the coatdress. While it might be a little impractical for our typical roster of day-to-day errands, Kate Middleton’s many outdoor-based engagements make it a winter wardrobe staple. (And bonus—it suits her trend of being thrifty: she gets to debut a fresh look without having to purchase both a new coat and a new dress.

First kiss: Marking her 10th anniversary with Rimmel, Kate Moss unveils a lipstick collection

Kate Moss has some new hobbies. She’s into canning jams and chutneys. She’s also rumoured to be whipping up batches of homemade soap using blooms from her English garden, something she hopes to turn into a business venture. In light of all these domestic projects, it would seem a culinary arts and crafts coffee-table book, perhaps lensed by her long-time friend Mario Testino, can’t be far behind

beauty Afternoon beauty fix: 2 investment-worthy approaches to whiter teeth

I don’t have to give up twice-daily cappuccinos to make my look teeth whiter, do I?
Don’t worry—I won’t advise you to stop indulging in coffee, red wine, or blueberry pie. Those treats are too enjoyable to give up when there are a variety of different options to consider for a whiter smile

Afternoon beauty fix: Think your concealer is concealing something from you

How am I supposed to know which concealer to buy if no tester is available and the product is wrapped in plastic? 
I almost feel sorry for concealer—it’s relied on for many unglamorous jobs, including hiding dark circles, brightening your eyes, covering blemishes, and highlighting high points. Since concealer isn’t a one-trick pony it shouldn’t be a one-shade pony either. Let me explain: your skin tone and texture changes so often throughout the year that investing in a single product wouldn’t offer a comprehensive solution to all the problems listed above. It’s all about managing expectations, you know? Packaging can get in the way, sure, but the product descriptions should help guide you along. Laura MercierSecret Camouflage ($55, at Holt Renfrew) has a name that correctly insinuates it will help cover imperfections and dark circles—it also comes with two pigment pans that you blend together to find the best shade. RMS Un Cover-Up ($36, rmsbeauty.com) will even skin tone while illuminating so your finished makeup will look especially natural. Utilizing a variety of options will cover all the concealer bases, and you won’t have to worry about selecting and investing in one perfect shade.

Afternoon beauty fix: A simple way to improve your nail polish painting skills

I have a seriously difficult time making my nail polish look nice when I do an at-home manicure—my non-dominant hand always ruins it! Any training tips?
Since few of us are ambidextrous and gifted at polish application, I wouldn’t sweat your skill set. Leeanne Colley, Revlon’s nail expert for Canada, recently recommended one simple solution for this exact complication: start by painting the nails on your more difficult hand! By switching your routine, you’ll use a higher amount of concentration and patience on the hand that requires it the most. By the time you reach your stronger hand, it’ll require less effort to make those fingers look just as good as the rest. You can also try using a lighter shade and a bit of a shimmer to help mask minor imperfections: “Sugared Almond” by Ciaté Paint Pots ($14, ebeauty.ca) followed by a single sweep of shimmer from Zoya in “Jules” ($9, nailpolishincanada.com) will make your nails shine in the sunlight and keep sloppy mistakes undetected. Once your skills have improved, you can carry on to darker shades with a steadier hand and a kick of newfound confidence.

shopping Your sneak peek at the Jason Wu for Target items that will be available in Toronto on Thursday

shopping

Your sneak peek at the Jason Wu for Target items that will be available in Toronto on Thursday

Last week it was announced that Jason Wu would bring his Target collab to Toronto for one-day-only at a pop up on King Street on Thursday. Today, we’re briefing you on exactly what to expect. Check out these looks, as promised to be available in full (handbags excluded). While the prices for each piece are not available yet, the entire collection will range between $10 and $45 and proceeds of the sale will go to the United Way of Toronto. And don’t fret if something you want is missing from our list—more items will be available on Thursday.

Styled to perfection: Check out the complete Marni at H&M look book. Stunning model included

Well kids, 2 weeks and counting until you can get your hands on the sure to be amazing Marni at H&M collection (we’ve seen it, and it is!). Need some  tips on how to wear every piece of the collection in one? Check out the complete look book, for more options on how to style your wears.

Your complete guide to the Marni at H&M collection

    From the complete look book to our fashion director’s tips on just how to wear the clashing prints, we present your complete primer to the Marni at H&M collection in advance of its launch on March 8

fashion How to wear prints: The 3-step how to as we break down the Marni at H&M collection

fashionat the shows MFW Diary: Our top 5 from day one in Milan, including Gucci, Alberta Feretti, and more fashionat the shows MFW Diary: Our top 5 from day one in Milan, including Gucci, Alberta Feretti, and more

When it comes to pairing prints and patterns, our fashion director, Susie Sheffman, is the resident mixologist. She’s also Marni-obsessed: “When I discovered the outlet in Milan, it was game over,” she says. “Cardigans, sexless sandals and printed sweet nothings have been making their way into my suitcase on my twice-yearly pilgrimages to Milan fashion week ever since.” Two weeks ahead of the Marni at H&M collection (launching on March 8), she shares her tips on mastering this spring trend...

fashionat the shows MFW Diary: Our top 5 from day one in Milan, including Gucci, Alberta Feretti, and more fashionat the shows MFW Diary: Our top 5 from day one in Milan, including Gucci, Alberta Feretti, and more

1. Gucci‘s opulent romanticism: Judging from the miles of velvet and silk, iridescent feathered frocks, croc saddlebags, leather capes, uniform-inspired dress coats, and innovative fabric mixes (mink inlaid on chiffon, anyone?), Gucci’s Fall 2012 collection begs for a crisp night and a brilliant moon.

2. Brian Atwood: We love the man and the shoes. I popped into Atwood’s showroom to preview his new Fall 2012 collection, which includes his first full line of handbags. Editors and buyers were asked not to tweet, so you’ll have to use your imagination: over-the-knee lace-up leopard-print boots, giraffe and Dalmatian patterns, blue fringed cross-body bags, multi-coloured python clutches with metal rivets, and plush minaudieres. One word: WANT.

3. Alberta Ferretti‘s waistland: Next season, the belt will be a girl’s best friend. Whether you choose Ferretti’s pinstriped mannish coats or one of her cooler-than-cool collarless leather coats, fall is all about emphasizing you waist.

4. The Excelsior department store: Milan’s newest department store has the fashion flock buzzing. Think super curated (very Colette!) with an uber-chic design aesthetic—pod-shaped glass elevators will whisk you up to visit lust-worthy friends like Dries Van Noten, Marni, and Jonathan Saunders.

5. My Prada ticket for tomorrow’s show. What does Mrs. Prada have in store for us this season.