9:54 p.m.

I’m very much a family person, so a lot of my fashion preferences are associated with certain memories. While growing up in Spain, I came across Massimo Dutti for the first time.

Dutti has this sexy semi-formal feel – the clothes are comfortable, elegant and great for the office, but also the weekend. In fact, can I share a secret with you? My first suit (ever) was purchased at a Massimo Dutti store in Andorra. It was a pinstripe piece. I still remember walking into the office after my vacation and being complimented by my boss. I was only 19, already journalisming full-time.

Many years later, imagine my nostalgia in 2012, when I heard that Dutti was opening its first-ever store in North America. And this store happened to be in Toronto! The new location has been incredibly popular and the brand continues to expand: Massimo Dutti has just launched its Canadian online boutique today!

I received a lovely suede bag in the mail (its Made in Spain label made me smile with approval), and a gift card for shopping about two weeks ago. Media members got a chance to pre-shop and experience the site ahead of its official launch.

The gift box’s arrival. I snapped this, while opening it.

As always, the clothes are certainly fabulous. I ended up getting my first, much-needed pair of flats. Yes, it’s true, I never bought or wore any flats—but Massimo just changed that.

My trendy new shoes.

By the way, a striking and impressive aspect of the new website is that the fall/winter 2013 campaign displayed on it was shot by the renowned photographer Mario Testino. To experience it all, click here!

The campaign, shot by Mario Testino

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All photography courtesy of Massimo Dutti.