Year: 2009

Magnolia

I finally visited Magnolia store at Avenue and Eglinton. The store itself is beautiful. Super high ceilings, great window, large mirrors, eye catching store displays and the best changerooms in the city. Magnolia carries Izzy Camilleri, Lucian Matis, Hoss Intropia, Designers Remix Collection, Love Moschino handbags and Tara Jarmon. Owner Juan Carlos does a wonderful job of curating the clothing in the store. Magnolia 333 Eglinton Ave W, Unit 2B info@magnoliaonline.ca 416-488-9893

Balenciaga Ready to Wear – Spring 2010

Balenciaga went sporty this season, with a touch of futurism. I was talking to a friend who mentioned that Nicholas Ghesquiere tends to work in cycles and we are back on the futurism loop. I don’t mind I have to admit, as long as Nicholas keep turning out collections like this. Be sure to look at the high resolution images on Nytimes.com to see the incredible detail that has gone into this collection. There is an interview with Nicolas Ghesquiere with Cathy Horn talking about the collection. You get some more information on the fabrics that are incorporated in the clothing, it’s pretty amazing. You can also check out this video by style.com images: style.com and coutorture.com

Rick Owens Ready to Wear – Spring 2010

You must already know that I would post about Rick Owens, it’s a given. The collection is a little more angular than usual. I was happy to see that my girl Rose was walking too. Here is the video of the collection. Video is coming becoming available very quickly this season. Rick Owens S/S ’10 Women’s from Mike Nouveau on Vimeo. images: thefashionspot.com

i got: Luxury Rebel Booties

My Luxury Rebel booties were the talk of the water cooler yesterday at the office.  Many conversations I had revolved around the shoes in various places like the kitchenette while I was making my morning Mate Chino from Tea Emporium or washing my hands in the bathroom.  I found it amusing as this wasn’t the first time I wore them to work. Maybe it was all the flat boots I wore last week and people got used to my real height. I tend to fluctuate in the height department due to my love of platforms and heels. When I was younger, I wanted to be tall. 6 feet was my ideal, although I would have accepted anything 5’9″ and up without complaints. I was a dedicated athlete back then and I had all kinds of plans on how the extra inches could help my game. Alas, my brother got the height in the family, he’s 6’3″. Me, I’m a measly 5’5″.  I shouldn’t complain, I’m still taller than average. I originally wanted these Luxury Rebel …

Balmain Ready to Wear – Spring 2010

I’m usually pretty indifferent about Balmain but this season I really enjoyed it. Why? I have no idea, it surprises myself. I guess I’m just starved for something grand from a fashion month that has been pretty lackluster for me so far. The video of the collection is what sealed the deal for me. Love the soundtrack. Balmain Printemps Eté 2010by BalmainOfficial You can view videos from previous Balmain collections on their Dailymotion page.

I’m speaking at the Queen’s Business Forum on the Fashion Industry

I’ve been asked to speak at the Queen’s Business Forum on the Fashion Industry conference.  Since I get a kick out of speaking engagements I accepted. Queen’s Business Forum on the Fashion Industry (Q’BFFI) is the only conference of its kind in Canada. This unique student-run conference is now in its 5th year, and has sparked interest from some of the most influential people in the fashion industry. Taking place on October 17th and 18th 2009, Q’BFFI will further its reputation as one of the most innovative conferences at Queen’s University. The theme of this year’s conference is global interaction in the world of fashion, focusing on the changes that have affected the fashion industry as a result of globalization and a growing world economy. So, I’ll be taking the VIA to Kingston (I haven’t been there in 10 years)  to talk about fashion blogging and my own experiences running I want – I got.  PodCamp and FashionCamp were my other speaking gigs and I didn’t prepare much for them.  This isn’t my course of …

i want: Riding Boots with Brown Cuff by Philip Sparks

When I saw these boots at Philip’s Fall 2009 show I died. I immediately asked if they were going into production and then I asked what the sizing would be. Unfortunately, they start at Men’s 40 which is a 6.5 and too big for me. However guys that doesn’t stop you from getting a pair. The Riding Boots with Brown Cuff can be found at the Philip Sparks online shop. image: philipsparks.com

Nella Bella Fall 2009 Handbags

Some of the best part of writing this blog is meeting amazing designers in this city. One night I was out with friends I was introduced to Tarek Al-azbat. He is a Toronto handbag designer. His focus has been producing handbags for other designers. One of his former clients is Alexander Wang. He has been in the business for 14 years and now he is looking to bring more attention to his own handbag line called Nella Bella. Nella Bella is here to give you another fashionable outlet for vegan handbags. I asked Tarek, why vegan? In addition to the environmental benefits he explained that using PU leather allowed for different fabrications that just aren’t possible with leather. He showed me a black bag with a chevron pattern that is possible with PU but not real leather. Tarek showed me a few different designs. I was impressed with fashion forward styles and you can tell design is just as important as vegan materials. I even got a croc stamped tote to give a test drive. …