Year: 2012

Janelle Monae is the next Covergirl

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I rarely pay attention to new beauty ads but this one involves Janelle Monae. She’s now the latest Covergirl and has a huge advertising spread in the September issue of Vogue. “I believe it’s time that women truly owned their superpowers and used their beauty and strength to change the world around them,” said Monáe. “One of my core values is to help redefine what it means to be a strong and beautiful woman in the music and fashion worlds and to empower the wonderful things that make us unique. Becoming a COVERGIRL is truly an honor and a gift: it opens up a new platform for me to inspire women to feel stronger, braver and more beautiful inside and out.” “Ever since Janelle made her electrifying arrival on the music scene, she has captured our imaginations, stirred our souls, and made us all move our feet,” said Esi Eggleston Bracey, VP and General Manager, COVERGIRL Cosmetics. “Janelle is a true force of energy and a beautiful spirit who truly delights in her creative journey, …

I want – I got Greeting Cards by Eighty Seventh ST.

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Monica Smiley of Eighty Seventh ST. creates hand illustrated fashion inspired paper products. Monica is a Toronto based illustrator with a degree from Ryerson’s School of Fashion. eighty seventh ST is a chic brand of hand illustrated paper products with a high fashion edge. A whimsical collaboration of art and design, eighty seventh ST offers unique gift ideas from greeting cards, to art prints, and custom design projects that go beyond design borders. Our products are 100% designed and produced in Canada, and all products can be 100% recycled. In collaboration with eLuxe they produced the best event swag item ever: personalized, illustrated greeting cards. For every attendee to eLuxe’s open house there was a set of greeting cards with our own personal Monica Smiley illustration. Completely amazing!

i want: Duck Bag and Backpack by Baggu

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Backpacks are such a huge trend right now and I’ve been overloaded with backpack pitches. Now I’m interested in backpacks. I have an MEC pack that’s very good but not stylish in any way. It’s also too big. I’m currently enjoying a Nella Bella backpack from the Fall Winter 2012 collection but I could use one a bit smaller. Baggu creates simple cotton handbags in vibrant colours. I love the simplicity of these packs and the colour schemes. The Duck Bags are really cute too. Baggu bags can be found at Magic Pony in Toronto and The Drake General Store. images: magic-pony.com

i want: Maryam Keyhani Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

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Ever since reading Overdressed, I’ve been thinking about spending my money with a bit more caution when it comes to fashion. High on my priorities are well made, wearability and country of origin. I’ve decided that less is more and I want to stop those random H&M or Zara purchases and save for a couple of big ticket purchases a season. The fall, I want a Maryam Keyhani necklace. Maryam’s work is as stunningly beautiful as she is. I really feel like these necklaces portrays her aesthetic perfectly. And who doesn’t want a part of that. Maryam’s necklaces feature folded silks, structured metal and strands of pearls. Maryam Keyhani is available at Holt Renfrew in Toronto. images: torontolife.com

I want – I got x Bombay Sapphire Cocktails

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It’s not every day you have Olympic themed cocktails created just for you in cleared out bar. This terrific experience at Suits in the Trump Tower was thanks to Raj Nagra, Bombay Sapphire Master Mixologist. I filled out a questionnaire about my food tastes a week before the event and Raj came ready with three Olympic cocktails for me. He was so bang on with every drink, they were a delight. I’ve included  the I want – I got x Bombay Sapphire Cocktails so you can try them at home. You want to, believe me. BRONZE – Macchiato Martini 1 part (30 mL) Bombay Sapphire 1 part (30 mL) Tia Maria 1 part (30 mL) Espresso Pinch Sichuan pepper Method: Shake with ice and fine strain Glass: Cocktail Garnish: Milk froth and nutmeg SILVER – Cucumber & Dill Smash 2 parts (60 mL) Bombay Sapphire 2/3 part (20 mL) Agave nectar 6 chunks Skinned cucumber 1 thumbnail Deseeded jalapeño 1 Large sprig of dill ½ Fresh lime Pinch salt Method: Muddle cucumber & agave nectar …

Triarchy Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

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Canadian denim brand and I want – I got favourite, Triarchy took their bright skinnies and traveled all the way to Peru to shoot their fall winter 2012 – 2013 lookbook. The result is a very beautiful lookbook. Such a refreshing change from the standard way I’ve seen denim presented. Triarchy is available at Dutil Denim in Toronto images: courtesy of Triarchy

60 Years of Designing the Ballet & The Tutu Project – Till September 2, 2012

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The Design Exchange is hosting two exhibits for The National Ballet of Canada: 60 Years of Designing the Ballet and The Tutu Project. Both exhibits will be at the Design Exchange until September 2, 2012. 60 Years of Designing the Ballet This exhibition offers an intimate look at the design of one of Canada’s most celebrated treasures – the National Ballet of Canada. The exhibition is organized thematically – highlighting the various ways in which the ballet as an institution is designed through hundreds of items from the ballet’s archive. The exhibition provides a private invitation into the world of one particular company. This exhibit brought me right back into The Nutcracker world again. I had to snap a photo of the Cannon Doll costume sketches and swatches. There are a lot of costumes to check out and set pieces to see up close and personal. You can even try on a tutu and try out ballet moves right in the exhibit. Admission is $10.20 for the 60 Years of Designing the Ballet exhibit. The …

Moncler S Fall Winter 2012 – 2013

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Japanese designer Chitose Abe of Sacai has another great Moncler S collection for the fall winter 2012 – 2013 season. I’m dreaming of a winter jacket right now. M The fall winter 2012 – 2013 collection is described as: Moncler S is a project which this season is set to become even broader for an interpretation of the Moncler world that is original and contemporary. Little coats and capes open into large flared and enveloping skirts. Diamond quilting effects and quilted rolls alternate in the same garment, providing movement to surfaces and modelling the figure. Careful research goes into materials that underscore the purity of the design. Ultra soft deperlant flannel in prized New Zealand merino wool is both waterproof and stain-proof. Extreme attention is also lavished on the details with the bell and flower-bottom sleeve as unmistakeable style code of Moncler S. I love that these designs break the mold of the traditional down filled jacket. After seeing the rise of Canada Goose and others over several years, I’m thoroughly bored of the silhouette. …

i want: Marni Winter Edition 2012 Sunglasses

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I love that some PRs have caught on to the fact that I love sunglasses just a little too much. My Mom asked me how many pairs I have the other day. I sheepishly replied eight. Now most people would say that`s probably a little excessive but I have no plans on keeping my collection at 8. Marni`s 2012 Winter Edition Sunglasses are on my hot list right now. I love the colours and flower motif. The main feature of the sunglasses from the MARNI WINTER EDITION 2012 EYEWEAR COLLECTION is the contrast between opaque and shiny used for a flower motif on relief in the upper part of the frame. Opaline and watery colors range from bright green, pink, yellow and red to sand and brown, while temples are in contrasting solid colors. I`m not sure which retailers in Canada will be stocking these but they are available online at marni.com and in all Marni Boutiques. images: courtesy of Marni