Author: Anita Clarke

I want - I got on Cityline July 4, 2014

Holy Crap, I was a Guest on Cityline

Published by

Random forces rule my life sometimes. A really great example of this resulted in an appearance on Cityline. How did I go from minding my own business to being a guest on major morning show? Well, it all started at a party, one that I was initially waffling on. La Société had a little anniversary party in early June. I didn’t know many people who were going but they have one of the best patios in the city. I also wanted to congratulate Charles Khabouth on the anniversary. If you are a reader from way back, you’ll remember that Charles took me to NYC when he launched Bisha to go furniture shopping. It’s still one of my favourite blogging experiences. I learned about to the furniture side of New York City and discovered some amazing brands. We even had lunch at Balthazar. So, I enter the party and I’m seeing no one I know. I spot Charles on the stairs to the upstairs patio and move in to quickly chat. I keep walking up to …

geekigirlStyle - Week 22

Welcome to geekigirlStyle – A Weekly #OOTD Update

Published by

I’m not having much success in finding a really great way of automatically incorporating my Instagram content over here on the blog. I love Instagram and I like to post a lot of random fun things there. Since there isn’t an automatic solution that meets my needs, I’ve decided to do it manually. So to make it easier, I’ve decided to create a new weekly outfit of the day (#OOTD) column called geekigirlStyle. I don’t do a lot of personal style posting here (feels a bit weird to be honest) so I’m happy to ease into it with this weekly format. I’ve decided to post looks all week from the month of June and next Monday well see the beginning of the weekly rotation with Week 28’s #OOTD offerings. geekigirlStyle – Week 22 Levi’s Denim Jacket * Blank Denim The Clash x Converse * H&M Sweater Joe Fresh Dress Shelly’s London oxfords * Stolen Riches laces J. Crew Skirt Zara Blazer Nine West Shoes Equipment Sleeveless Shirt Danier Leather Custom Dress 3.1 Phillip Lim Chelsea …

Boutiques on eBay x Coal Miner's Daughter Style Challenge.

Boutiques on eBay x Coal Miner’s Daughter Style Challenge

Published by

eBay Canada contacted me this with a Style Challenge request. My mission, should I choose to accept, would be to style an office and nighttime look featuring the Bee Print Bustier by Jordan de Ruiter. A couple of weeks ago on twitter I mentioned how much I liked the Bee Print Bustier so I was happy to take on the challenge. Let’s start with the office look. I pretty much did what I always do when I want to wear something inappropriate to the office, put a blazer on it. This look obviously wouldn’t fly in my financial district office place but many of you work in lest draconian dress code environments. I’m wearing my Junya Watanabe Commes des Garcons blazer (which I picked up at The Room for a steal), H&M high waisted pencil skirt and 3.1 Phillip Lim Chelsea boots. For the night look I ditched the blazer and swapped out the boots for gold sandals from Aldo Shoes. The night look is my World Pride 2014 look for Saturday’s parties! The Bee …

A Clockwork Orange Canvas Book Bag by Out of Print Clothing

i want: A Clockwork Orange Canvas Book Bag by Out of Print Clothing

Published by

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess is one of my favourite books. I re-read the book and watch the Kubrick movie it every couple of years. The art by David Pelham from the 1972 Penguin softcover is my favourite rendition of the book’s cover. A quick Google Image Search on “a clockwork orange book” will give you a list of other covers and it’s easy to see why David’s work is so iconic. You can see some other famous David Pelham covers over at Flavorwire. So when Out of Print Clothing created their A Clockwork Orange series using this iconic cover image I had to own it. I purchased the grey A Clockwork Orange sweatshirt and it’s easily the most commented on piece of clothing I own. The shirts and phone cases are great too but the A Clockwork Orange Canvas Book Bag is calling my name. Now, I have no damn need for another canvas bag, I have a closet shelf full of them but I just can’t resist the all over print of …

Sorry T-shirt by Fairgoods

i want: Sorry T-shirt by Fairgoods

Published by

I get a lot of t-shirt pitches. If you could see the face I make when I read them you can understand that I don’t pay them much attention. I’m a fashion blogger and I like clothing design. If you t-shirt is just showing off your graphic design skills on some American Apparel t-shirt I’m generally not impressed. I have a shit load of Threadless t-shirts, believe me, I’m over that phase in my life. However, I’ve learned to never say never in life and last week a t-shirt pitch arrived in my inbox which I adore. Fairgood’s art director Shauna Luedtke came up with the Sorry t-shirt which puts a tongue in cheek look at one major Canadian stereotype, politeness. Anyone that has lived in Canada for a long time falls into this trap. We say sorry all the damn time, even when we don’t have to. I do this regularly and I don’t even have an idea of where in my upbringing this politeness thing manifested itself. The Sorry t-shirt was pitched to …

Luminato and Yves Saint Laurent Opening Night Party and Big Bang Bash

Luminato at The Hearn Generating Station

Published by

I’ve been around the event block many, many times in this city and these days it takes a lot to impress me. Luminato’s Big Bang Bash and the Yves Saint Laurent Opening Night Party at the Hearn Generating Station did just that last night. It was a combination of a spectacular venue and major nostalgia that took hold of me and never let go. I love Luminato. It’s been a great addition to the Toronto arts scene. Anticipation was high for the after I received the press release letting the world know that the Hearn Generating Station would be the location for this year’s fundraising gala. I didn’t know anything about the Hearn Generating Station at the time but clarity happened once I read over the words “The one-of-a-kind venue has never before been used for an event like this, of this magnitude, but glimpses of the facility have been seen in the popular films, Pacific Rim and Robocop.” I just watched the horrible Robocop remake the day before. I knew the movie was filmed …

Totem Dopp Pouch by Bookhou

i got: Totem Dopp Pouch by Bookhou

Published by

I almost walked away from the Bookhou Totem Dopp Pouch. I was visiting City of Craft for the first time with Monique from MoonRox and we both had our eyes on it. Why the hemming and hawing? Well, I really like cross body bags. They are my staples as they are versatile and easy to carry. Pouches and clutches are kinda a pain in the ass and I only really use them when going to something formal. That being said the Totem Dopp Pouch print was gold and I really liked the oatmeal linen it was made from. So, I spent the 30 bucks and picked one up, at that price it was hard to say no. Totem Dopp Pouch measures W 25.4 x H 17.78 cm. It’s large enough to carry the essentials (Wallet, Smartphone, Keys, Gum, Mascara and Lip Balm) and it’s not bulky. The print placement varies on each pouch due to its handmade nature. The outer material is 100% linen and the lining is 100% cotton. The Totem Dopp Pouch has …

Combinaison by Horses Atelier

i want: Combinaison Jumpsuit by Horses Atelier

Published by

I never knew I wanted a linen jumpsuit in pale pink until I saw that Horses Atelier created one for Spring Summer 2014. Now, that’s a bit of a lie, I’ve always had an interest in jumpsuits. A military flight suit is on my military “I want” list and has been for a long time. I haven’t pursued acquiring a flight suit very actively. When I do come across them they are either too weird-looking like this Soviet MIG flight suit or they are just too big and beyond the magic of alterations. Then there are the colour options which don’t really leave much room for light-hearted fun. Combinaison by Horses Atelier provides a great fitting silhouette that looks slim fitting and roomy at the same time. The cotton linen blend will make it cool for the summer even though you’re encased in fabric. It’s got pockets which are a must. I love that it can be dressed up with some heels and a great handbag or it can be completely casual with sneakers and a baseball …

I want - I got's Mother's Day Gift Guide

I want – I got’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Published by

It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday and if you are like me, you haven’t bought anything yet. So here’s a gift guide for all your procrastinators out there like me. There is nothing like a long, relaxing soak in the tub. Get mom the Mums Goodies pack from Lush. It’s already wrapped and has a mix of relaxing bath time products. While you are at it, pick her up some Lush Fresh Face Masks. I’ve been test driving Cosmetic Warrior and Catastrophe Cosmetic and I’m a fan of the results. Ebay has teamed up with local designers Anu Raina and my friend Monique Chan to introduce the eBay 4 Mom collection. All items are under $75 and shipping is included. There are beautiful print scarves from Anu and beautiful MoonRox earrings and necklaces from Monique. The designs are unique to eBay and available until May 11, 2014. After that they are gone so get to ordering. The 7 Virtues Custom Blend Box is a great set of vegan fragrances made with natural essential oils that you …

Chanel Les 4 Ombres

Chanel Les 4 Ombres

Published by

This week I got to preview the new eye shadow palette from Chanel at the Holt Renfrew Bloor Street. Chanel Les 4 Ombres takes inspiration from the classic Chanel tweed fabric. The colours for each eye shadow palette are literally based on thread colours from previous Chanel tweed combinations. There are six combinations available: Tissé Vénitien – A tweed that reveals the mysteries of Venice Tissé Mademoiselle – A tweed in the colours of dawn Tissé Cambon – A very feminine tweed that accentuates the style of Chanel Tissé Gabrielle – A tweed that borrows its grays from a stormy sky Tissé Vendôme – A sparkling tweed that reflects the City of Lights Tissé Riviera – A tweed with hints of Southern France All the colour combinations are beautiful but I love Tissé Cambon, Tissé Riviera, Tissé Vénitien and Tissé Gabrielle. Chanel had one of their amazing makeup artists on hand to test drive Tissé Vénitien on me. Great makeup artists have a way of making you feel amazing and excited about a product and …

ALDO Fights AIDS with Waris Ahluwalia

ALDO Fights AIDS with Waris Ahluwalia

Published by

ALDO Fights AIDS. ALDO and Waris Ahluwalia (designer and CEO of Waris Loves You and House of Waris, actor and globe-trotting tastemaker) have teamed up to raise money for Partners In Health and its HIV/AIDS programs. Waris and ALDO created a really cute friendship bracelet that come in four different colours for $5. All the proceeds from the sale of the #FriendFight bracelets will go to Partners in Health. Partners In Health strives to achieve two overarching goals: to bring the benefits of modern medical science to those most in need of them and to serve as an antidote to despair. In 1998, Partners In Health’s HIV Equity Initiative in rural Haiti was one of the first programs in the world to provide free, comprehensive HIV/AIDS treatment in settings of poverty. The program’s success changed how the world approaches and funds diseases of the poor. Today, Partners In Health provides housing, water, food, and psychosocial support to thousands of people living with HIV; addressing the root causes of poverty and disease, and not just the disease itself. …

WORN Fashion Journal Presents: Heartbreak Karaoke - February 14, 2014

WORN Fashion Journal Presents: Heartbreak Karaoke – February 14, 2014

Published by

WORN Fashion Journal Presents: Heartbreak Karaoke – February 14, 2014 Was it the son of a preacher man? A devil in a blue dress? You obviously didn’t listen—but now everyone else will. On Friday, February 14, 2014, WORN Fashion Journal will get your achey-breakey heart in front of a karaoke machine at Monarch Tavern (12 Clinton Street). Don’t just feel the pain, spread it around. We’ve got a karaoke machine, a microphone, sad, sad, sad songs, and enough bitter tears and sweet liquor to fill a swimming pool. What else could you possibly need to mourn your latest romantic folly? All proceeds will go to the production of WORN Fashion Journal. This year, we’re trying to raise enough money for our very own lighting equipment. Support independent publishing, and sing us a sad song! THE RULES $7 Admission $5 Admission if you’re dressed in red or pink $1 per song $10 to cut the line $5 to sing Celine Dion THE DETAILS Monarch Tavern 12 Clinton Street Friday, February 14, 2014 Bring on the heartbreak: …

I want - I got/Anita Clarke in Vogue Italia

Anita Clarke/I want – I got in Vogue Italia

Published by

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think Anita Clarke and Vogue would be spoken in the same sentence. I was minding my own business in November of last year when an interview request landing in my inbox. I had to do a complete double take when I saw Vogue.it in the subject line. “Vogue Italia, Are you shitting me?”, I thought, “This is just too crazy. Vogue Italia and me, WTF”. The email was from Shomara Roosblad, an Amsterdam based fashion writer who contributes to Vogue.it and runs the website My roots, My style!. My roots, My Style! documents the story behind stylish women around the globe. (OMFG, I’m considered a stylish woman worldwide, WTF) Shomara wanted to do an interview with me to discuss my style influences accompanied by a slideshow of photos that would be featured on My roots, My style! and Vogue.it. Of course, I said yes because who’s the idiot who says no to this kinda thing. I’m a great secret keeper (ask some of my friends, they will …

Smythe Spring Summer 2014

Smythe Spring Summer 2014

Published by

The Smythe Spring Summer 2014 collection takes their classic tailoring and minimalism to new heights with suiting in liquid textures in Flouro and Petrol Shine. They recently expanded to trousers and this spring summer we will see skirts as the new must haves from Smythe. As with every Smythe collection there are a lot of I want – I got approved pieces. I’m loving the Petro Shine suiting. Turn heads with the total suit or if that’s too much for you, just go with the pants. It might be a bit bright for most but I’d totally wear it to the office. I was at an event late last year and saw the Foil Pant in person. They are so hot it’s not even funny and in the perfect silver shade. The Flouro liquid texture suit is gorgeous too. It doesn’t have the leather vibe like the Petro Shine but it’s still gorgeous. It’s not a Smythe collection without a military inspired jacket and Spring Watch Jacket is a great colour. The Smythe skirts are …

Thom Browne Letterman Jacket

i want: Thom Browne Letterman Jacket

Published by

Letterman Jackets have been flicking in and out of my radar for the last couple of years. I’d really like one but I’m very particular. Most Letterman jackets that I love are out of out of my budget so it figures I’m absolutely in love with the Thom Browne version. I really should have bought a Letterman jacket when I was in University but I’ve never really wanted to be a walking billboard for my alma mater. I’d happily subject myself to being a Thom Browne billboard any day. The Thom Browne Letterman Jacket is made from a cashmere boucle. I’m drooling as I’m typing this. This jacket is very traditional with the leather sleeves but steps up the style quotient with the cashmere body. The lining of the jacket is silk. The Letterman Jacket In Cashmere Boucle by Thom Browne is from the Pre Fall 2014 collection and is available for pre-order on Moda Operandi. It will cost you a whopping $4,700, a $2,350 deposit. The Thom Browne women’s collection is available at The …

I want - I got's Toronto Design Offsite Festival 2014 Picks

I want – I got’s Toronto Design Offsite Festival 2014 Picks

Published by

In Toronto the third week in January is all about design. Some really cool people I know help make the Toronto Design Offsite Festival a reality. The Toronto Design Offsite Festival (TO DO) is a not-for-profit, independent design festival happening annually at the end of January. TO DO’s aim is to provide exposure for local and national designers; to foster public understanding and knowledge of the practice of design; and to create an ongoing presence that promotes Canada’s creativity, drawing on great thinkers, practitioners, and educators to a deliver an innovative celebration of art and design. The TO DO Festival runs from January 20 – 26, 2014. Here are some I want – I got approved options if you are looking to check it out. A Film: Eames: The Architect and The Painter Tue, Jan 21, 2014 Herman Miller Canada Showroom | Film Narrated by James Franco, the film brings to light a virgin cache of archival material, visually stunning films, photographs and artifacts produced by Charles and Ray Eames with their talented staff during …

Rick Owens Hun Jacket

i want: Rick Owens Hun Jacket

Published by

It’s fucking freezing in Toronto right now and it has me thinking about fur. Rick Owens fur. Of course, I like to look at what the designers are creating and the jackets often cost more than a car or a down payment on a house. Some are amazing feats of cut and colour and others are pretty garish. Ideally, a vintage fur jacket is on my list of must haves. It’s cheaper and I like the look of vintage fur. Whenever I’m vintage shopping I check out the fur racks, in case I find that magical piece. The Rick Owens Hun Jacket is made of Fisher fur jacket and has leather sleeves. It wouldn’t be great for -30 at all considering it’s from the Spring Summer 2014 collection but man it’s a very stylish and modern looking fur coat. Fur done cool, the only way possible in the land of Rick Owens. This puppy cost $31,752 and is available on RickOwens.eu. images: rickowens.eu

Roberto Cavalli Spring Summer 2014

Dreaming of Warmth with Roberto Cavalli Spring Summer 2014

Published by

I have a winter skiing vacation planned in February but this bitter cold over the last few weeks has me dreaming of the spring and summer. Naturally, I’m thinking of all the new fashions that will be hitting the stores very soon. One of my favourite collections for Spring Summer 2014 is Roberto Cavalli. I can’t believe it myself. The S/S 2014 Roberto Cavalli collection is inspired by the cinematography of the silver screen, in a projection of femininity. Unique, romantic and exuberant, the Roberto Cavalli woman is the Goddess of a sensual revolution where images shine in the gowns just like in dreams. The desire to enhance reality through the filter of an extraordinary cinematographic light which becomes real in the seductive silhouettes and sinuous outlines of the clothes. Silver dominates the scene. Subtle hues of powder pink, pearl grey, mint green and light blue contrasted with black and white. Embroideries created with satin crystal baguettes, metal suspensions and Mukesh embellishment techniques stand out on the geometric cuts of the fluid dresses. Slip dresses, …

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Gift Cards

I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Gift Cards

Published by

It’s that time of year again and I want – I got is putting together massive Gift Guides of things I think would be perfect to give as gifts this season. Gift Cards are a holiday godsend. They are quick, easy and you always know the recipient will enjoy whatever they end up purchasing. I for one don’t think they are lazy gifts, but incredibly thoughtful ones as it puts the power of choice back in the recipient’s hand. Check out these I want – I got approved Gift Cards! Unisex – These gift cards are perfect for everyone Holt Renfrew – Canada’s top luxury retailer. You can purchase gift cards in store and online. The Bay – So many options here: The Room, Topshop and The White Space. You can purchase gift cards in store and online. Google Play Giftcard – I love apps and I have an addiction to some of those freemium games. A Google Play giftcard would be perfect for enabling my gaming habit. You can purchase gift cards at Shoppers …

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Philip Sparks Shoes

I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Fashion, Beauty and Jewellery

Published by

It’s that time of year again and I want – I got is putting together massive Gift Guides of things I think would be perfect to give as gifts this season. The fifth edition of the Gift Guides is the one we’ve been waiting for Fashion, Beauty and Jewellery. This is a big one and I could go on for days with selections. Who doesn’t love the 20s? It’s my favourite style era and I love these Vintage Style Flapper Dresses by Cabaret Vintage. They range in price from $195 to 350 and are available online or at the Queen Street location. It’s really unfortunate that I don’t own anything by Comrags yet (Note to self, remedy this in 2014). I love the Quartz Border Ed Tunic by Comrags for $335. It’s available online or at their Toronto location. Philip Sparks’s Footwear is amazing. I love every style with the tall boots being my absolute favourite. They range in price from $350 to $495 and are available at the Ossington location or online. The ultimate …

I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Food and Home

Published by

It’s that time of year again and I want – I got is putting together massive Gift Guides of things I think would be perfect to give as gifts this season. The fourth Gift Guide in the series deals with primary with food and the gifts for the home. Carnivore Club. I have no personal experience with this meat of the month subscription but I’m so intrigued. I’d totally love to receive this as a gift and they do offer gift boxes for special occasions. Carnivore Club is the exclusive meat of the month club for discerning individuals! Every month members of the Carnivore Club will receive 4 to 6 different selections of unique charcuterie, exotic terrines and artisan crafted jerky’s from around the world. Carnivore Club specializes in finding you products that cannot be found at your local grocery store or butcher shop. Our partners are all small artisan producers because we believe in the quality and care each partner takes to create their products. Sloane Fine Tea is so very good and it …

I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Gagdets

Published by

It’s that time of year again and I want – I got is putting together massive Gift Guides of things I think would be perfect to give as gifts this season. So the fashion route is out for holiday gifts. I can’t blame people for that, it’s hard to get the right piece. Don’t worry about sizing, colour or style as this third gift guide in the series is all about the gadget. My Mom is always asking me to print her photos of my nephew and niece. I didn’t have a proper photo printer until I went to an HP event and got my hands on the HP Photosmart 7520 e-All-in-One Printer. It’s wireless which is such an important part to my home network as I’m trying to get rid of excess cables. I can print photos from my smartphone using HP software or Google’s Cloud Print. Some other great features include a touch screen, duplex printing, Internet access, scanning, copying and faxing. The Photosmart 7520 will automatically print a selection of NYTimes stories …

I want – I got’s 2013 Holiday Gift Guide – For the Well Read Fashion Lover

Published by

It’s that time of year again and I want – I got is putting together massive Gift Guides of things I think would be perfect to give as gifts this season. The second Gift Guide in the series deals with Books of the fashion variety. I haven’t kept up on my fashion books this year but thankfully, my savior, Nathalie Atkinson at the National Post has. I trolled her articles at the National Post to come up with this list. Some of these books like, The Coat Route is already on my list to read and now I have 7 others. Hazlitt #1 – I tossed this one in the list because my friend and one of my favourite designers, Jeremy Laing is Art Director for the issue. How to Read Fashion: A Crash Course in Styles, Designers, and Couture by Fiona FFoulkes Giambattista Valli The Coat Route: Craft, Luxury, & Obsession on the Trail of a $50,000 Coat by Meg Lukens Noonan Philip Treacy by Kevin Davies The Master of Us All: Balenciaga, His …

I want – I got’s 2013 Holiday Gift Guide – Culture

Published by

It’s that time of year again and I want – I got is putting together massive Gift Guides of things I think would be perfect to give as gifts this season. The first Gift Guide in the series deals with Culture. I’ve been very lucky to experience some of the great culture events Toronto has to offer. Here is my list of great experiences that would make a fun addition to your gifting plan. These gifts are great for individuals or families. TIFF Membership starting at $99. Art Gallery of Ontario Membership starting at $100. The AGO has been on a roll lately with exhibitions. I’m so glad I purchased a membership a few years ago, I can’t imagine life without one now. Mirvish 2013/2014 Subscription starting at $305 Design Exchange Membership starting at $45. The Design Exchange has brought some amazing exhibitions this year and it’s getting better and better Canadian Opera Company Multi Packs starting at $150. Toronto Public Library Foundation New Collection Membership starting at $300. Textile Museum of Canada Membership starting …

I want - I got's JACOB Holiday Collection Look

I want – I got’s JACOB Holiday Collection Look

Published by

I have a soft spot for JACOB. It was the shop that helped me transition from student to IT office worker. I didn’t have much use for business casual clothing in school while taking my B.Sc in Kinesiology and Diploma in Computer Programming and Analysis. So, when it came to real world dress codes, I had a lot to catch up on. JACOB was there as an affordable place to get nice pieces for my new environment, the office. Even after my tastes got more expensive, JACOB was always there as a place I went to for basics and cute dresses. There is a lot of choice for business casual clothing out there with all the new American shops in town but I always fall back on JACOB. It’s the Canadian in me. When JACOB approached me about showcasing an I want – I got approved look from their Holiday Collection and I said yes. I had the Holiday Collection lookbook so I made some preliminary choices in my head before stepping into the Eaton …