For the last 5 weeks, I’ve been busting my ass at the crack of dawn with Nike and Sidewalk Hustle. Hawley invited me to participate in the Sidewalk Hustle x NTC Sunrise NTC Sessions. Monday mornings, Nike’s Canadian Master Trainer, Eva Redpath leads us through a high intensity 45min interval workout at the crack of dawn. Literally. I’m up at 5am like an insane person to do this workout. The workout overlooks the city as we train at the gorgeous Malaparte space in the TIFF Lightbox. Sidewalk Hustle x Nike Sunrise NTC Sessions
The first week was very hard on me. I was sore for days. I haven’t kept up with my fitness. I started do yoga at home but I hadn’t stepped foot in a gym in years. That week I swore up and down that I’d never let my fitness sink to the bottom of the barrel like that again. Sidewalk Hustle x Nike Sunrise NTC Sessions
I’m not usually one for classes but the NTC sessions reminded me of my training days. So very long ago when I was a sport obsessed youth. Many of the drills we performed were exactly the same. It brought back lots of Track & Field memories when I lived and breathed plyometrics. Sidewalk Hustle x Nike Sunrise NTC Sessions
I downloaded the Nike Training app and it’s really good. This Monday’s workout was almost exactly like Carli Lloyd’s Metabolic Kick Hit which is the featured workout in the app right now. There are so many workouts by master trainers and pro athletes that use little or no equipment. You can even do many of the workouts at home in your living room. I only have a couple quibbles about the app. I love the Chromecast support but the audio should be used by Chromecast too. Right now the picture is on my TV but the sound comes from my phone. Not ideal. The second issue I have is that the instructional video starts several seconds after the exercise timer has begun. So if you don’t know how to do the next exercise you lose time waiting for the video to explain. The Nike NTC app works with Nike+ and Google Fit. I just got a Fitbit and I wish it was integrated with that also. Sidewalk Hustle x Nike Sunrise NTC Sessions
The sessions are great because Nike also outfitted me in my first pairs of shoes from the brand in over 20 years. It makes sense they would want us to be rocking Nike gear to the sessions and I’m happy to oblige. I love my the funky black and white Nike Free trainers. I wore my Air Max’s all week, I couldn’t take them off. Sidewalk Hustle x Nike Sunrise NTC Sessions
For this week’s session, Hawley created an amazing workout playlist that helped us push through the burn. Check it out
You can follow the Nike NTC action on social media by following the #BetterForIt, #sidewalkhustlexnike, #nikentc, #nikentoronto hashtags. Sidewalk Hustle x Nike Sunrise NTC Sessions
Next week is the last day of training for this session but thankfully we are moving to a new time and new place.
The Final PROM at the ROM – PROM X, March 28, 2015
It’s the end of an era. This Saturday, March 28, 2015 is the last PROM at the ROM party. It’s been 10 years and I’ve attended several PROM parties, so it’s a little bittersweet to say goodbye.
The final PROM at the ROM, PROM X is inspired by the works of Douglas Coupland and the ROM’s latest exhibit Douglas Coupland: everywhere is anywhere is anything is everything. I’m a big fan of Douglas Coupland’s work so I’m really looking forward to what the ROM is calling a Pop Explosion Party that pays homage to this iconic Canadian artist. There will be live music, dancing, electric activities, gourmet fare and lounge areas to relax in between all the fun. Guests are encouraged to “curate an artistic or experimental ensemble that screams avant-garde, be playful with neon colours or celebrate contemporary Canadiana.â€
The Final PROM at the ROM – PROM X, March 28, 2015
PARTY TICKET includes food and beverage (open bar), dancing, interactive activities and live entertainment
VIP TICKET includes an exclusive pre-party cocktail reception in c5 Restaurant and Lounge with an opportunity to meet Douglas Coupland and receive a signed Polaroid picture of you taken by the artist. Also includes access to exhibition, VIP lounge at the party, private registration and coat check.
DATE: Saturday, March 28, 2015
TIME: Party: 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM | VIP Experience 8:00 PM
LOCATION: Royal Ontario Museum, Main Entrance, Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, 100 Queen’s Park
DRESS CODE: Avant-garde, experimental, and playful
TICKETS: Party: $150 | YPC Member $125
VIP: $350 | YPC Member $300
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: 9:00 p.m.
You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here: 2:00 a.m.
DRESS CODE
Preferred: Red & Pink
Mandatory: Heart on your sleeve
Toronto Design Offsite Festival – January 20 – 26, 2014
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 the hypercreative forty-year epoch of the Eames Office.
Accumulation
Mon, Jan 20, 2014 – Sun, Feb 16, 2014
ARTiculations | Exhibition
Out of matte white paper, Christine Kim has constructed light geometrical structures assembled together like cumulus clouds. For this installation, she explores the relationship between light and shadow through the cut, the fold, and the curve of paper.
Capacity
Thu, Jan 23, 2014 – Sun, Jan 26, 2014
Gladstone Hotel Art Bar | Exhibition
The fourth annual CAPACITY is a contemporary design show featuring new, theme-specific work by Canadian women designers. This year our participants draw inspiration from the work and/or life of design pioneer Ray Eames as a starting point for their Capacity 2014 projects.
Code Switch
Mon, Jan 20, 2014 – Sun, Jan 26, 2014
Delight Chocolate | Window Installation
This two-part installation turns the margins of everyday architecture on its side, quite literally, by illuminating the essential elements of our built environment. Make your own connections by controlling the installed lighting display with the touch of a brick wall.
Come Up To My Room
Thu, Jan 23, 2014 – Sun, Jan 26, 2014
Gladstone Hotel | Exhibition
Come Up To My Room is the Gladstone Hotel’s annual alternative design event with 25 installations and 4000 visitors, all in under 4 days. The 60 artists and designers are limited only by their imaginations, making it one of the most exciting shows in Toronto.
Crease Patterns
Mon, Jan 20, 2014 – Thu, Feb 20, 2014
Cornerstone Home Interiors | Window Installation
Totem Rug Design and Lori Harrison collaborate on an installation of rugs and textiles inspired by origami. Their window installation titled ‘Crease Patterns’ will connect the ephemeral world of paper folding with the timeless art of textile design.
Do Design
Thu, Jan 23, 2014 – Sun, Jan 26, 2014
Various venues on Dundas Street West between Bathurst and Grace Streets | Exhibition
Do Design celebrates contemporary design in diverse settings of a vibrant neighbourhood. Over 20 individual works plus two exhibitions are showcased in local venues including design stores, cafes, bars, salons and boutiques along Dundas Street West (Bathurst to Grace Streets).
Letterpress Workshop
Wed, Jan 22, 2014
Graven Feather | Workshop | Collaboration
This workshop is a brief introduction to the use of letterpress to make simple and beautiful cards. It’s the perfect opportunity to come and experiment on the presses using old-fashion metal type and vintage designs.
Oasis Skateboard Factory Pop Up Shop
Fri, Jan 24, 2014 – Fri, Jan 31, 2014
The Baitshop | Exhibition
Oasis Skateboard Factory, the only street art and skateboard design high school in the world, presents their end-of-semester pop-up shop. The exhibit will showcase handcrafted, student built and designed skateboards.
patternpattern
Sat, Jan 18, 2014 – Sun, Jan 26, 2014
Graven Feather | Exhibition
Process becomes pattern in this installation by textile designers Lysanne Latulippe and Meghan Price of STRING THEORY. Here a collection of scarves is presented within walls that describe their making.
Sweetness of the Work – Spinning Jenny
Wed, Jan 15, 2014 – Sat, Mar 01, 2014
Gerhard Supply | Window Installation
A glittering, salt encrusted Singer sewing machine and handmade bobbins of salted hand spun linen paper, plus additional salted tools of the ‘trade’ and embroidered works – Sweetness of the Work pays homage to the art and history of sewing, revering the virtuosity of hand work interpreted through a modern lens.
TO DO Opening Party at SMASH
Wed, Jan 22, 2014 – Thu, Jan 23, 2014
SMASH | Design Party
Come and find out what the festival is about, meet local designers, experience amazing salvage furniture and curiosities at SMASH, and dance with the amazing community that makes the Festival happen.
TO DO Closing Party with Love Design
Sat, Jan 25, 2014 – Sun, Jan 26, 2014
Gladstone Hotel | Design Party
After an amazing Festival week, there is no better way to close it than with another party. Join us at the free Love Design Party, where we celebrate the 11th year of the Gladstone Hotel’s iconic show Come Up To My Room.
This is just a small selection of events happening during the TO DO Festival. Be sure to check out the Toronto Design Offsite Festival website for full festival details.
There are just too many interesting sounding art installations going on during Scotiabank Nuit Blanche. Too many to post about individually on the site. I started but I realize it’s pretty pointless. So, I’ve decided to share My Scotiabank Nuit Blanche planner. It’s pretty ambitious and I’m sure I won’t see all of it.
Scotiabank Nuit Blanche – Garden Tower in Toronto
The Scotiabank Nuit Blanche website is pretty handy. It’s optimized for mobile and it comes with a handy planning tool that you can share with your friends. So, instead of listing everything out here, I’m just going to link to I want – I got’s Top Picks for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche.
Scotiabank Nuit Blanche – Ai Weiewei, Forever Bicycles
I’ll give you a few hints off my list though:
Forever Bicycles at Nathan Phillips Square
Familia at Church of the Holy Trinity
Garden Tower in Toronto at Metropolitan United Church
The [RE] GENERATOR Project is an interactive multimedia installation that explores the concept of “RE†(REcycling, REmixing, REinventing, REusing, REpurposing etc) using elements of fashion design, visual art, social media and projection mapping. It is guided by the Akan ideology of Sankofa which states, “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.â€
The [RE] GENERATOR Project will incorporate Gabrielle Lasporte’s organic exploration of “flow†using the Modern Batik technique and Chinedu Ukabam’s digital remix of African patterns and mashup of fashion silhouettes. The installation will close the loop between the creators and their audience, allowing them to “weave†their own inspiration into the installation in real time. A special hashtag will be revealed on the website (http://theregeneratorproject.org) before the installation goes live, making it possible to upload an image or pattern into the installation using Instagram. The selection process will be crowd-sourced using the number of “likes†or comments.
H&M Eaton’s Centre, Yonge Street & Dundas Street (Best viewed from the south-west corner of Yonge and Dundas.)
I want – I got’s Top Picks for Nuit Blanche 2013: Chromatherapy
Are you dressing on the same wavelengths as your inner palette? Are you ready to discover the right hue for a new you?
Whether it’s mastering the art of throwing shade, or learning how to achieve high level spectrum dressing, #CHROMATHERAPY promises to interpret your colour and style personality via an immersive, vibrant journey through the colour wheel.
Co-led by licensed chromatherapists @REERAW and @FINALFASHION,
this live media spectacle invites participants to be a part of a latenight #SNBTOstreet level infomercial. Join us to get feel-good advice on how to dress in harmony with the way you live and the person you truly are.
Through the transformative powers of silken chakra chroma draping techniques and fashion illustration futurisms, this talk-show-meets-hawk-show will delve deep into the style sub-consciousness of Toronto, uncovering life-changing revelations, one outfit at a time.
#CHROMATHERAPY is an upcoming site- and social-specific
performance by REA MCNAMARA and DANIELLE MEDER for NUIT
BLANCHE 2013, Toronto’s annual free all-night contemporary art event. It is an art project curated by EARL MILLER for the QUEEN ST. WEST BIA’s “OUT OF SITE 2013” group exhibition.
WHERE: PROPER RESERVE (498 Queen St. West).
WHEN: Saturday, October 5, 2013, from 6:51pm to sunrise.
What is Batik?
What is Diane Von Furstenberg best known for?
Which British inventor patented the first workable sewing machine?
Silk comes from worms, but which part of the worm produces the silk threads?
Who is credited with inventing the Little Black Dress?
Strut your stuff and show off your fashion and textiles know how.
Hosted by Curator Sarah Fee
No pressure, it’s all fun. Questions range from easy to challenging with teams competing for bragging rights.
You could achieve the status of student all the way up to curator!
So grab a beer, join a team and prepare for a good time.
Conversation with Jeanne Beker at Type Books – August 29, 2013
Torontonian. Actress. Mime. Journalist. Television personality. Clothing designer. Fashion lover. Jeanne Beker has worn many hats in her life – both figuratively and literally.
On Thursday, August 29, 2013, join WORN Fashion Journal at Type Books for an up close and personal conversation with Jeanne Beker. WORN Editor-in-Pants, Serah-Marie McMahon, will sit down with our Issue 16 cover star to discuss fashion as art, as personal expression, and as a way of life.
WORN Loves Jeanne: A Conversation with Jeanne Beker at Type Books
Thursday, August 29, 2013
7pm – 9pm
I’m a sucker for any invite from Veuve Clicquot so I was very excited to attend the Veuve Clicquot Picnic at the Ritz Carlton. The party featured food from Chef Bruno Lopez and Veuve Clicquot champagne and cocktails.
Veuve Clicquot Picnic at the Ritz Carlton
The Ritz Carlton busted out the Veuve Clicquot glasswear and branding so it was an orange event all around. Even the Veuve Clicquot bicycle made and appearance. It’s so gorgeous.
Veuve Clicquot Picnic at the Ritz Carlton
I stuck to Veuve straight up but the Ritz has a number of great looking champagne cocktails. I didn’t drink any but the Spicy Kiwi Crush looked really amazing and delicious.
Veuve Clicquot Picnic at the Ritz Carlton
There were Veuve Clicquot nakpins all over. I’m a sucker for excellent branding and Veuve really does it well.
Veuve Clicquot Picnic at the Ritz Carlton
And I love, love these little Veuve Clicquot mugs. They aren’t champagne glasses but so much cuter.
Veuve Clicquot Picnic at the Ritz Carlton
I brought my friend Noriko with me. She runs the online jewellery site, Kavut.com (It has the most gorgeous jewellery for sale). She’s wearing a lovely Lanvin dress which I called as soon as I saw her. I know my Lanvin. I’m wearing a top from Banana Republic and Dries Van Noten pants. Veuve Clicquot Picnic at the Ritz Carlton
Check out some more photos from the Veuve Clicquot Picnic at the Ritz Carlton.
I’ve never consumed drinks in real Tiki Glasses before so the launch of Casa Barcardi at Ritz Carlton Toronto was a real treat. Held at the DEQ Lounge, tucked away from busy Wellington Street, is generally a very nice patio. The Ritz Carlton and Bacardi partnered up last year to create Casa Barcadi which features a menu of signature Bacardi mojitos and exotic cocktails for hotel guests and DEQ Lounge visitors to enjoy. The drinks are a seasonal offering and Casa Barcardi runs from June to September.
Casa Barcardi at DEQ Lounge
The crowd indulged in signature cocktails created by Bacardi mixologist Trevor Burnett. I had a Mojito and Barcadi Missionary’s Downfall (pictured above). Tiki glasses are so amazing. The different Tiki glasses making their way around the patio enchanted me. When I got home, I went a little Tiki crazy and decided to start researching where to buy them. Then, I fell down the Pinterest holeand followed a numberof different Tiki Boards and even created my own Tiki Mug Pinterest Board.
Casa Barcardi at DEQ Lounge
Here’s a photo of me at with Catherine Nugent and Barbara Hershenhorn. I’m wearing Dries Van Noten pants, Nine West Shoes, Blazer and sleeveless shirt by JACOB. You can see more photos from the event over at The CDaily.
Casa Barcardi at DEQ Lounge
After the event, I received some of Trevor’s signature cocktails so I’m sharing the recipes with you. All you need is a stocked bar and your own Tiki glasses. Check out Bacardi mixologist Trevor Burnett’s Casa Baradi’s Signature Cocktails after the jump
We invited a small group of people to enjoy brunch at Marben and get first access to the beauty goods before the public were invited. There were some great deals to be had as everything was priced at $2. All the proceeds went to the The Ride to Conquer Cancer.
Bloggers Beauty Brunch and SaleBloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale
Marben did an amazing job with brunch. It was visually stunning and tasted as good as it looked. I’m so impressed with the perfect service the team gave us. I can’t recommend them enough for private parties.
Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale
We had so much product. Initially, I was worried that there wouldn’t be enough. I was so wrong.
Bloggers Beauty Brunch and SaleBloggers Beauty Brunch and SaleBloggers Beauty Brunch and SaleBloggers Beauty Brunch and SaleBloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale
The event was very successful and we plan on doing another one in the near future. In the end we raised around $500 for The Ride to Conquer Cancer.
The Luminato Festival is upon us once again. There are so many things to see and do during the festival. Toronto is lucky to have a few Marina Abramovic’s works to take in also. Here are I want – I got’s top picks of the festival to get your started on your festival planning.
The Life and Death of Marina Abramovic photo: Lucie Jansch
The Life and Death of Marina Abramovic
Unfortunately this is sold out. I was lucky enough to see the show on June 14. It was haunting, beautiful and random. I loved it completely and shamelessly. Willam Dafoe (who I love even more now) and Antony were perfection. It’s a performance that will stick with me for a very long time. I hope to be able to see it again in the future.
I’m a Microsoft girl. It’s my OS of choice since the DOS days. I was excited when they contacted me to join their Influencer Program a few weeks ago. The first event is called Work Your Game with Windows 8. Microsoft Canada invited six people (Amber MacArthur, Carl Edwin-Michel, Sharad Mohan, Steve Dangle and Tyrone Edwards) to play two rounds of golf with a swing clinic in between at the prestigious Glen Abbey Golf Club. It’s a competition with the most improved player winning $8000 for the charity of their choice.
Along with golf we learned about the new Windows 8 operating system. I received a SurfaceRT from Microsoft in order to experience Windows 8 on a touch screen device. So the first round of golf and the MAT-T swing clinic are complete and we moved on to the final round. I felt really good after the swing clinic so the competition was on.
Before golfing we had lunch at Glen Abbey and learned more about the Windows 8 operation systems and we got more acquainted with our devices. Microsoft Canada had a surprised for us. Canadian Golf Pro, Mike Weir got on Skype and chatted with us about golf and his experiences. Every man and woman in that room was fangirling and fanboying like crazy. Each of us got 10 minutes to talk to Mike personally.
Mike also had a copy of our MAT-T analysis and provided us with personalized tips. He demonstrated some of his tips over Skype with his invisible helper making sure he was in shot. It was so very cool. Mike mentioned my name in his tips to the other influencers and it was awesome. He’s totally #teamAnita on this one. I’m not much of a Skype person but the experience with Mike has changed my mind about it and I need to incorporated it more in my life. I would find out days later from my Mother, so very casually that Mike is friends with my cousin’s husband and he was at their wedding. Weird 6 degrees of separation there.
In our first round of golf we played the first nine holes at Glen Abbey Golf Club, for the second round we played the back nine holes. IT IS LIKE A WHOLE DIFFERENT COURSE! Jack Nicklaus, golf superstar designed Glen Abbey and the back nine is gorgeous. The Sixteen Mile Creek flows through the course and the water hazards, trees and sand traps are plentiful.
Holes 11 to 15 are called the Valley Holes with the 11th considered on of the most beautiful holes in golf. The tee off for the 11th hole requires you to hit the ball into the valley and over a pit of massive trees and brush. The back nine is way harder than the front nine and it seemed at every hole there was a story about some amazing performance Tiger Woods had during a Canadian Open like Tiger’s Run at the 15th hole or his incredible 216 yards shot with a 6 iron out of a bunker to birdie the 18th hole
It was a beautiful clear day and the perfect temperature for golf. I love being outdoors and having beer delivered to your via golf cart. I wore another bright golf outfit with pants and shirt from the Gap and my lavender Cat Worksong brogues.
The tee off for the 13th hole is pictured above. You can see how Sixteen Mile Creek weaves throughout the course.
Since we teed off around 4:30 we got to see the course at dusk. The setting sun makes for incredible views.
In the end, I didn’t win the $8,000. It went to Tyrone Edwards. I felt really great about my game though. I was hitting the ball a lot better and got some compliments on my swing. My putting could use some work as it was hitting the ball way to hard. I didn’t use Mike Weir’s gently tossing a ball advice about it. The golf bug has infected me now. I really want to play more and develop my game. It seems my Dad’s love of golf is transferring to me. I seem to have his swing so this doesn’t surprise me.
Check out all my photos from Glen Abbey
This post was sponsored by Microsoft Canada. The views and options expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.
I want – I got x Microsoft Canada – Work Your Game with MAT-T
Each participant in the Work Your Game program received a complementary club fitting and swing analysis experience at the TaylorMade Performance Lab located at Glen Abbey. The lab uses MAT-T (Motion Analysis Technology by TaylorMade) technology that generates a 3D avatar of the golfer.
The comprehensive three hour fitting experience covers all 14 clubs in the bag, from driver to putter, ensuring a perfectly fit set of custom clubs and offering the individual a deeper understanding of the golf swing. The MAT-T system (Motion Analysis Technology by TaylorMade) utilizes 3D motion reality via 6 high speed cameras to transform the golfer into an avatar – a digital rendering of the golfer and their swing that can be viewed from any angle. It is a process and system similar to those used by video game and computer developers to capture 3D motion in a high speed environment.
This analysis is exactly the same as the pros use to get their clubs to match their swing perfectly. I was really excited about this session as I have a B.Sc in Kinesiology. Analysis of movement was something I was interested in at school. The final project for one of my Biomechanics courses involved something similar to the swing analysis but on a much more rudimentary level. The computers I was using back then ran MS DOS. I filmed one of the members of the women’s basketball team shooting a jump shot. I took the film and transferred it to the computer where I manually plotted the major joints the body over many frames. With the plotting made the computer was able to extract measurements of the player’s movements. MAT-T is way more advanced than what I was doing all those years ago.
Microsoft Canada was wonderful and provided me with black car service to Glen Abbey. I walked into the TaylorMade Performance Lab, wearing my brightest golf outfit, and there was a sign greeting me. It was a thoughtful gesture and I felt special for sure. I met Shawn, my certified TaylorMade Club fitting Professional. He would perform the analysis and give some pointers on how to improve my swing. I learned that Shawn played on the pro tour for 3 years himself. He’s a great teacher.
I want – I got x Microsoft Canada – Work Your Game with MAT-T
We walked into the analysis room which is fitted with 6 high speed cameras place strategically around the room. Shawn got me suited up like an actor in a sci-fi movie. Sensors were placed all over my body and the machine was calibrated to my frame. I was handed an iron that also had sensors placed on it and was instructed to swing. It was a little weird smacking balls in a small room but there is a net and padding that prevents the ball from bouncing back and smacking you in the head. After a few hits you ignore it. Shawn showed me the details of my swing with an iron on the screen. He heard that I had a B.Sc in Kinesiology so he went into extra detail for me. I was in sport nerd heaven. Shawn corrected my swing stance and showed me about proper placement. We then moved onto the driver
Shawn’s tips were amazing and I really felt like I improved on things. My analysis proved it. It was time to take things outdoor to see if I could carry my new golf posture outdoors. Shawn was amazed and surprised at my swing. I was amazed and surprised at my swing. It was consistent and I could hit it pretty far. I felt like my late Father was helping me here. He was known for his swing. After some hits outside it was back to the Performance Centre to analysis and work on my putting. The MAT-T system is pretty amazing. You can compare yourself to previous recordings which Shawn did to show me how I improved my stance. It’s also great to comparing yourself to the pros as they have many of their results on file.
After the session was over I received a customized list of clubs and settings for when I’m looking to get myself outfitted and a CD of the analysis. Unfortunately, the CD only runs on 32bit machines and the only laptop I have with a CD is 64bit. So I haven’t even gotten a chance to review it myself. I learned so much about Golf from Shawn and how complicated the equipment is. It’s absolutely baffling. After going through the MAT-T system I don’t know how anyone goes and buys equipment off the shelf without expert consultation. It’s amazing that this technology is available for everyone from beginners to experts.
I want – I got x Microsoft Canada – Work Your Game with MAT-T
So armed with my improved swing, I got mentally prepared for the final round at Glen Abbey. It would decide who gets the $8,000 for their charity. I can raise more money for Story Planet with the help of my social networks. The more you RT my tweets, view my blog posts and videos will give me an opportunity to add up to $1500 to the minimum $1000 Story Planet will receive because of my participation. Use the hashtag #teamAnita on twitter to show your support. Whoever has the most active social community will receive and Xbox 360 and Windows 8 tablet to give away to their lucky readers.
This post was sponsored by Microsoft Canada. The views and options expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.
Yes, Microsoft Canada invited me to playing Golf for charity. I imagine there is some confusion happening on your end. Golf, Microsoft and I want – I got, how do these things fit together? Well let me break it down,
I’m a Microsoft girl. It’s my OS of choice since the DOS days. I was excited when they contacted me to join their Influencer Program a few weeks ago. The first event is called Work Your Game with Windows 8. Microsoft Canada invited six people (Amber MacArthur, Carl Edwin-Michel, Sharad Mohan, Steve Dangle and Tyrone Edwards) to play two rounds of golf with a swing clinic in between at the prestigious Glen Abbey Golf Club. It’s a competition with the most improved player winning $8000 for the charity of their choice. Along with golf we learned about the new Windows 8 operating system. I received a SurfaceRT from Microsoft in order to experience Windows 8 on a touch screen device.
Regular readers have never seen a mention of golf on this site until now. I’m not a regular player but I do enjoy the sport. My connection to golf is through my late father. He loved golf. He was my model of someone who was totally devoted and in love with their sport. This was something that I would model throughout my young adult years when I dedicated much of my life to sport. My father tried to get us into golf as kids, taking us to the driving range and getting us to hit balls in the backyard. It didn’t take. My brother and I loved soccer and running around. Golf is too cerebral a game to grasp as a hyperactive kid. So fast forward to now and the last time I played a round of golf was 8 years ago. I jumped on the chance to join the Work Your Game with Windows 8 event because I wanted to be close to my Dad in a way. I was hoping I could channel some of his amazing skills as a golfer. He was really good and my childhood memories of him are filled with his golf trophies. My charity selection is Story Planet. I learned about this youth literacy charity through friends who did some branding and illustration work for them.
Story Planet is a literacy organization that inspires young people to be creative and effective communicators. We encourage them to develop their unique voices and help them launch their stories through the written word, visual arts & digital media.
Microsoft piled all of us in Black cars early one Tuesday morning and we made the drive from downtown Toronto to Oakville. Glen Abbey is a super exclusive club and we received a lot of rules before arriving, especially about dress code. Collared shirts and golf pants are a must. Sporty clothes are not acceptable and make sure those shoes have no spikes. It wasn’t hard to dress the part because I actually have golf shirts in my closet. They are colourful and I use them under sweaters generally. I opted for Tretorns instead of Converse.
Microsoft mentioned that there would be a film crew because they would create videos for each of us to share about the experience. I didn’t really grasp the concept until we pulled up to the Glen Abbey clubhouse and the Video team of with two cameras were waiting patiently. Yikes, I thought. It’s 7:30am and this film crew is here. I automatically put my sunglasses on before getting out the car, time to be on.
Everything was setup for us when we arrived. Four golf carts with full sets of clubs all lined up in a row, just begging us to drive them. Well that was what it felt like to me, I LOVE driving golf carts. Thankfully, most of the other participants weren’t golf experts. To make it easier on us we played Scramble Golf. That way we wouldn’t spend too much time at each hole pissing off the tournament that was teeing off behind us. Our ragtag crew was hilarious and the film crew followed us for 5 holes. I could only imagine what the members were thinking. I’m sure we were a total pain in the ass for the Golf Rangers who travel the course making sure everything is running smoothly.
I enjoy golf even when I’m playing badly. Being outdoors with friends is the best part about golf. Drinking on the course is another thing that makes the sport great. Unfortunately at Glen Abbey there were no beers on course. Mind you it was way too early to be drinking. Golf is the kind of sport that makes you more aggravated as you get better. My goal for this round was just to hit the ball. I couldn’t remember any tips or the proper posture. My driving game got better as we progressed and I even managed to get par on one hole. I only hit my ball into the water hazard once when I decided to use a bigger club than necessary. I was just happy with the long hit. My putting game stayed pretty consistent and it was much better than my driving game.
Glen Abbey is a beautiful course. Peaceful and immaculate with lots of water hazards around. We gawked at the houses that back onto the course, they are massive. The one time I partied in Oakville was at a house that backed onto Glen Abbey. At nightfall we hopped the fence and smacked balls around. I kept looking for that house but didn’t see it.
We only played 9 holes which was a blessing for a first outing as 18 would have been a hell of a slog. We all got back to the Clubhouse and recorded our initial scores. My initial score is crap and I’m not going to mention it here. You’ll learn about it when I tell you about the final round that will choose the winner.
I can raise more money for Story Planet with the help of my social networks. The more you RT my tweets, view my blog posts and videos will give me an opportunity to add up to $1500 to the minimum $1000 Story Planet will receive because of my participation. Use the hashtag #teamAnita on twitter to show your support as I prepare for tomorrow’s final round. Whoever has the most active social community will receive and Xbox 360 and Windows 8 tablet to give away to their lucky readers.
Check out all my photos from Glen Abbey below in the slideshow
This post was sponsored by Microsoft Canada. The views and options expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.
Fashion Projects – Fashion Criticism Panel featuring Robin Givhan, Guy Trebay and Stefano Tonchi
Suzy Menkes went ranting like it was 2009 about fashion bloggers this February and the topic is everywhere again. The discussion is happening again, it’s like waves. I believe there is room for everyone. To me mainstream media and blogging are complimentary not antagonistic. There have been many rebuttals to Suzy Menkes by many bloggers all over the world. I’ve read very few of them. I wanted to share this fashion criticism panel that features Robin Givhan, Guy Trebay and Stefano Tonchi put on by the folks at Fashion Projects.
In celebration of the fourth issue of Fashion Projects, a panel discussing the current state of fashion criticism was held on March 12, 2013 at The New School. The panel, moderated by Francesca Granata, Assistant Professor of Fashion Studies at Parsons the New School for Design and editor of Fashion Projects featured three distinguished fashion critics, Robin Givhan (the first fashion critic to receive a Pulitzer Prize), Guy Trebay (culture and style reporter for the New York Times), and Stefano Tonchi (the editor-in-chief of W magazine), all of whom were also interviewed for the concurrent issue of Fashion Projects.
The frank conversation took many directions by addressing a number of otherwise avoided topics within the fashion press, from the struggle for fashion writing to be considered a legitimate topic of discussion within established periodicals due to its prescribed association to the feminine realm, to the cultural valence of aesthetics in America versus Europe and how this difference manifests itself in each culture’s appreciation or understanding of fashion.(source)
Bravo to Rag & Bone designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville who battled their way to Toronto during an ice storm. They weren’t going to miss the Holt Renfrew bash in their honour that unfortunately happened on a very shitty weather day.
Rag & Bone Visit Holt Renfrew
Holt Renfrew commissioned five local graffiti artists to create new work using Rag & Bone’s Spring Summer 2013 collection as inspiration. Skam, Li-Hill, Elicser, Joel Richardson and EGR turned the third floor of Holt Renfrew into a northern Houston Project. Fashion Magazine, She Does the City and Backseatstylers where there to document the party.
Rag & Bone Visit Holt Renfrew
I own one piece of Rag & Bone. It was a blazer I got at a consignment shop for a great deal. The preppy aesthetic of Rag & Bone is done very well and I love what this award winning brand produces. Spring Summer 2013 has some great neon green pieces like the standout leather motocycle jacket.
Rag & Bone Visit Holt Renfrew
Outfit Breakdown:
I always enjoying my vintage Chanel skirt as it has the best movement of any skirt I own. For the party, I paired it with a Kova & T bodysuit (Courtesy of Kelly Claman Company Inc), Smythe Jacket (courtesy of Smythe), Goffredo Fantini boots and a Loeffler Randall Rider bag.
You can see the rest of my photos of the spring summer 2013 Rag & Bone collection in the gallery below
March is the month of panel discussions for me, I have two. Unfortunately, they are a private member clubs but if you are a member of either establishment bring some non member friends and come out. UPDATE: I’ve added start times 🙂
Le Cercle Montparnasse – The Spoke Club – Wednesday, Mar 6 2013
Le Cercle Montparnasse – Wednesday, Mar 6 2013 at 8pm
Inspired by the dynamic conversations between artists in the early 20th century Paris that were the catalyst for over 100 years of creativity, this inaugural event features our Cultural Curator Raji Aujla as she sits in conversation with some of Toronto’s most loved online fashion writers, Anita Clarke, Hannah Yakobi, Jen McNeely and Sharad Mohan.
If you are a member of The Spoke club you can rsvp for this event on the Spoke Club website.
Soho House Toronto – March 12, 2013
Soho House Toronto – March 12, 2013 at 7pm
A cross section of current cultural contributors encouraging commentary on the cultivation of contemporary Canadian creativity.
Examining commanding culture and technology, this first evening convenes with pop culture and fashion expert Elio Iannacci, online fashion writer Anita Clarke, contemporary art expert, critic and blogger Andrea Carson, and CGI artist Alex McLeod. To conduct the casual Q&A, painter Katie Pretti connects and contextualizes the panel as they comment on concepts like immediate gratification and technology’s effect on fine arts and fashion industries.
I didn’t realize I would be meeting an art world superstar on Thursday but I found myself sitting across for Dorthoy Vogal talking about art, booze and Downton Abbey. It was the Opening Night party for the Reel Artists Film Festival.
Reel Artists Film Festival Opening Night
The 10th-annual Reel Artists Film Festival presents a selection of international feature-length and short documentaries that address challenges and questions raised by artists both in front of and behind the camera. Through these films, subjects are revealed, experimental processes unfold, and events are staged. With these three categories in mind—subject, process, event—RAFF handpicked works by artists who play with the idea of documentary and show how cross-disciplinary connections can revitalize the medium, reigniting its creative potential.(source: press release)
Reel Artists Film Festival Opening Night
Opening night was a real treat as the Real Artist Film Festival brought Megumi Sasaki and Dorothy Vogel to celebrate 10 years of the festival and their new movie Herb & Dorothy 50×50. Megumi Sasaki’s Herb & Dorothy premiered at the Real Artist Film Festival in 2009. It documented the lives of Herb and Dorothy Vogel who amassed an enormous collection of conceptual art and minimalist art. The movie showed people you don’t need to be rich to enjoy and collect art. Herb was a Postal Worker and Dorothy was a Librarian but together they build up a very valuable collection. Herb & Dorothy 50×50 continues the tale of the Vogel collection and their incredible gift of 50 works of art to 50 museums in the US. We got to see a small excerpt of the movie ahead of its full showing in New York. It was inspiring and I can’t wait to see the compete film.
The Real Artist Film Festival continues all weekend and there are lots of great films to see. Tickets are $12 and are available online or at the TIFF Box Office.
Outfit Breakdown: All in black with Jeremy Laing Jacket and Top, Danier Leather Leggings, Ash Boots and handbag by Kara Ross (courtesy of Kelly Claman Company Inc)
The Roger Vivier exhibit at The Bata Shoe Museum is coming to a close and if you’ve been putting off going you need to stop now. April 7, 2013 is the last day you can check out the work of this master shoemaker. I finally got off my ass and took in the exhibit this week. Roger Vivier’s work is of exceptional beauty and technical design. He invented so many of the classic shoe styles some of which are as popular as ever more than 50 years later.
Roger Vivier: Process to Perfection
Roger pushed shoe design to new levels with his creative and technical sides. Vivier perfected the modern stiletto in 1954. He never used the term stiletto but aiguille (needle heel). The Choc heel which looks like a concave stiletto came along in 1959. My favourite pair of the exhibit are a Choc heel and pictured above. Roger also debuted the Tibet heel in 1959. It’s shaped like a small inverted pyramid. The Polichinelle heel followed, it has a low hourglass-shaped heel. In 1962 he introduced another heel shape called New Style which was low, curvy and places directly under the heel of the foot. It was after this development that Dior and Vivier parted ways. During his time at Dior he solidified the lowered heel and square toe as staples of shoe design.
Roger Vivier: Process to Perfection
During his time of independence, Roger created the Choc heel’s design opposite, the Virgule or Comma heel. After Dior, Vivier moved on to design for Yves Saint Laurent. Together they debuted the thigh high boot and the low heeled buckle shoe. These modern designs are inspired by 17th and 18th century men’s shoe designs. The low heeled buckle shoe got the nickname the “pilgrim buckle” shoe. The shoe took on it’s final name, “Belle de jour” after Catherine Denueve wore them in the 1967 namesake movie. Cuissardes or thigh high boot produced by Vivier under YSL caused waves in the 60s with their sex appeal. Vivier reintroduced the Socle Choc or platform sandal in 1967 and they were part of YSL’s spring collection that same year.
Roger Vivier: Process to Perfection
It was a spiritual visit. The shoes are breathtaking. The details display the genius of Vivier. Many of the displays allow you to get a look at all angles of the shoe which I really appreciated as a details nerd. There are a lot of shoes on display that span Roger Vivier’s career. I felt satiated after the exhibit and was pleased with the selection on display. The official book of the Roger Vivier: Process to Perfection exhibit is amazing and I purchased one for myself. It has all the text on display in the exhibit as well as the shoes and images.
The French Consulate created a video of the exhibit where you can see the layout of the space.
Roger Vivier: Process to Perfection
So if you call yourself a shoe lover or snob you need to get to the Bata Shoe Museum before April 7, 2013 because this is an exhibit that cannot be missed.
Bata Shoe Museum
327 Bloor St. West
Toronto images: me, rogervivier.com
Chinedesign presents Masquerade – February 15, 2013
Chinedesign presents Masquerade – February 15, 2013
Chinedesign cordially invites you to “Masqueradeâ€, A multimedia fashion presentation and masked ball party celebrating the spirit of Carnival and the mystique of the African mask.
Date: Friday February 15th
Time: Doors/ Reception at 9pm Fashion Show at 10pm followed by the Party!
Venue: Daniels Spectrum
585 Dundas Street East, Toronto
Style code: Formal or African Traditional
Color Theme: Black/ Gold / Red
Important: Venetian-style masks must be worn at all times until midnight.
Please visit chinedesign.com/masquerade to purchase your tickets and peruse our selection of suggested masks
“Masquerade” is a part of the TD Then and Now Series for 2013.
Daniels Spectrum
585 Dundas Street East, Toronto, Ontario M4M 2B8
Chinedesign presents Masquerade – February 15, 2013
Dr. Alexandra Palmer delivers the inside scoop on the ROM’s commission of the House of Dior’s design and creation of the breathtaking haute couture dress now taking centre stage in BIG. Includes the world premiere of the full version of the film Dior about the making of the dress.
Last week, Holt Renfrew invited me to private lunch for Emily Weiss and Nick Axelrod from the amazing beauty site, Into The Gloss. Emily is the Founder and Creative Director and Nick is the Editorial Director. I’m a fashion blogger that doesn’t really read fashion blogs but Into The Gloss is amazing. It’s full of great, well researched features on the beauty routines of industry players in the fashion scene. You can find profiles on people like Iman or Liya Kebede or even a random scientist. I love features on science nerds. We are out there!
Lunch with Into The Gloss at Holt Renfrew
Emily and Alex were in town to host the Holt Renfrew Powder Puff Party. Emily also curated a Skincare Renewal Guide for Holts showcasing her top choices of skincare products available at Holts. It’s really high/low with heavy hitters like La Prairie and La Mer. It was very informative because I never seen face cream for $475. However, It’s not all crazy, prices start at $20. There is something for different budgets.
And because people want to know, Emily and Alex are super nice and personable. Yes, Emily is as gorgeous in person as in photos. I don’t have a photo of Alex here but he is adorable too.