All posts filed under: Events

hugTO: Cookies & Champagne Party, November 30, 2010

The hugTO Cookies & Champagne Party @ Arta Gallery, Distillery District – 6 PM We are hosting a champagne-infused all-girl networking sesh + modern cookie exchange. How it works: 1. Bake (4) dozen cookies the weekend before the event, bring all your baked goods with a card explaining your baked creation. Please no store-bought. 2. Don’t bake? You can still come! Just buy the appropriate ticket. 3. We set-up everyone’s cookies in a giant sugary spread! 4. Bring (2-3) big containers or giant ziploc bags to store your new cookies in. 5. Everyone moves around the table and takes home one of each cookie. 6. Eat the extras, while networking with 200 of the coolest hip + urban girls in the city. 7. Sugar coma ensues! Shop the HUG Mini Christmas Market of local vendors & artisans. Your ticket includes: 1. A complimentary glass of ‘Open’ sparkling wine, cash bar also available 2. VIP Gift Bag to the first 100 guests to purchase tickets, worth over the cost of your ticket! 3. Access to the …

WORN Fashion Journal’s Issue 11 Release Party, November 13, 2010

WORN Fashion Journal’s Issue 11 Release Party Saturday, November 13 at 9:00pm – November 14 at 2:00am The Dovercourt House – 1st Floor Ballroom 805 Dovercourt Rd. Toronto WORN Fashion Journal invites you to HIT REWIND at TIME AFTER TIME! Come celebrate fashion and music from 1950 to 1999 – this is a half-century-revival. Dress for your favourite decade and be eligible for a Best of the Decade prize. Arrive early and feast on free tasty treats courtesy of Dufflet Pastries! Take a chance on our Retro Raffle to win prizes from our generous sponsors Comrags, Royal Ontario Museum, The Royal Cinema, Mrs. Huizenga, K-W Sewing Machines, Dufflet Pastries and Come As You Are. Show off your shimmy, shake, and strut as our DJ spins a mix of passionate ballads and vintage boogie-rific beats $10 ADVANCE TICKETS at Freedom Clothing Collective – 939 Bloor St. West Take Me Back – 1692 Queen St. West Function 13 – 156 Augusta Ave. OR go to www.wornjournal.com OR $12 at the door All tickets include a copy of …

Martinis and Manicures, November 23, 2010

Martinis and Manicures PACT Social Entrepreneur, Kimberley Neeson invites you to have the most fun you have ever had supporting charity. To support PACTFashion, a real world sewing-and-design project for at-risk youth across Toronto where young people gain practical design, sewing and alteration skills while creating something special for those in need – just one of the many programs of the PACT Urban Peace Program. PACT Martinis, Manicures and a Russian Themed PACT Fashion Show Meet PACTFashion instructor Irene Stickney and her team of fledgling designers. See the story below about this transformative project. Martinis, manicures, PACT Fashion show, vintage clothing, jewelry, makeup, giveaways – a true girls’ night out! Vintage curious will be provided by: 69 Vintage Collective, Rozaneh Vintage, Tomorrow Never Knows Stackt by Erin Anderson. Tuesday, November 23, 2010 from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM Pravda Vodka Bar 44 Wellington Street East Toronto $35.00 per ticket – includes martini and manicure Tickets available at http://www.pactprogram.ca/pact/Martini-Manicures.html

BIG BANG: The Campaign by Esprit and SOS Children’s Villages

From October 26 – November 13, 2010 each Esprit stores in Canada will provide customers with a drumstick, which will direct them online to a virtual super drum from via www.esprit.com/bigbang. The target is to reach 3 million ‘bangs’ globally, at which point Esprit will donate a further 500,000 Euros worldwide to the SOS Children’s Village Alibaug, INDIA. Customers will also be able to purchase a specially designed SOS mug in-store, priced at $9.95, with the proceeds going directly to the SOS campaign. You’re probably wondering what the hell is a Bang? You goto the website, select your country and click on a virtual drum. I tried it myself. No login and super easy. If they reach 3 million bangs Espirt coughs up the cash. Oscar nominated actress, Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband, the critically acclaimed actor, Peter Sarsgaard have been chosen to act as global ambassadors for the opening of the SOS Children’s Village Alibaug. The couple was inspired to be part of the monumental opening of the SOS Children’s Village Alibaug and raise …

Opera Atelier presents Acis and Galatea, October 30 – November 7, 2010

There were a lot of kids at the dress rehearsal of Opera Atelier’s Acis and Galatea. Through the magic of twitter I found myself with two tickets to the event. I like opera so I accepted the invitation to check it out. I can’t resist Greek tragedy and Handel together. It’s my intellectual crack. Acis and Galatea, Handel’s ravishing pastorale, depicts Ovid’s tale of the water nymph Galatea and her doomed love for the Arcadian shepherd Acis. The opera weaves together a story of startling sensuality and tragedy blended with an ironic sense of humour – told through some of Handel’s most sublime music. My knowledge of Opera Atelier was very little before the show. I knew of their existence and that was about it. We were warned that this was a dress rehearsal and that if necessary the actors will stop mid performance, etc. It was exciting to get this behind the scenes look at what happens in the days before a premier. I learned that the kids were from their education program. They …

The Frocktail Party – November 12, 2010

The Frocktail Party started in 2009 by a close group of friends who wanted to make a difference: Ali Reid, Talor Wallace, Catherine Pringle, Sabrina Carr, Christina Perreault, Lorraine Forster and Jen Foster who have long standing friendships with sister’s Vanessa and Jessica Oliver — Vanessa was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at six-years old and has lived with daily insulin injections, finger pokes, insulin pump and the worry of long-term complications every day for the past 25 years. In their ten-year relationship with the Oliver family, the girls have seen Vanessa and the Oliver family face these challenges with courage, grace and a fierce commitment to supporting a quest for a cure. With this, they were inspired to create the Frocktail Party to show love and gain support for this important cause. Last year’s inaugural event brought together over 500 Canadian fashion designers, celebrities and party goers for a stylish evening that raised over $23,000 dollars for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The Frocktail Party puts a twist on charity events by combining …

Operanation VII, Cinderella: Rock the Ball – October 29, 2010

Operanation VII, Cinderella: Rock the Ball, presented by TD Canada Trust, is the Canadian Opera Company’s premier event for young urban professionals, melding the inspirational venue of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts with the must-attend arts fundraiser of the fall social season. On Friday, Oct. 29, 2010, Operanation VII will celebrate the world’s most-beloved fairytale, Cinderella, which is the inspiration for Rossini’s opera, La Cenerentola, appearing onstage during the COC’s 2010/2011 season. The event will take a very modern spin on the traditional Opera Ball and feature an incredible live performance by Broken Social Scene alongside the COC’s up-and-coming opera stars. To boot, a very special performance by Clara Venice will be unveiled when the clock strikes 12. Journey from rags-to-riches in one night, and live happily ever after at the best bash of the year! At Operanation VII, Cinderella: Rock the Ball party-goers will indulge in a spectacular array of the finest cuisine and cocktails, and enjoy live entertainment, dancing and much more. For $150 a ticket, 1,100 of Toronto’s young …

Paws For The Cause – October 28, 2010

Paws For The Cause is a fashion fundraiser for the OSPCA. It involves dogs and even though I’m a cat person I agreed to help spread the word about this great event and cause. Animal companionship is a wonderful thing so I’m not taking sides here. Paws for the Cause is a dog fashion show and cocktail party donating 100% of funds raised to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA). The evening will kick off with a runway presentation featuring 10 Canadian fashion designers who will dress 10 precious pups and 10 familiar faces from Toronto. October 28 . 2010 Red Bull 381 Projects 381 Queen St. W # 200 8 p.m. Visit http://www.pawsforthecause.ca to buy tickets for the Oct 28th event, and for your chance to win an Olympus camera. I also participated in the Paws For The Cause video. I thought it was a photoshoot when I agree to do it. A lunch hour photoshoot turned into a lunch hour video shoot. The concept was presented to me …

Sequins & Stilettos – October 15, 2010

Put on a little black dress and a fierce pair of stilettos and join us on Friday, Oct. 15 at Nyood (1096 Queen St. West, Queen W/Dovercourt) for Sequins & Stilettos: Designers vs DJs,  the launch of the Fashion Collective! Celebrate designers Flor Serrano, Ildiko Rostas and Erin Summer of Coco Boudoir (winner of FFW’s Cheap Is The New Chic design contest). Each designer has teamed with a DJ to create a stylish, musical collaboration based on their collections! The FC: Fashion Collective – in partnership with Frugal Fashion Week (FFW) - celebrates local, emerging designers and works with designers to present runway events, installations and FFW’s new Trunk & Eat series. The Fashion Collective plays an active role in supporting and promoting Canada’s design talent! Doors open at 7pm for a Cupcake & Cocktail reception. The show begins at 8pm. A Designer Reception will follow. Guests receive a gift upon arrival!

Hudson Collection Social

The Hudson COLLECTION launched at Holt Renfrew with a Social that included a DJ, mocktails and models. Hudson reps were on hand to talk about this exclusive to Holt Renfrew collection with customers and help them discover the perfect pair. It was my first time seeing the collection in person and I’m a fan. I even purchased a great tank top with an asymmetrical tail on it. It reminds me of coattails and I can’t wait to bust it out. I’m thinking a pre-LGFW debut or perhaps during LGFW. My favourite pieces of the collection were the D.I.Y style denim that incorporated leather into waistbands and hems. Of course these were the most expensive denim pieces, ha. My eyes and hands are drawn to expensive. There are lots of skinny leg options in the collection. The tops were versatile. The cowl neck long sleeved top and the tank can be worn in many different ways. I live for stuff like that. I loved the jackets, in particular the wool jacket with the large cowl that …

Kinect for Xbox 360 Experience Centre

I raved about the Kinect for Xbox 360 when I played it at the X’10 Canada: Xbox 360 Holiday Preview Event. Now the public can experience the Kinect at the new Kinect for Xbox 360 Experience Centre on Yonge Street. I was invited to the private launch party where I got to drink beers and play Kinect for 4 hours. IT WAS AMAZING! I really can’t think of a better way to spend an evening. I predict lots of drinking and Dance Central parties once I get my hands on the Kinect for my place. I brought my friend Mark Rabo ( who runs Gamercamp with Jaime Woo) along. I think we played pretty much every game available to us. We were sweating like crazy as the Kinect isn’t a passive gaming experience. You are moving around and if you are crazy like me you’re flaying around too. Thank god for the beer. I love the Volleyball game. It brought back memories of big air and spikes on the high school volleyball team. Le Sigh. …

ECCO Styled – October 2010

During October ECCO will have a traveling installation called “ECCO styled” that will stop at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Sherway Gardens and the Toronto Eaton Centre. You can look at it like a little dress up installation. There will be a a wall of ECCO shoes and wardrobe options. Stylists will provide personal consultations utilizing the Fall 2010 ECCO line. You can get hair and make-up touch-ups so that you look great for the photographer that is there to capture the moment. I’ve been asked to participate in this installation and I’ll be at the Eaton Centre on October 15, 2010. You can join in on the fun on twitter by using the #ECCOStyled hashtag. Post your ECCOStyled self. In the spring I attended the Fall 2010 preview for Ecco and I was very, very skeptical.  I didn’t think there would be anything I liked.  At this point I hadn’t ever seen a shoe at this store I liked during the rare and random times I stepped foot in the store.  I was wrong and ECCO …

Holt Renfrew x Marc by Marc Jacobs x VisionSpring Launch Party

Holt Renfrew and Marc by Marc Jacobs have teamed up to design a limited edition tote bag.  A portion of the cost of this Holt Renfrew exclusive will be donated to VisionSpring, a charity that provides low-cost eyeglasses to workers and artisans in the developing work to see. I attended the launch party and learned that this tote raised $80,000 dollars for VisionSpring. The program exceeded everyone’s expectations. People who reserved can pick up their tote bags at Holt Renfrew’s across the country. You can purchase the $48 tote at Holt Renfrew locations from September 30, 2010 on a first come first serve basis. Who knows if they are sold out at this point in time. The visuals team really went to town with the tote theme. I decided to try out the Blackberry Torch’s camera and all the photos you see here are from it. I received a evaluation Torch from RIM two weeks ago almost. I’m loving it.  The photos are much better than my Curve 8330 since it’s a 5MP camera.  It’s …

The Last Magazine 5th Issue Launch via People’s Revolution

I got my first email from People’s Revolution during the TIFF madness. I was shocked.  I’ve pretty much neglected NYFW because of TIFF but I just had to post about my first contact with this famous company. Thankfully, they sent me pictures of pretty fashion people who were at the fifth issue launch for The Last Magazine. Last night, the fashion elite sought shelter at The Bunker for the launch of The Last Magazine fifth issue with Kanon Organic Vodka. Designers, editors and VIPs sipped on custom Kanon cocktails while enjoying music by DJs Jon Paul Phillips and James Penfold . Notable guest include; The Last Magazine creators Magnus Berger and Tenzin Wild, Phillip Lim, Richard Chai, Dree Hemingway, Alexander Wang, Alexis Bledel, Chelsea Leyland, Johan Lindeberg, Vanessa Traina, Joseph Altuzarra, Chad Muska, Anja Rubik and many others. It’s definitely weird getting an email from Stefanie after watching her on Kell on Earth.

El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa – October 2, 2010 – January 2, 2011

El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa The exhibition is a 40-year career retrospective of Ghanaian visual artist El Anatsui and will be his first solo exhibition in Canada. El Anatsui is the centrepiece of the Museum’s upcoming Season of Africa, an offering of exhibitions, new permanent installations, and a series of public programs and events inspired by African art and culture. El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa will be on display in the Roloff Beny Gallery on Level 4 of the ROM’s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal from October 2, 2010 to January 2, 2011. El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa is a career retrospective of the internationally renowned artist. Best known for monumental wall sculptures made from discarded bottle tops, Ghanaian-born artist El Anatsui, has transformed often-overlooked and discarded materials into monumental visual statements that reference global, local and personal histories, as well as traditional Ghanaian beliefs. “The ICC is thrilled to present the striking work of world-renowned artist El Anatsui and to offer …

The Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project with Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker

I’m sure the generators dying as the lead singer from USS (Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker) started to play his guitar wasn’t part of the plan. I stood there in shock.  The Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project concert with USS isn’t starting off on the right foot. I felt terrible for the band but being professionals he sat down on the edge of the stage, gathered everyone closer and began an acoustic set. It seems he was just pulling songs out of the air to keep the crowd entertained. It was great to see them making the most out of a horrible situation. I felt bad for the band but I got a kick out of the Techs freaking the hell out. This type of thing can’t be good for business. They were running around doing their best to get things started again. After five minutes of darkness I wondered if they would be able to get things going again. It wasn’t looking good until the 20 minute mark when the roar of the generator filled the quiet …

TIFF 2010 – DPA Gifting Lounge

The InterContinental Toronto Centre on Front Street welcomed the Dubois, Pelin and Associates (DPA) Gifting Lounge during the Toronto International Film Festival. The Presidential Suite, which has this amazing wrap around terrace and fantastic views, was the location. Sponsors for the DPA Gifting Lounge included: MICALLA, FeenieBeadie, ANZIE, Ruby Wow!, Royal Blush, Glass Harp Gallery and Susan Hood designs, Michique, Roots, LouLou Bell, SwissTEC, Imperfect Indulgence, RevitaLash, Sula Beauty, Bathing Belle Swimwear, Snoflake, Barbara Bela, Sodaliscious, Turbine, Eva Varro, Pearl Resorts & Spa, Jumeirah Hotels and Resort Kusmi Teas, FUZE, The Berry Company, Galloping Cows, Ridiculous by Jilli, Manitobah Mukluks, Marchon Eyewear, AMC, Author Ann Kaplan and Lomography. There were a lot of great Canadian brands at the lounge, too many to talk about individually. It was great to see Canadian content getting pushed to the celebs. ANZIE jewellery initially invited me to the DPA Gifting Lounge so I could get a look at the collection. I was familiar with the brand as I’ve seen them at Holt Renfrew before. I didn’t know that they …

TIFF 2010 – Murale/Sally Hershberger Lounge

The Murale/Sally Hershberger Lounge set up shop in the Intercontinental Toronto Yorkville Hotel. I was at the Intercontinental so much it almost felt like a second home. I laughed at people wondering if I was famous walking into and out of the hotel. Of course, I had my neon green Prada shades on. Sally Hershberger is a well know celebrity hairstylist who brought some of her crew to Toronto do get everyone’s hair red-carpet ready. There was also complimentary makeup applications and I took advantage of those services. Sponspors for the Murale/Sally Hershberger Lounge included: Coty Inc, Sally Hershberger Professional Hair Care, Murale I had my makeup done on Saturday and Sunday at the lounge. I had Dino on Saturday and he gave me a bit of smokey eye. It wasn’t dramatic but it was quite pretty. Sunday I had my make up done by Anil Bhatoo of Murale and he gave me dramatic makeup to go with the leather Danier dress I was wearing. It was my favourite look of TIFF. I also discovered …

TIFF 2010 – BMW Toronto Celebrity Gift Lounge

BMW Toronto Celebrity gift lounge was setup at the Hugo Store in Yorkville for the Toronto International Film Festival. Greg May Hair and TDotTV teamed up to produce the lounge. Guests were treated to mini spa days with hair by Grey May, facials by Mayavii using the Black Pearl Collection products, make up by Jessica Llyod and massages from the Toronto Performance Health Centre Sponsors of the lounge included: Mayavii, BMW Toronto, Greg May Hair Architects, Toronto Performance Health Centre, Elizabeth Grant and Mondia Alliance. Mayvaii is an importer of Sea of Spa & Dr. Kadir Laboratories skin care lines. They are bringing the famous Dr. Kadir Matrix Gold Mask which was made popular by Kate Moss. Two 2011 BMW 5-series cars were on hand for viewing. I was all about the pampering this TIFF so I took advantage of the facial with Ilan and really liked the Black Pearl products he used. I also had my makeup done with Jessica Lloyd. BMW Toronto Celebrity Gift Lounge Gift Bag Favourites (These are products I found …

TIFF 2010 – RealTVfilms Social Media Lounge

RealTVfilms Social Media Lounge presented by The Cutting Room was another gifting lounge I visited during the Toronto International Film Festival. It also followed the Festival and parked itself in the Abode Public Residence, close to the Bell Lightbox. Chic Little Devil, LA’s largest style house joined the lounge for their first appearance in Canada. They were on hand to dress celebrities for red carpet and parties during the festival. RealTVfilms host, Samantha Gutstadt, was on hand to interview celebs. Justin Rousseau from Brennen Demelo Studio was the lounge’s official hair stylist and Caroline Grenier was the makeup artist. Sponsors for the RealTVFilms Social Media Lounge included: TChad, Ketel One, Grazie Restaurant, Inspire Cosmetics, L’Oréal Professionnel, Dearfoams footwear, Oshun Spa, vitaminwater, Les Pieces Uniques, The FHE Group, You Rock Guitars, Winks Eyelash Boutique, Feri Designer Lines and Rowenta Beauty. The You Rock Guitars were very cool. It’s like Rockband but you play cords and there are strings. I had the chance to schedule an appointment to get my lashes done with the Winks Eyelash Boutique. …

TIFF 2010 – The IT Lounge

NKPR Inc. returns for a fifth time to the Toronto International Film Festival with the IT Lounge. It moved south with the festival and was held at the new NKPR head office, just steps away from the Bell Lightbox. Toronto Interior Design Group partnered with NKPR to turn the office space into the IT Lounge. This year the lounge partnered with Paul Haggis’ Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) in order to raise money for Haiti. The lounge featured laptops from Rogers with mobile internet built-in. They are Internet ready because of the integration but I don’t know if I like the idea of having my machine that committed Rogers. I got a media pass that gave me access to the lounge and these computers during the festival. I could write posts or check email, etc. I was running around too much to take advantage of this. Sponsors of the IT Lounge included: Fila, RW&CO., Andrea Professionals, Ardell Lashes, Stila Cosmetics, Moroccanoil, Esprit, Goody, Sharpie, Dagmar Jewellery, Diane Lai skin care line, Kobo eReader, Baker …

TIFF 2010 – Aromachology

I have meant to stop by Aromachology but our timing has been off. Aromachology is a personalized perfume shop that allows the customer to create their own special scent. They also have candles that make great gifts.  The idea of creating my own personal scent is very appealing and daunting. I like so many things and trying to put myself in one box is never going to work. I look at my fragrance collection and it’s all over the place, women’s, men’s, floral, oriental or musky.  Aromachology had a pop up store at the Four Seasons during  TIFF and I stopped by to check it out. Basically there are 5 base scents to choose from: Sophisticated & Sensual Floral, a Totally Edible Gourmand, an Exotic Spicy Oriental, a Clean & Fresh or a Bold & Brisk Woodsy. Then you make a choice between 15 top notes to add to the base: Creative – Juniper Berry and Carnation; Inspiring – Orange and Lemon; Spontaneous – Tuberose and Citrus; Graceful – Jasmine and Egyptian Musk; Courageous – …

TIFF 2010 – Diesel Lounge

The coolest lounge I visited was the Diesel Lounge in the Intercontinental Toronto Yorkville Hotel.  It wasn’t a super swagged out gifting lounge like many of the others I visited.  Talent was gifted jeans and then had a portrait taken by Raphael Mazzucco.  This was the extent of the swag but the lounge itself was a nice place for people to get away, grab some food and a drink.  The Diesel Lounge had a fully stocked bar and table full of food for guests.  During the evenings they barbecued on the gorgeous balcony that overlooks the Intercontinental’s courtyard restaurant. The decor was made up of items from Diesel’s home decor/interior line.  Some of these items are available at the flagship shop in Yorkville. Monday morning, I returned to the Diesel Lounge and was treated to Champagne Brunch while we watched the web broadcast of the Diesel Black Gold Spring-Summer 2011 collection in New York. I finally was able to take advantage of the bar and food. It was a nice way to start the week, …

TIFF 2010 – Fresh Goods at The Tastemakers Lounge

The 6th annual Tastemakers Lounge has returned to the Intercontinental Toronto Yorkville Hotel for the Toronto International Film Festival. Rock-It Promotions Inc produces this gifting suite and this year’s theme is Fresh Goods. Toronto design firm Marla Brown Events took care of the decor of the suite. Rawlicious, Toronto only raw food restaurant provided lunch boxes to guest and a super tasty Cocoon Macaroon. Sponsors of the Tastemakers Lounge included: MMCrystal, Bamjamz, Damn Heels, Guats Active. Life. Style., Indeed Laboratories Inc., Jessica Jensen, Joe Fresh Beauty, Keep Leaf, Mattel Inc., Wescan Optical and Me + You. It’s good to see the Tastemakers Lounge supporting local talent and majority of the sponsors were Canadian. It was strange to see the new Mattel games, they are so much more advanced now even Pictionary, it’s a man. The Tastemakers Lounge had talent like Edward Norton, Colin Firth, David Schwimmer, Minnie Driver, Peter Fonda, Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Josh Hartnett and Geoffrey Rush come through. Many of them signed Mattel games that will be auctioned off and a portion …

TIFF 2010 – Bask-It-Style Media Day

Media arrived at The Fairmont Royal York’s Prime Minister’s Suite to preview the products that are available in the Bask-It-Style gift bags. They were then distributed to visiting Toronto International Film Festival talent including Mickey Rourke and Megan Fox.  Jsquared2 Public Relations produces Bask-It-Style and has returned for its second year. Media and magazine sponsors for the lounge included FrontRowMag.com and Polysh Magazine. Pink Twig Floral Boutique decorated the Prime Minister’s Suite with beautiful flowers. Gifting lounges have a standard format, you go around to each booth, talk to a rep and move on. Sometimes you get product at the booth and other times it’s all contained in a bag you leave with. The Prime Minister’s Suite is a nice but seem a bit dated compared to the newer and slicker hotel offerings out there. Sponsors in the Bask-It-Style gift bag are: Author Adrienne Kress (Scholastic Canada), CARGO, Coty Inc, DK Publishing, emerginC, ESKA Natural Spring Water, Foxy Originals, , Author Lesley Livingston (HarperCollins), Me + You, Mind, Ball and Soul by Farhan Dhalla, Mistura …