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Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign and Video

Miu Miu Fall - Winter 2013 - 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign

The Fall Winter 2013 – 2014 ad campaigns are starting to come out and so far Miu Miu is my favourite.

Miu Miu Fall - Winter 2013 - 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign

There are some really striking images in the campaign. The love the way the colours seem so saturated and leap off the page.

Miu Miu Fall - Winter 2013 - 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign

Evoking a spirit of adventure and daring, the Fall/Winter 2013 campaign captures the passage of girls in a twilight cinema-scape loaded with intrigue, imagination and femininity. Set at the end of a seaside pier, their stories unfurl against a mysterious cityscape and vanishing horizon, brought to life in an up-tempo quirky dance video where the models move harmoniously with the rhythm and mood of the music. While standing on the dock of the bay waiting for a ferry, they dance away the fun of the night before returning home in the early morning.

In a fabricated reality of noir optimism, Inez & Vinoodh capture a diverse and exhilarating cast of characters including Katlin Aas, Emily DiDonato, Daphne Groeneveld, Georgia May Jagger, Adriana Lima, Marina Nery, Hind Sahli, Anne Verhallen and Lindsey Wixson. From these curious rendez-vous materializes the idiosyncratic sense of adventure that encapsulates this collection.

Music: “Hand Clapping Song”, performed by The Meters(source: miumiu.com)

Miu Miu Fall - Winter 2013 - 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign

The campaign video is even better than the still images. I just love it. The duo Inez & Vinoodh directed the film and it features the models: Adriana Lima, Anne Verhallen, Daphne Groeneveld, Emily DiDonato, Georgia May Jagger, Hind Sahli, Katlin Aas, Lindsey Wixson, Marina Nery.

Miu Miu Fall - Winter 2013 - 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall - Winter 2013 - 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall - Winter 2013 - 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall - Winter 2013 - 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall - Winter 2013 - 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall - Winter 2013 - 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall - Winter 2013 - 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall - Winter 2013 - 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall - Winter 2013 - 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall - Winter 2013 - 2014 Ad Campaign

Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Ad Campaign

It’s been a long time since I saw the Miu Miu Fall – Winter 2013 – 2014 Fashion Show so lets refresh our memories

images: miumiu.com

Casa Barcardi at DEQ Lounge, Ritz Carlton Toronto

Tiki Glasses

Tiki Glasses photo:

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.

Tiki time at Casa Barcardi at DEQ Lounge

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 hole and followed a number of different Tiki Boards and even created my own Tiki Mug Pinterest Board.

Tiki time at Casa Barcardi at DEQ Lounge

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

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

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Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

A few weekends ago, I hosted a Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale with the lovely women from Front Row Mag. We organized the sale to move the vast amount of beauty swag we’ve collected over the year.

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

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 Sale

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

Bloggers 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

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 Sale

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

Bloggers 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.

Vawk for eBay – August 12 – September 15, 2013

Vawk for eBay - August 12 - September 15, 2013

Vawk for eBay – August 12 – September 15, 2013

Sunny Fong of VAWK has teamed up with eBay Canada to launch a seven piece limited edition collection called Vawk for eBay on August 12, 2013. Everything will be priced under $120 and will be available at Buy It Now pricing until September 15, 2013. I got the scoop on inventory and it’s really limited, if you have some favourites you need to purchase on August 12th. An added bonus is that eBay is providing free shipping.

Vawk for eBay - August 12 - September 15, 2013

Vawk for eBay – August 12 – September 15, 2013

Vawk for eBay - August 12 - September 15, 2013

Vawk for eBay – August 12 – September 15, 2013 – Lizard embossed collar with fox fur $79, Lizard embossed cuff with fox fur $59, Manta caplet $69, Manta shift dress $119

The Manta shift dress at $119 is a steal and my favourite piece of the collection.

Vawk for eBay - August 12 - September 15, 2013

Vawk for eBay – August 12 – September 15, 2013 – Lizard-twig print silk-blend scarf $79, Duo leather skinny tie $69

There is something for the guys too with the Duo leather skinny tie at $69.

Vawk for eBay - August 12 - September 15, 2013

Vawk for eBay – August 12 – September 15, 2013 – Zebra-spiral print silk-blend scarf $99

images: courtesy of eBay Canada

i got: Kaiyra Sandals by Nine West

Kaiyra Sandals by Nine West

Kaiyra Sandals by Nine West

It seems we skipped spring and moved right into open toe shoe wearing weather. I honestly thought I wouldn’t wear sandals until closer to June but there I was wearing peep toes at the end of April. A new summer season means new wedge sandals. I was having a particularly bad day and used my Nine West gift card to cheer me up. I love a good wedge sandal and I have more than a few pairs of them kicking around.

I was debating between the Kaiyra and Shaky sandal. The blue and green patterns of the Kaiyra won out. They have a 5″ cork wedge with a 1″ platform. They are high but comfortable, the perfect shoe dimensions. I still might get my hands on the Shaky sandal, they are on sale now. So is the Kaiyra if you are interested.

i want: Body Jewellery by Dolorous

Toronto has a number of great jewellery designers and Dolorous is one of them. Danielle Singer, designer, uses brass chains and various vintage components to create her beautiful, minimalist designs. I’m really into her body jewellery right now.

Menat Broad Collar Body Chain

Menat Broad Collar Body Chain

Menat Broad Collar Body Chain is my favourite piece by Dolorous right now. It would make a great statement piece on a long gown for formal occasions. It also would be great more causally too. It’s $278.64 at here Etsy shop.

The Menat Broad Collar Body Chain, inspired by medieval accessories, is a modern style of body jewelry meant to be worn across the shoulders. This beautiful and flattering statement piece is made with two draping strands down the front and three across the back, connected at the shoulders with a section of ornate vintage copper chain from which several strands of brass chain are draped, creating a cap sleeve style look that allows the piece to balance comfortably across your shoulders.(source: Dolorous Etsy Page)

Crystal Lattice Body Necklace

Crystal Lattice Body Necklace

Crystal Lattice Body Necklace is another great piece that would make a great statement on a simple gown. It’s a cheaper option than the Menat Broad Collar Body Chain at $187.55.

The Crystal Lattice Body Chain is a versatile necklace featuring a large vintage chandelier crystal that is absolutely breathtaking in person.The vintage crystal at the center of the necklace is surrounded by layers of draped brass chain, interlaced with one another.
Its constructed to allow it to be worn either as a draped and layered necklace, or as a beautiful body chain with chain interlaced down and around the torso and creating beautiful back detailing.(source: Dolorous Etsy Page)

images: etsy.com

geekiviews: Sodastream

Sodastream

Sodastream

Believe the hype. The Sodastream is an amazing kitchen appliance. The Sodastream system allows you to carbonate plain old tap water at home. Pair this carbonated water with many of the different flavours of sodamix and you have an alternative to buying pre-packaged bottled and cans. Most Sodastream systems carbonates tap water without electricity or batteries. It uses an exchangeable CO2 carbonator that can be refilled with beverage-grade CO2 drawn from the air. The company also makes flavoured syrups so you can make your own drinks like cola, root beer and even tonic. The flavours have less calories and carbs than traditional sode and the major bonus of no awful aspartame and high-fructose corn syrup.

Sodastream

Sodastream

Weeks before I got my hands on a Sodastream system I heard nothing but praise. “It’s a game changer” is something I’ve heard from more than one person when describing the Sodastream. These incredible endorsements from people I trust peaked my interest, perhaps I should invest in a Sodastream. I love pop and my local convenience store can attest to this. The idea of creating my own pop while reducing my use of bottles of cans is something anyone can get behind. Apparently one reusable SodaStream bottle can replace 2,000 bottles and cans according to the marketing team from Sodastream.

Sodastream

Sodastream

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Kraft/Sodastream event that happened in May. Kraft being the smart company they are created flavours of their signature products like Kool-Aid that people can use with their Sodastream device. I raided the candy bar and received a Sodastream Source device which included the soda maker, carbonating bottle, carbonator and 6 pack sodamix taste sample. It retails for $149.99. Sodastream devices run from $99 to $279.

The Sodastream is super easy to use and I found myself making soda daily. My only complaint about the device is that it can be loud. I get nervous using it late at night but my neighbours haven’t complained yet. The carbonator lasted me about a month and a half and I was using the Sodastream about 5 times a week. I was wondering if finding new carbonator would be a huge pain in the ass but the Walmart in Dufferin Mall is an authorized Sodastream carbonator exchange centre. So thankfully it was close but I when I went to exchange my carbonator I learned that they had just gotten new stock in after a few weeks of being empty. The sales associate mentioned backorder delays with the company make it tough for a little bit. I decided right there to buy myself an extra carbonator. A refill costs about $21 and a brand new carbonator will set you back about $40.

I’m a believer in the Sodastream although I’m not the biggest fan of the syrups I have tried. I plan on getting some Italian Soda syrup to try out with it. I have a big soda habit and the Sodastream has done an amazing job with saving me money and steering me to healthier soda choices. It’s help me to consume more water too as I love having a sparkling water option right at hand.

images: me, courtesy of Sodastream

Hi-Tec Urban Hike

Hi-Tec Urban Hike
Hi-Tec and NKPR teamed up to take media on a Toronto Urban Hike in order to discover the new collection of walking and hiking shoes built with the fashion lover in mind.

Hi-Tec Urban Hike

Each participant was given a choice between a number of different casual but functional shoe styles to try out. I went with the Sierra Lite Original high tops in pink. Thanks Hi-Tec! The Sierra Lite Original is Hi-Tec’s original suede and mesh walking boot. The shoe has the qualities of a hiking boot with a high fashion look.

Hi-Tec Urban Hike

We gathered at the NKPR offices in our best urban hiking street style outfits and put on our shoes. It was interesting to see what styles everyone picked. Pink was very popular with the women but only two of us went for the high top Sierra Lite Originals. I was very impressed that they came with a second set of pink laces and I immediately began to switch out the white pair.

Hi-Tec Urban Hike

They really wanted to show us that you don’t need to break in Hi-Tec shoes in to be comfortable. These are shoes you can take right out of the box and go. After the hour we spend walking around, I’d have to agree. I knew that these Sierra Lite Originals would be perfect for travel and day outings. A few weeks later I went to the Christie Antique Show in Dundas, Ontario and the Sierra Lite Originals were perfect. You do a lot of walking at these antique shows and the shoes were so comfortable. They also were perfect for friend spotting as the bright pink was hard to miss in a crowd. These are going to be of great use when I head out to Whistler this summer. I got some trails to hit up and bears to see. My hardcore, took a long time to break in, heavier, hiking boots will stay at home.

Hi-Tec Urban Hike

We visited a few places on our hike: Graffiti Alley, David’s Tea and the Caplansky’s Food Truck. Along the way superstar Street Style photographer Stefania Yarhi was snapping away.

Hi-Tec Urban Hike

HiTec Urban Hike
I went with an all black outfit because the Sierra’s are just so bright. I paired up a Jeremy Laing top with Gap pants and my favourite vintage Adidas Jacket.

images: courtesy of NKPR, taken by Stefania Yarhi

geekiviews: Tickled Pink Foundation Garment by Saxton Chayse

Tickled Pink Foundation Garment by Saxton Chayse

Tickled Pink Foundation Garment by Saxton Chayse

Foundation garments are a staple in my wardrobe. The use slips, camisole and tshirts are a common practice in my fashion world. I’ve added a new must have item to my foundational garment roster, the Tickled Pink undershirt. It’s the perfect garment as it works as an undershirt and prevents sweat marks and pit stains without resorting to using those underarm adhesive pads. Saxton Chayse sent me a Tickled Pink undershirt to test drive last summer. It wasn’t something that I thought of using during that season so I didn’t look at it until the fall. I was in love after our first outing, it was a miracle worker. I tend to sweat a lot and avoid wearing long sleeves some days because of embarrassing sweat stains. With Tickled Pink I no longer worry about it because of the triple layered pad sewn into the armpits. It’s not bulky which surprised me as that was one of my initial concerns. The deep v neckline and short sleeves accommodates all kinds of outfits. The synthetic fabric is similar to my slips and shapewear so you can be assured that clothing with drape correctly over top.

Tickled Pink Foundation Garment by Saxton Chayse

Tickled Pink Foundation Garment by Saxton Chayse

The amazing Tickled Pink undershirts are now part of my weekly wardrobe and I seriously can’t live without them. They are perfect for people that use natural deodorants instead of antiperspirants. The undershirts wash very well. I put them in the dryer and haven’t experienced any shrinkage or changes in shape of the garment. I’ve also gotten over my summer aversion to Tickled Pink undershirts and see the garment as a year round device.

Another benefit of Tickled Pink undergarments is reducing dry cleaning bills. I have a few dry clean only outfits that I usually end up wearing for a couple of hours at a party. It gets expensive drying cleaning after each wear but with foundation garments like Tickled Pink you can avoid this extra cost.

I loved Tickled Pink so much I ended up buying two more from the Toronto based online shop. They come in four colours: black, white, beige (I can’t call this nude) and pink. They retail for $39.99.

images: courtesy of Saxton Chayse

Isabel Marant x H&M

Isabel Marant x H&M

Isabel Marant x H&M

H&M just announced their latest designer collaboration will be with Isabel Marant. I think this collaboration has the potential to be the biggest one yet. It will be interesting to see Isabel Marant doing H&M instead of the usual H&M doing Isabel Marant.

The collection will hit stores November 14, 2013 and will feature clothing and accessories for women and teenagers. For the first time ever, Isabel will designer a menswear collection. The collection should hit the usual suspect of Eaton Centre, Yorkdale and Bloor Street but watch this space for updates.

Isabel Marant x H&M

Isabel Marant x H&M

“I am flattered by this collaboration. H&M works with the best designers, and this invitation is an exciting honour. I aim at creating something real – something women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carefree style. I think this is very Parisian: you dress up, but don’t pay too much attention to it, and you still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be combined following one’s own instincts, and my take on fashion is all about personality,” says Isabel Marant.(source:H&M Press Release)

Am I excited about this collaboration? Not really. I’m not a massive Isabel Marant fan. I’ll watch this one from the sidelines with heightened interest. I can’t wait to see the press rollout for this collection and clothing itself. I lament the fact that this means more cheap wedge sneakers around but that’s about the only flaw.

images: courtesy of H&M