Latest Posts

Roots x Dealuxe Handbags

Published by

I just love Dealuxe. I’m a customer and fan. The company is making all the right moves with hires like the amazing Susie Sheffman (formally of FASHION Magazine) and Amina Said (formally of Holt Renfrew). So I was pretty happy to hear about the Roots x Dealuxe handbag collaboration.

“We are so thrilled to welcome Roots to Dealuxe and collaborate with such a quintessential Canadian brand. The bags are bursting with colour and style and work perfectly with spring’s top trends. Best of all, I love that they are made with the highest quality leather, right here, at home!” Susie Sheffman, Fashion Director, DEALUXE

The collection is right on trend with the candy coloured bags with styles for a variety of uses.  It’s a great way to add a pop of colour to your outfit if you are colour phobc.  It also makes a great addition to a colour blocking outfit just to make it over the top obnoxious (in a good way).

The Roots x Dealuxe handbags can be purchased online at dealuxe.ca. Prices range from $78 to $298 and you get a free cellphone case with purchase.

images: dealuxe.ca

Roger Vivier: Process to Perfection – May 9, 2012 – April 7, 2013

Published by

Roger Vivier: Process to Perfection

Roger Vivier: Process to Perfection


Roger Vivier: Process to Perfection – May 9, 2012 – April 7, 2013 at The Bata Museum

To wear dreams on one’s feet is to begin to give a reality to one’s dreams. -Roger Vivier

Roger Vivier: Process to Perfection focuses on the designer who was renowned for the bejewelled and elegantly sculptural shoes that he created throughout his life. Many of his innovations, such as the needle, choc and comma heels are as important in fashion today as when he first introduced them.

Vivier’s career was established in the 1950s when he became the shoe designer for Christian Dior. During his time with Dior his shoes were the epitome of mid-century glamour and Vivier’s early training in scuplture at École des Beaux Arts is evident in the sculptural heels and toes he designed for Dior. After Dior’s death, Vivier continued to produce elegant footwear for the House of Dior but in 1963 he set out on his own. Among his many successes include the pilgrim buckle shoe popularized by Catherine Deneuve, which sold in the thousands, the thigh high boot popularized by Bridget Bardot and the reintroduction of the platform shoe.

Throughout his career, Vivier proved to be extremely responsive to cultural shifts and he remained devoted exploring the artistic potential of shoe design. Ever engaged in designing shoes, Vivier worked right up until his death in 1998 at the age of 90. Throughout his illustrious career Vivier ceaselessly sought to refine his process and continually strove for perfection.

The focus Roger Vivier: Process to Perfection is the working process of Vivier and his masterpieces of shoe design. The Bata Shoe Museum’s Vivier holdings will be complemented by loans from world-renowned institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Deutsch Ledermuseum in Germany and the Roger Vivier brand.

Visitors to the exhibition will see never before exhibited drawings by Vivier and pull-overs designed for Christian Dior which illuminate his working process. Visitors will also be able to see the jewels of his oeuvre—-the shoes that his working process wrought into perfection.

This looks like a must see for shoe fans.

WORN Fashion Journal presents: The Beach Ball! – May 12, 2012

Published by

WORN Fashion Journal presents: The Beach Ball! – May 12, 2012

WORN Fashion Journal presents: The Beach Ball! - May 12, 2012

It’s been a long and moderate winter. But just because we weren’t buried in snow doesn’t mean we can’t kick up some sand. Have you been sighing for shorts? Silly to step into strappy sandals? From sundresses to seersucker, unpack your summer best early at our Issue 14 Launch Party, The Beach Ball!

On May 12, 2012, celebrate the release of WORN Fashion Journal issue 14 in sunny style.
The Dovercourt House
805 Dovercourt Rd. (just one block north of Bloor St.)
Bare-legged at 9 p.m.
Sweaters back on at 2 a.m.

Get a little colour: Butterdream Sweets will keep things bright with rainbow macaroons
Get teas’d: Pina Colada cocktails made with real tea from Tealish (quantiteas limited)
Get snapped: You’ll be your own best souvenir in our postcard themed photo booth

And when the sun goes down, get off that rock, lobster, and do The Swim. Ride a wave of sweet summer sounds as our DJ spins a mix of oldies guaranteed to mash your potato.

DRESS CODE
Roll your cuffs, spaghetti your straps, and drop your socks. Summer rules apply.
Order your $10 ADVANCE TICKETS NOW: http://www.wornjournal.com/html/wornpartytickets/
or pick them up at
Robber 863 Queen St. West, Toronto
Upside Dive 269 Queen Street East.
Freedom Clothing Collective 939 Bloor St. West
Or pay $12 at the door

ALL TICKETS INCLUDE A FREE COPY OF WORN’S BRAND NEW ISSUE!

No need to stash a bottle in that towel…this event is licensed.

Smythe Pre-Fall 2012

Published by

Andrea and Christie of Smythe have unveiled their first Pre-Fall collection for 2012.  Now Smythe junkies have more jackets to choose from in a year.   The collection will be available after June 1, making my birthday month even more amazing.

I’m a huge Smythe fan but this is the first collection where I wanted every jacket.   The furry ones are calling my name.

I love the three coats with the furry details from the collection, but I’m also digging the check blazer with the cropped sleeve (pictured below). It’s very Thom Browne menswear to me.

You can find Smythe at the usual suspects: Holt Renfrew, Dealuxe.ca and Ssense.com, Intermix and TNT Woman.

images: Courtesy of Smythe.

Neon Dotty Manicure

Published by

I embarked on my most ambitious nail journey this week, a 10 colour manicure.

Essie Poppy Razzi - Camera, Lights, Action, Bazooka

Essie Poppy Razzi - Camera, Lights, Action, Bazooka

The idea came to me as I was staring at the new Essie collection, Poppi Razzi. I wanted to use all four of these neon shades but I would need to use the dreaded white polish to make the neon pop. I hummed and hawed over using the white base for about half an hour before deciding that I would do this mani properly. I started with two coats of MAC x Liberty London Vestral White. I was very careful with these coats. I took my time, minimized streaking and allowed each coat to dry. I then used two coats of Action for the overall base color.

Chanel Coco Blue, Essie Funky Lime Light

Chanel Coco Blue, Essie Funky Lime Light

Initially, I was only going to use Camera, Lights and Bazooka for the dots but I realized I needed more variety. I turned to another neon polish from Essie called Funky Lime Light. I felt that some blue and green were essential. I don’t have a neon blue so I used Chanel’s Coco Blue instead.

American Apparel Neon - Purple, Red, Green

American Apparel Neon - Purple, Red, Green

The American Apparel neons were perfect for keeping with the neon theme. I used a dotting tool to make my perfect circles. I used two sizes to keep the dots from overlapping as much as possible. It’s a lot easier than it looks but I still feel I don’t have the perfect dot alignment yet. That will come with practice. It took me about an hour to do this manicure which is about 40 minutes longer than my normal times. I really took my time with it as I wanted the white base coats covered by the coloured polish completely.

i want: NARS x Thakoon Nail Polish

Published by

NARS x Thakoon Nail Polish

My latest nail polish obsession is the NARS x Thakoon Nail Polish collaboration. I’ve been waiting for over a month for this collection to come out. I absolutely love the vibrant colours. I can’t wait to rock an ombre nails with these beauties or use my new nail dotting skills to come up with something.

In conceptualizing the shade range, Thakoon was inspired by the vibrant colours found in Indian spice markets. The highly saturated, high-shine shades come in an opaque finish, perfect for spring. Formula is long-wearing, chip-resistant and toluene, formaldehyde and DBP free.

The shades are Anardana – Azalea pink, Ratin Jot – Orchid purple, Amchoor – Bright yellow, Kutki – Powder blue and Koliary – Cyan blue.

The collection is available now at NARS counters across the country and online at narscosmetics.ca for $21 bucks a piece. NARS has a great formulation for their polish and is one of my favourites.

image: courtesy of NARS.

i got: Abstract Rome Hi by United Nude

Published by

Abstract Rome Hi by United Nude

Regular readers of I want – I got know I have an obsession with United Nude shoes. They will also know that I lament the state of United Nude retailers in the city. The stores that carry/carried them stocked the worst styles of the collection and not the architectural beauties that United Nude is known for. Who really wants to buy these after all. I figured the only way I was going to get a great pair of United Nude shoes would be at the flagship store on my next trip to New York City. Well, my prayers were answered at the media preview of Queen Street pop up shop, Sauvage.

Abstract Rome Hi by United Nude

Sauvage is behind Whitecrow in the Burroughes Building.  It’s got some really great shoes and handbags.  I anticipate that this will be my go to summer sandal.

images: unitednude.com, me

 

Holt Renfrew x Tory Burch x FEED Limited Edition Totes

Published by

Holt Renfrew x Tory Burch x FEED Limited Edition Totes

Holt Renfrew’s latest charity collaboration brings Tory Burch together to benefit Lauren Bush Lauren’s FEED Foundation and the Tory Burch Foundation. FEED was created to help fund the United Nations World Food Programme’s school feeding efforts stateside, abroad and during humantiarian disasters. The Tory Burch Foundation, together with partner ACCION USA, provides microloans in women-owned small businesses in the United States.

“FEED is thrilled to partner with Tory Burch and Holt Renfrew to create and sell a product that will provide much needed food and nutrition to children around the world through the FEED Foundation as well as empower women through the Tory Burch Foundation. This bag is a fashionable do-gooder’s dream come true!”- Lauren Bush Lauren

“I am so thrilled to partner with FEED on this initiative,” says Tory Burch CEO and designer Tory Burch. “I have always admired the organization’s mission to help children around the world. When this opportunity came up we didn’t have to think twice — the collaboration between Holt Renfrew, FEED, our brand and our foundation was a natural fit from beginning.”

“The story behind this exclusive product is as exceptional as is the tote bag itself. Holt Renfrew is proud to bring this project to life and to support such important causes,” said Alexandra Weston, Holt Renfrew’s Director, Brand Strategy.

I’m not a fan of the Tory Burch brand but I have to admit that I like the tote. Holt Renfrew sent me a sample with the press kit and I find myself using it quite a bit. The tote would be perfect if the Tory Burch logo was just a bit smaller IMHO.

The Tory Burch + FEED tote bags exclusively for Holt Renfrew comes in 3 different colour combinations and will retail for $50. Holt Renfrew hopes to raise $100,000, to contribute to 500,000 meals for children and $50,000 in microfinance and mentoring support. The bags will be available for purchase online at holtrenfrew.com from April 30 and in stores across Canada May 10. Lauren Bush Lauren will be at the Holt Renfrew Bloor Street on May 10 at 10:00am to celebrate the launch of the bags.

Citizens by Natalie Castellino – Till May 5, 2012

Published by

Citizens by Natalie Castellino - Till May 5, 2012

A few months ago photographer, Natalie Castellino asked if I would be one of her subjects in a photography exhibit she was planning. She wanted to get an “intimate look at the subject, a moment that the viewer wouldn’t naturally have.” It sounded like a fun project to be part of so I accepted.

Citizens by Natalie Castellino - Till May 5, 2012

Last Thursday was the opening party for her exhibit called Citizens at the Red Bull 381 Projects space.

Through a collection of 20 portraits, photographer Natalie Castellino captures an intimate side of some of Toronto’s most influential. The project, entitled ‘Citizens’, will be on display at Red Bull Gallery in Toronto from April 26th to May 3rd 2012. “I have always been passionate about portraits but my work to date has been more abstract and staged,” says photographer, Natalie Castellino, “This collection came together very organically, each subject chose their environment and was shot in their natural element of comfort with minimal direction.”

Through Citizens, Natalie was looking to bring a focus to success within the city of Toronto. “There is almost a stigma that Torontonians need to leave the city to be recognized, we have so many interesting things and people right here in Toronto.” Says Natalie.

The collection was photographed solely in film and printed in entirety in a dark room by Natalie herself. “This was my way of reciprocating the personal element and support that my subjects each gave me.” Says Natalie.

Natalie shot me in one of my main shopping stomping grounds, Holt Renfrew. I usually spend Saturday afternoon’s eating Pho at Pho Hung and then wandering Yorkville which always includes a visit to Holts.

At the opening party I learned about the other subjects and I was happy to see some familiar faces.

Debra Goldblatt

Gail McInnes

Lisa Tant

My fashion boyfriend, Philip Sparks

Citizens is open to the public April 29 11am-4pm and Monday April 30 – May 5 9am-5pm at 381 Queen St. West, Red Bull 381 Projects.  The prints are on sale at the exhibit and proceeds from the show will go toward Sketch, working arts for street involved and homeless youth.

photos: Natalie Castellino

Diesel Fit Your Attitude Spring Summer 2012

Published by

Diesel Fit Your Attitude Spring Summer 2012

Diesel denim has a special place in my heart. They were the first pair (probably the only pair) of designer denim I paid the full price for. They are also my favourite brand of denim that aren’t stretchy,  I love the fit of jeans that incorporate that function but there is nothing like breaking in a pair of stiff denim or finding a pair that fits like a glove.  Diesel had a great fit but I found as I got older the styles were a bit too young for me. Fast forward a few years and the folks from Diesel invited me to the Toronto flagship store to introduce me to their new women’s denim line called Fit Your Attitude. I always enjoy playing dress up so I accepted.

Diesel Fit Your Attitude Spring Summer 2012

The Fit Your Attitude line has six styles representing six different attitudes:

Sexy: Flairlegg is a flared wide leg jean with a regular rise waist
Chic: Highkee is a skinny leg jean with a high-rise waist
Free Spirited: Grupee is a super skinny leg jean with a low-rise waist
Brave: Getlegg is a skinny leg jean with a low-rise waist
Confident: Bootzee is a bootleg cut jean with a regular rise waist
Spontaneous: Myguy is a boyfriend style jeans with a low-rise waist

Diesel Fit Your Attitude Spring Summer 2012

These jeans  are newly redesigned and Diesel took measurements of more than 20,000 women to create a new, more comfortable fit for this line. Other features include more comfortable belt construction so that it’s more comfortable and doesn’t pinch, new back pocket design which gives you a curvier butt and seam placement that makes the legs look longer.

Diesel Fit Your Attitude Spring Summer 2012

Getlegg

I tried on all the jeans but the Highkee and I have to admit they were all really good. I wasn’t expecting all the styles I tried on to work out.  My favourite of the group were the Getlegg.  It’s the perfect skinny jeans for people like me with track and field thighs.  These jeans have a skinny leg but are a bit looser in the thigh and knee.  Diesel was kind enough to let me select a pair from the ones I tried on and I live in these things now.  They are so comfortable and easy to break in.

Diesel Fit Your Attitude Spring Summer 2012

Grupee

Everything I tried on looked great. The low-rise styles also have a higher back so that you aren’t showing plumber’s butt if you bend over. Each style also has different washes that aren’t pictured here but you can see them on Diesel.com.

Flairlegg

I also like that I didn’t feel like a 20-year-old club girl in the Fit Your Attitude line. The embellishments and distressing is kept to a minimum which results in a more classic looking collection.

Myguy

Bootzee

The Fit Your Attitude line is in stores now.

images: courtesy of Diesel and myself