Comrags – I want

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

It’s that time of year again and I want – I got is putting together massive Gift Guides of things I think would be perfect to give as gifts this season. The fifth edition of the Gift Guides is the one we’ve been waiting for Fashion, Beauty and Jewellery. This is a big one and I could go on for days with selections.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Cabaret Vintage Flapper Dress — I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Cabaret Vintage Flapper Dress

Who doesn’t love the 20s? It’s my favourite style era and I love these Vintage Style Flapper Dresses by Cabaret Vintage. They range in price from $195 to 350 and are available online or at the Queen Street location.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Comrags Quartz Border Ed Tunic — I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Comrags Quartz Border Ed Tunic

It’s really unfortunate that I don’t own anything by Comrags yet (Note to self, remedy this in 2014). I love the Quartz Border Ed Tunic by Comrags for $335. It’s available online or at their Toronto location.

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

Philip Sparks’s Footwear is amazing. I love every style with the tall boots being my absolute favourite. They range in price from $350 to $495 and are available at the Ossington location or online.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Christopher Kane Sweatershirt — I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Christopher Kane Sweatershirt

The ultimate sweatshirt is the Christopher Kane Resort 2014 Printed cotton-jersey sweatshirt which retails for $465 at Net-A-Porter. The Room at The Bay also carries Christopher Kane but I’m not sure if this sweater is available there.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Abel Munoz — I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Abel Munoz

I finally bought my first pair of Abel Munoz shoes this year. I love Harlow Gold and Black which retails for $495 and is available online. If you are in Toronto you can book and appointment and buy the shoes in person.

SkinnI want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Lazypants — SkinnI want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Lazypants

I’ve purchased sweatpants twice in my life since turning 20. They are just something I don’t wear outside the house. Sometimes, I do need something cute to wear when running to the corner store and the laundry room. I’d be totally happy to receive Green Camo Skinnies from Lazypants are perfect. I love camo print, they are slim fit and they aren’t the traditional grey colour. They retail for $118 and is available online or at TNT.

SkinnI want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Ela — SkinnI want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Ela

I own an Ela Editor’s Pouch in rose gold but it doesn’t have stars. You can get the Ela Large Editor’s Pouch online at eLuxe.ca for $338 or visit a Holt Renfrew location.

SkinnI want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Lancome — SkinnI want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Lancome

It’s not an I want – I got gift guide if I’m not telling you to get some Lancome mascara. The Holiday Makeup Collection by LancÃ´me contains:
– limited edition HypnÃ´se Star Ã‰tincelle for $33
– HypnÃ´se Velours Multi-Wear Eyeliner Patches for $28

This ultra-precious kit contains 3 pairs of eyeliner patches which can be reused up to 3 times, to enhance the shape of the eye and stretch out towards the outer corner for an incredible wide-eyed look.

– Vernis in Love nail polish in Ã‰tincelle d’Agent, Ã‰tincelle de Neige and Lovered for $16 each.
I’m in love with the nail polish this holiday Ã‰tincelle de Neige has a really beautiful effect. The holiday collection is available online or at your local Lancome Counter (try The Bay, Sephora or Holt Renfrew).

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Dean Davidson — I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Dean Davidson

No words are needed to describe the beauty that is Dean Davidson’s Spectrum Collar for $425. Available online and there is a select of merchandise available at Holt Renfew. It comes in several options for stones (Black Onyx, Lapis, White Topaz) and metal (Rose, Silver, Gold).

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Lancome Show False Lashes — I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Lancome Show False Lashes

There are still HypnÃ´se Show Lashes from LancÃ´me. Get you hands on these false lashes designed by Alber Elbaz for $35. Available online.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Shay Lowe Jewellry Glorious Emerald Statement Necklace — I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Shay Lowe Jewellry Glorious Emerald Statement Necklace

Eyecatching statement jewellery is always a great gift and Shay Lowe’s Shay Lowe Jewellery Fall and Holiday Collection definitely fit the bill. I’m quite partial to the Glorious Emerald Statement Necklace which retails for $395 and is available for purchase online.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Jenny Bird — I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Jenny Bird

Jenny Bird is such a sweet person. I purchased some earrings from her and she gifted me the Long Horn Tusk Earrings which were inspired by the beauty of elephant tusks. They are amazing and come in a Gold version too. $55USD available online.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Marni — I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Marni

Marni Eau de Parfum is my favourite new perfume of the year. It’s exclusive to Holt Renfrew and retails for $125

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Dermalogica — I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Dermalogica

Dermalogica – Stock up on their favourite products or introduce them to new ones with the Holiday Skin Sets. Sets start at $32 and can be purchased online or at a licensed retailer like Concepts.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Pink Tartan — I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Pink Tartan

Pink Tartan makes a killer full skirt. I just love the Chrysanthemum Midi Skirt in Black for $325. You can order the skirt online or at the Pink Tartan shop in Yorkville.

Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012

Comrags is one of the long-standing Canadian brands that are showing no signs of slowing down. They’ve been around for 28 years and they have a very established customer base and brand.Â The Fall Winter 2007 – 2008 collection was my first Comrags fashion show. They show ever few seasons at LG Fashion Week.Â I wondered what the Comrags print would be this season.Â The endless possibilities they could come up with for for Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 excited me.

The collection was typical Comrags: lots of easy to wear dresses, full skirts, couple of pant options and belted jackets. It’s a very retail friendly collection, stylish and uncomplicated. The models didn’t wear heels as per the usual Comrags MO. I loved the floral prints.

The wide leg pant looked great with the Trotsky jacket. I want the complete runway look (with platforms of course).

Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 linesheet stated this jacket was made a material called silver wool.Â The fabric has an unusual finish.Â Other fabrics used in the collection include jacquard, wool, cotton twill and silk.Â Comrags garments are always impeccably finished.Â It’s a collection that goes in ny great office wear bucket.

Check out the video of the Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 fashion show at LG Fashion Week

See photos from the Comrags Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 fashion show at LG Fashion Week

images: Photos taken for I want – I got by Paul Ross of Opique.com

The Blanket Statement by The Hudson’s Bay Company

I was invited to the preview ofÂ The Blanket Statement in the Hudson’s Bay Company Shop on Queen Street.Â The Blanket Statement is a collaboration that saw 10 Canadian designers rework the traditional Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket into coat. In addition to unveiling the 10 one of a kind coats, the event also showcased new items created for the Hudson’s Bay Company Shop.

The Blanket Statement by The Bay - Harricana par Mariouche — Harricana par Mariouche

Specialty items from fashion to home to collectibles have been created by several Canadian fashion designers and artisans — encompassing everything from organic T-shirts to artisanal maple syrup cubes to women’s recycled fur accessories.

The Blanket Statement by The Bay - Todd Lynn — Todd Lynn

The Blanket Statement by The Bay - Jeremy Laing — Jeremy Laing

My favourite coats are a toss up between Comrags and Smythe.

It wasn’t just womenswear designers, Krane and Klaxon Howl created something for the guys.

The Blanket Statement by The Bay - Krane — Krane

The new collection at the Hudson’s Bay Company Shop included custom made canoes, canoe paddles, Pink Tartan Hudson’s Bay Point cardigans, $75 pure maple sugar cube (I was astonished at this item to be honest. I even had to twitpic it.), specially made tshirts from Shared, chocolates, chunky sweaters, Virgina Johnson printed scarfs, Point blankets, fur hats and stoles.

TEFW â€“ Dare To Wear Love Spring 2010

There are times when I can’t find the words to talk about a topic. It can be a fashion show, event, etc. I end up sitting on the post until it comes to me and that is why this final LG Fashion Week show review on Dare to Wear Love is so late.

The Dare to Wear Love show, full of beautiful fashion, dance and music inspired by Africa. The multi-faceted collaboration is the largest public dare of the SLF’s new fundraising initiative A Dare to Remember. Recently launched, the nationwide initiative challenges Canadians to take on dares of all kinds to raise awareness and funds for the grassroots organizations in Africa that are on the frontlines of the AIDS pandemic.

More than 25 top designers, including Lida Baday, Brian Bailey, Brose, Pam Chorley, Wayne Clark, Comrags, David Dixon, Evan Biddell, Farley Chatto, Greta Constantine, Izzy Camilleri, Linda LundstrÃ¶m, Lucian Matis, Ross Mayer, Jason Meyers, Price Roman, Mercy, Thomas Chung, Ines de Santos, Peach Berserk, Pat McDonagh, Reva Mivasagar and Ula Zukowska, have committed to Hoax Couture’s dare to create luxe gowns made of rich, eye-catching fabrics sourced from African communities who work with the SLF. Each designer will be asked to have their own family, friends and supporters sponsor this dare with the goal of raising $50,000 for the SLF. Jim Searle and Chris Tyrell of Hoax Couture will also personally ask the fashion community to get involved by making a donation to this cause at http://www.daretowearlove.com.

This was one of my highlights of the week. I was really excited to see what our Canadian designers would create using super colourful African prints. I walked in to find that I was placed in the front row, yay. When I got in the runway room I saw that I was sitting next to Jeanne Beker.Â Â I was a little nervous to say the least but it was all for nothing as Jeanne wasn’t attended. I sat besides David Livingstone from The Star. I crudely introduced myself and told him I was a fan of his work.Â Totally lame I know, I didn’t know what to say.Â I will say this of David, he has the best “get the hell out of a show fast” technique I’ve ever seen. He gets full kudos for that from me.

The show started with some words from the Hoax Couture boys and Stephen Lewis followed by a choir. The show started after that. It was one of those designer celeb combos that are so popular at fashion week here.Â There were a few models that totally hammed it up on the runway which was hilarious.Â I particularly liked Jully Black and Jessi Cruichshank turns down the runway.Â Natasha Rose had the most graceful walk as she flawlessly danced down the runway, it was quite beautiful.

25 designers presented their garments and many were true to their style, for example David Dixon, Greta Constantine, Mercy and Evan Biddell. Some designers pushed the boundaries like Izzy Camilleri, Pam Chorley and Comrags (pictured below).

I’m bias in my favourite dress because I’m a huge fan of Rose, the model. She looked amazing in Ross Mayer’s creation. I loved the head piece and colours.

We were treated to a drum performance at half time. They had colourful outfits on too.

All the looks featured will be auctioned off at a later date and the proceeds will goto the Stephen Lewis Foundation. In the meantime you can donate to the cause on the Date to Wear Love website.

TEFW – Dare To Wear Love at LG Fashion Week

I’m really excited about the Dare to Wear Love show on October 23th at LG Fashion Week. It’s one of my highlights.

Do you dare? For the first time ever, Hoax Couture and the Fashion Design Council of Canada (FDCC) are partnering with the Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) to produce a fashion-forward, cause-driven and meaningful closing night show with Canada’s top designers at LG Fashion Week beauty by L’OrÃ©al Paris. The goal is to leverage the power of the Canadian fashion and entertainment communities to raise awareness and funds for the SLF as it works to support communities that are affected by the AIDS pandemic in Africa.

Starting at 9 p.m. on Friday, October 23, a star-studded audience will experience the Dare to Wear Love show, full of beautiful fashion, dance and music inspired by Africa. The multi-faceted collaboration is the largest public dare of the SLF’s new fundraising initiative A Dare to Remember. Recently launched, the nationwide initiative challenges Canadians to take on dares of all kinds to raise awareness and funds for the grassroots organizations in Africa that are on the frontlines of the AIDS pandemic.

“The fashion and entertainment communities in Canada will provide a unique voice for the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s new initiative with the Dare to Wear Love show,â€ said Jim Searle of Hoax Couture. “This show integrates high fashion and a truly important cause, and with the designers using gorgeous African fabric to create the garments, it promises to be a captivating evening.â€

More than 25 top designers, including Lida Baday, Brian Bailey, Brose, Pam Chorley, Wayne Clark, Comrags, David Dixon, Evan Biddell, Farley Chatto, Greta Constantine, Izzy Camilleri, Linda LundstrÃ¶m, Lucian Matis, Ross Mayer, Jason Meyers, Price Roman, and many more, have committed to Hoax Couture’s dare to create luxe gowns made of rich, eye-catching fabrics sourced from African communities who work with the SLF. Each designer will be asked to have their own family, friends and supporters sponsor this dare with the goal of raising $50,000 for the SLF. Jim Searle and Chris Tyrell of Hoax Couture will also personally ask the fashion community to get involved by making a donation to this cause at http://www.daretowearlove.com .

I was send a digital package that contained some images of the prints that the designers will be using.

Dare to Wear Love Print

It also included some sketches from 4 of the 25 designers. I can’t wait to see these in person and what the others come up with.

The creations that the designers present will be auctioned off at a later time. The money will be donated to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

images: Courtesy of Rockit Promo

a comrags retrospective – November 17 – 30, 2008

a comrags retrospective

Joyce and Judy would like to thank you for the pleasure of their first 25 years in business!
From November 17-30th we will be exhibiting artifacts from the 80’s up to the present marking significant events in the life of Comrags.
This multi media collage will bring back fond and funny memories of Canadian fashion, music, trends, and friends.
If you can’t make it in you may want to post a “memoryâ€ on our facebook page!

comrags
654 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario
416-360-7249

mon-wed 11-6pm
thurs-fri 110-7pm
Sat 10-6
Sun 12-5