All posts tagged: Toronto

TMR Collection Fall/Winter 2015

TMR Collection Fall/Winter 2015

It’s always fun to watch a debut unfold before you. Tara Rivas unveiled the Fall Winter 2015 collection from her newly minted womenswear line, TMR Collection. Tara began her career altering store bought clothing and after years of that she made the jump into creating custom clothing for herself. This collection is the logical conclusion to those efforts. “I want to create collections that offer women maximum style with minimum effort,” said Tara Rivas, founder and designer. “My desire is to create clothing that makes women look and feel good.” For her first collection, Tara has wisely focused on a tight edit of beautifully made foundation pieces that can easily be integrated into anyone’s wardrobe. She’s taken classic pieces and added a bit of flair which makes her collection both stylish and office appropriate. Pleather inserts and mesh detailing bring the style and sex appeal to the garments. In addition to pleather, Tara uses triacetate crepe, bamboo and rayon. The entire collection is produced in Toronto and uses locally sourced fabrics. Lets take a look …

Sidewalk Hustle x Nike Sunrise NTC Sessions

Sidewalk Hustle x Nike Sunrise NTC Sessions

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. 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. 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 …

Dermalogica Facemap Our Nation - Till June 30, 2015

Dermalogica Facemap Our Nation – Till June 30, 2015

My favourite skincare line, Dermalogica has launched their Facemap Our Nation program. Participating Dermalogica partners will be providing free facemapping for interested people. Facemapping is a zone by zone approach to skin analysis that’s completed by a certified Dermalogica Skin Therapist. They will be able to answer all your skin care questions and give you a skin care regime tailored to your skin conditions. All I can say is once you go Dermalogica, you can never go back to what you have used before. I speak from experience as last year my lovely Skin Therapist put me on a heavy program to get my face in a good place after a year of playing beauty editor and trying all kinds of weird products. I’m back to my never using anything but Dermalogica stance. Please visit FaceMapNation.com to find out more information on dates and places where you can find across the country to get your facemapped. You have till June 30, 2015 to take advantage of this great opportunity to learn more about your skin. …

Nao Steakhouse x I want - I got Dinner Party

Nao Steakhouse x I want – I got Dinner Party

Nao Steakhouse teamed up with me, Sidewalk Hustle and The Soles of My Shoes on a special dinner event in which we invited some of closest influencer friends to experience the food and cocktails of this modern steakhouse. Nao sources its cuts of meat from top local and global producers and accents them with spices and flavours of Asia-Pacific. I invited my good friends Andrew Sardone, Editor of Globe Style Advisor and Philip Sparks, a Toronto based menswear designer. Executive Chef, Stuart Cameron prepared a wonderful menu that gave everyone a chance to try the variety of dishes on the menu. Here are all the mouthwatering details. We were excited for the epic experience the menu hinted at. First course Tuna Tartar – Wasabi Leaf + Avocado + Puffed Rice + Wasabi Lao Raw Beef Tartar – Squid Ink Chip + Kaffir Lime + Chili Binchotan Grilled Shishito Peppers – Amabito No Moshio Salt Second Course 24 Oz Strip Loin – Dry Aged 40+ Days USDA Prime, Nebraska, USA Whole Branzino – Red Yuzukosho Marinade …

The Final PROM at the ROM - PROM X, March 28, 2015

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.” Tickets for the PROM X are still available online. There will be a small number of tickets available at the door with a $25 surcharge. PARTY TICKET includes food and beverage (open bar), dancing, interactive …

I want - I got on Cityline July 4, 2014

Holy Crap, I was a Guest on Cityline

Random forces rule my life sometimes. A really great example of this resulted in an appearance on Cityline. How did I go from minding my own business to being a guest on major morning show? Well, it all started at a party, one that I was initially waffling on. La Société had a little anniversary party in early June. I didn’t know many people who were going but they have one of the best patios in the city. I also wanted to congratulate Charles Khabouth on the anniversary. If you are a reader from way back, you’ll remember that Charles took me to NYC when he launched Bisha to go furniture shopping. It’s still one of my favourite blogging experiences. I learned about to the furniture side of New York City and discovered some amazing brands. We even had lunch at Balthazar. So, I enter the party and I’m seeing no one I know. I spot Charles on the stairs to the upstairs patio and move in to quickly chat. I keep walking up to …

Luminato and Yves Saint Laurent Opening Night Party and Big Bang Bash

Luminato at The Hearn Generating Station

I’ve been around the event block many, many times in this city and these days it takes a lot to impress me. Luminato’s Big Bang Bash and the Yves Saint Laurent Opening Night Party at the Hearn Generating Station did just that last night. It was a combination of a spectacular venue and major nostalgia that took hold of me and never let go. I love Luminato. It’s been a great addition to the Toronto arts scene. Anticipation was high for the after I received the press release letting the world know that the Hearn Generating Station would be the location for this year’s fundraising gala. I didn’t know anything about the Hearn Generating Station at the time but clarity happened once I read over the words “The one-of-a-kind venue has never before been used for an event like this, of this magnitude, but glimpses of the facility have been seen in the popular films, Pacific Rim and Robocop.” I just watched the horrible Robocop remake the day before. I knew the movie was filmed …

Totem Dopp Pouch by Bookhou

i got: Totem Dopp Pouch by Bookhou

I almost walked away from the Bookhou Totem Dopp Pouch. I was visiting City of Craft for the first time with Monique from MoonRox and we both had our eyes on it. Why the hemming and hawing? Well, I really like cross body bags. They are my staples as they are versatile and easy to carry. Pouches and clutches are kinda a pain in the ass and I only really use them when going to something formal. That being said the Totem Dopp Pouch print was gold and I really liked the oatmeal linen it was made from. So, I spent the 30 bucks and picked one up, at that price it was hard to say no. Totem Dopp Pouch measures W 25.4 x H 17.78 cm. It’s large enough to carry the essentials (Wallet, Smartphone, Keys, Gum, Mascara and Lip Balm) and it’s not bulky. The print placement varies on each pouch due to its handmade nature. The outer material is 100% linen and the lining is 100% cotton. The Totem Dopp Pouch has …

Combinaison by Horses Atelier

i want: Combinaison Jumpsuit by Horses Atelier

I never knew I wanted a linen jumpsuit in pale pink until I saw that Horses Atelier created one for Spring Summer 2014. Now, that’s a bit of a lie, I’ve always had an interest in jumpsuits. A military flight suit is on my military “I want” list and has been for a long time. I haven’t pursued acquiring a flight suit very actively. When I do come across them they are either too weird-looking like this Soviet MIG flight suit or they are just too big and beyond the magic of alterations. Then there are the colour options which don’t really leave much room for light-hearted fun. Combinaison by Horses Atelier provides a great fitting silhouette that looks slim fitting and roomy at the same time. The cotton linen blend will make it cool for the summer even though you’re encased in fabric. It’s got pockets which are a must. I love that it can be dressed up with some heels and a great handbag or it can be completely casual with sneakers and a baseball …

WORN Fashion Journal Presents: Heartbreak Karaoke - February 14, 2014

WORN Fashion Journal Presents: Heartbreak Karaoke – February 14, 2014

WORN Fashion Journal Presents: Heartbreak Karaoke – February 14, 2014 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: …

I want - I got's Toronto Design Offsite Festival 2014 Picks

I want – I got’s Toronto Design Offsite Festival 2014 Picks

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 …

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

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. 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. 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. 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. The ultimate …

I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Food and Home

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 fourth Gift Guide in the series deals with primary with food and the gifts for the home. Carnivore Club. I have no personal experience with this meat of the month subscription but I’m so intrigued. I’d totally love to receive this as a gift and they do offer gift boxes for special occasions. Carnivore Club is the exclusive meat of the month club for discerning individuals! Every month members of the Carnivore Club will receive 4 to 6 different selections of unique charcuterie, exotic terrines and artisan crafted jerky’s from around the world. Carnivore Club specializes in finding you products that cannot be found at your local grocery store or butcher shop. Our partners are all small artisan producers because we believe in the quality and care each partner takes to create their products. Sloane Fine Tea is so very good and it …

I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Gagdets

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. So the fashion route is out for holiday gifts. I can’t blame people for that, it’s hard to get the right piece. Don’t worry about sizing, colour or style as this third gift guide in the series is all about the gadget. My Mom is always asking me to print her photos of my nephew and niece. I didn’t have a proper photo printer until I went to an HP event and got my hands on the HP Photosmart 7520 e-All-in-One Printer. It’s wireless which is such an important part to my home network as I’m trying to get rid of excess cables. I can print photos from my smartphone using HP software or Google’s Cloud Print. Some other great features include a touch screen, duplex printing, Internet access, scanning, copying and faxing. The Photosmart 7520 will automatically print a selection of NYTimes stories …

I want – I got’s 2013 Holiday Gift Guide – For the Well Read Fashion Lover

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 second Gift Guide in the series deals with Books of the fashion variety. I haven’t kept up on my fashion books this year but thankfully, my savior, Nathalie Atkinson at the National Post has. I trolled her articles at the National Post to come up with this list. Some of these books like, The Coat Route is already on my list to read and now I have 7 others. Hazlitt #1 – I tossed this one in the list because my friend and one of my favourite designers, Jeremy Laing is Art Director for the issue. How to Read Fashion: A Crash Course in Styles, Designers, and Couture by Fiona FFoulkes Giambattista Valli The Coat Route: Craft, Luxury, & Obsession on the Trail of a $50,000 Coat by Meg Lukens Noonan Philip Treacy by Kevin Davies The Master of Us All: Balenciaga, His …

I want – I got’s 2013 Holiday Gift Guide – Culture

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 first Gift Guide in the series deals with Culture. I’ve been very lucky to experience some of the great culture events Toronto has to offer. Here is my list of great experiences that would make a fun addition to your gifting plan. These gifts are great for individuals or families. TIFF Membership starting at $99. Art Gallery of Ontario Membership starting at $100. The AGO has been on a roll lately with exhibitions. I’m so glad I purchased a membership a few years ago, I can’t imagine life without one now. Mirvish 2013/2014 Subscription starting at $305 Design Exchange Membership starting at $45. The Design Exchange has brought some amazing exhibitions this year and it’s getting better and better Canadian Opera Company Multi Packs starting at $150. Toronto Public Library Foundation New Collection Membership starting at $300. Textile Museum of Canada Membership starting …

I want - I got's JACOB Holiday Collection Look

I want – I got’s JACOB Holiday Collection Look

I have a soft spot for JACOB. It was the shop that helped me transition from student to IT office worker. I didn’t have much use for business casual clothing in school while taking my B.Sc in Kinesiology and Diploma in Computer Programming and Analysis. So, when it came to real world dress codes, I had a lot to catch up on. JACOB was there as an affordable place to get nice pieces for my new environment, the office. Even after my tastes got more expensive, JACOB was always there as a place I went to for basics and cute dresses. There is a lot of choice for business casual clothing out there with all the new American shops in town but I always fall back on JACOB. It’s the Canadian in me. When JACOB approached me about showcasing an I want – I got approved look from their Holiday Collection and I said yes. I had the Holiday Collection lookbook so I made some preliminary choices in my head before stepping into the Eaton …

Danny Chelsea Boot by 3.1 Phillip Lim

i got: Danny Chelsea Boot by 3.1 Phillip Lim

There is a damn good reason the Danny Chelsea Boot by 3.1 Phillip Lim is sold out online is sold out online. It’s the most perfect Chelsea Boot ever! I wanted the rose gold Quinn loafers but The Room didn’t have my size. My heart was broken. I wandered the shoe racks deciding what to do. Finally, I bit the bullet and went for the Danny Chelsea Boot. I don’t regret it one bit. What makes these the perfect Chelsea Boot? Well the almond toe shape is slim but roomy. The shaft is streamline and fits under slim pants perfectly. The fit is perfect, they didn’t require breaking in at all. I’ve been wearing the boots nonstop since I got them and they are so incredibly comfortable. My heels are very, very, very lonely at this point. I don’t think they’ll see the light of day until the snow starts and I have to start wearing winter boots. images: 31philliplim.com, me

KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee

Operanation might be over for the year but you can still support the Canadian Opera Company with a limited edition KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee. The T-shirt incorporates elements of this years Operanation theme, Temptation. We may not have gotten the Kaelen x Amy Burstyn-Fritz treatment but the t-shirt is a more accessible way to get into Kaelen. As a friend of Operanation, I was gifted a KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee to wear. The first thing that struck me was the fit. It might just be me but when I put on a t-shirt with the perfect fit everything feels right in the world. The next thing that hit me was the perfect branding. I hate logo shirts so it was really refreshing to have a t-shirt that managed to namedrop without it being overpowering to the design. The third thing that stood out was the design itself (and that it extends to the back of the shirt). This is a t-shirt that looks like it wasn’t designed by committee. …

Revlon by Marchesa Nail Art 3D Jewel Appliqués

Revlon by Marchesa Nail Art 3D Jewel Appliques

l never thought l would be singing from the rooftops about nail wraps. l haven’t liked any of the ones l’ve sampled in the past like Sally Hansen or Essie. However, I’m here to tell you the Revlon by Marchesa collaboration nail wraps are the best things ever. Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman partnered with Revlon in order to translate their embellishment heavy designs to nail wraps that almost everyone can afford. The Revlon by Marchesa nail wraps are 3D textured appliqués accented with opulent jewels and beads. They are the most ornate 3D designs I’ve seen applied to nail wraps. The Marchesa nail wraps are a thing of beauty. They really do a great job of representing the brand in a very accessible manner. When I received the collection from Revlon, l wasn’t even Sure I wanted to use them. They were too damn pretty. l got over myself though and picked my least favourite pair to test out. I’m still not sure that I’m going to use the other wraps yet. My main …

I want – I got’s Top Picks for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche: The Final List

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. 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. 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 Urban Visuals lightbridge at Puente de Luz images: scotiabanknuitblanche.ca

I want - I got's Top Picks for Nuit Blanche: The (Re)Generator Project

I want – I got’s Top Picks for Nuit Blanche: The (Re)Generator Project

The (Re)Generator Project 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.” 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

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. …

I want - I got's Top Picks for Nuit Blanche 2013: Philip Sparks Bespoke Bow Tie Shop

I want – I got’s Top Picks for Nuit Blanche 2013: Philip Sparks Bespoke Bow Tie Shop

To celebrate Nuit Blanche, the Philip Sparks shop will be converted into a bespoke bow tie workshop on Saturday, October 5. Between 7 pm and midnight, Sparks and his studio team will be taking custom neckwear orders from shoppers and cutting, stitching and pressing them up on the spot. “Our focus this season has been on highlighting that our menswear and womenswear is proudly made in Toronto,” says Sparks. “This event is an opportunity for customers to see local manufacturing in action and order a one-of-a-kind piece made just for them.” The installation will also mark the launch of a new, premium bespoke service available through the store. Unlike many other made-to-order offerings, Philip Sparks tailors collaborate with customers to develop coats, suits and shirting from scratch with personalized design and material sourcing and multiple fitting appointments. Philip Sparks Bespoke Bow Tie Shop Saturday, October 5, 7 pm to midnight 162 Ossington Avenue (side entrance off Foxley Street)

Hermès Festival des Métiers at The Design Exchange - October 2 - 6, 2013

Hermes Festival des Metiers at The Design Exchange – October 2 – 6, 2013

Hermès Festival des Métiers at The Design Exchange – October 2 – 6, 2013 Hermès proudly celebrates both the passion and perfection of the work of its artisans with the Festival des Métiers in Toronto from October 2 – October 6, 2013 at the Design Exchange. This engaging cultural exhibition provides a fascinating insight into the longstanding traditions and values of Hermès in the crafting of fine objects defined by an uncompromising commitment to the highest standards of quality. The exhibition features intimate behind-the-scenes demonstrations by masterful craftspeople from the renowned Hermès workshops in France, illustrating the methods in which products are painstakingly made-by-hand using techniques passed from generation to generation. Admission to Festival des Métiers is free. October 2 – 6, 2013, 11am – 7pm Daily. Location: Design Exchange — 234 Bay Street Website: www.dx.org