All posts tagged: Toronto

Fashion & Textiles Trivia Night – September 25, 2013

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Fashion & Textiles Trivia Night – September 25, 2013 Venue: Fox’s Den, 1075 Bay St. Time: 7 PM What is Batik? What is Diane Von Furstenberg best known for? Which British inventor patented the first workable sewing machine? Silk comes from worms, but which part of the worm produces the silk threads? Who is credited with inventing the Little Black Dress? Strut your stuff and show off your fashion and textiles know how. Hosted by Curator Sarah Fee No pressure, it’s all fun. Questions range from easy to challenging with teams competing for bragging rights. You could achieve the status of student all the way up to curator! So grab a beer, join a team and prepare for a good time. Contact 416-586-5797 programs@rom.on.ca

I’m in the Toronto Life Stylebook Fall 2013 Edition

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I have a little feature in the Fall 2013 Toronto Life Stylebook. They approached me to discuss my beauty routine and what new products I’m looking forward to this fall. I give shout outs to some of my favourite beauty brands and retailers: Lancome, Chanel, Essie, Givenchy, Marni, Balenciaga, Philosophy, Concepts Salon & Spa and the Miraj Hammam Spa at The Shangri-La Hotel. The most surprising thing about the feature was this illustration of me. I was completely stunned. If you remember, I hated the last illustration Toronto Life commissioned of me. Judit García-Talavera is an illustrator based in Barcelona, Spain. She is absolutely incredible and I’m not just saying that because she created a kick ass illustration of me. She’s worked with clients such as Marie Claire Spain, Telegraph’s Stella magazine, Bloomingdales, ELLE China, Teen Vogue, Gilt Group, ELLE Girl Japan, Harper’s Bazaar Spain, Stylesight, Rolling Stone Spain, Hennessy Cognac and Piaget. You can see all the rest of Judit’s work for the Fall 2013 Toronto Life Stylebook on her blog. The Toronto Life …

Hudson’s Bay Company x Converse Jack Purcell – Fall 2013

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Converse is killing it for Fall 2013. There is the Maison Martin Margiela collaboration and one featuring an iconic Canadian institution, Hudson’s Bay Company. Those of you that covet Hudson’s Bay Company stripes, these are the sneaker for you. Available in the unisex Converse Jack Purcell, Duck Boot and women’s only Helen silhouettes, each style embodies the Hudson’s Bay Company wool point blanket stripes, with features such as threaded stitching and antique brass eyelets, and the Jack Purcell and Hudson’s Bay logos on the foot bed. These silhouettes also carry an official “Seal of Quality” maintaining the authenticity of Hudson’s Bay Company. Additionally, the Jack Purcell Duck features a leather collar and heel stay, as well as embroidery on the tongue of the shoe, creating an elevated style that merges these two iconic brands. (source: Press Release) The Converse x Hudson’s Bay Company Jack Purcell collection is available exclusively at Hudson’s Bay Stores and will retail for $120-140.

Changing Up My Sneaker Game with New Balance and Palladium

Changing Up My Sneaker Game with New Balance and Palladium

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Fall weather means parting with my sandals and covering up with closed toe shoes. My sneaker collection loves fall because I forget about them in the summer and they sit unused. Normally my sneaker game consists of Tretorns and Chucks of various styles. I have a thing for high tops and I have my Vegas Adidas and a great pair of Alexander McQueen for Puma kicking around too. This fall I wanted to change the silhouette up in my shoe game and that came in Palladium and New Balance form. Palladium is a French company started in 1920. Their famous Pampa boot was born in 1947 and the French Legion adapted them for their use. I’ve been receiving their press releases for a few years now but never saw the shoes in person. That changed this summer when I went to a Fall Winter 2013 preview. I really like the shape of the shoes and the different treatments they came in. Palladium loves colour and you can find the perfect colour for you in canvas …

VAWK x Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

VAWK x Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

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The Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto is celebrating it’s first anniversary. Together with Sunny Fong of VAWK they unveiled new Lobby Lounge attire for the female staff that he designed. “I wanted the design to truly reflect a hybrid of my brand and what I feel Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto represents. I was inspired by the art work in the lobby, the Ming vase tea library and the ornithological theme that is prevalent in the hotel and the Zhang Huan ‘Rising’ sculpture,” said Fong of his inspiration. “When I met with Richard Cooke, we wanted something that seemed almost theatrical, so naturally I knew the silhouette had to be both sophisticated and sexy. I felt my desire to custom create a bold graphic print inspired by the Ming vase would absolutely make a dramatic statement.”(source:Press Release) The design is inspired by architecture and design of Asia. The dress is a take on the tradition gipao. The print reminds me of blue and white porcelain that began development in 14th century China. I really like the design of …

Anna Sui Nail Collection

Anna Sui Nail Collection

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Anna Sui has some of the prettiest nail polish packaging on the market. I’d buy it for the packaging alone. The Anna Sui Nail Collection has 45 shades and styles.  The Nail Colour N Collection comes in a black bodice shaped bottle. It comes with a more traditional nail polish brush for regular application. I attended an Anna Sui beauty preview and received a sample of Nail Colour N 402 which is a very dark red with some gold glitter. I really liked the formula, the brush and it stayed chip free for a week. The Nail Art Colour N Collection come in a black bodice shaped bottle with a ruffle dress for easy identification. It has a brush that is flat with short and firm hairs to allow for nail art applications. I haven’t tried the polish in this collection yet but it claims the solid shades only needs one coat and that the glimmer shades are very sparkly and shiny. I’m very curious to try this nail polish out because of the one coat …

Mulberry is Now Open in Toronto

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Mulberry opened their first two Canadian stores recently. The British company, founded in 1971, is known for their luxury leather craftsmanship. Rural English references in their designs results in an aesthetic they define as ‘Le Style Anglais. “Toronto is a key location in Mulberry’s North American expansion,” says Carl Barbato, President of Mulberry USA. “With the country’s expanding luxury market and consumer base, creating a strong presence in Canada is the next natural step for Mulberry.” Toronto is the lucky home for the stores found on Bloor Street West and the powerhouse Yorkdale Mall. Before opening in Toronto, I didn’t have much hands on experience with the brand. I’ve posted about their sweater craftmanship before and I’ve seen some of their bags in Holt Renfrew. Shortly after the opening, I was invited to check out the Bloor Street location to get to know the brand. The Mulberry store finishing is beautiful. Designed by British architects, Universal Design Studio they use timber, limestone and oak as features to complement Mulberry’s dedication to craftsmanship and luxury. Both …

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

I want – I got’s 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target Top Picks

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I was on set with 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target the other day for a photoshoot and I happened to get an up close look at the upcoming collection. I like the Target collaborations. I have a couple dresses from the Jason Wu collection that I still wear and love. I was so disappointed that Target didn’t land in Canada before the Parabal Gurung collaboration hit the stores. It looked really good. 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target is the first designer collaboration to hit Target stores in Canada. I don’t have details about store availability yet, but check back for more updated. ‘One of the reasons I wanted to collaborate with Target is because I felt that together we could create a collection that would inspire – one that is cool and chic, but still very accessible’ 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target is a sophisticated and elevated collection that is both beautiful and functional. Rooted in a classic fall palette of neutral tones and prints, the collection features a variety of versatile, affordable pieces that …

WORN Loves Jeanne: A Conversation with Jeanne Beker - August 29, 2013

WORN Loves Jeanne: A Conversation with Jeanne Beker – August 29, 2013

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WORN Loves Jeanne: A Conversation with Jeanne Beker at Type Books – August 29, 2013 Torontonian. Actress. Mime. Journalist. Television personality. Clothing designer. Fashion lover. Jeanne Beker has worn many hats in her life – both figuratively and literally. On Thursday, August 29, 2013, join WORN Fashion Journal at Type Books for an up close and personal conversation with Jeanne Beker. WORN Editor-in-Pants, Serah-Marie McMahon, will sit down with our Issue 16 cover star to discuss fashion as art, as personal expression, and as a way of life. WORN Loves Jeanne: A Conversation with Jeanne Beker at Type Books Thursday, August 29, 2013 7pm – 9pm Type Books 883 Queen Street West Toronto ON THIS IS A FREE EVENT Thursday, August 29, 2013 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. WHERE Type Books 883 Queen Street West Toronto, Ontario M6J 1G3

i got: Cynthia Doll Dress by Collectif

i got: Cynthia Doll Dress by Collectif

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A new clothing shop opened in my neighbourhood called Rosie the Rebel Retro Boutique. My fashion radar spotted it out of the corner of my eye on the way home one day. I jaywalked across Bloor to check it out. Fashion is a calling, literally at times. They carry Rockabilly, Psychobilly and Retro clothing. I soon realized this place would be really bad for my wallet after trying on this cherry dress and crinoline combo. The cherry dress didn’t win my heart this round, it was a 50s style dress from London based, Collectif. Established in the year 2000, Collectif is an independent 1940s and 1950s inspired vintage reproduction brand based in London. We create garments and accessories that are inspired by genuine vintage patterns, knitting patterns, and fabrics from our extensive archive. (source: Collectif website) The Cynthia Doll Dress makes me feel as if I should be attending a sockhop with my little white poodle. It’s perfect for the office and I’ll be able to wear it in all seasons. It comes in blue …

i want: Ruched Tulle and Silk Dress by Christopher Kane

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Now this is an exposed midriff dress I can get behind. It wouldn’t be safe for work but I’d wear it everywhere else. Thank god for Christopher Kane and PPR money. The dress is very vampy and it’s with reason, Christopher was inspired by Bela Lugosi and The Bride of Dracula. The dress is made out of black tulle and silk. The neckline, cuffs and waist are elasticized. It’s beautiful and lot cheaper than some of the Dolce & Gabbana dresses I tried on the other day. The Christopher Kane Ruched tulle and silk dress is available on net-a-porter for (le sigh) $1,910. You can find Christopher Kane at The Room at The Bay in Canada. images: net-a-porter.com

Dolce & Gabbana is Now Open on Bloor Street

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So, Dolce & Gabbana quietly opened on Bloor Street late last week. I happen to know the Assistant Manager and I dropped by to check out the new Designers on the block. Dolce & Gabbana took over the old Louis Vuitton space and structurally it hasn’t changed much. Womenswear, evening wear, jewellery, fragrances and accessories are downstairs. Upstairs is all for the guys with ready to wear, accessories and shoes on hand. There is even an $85,000 watch for sale! There were so many beautiful things in the store that I had to sneak in a little dress up action. First up is the classic Dolce & Gabbana bustier dress. Everyone who saw my photos on Instagram liked this one the best. It’s a great dress but bustiers don’t tend to fit me right. I managed to try on a couple gowns. I love this white and black lace one. It was about $7500. It was light as air and full of movement. Another beautiful dress was his black bustier gown. The bustier is hidden …

Veuve Clicquot Picnic at the Ritz Carlton

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I’m a sucker for any invite from Veuve Clicquot so I was very excited to attend the Veuve Clicquot Picnic at the Ritz Carlton. The party featured food from Chef Bruno Lopez and Veuve Clicquot champagne and cocktails. The Ritz Carlton busted out the Veuve Clicquot glasswear and branding so it was an orange event all around. Even the Veuve Clicquot bicycle made and appearance. It’s so gorgeous. I stuck to Veuve straight up but the Ritz has a number of great looking champagne cocktails. I didn’t drink any but the Spicy Kiwi Crush looked really amazing and delicious. There were Veuve Clicquot nakpins all over. I’m a sucker for excellent branding and Veuve really does it well. And I love, love these little Veuve Clicquot mugs. They aren’t champagne glasses but so much cuter. I brought my friend Noriko with me. She runs the online jewellery site, Kavut.com (It has the most gorgeous jewellery for sale). She’s wearing a lovely Lanvin dress which I called as soon as I saw her. I know my …

Casa Barcardi at DEQ Lounge, Ritz Carlton Toronto

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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. 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. Here’s a photo of me at …

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

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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. 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. 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. We had so much product. Initially, I was worried that there wouldn’t be enough. I was so wrong. 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

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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. The Manta shift dress at $119 is a steal and my favourite piece of the collection. There is something for the guys too with the Duo leather skinny tie at $69. images: courtesy of eBay Canada

i got: Kaiyra Sandals by Nine West

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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

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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 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 is another great piece that would make a …

geekiviews: Sodastream

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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. 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 …

Hi-Tec Urban Hike

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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. 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. 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. They really wanted to show us that you don’t need to break in …

geekiviews: Tickled Pink Foundation Garment by Saxton Chayse

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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 …

Isabel Marant x H&M

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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. “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 …

I want – I got’s Luminato Festival 2013 Top Picks

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The Luminato Festival is upon us once again. There are so many things to see and do during the festival. Toronto is lucky to have a few Marina Abramovic’s works to take in also. Here are I want – I got’s top picks of the festival to get your started on your festival planning. The Life and Death of Marina Abramovic Unfortunately this is sold out. I was lucky enough to see the show on June 14. It was haunting, beautiful and random. I loved it completely and shamelessly. Willam Dafoe (who I love even more now) and Antony were perfection. It’s a performance that will stick with me for a very long time. I hope to be able to see it again in the future. Marina Abramovic – The Past, The Present, and The Future of Performance Art: A Lecture – June 18, 2013 – 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. — No Intermission.. $25 Winter Garden Theatre A Symphonic Birthday Party – June 21, 2013, 8:00 p.m. – 9:20 p.m. Free. The Hub at …

I want – I got Celebrates Levi’s 501 140th Anniversary

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May 29, 1873 is the date Levi’s introduced their iconic 501s to the world. Like many people, Levi’s 501 jeans had a place in their young adulthood. They were the jeans of choice and people happily shunned the lowly zipper for buttons. Levi’s asked me to take part in their campaign called “501® Interpretation”. The campaign aims to celebrate the unique range of personal style from across the world. They invited Canadian media and style icons to pose for photos which will be considered for a limited-edition Levi’s 501 album. The album will feature 140 of the best photos taken from across the world. Of course, I accepted as I love getting in front of a camera with a professional photographer and make up artist. The shoot took place in a great room at The Drake Hotel and my task was to show how I styled my 501s. Levi’s sent me with a pair of 501 cut off denim shorts which I’m completely in love with. My thirties has until this point been 501 free …

InnerSPACE: Rise of the Fashion Blogger

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If you were at WMCFW in Toronto this year you might have seen me with a camera entourage. Or you might have seen me doing an on camera interview backstage. The program InnerSPACE on the SPACE channel asked me take part in a segment about fashion bloggers along with Stefania Yarhi and Nathalie Atkinson. SPACE’s flagship show, InnerSPACE is a daily entertainment talk show that covers film, television, video games, technology, comic books, gadgets, and all things genre. Hosted by Ajay Fry, Cynthia Loyst and Teddy Wilson, InnerSPACE takes its audience behind the velvet rope by giving them VIP access to the people, places, and things inside genre that they’ve grown to love. The segment is called “Rise of the Fashion Blogger”. Fashion reporting has changed in recent years with the introduction of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. If you have a device and an opinion, fashion can be instantly accessible to the masses.(source) The video doesn’t allow embedding so here is the link where you can check it out on SPACE.ca. Watch InnerSPACE: Rise of …