tricia (campbell) hall

:::PHiLiP SPARKS | boots have arrived

2011-12-03T14:52:00.000-05:00

:::BROSE | sample sale

2011-12-03T14:47:00.001-05:00

save 50-70% off select merchandise

dresses, $80-$100
jackets, $90
bottoms, $70
tops, $50

saturday, december 3rd, 10am to 6pm

twist gallery
1100 queen street west
toronto

FGI | designer sample sale

2011-11-30T14:00:00.000-05:00

FGI toronto is hosting a sample sale at twist gallery on december 2nd & 3rd.

participating designers include FGI members:

women's wear:
aime m. project, marika brose, adrienne butikofer, david dixon, florsfashion, carrie hayes, thien le, LOVAS, andrew majtenyi

luxury outerwear:
sentaler studio

jewellery:
jewellery by karen, kristen laborde, pangea collection, peru productions

bags, fur & accessories:
rue pigalle, my wild

menswear:
killigrew, off the cuff resale designer menswear

confections:
saxon chocolates, FGI bake sale

skincare:
soyaboutique.com

friday, december 2
12pm to 7pm

saturday, december 3
10am to 6pm

cash, visa, mastercard & interac accepted

:::PHiLiP SPARKS | holiday shopping

2011-11-30T10:30:00.000-05:00

JESSiCA JENSEN | holiday shop

2011-11-30T06:18:00.000-05:00

shop jessica jensen at her holiday pop up shop from december 1st to the 30th. services include complimentary gift wrapping, wish list registry and personal engraving.

shop hours:
shop opening, december 1st, 6pm to 10pm

regualr shop hours:
mon - fri, 11am to pm
sat, 11am to 6pm
sun, 11am to 5pm

shop location:
the burroughes building
639 queen street west
toronto

:::NELLA BELLA | sale

2011-11-26T18:44:00.001-05:00

nella bella is having a sale this weekend and cyber monday only! visit nellabella.com and start shopping.

:::LGFW | fw 2012 dates

2011-11-23T23:30:00.001-05:00

just last week i was thinking to myself "i can't wait to see the fall winter 2012 shows", partially because it's my favourite season, both in real life and on the runway and also because i want to see more shows than i did this season (ss 2012). i didn't get out to many shows because i was booked during the days, which is a good thing, i just like how fashion week can be a mini vacay...

so i'm marking may calendar from now. i suggest you mark yours too.

and i'm so excited that it's at david pecaut square again! starbucks intermissions for me, yes please.

*for designers wishing to show, calendar submissions are now being accepted. please email ashley@fdcc.ca. calendar closes december 19th.

:::VAWK | sample sale!

2011-11-15T20:36:00.001-05:00

on saturday, november 19th between 11am and 1pm, VAWK will be having a sample sale, clearing out collections from spring/summer 2010 & fall/winter 2011. to attend the sample sale and for details, make an appointment at info@VAWK.ca (subject line:SAMPLE SALE).

:::VAWK by SUNNY FONG | insectica

2011-10-06T23:14:00.001-04:00

i can't wait for you all to see this collection! it's going to be dope.

:::SHOPS AT DON MiLLS | block party

2011-10-03T22:58:00.000-04:00

on saturday, october 15, 2011 the shops at don mills invites you to their fall 2011 block party. the day will include activities, store promotions, giveaways & entertainment from 11am to 4pm.

family friendly activities include:

· bbq satays courtesy of linda modern thai
· "heel of fortune" in town square courtesy of town shoes
· yoga in town square and fashion event with tamara click courtesy of titika
· food sampling program courtesy of jack astors
· special in-store savings from a variety of fashion, home, and parenting shops

[click pic to enlarge]

for more information visit shopsatdonmills.ca

:::PHiLiP SPARKS & SMASH | trunk shop

2011-09-18T12:39:00.000-04:00

philip sparks and smash trunk shop
smash, 2880 dundas st west
toronto

open:
september 21-24
10am to 6pm

september 25
noon to 5pm

happy shopping.

:::POP-UP SHOP | by rac boutique

2011-08-22T23:05:00.003-04:00

[click pic to enlarge]

:::KYTAMi | my new favourite girl

2011-07-31T23:52:00.005-04:00

i first got to know kytami when i styled delhi 2 dublin for their music video tommy last year (check the bts post here). she's no longer with d2d and is now working on her own project. i came across her violin vs. vinyl mixtape on soundcloud and ohmygoodness i am in love. who knew a violin over hip hop beats could sound so dope? i immediately downloaded the track.

i can't wait to see what else kytami has in store. i'll be keeping my ears open and will be checking her twitter feed frequently for updates.

have a listen. i know you'll love it. and if you don't, what's wrong with you? kidding!.... sorta.

Kytami & The PhonoGraff - Violin vs Vinyl (the mixtape) ft. Mista Chatman by The PhonoGraff

www.kytami.ca

:::MAGNOLIA | clearance sale

2011-07-26T21:19:00.003-04:00

read and run (to magnolia)

:::FILLERmagazine | the trend report

2011-07-16T22:55:00.013-04:00

this is my favourite shoot to date. it's the very first time i was able to... fashion direct? i'm very reluctant to use that term. but it was the first time i executed an idea, cast the models, gave hair & makeup direction and all. looking back, i think i was a bit crazy taking this on all by myself (no assistant & ryan was on another shoot that day) but i'm so glad i did it.

i got the idea to do a trend story where a bevy of girls would be outfitted in looks depicting one trend per group and they'd also be styled the same in regards to hair & makeup; there were advertising campaigns for spring/summer 2011 already out for prada and bcbg in this same fashion. then i thought, wouldn't it be cool to also cast groups of as many different races as possible?

casting proved to be tricky. with toronto being such a multi-cultural city i thought it would be easy to book as many different ethnic backgrounds as possible. and why not older models too? how dope would that be to have a gaggle of beautiful silver foxes rocking the all white trend? but it didn't work out as planned since i would need to have at least two models per group available- in some cases not even one was available. so, that meant no south asian, no grey hair, no latin/south american and no native representation for this story.

nevertheless, i was pleased with the models that were available for this shoot; i was happy with the clothing i was able to pull (especially the louis vuitton number that was worn by carmen kass, holla!); i was grateful to be working with the talented sheri stroh (this was one of her first few shoots since her recovery from her triumphant fight with breast cancer) and i was glad to have the talented felix wong behind the lens (he has an excellent rapport with the models; they all love him).

14 girls + 25 looks for 6 trends shot in 1 day = FILLERmagazine's trend report.

photographer, felix wong
text, paul aguirre-livingston
makeup & hair, sheri stroh
manicure, wendy rorong
makeup & hair assistants, wendy rorong & stella assogba
models in order of appearance: kassandra, queenette, claire, laurian, billie, santa, ellen, jordan, ty, bianca, dayana, lily & jiena

left- on kassandra
top, skirt & belt, all louis vuitton
necklace, biko

right- on kassandra
dress, pink tartan
necklace & bracelet, c'est jol!
on queentte
collar shirt, equipment
dress, tara jarmon
necklace, biko

left- on claire
top, cheap monday
dress, worn underneath, h&m
on laurian
top, nada
jeans, rich & skinny

right- on laurian
jacket, dennis merotto
dress, h&m
*all gloves (both pages), danier

left- on billie
dress, bcbg

right- on billie
top, equipment
skirt, gap
bag, nine west
on santa
blouse, pink tartan
skirt, h&m
bag, nine west

left- on ellen
top, max azria
tank & pants, bcbg

right- on jordan
top, bcbg
shorts, h&m
on ellen
tank, cheap monday
bralette & shorts, h&m
*all hand jewelry (both pages), eliza kozurno

left- on ty
dress, joeffer caoc
on bianca
tank, nada
trousers, VAWK by sunny fong
on dayana
tank, pink tartan
trousers, VAWK by sunny fong

right- on bianca
trench, VAWK by sunny fong
belt, gap

left- on lily
top, equipment
dress, worn underneath, rachel pally
belt, my own
clutch, nine west
on jiena
blazer, comrags
tank, gap
pants, juma
clutch, nine west

right- on jiena
sleeveless dress, juma
long sleeve dress, worn underneath, m by malene birger
on lily
blazer, pink tartan
shorts, h&m

*all scarves worn on head (both pages), juma

:::THANK YOU | nella bella

2011-07-16T15:30:00.007-04:00

i love leather for bags and for shoes; it stretches, it breathes and always looks better once broken in. i don't own non-leather accessories or at least i didn't until i met tarek of nella bella.

one of the reasons why i never liked pleather bags was because of the plastic and stiff feel. and not only could you tell it wasn't real leather by touch but you could also tell by it's appearance. this is not the case with nella bella. instead of polyvinyl chloride (also known as pvc), tarek uses eco friendly materials from treated cottons to colourful japanese paper. the bags don't have a yucky plastic finish, in fact, a lot of them look, feel and have the body of real leather. on top of that, all bags are lined with a contrast colour (very important for seeing the contents of your bag without the aid of a flashlight) and come with a dust bag for storage (very classy if i do say so myself).

tarek was kind enough to gift me with one of his designs after i showed great interest in the black chicago bag at the ukamaku media preview. what's not to love? it's huge, has multiple pockets and compartments, it's huge, has straps to carry over the shoulder or cross body and it's huge. i can carry my portfolio, notebook, agenda, basic styling kit (scissors, double side tape, tailor snips, safety pins, static guard, alcohol wipes, etc), wallet, makeup bag, water bottle, keys, mints, camera, scarf and sunglasses all without the bag ever looked stuffed. seriously. and i'm frequently complemented or asked where my bag is from, to which i proudly inform the ask-er that it is nella bella, a canadian brand.

even if you're not a fan of bags big enough to carry small children there are many styles, sizes and colours to choose from. men don't need to be left out either; just this spring tarek launched nb man and i assure you gentlemen that this handsome collection is just a warm up- wait until you see what's in store for fall (i've already seen it and it's awesome).

nella bella and nb man are available in stores all across north america. if you prefer internet money spending, you can shop online too at nella-bella.com.

:::i LOVE MY DOCS | yes i do

2011-06-29T00:35:00.010-04:00

prior to 2010 i've never owned docs. the closest i ever came were some sad counterfeits from honest ed's that my mom bought me for high school. they were a size too big because she was convinced i'd grow into them, which i didn't. what happened in 2010 is dr. martens opened up shop on queen street in toronto. after attending the media preview, i was gifted with a voucher for a free pair of docs. i flipped out (on the inside).

it didn't take me long to make a selection; after a quick try on i decided that the 1460 8-eye boots in the black qq flowers were going home with me that day. i settled for a size 9 because i didn't want to wait and see if a size 8 would come in; i was too eager to own my very first pair of dr. martens. since that day i have been wearing my docs pretty frequently and am amazed at how comfortable they are.

i think that dr. martens may have become my new chucks in the sense that i want to buy more and more in different colours and prints to build a collection. for my birthday my sister picked up the diva darcie 8-eye boot in the silver armor lamper (patent leather) and since i started this post (i've had this in drafts forever) i've also picked up the diva darcie 8-eye boot in black (it was on sale!).

if you don't live in the toronto area, not to fret. you can find dr. martens at multiple locations like holt renfrew, little burgundy and other retailers. for the best selection outside of the store, i suggest you shop online (international checkout is available).

dr. martens store
391 queen street west
toronto, m5v 2a5
416.585.9595

shop online at www.dmusastore.com

:::25% OFF EDMOURE RALPH | this weekend only

2011-06-04T08:57:00.015-04:00

the ladies of edmoure ralph have an offer for my readers! enter the promo code tricia25 to save 25% off their entire line. shop quickly because the code is for this weekend only!

these are only a few examples of some of the goodies available online at edmoureralph.com:

:::THANK YOU | edmoure ralph

2011-06-01T23:21:00.014-04:00

ever since i was gifted with a pair of bow shaped edmoure ralph earrings i became a fan; i even used their jewelry exclusively in an editorial i had styled for viva magazine. imagine my delight when i was contacted by the lovely ladies of ER, julie brown & julie piotrowski, with an offer that i just couldn't refuse: a special tricia discount rate to shop their collection as a thanks for my support! it was an offer i couldn't refuse-even my husband agreed.

i've been wearing a lot of golds and brass lately (after a period of predominately sporting silver) so choosing what i wanted from edmoure ralph's collection was easy for me since a lot of their jewelry is in these materials. i selected one from each category: a bracelet, a necklace and a pair of earrings (pictured below).

my purchases are a welcome addition to my jewelry collection which was in dire need of an update. what better to update it with than with canadian talent? i often wear all three together and when i do, i can't help but think "i wonder if they'll be designing rings next?"

thank you edmoure ralph!

for online shopping visit edmoureralph.com

:::DOUTZEN KROES | is coming to town

2011-05-30T10:41:00.005-04:00

on tuesday may 31st, hot model doutzen kroes is in town to unveil victoria’s secret BOMBSHELL summer collections and to celebrate the opening of the sherway gardens location.

come down between 12pm to 2pm for an autograph signing from doutzen. if you fear that line up may be too long then fast track to the VIP line for a shorter wait by spending $75 in store. customers can also enjoy an in-store bombshell beauty makeover by a professional makeup artist.

victoria’s secret
sherway gardens
25 the west mall
toronto m9c 1b8

:::ANOKHi MAGAZiNE | divine & conquer

2011-05-24T13:42:00.026-04:00

i always enjoy working with the anokhi magazine team because they're good people. i also like the challenge of styling for a publication that caters to a south asian reader, which means i get to learn about and pull from south asian designers (dagmar jewellery), stores (wraps by shazia) and cultures (sari, bindi, mehndi) for their editorials.

it was my first time wrapping a sari, i even looked it up online for instructions since i had no clue. thankfully, hina was also present for the shoot (anokhi's editor in chief) and i got her approval on my sari skills (holla!). since mehndi is a bit of a long term commitment and a lengthy application process for a shoot, i pulled from eliza kozurno's collection. she has these beautifully ornate pieces that i refer to as "hand jewelry"; they remind me of the intricate patterns found in mehndi designs. i also made sure to pick up some adhesive rhinestones to use as bindi for at least one of the shots.

i was quite pleased with what i pulled and the looks created in the end. i look forward to styling more editorials for anokhi in the future.

photographer, rabee michel younes
fashion editor, jacquline parrish
styled by me
hair & makeup, earl simpson
model, dayana arango (push)
shot on location at the art gallery of ontario

sari, wraps by shazia
bikini top (part of set), tosca delfino
body harness (worn across the body), eliza kozurno
saddle bracelet, chlo é comme parris
ring, bcbg

leather vest, VAWK by sunny fong
pants, bcbg
rings, chloé comme parris
cross body necklace, eliza kozurno
shoes, baldan at davids

strapless swim suit, h&m
skirt, by malene birger
leather cuffs, eliza kozurno
earrings, ranjana khan at holt renfrew

swim cover up, VAWK by sunny fong
bikini bottom, h&m
bracelets (right hand) & earrings, dagmar jewellery
bracelets (left hand), wraps by shazia
hinge ring, bcbg
rings, wraps by shazia
shoes, jimmy choo at davids

cropped blouse, chlo é comme parris
zebra shorts, juma
chain link lariat (worn as belt) & feather earrings (worn in hair), 3shahs
hinged gold ring, bcbg
hand bracelet, eliza kozurno

patterned bathing suit, old navy
sheer dress, cheap monday
earrings, VAWK by sunny fong

the may issue if anokhi magazine is on newsstands now. anokhimagazine.com

:::LGFW | round up, part 1

2011-05-21T00:30:00.007-04:00

when i attend lg fashion week i'm there as a stylist only, never a blogger, which explains why i hardly ever do posts on fashion weeks. it took me a (pretty) long time to decide if i was going to post anything from the fall winter 2011 season in toronto. i saw so many great collections that i've decided to share some of my favourites.

*photos, jenna marie wakani

there's not much to say about philip since you get the same thing season after season, and by that i mean fine tailored, well made clothing. this was the first time i got to see his womens collection in person, or at least half of it since my view was blocked by tall people that stood in front of me seconds before the show began. thankfully, the models remain on the runway allowing guests and media to get a closer look at the clothing once the show is done. my favourite ensemble that i want hanging in my closet is senait's button down blouse and skirt. my husband's favourite look is fraser's plaid suit with the plaid shirt. randall is a big fan of mr. sparks; to this day anywhere he sports his grey plaid philip sparks jacket (from the fall 2008 collection) he always gets compliments.
philipsparks.com

*photos, jenna marie wakani for the globe & mail; greta constantine website

i heard a lot of different opinions about greta constantine's collection. though stephen and kirk are known for their jersey dresses, i like that they explore outside of slinky knits. there was plenty of jersey paired with wool, velvet and hints of fur. some dresses were accessorized with just a scarf, others were topped with jackets, coats and over-sized bags (the bags look to be half my height which is fine by me). there were some pieces that may not suit real life but i can't wait to use for editorial, like the bustle obi, the tiered puff skirt and even the cluster of pom pom puffs on pins; i like it when designers throw in a few fun pieces for stylists & editors to play with. favourites i would like to see in my closet: bria's long grey floor skimming cloak coat and christina's red trousers.
gretaconstantine.com

*photos, jenna marie wakani for the globe & mail; greta constantine website

for ezra constantine, i liked everything, it's like clothing for cool superheroes. favourite looks-all of the above. i will likely be using a lot of the collection in future editorials so don't be surprised if you see a lot of ezra credits in a FILLERmagazine editorial.
gretaconstantine.com

*photos, jenna marie wakani for toronto life

i was delighted to be one of the few invited to see arthur mendonça's collection after a 2 year hiatus. the show was beautifully styled by the talented george anotonopoulos who paired dean davidson jewelry and custom liliput hats to complement mendonça's presentation. arthur showed a cohesive collection that included some red carpet looks and pieces any woman can add to their wardrobe. i especially loved dayana's violet gown and autumn's sequined silver dress.
arthurmendonca.ca

*photos, lg fashion week website; george pimentel & team

*video, istoica for blogTO

i love that juma has been reintroducing colour into their collection; in previous seasons there has been a lot of black, olive and taupe. i didn't favour how some of the looks had scarves tied around the model over top the garments. it made the models look restricted and it covered the details of the clothing.

though i understand this was an attempt to show off juma's scarf collection, consulting hermès' guide on ways to tie a scarf would have been a good idea. then their beautiful prints would really shine if the scarves were fashioned as tops, skirts and even shrugs. my favourite looks from the collection, pretty much anything naro or michael wore (the neo-cosby knits).
jumastudio.com

*photos, lg fashion week website; george pimentel & team

*video, istoica for blogTO

chloé and parris gordon have become my favourite designers to watch and i feel like if you just look at their collection that i shouldn't have to explain why, but i will. they do edgy in a fresh way that's void of super structured shoulders and spikes on everything (thank goodness). chloé designs the clothing, parris designs the jewelry and the results are stylish head-to-toe looks with pieces that are just as strong on their own. i've recently used some of their pieces to style an editorial in the may issue of anokhi magazine and i'm looking forward to working with their line a lot more. wishlist items from their fall/winter collection: jenica's trench coat and andrea's bag.
chloecommeparris.ca

:::FORTNIGHT LiNGERiE | champagne & cupcake party

2011-05-04T18:34:00.004-04:00

do you love cupcakes?
do you love champagne?
do you love lingerie?

then you should go.

*click the pic for details

fortnightlingerie.com

:::PSALMS ACCESSORiES | clearance sale

2011-05-03T21:57:00.004-04:00

*click the pic for details

psalms911accessories.com

:::THANK YOU | pf flyers

2011-04-18T09:00:00.002-04:00

last year i went to the amazing pf flyers art + sole event. as a thank you from the folks at pf flyers i was gifted with a pair of kicks! i got to go online at the event and choose a pair that i liked most. it didn't take long to make my selection because i was on the website the day before checking out which pair i wanted to buy for myself. i selected the sumfun hi in grey, a colour that i don't have in my own sneaker wardrobe.

i was looking forward to wearing my very first pair of pf flyers. pf stands for posture foundation and in 1933 they patented an insole technology that set a new standard in sneaker comfort, which is perfect for someone like me who spends hours on their feet on sets that often have concrete floors.

i wore them to a styling job the day after i received them in the mail. on days where i don't wear the right footwear to bookings, not only do my feet hurt but my knees and lower back also. the pf flyers were comfy, and i wasn't in pain by the end of the day. success!

since i got these shoes late last year, i didn't have many opportunities to wear them because of the winter months, but now that the weather is snow free i'm looking forward to bringing them out of hibernation.

visit pf flyers to shop online or to find the nearest retailer.

:::MERCER CONDOS | bts video

2011-04-17T13:00:00.005-04:00

late last year i had the opportunity to style an advertisement for mercer condos. not only was the ad for print, web and tv, but a behind the scenes video to show the making of the shoot was also produced to display on site at the sales centre.

from casting, pre-production meetings to the shoot day, it was all very well captured and edited. i love that it ends with jason's wink.

video, corey vanderploeg
photographer, javier lovera
hair & makeup, eduardo mella
models, jason (elmer olsen) & valeria (next)

i spy haight & ashbury, esprit and joeffer caoc. thank you corey for including shots of the clothing labels that generously lent their apparel for the shoot.

and you can visit themercercondos.ca to view an additional behind the scenes video.

:::WiSH LiST | alexander wang claudia bootie

2011-04-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

my birthday is just around the corner. although i posted recently about one wish list item my interest has quickly shifted to a new one: alexander wang's claudia bootie. though the ps1 is something i still covet it has just been assigned to my Christmas wish list instead.

the claudia bootie has a great heel construction and is at a height that i can manage, according to my shoe evolution flow chart. i've gotten used to my frye 12r boots, i've been able to sport these clog like boots i picked up from urban outfitters that have a 3" heel (with about a 1" platform) so i think i can rock the claudia bootie.

at first i was sold on spruce because i thought the colour better showed off the geometric layered design of the shoe, but since i don't have much of a high heel shoe collection in the first place, i figured i'd be more sensible and pick the black ones instead.

*images from opening ceremony & mrs h

i saw a few footwear styles from wang at holt renfrew, none of which were the claudia bootie. i haven't been back in awhile to see if this style was brought in. or maybe i'll pick them up at ssnese or check to see if tnt have them. i would prefer to buy from a canadian retailer though if i win the $100 gift card from shopbop that the backseat stylers are giving away i'll just buy them there. if there are any left that is.

if international shipping was available i could also buy them online at alexanderwang.com. but it's not.

*sad face*

:::LGFW | survival kit

2011-03-28T12:32:00.011-04:00

fashion week has officially arrived. to prepare for this week long adventure i make sure that my bag is well equipped with some essentials. here's what i keep in my survival kit.

1. mavea water bottle. you now the whole blahbitty-blah of how you must drink water and water's good for you. it's not just talk, staying hydrated during fashion week is very important; it helps keep your energy up. more important is abstaining from plastic water bottles as much as possible which i why i like mavea's bpa free reusable bottle (it also fits cup holders and bicycle cages too).

2. canon powershot camera. i have to admit that i don't take pictures as much as i used to, especially since the lg fashion week website uploads pictures (and video) of the shows after. nevertheless, it's good to keep my canon camera on hand for any behinds the scenes snaps.

3. blackberry curve 8520. i must have my blackberry on me at all times to take calls from my agent and clients, bbm with my husband to let him know how late i'll be home and to keep in contact on site with FILLERmagazine's team, especially fashion news editor paul livingston-aguirre, who i will be comparing notes with a lot throughout the week.

4. energizer energi to go charger. i can't risk being caught with a dead phone so i carry this portable charger with me for when my battery runs low. i especially like this energizer charger because it's small and comes with a variety of changeable tips so even if i switch phones brands down the line i can still use the same charger.

5 & 6. moleskine and swarovski pen. though i can't find my molskine at the moment i thankfully have a moleskine-like book that i acquired as a gift at a roxy/quicksilver women preview i attended last year. perfect for jotting down notes (with my big, hard to miss and therefore hard to misplace swarovski pen) on trends, shoot ideas and whatever else comes to mind while watching shows.

7. bobbi brown concealer. by far my favourite makeup product of all. mascara and blush i can go without but i rarely ever leave my house without using bobbi brown's concealer (i use golden). the coverage perfectly masks dark circles while the finishing powder helps keep the makeup in place and prevents it from settling in the creases. i have been using this for years and have no desire to try anything else.

8. nars velvet matte lip pencil, revlon just bitten lip stain, kiss my face lip balm. i've decided to revisit lip colour after my sister introduced me to nars' velvet matte lip pencil in damned (also given rave reviews by caillianne and samantha beckerman) which is a low maintenance, nearly budge proof lip colour. before nars i was using revlon's just bitten in frenzy, which was also good but didn't give me the colour coverage i desired. the two of them together however is a perfect match. i use the lip stain first as a base colour, then apply the gloss is comes with and top it off with the lip pencil for the perfect hue (using the stain underneath tweaks the lip colour by adding a bit more of a blue undertone). for days i'm not wearing lipstick i use kiss my face's lip balms for that not too shiny moisture my lips need.

9. lysol to go. call me a germaphobe (i know my husband does) but this lysol to go spray has got to be the handiest invention ever for people like me. let's get to the real, the ladies rooms can get yuck. that's all i'm going to say about that.

10. altoids. i am hardly ever without a tin of altoids. i'm not a fan of artificial sweeteners and substitutes; peppermint altoids are the only mints i know of that use real sugar and real peppermint which is a great breath freshener as well a great remedy for when your stomach's not feeling well (bad sushi maybe?).

11. tylenol. i carry my tylenol in a small travel container for convenience. you never know when a headache may creep up on you, but when you're spending 5 + hours on site every day, with loud music and bright lights from the shows, it's almost inevitable.

what are your fashion week essentials?

:::DRAKE | at the junos

2011-03-28T11:51:00.008-04:00

last night canada's own drake hosted the 40th annual juno awards. i didn't plan on watching it because i had some recorded tv to catch up on (30 rock, community, etc) before doing some work for clients but my husband and i decided to check out at least the beginning, in case down with webster was the opening act.

good thing we did tune in for two reasons: one, down with webster did open and my husband got to see his friend joshua on trumpet (well, sorta got to see him since he and others were wearing ski masks); two, i caught the opening sketch of drake and i couldn't stop laughing because it was hilarious.

if i find a video of the opening skit i'll post that. for now, here's another entertaining number from drake that night.

it's all about the old money.

i vote for drake to host saturday night live. who's with me?

:::DANiER | spring collection

2011-03-25T14:16:00.005-04:00

leather can be worn all year 'round, not only in fall and winter (though at the moment, it still feels like winter). for spring danier has many options that would make great style additions to anyone's closet. here are some of my favourites.

this pencil skirt looks tough with the strap details and center front zip; notice the mesh detailing near the hips. like with most leathers, make sure the fit is (almost embarrassingly) tight because it will stretch and shape to your body. also, never lend your leather pieces! you don't want someone's body ruining the shape.

more and more each season danier has been kicking up the design features in their pieces a notch. they still make your standard biker jackets, trench coats, etc., but are now offered in a newer colour palettes, sleeker cuts and additional details like zippers, buttons, lacing and treatments.

i've been really good lately with "downsizing" my bags and being able to manage a whole day without my typically huge totes. these bags would be a great addition to my collection; i like that the strap is long enough to wear across the body. i've probably said this before but it's all about being hands free when shopping (and pulling!).

i've never been much of a fan of white leather but with the artsy black brush strokes on this number makes it less risky (in a colour maintenance sort of way).

detail doesn't just come in the form of studs, grommets, rouching and the like. with these bags the details are the layers of leather stitched on top of the leather.

interest in the front and a pretty bow in the back. you'll look good in this jacket at any angle.

there's leather for the men too. double duty leather shirts; motorcycle jackets with darkened details for a worn in look and jackets with a spray on colour (in non-snooki hues).
a lot of these items and more are already available in store and online at danier.com.

:::PLAiD MAGAZiNE | sweet thing

2011-03-24T09:49:00.006-04:00

i was asked to style a beauty editorial for plaid magazine; i of course said yes because the magazine is owned by the lovely odessa paloma parker, who i got to know in the early beginnings of my styling career (she's also the one that wrote up my bio for me too). it's always nice working for nice people.

plaid magazine
photographer, jessica milan
beauty editor/hair & makeup, robert weir
styling, moi
model, santa borel, ford models

jumpsuit, h&m
necklace, liz claiborne at sears

vintage dress, scott barrie at shrimpton couture
earrings, sears
bakelite ring, moonrox

jumpsuit, h&m
choker, my own (it's the flower from the lavin x h&m tote bags!)
ring, moonrox

vintage dress, estevez at shrimpton couture
gemstone necklace, moonrox

vintage dress, paganne at shrimpton couture
necklace (one of my favourites), attitude by sears
sunglasses, my own (bought them at h&m years ago specifically for styling)

blouse, jessica at sears
earrings, moonrox

:::JESSiCA JENSEN | sample sale

2011-03-12T10:02:00.002-05:00

jessica jensen is having a sample sale from march 24th to 26th, perfect timing to add some well made, timeless leather accessories to your spring wardrobe. let's just hope that by that time we'll no longer be having winter weather! i know i'm anxious to shed my thermal layers.

shopjessicajensen.com

:::WiSH LiST | ps1

2011-02-25T09:00:00.002-05:00

i think 2011 is officially the year i completely fell in love with proenza schouler. i mean, i've always admired the designs of jack and lazaro but their pre-fall and fall 2011 has me head-over-heels in love; i am fully enamored with proenza schouler, not just as designers who's clothing i would love to use for styling but as designers who's clothing i would love to add to my wardrobe. and not just their clothing but their accessories too.

since there will be some waiting before their fall 2011 selections will be available to shop, my current proenza fixation is their ps1 bag, specifically in large. i've talked about my ~~obsession~~ love of leather bags before and love of coloured leather bags too, so it should really come as no surprise that the ps1 is on my wish list.

it's big, it's leather, it has compartments and is available in a wide variety of yummy colours. it's like it was made just for me (though i know they made it with mary kate in mind, but whatevs). ps1 reminds me of the birkin in the sense that is available in different colours, sizes, skins and fabrics; you just don't have to wait as long to obtain one, for the most part (certain colours of the ps1 are frequently out of stock). the price point of $1995 is also more affordable though i would have to reserve this kind of a purchase as a birthday gift for myself.

you can shop online at proenzaschouler.com for your ps1, just make sure you leave one for me in military or viola please.

:::SEARS | spring 2011 preview

2011-02-16T15:57:00.010-05:00

i always, always have to make sure to have my camera ready for sears media previews. with others, if i should happen to forget to bring my image taker, i know that a lookbook of some sort can always be sent to me later. even though sears will send me press materials, they just have so much clothing and accessories from multiple brands that they can't include all the pieces in a lookbook (that would be a hardcore lookbook if they did!). i can easily spend about 30 minutes or more per preview and this is well after cynthia does her walk through talking about each brand and trend. i always look forward to attending because the folks at sears are good people.

recently, they've been putting together these over sized trend story boards, complete with great off figure styling; it's like a page has been torn out of a huge magazine.

hands down my favourite brand from sears is attitude. it's like fast fashion pricing with a j.crew look and the quality is great. ever since the launch of attitude they've also been showing at toronto fashion week (one of the shows i look forward to). i like all the looks below but my favourite would have to be the equipment style boyfriend collar shirt which you will be seeing everywhere for spring.

though i usually share my picture of the always cynthia (brand & trend director at sears canada) at the end of my sears post i've decided to include it here since she is sporting the very same boyfriend shirt from attitude i covet. so stylish, no?

nevada has the cutest cargo pants i have ever seen. i'm not a personal fan of cargo pockets on my lower half but these pants had me questioning my resistance, especially since the trend for spring is a slimmer cargo detail.

crop sweaters and crop tops really were seen on several runways for spring 2011. below is kensie (left) and calvin klein jeans (right). you don't have to bare your midsection to wear them, they're great for layering over tanks, long dresses (like tee shirt/tank dresses), and even collar shirts.

i fell in love with the high waist trousers with the knotted tie from jessica (bottom right). it's a perfect pant for the office or can be dressed casual with a tee shirt and some chucks. i would like to own both colours.

need a footwear update? sears has lots to choose from clogs (very 70's), gladiators (a warm weather staple) and even some canvas combat style boots. since i'm still a bit fearful of higher heels, my favourite would have to be the canvas boots. i would imagine they would be a cooler option, literally, when the temperature begins to rise.

i forgot to take note which brands are which. nevertheless, these jewelery pieces will be easy to find in their stores. i would like the necklace and bracelet that appear along the top in first picture set, please and thank you.

sears also gives the nicest gifts when parting their previews. this time they included gift card. unlike the shopping i did with gift card i received from old navy, i decided to use it on myself only. with it i picked up a snazzy boyfriend blazer from attitude which you will likely see me wearing for sunny's runway show next month (it has pockets! perfect for stashing safety pins and my cell phone).

sears.ca

:::iFB EVOLViNG iNFLUENCE | conference live stream

2011-02-10T08:30:00.002-05:00

C O N F E R E N C E S C H E D U L E

9am - 10.30am
who owns your blog content?
brought to you by tumblr

part of the beauty of the internet lies in sharing ideas, sharing content and promoting each other. but where does the line between good will cross into infringement? the panel in particular will cover topics such as internet sharing, copyright infringement, intellectual property, and how to protect your content/brand as a blogger.

* why is protecting your content a big deal?
* what and how much is your content really “yours?”
* culture of curation

moderated by: eddie newton, mr. newton: panelists: rich tong, tumblr • leandra medine, man repeller • geri hirsch, because i’m addicted • evelyn tollinche, mtv • karen blanchard, where did u get that

11am - 12.30pm
the business of blogging

blogging is your passion, and you’d like to sustain and grow your career from doing what you love. it’s time to start thinking about your blog as a business. this panel will cover trends in digital marketing, blog monetization and how brands identify bloggers.

* how to make start making a living off your blog now
* are banner ads the answer?
* types of monetization strategies
* getting paid what your worth

moderated by: vahni georgoulakos, grit & glamour
panelists: caitlin nichathain, gucci • keiko groves, keiko lynn • tony wang, post fashionism • gregory shove, halogen • piera gelardi, refinery29 • craig arend, altamira:models off duty

2.pm - 3.30pm
working with brands gracefully

when you start monetizing your blog, questions start to come up. how as a single blogger can you keep the division between business and editorial? how do you maintain your credibility with your readers, is transparency enough?

* defining the difference between promotional and editorial
* gifts or bribes?
* fact checking… is google enough?
* integrated sponsorships. do they affect your credibility?

moderated by kristina medhus, pretty shiny sparkly
panelists: sasha wilkins, liberty london girl • rebecca stice, clothes horse • kristin knox, the clothes whisperer • lindsey calla, saucy glossie • rachna shah, kcd

4pm - 5.30pm
rise of the professional blogger

this year more bloggers are using agents, managers, they have assistants, interns… it’s a far cry from the lone blogger doing it all. this panel will focus on how professional bloggers have evolved over the last few years and where the industry is heading.

* what does a career in professional blogging look like?
* bloggers using agencies to manage their careers
* how things have changed for bloggers over the last year
* where is the industry heading?

moderated by john januzzi and starworks group
textbook panelists: yvan rodic, face hunter • karla deras, karla’s closet • wendy lam, nitro:licious • faran krencil, nylon • coolhunting.com • karen robinovitz, dba • chiara ferragni, blonde salad

6pm - 7pm
key note speaker

imran amed moderates discussion with jack mccollough and lazaro hernandez of proenza schouler

:::iFB EVOLViNG iNFLUENCE | conference

2011-02-08T09:00:00.003-05:00

tickets may have sold out but you can still partake in the ifb evolving influence bloggers conference on thursday, february 10th. beginning at 9am (e.s.t.) i will be livestreaming the conference on my blog.

key note speech by jack mccollough and lazaro hernandez of proenza schouler
moderated by imran amed of the business of fashion

face hunter • karla’s closet • nitro:licious • liberty london girl • nylon • coolhunting.com • mr. newton • tumblr • man repeller • because i’m addicted • mtv • where did u get that • grit & glamour • gucci • keiko lynn • post fashionism • halogen • refinery29 • pretty shiny sparkly • clothes horse • the clothes whisperer • already pretty • kcd • dba • saucy glossie • altamira: modesloffduty.com

C O N F E R E N C E S C H E D U L E

9am - 10.30am
who owns your blog content?
brought to you by tumblr

part of the beauty of the internet lies in sharing ideas, sharing content and promoting each other. but where does the line between good will cross into infringement? the panel in particular will cover topics such as internet sharing, copyright infringement, intellectual property, and how to protect your content/brand as a blogger.

* why is protecting your content a big deal?
* what and how much is your content really “yours?”
* culture of curation

moderated by: eddie newton, mr. newton: panelists: rich tong, tumblr • leandra medine, man repeller • geri hirsch, because i’m addicted • evelyn tollinche, mtv • karen blanchard, where did u get that

11am - 12.30pm
the business of blogging

blogging is your passion, and you’d like to sustain and grow your career from doing what you love. it’s time to start thinking about your blog as a business. this panel will cover trends in digital marketing, blog monetization and how brands identify bloggers.

* how to make start making a living off your blog now
* are banner ads the answer?
* types of monetization strategies
* getting paid what your worth

moderated by: vahni georgoulakos, grit & glamour
panelists: caitlin nichathain, gucci • keiko groves, keiko lynn • tony wang, post fashionism • gregory shove, halogen • piera gelardi, refinery29 • craig arend, altamira:models off duty

2pm - 3.30pm
working with brands gracefully

when you start monetizing your blog, questions start to come up. how as a single blogger can you keep the division between business and editorial? how do you maintain your credibility with your readers, is transparency enough?

* defining the difference between promotional and editorial
* gifts or bribes?
* fact checking… is google enough?
* integrated sponsorships. do they affect your credibility?

moderated by kristina medhus, pretty shiny sparkly
panelists: sasha wilkins, liberty london girl • rebecca stice, clothes horse • kristin knox, the clothes whisperer • lindsey calla, saucy glossie • rachna shah, kcd

4pm - 5.30pm
rise of the professional blogger

this year more bloggers are using agents, managers, they have assistants, interns… it’s a far cry from the lone blogger doing it all. this panel will focus on how professional bloggers have evolved over the last few years and where the industry is heading.

* what does a career in professional blogging look like?
* bloggers using agencies to manage their careers
* how things have changed for bloggers over the last year
* where is the industry heading?

moderated by john januzzi and starworks group
textbook panelists: yvan rodic, face hunter • karla deras, karla’s closet • wendy lam, nitro:licious • faran krencil, nylon • coolhunting.com • karen robinovitz, dba • chiara ferragni, blonde salad

6pm - 7pm
key note speaker

imran amed moderates discussion with jack mccollough and lazaro hernandez of proenza schouler

:::WHiTE CROW | pop-up shop

2011-02-07T16:00:00.006-05:00

white crow is a new online (canadian!) boutique. birthed in december 2010, they offer a selection of cool women's clothing and accessories in limited quantities, a perfect go-to for shoppers that like to stand out in a crowd and not because they're 1 of 10 girls wearing the same outfit.

from february 11th to the 13th, visit white crow's pop-up shop for their exclusive sale on winter items and new spring arrivals. this is a cash only event but no hst will be charged plus you get a gift with each purchase. don't forget that there are limited quantities of each style, so make sure to shop early in order to get first dibs on their selection.

if you come out on february 11th at 7pm, enjoy music, complimentary snacks and a valentine themed photo booth to celebrate white crow's pop-up shop opening.

february 11th to 13th
white crow pop-up shop
held at the sleeping giant gallery
789 dundas street west
toronto

*cash only
*limited quantities per style

whitecrowonline.com

:::EMBRACE ME | under the neon lights

2011-02-07T13:22:00.007-05:00

i knew i would see a wayne's world sketch and i wasn't too surprised to see a church lady sketch either. but my favourite performance from saturday night live alum dana carvey is his role as one of the front men in the pet shop boys sounding group the fingerlings.

and the styling wasn't too bad either.

:::ANNE ET VALENTiN | trunk show

2011-02-07T12:22:00.008-05:00

on saturday, february 12th, anne et valentin is having at a trunk show at josephson opticians' bay street location where you can view the entire collection of colourful and unique design frames.

[click pic to enlarge]

saturday, february12th
10am to 7pm

josephson opticians
60 bloor street west
toronto, m4w 1a1
416.964.7070

:::FiFi LAPiN | the year of lapin

2011-02-03T23:00:00.001-05:00

can this calender be made available to canadians s'il vous plaît? i can't read korean :(

january

february

march

april

may

june

july

august

september

october

november

december

images from fifi-lapin.blogspot.com

:::SAMPLE SALE | beckerman bird dean dive

2011-02-02T19:51:00.006-05:00

2 day sample sale; 40 to 80% off!

friday february 4th
12-8pm
saturday february 5th
12-5pm

174 spadina avenue, just north of queen
unit #508 (jenny bird's studio)
647-293-8719
credit cards, cash and cheques accepted

beckerman clothing & vintage collection
beckermanbiteplate.com + www.beckermans.com

jenny bird
jewelry, bags & vintage collection
jennybird.myshopify.com

dean davidson
jewelry
deandavidson.ca

upside dive vintage
upsidedive.com

:::COACH | celebrate

2011-02-02T19:44:00.004-05:00

i think i'll go for the candy and pencils. kidding! sorta.

[click pic to enlarge]

wednesday, february 9th, 2011
the bay queen street
5pm to 8pm
no rsvp required

:::OLD NAVY | ss11 preview

2011-02-02T14:30:00.010-05:00

this was my first time attending any of the previews from the gap inc family (banana republic, gap, old navy). i've been shopping old navy since the giddy up and still have several pieces in my wardrobe from the early 2003 (or something). they're a great go to for affordable apparel for the whole family.

i arrived at brasaii to see ford models decked out in complete, styled looks, standing on risers so you could get a good look at all the details and layers they were sporting. bikinis tops aside, a lot of the clothing on display could be worn now with winter accessorizing. maybe not on this particular day of "snowmageddon", but you know what i mean. layer skirts with wool tights, add tanks under v necks and cardigan sweaters and why not wear some of the jackets in the same manner you'd wear a blazer?

some of my favourites pieces are the short surplus jacket in look 12, the mid calf boots, the all over eyelet dress in look 8 (though i would prefer a non-white option) and the polka dot scarf in look 10. this are only a sample of what's available in stores so i'm sure there are many more items i'd covet.

as a gift to those that attended the preview, the kind folks at old navy gave us a travel mug (which i use a lot, mainly for green tea drinking) and a $50 gift card. since the preview was close to Christams time, i used my gift card to pick up 3 long sleeve henleys (2 for my youngest sister and 1 for me) and a pair of grey skinny jeans (for me).

merry Christmas! and thanks old navy.

:::MAGNOLiA | feel the love sale

2011-02-01T23:39:00.002-05:00

i'm not really one for doing valentine's day stories or posts, at least for my blog, but this case is different. it involves shopping at a cool boutique that carries a great selection of clothing, including some talented canadian designers.

and maybe i am posting this because the boutique owner is a friend of mine.

:::FiLLERmagazine | mr. roboto

2011-01-31T00:46:00.005-05:00

MR. ROBOTO
winter 2010/2011

photographer, mathew guido
creative director, ryan johnson
stylist, me (ford artists)
grooming, carmelle da roza, (page one)
model, daniel thompson (nam)

leather neck piece, krane
pants, ezra constantine

left- jacket, ezra constantine

belt, worn around jacket, krane

right- leather neck piece, krane
top, juma

leather jacket, krane
pants, ezra constantine
boots, converse

left- jacket and top, ezra constantine
pants, juma

right- top, juma
pants, ezra constantine

suspenders, krane
pants, ezra constantine

:::FiLLERmagazine | a glitch in the matrix

2011-01-29T21:42:00.008-05:00

A GLiTCH IN THE MATRiX
winter 2010/2011

photographer, maxime bocken
creative director, ryan johnson
stylist, me (ford artists)
hair & makeup, claudine baltazar (plutino group)
model, ayan elmi (next)

neck piece, ego assassin
sweater, heidi ackerman
ring, erin tracy designs

left- jacket, penicullus bellum
tights, secret
rings, erin tracy designs

right- shoulder pads, heidi ackerman
bodysuit, worn underneath, luv u always
dress, brose
rings, erin tracy designs

left- dress, chanel
leather necklace, maryam keyhani
snake link necklace, carla wax

leggings, heidi ackerman

right- jacket, penicullus bellum
rings, erin tracy designs

jumpsuit, nada
beaded vest worn on top, hoss intropia

left- dress, evan biddell
bodysuit, worn underneath, luv u always
head piece, heidi ackerman

right- neck piece, ego assassin
sweater, heidi ackerman
mesh top, worn underneath, brose
leggings, MICHAEL michael kors

:::JUSTiN WU | fashion week videos

2011-01-27T12:00:00.002-05:00

i spy, with my eye, several canadian models in these videos photographer justin wu shot at paris, milan & new york fashion weeks. i also spy some angles. in collaboration with the fashionisto, metrovelvet, fashion gone rogue, and jak & jil, justin wu has models, fashion people and celebrities alike singing along to "we are family", "girls just wanna have fun", "love train", "bohemian like you" and having a good time doing it. the videos are fun, well edited and bring a smile to your face.

i dare you to watch these videos and not smile. bet you can't do it!

boys of milan & paris fw2011

girls just wanna have fun, victoria's secret fashion show

boys & girls of new york fashion week ss2011

boys of paris fashion week ss2011

justin wu info:
w. jwuphoto.com
b. jwuphoto.tumblr.com
t. twitter.com/jwuphoto
v. vimeo.com/jwuphoto/videos

look out for an editorial shot by justin (styled by me) for FILLERmagazine.

:::NELLA BELLA | sample sale

2011-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

i heard a rumor that there will be bags priced around the $20 mark...

http://www.nella-bella.com/

:::PHiLiP SPARKS | the sale to end all sales

2011-01-26T13:33:00.005-05:00

philip sparks' end of the season sale - the sale to end all sales with at least 70% off.

saturday january 29
12pm - 6pm
the burroughes building
639 queen st. w, #5005
toronto

or shop the sale online until february 6
www.philipsparks.com/shop

:::NYFW | fashion blogger conference

2011-01-26T12:38:00.004-05:00

yeah. so there (via livestream that is).

ifb & mac & milk studios proudly present...
ifb evolving influence

join in on this landmark event as for the first time ever a major fashion week will be hosting a blogger conference of this magnitude.

key note speech by jack mccollough and lazaro hernandez of proenza schouler.

face hunter • karla’s closet • nitro:licious • liberty london girl • nylon • coolhunting.com • mr. newton • tumblr • man repeller • because i’m addicted • mtv • where did u get that • grit & glamour • gucci • keiko lynn • post fashionism • halogen • refinery29 • pretty shiny sparkly • clothes horse • the clothes whisperer • already pretty • kcd • dba • saucy glossie

february 10 -11, 2011
conference 9am - 7pm ∙ reception 7.30pm - 9.30pm
milk studios, 450 west 15th street, new york, 10011
reception at the chelsea room
workshops at le bain at the standard hotel

register online for $60 • livestream available • click here for full conference schedule

:::PROENZA SCHOULER | pre-fall 2011/12

2011-01-25T13:56:00.008-05:00

it's been a long, long time since i've done any runway posts. i think it's because since so many other people do it, unless i have a unique point of view to add, i'd rather not bother. on this occasion, i had to post about proenza scholuer's pre-fall 2011/12 collection and their new adventure in knitwear.

though the inspiration is from peruvian knits and tribal prints, the sweaters remind me of cosby frocks on acid. i'm not much of a gaucho girl nor do i think i could get away with wearing printed pants, but everything else i would love to own in my closet (and there's not a tee shirt in site! good for me). i want them all.

images from style.com

clearly, i am not the only fan of proenza's pre-fall selections. in fifi lapin style, darcel dissapoints has outfitted himself in a pair of their wide leg shorts.

www.darceldisappoints.blogspot.com

:::SWAROVSKI | ss11 preview

2011-01-25T02:05:00.004-05:00

spring previews often occur close to the Christmas and holiday season. seems crazy? not so much. come boxing day and the first couple of weeks of january, retailers have all their winter merchandise drastically marked down in order to make room for spring arrivals. as cold as it may be right now, your favourite stores are already carrying spring selections. so i thought that now is a good time to begin sharing pictures of the spring previews i attended last year. first up is swarovski.

wings of poetry is swarovski's spring & summer 2011 collection with a colour palette consisting of beautiful brights in mint, lilac, tangerine, raspberry and fuchsia. adding the to the bright hues was the bright space; the preview was held at the jamie kennedy restaurant inside the terrace room, located on the top floor of the gardiner museum. the terrace room is full of floor to ceiling windows and provided gorgeous natural light on that sunny day. it was a perfect location to show off swarovski's latest collection.

there were many, many pieces on hand, and i took many, many photos. i decided to share just a few favourites, both personal and editorial, just so this post doesn't take up the equivalence of 5 blog posts.

the nebulous necklace would look just as nice with a dress as it would a tank or a tee shirt.
i would love several of the nice bracelets and wear them together.
i tried on the newborn bangle cuff and was smitten. i'm a sucker for "rock & roll" details like pyramid studs, so long as it's not over the top. i favour the gold.
this is the collection where one of the ladies said to me "will you be using this in a FILLER editorial?" and i said "yes, yes i will".
i can't look at butterfly anything without thinking of mariah carey or my friend shona that i used to work with years ago. both are huge butterfly lovers.
how cute are these pendants? i like the orange, green and light blue best. they'd look good layered together or with other necklaces, especially if the length is staggered.
i get a lot of hits on my blog for erica & elvis pendants. what you may not know is elvis has now been renamed to elliot. not sure why. if you ask me, i prefer elvis much better.
i have yet to find lucien in stores. everywhere i go he's all sold out. i like mathilde too, but i love that lucien is a one-eyed bear, just like my very first teddy bear i ever had as a child.
i was excited to learn that swarovski now has a collection of sunglasses and mens jewelry (i'm especially stoked about the jewelry for gentlemen). there were no samples available at the time but images were in the press kit. below are just a few looks of what's to come.

at the time of this post, the new collection wasn't available for viewing just yet online, but make sure to check back for updates.

www.swarovski.com

:::JENNY BiRD | end of season sale

2011-01-21T21:26:00.003-05:00

shop jenny bird with jewelry starting at $24.00. lick the pic to go to the site.

:::DANiER | news & collaborations

2011-01-19T09:00:00.003-05:00

i sometimes receive press releases about brands, events, designers and the like. sometimes i share them, sometimes not. if not, it's usually because all the major magazines and blogs have already posted it (and tweeted it) before i get around to working on my own post. sometimes i just forget. and sometimes, i just have to share the news, even if it comes a bit later than the rest. both of these news updates are about danier, my favourite leather retailer.

the first bit of news is in regards to the new year celebration. though i spent a quiet evening at home with my husband watching movies and reading a book there were others that braved the cold to celebrate down at city hall and watched performers like blake and divine brown perform. both artists were wearing danier, blake even had his leather custom made .

when i was going through the images that were sent to me from that night's festivities, some struck me as familiar, like i had seen them before. and i had. just days before i saw the same pictures of divine brown on facebook, you know, one if those "so-and-so was tagged in an album" updates? it was my cousin tangara that had been tagged in the pics. some of you may recall that i posted a divine brown video to boast about my talented cousin, she's one of her dancers. for danier's pr team, you will be pleased to know that danier was mentioned in the credits on facebook too.

blake and dancers in danier

divine brown and her dancers in danier leather jackets.

the second bit of news is that mark fast has partnered with danier to create his fall/winter 2011/2012 collection. I KNOW RIGHT? i can't wait to see what this marriage spawns come february at london fashion week. and for even more excitement, danier will be showcasing and selling a capsule collection inspired by fasts' f/w 11/12 collection.

is it february yet?

:::THANK YOU | 10 spot

2011-01-15T20:30:00.007-05:00

last october i was offered to try out this axxium manicure i've been hearing about lately. it's a soak-off gel application that is available in several opi shades, promising at least 2 weeks of flawless wear, or even longer. the 10 spot beauty bar had recently acquired the axxium manicure system and were still looking for people to try and give their feedback on the application, colour and wear over time. i of course said yes, especially because the appointment was on day 2 of lgfw, which meant i'd have a perfect no worry manicure for the rest of week (score).

i went to the 10 spot's lesliville location where my technician was meg. i picked russian navy as the colour for my nails to be dressed in for a couple of weeks. unlike traditional manicure, nails aren't soaked prior to the colour application. the cuticles are cleaned up, the nail surface is roughed up a bit, a base coat is applied then two coats of the coloured gel are brushed on, with each coat being cured under low wattage uv lights for about 90 seconds (or maybe it was 2 minutes). because of the way your hands need to be placed under the uv light, your fingers are done first and then the thumbs are done afterward.

the time went by relatively fast and i was surprised that there was no strong odour like what i'm used to with regular nail polish or any sort of gel/acrylic application. when the top coat was applied and cured under uv lights, thus completing the manicure, out of habit i carefully maneuvered my hands to ensure that they didn't get "ruined". that was until meg reminded me that they were dry. d-r-y, dry. i tapped my nails together, astonished. yet when i filled out my survey i found myself holding the pen carefully. i guess old habits die hard.

now it was time to test the nails and see how long they would hold up. of course, i wasn't expecting much in week 1 since it was fashion week. the most my nails had to endure was opening packs of pocky and typing on my blackberry. (click all the pics below to enlarge).

after 1 week

*one of the pics above was taken during the 1st day of work after week 1.

after 2 weeks
after 3 weeks
after 4 weeks

what i didn't know about axxium, until i did a google search and saw that beauty expert janine falcon also had an axxium manicure, is that you can also paint over your mani with regular nail polish. which is awesome, in case you should tire of the colour and just want to change it up.

the axxium soak-off gel manicure is something i would do again in a heart beat. the colour didn't fade, the surface remained pretty scratch free and priced at 50 bucks a the 10 spot, that's less than 2 regular manicures that you would need in the same amount of time. i must stress that it's highly imperative when time for the axxium removal that it's done via the soak-off process. don't chip it off. like i did. it'll weaken your nails. like mine did.

the10spot.com

:::SAVE THE DATE | fashion blogger conference

2011-01-11T15:30:00.003-05:00

it's about that time again! mark it on your calendars.

"IFB and mac & milk studios is proud to announce we will be hosting the evolving influence fashion blogger conference on february 10th, 2011 at milk studios in new york city.

evolving influence
this is a landmark event as for the first time ever a major fashion week will be hosting a blogger conference at this magnitude. with over 300 bloggers in attendance, and over 2,000 watching from home via livestream, evolving influence is the largest fashion blogger conference in the world. the conference will cover poignant topics in our pioneering industry through 4 panels, several workshops and a special keynote speaker. You won’t want to miss out this season!

we’re still working out the details, will should announce a full schedule next week. so stay tuned!"

make sure to follow the-coveted.com/blog/ for updates.

:::NO MORE T-SHIRTS | allowed

2011-01-11T09:21:00.000-05:00

along the same lines of my shoe evolution, i would also like to upgrade my top collection this year. i posses many t-shirts, too many in fact, with almost all of them being from h&m. and is not h&m known for having such fabulous assortments of clothing? yet all i really purchase are tees. such a shame.

this year i am making an effort to only purchase tops that have buttons, darts and other such details, commonly known as blouses. the only knits that i'm going to allow myself to obtain are sweaters (and NOT cardigans because i have too many of those too).

left to right per row:
1. dolce & gabbana, d&g, 3.1 phillip lim, miu miu, stella mccartney; 2. cacharel, zero + maria cornejo, diane von furstenberg, h&m, h&m; 3. oscar de la renta, wunderkind, avena, boudicca, dolce & gabbana.

:::GIFT GUIDE | editorial

2011-01-10T09:00:00.004-05:00

this gift guide shoot for FILLERmagazine was a total team effort. ryan johnson, jennifer lee, gabrielle swan and myself all contributed to this shoot and i am quite pleased with the end results. i know it seems a bit late to share this editorial since Christmas is over but there are always birthdays and anniversaries to shop for. so here you go!

photography, joseph saraceno
fashion editors, me & gabrielle swan
creative director & illustrator, ryan johnson
editorial director, jennifer lee
text (read here), paul aguirre-livingston
hair & makeup, lori-ann lazary
model, naro (push management) and chris (next models)

dermalogica skin care kit, normal to oily, $50.

on naro: hermes enamel bracelets, $275; erin tracy acrylic bracelets and sterling silver cuff, starting at $70. on chris: 2nd and 4th watches, rado, starting at $2,900; 1st and 3rd watches, berhardt watch company, $199.

glasses, alain mikli, $375.

cybershot cameras, in violet and green, sony, $269.99 each.

on naro: 1460 8 eye boot in electric blue koram flash, dr. martens, $90.
on chris: converse chuck taylor all star outsider boot, $120.

from top to bottom: mr. bag messenger, 442 McAdam, $490; distressed leather weekender, danier, $249; washed leather bag, krane, $805.

from top to bottom: japanese paper bag, nella bella, $89; tie dye leather clutch, augustina, $395; leather hobo, peter kent, $695; ostrich plume bag, hermes, 1$3,000.

left to right: yellow sapphire and diamond pave ring, various stackable eternity bands with amethyst, diamond, pink, blue and yellow sapphire set in gold and white gold, all jdj jewellery starting at $1,900 ; gold and silver 2 finger rings, erin tracy, starting at $250.

on naro: gold nail polish in boom boom pow, deborah lippmann, $20.

on chris: chain detail leather bow tie, krane, $230.

clockwise from top: super tensai, todd, bradley, keira, all from monster factory, starting at $35.

triqii headphones, sony, $39.99 each.

trik dock for ipod, sony, $199.99.

on naro: sterling silver necklace, tori xo.
on chris: silver bullet and blade runner necklaces, both by soos rocks, starting at $40.

:::PARiS VS NEW YORK | blog

2011-01-09T17:20:00.000-05:00

cruising through bloglovin the other day, i came across parisvsnyc.blogspot.com which i originally discovered on becauseimaddicted.net.

the blog hosts a collection colourful and humorous illustrations of visual comparisons between the two cities by parisian graphic designer vahram muratyan, who now resides in the new york. below are a couple of the illustrations from his blog as well as prints that are available for sale in 3 different sizes or stretch canvas (society6.com/studio/parisvsnyc/store). i would love, love, love to own the sonia vs. anna on stretch canvas but sadly it's not available. at least not yet.

if these were made available as postcards or note cards i would buy them in a heartbeat.

:::SHOE EVOLUTiON | sneakers to heels

2011-01-08T21:41:00.008-05:00

i've always loved sneakers for as long as i could remember. adidas, converse, puma and pony have all been on my feet at one time or another. i also used to wear high heels; nothing too high, i think 2"-3" was the maximum height i could manage. not since breaking me ankle in 2004 (or was it 2005?) have i stopped wearing wearing heels altogether and this year, i want that to change.

it especially had to change since my overall style of dress is really, really casual. when i think back to my high school years and even some of my college days, i had a bit more fun with clothes, even with my hair and my makeup (though i am quite content with my current makeup routine of blush and concealer; i'd rather not revisit the days i used to CAKE it on).

so where to begin with getting into heels again? my ankle still isn't 100% back to the way it was before i broke it. i have to approach this in baby steps.

i am proud to report that lately i've been wearing sneakers less and less, though i will always have an undying love for my chucks. i've recently purchased a pair of brass studded brogues to make my jeans and tee shirt combos look a little less unplanned; just last may i picked up a new pair of fryes as a birthday gift for me (after i killed my first pair of annie harness boots) and after being gifted a pair of dr. martens (thank you! post to come soon) i've been wearing those quite frequently as well. the best of the three new additions would have to be the harness 12r frye boots. even though the heel height is very slight it still took some getting used to for me. i figured that if each new pair of shoes has a heel slightly higher than the previous one, i'll be back to rocking pumps by the end of the year, maybe even the really high platform shoes too!

below is a flow chart of what i project my progress to be. i started off with chucks and then moved on to brogues, docs and fryes. next i would like to try the dr. marten diva darcie and the tory burch ankle boots (which i just saw on sale at holt renfrew). after that, none of the shoes pictured below will be available i'm sure since i can't imagine my progress being that quick, nor can i imagine spending that much cash quickly on all these shoes, but it serves more of an inspiration as to what kind of footwear i'd like to eventually own and be able to walk in comfortably and confidently without fear of tripping and breaking my ankle (again*).

left to right per row:
1. converse chuck taylors; 2. frye 12r harness, modcloth brogues, dr. martens 1460; 3. sergison morrison clogs, dr. martens diva darcie, tory burch, rachel comey; 4. nicholas kirkwoord for erdem, aime, a moment in..., balenciaga, wapeka; 5. iris van herpen x united nude, senso wilma, dsquared, nicholas kirkwood for rodarte, camilla skovgaard, nicholas kirkwood.

*i was actually wearing lacoste sneakers when i fell and broke my ankle. imagine that.

:::MY FAVOURiTE THiNGS | darcel disapoints

2011-01-07T16:14:00.013-05:00

i first came across darcel disapoints through anita clarke's blog; she had recently bought the fashion week postcard set. i immediately fell in love with the super cute characters that fitly embodied the members of the fashion industry just by the simple addition of a big purple bow and grey hair (for tavi) or a perfectly cut bob and some pearls (for anna).

at the time i bought them i wasn't sure what i was going to do with them. i really do love stationary of all sorts (note cards, wrapping paper, ribbon) but these were almost too nice to part with! i couldn't imagne scarring them with a writing instrument and then sending them away forever... then i remembered some metal picture frames i acquired back in my visual days working at the gap. the walls in my home are still very bare so i thought what better way to enjoy these postcards then to frame them!

the smaller of the 2 sizes of frames was perfect because on the other side of the canvas lined form core was denim; this served as the perfect coloured back drop for the cards. it was a bit to close in colour to karl lagerfeld but i solved that by placing his card in the center. it was neat doing a (sorta) do-it-yourself project and it took very little time.

i placed them on the denim covered foam core,

grabbed some easy-to-work-with adhesive,

used my trusty c thru ruler to make sure my placement was centered,

and voilà! something to hang on the bare walls of my home.

next on my darcel shopping list: a key ring

and his project 8 note card set.

add some darcel to your life!
shop, darceldisappoints.bigcartel.com
read, darceldisappoints.blogspot.com
follow, twitter.com/dourdarcel

:::WHAT I STYLED | in 2010

2011-01-03T17:00:00.007-05:00

between facebook and the updates page on my website, if neither existed i'm not sure i would have remembered all of the work i've styled in the past. below are a few of the projects i had the opportunity to work on last year; i am quite pleased with what i was able to accomplish in 2010 and i look forward to more in 2011.

M A R C H

power play, anohki magazine editorial.

VAWK by sunny fong, fall/winter 2010/11 runway collection.

A P R i L

actress carinne leduc, 30th annual genie awards (accessories only).

M A Y
abandon ship, viva magazine editorial.

J U L Y

zeus, "how does it feel" music video.

A U G U S T

a vibrant thing, FILLERmagazine editorial.

cover, today's bride magazine.

S E P T E M B E R

delhi 2 dublin, "tommy" music video.

autumn, FILLERmagazine editorial.

black betty, FILLERmagazine editorial.

mercer condo advertisement (tv, print, web).

O C T O B E R

ahead of the curve(s), sway magazine edititorial.

VAWK by sunny fong, spring /summer 2011 runway collection.

N O V E M B E R

alter ego, FILLERmagazine editorial.

D E C E M B E R

the future has a silver lining, FILLERmagazine editorial.

i'd like to thank danielle meder for interviewing me for the career karma segment of her blog final fashion, accessories designer sally han for interviewing me for her newsletter, and stylist amy lu for her interview with me for torontolife.com peroni moda files blog. you ladies contributed to my awesome 2010.

to an awesome-er 2011. cheers!

:::THANK YOU | c'est joli

2011-01-02T23:13:00.006-05:00

i always love discovering new designers and i especially love it when they discover me first. this was the case for toronto based jewelry designer alison dawson and her line c'est joli. her choice materials are not gold or silver or those beads you buy on queen street that are strung on wire or a strip of leather. alison instead uses textiles such as cords, pipings and tapes to create colourful, unique, woven, sculptural works of art.

not only did i get to use alison's lightweight designs for a FILLERmagazine editorial, but she was kind to enough to send me a ring as a gift! it arrived along with a Christmas card and is a welcome addition to my ring collection.

ces't joli in FILLERmagazine's accessories editorial AUTUMN.

the cutest bow ring i own.
ok, it's the only bow ring i own, but that doesn't mean it's any less cute.

i intend on adding more c'est joli to my collection and you can do the same. alison's creations are available at various shops in toronto as well as locations in new york and bejing. visit cestjoli.com for more information.

(i think i may get a bracelet...)

:::REWIND | holt renfrew blogger windows

2011-01-02T09:21:00.008-05:00

i've noticed that i still get a lot of hits and attempted searches for the holt renfrew blogger windows. a couple of the featured bloggers did post links to my site on theirs, but it wasn't a direct link to the post. so, to help out all the curious georges, i've provided links below.

*click each pic to be taken to the original post

TOMMY TON, JAK & JIL

ANiTA CLARKE, i WANT i GOT

JANE ALDRiDGE, SEA OF SHOES

BRYAN BOY

GARANCE DORÉ

SCOTT SCHUMAN, THE SARTORiALiST

H A P P Y N E W Y E A R !

:::MONA MOORE | moving sale

2010-12-25T22:49:00.005-05:00

you better move quickly on this one. and it's not just for those that live in montreal! they will ship within north america.

[click the pic to enlarge]

monamoore.com

:::SSENSE | boxing day sale

2010-12-25T22:46:00.002-05:00

[click the pic to shop]

:::MAGNOLiA BOUTiQUE | boxing day sale

2010-12-25T22:16:00.004-05:00

juan carlos is the owner of magnolia. juan carlos carries many canadian fashion designers in magnolia. juan carlos is also a friend of mine, therefore, you must go and shop.

[click the pic to enlarge]

:::RAC BOUTiQUE | boxing week sale

2010-12-25T22:11:00.002-05:00

http://racboutique.com/
http://twitter.com/racboutique

:::FORTNiGHT LiNGERiE | boxing week sale

2010-12-25T22:07:00.002-05:00

[click the pic to go to site; coupon code: LINGERIESALE]

:::HOLiDO'S & DON'TS | by dan levy

2010-12-23T14:00:00.000-05:00

thanks to twitter i was reminded of dan levy's 'holido's and dont's" holiday special on mtv canada when someone i follow tweeted that dan "was charming and truly funny. SNL take note". i watched and i couldn't agree more with that statement, of course i wasn't really surprised (he's kinda funny you know; maybe it's genetic).

favourite part of the show? dan's public service announcement against the wearing of Christmas themed sweaters. i am all too familiar with this pain and suffering. what's worse is i sometimes have to style these sweaters for photo shoots (true story). i think that is the real tragedy: the production of these garments because without production there would be no parents and grandparents to wear them.

i'm not sure if this video can be viewed by people outside of canada but give it a try and see. if it doesn't work, i'm sure it's on youtube or something out there in internetland. enjoy!

[click the pic to watch the video]

:::PHiLiP SPARKS | boxing day sale

2010-12-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

all i gotta say is get there early.

:::HOLT RENFREW | christmas windows

2010-12-22T15:55:00.004-05:00

happy Christmas is the name of this year's Christmas windows for holt renfrew.

“we took the most iconic symbol of Christmas, the tree, and featured it running lengthwise through every window in our stores across the country” says john gerhardt, creative director of holt renfrew. “each window features characters attending holiday festivities: from party guests unloading their wares for a traditional Christmas dinner, to friends and family bringing their gifts for under the tree wrapped in holt renfrew’s iconic magenta boxes” gerhardt says, “these vignettes mimic the frenzied and fantastical chaos of this most exciting time of year.”

when it comes to mannequins with real looking faces, they can be a distraction and sometimes subtract from window displays. we can't help but look at the face first (whether real or not) which is why i've always liked mannequins with no realistic facial features. that way it doesn't seem like there are weird immobile people stationed in windows. hybrid mannequins that are part human and part swan, penguin or snowmen are totally awesome and always cool in window displays.

i like the significance of the house address "1837" (the year that holt renfrew was established) and that this window is more paired down. the other windows seemed too busy but i couldn't figure out exactly why. i love the decorated tree, the mannequins are dressed well, and then i realized it was the additional product spilling out of the gift boxes that i didn't like. stacks of magenta, sans product, would be preferred. and a slightly smaller load on the wagon (that's just me being picky).

[photos, deryck lewis]

i know that at this time of year the word "Christmas" can be a bit of a touchy subject for some, opting to use the term "holiday" or "Xmas" instead. props to holt renfrew for not shying away from the C-word.

:::THANK YOU | everyone

2010-12-18T14:50:00.008-05:00

before my post about deborah lippmann nail polish, i forgot to explain my new thank you category.

i attend a lot of events and media previews for my job as a stylist/fashion editor. as a result i'm often gifted with swag bags or product from the event. since i attend these as a stylist/fashion editor first, i don't always blog about it; i try my best but don't always have time. so to show my appreciation i've created thank you.

whether i keep these items for myself or pass them along as gifts to family and friends, i am thankful to receive them and will make sure to blog my gratitude.

side note: i know that most bloggers will also thank the pr companies, but i keep that info to myself because it's a stylist thing (you don't give away your contacts!). but know this pr peeps: you are greatly appreciated and i couldn't do my job without you! love you all xoxo.

:::THANK YOU | deborah lippmann nail polish

2010-12-18T03:29:00.007-05:00

back in my high school days i was OBSESSED with my nails and there would hardly be a day when they were not painted with a cool nail colour. now in my adult years, i don't use polish that much since it's life span is very limited as it tends to chip the first or second day of wear (off figure styling, it happens).

at a holiday preview a few months ago i was introduced to deborah lippmann nail polish and even got a manicure with my colour of choice. a fan of glitter (in nail colour only, thanks) i chose today was a fairy tale, a silvery blue nail colour that went on pretty dense in just 2 coats. the great thing about glitter polish in general is it lasts longer than solid colours. just make sure to add a top coat to smooth out the scratchy surface like lippmann's fast drying addicted to speed top coat.

since that day i've been given some deborah lippmann nail colours as a gift. ok well, two of them were a gift from the day of the media event, the other two i acquired when i asked for some nail colours for a FILLERmagazine shoot (that i got to keep afterward-score!).

[please excuse the messy application]

boom boom pow gold glitter contains 24K gold dust. this colour requires a few coats (i used 3 or 4 coats). i would recommend a solid base colour before application.
ruby red slippers went on in just 2 coats; i love the look of it on my nails as is but it also looks great if you use black or red as a base colour and if you do, 1 coat should be good.
marquee moon is a sequined silver colour created for rodarte. this also went on well in just 2 coats with the silver glitter appearing very subtle. this is just one of the shades available that deborah lippmann created for or created with celebrities and designers (zac posen, cher, dree hemingway, sarah jessica parker...).
today was a fairytale, just like the first time, this went on really well and really dense in just 2 coats. what i didn't know before is it contains virgin diamond powder. fancy!

along with being stylish deborah lippmann's nail colours are also responsible; all of her products are "3 free": free of toluene, formaldehyde and dbp (dibutyl phthalate). available in colours from subtle to flash, they come individually packaged so they're easy to wrap as a present. helpful hint: if you plan on gifting more than one to the same person, try using double sided tape to stick the packages together and wrap it as one.

deborah lippmann is available at holt renfrew stores across canada. visit deborahlippmann.com for additional store information or to shop online.

:::CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! | holiday event

2010-12-18T01:00:00.006-05:00

i was invited to check out "home for the holidays" media event in which 3 pr companies team up to present gift giving ideas from their clients. there was everything from good eats from mildred's temple kitchen, fur accessories from farely chatto, jewelry from (one of my favourite designers) erin tracy, a sampling of from rac boutique and more.

from arbonne, a line of personal care and wellness products for ladies and for gentlemen, there were plenty of gift giving goodies. a lip colour quartet that comes packaged in it's own Christmas tree appropriate ornament; a quintet of woodsy aromatic candles beautifully packed and perfect for hostess gifting; sweet blossom, a neat little solid scent key chain that perfect for fragrance touch ups anytime and anywhere (and because it's not a spray you won't make everyone around you gag with public applications); for the man in your life, a gift set that includes an exfoliating wash (great help for ingrown hairs), antifriction enhanced shave gel, a soothing post‐shave balm and a sleek manicure kit; arbonne.ca.

4 lip shades in a keepsake crystal studded ornament arbonne favourites pearl, raisin, and polish, plus a holiday exclusive shade: champagne shimmer. ingredients include wild mango butter, aloe, sunflower oil, vitamins a and e, $55.

botanicals comfort skin and soothe razor burn for the ultimate shave with ingredients like algae extract, sea buckthorn oil, red seaweed and chickpea seed extract (just tell him it'll make his skin feel good). 3 piece kit plus manicure set, $101.

sweet blossom solid scent key chain. top notes of peach, apricot, pineapple leaf and orange, with a mix of warm jasmine, rose and orange flower, $43.

arbonne's aromatic woods candle set in vanilla amber, cypress bark, bay leaf & ivy, winter woods and white birch, $70.

the last time i was at mildred's temple kitchen was for the FILLERmagazine launch back in 2009 which also served as the after party for the movie "passenger side" during tiff. i remembered that the food that evening was really, really good. the day of this event was no different, in fact it was better! well better for me because i was the last appointment for that day so i was encouraged to help finish all the yummy eats.

not only is mildred's temple kitchen a great option for Christmas time and anytime gatherings but you can pick up mildred’s award‐winning “out to brunch with mildred pierce” cookbook that includes recipes for gift giving ideas like blueberry, peppercorn chutney to red pepper jelly and for every taste bud; templekitchen.com.

for you're (well, my) sampling pleasure: spoonfuls of tuna and salmon goodness.

butternut squash garnished with roasted pumpkin seeds. the mini bowl was the size of a shot glass therefore there were no spoons. it was so delicious i wanted to take my finger and scoop out every last drop.

a sample of gift giving ideas. the "out to brunch with mildred pierce" cookbook gives you recipes to make your own jellies and preserves and even gives you suggestions on packaging and labeling.

erin tracy is a jewelry designer that i have recently become familiar with this year. her materials of choice aren't just limited to golds, silvers and beautiful stones, she also works with cement, wood and acrylic to create unique one-of-a-kind jewelry (she also can customs make jewelry for you too!); erintracydesigns.com.

there's really not much for me to say about erin tracy's jewelery other than "i want them all". all of them. especially the gold and silver two finger rings with crystals...

and the prettiest dog tags i've ever seen...

and this fira dome ring with crystals.

rac boutique is a creative forum that offers fashion and lifestyle accessories in toronto’s yorkville neighbourhood. their store has the perfect mix of international, emerging, undiscovered and CANADIAN designers all under one roof. they also house specialty gifts and magazines (great for last minute purchases and hard to shop for people on your Christmas list); racboutique.com.

i loved these braided infinity scarves so much from lavand that i pulled the black one for a FILLERmagazine editorial (to be released in the early 2011). i wouldn't mind one for myself *hint*hint*. i may have some hand knitting skills but i would not be able to produce something like this.

for additional shopping ideas, make sure to check out fhe group for home designers fashions like a collapsible storage ottoman (thefhegroup.com); smart bride boutique, which is like the ebay of all things bridal, great for budgeting brides (smartbrideboutique.com); 44 wide, a print company where you can take the photos you've snapped and turn them into stretch canvas works of art (fortyfourwide.squarespace.com); the village gallery and art beyond walls, an urban pop-up gallery, exhibiting talented emerging canadian artists with proceeds from events going towards art related causes (thevgallery.com).

:::MODEL WATCH | sydney edmonds

2010-12-16T13:20:00.002-05:00

remember when i had blogged about a model named sydney edmonds and had said to keep an eye out for her? well, the awesome dan grant recently posted some new tears of sydney's most recent work from overseas. no big deal, just vogue turkey, cosmo spain, dirrty glam... (!)

although sydeny has been shot for FILLERmagazine, i have yet to work with her. i still want to work with her. spring 2011 or summer 2011 for FILLERmagazine? perhaps, me thinks.

[vogue turkey]

[dirrty glam magazine]

[cosmo spain]

sources, model resource plus & model resource

[FILLERmagazine, styled by rita fiorucci]

[FILLERmagazine, styled by alicia simpson]

:::MY FAVOURITE THINGS | kmf miss treated coniditoner

2010-12-15T01:26:00.002-05:00

those of you closest to me know that i go through conditioner as if i drink it like water. i've never been loyal to one particular brand; i've tried everything from pantene to sunsilk, garnier fruitcis, tresemme, to dollar store and beauty supply store brands. the only conditioner i have ever really fallen for is miss treated conditioner by kiss my face.

it left no residue. usually after i rinse my hair from conditioner i would have to wash out the slippery residue left on the shower floor to ensure that my husband doesn't slip when he uses it after me. i had to do no such thing with miss treated.

my hair absorbed it right up. i thought it was normal for conditioners to take a long time to dry and kind of "sit" on the hair until then. you see, with curly hair it's good practice not to rinse out all of the conditioner (since curly hair is naturally more dry). because my hair is thick and coarse, i leave a lot of it in and i even use the conditioner to style it after. i was AMAZED (it deserves caps and bold) on how well the miss treated conditioner absorbed into my hair. it's like each strand of hair had thousands of straws and drank the conditioner like a milkshake.

i have never had better hair days then when i use miss treated conditioner. though most people can't tell the difference when curly hair people are having a good hair day or not (unless your hair is a big tragic frizzy mess), my fellow curly locks know there is a difference. my hair is softer to the touch, it's shinier, more pliable and it just "falls" better.

the only downside for me is the price range. it averages about $8.37 (online) and up (in stores, depending on the store). for normal people, that's no problem but for me who buys 2 and 3 bottles at a time, it adds up. it doesn't stop me though because it is worth the money, i just don't buy it as frequently as i would like. if i were oprah i would buy this stuff by the crate.

oh yeah, it's organic and also great for colour treated hair, damaged hair and overstressed hair too of all textures and types.

p.s. multiples of these would make an appropriate Christmas gift. seriously.

:::VAWK | sample sale

2010-12-15T00:04:00.009-05:00

VAWK is having a sample sale!

this saturday, for 2 hours only, sunny fong will be selling select pieces from his spring/summer 2010 and fall/winter 2010 collections. if you remember, the spring/summer 2010 presentation was sunny's very first collection after his project runway canada 2 win (which i also refer to is as the "VAWK resurrection").

all clothing are in a size 2-4
33″-34″ bust, 24″-26″ waist and 35″-37″ hips.
selected pink arrow items* below are for sale with prices ranging from $50-$500 (cash only).

[click the pics to enlarge]

saturday, december 18th
downtown toronto
12pm to 2pm
email info@vawk.ca to RSVP and for sample sale address
*cash only

:::GRETA & EZRA CONSTANTINE | sample sale

2010-12-11T00:44:00.004-05:00

greta constantine and ezra constantine sample sale. pieces from the archives to the fall/winter 2010 collection and select ezra constantine all starting at $150.

saturday, december 11th
25 st. nicholas street, studio 301
buzzer 301
12.30pm to 5pm
*cash only
*no appointment necessary

december 6th - december 23rd
monday - friday @
11.30am, 2.30pm, and 4pm
*cash only
*by appointment only
for inquireis and appointments email info@gretaconstantine.com

:::TOPSHOP | kate moss & topman

2010-12-05T15:05:00.003-05:00

remember when i blogged about jonathan + olivia bringing TOPSHOP to canada? and i mentioned that in fall of 2010 that they would also bring in TOPSHOP makeup and TOPSHOP kate moss collection, her very last collection by the way? well, it's here! and you know what else is here? TOPMAN. yes fellas, you have not been left out of the shopping fun.

like everything else TOPSHOP, nothing lasts very long in the store so after you have a gander at the pictures, if you see anything you like i suggest you go to jonathan + olivia ASAP and pray along the way that what you like is still there. and if it isn't, not to fret. jonathan + olivia receives new TOPSHOP shipments every two weeks (but i'm afraid not a lot or any repeats).

[all store images are from jonathan + olivia's facebook page]

TOPSHOP kate moss

TOPMAN

TOPSHOP makeup

monday - friday, 11am to 7pm
saturday, 11am to 7pm
sunday, 12pm to 6pm

49 ossington avenue
toronto
416.8495956

:::OLiVER SPENCER | toronto store opening

2010-12-04T13:54:00.000-05:00

men’s fashion designer oliver spencer opened his third retail location of the same name (also located in new york city and london, england) at 962 queen street west this month. known for impeccable details and interesting fabrications, the oliver spencer boutique will offer serious style for men in toronto.

the boutique will open with the best of the oliver spencer fall 2010 collection including outerwear, signature shirts, accessories, handmade shoes and boots. the store will also carry select designers that complement the oliver spencer aesthetic, such as quoddy shoes, il bussetto leather goods and universal works work-wear.

“I am overjoyed to open my third (ever) boutique in Toronto; it’s such a vibrant city full of exciting personal style,” said Spencer. “I have a strong opinion about retailing, so I have worked to create an innovative and charming environment in the store that reflects my brand and individual style. I want people to feel connected to me when they shop here.”

monday - friday, 11am to 7 pm
saturday, 11am to 6pm
sunday, 12pm to 5pm
962 queen street west
toronto
www.oliverspencer.co.uk

:::DEAN DAVIDSON | sample sale

2010-12-04T13:23:00.004-05:00

wednesday, december 8th shop dean davidson's sample sale at the spoke club; save up to 70% off!

wednesday, december 8th
4pm to 10pm
the spoke club
600 king street west
trotono
for more information call 416.888.5364
*cash & credit card accepted

:::ELiZA KOZURNO | trunk show

2010-12-04T13:10:00.005-05:00

visit jewelry designer eliza kozurno at love of mine boutique today and tomorrow to shop from her line. previous collections are up to 70% off, current fall/winter styles are 20% off.

[photo, felix wong]

saturday, december 4th, 11am to 7pm
sunday, december 5th 12pm to 6pm
love of mine boutique
781 queen street west
toronto

fw 2010 collection original retail, $59-$529
ss 2010 collection already marked down, $20-$110
earlier collections already marked down, $15-$65

:::BARBiE LOVES JOE FRESH | limited edition collection

2010-11-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

the joe fresh style® brand partnered with mattel® to create a limited-edition collection of barbieTM branded sleepwear and intimates for women and girls. barbieTM loves joe fresh® apparel launched in november and will be widely available at loblaw banner store locations across canada where joe fresh style® apparel is available.

"we could not have found a better partner to collaborate with than mattel and barbie,” says joe mimran of joseph mimran & associates, creative director, apparel, home and entertainment for loblaw companies limited. “we are excited to bring these stylish and affordable fashions featuring an important icon, barbie, to our joe fresh customers."

the limited-edition collection is comprised of items for women and girls including: sleepwear sets and separates as well as boyfriend-style underwear, all priced from $6 to $14. the collection also features a barbie loves joe fresh tote bag for $2. the colour palette combines light and dark pinks with white and black, and the designs feature cute animal graphics, argyle patterns, barbie’s silhouette and the barbie logo.

make sure to visit www.joe.ca to find the store nearest you.

:::LUCiAN MATiS | holiday sale

2010-11-29T17:14:00.004-05:00

lucian matis is having a holiday sale this week!

saturday, december 4th & sunday, december 5th
10am to 6pm
300 campbell avenue
suite 201 (buzz 201)

all sizes available!
*cash only

:::HERMES | i love my scarf

2010-11-29T17:00:00.003-05:00

hermès pop-up shop!

celebrate silk with j'aime mon carre from today through to sunday december 5th. join hermès and discover how to tie silk and have your picture taken!

november 29th - december 5th
monday - saturday 12pm to 6pm
sunday 12pm to 5pm
1099 yonge street
toronto

jaimmoncarre.com

:::DEAN DAVIDSON | holiday gift guide

2010-11-29T15:06:00.003-05:00

from now until december 3rd you can get 25% off all your dean davidson holiday purchases when you enter the promo code GIFTGUIDE.

[click the pic for more information]

:::UPC BOUTIQUE | silent auction + fundraiser

2010-11-29T14:30:00.000-05:00

upc boutique is hosting a silent auction and fundraiser with ALL proceeds going to food for education in sudan.

schools will be provided with food, kitchen equipment, and supplies increasing the attendance amongst girls (many parents, for cultural beliefs or economic reasons, do not send their daughters to school) by providing girls with an additional take-home ration of food if they attend school consistently every month, and for regular one-year attendance, girls will be given enough grain for their entire families.

creation of girls’ clubs in schools to provide a forum for girls to express their ideas and discuss issues affecting them in the community.

this project is in partnership with the world food program (WFP), the united nations front line agency against global hunger, and will match your gift by nearly 6:1. for every dollar you give, WFP will donate six!

items for silent auction have been donated by the following companies:

barila clothing
chloe comme parris
krane
nella bella
philip sparks
psalms accessories
southbrook estates
speech
travis taddeo

wednesday, december 8th
7pm to 9.30pm
upc boutique
128 1/2 cumberland street
toronto

:::PSALMS 91:1 | Christmas sale

2010-11-29T14:00:00.001-05:00

psalm's biggest clearance sale is coming to town with 50% off select items.
check everyone off your Christmas List!

[click the pic to enlarge]

saturday, december 4th
12pm to 9pm
52 st. lawrence street
suite #324
toronto
psalmsaccessories.com

:::UKAMAKU | Christmas sale

2010-11-26T12:00:00.001-05:00

canadian designer online retailer ukamaku will be holding their Christmas sale in the yorkville room at the hazelton hotel on friday, november 26 and saturday, november 27.

women’s wear and accessory designers who will be participating include carrie hayes, jessica jensen, véronique miljkovitch, zoran dobric, darlene martin and more!

shop for gifts, shop for yourself, shop canadian!

friday, november 26 & saturday, november 27
11am to 6.30pm
the hazelton hotel
118 yorkville avenue
toronto

view more of ukamaku’s designers now on sale at www.ukamaku.com

:::PETER KENT | trunk show

2010-11-24T18:14:00.008-05:00

[click to open in new window to read and print out to $75 on your purchase]

and for any family and friends that will be attending the trunk show, i thought i'd share with you some of my favourite bag styles, in case you haven't picked up a gift for me yet *wink*wink*

this is a perfect sized "tricia" clutch because those of you that know me know that it's hard for me to downsize; i always have to carry a big bag (i really think it's a stylist thing). this clutch is perfect for those that need to carry a few items less than everything.

i love leather cross body bags. who doesn't love shopping hands free? or in my case, toting garment bags hands free? and just imagine how much nicer this will look once it's all broken in! part of the beauty of leather bags.

this is my hands down favourite of them all. it comes in a beautiful, what i like to call, "vintage grey" (like the bag pictured above). it's stylish, big and utilitarian. hands down favourite. hands down. hands. down.

*don't forget to print out the invite above to receive $75 off your peter kent purchase
www.peterkentcanada.com

:::MAGWOOD | pop-up sale

2010-11-24T16:49:00.004-05:00

sarah magwood of magwood vintage will be hosting a pop-up sale at chasse gardée shoe boutique on queen west. the collection will include high-end and designer womenswear, some menswear, and accessories to fit any budget: jewelery, bags, hats, belts, and ties. victorian petticoats and blouses, edwardian lace, deco cocktail dresses, and rare pieces from afghanistan and burma will be available, as well as a range of frocks, coats, and separates from the 30s to the early 80s.

you can join sarah on thursday evening, december 2nd, for cocktails, hors d'œuvres, and a peruse!

magwood vintage is currently sold by private appointment, as well as online at www.magwood.ca.

:::MACKAGE | new york sample sale

2010-11-24T16:38:00.006-05:00

attention new yorkers: one of my favourite canadian talents, mackage, is having a sample sale. sorry to drop this last minute but it's not to late!

[click the pic to enlarge and then GO! go shop!]

:::FGI | sample sale

2010-11-22T23:36:00.004-05:00

fashion group international is having a designer sample sale featuring clothing, jewelry and accessories from philip sparks, farley chatto, david dixon, thien le, NADA, marika brose, pat mcdonagh, kristen laborde, karen mcfarlane,
jessica jensen and more…

november 25 & 26, 2010
10am to 7pm
579 richmond st, suite 200
(richmond & bathurst)

make sure to arrive with your shopping list ready...

:::JESSiCA JENSEN | pop-up sale

2010-11-22T23:28:00.005-05:00

so you've placed your pre-order for ALEXANDER BERARDI for JESSICA JENSEN but you're jonesing for some jessica right now? pop over to her pop-up shop, open november 25th to december 12th. save up to 70%

happy shopping!

[click the pic to enlarge]

:::NOTE TO SELF | lessons learned

2010-11-18T23:52:00.002-05:00

note to self: after attending previews and events, make sure to not only load images to computer and edit images for blog, but to also upload them to DRAFT POSTS so that when laptop screen decides to do this:

and then fade to black, work can still be done on another computer.

:::JESSiCA JENSEN | pre-order offer

2010-11-15T10:52:00.005-05:00

did you like what you saw during fashion week from jessica jensen's collaboration with alexander berardi? me too!

now guess what? from today, monday november 15th to saturday, november 20th you can receive 10% off when you pre-order from the ALEXANDER BERARDI for JESSICA JENSEN handbag collaboration online at shopjessicajensen.com.

*all orders ship beginning january 15th, 2011. use promotional code BERARDI10 during checkout. offer may not be combined with any other promotions or discounts and is available only while quantities last. all items in the collaboration are limited edition styles.