
It’s the end of an era, after 27 fabulous seasons CTV Globe media has pulled the plug on Fashion Television. The trailblazing show that made host Jeanie Becker a house-hold name announced yesterday that they were halting production. The news came first via tweeter from Becker who many, myself included, grew up watching jet-set across the globe to quench our fashion thirst. FT was the little Canadian show that could and at its peak was being shown in over 130 countries. With the growth of new media and access to everything at your finger tips, it was only a matter of time before the show went off the air. Ft was ground breaking and pioneered a television style before its time; the show will truely be missed.

Hey Style Maven, Happy Fashion Week! Today marks the first day that the fashion community comes together for 5 days to celebrate “Canadian Catwalk.” The show runs through March 17th, check out the schedule above to catch your favourite Designer. Look for lots of pleats, padding and ox-blood as trends that will dominated the runway. For more about World Mastercard Fashion Week, on at David Pecaut Square check out there website at:
World MasterCard Fashion Week | Canadian Catwalk
A week or so ago a friend asked me “what do you think is Fashion’s worst invention?” I was caught off guard and blurted out bell bottoms. After much consideration I changed my tune admitting that on the right person flares can be fabulous. The question stayed with me all week and so I decided to compile this short but sensible list. Here are my picks of the top 3 worst Fashion inventions:
3. TYE DIE
In at number three, something that should only be seen at a yard sale. Please look but don’t buy; no one, I repeat no one looks good in this print. Leave it to misguided 70s lovers who think embracing everything 70s warrants style status. Yuk!
2. CROCS
Not far behind on the list are Crocs, forget their cult following they are not for fashion. If you must wear them, stick to doing so in the Garden. Only there and just there can their “comfort” carry weight as far as style is concerned. Don’t get me started on the poor children that walk around in these things without a choice. Just don’t go there.
1. SCRUNCHIE
Number one and undisputed with people that I ran the question by is the scrunchie. Look, only in the bathroom! I refuse to look up the scrunchie inventor but I’m quite sure they don’t brag about it at parties. These things are not only ugly; they’re useless as far as practicality is concern. Again, keep them in the bathroom and only there!
What do you say is Fashion’s worst invention?

Hey Style Maven, Pucker up! Orange lipstick/gloss is on the hotlist for 2012. Look at me lips have been on trend for the past few seasons with radiant reds and pinks that pop but 2012 is all about orange. Liven up your lips with hues from Neon to Paprika. I’m loving lady danger by MAC Cosmetics $17.50 CND. KISS KISS!

Hey Style Maven!
Happy Holidays! The new year is rapidly approaching and I resolve to step up my style, one layer at a time. What’s your style resolution?
For the style conscious, step out of your comfort zone and for those who tread lightly, plunge into something out of your ordinary.
Stay on trend with lace-ups and 90s inspired gear and don’t be afraid to break the rules.
I love make-up, especially mascara, so when I got L’Oreal’s
Voluminous False Lashes Mascara in a Fashion Week swag bag, I was over the moon.
The commercial promised false-like results without the mess, not
true. The first time I tried this mascara I though perhaps I had gotten an expired edition. After talking with other beauty aficionados I quickly realized that it was the product not a bad batch.
The worst thing a mascara can do is clump or smear, this does both. It goes on clumpy leaving your lashes tangled and looking like you have all of 3 prongs of hair, disastrous! Good luck trying to recover mid make-up, take my word for it; you’ll have to start from scratch. This product does nothing that it promises, pretty packaging but a giant fail. Save your money!

Hey Style Maven!
Planning a haute Holiday, how about a chic Christmas? Bring on the fun! But before the bubbly, there is that small issue of wardrobe.
Holidays can get hectic, next to Wedding season; holiday style is next in line for times that our wardrobe gets a workout. Not to worry, the season is easy to navigate with a simple black dress and a few statement
pieces.
First and key is a simple black dress. A classic cut that compliments your figure will work best as it is flexible and will last you a
lifetime. This season calls for something with an architectural feel but don’t feel pressured, simple is best. Next, accessorize, I love bold necklaces and vibrant shoes and purses. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colours, breaking the rules exude style confidence and will almost always get you a feature in the Newspaper’s style section.
Happy Holidays!
Photography: Champagne by Ambro
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

It is not easy to achieve fashion and function simultaneously but enjoying Winter is easy, with the right wears. That is why I have turned to 3 countries with notorious winter climates for style inspiration. Here are three countries to channel this winter:
1. RUSSIA: Fraternizing in Fur
A Russian friend once told me that Russians gets dressed up to buy bread. She drew a picture of opulent, brand conscious glamazons, going about life’s little chores in style. How fabulous! To channel Russia this Winter, I suggest something Fur. Faux is just as good as the real deal with this look. You can do head to hem or little touches here and there.
2. CANADA: Cold but Cool
Canadians are silently stylish. No other place on the planet does Winter so well. Unfortunately Canadians suffer from a style inferiority complex that I suggest disregarding this Winter. Channel Canada in cozy down coats and heavy knit sweaters. Canada Goose (clothing) is an excellent source when shopping. The citadel Parka pictured above is one of my favorite pieces this season.

3. SWEDEN’S SERANADE
Gorgeous and Winter savvy is how most people think of Sweden and its people. Their neutral nature and bright personalities keeps them stylish and warm during the Winter months. Channel Sweden this winter in down Vests, bright coloured Parkas and Snow Shades. Loving this pair from Swedish brand Dr Zipe (http://drzipe.com/).
Special thanks to http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/
Marcheleo’s Gourmet Marketplace is the latest addition to trendy Mount Pleasant Village. The chic food store opened its doors earlier this month with an approach that is both novel and niche. They customize the shopping experience.
How we eat and where we get our food has never been more important, and food stores like Marcheleo’s are picking up where the ordinary grocer gets off. The latest edition to the new food revelation covers all the bases, they offer ”gourmet-to-go meals, specialty grocery items, like organic and kosher foods, gluten-free alternatives, and fine imports.” The store caters to a crowd that modifies based on allergies, health reasons and those that are food conscious. Prices are on the higher end and you won’t find generic brands that are expected in your regular supermarket. This is common in shops like this where the objective is subjective service.
The staff is friendly and the service exceptional. Visit them at:
Check out this sleek espresso machine by Bialetti Tazzona. It’s the epitome of style and will be a purchase that I’ll be making shortly.
Traditionally, tea is my thing, but early this past summer all that changed when my friend VP, a much evolved style aficionado took me on an impromptu visit to Mbco Inc, a quaint modern take on Italian cuisine tucked away in Yorkville, for what he called “espresso time”.
Until then, I had espressos here and there, but only to fit the right
encounter. To me, espresso was a European thing that has a niche market here with history of hot in the 1990s.
On that visit to Mbco Inc I had a tutorial on ”espresso time” that involved the obvious espresso, a chocolate soufflé and some sparkling water. I must mention that VP is a well-travelled Ethical Lawyer who has a continent or 4 under his belt. Being around him is always an experience and the tutorial although unexpected was welcomed. According to him, espresso should be taken in one gulp followed by the sparkling water to cleanse the pallet. I can’t remember if the chocolate souffle had a purpose other than just being delish, but from that day on I always make time for “espresso time.”