Photography: Pierre Dubeau
Stylist: Salem Moussallam for My Favourite Dresses
Make-Up: Annette and Ninia for JUST GORGEOUS at Collage Park

Dress: Hervé Léger Shoes: Christopher King Clutch: Yves Saint Laurent Jewellery: Marc Jacobs

East meets west as Harlem a place known for serving up food for the soul, opens up a new location on the trendy Queen West strip. Underground the latest addition to the Queen Bathurst intersection is in good company. With The Drake, Nyood and celebrated Vintage store Cabaret just minutes away, the neighbourhood is quickly becoming the place to stroll. Picture this, its 9 02 in the p.m., I’ve been there since the 6 0’ clock hour, “Lately” the sexy ballot from RNB Baritone Tyrese oozes from the jukebox. The lights go down as Common tells me “I’m the object of his affection”. I sip on red wine, a South African attempt, nothing special, Merlot I believe. Superstar Sommelier Curtis Elson would just die, no tone definition, no region suggested? The lights dim, the chatter chimes, gains ever so slightly. I’ve already sampled the ribs, the day’s special and loved the curried cole slaw. As I awaited Collard greens, my first try at the leafy veggie, it arrives at my table to anticipated hands and mouth. A ginger infused mélange, it’s composed with Belle peppers, and straps of carrots. In the sauce I detect some sort of cream, coconut I suspect, fragrant hints of garlic and something from the onion family rounded out the mash up. Erica Badu along with what seems to be a grain of sand abruptly breaks the satisfaction. Anthony Mair, Co owner senses something a miss once I started picking out the carrot strings and heads over to salvage the situation. The appropriate banter breaks the ice and he sneaks in the appropriate how is it? I then relayed the graining message, “taste like sand”, a familiar grind to unwashed asparagus. Cue the apology and the anything else from the menu? Cue the take away and the “shall I bring it all together”. After watching the shuffle in the kitchen, out pops Server Joanne with my 2nd try at cornbread and now collards, thankfully, sand free.

A nice spot for Jazz, jive and fair, the decor is reminiscent of my interpretation of The Colour Purple’s Harpos less the bump and grind. The decor is what I would call “rustic red” anchored by a grand RED chandelier. Opulence is the objective and it’s achieved. The ceiling, a well crafted feast for the eyes, is tiled and adorned with fluer-du-lis, the symbol of Royalty, of the gold variety, of course. Artist Moses Kofi’s masterpiece adorne the walls highlighted in rugged door and window frames. The style is offset photography, an art that resembles layering, one image on top of another. Clean lines lead out to the backyard patio where co Owner and Artist Carl Cassell, known for pieces made from acrylic hair, adds dept to the laid back ambiance. A quad like set up with a BBQ pit in the back is my favourite part because its home to a table that encourages me to “drink more red strip”, a fond reminder of home. It’s a place I could fall in love with or in on Friday Afternoons.

Harlem Underground is located at:

745 Queen St. West
Toronto ON M6J 1G1
416.366.4743
info@harlemrestaurant.com
www.twitter.com/harlem1920

2 Mangoes, peeled and chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
1 small sweet red pepper, diced
1 tablespoon grated or finely chopped fresh ginger
2 tablespoons chopped scallions, white and green parts
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons lemon, Meyer lemon, or fresh lime juice
Pinch salt, or to taste
Dash hot pepper sauce

In amedium bowl, gentle mix all the ingredients together. Taste for seasoning and add more salt or hot pepper sauce as needed. The salsa can be made several hours ahead of time; cover and refridgerate as need.

One evening in late June, I had the unexpected pleasure of being invited to a dinner party masked as a BBQ. Although I was not feeling my brass, overly vocal self, I thought the opportunity good to meet new people and to attempt a shot at my old self. Things not being what they were normally, I was gently prompted by a good friend to join, and things being more normal than I noticed at the time, I couldn’t say no to her. Best friends are indeed that for a reason. They know what cards to play at the right time. I think this is referred to as good Poker skills or is it Black Jack? I was never good at cards. In any event, I mustered up the strength to build excitement about the party and with the G20 on it would take much courage to leave the Apartment. Luckily I managed to evade much of the spectacle despite my many walks up and down Yonge Street. After much discussion with my friend about the location, I said that I had an idea of where I was heading, which I did but still stopped at my favourite internet café, iklick on Yonge to use Google maps just to make sure. The route to Walmer took me past the ROM, the University of Toronto’s attempt at a Philosopher’s path and in the direction of the Annex, a charming neighbouhood home to the Alliance Française where I studied French last summer and home to the wonderfully creative Dandi Maestre. Along the way I couldn’t help but wonder what the night ahead would bring. I’m not saying that obsessing about simple things like dinner parties is normal, but I tend to tread towards the extreme. Can you say OCD?

The walk down to Walmer was pleasant. A contrast of the harsh nature of big city architecture and the warmth of Oak and Maple trees, a sense of quiet, even silence. In a good way. Toronto is an odd city like that; contradictions are only ten minutes away. The radius from highly popularizes Dundas Square and the once dreaded Regent’s Park are mere minutes away. One populated by Tourists, the other by families living under the poverty line or just at par. Even so, the one great strength of the city relies greatly on the resilience of the people who busk, hustle and work themselves into something that they are, but not quite yet. A former boyfriend once told me that famed author and professor Richard Florida penned a piece about those very people. I believe it was something called the “creative class”, something that I understand as I am a proud member of such a class. From my neighbourhood, the Church/Wellesley Village, a charming old but trend making machine, the walk is about 20 minutes if you stroll. Not being in sound self, I made the trek in the direction of what Google map said and that I already knew but couldn’t confirm and marveled at the fact that I was lucky enough to miss all the G20 madness except for what seemed like a small pod of Environmentalist at the corner of Bloor and Avenue. I arrived at Walmer thankful, for the differences in the city. I’m just now starting to appreciate it after reentering it almost 3 years ago. I slopped down Walmer, admiring it’s quite nature and the old town vibe it gave. As is custom, I arrived at my destination with time to spare, a lot was not usual but at least I had that. I’m big on punctuality. I scooped out the old Victorian, a lovely reminder of my many years spent in good old Guelph, a place near and dear to my heart. I find the structure eerie yet inviting, a common trait, in my experience with this type of house. Also common was a lovely Hostess, her go to girl and a cat or 3, this was not exception. After about 2 or 3 glances, I accepted the fact that I was struggling to find the entrance. I finally gave in; having had a rough week I just did not have the usual gusto to hunt. My friend answered her iphone quickly, it’s never too far from her side and trumped down the stairs to rescue me from my hunt from the entrance. “You’re the first to arrive” she says; a phrase we’ve both uttered often. We smirked at the inside joke although we were the only ones there and made our way up the stairs to a second floor apartment with an at home feel.

I was greeted by a cat as expected then introduced to the Hostess; I raven haired beauty, clearly a nurturer with a passion for cooking. By her side was a picture perfect, statue-like figure trying to balance 2 medium sized chickens on Guinness tall boys. Later during the evening I found out that she was a well travelled Ballet dancer visiting from Norway. This I gathered from her mentioning her “Principle”. The proper introductions made, like something out of a Thanksgiving scene from TV the 4 of us busied ourselves in the kitchen. On the menu, the aforementioned beer chicken, roasted belle peppers, mushrooms, asparagus and corn on the cob. All carefully cooked on the barbeque. Just off the kitchen was a terrace with a lovely spread of pre dinner eats and a punch bowl of Sangria, a summer favourite. It was like I planned the party myself. While we prepped I was invited to a glass of Sangria and to sample the Apps. On the table was hummus accompanied by an array of crips and crusty bread to dip and along that most delicious Mango salsa I’ve ever tasted with Tostito scoops to dip. My first taste brought back memories of now my former favorite Salsa moment, experienced years prior at the Salsateria, a tiny theme restaurant in Guelph Ontario. The flavour combination of ginger, cilantro and lemon were so intense and yet you could enjoy them separately if needed. I ate so much of it that I barely made it through Dinner and had no room for dessert, barbequed skewers of pineapples, strawberries and figs among other fruits. We were joined for dinner by the Hostesses brother, an Engineer evident from the trusty ring on his pinky. We were later joined by his girlfriend and a lovely couple, he some sort of internet genius, she a member of the film industry. The conversation was lively, intelligent, and humorous and spanned from Religion to what if games. I did something that was not usual, I listened, sipped on loose leaf tea, a concoction from the Tea Emporium, Rooibos I believe (delish). Although the weather was temperamental and couldn’t decide what to do it eventually settled on rain and much like patio days at ONE we moved inside. It was close to midnight or a little past when I decided to depart, I said my thank yous and nice to meet yous before making my exit; but not before I got that salsa recipe.

In my attempt to sell her on the place, I told her about Tom’s Place, the Jamaican place that has good Rotis and for personal touch, threw in that Ben Heaton, Chef Du Cuisine at ONE in Yorkville lived in the area and apparently loves it there. As I was mid spiel, along came this lovely young woman who fits the Queen West lifestyle to a tee. The bold nature of her 3/4 length Polka Dot dress pulled me in right away. I knew I had to take her picture for my Blog, possibly Newsletter. I prepped myself with my camera and business card and Julita and I chit chatted with a near by craftsmith who does amazing work with bone among other things while she finished her conversation with what I presume was a good friend. Her friend, armed with another of Toronto’s hottest accessories, a bicycle, engaged her for a while but I thought it was worth the shot to wait out the conversation. Trying not to hover but keeping a keen eye on their conversation, I half listened to the vendor who was peddling a pair of what looked like wooden earrings to Julita. As he convinces her to try them on and asks for my camera to take pictures of me (something I found bizarre), but that’s Kensington, a bizarre Bazaar. As he snaps away, she breaks away from her conversation; I take off after her and gestures to Julita to rescue my camera from the vendor. I kept the intro simple, name, Blog/Newsletter, complimented her lovely outfit, and asked for her picture. She was more than happy to obliged and even got rid of her canvas shopping bag when I asked, something I now regret. At the time I thought without it the shot would be more polished. Her bright pink lipstick and nail polish suggests she could be a temptress of some sort, but after our brief chat, she strikes me as a Teacher or even a Writer. Her accessories, a Bamboo woven handbag with chocolate straps and retro Ray Bans a la Tom Cruise in Cocktail were spot on. Her pink studded sandals pulled the whole thing together. Love it!

I first heard about My Favourite Dresses from my friend Todd. He’s a total clothes horse, style superstar and had stories in his repertoire like lunching in Paris with Ines De La Frassange. Tre’ Magnific! Suffice to say he has lived as interesting life, from hobnobbing with the rich and famous to once owning his very own clothing store in Town. For someone who has seen the global evolution in style, you can imagine the vastness of his knowledge when it comes to style, fashion and all things fabulous. All that being said, my favourite thing about him is that he’s grounded and for some reason he’s always on the look-out of clothes that best compliments me. So as you can imagine, when he mentioned that there was an exciting new Boutique on Yonge that I should check out, I jumped at the chance to probe him to see just how much he knew and was willing to share. We were lost in one of our usual conversation, heavy on fashion, obvi!, if memory serves me right, we were marveling at a metallic Halter displayed in the Avec Plaisir window on Cumberland. It was indeed my pleasure, to take in that Halter was something to behold, it was a magnificent and detailed number that hung perfectly on the mannequin beckoning passer-by’s to flock to the store. We were in agreement, unanimous even, that it was one of, if not the best Halters we’ve ever seen. Shortly there after, or was it before (I forget) he mentioned that this Boutique specialized in lending out designer duds for your Event needs. He didn’t say it in quite those words but you get the gist. He wasn’t sure about the Owner/Owners but said something about “style remix” and that a stylist named “Hi babe” was involved somehow. “Hibebe” I said, “Oh I know Salem” I said with a certain pride, I was happy to be in the know. “I’ve walked in a few of his shows and shot with him a few times”. He mentioned that it was located in a suite somewhere on Yonge, upstairs. I was glad for the information and made a mental note to call Salem as soon as I was free.

Todd got the tip from Shelby. Who is Shelby you ask? Good question. Shelby is an Amazon-like Lovely with jet black hair, often with a cigar in her hand and the best Cafs this side of, well, ANYWHERE. She’s a staple in Yorkville, obviously a confident creature and the owner of Totum Roxborough (or so he rumour goes). Totum Roxborough is a high end fitness/life science facility located in the heart of Rosedale. They are partly responsible for shaping up one or more of the most exclusive neigbourhoods in Toronto. Todd and I have both had the pleasure of a relationship with Shelby; it’s not as intimate as it sounds, well at least not for me. I credit this “relationship” in part, ok in all to the fact that she’s a frequent client at ONE, the Yorkville restaurant where Todd and I both work. Todd has had the pleasure to serve her and I the pleasure to seat her. I always thought that I had the better advantage because my vantage point allowed me the wonderful perk of checking out her fantastic footwear. I’ve never seen her in flats; I do admire a woman who spends most of her shoe time in Tallville. Upon future reflection however, Todd has had the advantage, having served her on numerous occasions, him being well traveled and possessing the gift of the gab has allowed them a civil, almost friendly relationship (as much as client/server relationship affords). Much more than talking shop, there conversations are meaningful, I distinctly remembered him saying something about them talking Chanel, if that’s not meaningful I don’t know what is. She was at Brunch this past weekend and despite my resistance to getting too personal with the clientele I mustered up the courage to ask her about her experience at My Favorite Dresses. I explained that I was doing a piece on the Boutique and she pleasantly told me about the Halston number she had borrowed for the Sex and the City premier. I wittily quibbled that “I could just image” how big her wardrobe was and slopped up the info for my story. She also mentioned that there were other competitors in the city (which was a surprise to me) I was under the impression that this concept was somehow was unique to Toronto9in the Boutique sense, there are lots of these companies online). She did mention that compared to the competition, the quality was on the higher end, and marveled at the designer brands available. I left it at that and made mental note number 2 to research this Boutique in detail.

I got a hold of Salem on a grey, London-like day, rain was threatening but cowardly not committing. I had put in a full day at ONE and was writing (no doubt updating my Blog) at my favourite Internet café on Yonge. Intermittingly, as a full fledge facebook addict is accustomed, I checked my facebook account to see what my “friends” were up to. A post about Chanel apparel from Salem jolted my memory that I just had to inquire about this Boutique with the buzz. I searched my phone for the number and rang him, despite our love/hate relationship. Salem and I go back about 4 years, maybe 5, it’s a turbulent relationship to say the least; to say that we’ve had our ups and downs would be redefining the phrase. That being said, I admire his passion, his drive and his undeniable sense to keep moving forward. He’s incredible resilient. In an industry like ours, what you need to succeed isn’t always what’s good for you and he gets that. It takes a special person to put up with the rejections and schemes lurking at almost every corner. I told him all about Shelby and the buzz that was building and that I would love to check out the space for my Blog. He said he would be heading to New York in a day or so and that I could take a look right away if I was free. I asked him the intersection and he said “Yonge and Gloucester”, minutes away from my favourite Internet café and so close to my apartment. How random is that? Only moments away from my apartment and my favourite internet café, it seemed a meeting in the making. I’m a proud Gloucester Street resident, who’s kidding who? The Village is the place to be. I love my neighbourhood, my neighbours and most of all, I love that my street reminds me of charming old Guelph Ontario. We met at the intersection and after the customary air kisses, he compliments my outfit (my leopard print Trench, just in case you wanted to know); I say thank you and we headed upstairs at 634 Yonge St. To my surprise (for some reason I wasn’t expecting much) it was a rich, bold and vibrant space. A single chandelier held together three racks of designer clothing, a simple but elegant desk, a display case and 1 or 2 Jewellery showcases. The space is small but exudes luxe; he makes an offer; why don’t you write a piece about the space and “we’ll dress you for your next Event”. I was going to write a piece anyway, but a designer outfit for free (even if it’s borrowed) only sweetened the deal. “We” I probed, I was curious, who else was behind this lovely surprise. He then gave me a quick Bio on Trisha, a friend of his who was THE woman behind all this buzz. He placed a quick phone call to set up a meeting/shoot with her for the following Wednesday.

The day I met Trisha was much like the day I met Salem, so much so that I wore the same Trench and carried the same umbrella (A pink “house” umbrella from a line that Sarah Jessica Parker put out a few years back). I arrived early and she was mid appointment with what looked like very HM clients, complete with miniature puppy, on the look out for a hot number or 2 for whatever their affair was. I introduced myself, said my Photographer was running late and disappeared down the stairs to meet my tardy Photog so that I would not interfere. I was lucky enough to acquire the services of the budding but talented Artist Issha Marie, playing Photographer on this Occasion. We met downstairs just in time to see the send off of what I presume was Trisha’s 3 o’ clock. After introductions we had a remarkable casual convo (my favourite kind). While Issha snapped away in the background, Trisha and I spoke about her history, her plans for the Boutique and how she felt about being on Yonge St, a location that is not at first thought connected with high end Boutiques. What I found out is almost as, if not, as charming as the Boutique. Trisha Mishich is no novice, she’s has been in the style/fashion industry for quite some time. Formerly the Owner of Trisha Laurel designs, an original hand crafted jewellery line that specialized and perfected Parisian Scarf Necklace, a company trademark that has even graced the neckline of Sarah Jessica Parker herself. A staple on the scene, Trisha has been a frequent force at our very own Toronto Film Fest, L’Oreal Fashion Week and trade shows including the consumer favourite One of a Kind Show. The Sole Proprietor of My Favourite Dresses, she named the Boutique after an image she encountered on a mug on a trip to lovely Los Angeles. Clients are privy to loaned items of the designer variety for a 4 night period, dry cleaning included, for their special occasion. Prices range from $50-$250.00 and feature dresses from ready-to-wear designer evening and cocktail dresses for women sizes 0-14. Designers on hand include Vera Wang, Marchesa and Cynthia Rowley plus a wonderful selection of Canadian designers including Brose, Joeffer Caoc (a personal favourite) and Matthew Alexander. The concept although not new is innovative. It’s a cost effective way for women to enjoy an evening out without the constant reminder of the price. The Boutique also offers a small consignment section (Salem’s section) that offers up mostly designer handbags (Chanel is very popular) at a fraction of the retail price. Check them out at 634 Yonge Street, upstairs.

I’m having a fashion dilemma that I hope you can help me with. I recently made a dubious purchase while on a trip to the mall with a friend (a trip that may have included a few martinis at lunch). Anyway, I am now the proud owner of a pair of bubble pink runners. My sister says I am far too old for such whimsical footwear; she had the nerve to call me “hip hop kid”! Am I too old for these kicks? If I’m not, what in the world should I wear them with? Should I stop having drinks at the mall?

Help,
Mitchell

Ah, the old A&S conundrum. Alcohol and shopping is a dangerous combination, for me anyway. Stop having drinks at the Mall? Never! Much like you Mitchell, I have many such stories to my credit; thankfully they’re locked away in the vault, never to be revealed. Now I’m not a running shoe wearer myself, I try and wear my heels as often as possible as I’m terrified of being short. There’s a lot to say about height phobias (BTW, wink wink– I don’t have one). Being in the tall girl club is very important to me, even if I’m just pretend tall. Forgive the sidebar but I tend to veer off course, back to your questions. This look may not be at the top of my list but I do have an appreciation for all aspects of style and I also have a tremendous amount of respect for those who do this look well. To best answer your main question, I had to think of the person I know that does this look best. After referencing your picture and after much pondering Vanessa came to mind, she’s an avid Converse wearer and always looks the picture of cool. Stealing from her style (all the best ideas are stolen), may I suggest a pair of distressed Skinnies in grey or ash paired with a black T, try one with something cheeky written on the front, untucked. If you’re going for Funk you can add a Bowler, I suggest something straw or straw-like, the tan/nude hue is very HOT right now. Throw in a studded bracelet to complete the look. If you want to stay understated forget the Bowler, a long strap handbag is your best bet, something retro. I say hit up Kensington Market, something circa 1986ish should do the trick. As for your age like Aaliyah said waaaaay back in the day, “age ain’t nothing but a number”. I would however leave the word “kicks” to teenagers, twenty year olds and Basketball players. Have Fun!

First I must say that the thing that drew me to the Go360° Clean in the first place was not any of the claims made on the product but that Oval brush with the bristle like cleaning surface and that little handle that you’re supposed to hold between your fingers. Go figure, I’m a sucker for novelty items. So you’re supposed to squirt the exfoliating formula on the brush and work it over your face, then rinse, repeat if necessary. Now I don’t know if there were any serious claims on the packaging like restoring youth or minimizing lines because I’m very easily distracted and I’m pretty sure I stopped reading the benefits after a line or two. What I can tell you is that I’ve been using this product for the past week at least twice a day and it does give your face a good clean. I like the gentle scrub and the subtle suds of whatever is in the cleaning serum (like I mentioned before, serum for everything). It seems to take off whatever remaining make-up is left from your make-off regime. I haven’t noticed anything mind blowing but I have noticed the dirt coming off and that my face feels considerably cleaner. As far as comparisons to other products, I won’t go there because I usually just use a make-up remover wet wipe. If you are looking for a good clean wash for your face, I think this is a good product to spend your $10 bucks or under on, if you’re looking for miracles, beauty buyer, beware.

I’m not a fan of “haute affairs”; the crowd is often so predictable, pushy PR people, boastful Bloggers all competing for the spotlight and that 1 pretentious bitch that has a problem with your fake LV purse. Thankfully this crowd was different, minus the pretentious bitch. I spent the evening soaking up the luxe of the space that oozed an old world meets modern charm, and engaged in savory convo with delightful young movers and shakers (the future looks bright). I chatted up Laura Kim Connell a fabulous writer who told me about her upcoming goal to compete in the San Francisco marathon, connected with Anna Jonca, her latest venture repping Phuze (a jewelry line she is importing exclusively from Mexico) and caught up with Jay Strut who was working the room as per. If you’re on King West stop by for a bevy or to browse the Boutique. A good time was had by all. Check out their website at www.spicesafar.com or drop in, 510 King Street West.

“Creating Inventive Jewelry with an Irreverent Sensibility”

I recently met the delightful Anna Jonca, owner of Uniqarte at an event she hosted at SpiceSafar on King West with Aly MacGregor (ReiCura PR). She was wearing the most stunning BLUE ring that minimized the rest of her lovely ensemble. She introduced herself as an Importer, we talked about how we would be able to help each other; both being young women in somewhat the same Industry. I gave her my card and made plans to set up a meeting to see how we could best help each other. Before the night was out I had all but forgotten the plans, too many Vodka Red Bulls, but I digress. Days later, after the hangover had subsided, I received an email from Anna and it all came back. We met at Jimmy’s Coffee, a charming little coffee bar on Portland Street. To no one’s surprise, certainly not to Anna’s, I was running late. It’s the only way to go for a young PR girl in practice. After I ordered my Latte, cold because it was vigorously hot with a single fan to circulate the air in the space, we settled in for a nice chat, periodically checking the score. She’s cheering for Mexico because she lived there for a while and I, for whoever is winning at that moment.

To my chagrin, we hit it off right away. Much more than an Importer, Anna has a background in Business, Advertising, Marketing, is an avid traveler; more over I found out she was dating one of, if not the most gorgeous men in the room at the Spice Safar launch. I was intrigued, who was this woman and how can I get her life and if not her life, how can I get her to be my best friend? At least one of my Besties, Kevin and Mari are not replaceable. As she sips her water and I my Latte, the Football Match in the background, she tells me all about her latest venture. She had the exclusive North American rights to import a blown crystal jewelry line from Mexico City; striking pieces like the ring she was wearing at the party. I found out that the pieces were the creation of talented Artist Orfeo Quagliata, offspring of acclaimed artist Narcissus Quagliata and award-winning jewelry designer Herta Jalkotzy. The pieces are 1 of a kind, hand made, blown crystal and Orfeo has been a progressive force in crystal and glass design. The line, affectionately called Phuze (because of the way it’s put together) has been distributed exclusively in Canada by UniqArte since 2010. Already in stores like Barneys and Saks in NYC it’s only a matter of time before Phuze (pronounced fuse) is on every Torontonian-Fashionista’s finger and neck out there.

The collections are colourful, authentic and unique; a great fit for the woman who loves exclusivity. The latest collection “crystal” features stunning asymmetrical rings in a wide range of colours including Lilac, which I absolutely adore. In addition the collection features transparent Bangle bracelets in Lime, Charcoal and Magenta. Phuze offers a full jewelry collection including cuffs and necklaces in addition to the aforementioned rings and bangles. For now however, in Canada you only have access to the “crystal collection” online at www.theglamroom.com and www.atozane.com or you can contact my new BFF Anna Jonca at the following:
Anna Jonca
UniqArte – Owner
C: + 1 416 618 8119
BBM: 21EE1B7E
Website: www.uniqarte.com
Blog: www.annajonca.com
….importing exquisite arte wear and decor