style is life

Quickly becoming a tradition, Katwalk, Ultra’s weekly summer showcase is back for another year with a line-up that is STYLE APPROVED. The weekly fashion show is now a Wednesday night affair and will continue to draw the fashion curious to Ultra’s swanky roof top patio week after week, weather permitting. Last night’s launch was a playful display of CK’s sexy summer lingerie line. Gorgeous models worked the runway in the season’s finest lingerie and swimwear to the delight of the enthusiastic invited. Always a treat, KW is poised for another great summer. Fuze, the official sponsor of this year’s edition is a nice addition, their edgy demeanor will do the series well. Next week is sure to be a treat. Can’t wait!

Spring/Summer 2010 sizzles as Yorkville’s boldest Boutique kicked of the season with the hottest party in the city. Its official, 1 year on the radar and Serpentine is rapidly carving out a reputation as the ultimate when it comes to creating a definable sense of style.
The launch which introduced the addition of contemporary label Juma to the store’s extensive collection of exclusive brands brought together all types from the Fashion and Style scenes. A great fit for the Boutique’s edgy approach, Juma’s staple of individuality and fresh take on style will be highlighted amidst like styled brands. Celebs and the celebrated style forward cozied up with the Boutique’s A list clientele to shop, schmooze and celebrate the beginning of what promises to be a season to remember.

The key to my style is simple, I wear what makes me feel good. I keep tabs on the trends, I go to the shows but in the end I choose what I like. In most cases I choose one standout piece and balance it out with the right accessories. In this case, the volume of my baby Pink puff dress is on high so I went with mimimal accesories. The lightness of the colour is femenine but the design is all statement. Those STC girls better watch out.

On the heels of some high profile Fashion events in Toronto I’m inspired to write about some of the pieces in my closet that are popularly complimented for there unique style and exceptional quality. I love a compliment, especially when it’s on my wardrobe. I also love to inspire but I don’t always divulge all the secrets to the successes of my closet, but this is one thats worth sharing. I discovered a long time ago that what you wear isn’t as important as how you wear it; ever since then I have looked for pieces in the most unexpected places.

My favourite places to find quality, interesting and statement pieces are at consignment, thrift, charity and second hand shops. If you’ve never shopped this way before, it can be a bit intimidating and at first glance may seem hopeless. Its not for everyone, but if you love shopping and the hunt, it’s worth at least 1 try. If you love to rummage, have patience and enjoys a good bargain, you’ll love this way of shopping. The trick is to chose pieces that appeal to you instantly, don’t leave home without your tape measure and walk with cash. Check your items thoroughly for stains, odd rips and odour. In most cases you can fix stains and rips with a simple trip to your dry cleaner and tailor. There are some cases however where damaged items may not be fixable, be through when checking. Larger cities offer a wide range of these shops from higher end (The Second Time Around) to lower price points like your local Value Village. If you live in a small town and you have access to any of these shops, you are sitting on a Style goldmine, the pieces aren’t as picked over as they would be in the city, take advantage of that. Happy Hunting!

Looking to chic things up this Summer? the Blues are a blast. Summer 2010 promises to be another great year for Style, trends are abundant but I’m still loving the Blues, a carryover from the past few seasons. The range is anything from deep, rich, Blues to electric Blues. There is a high end charm about Blue, at first glance it screams statement but look again, there’s an ease and flexibility about wearing it and everyone looks great wearing it. For most, a few key pieces will add dept to your wardrobe but for those who love the statement of Black it’s a treat. If you’re itching for something with the same appeal but with a bit more edge, Blue is your new Black. How to wear it well? I love tone on tone, mixing deeper and lighter shades, so chic. I also love accenting with Blue, how charming is your little black dress with a pair of deep blue suede pumps; understated but so chic.

After 5 years of trying to redefine the Fashion and Art scenes in Toronto, F.A.T. (Toronto Alternative Art and Fashion Week) has truly carved out an unrivaled reputation for putting on a great event. A favourite for the culturally curious, the Art Fashion fusion was back for another year with an exceptional line up of stimulants for the truly creative. This year’s theme “made with love” was a dedication to the artist in everyone. Festivities took place at Studio City in trendy Liberty Village.

Appropriately themed “longing” day 1 showcased a contrast of design, media and artistic talents. Highlights included the not so boring Bored Collection, Square Root of Two and 3 solos 1 duet by Marq Frerichs. “Lust”, “rage” and “joy” rounded out themes for the week. Here are some highlights.

Those of us who love Cocoa Butter are fans for 3 simple reasons, it heals, it hydrates and it smells so very delish. The debate on the best butter for your buck rages on. Here are 3 popular body butters, whats your favourite and why?

1. The Body Shop Body Butter

2. Palmers Cocoa Butter

3. Vaseline Body Butter

I had a great time at Fashion Week and was very flattered to make the paper with some very well dressed Style Mavens.

This made my day. Whoever thought this piece up is brilliant. Well done.

It’s official. Got my Holt Renfrew Spring guide in the mail this week. Let the shopping begin.

Day 4 of Fashion Week exposes us to “the power of style” with a cause. Our designers are constantly growing and are being noticed here at home and internationally for there talent and design prowless. As we focus on that talent and exposure, it was nice to see that talent balanced with something so close to our hearts, litrerally.

THE HEART TRUTH

Seeing red took on new meaning as some of our favourite Celebs dressed by some of our most talented Designers made there way down the runway for the love of our hearts. Celebs included funny girl Caroline Rhea wearing Ines Di Santo, Courageous Olympic figure skater Joannie Rochette in Nadya Toto and Jane Francisco, Editor and Chief of Chatelaine in Dvid Dixon.

DIMITRI-CHRIS

What’s this? Horses neighing, hooves thumping, the illusion of dirt and sex, Polo?
No no, the opening of the Dimitri-Chris show. OK boys, you asked for it, here’s what I took away from the show. He’s not trying to redefine the well dressed man; he is however putting his spin on it. The lines are smooth, NOT crisp. The Dimitri-Chris man is a confident man. He is comfortable with his style and sexuality. He’s not wrapped up in himself although he is wrapped up in his scarf. If he’s not young, he’s young at heart. Unfortunately all the pictures I took turned out blurry, I was a little distracted. I’ll get some images up soon.

Day 3 of LG Fashion Week brought intrigue, glamour and introduction to wonderful new talent; awe “the power of style”. A glimpse.

PAT McDONAGH

Accomplished designer Pat McDonagh has been celebrated for her exceptional work in design all over the industry. With a calling for couture, her work is acclaimed for its romanticism, classic and avant-garde natures. Defining couture is a cultural thing and this collection doesn’t deviate from her staples, it emphazises the code of her craft and that speaks for itself.

ORANGE

Orange by Angela Chen is a line thats new to me, how could I not have known about such a wonderful talent. It was my first time at an Orange show and it was clear to me that this was a designer that loved sculpted, art inspiration, the darkness of Black and the practicality of it. The majority of the collection is wearable, there are flirty elements but not to the extent of overt sexuality. This is for the serious woman, she’s confident, driven and knows who she is or who she wants to be. Since I’ve recently discovered Black, this is a line that I can relate to and will need to do some serious background on because I really feel left out in the cold.

LOVAS

Tailoring T Tailoring and Ahhhhh Winter White has never looked so good. Then there is the red thrown in for drama, the shake me up colour of the season. A thorough collection, rich in all that is clean and crisp and complete. To be tailored is to be perfected, I loved the royalty of purple that flowed amidst the blacks and relished in the killer knits and belted demure.

SANIYA KHAN

A woman of contrast is an inspiration to me. With a multitude to draw from, Khan’s collection was filled with so many rich, cultural aspects, so much to sink your teeth into. If I lived in the middle east I would be well dressed but I’m not sure how this applies to the Canadian Winter. At fist glance the collection is easily defined as Eastern but it is so rich, so succulent, many can appreciate the beauty of the fabrics, the jewels, the sheer luxury. There were indeed sensible staples for the modern mature, moveable layered pieces with sensible demensions, all adorned with jewels and luxe. This is truly for the woman of Leisure.

ZORAN DOBRIC

Political perfection? You can sense the restraint in designer ZD collection, The struggle is evident in the sharp cuts and harsh accessories but there are moments of air, calm, a lightness evident in blues and greens and a kaleidoscope of wonderful. The collection exudes an air of mystery that turns up the volume in the rich browns and rigid cuts. The canvas that is clothing is clearly utilized with detailing that cannot be overlooked. Again, Canada’s tapestry of cultural prowless is very evident as ZD Serbian heritage, along with every other inspiration of his being is evident in every piece in this collection.