Photos from the Africa Comes Alive Fundraiser in Toronto

Some great photos from Spiro @ http://itsallstyletome.com/

Pink Tartan’s 1 Year Anniversary at the Toronto Flagship Store, 77 Yorkville Ave.

As we know, retail department stores can really become much more popular when they host parties and then document all the fun on their very own blogs (just look at b-insider from The Bay). It’s also an awesome platform to highlight trends and products and get people flocking to the stores to buy!

photos with Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller who was there to celebrate the launch of holts muse.

I finally just checked out the new Holt Renfrew blog today – http://www.holtsmuse.com. Holt Renfrew is Toronto’s haute department store destination for big-time labels with so much exclusive content possibilities, so I would expect that their blog would be top notch, no?!

Although it’s still new so doesn’t have a ton of content, I love the features: a shoe buyer’s diary in Paris, Behind the Seams with Smythe, Street style shopping (at Holt’s of course), A look at Holt’s employees….

As part of its launch, Holt’s Muse is searching for the NEXT HOLT RENFREW MUSE!

To enter, upload a streetstyle picture of yourself for your chance to win a Holt Renfrew gift card (sorry, don’t know how much it’s for) and have your picture featured on the blog https://www.facebook.com/HoltRenfrew?sk=app_210568622344959

While the temperature is cold enough in Toronto for leather capes and skirts (see below), things are heating up in the fashion world as the Spring 2012 product previews come in. Canadian wholesaler (of big name fashion brands), Se Ce Apparel hosted a, ‘Step into Spring 2012′ party recently, giving guests a look at trendy designer picks in bright spring colors, patterns and prints.  Labels included 7 for all Mankind, Eileen Fisher, House of Harlow, Trina Turk and more, all part of Ce Se Apparel’s line-up. Below are some snaps from the event to keep your fashion inspiration flowing. After all, spring isn’t that far away

One look at this fashionable gal and I knew she was a fashion stylist – they usually look the best, in a contemporary sort of way that the average person might not get (yet). Jessica Albano via Flare Street Style.

This Halloween, our award-winning Opera House offers refuge from streets haunted by tawdry vixens sporting polyester satin with a world of glamour, opulence and mystery. The annual Venetian Ball is a fundraiser for Villa Charities, which provides support for our city’s most vulnerable – our elders and disabled, and is a highlight of the social calendar.  Even free-market fundamentalist Kevin O’Dreary (aka the Daffy Dragon) was caught in a charitable moment.

The evening celebrates Toronto’s fierce passion for opera, with selections from Rossini, Puccini and Mozart. Measha Brueggergosman (my new favourite soprano), crowned with an afro, makes Maria Callas look shy as she saunters onstage in a flowing silver gown and bare feet. Martha Wainright’s boy, Rufus, strikes the right note as both a librettist and vocalist, and the Canadian Tenors (yes, there are four of them), have voices (and eyes!) that could melt the garters off Angela Merkel.  Luckily, my mask hides my blushes as I make the acquaintance of these gentlemen!

A Venetian ball is, by definition, a masquerade. Cheers to those who dressed in full costume, but if you didn’t wear a mask – you can find them in the trimming shops on Queen between Spadina and Bathurst, or you can order them on-line.

Mask Italia has some beautiful laser cut pieces. Ask the artist to put your mask on a hair band – it’s far more comfortable and stable than ribbons, and be sure to buy your mask before your dress and jewelry. If you want to go the whole nine yards – you can rent costumes and gowns from Malabar or Theatrix, (arias not included).

Love the look Tiffanie! A bow blouse and jeans, topped with a great little blazer with accented shoulders and a matching bag and shoes (which I love!).

Fashion Week in Toronto
LG Fashion Week SS’12: Day 5

Jeanne Beker & Street Photos

Whoever thought of the common phrase “the first and last impressions are the most important” was certainly correct. To anyone not in fashion, this often means behaving your absolute best and putting on your best smile. To anyone in fashion, this means wearing the most extravagant ensemble in your closet, to be remembered. As fashion week wraps up we see everything from feathered shawls to one-of-a-kind dresses.

Photos from top: Marlene Shiff & Sonja Andic | Flare Editor Lisa Tant | Lovas Designer Wesley Badanjak | FLister Leesa Butler

The last day featured the biggest Canadian designers such as David Dixon and Denis Gagnon, as well as designers with a different approach to fashion. Adrian Wu opened up the day on a good note with his architectural designs, and Baby Steinberg who blew me away with her use of discarded fabric and assorted materials to create dynamic pieces. Cydelic offered a unique look, one often seen on Lady Gaga with the spaceship like shoulders, creating a “futuristic” look for spring. Lauren Bagliore was a favourite of the night with Asian inspired, loose fitting clothing with a feminine touch. Judith & Charles set up installations for an up close and personal experience with the fashion, and David Dixon won our hearts with his “Lagerfeld-like” black and white contrast.

The perfect ending to the week was Denis Gagnon, who designed menswear inspired pieces for the everyday female. Models skipped and twirled down the runway, ending the week on a happy note.

Day 5 LG Fashion Week SS’12 was probably one of the best days and the worst days at the same time. Starting with the worst (save the best for last always), was that it was the FINAL day of my first ever Fashion Week! Coming into this week I had no idea what to predict, and well, my initial expectations were exceeded. During the course of this week I met so many amazing, creative, and talented individuals, who are truly doing what they are passionate about in life. Designers, media representatives, guests, and all of the wonderful volunteers, all worked together to put together Toronto’s pride and joy, LG Fashion Week.

Now for the best news…drum role…I met Jeanne Beker! She has been an idol of mine for many years, after seeing my very first episode of Fashion Television. While casually sipping on wine with Toronto’s most stylish, I decided to bite the bullet and introduce myself, and am I ever glad I did! After leaving, I was stopped by a man who asked me if he could take a photograph of my outfit for FASHION Magazine. Without hesitation… I said yes. I was sporting my classic black booties from H&M (again), black tights, a teal chiffon dress from H&M, with a cape coat from Jacob over top.

This week was an incredible opportunity and an honor to represent Toronto Street Fashion!

{Editor’s Note: This is why we love Jenn! Enthusiastic, hardworking and the next generation of Toronto’s fashion bloggers!}