We all like to look good, but isn’t it better when you can help people in the process? Last week, Jessi Cruikshank launched the “Africa Tee,” her third collaborative design with Me to We Style, a social enterprise that that provides people with better choices for a better world.

Smashingly stylish, the Africa Tee is a one-shoulder top with a tribal pattern around the neck. In true Me to We fashion, it is made in Canada, eco-friendly, sweatshop free from 100% organic cotton. Not only will part of the proceeds go toward helping families in Kenya, for each Africa Tee purchased Free the Children will plant a tree in the Maasai Mara region of Kenya. It comes in black, or white options and can be picked up at Me to We on 223 Carleton St. or online at www.metowe.com/shop. ($44.50 plus an additional graphic tee for $20)

Jeffrey Campbell Exclusive – at Little Burgendy
Splash & Tacks Crazy Colored Wedges

Can you believe Maybelline’s iconic green and pink Great Lash mascara has been around for 40 years?! (that takes it back to 1971 or around the time my mom started wearing mascara). In celebration of it’s anniversary, Maybelline is introducing Great Lash Lots of Lashes mascara – it’s the same product with a new heart-shaped brush.

I love how clean and clump-free it goes on and I actually did get some good impact with a second coat. Lots of Lashes will be available in drug stores in August ($6.49)!

As fashion people, we all love a great sample sale, but the frenzy can be too much!

Last week, The Peacock Parade launched (with a well-dressed party at the Thompson Hotel) finally giving Canadians closer-to-home, online access to Celine, Gucci, Fendi and Prada for up to 70% off! The Peacock Parade website facilitates online flash sales, making a currated assortment of shoes, clothing and more available for 2-3 days. However, shoppers must move quickly because once pieces are gone, that’s it! Alongside the designer brands, look for established and emerging Canadian designer pieces.

To request membership, go to http://www.thepeacockparade.com/signup

by Jenn McNaughton

After another busy and successful week at The Make Den, my final design became a reality! A simplistic sheath dress with a lavender chiffon flounce creates a dynamic and monochromatic evening dress.

During the beginning of the week, the 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. days were strictly focused on finishing my dress. As Irene warned me, “The last 10% of the dress takes 80% of the time.” I wasn’t exactly sure what she meant until I experienced it first hand; the careful hand-tacking, drapery of the flounce, inside facings, and rolled edge, all added the finishing touches on my design, helping to create a beautiful work of art. The finished product was an exact result of what I pictured in the beginning week of the camp. I was extremely pleased and proud of what I had created, and extremely thankful of all the assistance and advice Irene provided me with.

Towards the end of the week, we focused on styling and shooting my dress. Thursday was my day to go out and find the perfect pair of shoes and accessories to complete the outfit. On Friday, our creativity and imagination came to life as we travelled to High Park in the early morning to catch images of myself modelling my dress in the soft lighting. We snapped over a hundred shots with the beautiful wilderness as our backdrop. The final shot however was the most interesting…as we thought it would be a great idea for me to jump in platform pumps. The end shot was absolutely perfect, capturing my jump and dress; however, it resulted in bloody knees and feet. Fashion Bootcamp you say? Literally, however it’s extremely funny to look back on now. All in all, the day was a blast! Irene and I spent the afternoon at a Starbucks nearby, selecting and editing photos to use for my portfolio (into fashion school).

These past two weeks have been one of the most amazing experiences! My fashion skills and knowledge have broadened and great opportunities have sprung. I have met some lovely, genuine people along the way; ones that I know I will keep in touch with and visit when I move to the city in September! I can’t thank Irene enough for all her help and encouragement. Couldn’t have done this without her. Xoxo b

Idlewood Day Backpack | Adhesive Moustaches | Binocular Necklace | Same Sex Cake Toppers | Croissant Earrings | Friendship Bracelet Kit | Hashish Candle | Woodgrain Pillow

http://drakegeneralstore.myshopify.com/

Heatwave. Photographed by Jaclyn Locke | Fashion Editor by Kate Corbett | Hair and Make-up by Natalie Blouin from Plutino Group using MAC Cosmetics | Model Bayan at Sutherland Models | All products available at The Bay.

http://b-insider.com

Swimwear: Carmen Marc Valvo. Jewelry: Expression.  Lipstick: MAC Girl About Town. Lip gloss: MAC Creamsheen Glass Loud & Lovely

Swimwear: Nanette Lapore. Necklace: Expression.  Lipstick: MAC Lipmix Lip Pigment, Orange. Lip gloss: MAC Creamsheen Glass Loud & Lovely. Nails: MAC Dark Angel

Swimwear: Hermanny. Jewelry: Expression. Lipstick: MAC Amplified lipstick, Violetta. Lip gloss: MAC Dazzleglass, Fantabulous.

Swimwear: Juicy Couture. Jewelry: Expression. Headscarf: Echo Design. Sunglasses: Versace. Lipstick: MAC Girl About Town. Lip gloss: MAC Creamsheen Glass Loud & Lovely.

Leopard bikini top: Guess