FASHION: CNTM in Greta Constantine

On this month's (Summer 2009) cover of FASHION Magazine, the 11 contenders for the newest Canada's Next Top Model are all wearing special order Greta Constantine dresses and gowns - gorgeous!

Pick one up to see this worldly and insanely gorgeous Gabor Jurina photo spread (styled by Susie Sheffman) - with models Liisa Winkler and Yasmin Warsame.

Wedding Dress Blowout Toronto

A Wedding Dress Sale for Windfall, Canada’s only NEW Clothing and Basic-Needs Bank

Saturday June 6th, 2009 from 11am to 4pm

Windfall’s Warehouse Wedding Dress Boutique will offer cut rate pricing on BRAND NEW bridal gowns, wedding accessories, and bridal party dresses. The proceeds from this event will go directly to funding Windfall’s anti-poverty programs.

Includes brand name and designer gowns all at deeply discounted prices in sizes 2 to 24. Elizabeth Grant Skin Care will also be on site selling stunning jewelry sets and make-up for the bride-to-be and her wedding party.

Windfall Warehouse, 29 Connell Court, Unit 3, Toronto, (Evans Ave and Horner Ave). For more information visit: www.weddingdressesforwindfall.com

Toronto Vintage Fashion Bazaar

Sunday, May 31st, 2009, 12pm-6pm.

Mens and womens clothing, shoes, and accessories from the closets of some of Toronto's expert vintage shoppers will be on sale.

[Each season, Studio Gallery will select twenty of their favorite vintage fashionistas as vendors. If you are interested in participating at the Summer 2009 Edition of the Toronto Vintage Fashion Bazaar, please contact Vanessa at vanessa@studio.to]

Directions to Studio Gallery:

294 College st., 2nd floor
Intersections: College and Spadina
(Above the Savannah Room)
Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own shopping bags. Cash only. $5 entry.

Free Fashion Workshops for youth under 29

A Passion For Fashion - Orientation Sessions

June 16 & 23, 2009
5:30pm Doors Open
6:00pm Session Begins

Youth Employment Services (YES) has teamed up with Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) to create this amazing opportunity for youth to learn about entrepreneurship and fashion design.

Sign up for one of these FREE information sessions to learn more. Targeted to youth aged 16 - 29 living in the Province of Ontario, who are not professional fashion designers, A Passion For Fashion participants will receive workshops on starting a business, fashion design and marketing, one-on-one mentorship and a chance to enter the Fashionista's Den Competition where one lucky youth will win $1,000 cash, a one-year TFI Outreach membership and 50 hours of business advisory and fashion mentorship.

Visit www.yes.on.ca for eligibility, program information and additional orientation dates and locations in the GTA. To register for the June 16th and 23rd sessions, contact Youth Employment Services at Gabrielle_zilkha@yes.on.ca or call 416-504-5516 ext. 233.

Toronto Fashion Incubator, 285 Manitoba Dr., Toronto

SOL[e]D! Fashion Event - June 6

To celebrate the launch of
Issue 8: THE SHOE ISSUE
WORN Fashion Journal
proudly presents

SOL[e]D! A Gala Evening and Live Auction
at the BATA SHOE MUSEUM

June 6, 2009
Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St W, Toronto
Doors at 7 PM - Auction at 9 PM
and dancing until 1 AM


Photo @ www.wornjournal.com/html/soled-out/


WORN sent 23 pairs of plain white Keds to diverse Canadian artists and designers Renata Morales, Clayton Evans of complexgeometries, Angie Johnson of Norwegian Wood, and Damzels in This Dress; artists Allyson Mitchell, Hilly Yeung, Hollie Dzama, Marina Dempster and Team Macho and asked them to alter embellish and redesign...


SOL[e]D! offers these up for auction to the highest bidder

In addition, the evening will include cocktails, free food, and dancing with Toronto's own SHAKE A TAIL djs

Advance tickets are $28 with a portion of all proceeds going to FASHION CARES and include a two year subscription to WORN Fashion Journal and access to ALL museum exhibits for the evening.


WORN Fashion Journal
ART and SOLE exhibit at the Bata Shoe Museum open to the public from May 21 to June 6.

Free Shipping @ Psalms

There are only six days left to take advantage of free shipping on jewellery and accessories at Psalms 91:1 Accessories, a Toronto-based line led by designer Sally Han.

There's so much to see and buy >> Check it out >>

Free Beauty Makeovers June 5-7

L’Oréal Paris Offers 1,000s of Complimentary
Summer Beauty Makeovers June 5 - 7, 2009

L’Oréal Paris is offering FREE makeup and hair makeovers from some of Canada’s top makeup and hair artists for three days preceding Toronto's Luminato festival! Participants will also get the opportunity to ‘walk the red carpet’ at the Beauty Tent where a photographer will capture their final beauty look as a special memento.

Special guest appearances at the Beauty Tent by L’Oréal Paris’ Official Makeup Artist, Eddie Maleterre and Official Hair Artist and Colourist, Eric Del Monaco – the same beauty masterminds who created all of the runway beauty looks for LG Fashion Week.

L’Oréal Paris Beauty Tent
Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto

June 5 - 7, 2009 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

9 Spring Shoes (2009)

One of the greatest things about Spring and longer sunny days is the burst of color indoors and out! And shoe stores this Spring 2009 are no exception.

In a twist of trends, shoes for sale are every color of the rainbow, in patterns and stripes; animal skins and suedes. There are fringes, gaudy beads and baubles and tons of decorative details. Of course the gladiator sandal and strappy heels reign for the masses this year, but now black is boring as sandals are multi-colored. A new look for Toronto is the 'bootie shoe', which was HUGE in Europe last year and likely your best investment this year as it'll work next as well!


Aldo (in most malls - outlet on Yonge Street)
$75 gladiators | $100 orange | $90 Lacau


Browns (locations in HBC stores and most malls)
$150 suede purple | $120 reptile | $130 bootie shoe (all the rage in Europe last year)


Another chain store by leading Canadian shoe retailer, The Aldo Group - Little Burgendy has three Toronto locations, offering name brand (youth styles) footwear.
Shown $100 wedge | $50 sandal | $189 (my splurge) cork pumps

Dancing Shoes: Keep your feet comfy!

I was sooo excited to receive an Airplus 'PR' gift in the mail - something every single woman should have!

Airplus makes cushioning insoles, gel pads and heel liners, all designed to make shoes more comfortable. Heel liners make high heels more snug and easier to walk in, while the gel foot cushions provide shock absorption and grip - which means I can wear my heels longer!

So, I've been testing out all the insoles and I can honestly say, 'why did I not do this sooner?!!'

Seriously, it takes $16 for the Coolmax regular shoe insoles and the difference in comfort is amazing. I put gel pads ($8 for 2 sets) in my heeled booties , the full Gellies insole in my strappy sandals - and the heel cushions ($7) are a necessity for any heels! (I also previously tried the Aloe Spa Socks - heavenly!) All the gel pads are clear and stick right into your shoes. The extra grip makes it easier to walk in.

When it comes to insoles, buyer beware - all gel insoles are not created equal. You get what you pay for. In the past, I've bought the heel grips from Payless - garbage. I tried the gel insoles from Dollarama - garbage.

The Airplus products are well-priced for decent quality and are easily available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Zellers and other leading grocery stores in Canada.

STRUT: An ARTWHERK! Fundraiser

May 29, 2009
Where: Goodhandy’s, 120 Church Street (@ Richmond)
Doors open at 9. Shows at 10 pm, 11 pm, & 1 pm
Cover: $7

The ARTWHERK! Collective proudly presents the 2nd Annual STRUT! Fundraiser.
Proceeds benefit The ARTWHERK! Collective in producing the ARTWHERK! Gallery, which will be held this year at the Art Gallery of Ontario the week of June 22 , 2009.

Midnight Runway Contest (12 a.m. SHarp!)
Registration Fee $2 for an Individual, $5 for a group
Whether you rock DIY or designer looks, we encourage you to bring big style and fierce poses to our Dance! Pose! Compete in our Midnight Runway Contest. As a an individual supermodel or a house of high fashion you can compete for one of our glamorous prize packs (including make-up, hair and skincare products from One World, and a classic gay movie dvd package) or the grand prizes: a styling session with Mikey Sin Studios and Photo Layout by Fab Magazine!

Hourly Shows
DJs include Blackcat, Nik Red, Quinces and Craig Dominic
Performances by Fay Slift, Ryan G. Hinds, BoylesqueTO, Donnarama, Skin Tight Outta Sight Rebel Burlesque, Daddy K and the Rhythm Method, The Cinnamon Hearts, Troy Jackson, Fat Femme Mafia, Drag Idol 2009 winner Heroine Marks and Ivory Gawth, Ill Na Na

***
The the ARTWHERK! Gallery is one of the few events that are accessible to queer youth. More than a once-a-year gallery, we have also helped our artists with school placements, community involvement and immigration campaigns. Activism and Art is where we came from and we are proud to be able to offer an avenue for artistic expression and a social space for the full of spectrum of folks that make up the LGBTQ community.

Celebrating its 5 and final year, the ARTWHERK! Collective has showcased international and Canadian young and emerging queer artists, providing an annual space during Pride for the kind of exhibition and performance that is not usually found amongst parades and circuit parties.

For more information, contact: artwherk@hotmail.com

Toronto Fashion Industry News (may2009)

Gail McInnes, Managing Editor of the Toronto Fashion Incubator's (free) monthly online newsletter, does an amazing job of collecting everything industry related in Toronto each month.

You can go to the TFI website and subscribe yourself >>

http://www.fashionincubator.com/happenings/newsletter/tfi-news-may-2009.shtml

TFI News May 2009

Highlights:
- Faren Announced Winner Of ELLE Canada New Labels® Fashion Design Competition (photos)
- TFI Executive Director Celebrates 15-Year Anniversary
- Upcoming Events
- Fashion Births & Deaths: A tally of good news and bad news on the fashion front
- Scene & Heard

Designer Knockoffs and some "Mercy-ful" Justice

Toronto designers Richard Lyle and Jennifer Halchuck have successfully sued Diane Von Furstenburg for copying one of their Spring '08 pieces. Their suit comes at the same time as US designers are pushing a new "Design Piracy Prohibition Act", an act which allows designers to register designs (which would include fashion accessories as well) for upto three years - and to sue those who copied them. The Star has the full story here. Ironically, Diane Von Furstenburg herself has been knocked off multiple times by Forever 21 - as seen up above - and has also been a huge supporter of the act. The dress on the left is DVF, and on the right Forever 21's "Sabrina" dress.

If you want to see more examples of blatant designer knockoff's and read some insightful editorial , check out Susan Scafidi's awesome website, Counterfeit Chic. Susan is also the author of a book on the subject, called "Who Owns Culture? - Appropriation and Authenticity in American Law", which you can find on her website as well.

As for Canadian Designers, we have no such act here at home - maybe it's time Canadian Designers demanded the same protections that European Designers have had for 25 years?

La Moustache

It seems everyone is having themed parties these days (color codes, hat parties, genres, etc...) - and although cliche, it makes them all the more fun!

We trekked to 69 Vintage Buy the Pound (1234 Bloor Street West) to see Irene, pre-order our Deadly Nightshades gear and don 'staches for the La Moustache party - with several really great experiemental bands in from Montreal including Michael Holt and Chris Banks, Banana and the Flying Colours, Ronley Teper and her Lipliners, Willow Rutherford and Michael Liston.


Cupcakes are delicious!

Artwork and flyer by Tony Ochre

Rachel and Irene avec moustaches

Awesome set by Ronley Teper and her Lipliners

More Moustache

Statement Legs 2009

Nay: Winter Legs

YAY: Spring Legs!!!

Happy Birthday Taurus!

Happy Birthday Sonja!
Even though you no longer work with us at Torontostreetfashion.com - we wish you a fab birthday and a more fab year!! xo

Designer Gals

Dresses under $150 in Toronto

If you're still on the PROM dress hunt (or you likely have an upcoming wedding or shower), you can find an amazing, original-looking dress at a vintage shop in Toronto for under $150. If you insist on new, you may have to head to the mall (but risk the chance of wearing the same dress as someone else).

However, the surefire places to find a dress for under $150 (Canadian companies in the mall):
(Biggest malls: Eaton Centre, Yorkdale, Scarborough Town Centre, Fairview Mall)

Le Chateau
Although they've bumped up their prices in the past five years or so (so, cheap clothes that cost more), you can still find some really stylish items from shoes to earrings, to hats to coats. Canadian company Le Chateau is worth the visit and have a great selection of prom dresses - and while you're there you can find shoes, tights and accessories too.


Fairweather
I don't shop here - anymore (not even to buy cheapy tank tops), but if it's an inexpensive dress you're after, you should stop in. Prices are super affordable.

Winners
I love Winners, but sometimes you have to search through racks and racks and multiple stores to find what you're looking for. The selection varies from great priced designer finds to mass produced youth labels - all previous seasons' overstock. There are Winners locations throughout the city - and for the most part, they are all different. Happy hunting!


Sears
Yes, it's true. Sears is a great option if it's inexpensive dresses you're after. I found these three ideal dresses among many online - perfect shells to accessorize around!

Local Frills

Local fashion designer and dressmaker Samantha Stoncius graduated from LaSalle's fashion program last year and has been busy getting her name on the T.O. scene by participating in charity fashion events and most recently, the Clothing Show.

Since this is the season of frilly dresses (prom, weddings, showers, etc...) it's a wonderful time to show photos of Samantha's recent runway presentation at the Clothing Show.

Her dresses are available online at Etsy or in the city at The Rage (2 Kensington) and Nathalie-Roze & Co. (1015 Queen St. E). However, if you have something else in mind, she can design something for you from scratch - a great idea for bridesmaids >>

DIY: Bathing Suits

Sew Be It Studio offers sewing and pattern-making courses all year round, but this one caught my eye! How cool would it be to be able to make your own, custom-made swimsuit?!

In this three-week workshop, you'll learn how to make your own swimsuit that will fit you like a second skin, and flatter your body in ways most store bought ones can't. You'll be able to use the skills learned in this class so that you never have to buy another bathing suit again.

Three Week Course
Sew Be it Studio, 2156 Yonge Street, Toronto
June 20, Saturdays
Time: 2pm – 5pm
$95 + GST - Bring your own fabric (2-way spandex)
416-481-7784

Drunk in the Trunk - Part II, May 14th!

Toronto's favorite Sustainable, Fashion Designing Midnight Bike Gang, The Deadly Nightshades are hosting one last Drunk in the Trunk Show before pre-ordering closes for Fall '09! Hosted by 69 Vintage Buy the Pound at 1234 Bloor St. W on May 14th from 6-9pm it's the only way to get 20% off retail price and to ensure you get the size and colour that you want before DNS gear even hits stores!!!

Girls in Hats

PROM: Dresses (list in progress)

Fashion Crimes
http://fashioncrimes.ca/
Perhaps one of the most coveted dress boutiques in the city, Fashion Crimes has the potential to hook you up, if you're willing to spend a few bucks. Designer and owner Pam Chorley has been in her Queen Street West store for 25 years and has since racked up tons of great press and her dresses have been in numerous magazines. For a beautiful dress or at least a lot of inspiration, stop in here. 322 Queen Street West (east of Spadina).

-----------------

Build Your Own Dress @ Peach Berserk (ready in 2 weeks or less)
www.peachberserk.com

With its "Dress Design' software, you can go to the Peach Berserk website and click and drag to build an offbeat printed dress of your dreams. There are over 200 Peach Berserk prints to choose from, from fabulously funky to delightfully demure. $395

- 15 different bodices
- 9 different skirts (each in 3 lengths)
- 6 different sleeve types
- 45 different silk fabric colours
- and a whole bunch of cute accessories such as flounce, crinoline, rosettes, buttons and bows.

-------------------

The Little Black Dress Shop Online
http://littleblackdressshop.com/catalog/
Mostly classic styles, black or 'light' black, designer and Canadian designer.

Men @ Fat

PROM: Vintage Shops for Dresses (Toronto)

These images, taken from our 2006 Prom shoot, feature the gals in 69 Vintage dresses - still completely fashionable for 2009!

If you want an original-looking, usually well-made and special dress for prom that doesn't cost hundreds of dollars, consider going vintage.

Vintage shops take the pain out of 'thrifting' and pickers are well-seasoned at choosing top items to sell in their shops. It can be the difference of hitting up every store in the mall, or simply picking a dress off a rack!

I tried asking my pro-vintage friends about their 'favorite' shops in the city, but I should've know - that's like asking people to divulge their most private secrets. And I have to agree - SO, instead of taking the fun out of discovering your own favorite vintage shops by listing them, I'll instead just lead the way:

Kensington Market
Kensington Market, a few blocks slightly north of the Spadina/Dundas area is probably the area with the most concentrated number of vintage shops in the city. That's not to say they're all top quality, however, you can hit them all in a few hours without stepping foot indoors at a mall! And the prices are great.

Fav's for dresses include Flashback, 33 Kensington Avenue and Dancing Days, 17 Kensington Avenue.
Then stop in Courage My Love, 14 Kensington Avenue or a number of other shops on the street to find some great accessories.

Ossington Avenue
Over the past few years a short strip in the Ossington/Dundas area has been struggling to snazz up its artsy turf with quaint shops opening and closing. However, a few great finds do remain among cafes and galleries including Silver Falls, 15 Ossington and I Miss You, 63 Ossington (at Queen).

Queen Street West
Undisputably Toronto's best/easiest 'shopping' street that runs from west of University Avenue all the way to WEST Queen West beyond Ossington. Furthest west, we like 69 Vintage, 1100 Queen St., then east of Bathurst there are many higher-end shops like Cabaret, 672 Queen St., Brava, 553 Queen St., and House of Vintage, 571 Queen St. Really there are too many for me to mention - but if you start your search at Spadina Avenue and walk west, I would think you'd be sure to find a great dress!


Toronto Midtown - High End
Head north of Bloor to find high-end designer focused vintage shops like Act 2, 596 Mount Pleasant Road, The Cat's Meow, 180 Avenue Road and The Paper Bag Princess, 287 Davenport Road.


Other
There are vintage dress shops throughout the entire city - on Roncesvalles Avenue, Queen Street East, Dundas Street and Bloor Street (visit Irene at 69 Buy the Pound, 1234 Bloor Street) - even in Yorkville.

If you do consider buying a fabulous vintage dress for prom (or any occassion), take out the frustration of thrifting and go to a specialized vintage shop, where staff can truly help make it a great experience!

Tiff's Clothing Show Fav 5

by Tiff Ing

If there’s one event that Toronto shopping addicts look forward to, it’s the bi-annual Clothing Show. There’s always an opportunity to score deals and discounts, and to meet and chat up the (mostly local) faces behind the labels. Four years ago, when I first trekked down to the Exhibition grounds for the show, it opened my eyes to the wonderful creative talents of Toronto designers. Now, four years later, media pass in hand, I’ve compiled a list of my five favorite Toronto-centric booths through the years, in no particular order:


1. JOOL – Local designer Julie Phelps always has a beautifully set up booth with affordable, boldly printed reworked vintage blouses and lots of vintage shoes and trunks. Check out her wares in her Etsy shop.

2. I Miss You Vintage – Super mark downs on a well-edited, but abundant collection of vintage dresses and accessories--$15 dresses? $5 purses? I’m sold. Check out I Miss You’s shop at 63 Ossington Avenue or online.

3. Snoflake/Dagg & Stacey – Debbie Sutton, Stacey Paterson and Karen Dagg are a Clothing Show staple, with an extra large booth to sell samples and leftovers from past collections at discounted prices. Check out www.snoflakefashion.com and www.daggandstacey.com before the
show to find choice pieces, but be prepared to fight for your size!

4. Propaganda – Regina Shum likes to sell off pieces from past collections of Valerie Dumaine, Eve Gravel, and other Canadian designers at major discounts, and she’s totally open to bargaining with Clothing Show attendees for better prices. Check out her website at www.shopaganda.ca and her adorable 686 Yonge St shop for more fun stuff.

5. Model Citizen – For the boys, you just can’t beat Julian Finkel’s Model Citizen prints. Their Clothing Show booth usually has some serious deals—my boyfriend scored a devil’s pitchfork printed collared shirt for a mere 5 bucks this year! For more printed awesomeness, check out Model Citizen’s Kensington store at 279 Augusta.

Mothers

Mother's Day is is Sunday May 10, 2009.


Mimi&Marge bouquet ring @ Propaganda $70 | Foxy 'Henna' Earrings @ Deva Shoppers $28 | Ceramic glazed Poppy Pin by Julie Moon @ Shopgirls $30



Joe Fresh beauty products available at Loblaws Superstores throughout Canada.
Tinted lip balm $8 | Bronzer $8 | Eye Shadow Trio $6

Ladylike

Underground Fashion Throwdown at 69 Buy the Pound!!!

Nouveau rockers

Style fixture Biko Beauttah

Eye Magazine's Rea McNamara

Deadly Nightshade's Big Red