Crochet Bikinis @ Shopgirls

Pricila Gomes, a local knitwear designer that originally hails from Brazil, is offering up exotic hand-crocheted bikinis in a multitude of colors and styles! Starting at $135 - only at Shopgirls.

Shopgirls Gallery Boutique, 1342 Queen Street West

Another day in T.O...

Dress to Express at the Ballet

The annual National Ballet Fundraiser is held in the dazzling Four Season's Center, by award winning Canadian architects Diamond & Schmitt. The translucent building is a natural habitat of culture vultures eager to indulge in an evening of dance and drinks. The dress code of this year's gala is "dress to express" - a wise choice at any cultural event. Far too many folks in Toronto dress to repress! Here are a few easy tips to get you from glum to glam.

THROW DOWN THE GAUNTLET!

Biko Beauttah looks beautiful in classic black satin evening gloves. Go for broke by wearing a cocktail ring or bracelet over your satin, or take a trip to Northbound for opera gloves in latex or leather. (Don't worry boys, that's what 911 is for).

PEARLS PEARLS PEARLS!

Whenever adorning with pearls, you should always wear enough to make you wonder - "Is this too much?" The answer, of course, is always no! Gloria Sharp turns her Oscar de la Renta and Michael Kors ensemble from fine to fab, by piling on the ocean gems.

FEATHERED FRIENDS

Paula takes a little black dress on new flights of fancy with this stunning fascinator by David Duncley of KCs hats. This Toronto designer has studied in England with Royal milliner Rose Cory and offers up a yummy selection of hair accessories for the bold and beautiful.

TOP IT OFF

While we are all ready to "go-go Ascot" to garden parties, the evening hat is a sure fire way to get gorgeous. Baronness of the Bias-cut, Lana Lowen (of Lowen Pope), turns heads in her own fire-engine red, 40's film goddess gown topped off with this black beauty from Wild Haagan.

All photos by Karen Brockest.

Sparkle in the City

JUMA in T.O.

Find JUMA 2009 Spring/Summer collection in stores! The collection is modern, clean, sporty and can be dressed casually or formally depending on how you accessorize it.

Womens Stocklist:
Pho Pa (Toronto), Oak (New York), Victoire (Ottawa), James Boutique (Montreal), Turtle (Boston), Pink Sugar (Calgary), Tenth & Proper (Vancouver) and others

Mens Stocklist:
UPC (Toronto), Oak (New York), Boutik (Calgary), Two of a Few (Vancouver), U&I (Montreal) and others

Platinum: Fritz & the Phantoms

Fritz Helder & The Phantoms, the fantastical Toronto-based music/fashion/full-on glam gang is gaining momentum in the club circuit as the first act signed to Nelly Furtado's Nelstar label (mar09).

The “Greatest Hits: Platinum Edition” is scheduled to be released in the coming weeks (July 2009) throughout North America via Last Gang Records.

Check the website for release details AND follow Fritz Helder, Pastel Supernova, Silk Helder & Diego Superstar as they blog about their international adventures >>



These photos from last Spring's special ACT (AIDS Committee of Toronto) project where the four member group did one of the things they do best - dressed up in designer outfits and struck a pose or two for a special to help raise funds for AIDS.

Shown here, local designers Greta Constantine and Oligarchy (top) - who designed limited edition garments that were sold to raise funds for the *Fashion Cares (Aids Committee of Toronto) fund. See the full shoot and details about which garments remain for sale on the website >>

Dress Canadian Celebs

The Style Box Showroom, Toronto's hot new Canadian-only designer showroom exclusive to celebrities, musicians, politicians and influential personalities, is now accepting applications for residency! Housed in the Toronto Fashion Incubator (www.fashionincubator.com), only 15 designers looking to promote their brand through affordable product placement will be granted a position.

Selected designers will also be given the opportunity to show their most elaborate pieces during the ultra-private TIFF '09 Preview Event with a guest list restricted to the most influential film festival attendees, performers, media and high-profile stylists.

For designers interested in The Style Box Showroom, or more details on promotional management services for new and established Canadian designers, contact Amanda Brugel amanda@thestylebox.ca or Gail McInnes gail@thestylebox.ca.

Online Boutiques for Canadian Designers

FashionCan builds and manages online boutiques for independent Canadian designers. What a great low-cost option for designers to confidently hand over admin and tech duties to a company that has already built up a clientele of successful working designers such as House of Spy,Snoflake, Valerie Dumaine, etc...

The boutique sites are clean, easy to navigate and shop from!

Also, head to Fashioncan.com to find Canadian designers selling wares online >>

Bloggers made into Mannequins @ Holts

This Friday, June 26 Holt Renfrew Bloor Street (@Bay) will unveil its latest window scheme inspired by ---- Fashion Bloggers.

The blogger windows will be displayed across Canada at nine stores and will feature high-profile bloggers such as The Sartorialist’s Scott Schuman, Tommy Ton (Jak & Jil) and 17-year-old Texan Jane Aldridge (Sea of Shoes). Local fashion blogger Anita of I want I got even made the list, an amazing mention I'm sure as only a very small handful were chosen!

I'm not sure how any of the bloggers were involved in any of the planning (I hear none) - and as of yet we don't know exactly what to expect although it is possible there will be mannequins dressed as the bloggers! Hilarious!

NEW: Holts Official Press Release:
"National Windows Pay Homage to Online Style-Leaders
TORONTO, June 23 /CNW/ - This Friday evening, Holt Renfrew, Canada'sleading specialty retailer, will pay tribute to the newest international style
influencers - fashion bloggers - with a national window installation
celebrating their diversity and spirit.
Six bloggers were invited by Holt Renfrew Creative Director John Gerhardt
to be part of the celebration. The bloggers are a diverse mix of fashion
leaders from around the globe and include Scott Schuman
(thesartorialist.blogspot.com); Jane Aldridge (seaofshoes.typepad.com); Anita
Clarke (iwantigot.geekigirl.com); Tommy Ton (jakandjil.com); Bryan Boy
(bryanboy.com) and Garance Dore (garancedore.fr/en).
"Bloggers have become the fashion world's new celebrities," says
Gerhardt. "They're knowledgeable and influential contributors to the modern
media landscape. Their opinions and visuals are relevant, creative and
thought-provoking, providing a constant source of inspiration. We are honoured
to pay homage to their style."
At Holt Renfrew's flagship location in Toronto, two of the
blogger-inspired windows will be equipped with a 24-hour interactive touch
screen for the public to cast votes to help select Holts Contemporary
Correspondent. The two Toronto finalists will be competing in a series of
fashion-related challenges being held over six weeks. Votes can also be cast
through Holt Renfrew's Facebook page and the winner will be determined based"
on total number of public votes.

My Tagalongs Travel Accessories

On my last trip to Vegas, although it was sweltering in the desert - I almost froze my butt off on the plane since the airline stopped distributing blankets due to the Swine Flu outbreak.
Fortunately, I actually brought my own blanket/pillow duo (and really only because I recently received the package in the mail!) - a warm, convenient MyTagalongs 'Undercover Traveler' blankie/pillow/mask combo. A great idea if you don't want to share pillow germs with the previous guests! I even bought one for a friend and she was happy simply for the 'I wake for food' velcro mask signage!


I also brought along with me the Sunhat to Go. I love this concept - it's a sunhat in black or beige that conveniently rolls up when not in use and easily unrolls into a well formed sunhat! Perfect for travel! ($18us)

My Tagalongs is a new line of 30 lifestyle accessories that are specifically designed to save time and make life a little easier. They sell in Toronto at various shops and ONLINE >> go here for list.

Speech: Jewellery for Dudes

Speech by Michael Mercanti, a Toronto-based handmade line of rugged "pirate chic" jewellery has found its way onto the pages of Teen Vogue, refinery29's pipeline and is well endorsed throughout the blogsphere.

Nails and screws that look like they've been pulled out of a wall; swords and daggers and even mini Manolos and Louboutins adorn leather and chains - rock 'n roll embellishments, if you will mainly for men but equally striking on babes (although apparently a line for women is in the works).

Speech also has t-shirts available >> check the website for more info.

In Toronto,
Carte Blanche, 758 Queen Street West
george C, 21 Hazelton Avenue

Rad Hourani in Vogue Italia

PHOTOS BY STEVEN MIESEL
STYLED BY KARL TEMPLER
www.radhourani.com

Gypsy Caravan with 69 Vintage at the Drake

Pride (o8)

In anticipation of this year's Pride Week in Toronto, June 19-June 28, 2009 - I thought I'd dig up some unpublished photos of us hanging out with Club Fashion on Church Street last year!

Toronto Fashionable Updates June 2009

Places I haven't been:
by Rachel

While I love receiving invites to many fashion-related events within Toronto, I personally can only attend very few because of 'real' life which these days is family and other work obligations. Fortunately, my Toronto blogger friends -the original crew- are still going strong so that we can all live vicariously through them....!

This month in the Toronto fashion blogsphere (part 1):

Anita - I want I got
Holt Renfrew Fall 2009 - 2010 Menswear Media Preview
As we all know, Holt Renfrew is Toronto's luxury department store and carries many coveted designer brands. Anita lists Holts' the top upcoming trends for dudes - with many photos!

Danielle - Final Fashion
a week’s worth - 12-06-09
I love this - every week Danielle posts snippets of the places she's been and people she's seen in 'a week's worth' (which is all T.O. fashion related). Last week, she went to the Eleven grand opening and hung out with some local designers. Last week, she worked on her Keds for the Worn Journal Sol[e]d event, which sold for $350!

Tommy - Jak & Jil
Tommy doesn't blog about the Toronto fashion scene anymore - he has moved on up to be at the center of the action and attention, mostly in Paris. His Jak&Jil blog is one of the top 10 fashion blogs in the world because of its gorgeous photos and in-depth knowledge of fashion faces and coveted items! Even Justin Timberlake reads Jak&Jil!

Lightweight Converse for Ladies

Converse for women at Get Outside - downtown 437 Queen Street West and uptown 3456 Yonge Street or even shop online!

Fashion Yard Sales

Last summer we took the clothing swap to the fashion yard sale - likely a new T.O trend. Looking forward to the summer!

Sarah Slean in Eco-Style

Toronto designer and artist Annie Thompson creates reclaimed/re-worked dress for Sarah Slean's 'Recessionista' tour

Thompson was one of the select Canadian designers commissioned by Slean to craft a new dress made completely from reclaimed second-hand garments. Never one to shy away from a creative challenge, Thompson jumped at the opportunity to breathe new life into a variety of treasures sourced from Value Village, including a bed sheet, a wedding gown, and a couple of tops and dresses.

Inspired by the design of a chair from an architecture magazine, Thompson’s inventiveness of the white and black striped bodice serves to reflect the lightness and darkness of Slean’s lyrics and the melodies played on the keys of her piano.

www.anniethompson.ca.

Everything under $100 in June LouLou

Summer is in full swing and LOULOU, Canada's shopping magazine is bursting with breezy, isty-bitsy and chic pieces that will leave you looking fabulous and fresh.

With a slew of products on every page and nothing over $100, you can shop without breaking the bank (or a sweat!) in the summer heat!

June 2009 issue is only $2.99 available almost everywhere magazines are sold.

Luminato Opening Night Party

by Liza Zawadzka

Armani Ambassador Jane McLean (left), opera star Jean Stillwell in
head-to-toe Magpie


Luminato finance-babe Loredana in Aaron Leslie, E.J. Alan is luminous in pearls


Entertainment lawyer Mark Sakamoto has absconded to Ottawa to direct
political operations for the Liberal party, and still looks great in in Geisha wear.

What could be a better way to celebrate the arts than a Giorgio Armani party? The award-winning National Ballet School, by KPMP architects, is the perfect space for Luminato's exclusive opening night - and a welcome retreat from the Royally Obnoxious Monstronsity on Bloor. The arts community and its supporters are out in full force with everyone from Arsinee Khanjian to The Honorable Adrienne Clarkson dressed to the nines (or sevens or eights if we're being honest). Dionysus is apparently free from economic affliction and the wine flows freely all night long, as guest are treated to a typically spectacular performance by dance diva Esmeralda Enrique. Three lucky ladies are designated as Armani ambassadors and get to wear haute couture the whole night. Dexter darling Jane McClean is dressed in a beautiful gown as green as my envy, (look out for her new movie - The Time Traveller's Wife in August!).

By the way, has anyone tried to get a ticket to the ballet, symphony, or opera lately? Tried finding parking as the film industry once more dominates TO's roads? Noticed how Canadian fashion keeps on going strong? Is it just me, or is anyone else wondering why billions are being thrown at auto industry CEOs, while funding for the arts (an economic winner if there ever was one), is being cut past the bone?

Cheers to Luminato and everyone who has dedicated their lives to making the world a more beautiful, interesting and thoughtful place!

Designer Brands on Sale this Weekend

Check out the 'Best Kept Secret', designer clothing sale this weekend at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 370 King Street West (between John & Peter Sts).

June 6 & 7, 2009

Print this for an ADDITIONAL 15% OFF already reduced prices!

Gifts For Dad

Father's Day is June 21, 2009.

www.braveleather.com

More Fashion Figures

I'll be away for a couple of days, so in my absence some fashion faces from the archives:


Georgia Groom, stylist & boutique owner at a Town Shoes event

Rebecca Hardy, CNTM Cycle 2 winner @ Circa after a (2007?) Greta Constantine show

Zoomer editor Suzanne Boyd at a Fashion File party (maybe 2006)

Swaby Bags

Past Project Runway Canada contestant and Toronto designer and boutique owner Shernett Swaby is now offering up her own handbag line. I don't know how much these cost, but judging by the quality of the leather and the signature Swaby-intense workmanship - I would think only the fortunate will be lucky enough have one!

(I could be wrong) but you can find out for yourself at the Swaby store @ 187A Queen Street East in Toronto.
416 -367-1333

Beckermanbiteplate Outfits

We love the Beckerman girls' newish blog - beckermanbiteplate - where the three designer sisters Callianne, Samantha and Chloe post pics of themselves and their super-stylish outfits - and aptly give each 'look' a name (Beckerman is New York-based but Toronto born and bred).

The Play Chicago + Dumbo the Elephant | Connect 4 + Rainbow

The Look: Jockey + Leopard | The movie 16 Candles + London Punk + Disneyland

This photo from the "Shake Rattle and Roll" Spring 2009 Campaign

JUMA Spring/Summer in T.O.

If I was in town on my birthday, Thursday June 4, 2009 - I would definitely hit up this JUMA trunk show to try and find a great deal on new, designer summer piece from this local label. (But I will be on remote location in Las Vegas (yay!) and will have to make due without).
Rachel


About JUMA:
Brother and sister design duo Alia and Jamil Juma have been creating cleanline, contemporary and active wear for about six years. As ex-Toronto Fashion Incubator residents, they've previously shown at Toronto Fashion Week, but have clearly found more success exhibiting at New York and Las Vegas trade shows (JUMA was also invited to present at Capital Fashion Week in Ottawa last fall) resulting in sales throughout North America.


JUMA's black kurta pants are flying off New York retail shelves.

Toronto Fashion Faces (archives)

Nathalie Atkinson, National Post style editor @ Fashion Week in Toronto (2007)

Jeff Rustia, Club Fashion host (among many other faces) at Fashion Week in Toronto (2007)

Common Cloth designers and sisters Kristina Bozzo and Melanie Talbot @ Holt Renfrew party (2007)

Happy Birthday Ms. Monroe

I was browsing through some amazing, always inspiring Marilyn Monroe photos and had to post! If she were alive, today (June 1) would be her birthday. Happy Birthday Marilyn!