Fashion Events...

Studio Gallery presents the Winter 2009 edition of the Toronto Vintage Fashion Bazaar on Sunday, February 22nd from 1pm-6pm.

Every season, Studio Gallery selects 20 of their favourite vintage stylists as vendors. These fashionista's empty their closets and sell their prized possessions. Men's and women's clothing, shoes, and accessories will be on sale.

If you are interested in participating at the Spring 2009 Edition of the Toronto Vintage Fashion Bazaar, please contact Vanessa at vanessa@studio.to.

Entry to the gallery is $5 and shoppers are encouraged to bring their own shopping bags (environment first!).

http://www.studio.to/

Writer: Kate Murphy

Shoe Fetish

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen will be designing a footwear line for Steve Madden. We were ecstatic at the thought of buying funky footwear for affordable prices, especially since the young designers two other lines, Elizabeth & James and The Row, are luxery labels that usually break the bank.

Well we suppose this shoes line will be no different. Prices for the line will range from $195 to $500, which is considerably more than other Steve Madden lines which range from $70 to $250.

Well I guess we can look; we just can`t buy.

:(

Writer: Kate Murphy

Toronto Finds...

covet + crave is a premium denim and t-shirt boutique. They carry “premium” brands such as J Brand, Rock & Republic, City of Others, Domino, and William Rast. The friendly and helpful staff won’t rest until they find you that perfect fitting jean that is right for your body type. They also offer the highest quality tees and carry them in a variety of styles, colours, and prints.

covet + crave also offer exclusive shopping parties for you and your guests where they offer special pricing on all merchandise.

covet + crave has been featured in Flare, Lou Lou, and Now Magazine.

Everyone needs at least one pair of perfect fitting jeans and cozy tee in their closet. covet + crave ensures that you’ll have both.

covet + crave

789 king st w

toronto oN m5v 1n4

t: 416-860-9898

hours
Mon: closed
Tues: 11am - 7pm
Wed: 11am - 7pm
Thurs: 11am - 8pm
Fri: 11am - 8pm
Sat: 11am - 6pm
Sun: 12pm - 5pm

Writer: Kate Murphy

Runway Barbie

A special fashion show took place at New York Fashion Week that included designs from fifty designers. On March 9th the iconic little girl’s toy turns 50. We have to admit, Barbie looks pretty good for her age.

In celebrations of the milestone birthday, Mattel asked fifty designers to design outfits for Barbie ranging from retro to modern to futuristic. Come of the designers included Diane von Furstenberg, Bob Mackie, Vera Wang, Calvin Klein, and Rachel Roy.

The fashion shows started with sounds from the appropriate “Doll Parts” by Hole, which was the perfect soundtrack to this particular show. The first real life doll was a throwback to the original doll, wearing a zigzag black and white swimsuit with pink peep toe pumps. The look was re-mastered by Rachel Roy. The modern day Barbie was also dressed in a legendary DvF wrap dress. Futuristic Barbie wore a shimmery gold gown with feather headdress, created by Bob Mackie. Next to Cher, Barbie is undoubtedly Mackie’s most flamboyant dresser.

"Barbie is the quintessential American icon. She represents a woman's first experience with style, transcending generations and cultures; she holds a special place in the fashion world and is an inspiration to many designers," Tommy Hilfilger said in a statement.

Barbie has worn every outfit imaginable by every designer in the world. She’s been a muse from everyone from Andy Warhol to Marc Jacobs. She is also the ultimate and unattainable ideal of beauty, youth, and perfection. Barbie is arguably the single most important American fashion icon in history.

To take a look at the fashion show click here, here, and here.

Writer: Kate Murphy

NY Fashion Week

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week kicked off this weekend in New York City and it was much more understated than previous years. Due to the economic crisis and financial downturn in North America many designers chose to cutback or even skip fashion week altogether. However, you shouldn't let the doom and gloom of the world ruin your love of fashion. Not everyone is lucky enough to be sitting front row at all the hottest fashion shows, so if you're stuck at home head over to MB Fashion Week to see all of the Fall/Winter 2009 Collections. Just click on your favourite designer and enjoy the creativity and beauty of the clothes.

Pretty clothes always make us feel better :).

Writer: Kate Murphy

Store Opening

Canadian label Ports 1961 will be opening its flagship store in New York City’s Meatpacking District tomorrow (February 14).

The company has signed a 10-year lease for a three-story, 4,000-square-foot space at 3 Ninth Avenue between Little West 12th and Gansevoort Streets in an 1850’s masonry building. Realizing that the last thing NYC needed was another clothing boutique; Ports 1961 creative director Tia Cibani has turned the space into an environment that is part studio, part entertainment area, and part gallery.

The first floor gallery will house Ports 1961 collection, limited edition garments, and accessories. The gallery will also include books, music, and artwork. An open air terrarium runs through the centre of the townhouse and will fill the store with natural sunlight. Upstairs is a duplex that will serve as the designer’s workspace and studio.

Along the 31 foot continuous storefront window is a facade with six natural zing sliding panels that create an ever-changing arrangement of tilted vertical metal slats. Through these verticals, people on the street can have a “voyeuristic” experience looking into the store, while those in the store can have that same feeling while looking at those on the city block. The space comes complete with American Walnut flooring, Venetian Architectural plaster, and custom-fabricated rugs.

Writer: Kate Murphy

Panty of the Month Club

Vancouver based online boutique, Panty by Post, is shipping sexy lingerie all around the world.

Partners Lori Sholzberg and Natalie Grunberg got the idea while spending a summer abroad in France. “We had this idea that if we had X-ray vision glasses we would see every French woman would be wearing beautiful lingerie,” Sholzberg said. "We're hoping to get those Parisians on board,'' Grunberg said.

For inspiration the girls looked no further than their own panty drawers. “When we looked through our favourites, we realized that we wanted something fun, durable, sexy, and economical, and each time the tag was from Blush Lingerie (a Montreal based lingerie boutique),” said Sholzberg. That’s when they decided to go with Blush for their supplier. They also intend to start designing their own panties and will make them available on their website.

The girls wanted their product to be a fun and playful way for women to unleash their inner sex kitten. The exciting thing about Panty by Post is that buyers don't choose their knickers; they only choose the cut and size.

It may seem strange to let complete strangers pick out your panties, but you can e-mail them with any suggestions or preferences. Also, every package of panties comes with a note, which can be customized for your special someone. You can purchase a Sexy Single for $18, a Sultry Six (six pairs for $108) or a Commitment (12 for $188).

Panty by Post has been featured on eTalk and Flare magazine. They are giving back with the support of musician Diana Krall who, along with her husband Elvis Costello, Elton John and James Taylor, is holding a benefit to raise funds for the Leukemia and Bone Marrow Transplant Program at VGH. The event takes place on February 16th at The Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver.

Whether if it’s a gift to yourself or a gift to your significant other, Panty by Post has your ass covered!

Writer: Kate Murphy

Valentine's Day Gift

Whether you're buying the gift for yourself or you're hoping your special someone buys it for you, Holt Renfrew is giving customers a FREE Hanky Panky thong rose with an $85 Hanky Panky purchase until Feb. 14. You can also choose to purchase the Hanky Panky Rose for $30. We think it's a really creative gift.

<3

Writer: Kate Murphy

Store Opening

SALES SALES SALES!

Please print this invitation to receive your discount. Not valid with any other promotion. 30% off original retail price.This offer is valid only during this special event. May not be used on previously purchased merchandise or on the purchase of gift certificates. Offer valid in Canada only.

SALES SALES SALES!

Please print this invitation to receive your discount. Not valid with any other promotion. 30% off original retail price.This offer is valid only during this special event. May not be used on previously purchased merchandise or on the purchase of gift certificates. Offer valid in Canada only.

SALES SALES SALES!

Please print this invitation to receive your discount. Not valid with any other promotion. 30% off original retail price.This offer is valid only during this special event. May not be used on previously purchased merchandise or on the purchase of gift certificates. Offer valid in Canada only.

Brotherly Love

Following in the footsteps of other Canadian brothers turned fashion designers like DSquared and Chip and Pepper, Burkman Bros. (Doug and Ben) are the newest sensation in men’s fashion.

The brothers hail from Toronto and their collection is true Canadiana with a hint of Asian influence. Think of summers in Muskoka spent hiking, canoeing, and chopping wood. Even the setting for their lookbook looks like a cottage in the Great White North. Their collection is a mix of plaid cotton pullovers, khakis and cargo shorts, t-shirts, dirty combat/construction boots, and boat shoes.

"The clothes are a little bit preppy, a little bit about our travels, and a little bit about American vintage" says Doug. "When we find a vintage swatch with some interesting detail we're inspired by it, and use it to create a wearable, lovable, interesting piece of clothing" adds Ben.

The brothers started off as designers for Gap Inc. Their work has been features in GQ magazine and eTalk, and can be found at Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman, and Ron Herman in the US.

Writer: Kate Murphy

Grammys "Best"

When we say “best” we want you to take that term loosely. It's all relative. In general, the Grammys were really hurting this year. None of the dresses were mind-blowing mainly because there was not a lot of star power on the carpet. Most celebs are staying undercover until Oscar night when the real fashion show begins.

Gwyneth Paltrow – She’s a legitimate star and her outfit certainly reflects that. Gwyneth was shot at wearing a Versace metallic dress and Burberry Prorsum cardigan at a Grammy after party at Katsu-Ya. She looks great. I guess her GOOP fasts and exercises are working for her.



Sheryl Crow – Sheryl Crow looks great for any age. Crow turned 47 over Grammy weekend and she certainly doesn’t look her age. The birthday girl looks stunning in a blue/purple off the shoulder dress by Maticevski.




Katy Perry – Perry wore a dress by the same designer that created Paula Abdul’s dress, so let’s not prejudge. She channelled 40’s fashion with her curled hair and dark eye shadow. Katy accentuated her conservative hair and makeup with a bubblegum pink Basil Soda gown.




Carrie Underwood – Country crooner Carrie Underwood went for what she deemed a “classic” look in a gold Zuhair Murad dress. The sparkly gold corseted dress flattered her figure and complemented her sun kissed California tan.





M.I.A - This is much better. She is the epitome of cool. She's rocking House of Holland Spring 2009.








Some photos provided by Just Jared.
Writer: Kate Murphy

Grammys Worst

The Grammys were held in Los Angeles last night and unlike the Golden Globes and Academy Awards, it seems as though bad fashion is not just accepted, but is encouraged. Now as a fashion magazine and blog we are more interested in clothing that is beautiful to look at and beautiful to wear, however, the Grammys are our excuse to enjoy absolutely ludicrous fashion. Also, the star power at the Grammys was seriously lacking.

Nikki Cox – We’re well aware that you can’t see her dress (don’t worry it was tacky), but we can’t decide what’s more offensive; her Cheeto coloured skin or her surgically enhanced lips/breasts? It’s a toss-up.

Paula Abdul – This outfit is how I think Paula’s mind works. She’s wearing Basil Soda if anyone cares to know.

M.I.A. – I don’t want to put her on this list because she’s way too cool for it, but wearing such a colourful and busy outfit on the day you’re due to give birth gives your belly too much attention. The outfit she wore on stage while performing Swagger Like Us looked amazing. This dress is Manish Arora Spring 2009.

Kate Beckinsale – Usually Kate Beckinsale looks great, but we’ve noticed she has a tendency to overdress on many occasions. This was one of those times. The outfit is better suited to the Oscars as opposed to the Grammys. I mean it has a train for crying out loud! The dress is by Reem Acra.

Writer: Kate Murphy

Toronto Finds...

Labels or Love is a new high-end consignment boutique that just opened and is located on Avenue Road in downtown Toronto. Now the clothes are a little pricey, but they are one of a kind vintage pieces. The boutique is stocked with labels from Armani to Zac Posen and every designer in between. Labels or Love is one of those great finds where you’ll spend an entire afternoon going through the racks and playing dressup.

Labels or Love

1956 Avenue Rd. (at Felbrigg Ave.)

647-345-4020

Thanks to Sweetspot for the great hint!

Writer: Kate Murphy

End of the Catwalk

After 17 years in Bryant Park, New York Fashion Week is moving to Lincoln Center's 87,000 square-foot Damrosch Park in 2010.

An official announcement was made by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg stating that “Fashion Week has found a new home practically tailored (pun intended?) to its needs”. “It has not been easy to find a place for us, a place that was big enough, that was centralized enough, that was right enough," echoed designer and CFDA president, Diane von Furstenberg. "Since we're starting afresh we will try to make them better than the previous one."

Luckily there will still be 3 fashion weeks in Bryant Park.

Writer: Kate Murphy

The Rachel Zoe Project

We’ve heard about this show for a little while now, but it just premiered on Canadian television last week and we can say that after one episode we were full on addicted.

The Rachel Zoe Project follows one of Hollywood’s hottest and most controversial stylists Rachel Zoe as she styles some of Hollywood’s hottest stars such as Jennifer Garner, Debra Messing, Joy Bryant and Molly Sims. Zoe is also behind the looks of actresses Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway and Kate Beckinsale.

Zoe was often faced with criticism and scrutiny for styling these stars. She was accused of selling weight loss drugs and encouraging her clients to become rail thin, just like the stylist herself. She’s also been criticized for wearing fur, which she does in every episode of her reality show. Zoe’s style is anything but minimal. She often dresses in layers of clothes, hidden behind a giant pair of “sunnies” and wears what some consider an excessive amount of jewellery.

The show also follows Zoe during New York Fashion Week and awards season. The reality show features cameos from some of the fashion industry’s most famous designers such as Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, and Diane von Furstenberg.

The best part of the reality show comes from the uncomfortable, yet hilarious relationship between Zoe’s assistants Taylor and Brad (he’s Canadian!). Taylor is a no nonsense, neurotic hard ass that has no time for having fun while on the job. Brad, on the other hand, is a humourous, flamboyant, sharply dressed man who is all about doing the job while having fun. You watch every episode just waiting for Taylor’s head to explode and for Brad to burst into tears.

Zoe has created her own line of catchphrases that she busts out throughout a 60 minute show. Her favourites include “shutting it down”, “I die”, “hero dress”, “witch vibe”, and “you look bananas”. Trust us when we say that you’ll be busting out these phrases as well. They’re contagious.

This show is a dream for people who love fashion. Even if you don’t like Zoe or her own personal style, you will enjoy gazing at hundreds of dresses, shoes, and jewellery, and travelling to LA/NY's best vintage and designer stores.

The Rachel Zoe Project airs Monday’s at 9 on CosmoTV. The show is like Lays chips; you can’t have, or in this case watch, just one.

Writer: Kate Murphy