Aldo Fall 2010 Preview

Ok, so as an avid sunshine-lover, I am dreading fall…I don’t even want to think about fall and anything that has to do with the summer ending. Having said that, as a fashion-lover, I am still somewhat on the lookout for some cool fall pieces to stock up on, before the said dreaded season knocks on my door. And the latest offerings from Aldo Shoes have me slightly excited about the colder weather and being able to wear these beauties. Actually, no, not exactly excited, although I guess slightly less horrified at the thought.

Photo Credits: Aldo Shoes

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Courvoisier Exclusif Mixology Event

As a blogger, attending various PR events is quite common nowadays. Companies believe in the power of word-of-mouth, as well as non-traditional media outlets today more than ever. But while some events make you wish you hadn’t left home, others really make you understand why those companies are in the business of PR. Such was definitely the case with Courvoisier Exclusif Mixology event held by the lovely Matchstick team last week.

My friend Diana and I showed up at Hyatt’s Roof Salon after a gruelling day at the office, only to be greeted by friendly smiles and some yummy Sidecar cocktails. Hanging out before the event began, I stared at the CN Tower across the city, looked down at the crazy car jam on Queen’s Park, and felt really freaking lucky to be able to enjoy a nice summer day in good company, cocktail in hand, anticipating something fun to come!

Once we got seated at tables decked out in all types of drink accoutrements (including chili peppers and jam), the event itself started with some dancers dressed in Napoleon-era costumes, with some dude on stilts, who looked more like a pirate rather than the emperor himself, walking around the room, freaking people out. After the bizarre beginning, the educational portion of the event began, where we learned about the flavors of Courvoisier Exclusif and Courvoisier XO – ranging from gingerbread, to coffee, to iris flower. As with the Macallan  event, I learned a lot about cognac…and felt a bit more like a real grown up by the end of it.

And while strong liquors were never my cup of tea, the mixology portion of the event proved to be a blast, as well as made me a convert to the aromatic world of Courvoisier. The reason why this event in particular really stuck in my mind, and made me smile throughout, was that we (bloggers, and guests) all got to interact in a fun, interactive setting, mixing drinks, drinking drinks, making fun of each other’s drinks (ahem…there was one cocktail that had bread as a main ingredient…it did not taste good). It was lighthearted, slightly drunken fun.

We met a few cool people at our table, like the boys of the The Panic Manual, and Scott “Evil” McMaster – professional bartender, who couldn’t technically create a drink for us, but did help out with the mixing and advising on the ingredients. After picking the drink that Di and I put together to represent our table, team VSOP was really hoping to be the one to nab the top prize out of the 10 tables present. And guess what? We did! Our drink – Josephine’s Hat – was picked as the judges’ favorite and we did walk away with great prizes (full-size bottles of Courvoisier Exclusif for everyone at the table). High-fives all around!

So not only did we walk away from the event with full knowledge of “the cognac of Napoleon”, but we actually took some home too! Let the experimenting begin! If you are curious to see the recipe of our amazingly delicious concoction, scroll down and click to see more!

So I guess the moral of the story, other than Courvoisier rocks…is that memorable and interactive events make for fun times, and better stories to share with your friends, family, and blog readers. Don’t you think?

And you know what else rocks? Helping others. If you have a couple of minutes, please consider taking this survey. For each survey completed, $2 will be donated to the Redwood Women Shelter.

The recipe for our “award”-winning Courvoisier cocktail is after the jump!

Read more…

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What I Wore: Granny in the City

I should’ve reconsidered the hair, after putting this dress on. But since I was too lazy to blow dry it the night before, my head was a curly, frizzy mess…hence the braided up-do. Couple the hair with the vintage-looking granny dress, and you have my Casual Friday outfit.

Still in love with the H&M shoes, as you see. They are impressively comfy for being 10 bajillion feet high. Now if only I could say the same about my other high heels…ouch. I am still on a lookout for a comfy pair of black heels. A pair that would go with everything, and would allow me to spend hours upon hours strolling the cobblestone streets of…an undisclosed location. Have tried a few pairs on, but without any luck. Any suggestions?

PS. I swear, I ironed the dress before wearing it! That’s just what happens to linen after a day in an office chair.

I Wore: Dress – Forever 21; Belt, Shoes, Black Ring – H&M; Disco Ball Ring – The Bay; Bag – Louis Vuitton

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Converse Fall 2010 Collection Preview

What a bad blogger I have been! I really don’t have an excuse, other than…I’ve been horribly lazy. Umm…no, not lazy…busy…yeah, that’s it. Either way, sorry once again, and I will definitely try to bring my A-game for the remainder of the summer…”try” being the key word.

A couple of weeks ago, the lovelies over at MBCommunications invited me among the other fashion-loving set to attend the Fall 2010 preview of Converse aka Most Amazing Casual Shoes EVER. And though to me, nothing beats the boring  classic black and white Chucks, some shoes that I saw at the preview made me reconsider. There were shoes for every type of person out there: fun “Seuss” Chucks, slick Jack Purcells, glittery Converse for tweens, amazing band-inspired shoes, winter-boot Converse, and of course the good-old classic Chuck Taylors.

The thing that really got me excited was definitely the Dr. Seuss collection. Having a little nephew of my own, I cannot wait till he’s old enough to rock the adorable red high-tops. In the meantime, I guess I could get a pair for myself…don’t judge me, I’m still a huge kid at heart!

Some styles are already available at the Get Outside  store on Queen St., while others will be coming in throughout August/September. Make sure to call the store for availability. Now if only they carried Converse x Missoni collection too…perhaps next year?

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Style Fille: Miroslava Duma

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Miroslava Duma in chic pregnancy clothing! I’ve been seeing a lot of mommies-to-be around the financial district lately, and even a friend of mine is currently expecting a little bundle of joy. And since looking stylish, while sporting a bump isn’t always easy, I thought that I’d share some photos of the always inspiring Russian It-girl Miroslava with you. Mainly because she’s my friend’s favorite style icon, and also because most of her looks are quite easy to borrow. You don’t have to sacrifice style, just because you’ve got extra padding on your body…the way I see it, you get to eat for two, why not have double the style?

Photo Credits: TFS

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H&M Divided Fall 2010 Lookbook

What do you think about H&M’s new Fall 2010 lookbook? The campaign features models Abbey Lee Kershaw, Karmen Pedaru, Patricia van der Vliet, Bastiaan Ninaber, and Josh Beech. I’ve seen most of the pieces in stores already, so if you’re after that McQueen-ish dress or that leopard print top, check out your local H&M for availability. To be honest, I am a bit underwhelmed by these photos. Perhaps due to the fact that I don’t want to even think about Fall yet, but also because I don’t see anything exciting featured in this campaign. Maybe it’s just me?

Photo Credits: H&M

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Friday Faux Pas: The Crystal Renn Drama

After seeing the black and white image above, blogs blew up with speculation that Crystal Renn might have fallen off the healthy wagon and became anorexic once again. But apparently, all of those worries were unfounded, as this was simply another case of Photoshop gone bad.

Apparently, the photographer Nicholas Routzen explained  that Crystal looks the way she does because the photos were “…taken from a higher angle with a wider lens.” But he also added, “I shaped her…I did nothing that I wouldn’t do to anyone. I’m paid to make women look beautiful.” Hmm, so he first hires a girl that is known for her shapely figure, and then makes her look just like any other stick-thin model to make her look “beautiful”? Does that make any sense at all? Sure, Nicholas, keep saying that to yourself.

Crystal herself was reportedly shocked after seeing the photos, but insists that she’s still happily healthy. It’s great to hear, especially since her career has been steadily on the rise, mostly due to her beautiful curves. But all those that consider erasing every flaw they perceive, slimming models down, Photoshopping their unhealthy protruding ribs, removing any signs of shapeliness, basically ignoring the things that make those models human – I really hope that one day, those people in the industry will cease to be the norm, and become pariahs that they should be. Because healthy body image, be it for a model or a regular plain Jane is as important as looking good in that LBD. And as they say…beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Photo Credits: Glamour

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Madison Avenue Couture Chanel Sale on Rue La La!

Ok, so if like me you loooove Chanel and can’t wait to get your hands on your favorite bag/necklace/jacket, then you might just be in luck! In a couple of hours Madison Avenue Couture Chanel  sale will start, and will feature items up to 70% off! If that’s not a fab deal, I don’t know what is!

Sale is available to members only, so click on this link  and sign up in order to be able to see the deals! The sale starts at 11am today! And once it starts, make sure you’re ready to shop away! Let me know if you score anything fun! I know I will definitely try to get that bubble bag above…it’s so dreamy! Good luck to you, lovelies!

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It’s a bird, it’s a plane…?

The above picture is sheer horror. I mean, not everyone would even know what the hell that even is. But to the savvy few, I am sure this sight will give nightmares for nights to come.

If you’re into my polling obsession, please take the poll below to see if you know what the above thing is. If you hate polls with a passion and they make you want to stab at your eyes, jump to find out without the annoying voting.

What in the name of all that's stylish is that?

View Results

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Read more…

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Shopping: Apartment 909

Apartment 909
909 Dundas St. West
Toronto, ON
416-916-7599

Not only can Dundas St. West brag about a few of Toronto’s best brunch places (see Hoof Café and Saving Grace), but as it turns out the shopping isn’t that bad either. Apartment 909 is a little vintage shop at 909 Dundas St. West, full of very nice surprises! From mint-condition vintage Dior and Gucci bags, to beautiful Lanvin dresses, the lovely shop-owner Beth is happy to show you the treasures she has in store. Prices are very reasonable. I mean, very very reasonable. Where else can you get a genuine crocodile skin Pierre Cardin clutch for around $300? Or that same Dior purse for under $200? For the condition those goodies are in, and for the selection Apartment 909 carries, it is very well worth a trip.

Some of the brands available at the store include (but are not limited to) Vivienne Westwood, Ungaro, Lanvin, Chanel, Pucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Helmut Lang, J.P.G., Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. On my last visit, I picked up a pair of dead stock Marc by Marc Jacobs red jelly shoes. Perfect size, perfect fit, never been worn, and so very lovely. I would’ve been crazy not to jump on those! And there are so many other gems in that store, like an entire wall of vintage ladylike purses, and bundles of beautiful printed scarves.

So next time you’re in the area, having delicious brunch, make sure to stop by Apartment 909, and check out their amazing selection. Make sure to bring some cash, as credit and debit cards are not accepted. And if you do stumble upon a lovely find, make sure to brag and share some pics with us!

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Alexander Wang at Holt Renfrew in Toronto!

If you’re a fan of this CFDA Award-winning designer, then you need to get yourself to Holt Renfrew on Bloor St. on July 21 for a chance to meet Alexander Wang!  I’ll definitely try to make it to Bloor St. at lunch time. See you there?

 Photo Credits: Holt Renfrew

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Wishlist: Small Frame Bags

Some trends literally make me grimace in terror (cough*clogs*cough), while with others I am instantly drawn and…sold. Such is the case with the new non-it-it-bag – The Small Frame Bag. Having watched my Style Fille fave Diane Kruger toting the above Hermès version for a while now, I’ve made a mental note to keep my eye open for a mere mortal affordable option for myself. But once I’ve spotted one at Zara, the flurry of doubts clouded my judgement and I walked away empty handed.

My main concern? Lack of space. In our ever-so-fast-paced world of iPhones, iPads, and other useless-ish crap, I find myself struggling with an idea of a small frame bag. There’s just too much stuff I tote around on a daily basis to be able to minimize it all to fit into a tiny rectangle of leather. So I ask you, stylish Style Blog readers, do you think small frame bags’ chicness outweighs their lack of practicality? Take the poll below!

What do you think about the new Small Frame Bag trend?

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Photo Credits: Tommy Ton

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And the winner is…

So sorry for the delayed announcement of the winner! Have been so busy, blah, blah, blah…But I hope it’s worth the wait!

The winner of the H&M Fashion Against AIDS Giveaway is…FLORA! Girl, if you’re reading this post, please email me your snail mail addy, so I can send you your necklace!

To everyone who entered, thanks for your lovely comments and for following. We’ll be having more giveaways very soon. So stay tuned!

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Wednesday Candy: Ken

No, I don’t find Ken attractive. But this Esquire UK editorial, featuring Barbie’s long-time boyfriend definitely put a smile on my face! He totally killed it (in a good way) in Toy Story 3. Every time he appeared on-screen, the audience collapsed in a fit of giggles. So I am very happy that Ken is finally getting his time in the spotlight.

Wearing clothes from Prada, Burberry Prorsum, Paul Smith, and Gucci, Ken’s makeover sure works for me. But his posing, well, let’s just say that he should stop taking modeling tips from Renée Zellweger and Vicky Beckham, if he wants to pull off looking less plastic.

Photo Credits: Esquire UK

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What I Wore: So High

Aren’t they beautiful? And the best part is that I got them on sale for only…brace yourselves…$20! Now that’s an amazing deal I couldn’t resist. I’ve actually gone a little shoe-crazy last month, and ended up with a few extra pairs of shoes in my closet. And an added bonus to this pair is that le boyfriend doesn’t actually hate them! High Five! Very nice!

Ok, so I’ve been pretty terrible at updating Style Blog lately, but I promise that I have some exciting content coming up. It’s just that I am trying to enjoy every single waking minute of sunshine right now, so scheduling posts in the evenings took a bit of a back seat to hanging out with my newborn nephew, rollerblading, going out for ice-cream, and other not-so-important, yet crucial to me activities. Apologies all around, but thanks to all of you that emailed me about the sporadic posting. I am not sick (not that I know of), and neither am I away. Sorry, lovelies! Hope you’re enjoying your summer as well!

What I Wore: Shorts, Shoes, Men’s Bracelet, Sunglasses - H&M; Top, Ring - Forever21; Blazer – Zara; Backpack – Chanel

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