June, 2011 | Style Blog | Toronto Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

What I Wore: Happiest Girl I Ever Knew

Allow me to introduce you to the latest favorite piece in my closet. Readers – Shorts, Shorts – Readers. I remember the precise moment I saw these shorts at Macy’s in NYC…I saw the lovely pattern, the knit, even the lace-up crotch, and thought out loud:

“A couple of years ago, I could totally rock these.”

“You still can.” – said my friend Lovelys. And thus history was made.

I quickly tried on the shorts, fell even more in love with them for not being as short as they initially looked, and happily handed over my credit card to the cashier. Tic-tac-toe.

And though I haven’t yet had a chance to wear them in Greece (this collection was inspired by Mykonos), I did wear this outfit to a friend’s BYOWG (bring your own water gun) birthday party. By the time we got to the party, all the big guns were taken (and we were too lazy to BOOWG), so I had to fend for myself with a teeny-tiny pistol…against the ginormous barrel water guns. Needless to say…I got majorly soaked. Like straight up “went for a swim in my shorts”. But guess what?! They didn’t become see through and dried as fast as the sun could touch them. Now that’s what I call a good buy! I’m telling you - happiest purchase in a really long time.

PS. Have a great Canada Day/Independence Day weekend, lovelies! And whatever you do, I hope it makes you as happy as these shorts make me!!!

I Wore: Shorts – Impulse for Macy’s; Shirt – Forever21; Shoes, Bikini – Old Navy; Hat, Bracelets, Sunglasses - H&M; Bag - c/o Ecco; Turquoise Bracelet – Urban Outfitters

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Style Blog, June 30th 2011 | Tags: Ecco, Forever21, H&M, Impulse, Macy's, Old Navy, Organic Style, Urban Outfitters, What I Wore
Posted in Fashion, Organic Style, What I Wore

Judith and Charles Fall 2011 Collection Preview

Last month, I got a chance to preview the Fall 2011 collection of the newly re-launched and re-branded Canadian label Judith & Charles (formerly Teenflo). I definitely felt that the old name was very misleading, as the brand’s clothes are nowhere near teeny-bopper-store quality, and their target clientelle aren’t in their teens. Judith & Charles, named so after the founders Judith Richardson and Charles Le Pierrès, is a made-in-Canada, contemporary fashion label, well-known for its quality fabrics, and a variety of work-appropriate, modern styles.

As someone who works in an office, I was very impressed with Judith & Charles’ selection and quality. A variety of shifts that can be worn day or night, pants and blazers with subtle leather detailing, and coats that look like they came straight off the runway, had me hooked, and dying to see more. For fall, we can expect to see lots of leather, exposed zippers, and high-quality basics in shades of beige, grey, red and royal blue .

And though the price points are on the higher end of the spectrum, I was assured that the pieces I pick up at Judith & Charles will last me much longer than a piece I’d pick up at Zara. Investment dressing? I think I might just bite the bullet.

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Style Blog, June 30th 2011 | Tags: Canadian, Events, Fall 2011, Judith & Charles, Shopping
Posted in Events, Fashion, Shopping

What I Wore: School’s Out For Summer

Here’s a quick look at what I wore to Lisa and Wendy’s Hip & Urban Girl anniversary at SCHOOL. This Missoni skirt is by far, one of my most favorite Winners finds ever. It wasn’t cheap, but since I can wear it as a skirt and as a dress – this double duty makes it worth every penny. And the colors, the knit, the pattern…love it all so much!

And once again…the Levi’s denim jacket. It’s practically second skin to me, especially with this ever-changing weather – it keeps me warm, while looking cool. Right? RIGHT?

What I Wore: Skirt worn as a dress – Missoni (Winners); Denim Jacket – c/o Levi’s; Belt, Friendship Bracelets, Rings - H&M; Bag – c/o Ecco; Shoes – Zara; Turquoise Ring – YSL; Bracelet – BCBG

Photos by Sharon Ng-Hayes

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Style Blog, June 29th 2011 | Tags: BCBG, Ecco, H&M, Levi's, Missoni, Organic Style, What I Wore, Winners, YSL, Zara
Posted in Fashion, Organic Style, What I Wore

Happy Birthday, Hip and Urban Girls!

When The Hip & Urban Girl Lisa invited me to HUG’s first year blog anniversary, my initial reaction was shock. They’ve only been around for 1 year??? Seems like I’ve known the partners in crime Lisa and Wendy forever! For a while now, I’ve been a loyal HUG reader, and have always wanted to attend one of their many networking parties/events. And what better occasion than a birthday?

The party was held at SCHOOL – one of my fave places for brunch. Now, this is kind of detention I don’t mind at all! Baked goods bar awaited, and I didn’t waste any precious time digging into some yummy brownies and cookies. As with any networking event, there were lots of people to meet, and some old friends to hang out with. The Diet Coke Beauty Boost Van was on standby, and full of refreshments and awesome Joe Fresh beauty goodies. I got a mini mani, and a swipe of the most-coveted fuschia lipstick (as seen on Flare’s July cover), which I picked up for myself over the weekend.

All in all, the Hip & Urban Girls threw one hell of a party! Not too bad for one-year olds. Here’s wishing them many (many) more years of stylish adventures! And if you still haven’t discovered their kick-ass website, make sure to check it out. And maybe I’ll see you at their next fab event!

More after the jump!

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Style Blog, June 28th 2011 | Tags: Beauty, Canadian, Diet Coke, Events, Joe Fresh, Organic Style, School Bakery & Café, The Hip & Urban Girl's Guide, Toronto
Posted in Beauty, Events, Fashion, Organic Style

Beauty: Stila Waterproof Liquid Eye Liners

After searching what feels like forever for a perfect eye liner, I have finally found The One. ~~We’re getting married in September~~. Thanks to the lovelies over at NKPR, my newfound eye liner for life is Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($20)!

What I loved about this liner in particular is how easy it was to apply. No more struggling with the tip, no more unsightly smudges, or worse yet, split lines. Stila liner does the job in one sweep – no fuss, no mess. Just as promised on Sephora’s website: “The thin, marker-like tip is easy to use, even for the beauty beginner, and delivers any look (from a thin line to a bold, dramatic stroke!). It goes on smoothly without skipping, smudging, or pulling, and lasts all day!” True story. Another great thing about this product is that even though it’s waterproof, it is not impossible to remove. I hate having dark make-up circles left over from waterproof mascaras, etc, but with this liner it’s not an issue.

I also tried Stila’s Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($22), which comes in 8 fun eye-candy shades – perfect for a night out. My current fave is definitely the Bora Bora, but next time I’m planning to pick up Curacao too. If you want just a hint of a sparkle, than Starry or Sequins shades are a way to go.

If you’re looking for an eyeliner, and haven’t had much luck, like me. I wholeheartedly recommend Stila products, because I know you won’t be disappointed…or your money back. Ok, not your money back, but if you hate it, you can yell at me on Twitter. Deal? Now go and try it already!

Photo Credits: Stila

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Style Blog, June 24th 2011 | Tags: Beauty, Eye Liner, NKPR, Shopping, Stila
Posted in Beauty, Shopping

What I Wore: SMUT Soiree

Here’s what I wore to Lainey Gossip’s SMUT on Monday! My brand new Topshop skirt in one of my fave colors ever – mustard, a cheapie printed shirt via Forever21, some fun beaded bracelets from H&M, and of course, my favorite Pierre Hardy heels from The Room. I am in serious love with the skirt, and have a feeling that I’ll be wearing it all summer long. Oh yes, I will.

Having said that, as I mentioned, the four most stylish gossipettes are competing to win the big $2K prize from The Bay, and if you have a few minutes, you should totally vote for your favorite! One of the candidates is already featured on Style Blog, and she definitely has my vote. Who will you be voting for?

I Wore: Skirt – Topshop (The Bay); Top – Forever21; Necklace – Kate Spade; Shoes – Pierre Hardy (The Room); Bracelets – H&M, The Bay, BCBG; Rings – H&M, Forever21, YSL; Belt – Zara; Backpack – Chanel

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Style Blog, June 22nd 2011 | Tags: BCBG, Chanel, Forever21, H&M, Kate Spade, Lainey Gossip, Organic Style, Pierre Hardy, SMUT Soiree, The Bay, The Room, Topshop, What I Wore, YSL, Zara
Posted in Fashion, Organic Style, What I Wore

The 6th Annual Lainey Gossip SMUT Soiree

Last night, I finally got to attend my very first SMUT Soiree! Hosted by The Society, this Lainey Gossip bash is now in its 6th year, and from what I’ve heard (and seen), it’s bigger and better than ever. The bright and spacious Evergreen Brickworks, was full of stylish attendees, ready to party, gossip, and strut their stuff for the $2000 Style Award, sponsored by The Bay.

It truly was one of the best parties I’ve attended in a long while. Free-flowing booze (courtesy of Absolut, and Caramilk Cream Liquor), candy galore (courtesy of Maynards), John Frieda and Rimmel beautyfication stations, and of course hours of gossipy girl talk? YES, PLEASE!

Once Lainey, Sasha, Duana, and Sarah took the stage, stories of celeb encounters, indiscretions, and blind riddle solutions were revealed. And as the night went on, the audience got bolder, and asked more and more questions. My favorite story of the night was hands down the Aniston Lamp Encounter. That story alone would’ve been worth a ticket price…though in my mind, it was priceless. There was also a confirmation of what I long wanted to ignore, and that is that Paul Rudd is not as nice as he seems, which…Thanks, Lainey, for shattering those rose-colored glasses. Thanks, a lot!

To those of you that regard gossip with disdain, to you I say…attend next year’s SMUT Soiree, and you will change your mind. Seriously. It’s like a huge slumber party, sans pajamas and pillow fights. And mostly without fights at all. Because after reading Lainey Gossip for years (Lainey has THE best inside info on celebs ever), I was half-expecting some Twihard/Belieber to crash this bash with some idiotic nonsensical insults. No such luck. Maybe next year.

Since, I knew that there was a huge prize at stake, I also assumed that I could count on some great street style, and if only my camera didn’t croak on me right before the event, I would’ve brought you so many more great looks. Because there were so many! Alas, here are some of the lovely ladies (and a lad) that caught my eye last night.

Huge thanks to Lainey, Sasha, and The Society for throwing this amazing party! I think I’m hooked for life!

More photos after the jump!

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Style Blog, June 21st 2011 | Tags: Duana Taha, Events, Lainey Gossip, Lainey Lui, Organic Style, Sasha Tong, SMUT Soiree, The Society, Toronto
Posted in Events, Fashion, Organic Style

What I Wore: Panthers, and Rabbits, and Planking, Oh My!

This is what my cat looks like when he gets mad at me, fangs exposed, mouth snarling, eyes wide open…bracing to attack. Scary, no? It’s ok though, because I can stand up for myself. This (below) is my hissing face. This way Pepper (my cat) knows not to mess with me.

Anyway, I wore this to last weekend’s 1000 Tastes of Toronto, which was disappointing to say the least (more like 10 Tastes of Toronto). Thank goodness, le boyfriend and I bought only 2 tickets each (and ended up using only 3 out of 4). Post 1000 Tastes, the rest of the afternoon was spent chasing fake rabbits, attempting planking on said rabbits (which were extremely hot to the touch), and trying to avoid the MMVAs at all cost. Don’t you just love summer?

I Wore: Top – Topshop (The Bay); Shorts – Banana Republic; Bag – c/o Ecco; Hat, Bracelets, Sunglasses - H&M; Bracelet – BCBG; Shoes – Old Navy

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Style Blog, June 21st 2011 | Tags: 1000 Tastes of Toronto, Banana Republic, BCBG, Ecco, H&M, Old Navy, Organic Style, The Bay, Topshop, What I Wore
Posted in Fashion, Organic Style, What I Wore

Versace for H&M Fall 2011 Sneak Peek

Exciting news this morning! The next H&M designer collab will be with…VERSACE! And though I haven’t really been too into the Versace look most recently, the thought of some iconic pieces being remade for H&M makes me feel very happy (and hopeful). I say, bring back the black and gold looks of the 90s! Yes? No? Are you excited about this announcement? Dish in the comments!

H&M is proud to announce that its fall 2011 designer collaboration will be with one of the world’s most legendary fashion brands, Versace. Designed by its creative director Donatella Versace, the exclusive collection will look back to the vibrant heritage of the brand, full of leather, print, colour and exuberance in exclusive materials at fantastic H&M prices. The collection will include lines for women, men and selected pieces for the home. The collection will be released in North America on Saturday, November 19th. It will be sold in about 300 stores worldwide as well as online. In addition, Donatella Versace has also designed a pre-spring collection for H&M which will be exclusively available in countries with H&M online sales from January 19th, 2012.

Photo Credits: H&M

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Style Blog, June 21st 2011 | Tags: Donatella Versace, Fall 2011, H&M, Shopping, Versace
Posted in Fashion, Shopping

Topshop + Topman Summer Takeover Pop-up Shop

Last weekend, Topshop Canada rolled out the loungers and umbrellas for their summer takeover weekend pop-up shop. In anticipation of the first official Topshop (and Topman) store in Canada (coming in September to The Bay Yorkdale), shoppers were invited to browse the summer looks, and do some serious (Top)shopping under the sun. Luckily, one of the first people there, I was ecstatic to finally be able to get my hands on some of the items, that until now were either unavailable, or a big pain in the ass to buy (customs, duties, shipping…oh my!). I was in serious love with so many items at the pop-up, but seeing how my credit card is still hurting after my NYC trip, I had to be good, and walked away (after some considerable contemplating) with a lovely mustard-colored skirt, and a black panther top (which The Bay’s Suzanne Timmins and Christopher Sherman seemed to have a soft spot for as well).

All in all, a great time was had by all. And judging by the snaking line-ups around the parking lot at Queen St. and Soho St. all weekend long, I wasn’t the only one eager to finally snag some Topshop and Topman goodies. The only problem with pop-ups is that they are temporary, and once the weekend was over, I was left wanting more…Thankfully, September is just around the corner, and the (Top)shopaholic in me will just have to chill for now.

So, were you there this past weekend? Excited about Topshop/Topman Canada? Buy anything super cute? Share in the comments!