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Toronto’s First Stiletto Sprint: Running in Heels

14 September, 2009 Nelia

Last week, the day had finally come for Toronto to have its first Stiletto Sprint! First of all, let me just say…5:15 am! My dedication to all things fun and stylish is very, very strong…hence had to wake up at 4:30 am on a Friday morning! It was still dark out when we got to the Ontario Place parking lot, where the event was held. And judging by the number of people that showed up, I wasn’t the only one who was curious!

The Stiletto Sprint was held in support of the Look Good Feel Better foundation – Canada’s only cancer charity dedicated to empowering women to manage the effects that cancer and its treatment have on their appearance, and often on their morale.

Having heard about the Glamour Stiletto Run in other cities, I’ve always been eager to participate in one, and when I heard that Toronto was getting its own sprint, I was super excited! Despite the early wake up call on a workday, everyone seemed to be in great spirits, participating in various activities, shoe competitions, and of course running in heels. I was part of Heat Two, and ran 50 meters in 11 seconds. Some girl in Heat Five ran the same distance in about 8 seconds. EIGHT. IN HEELS. And here I thought that my daily heel-wearing had prepared me for the competition. Let’s just say I was blown out of the competition by other, more experienced runners.

The best part of the event for me was the Men’s Final. Despite the promise of a $1000 prize, only 7 guys showed up, so the chances to win were fantastic! And did they ever give us an awesome show! The stretches, the posing, the running…some guys even had amazing legs that could rival those of some ladies!

The winners got the glory, the trophies, and hard cold cash! The run raised $3,000 in registration fees for the Look Good Feel Better foundation, as well as a generous $20,000 donation from StyleSense. All in all it was a fantastic event that I was very happy to be a part of! Will practice more next year!

As you can see it was still dark when Heat #2 was scheduled. I am number 119.

Look Good Feel Better package for women with cancer, sponsored by various cosmetic companies.

Photos from Men’s and Women’s Finals after the jump!

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Xtremely Partied Out

12 September, 2009 Nelia

This week Al and I attended a stylish soiree, thrown by Extreme Fitness and sponsored by Glow Magazine, Woman.ca, French Connection, Lacoste, Blowfish Sushi, Dermalogica, Tony Chaar Salon, and a few others. What sold us on this party was the promise of free cocktails and free sushi (What? I blame the economy and my shopping addiction). Cocktails we got, sushi not so much. With Blowfish Sushi as one of the sponsors, I’d assume that we’d at least see a few trays of yummy deliciousness passed around (saw two trays all night). I understand that it was a fitness party, but was it implied that fit people don’t eat?! We were so hungry, that when I found a girl with a tray of seaweed wrapped carrots, rice, and lettuce (is that even food?!), I grabbed one for myself and one for Al and carried it triumphantly upstairs. I almost had to fight the starving women off me, with many inquiring where or where had I obtained that precious piece of something edible.

With the gripe out of the way, I must admit that the rest of the party was a blast! Hair and makeup makeovers, eyelash extensions, oxygen bar, and skin care consultations! Gift bags, French Connection styling competition, jumping models of Lacoste, DJ Chris La Roque on the turntables…so many things to see and do! Great time was had by all. And I guess the free flowing alcohol made most of us forget about the lack of food!

On a side note, this being a fitness party and all, I finally signed up for a gym membership! Hooray! Last time I had one, I used it maybe 10 times (in 2 years). But am positive that this time will be different! I can just feel it!

More photos after the jump!

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Foodie: Samovar Room

1 September, 2009 Nelia

I have to admit that when it comes to bar hopping, I always stay within my comfort zone (Yorkville, or King St. W.), so when I heard about the opening of Samovar Room in Cabbagetown (51A Winchester St.), I jumped at the opportunity to explore Toronto a little more. The area is a host to many lovely-looking cafes and restaurants, and I will definitely be going back to explore those little hidden gems. As for the Samovar Room, Al and I thouroughly enjoyed our visit! I am not a great judge of drinks, so according to the expert (Al), the Cosmos were great…and I can attest that the champagne with strawberries was yummy! As was the food! We were served traditional Russian “zakuski” all through the night, which included various types of sausage (kolbasa), salmon rolls, delicious rye breads, and even Russian pizza! Perhaps I am a bit biased, but having been raised on those traditional foods myself, I definitely enjoyed every single item I ate!

I loved the propaganda posters on the walls, the paintings, and the hats worn by the bar’s staff! And the service was great too! The place was packed, but we still got to try every single hors d’oeuvre, thanks to our super attentive server! After a few drinks, my friend and I were itching to dance, but had to go home before the fire-eating go-go dancers had begun their performance, it was a Thursday night and we both had to work the next day. Boo!

So if you are looking for a new place to grab a drink or two with friends, definitely check out Samovar Room! Surprisingly, Cabagetown was not at all a hassle to get to! Just take the streetcar East on Carleton St. and you’re there in no time!

More pics of Samovar Room after the jump!

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Gems of Italian Cinema

21 August, 2009 Nelia

I guess it’s a little too late to let you guys know about the “Signore and Signore: Leading Ladies of the Italian Cinema” event happening at the Cinematheque Ontario, since it ends today. Boohoo! I am sure those of you that love Italian cinema have already heard all about it and have gone, and those that haven’t…well, you should definitely check it out next time!

I grew up watching a lot of foreign films, and even though Soviet films will always have a special place in my heart (Devchata, Bril’yantovaya Ruka, Operaciya I, etc), Italian films from the 50s and 60s are one of my all time favorites! I think it’s the combination of great stories, amazing actors, sharp fashions, and the language! Plus Marcello Mastroianni’s good looks don’t hurt either!

I am re-watching an old-time favorite “Nights of Cabiria” tonight! Cannot wait! Am super disappointed that Cinematheque Ontario did not include “Marriage Italian Style” in their lineup. Sofia Loren is the leading lady of Italian Cinema, and yet this comedic masterpiece by De Sica was grossly overlooked this time around (she is both hilarious and heartbreaking as the main character Filumena). Considering that Loren’s name is the first one that pops into anyone’s head, it’s a little surprising that they only included one movie featuring the actress. Hopefully they’ll include “Marriage Italian Style” next time, because this movie is all sorts of amazing!

Click for more “Marriage Italian Style” stills and a couple of my Italian favorites!

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Toronto’s First Stiletto Run!

17 August, 2009 Nelia

Do you always wear stilettos? Do you prefer them over the flats? Are you good at running in heels? Have you always wanted to participate in the Stiletto Run in NYC, but never had the chance? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are in luck! Toronto is getting its own Stiletto Sprint this September! All you need to do is donate a minimum of $15 to Look Good Feel Better foundation and you’re in! And guys, if you too are interested, one race will be held specifically for you! There will also be prizes ($10000-$1000), and gift bags! Are you registering yet? Details and shoe specs below!

Event Details

Date: Friday, September 11, 2009

Time: Registered participants to arrive at 5 a.m. Races take place between 5:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Location: Ontario Place, Parking lot P3 – Lake Shore Blvd & Ontario Place Blvd, Toronto, ON

Photo Credits: National Post and StyleSense

Grand Opening of Anthropologie in Yorkville

4 August, 2009 Nelia

I have looooved Anthropologie ever since my Houston days, and was always a bit sad that Toronto peeps were missing out on that amazing store! When the first location opened up in Toronto, I was very excited, but still sad…because Don Mills is way too far for me and my friends…but now there’s no sadness in sight!…For those under a rock, the second Anthropologie store opened its doors this month in Yorkville, and a couple of my friends and I were super happy to participate in the “Bits and Baubles” workshop and the Grand Opening of the store last Friday.

The “Bits and Baubles” workshop was a lot of fun! We were given limitless supplies (textiles, beads, thread, buttons, flowers, glue guns, etc) to create our very own statement necklaces! And let me tell you, it was a fantastic way to spend our Friday night, very different from our usual dinner, martinis, and gossip Fridays! The girls and I crafted, strung, and glued…and results were more than satisfactory. But who knew that necklace-making is such hard work?! Thankfully, sangrias were on hand to keep us from passing out from all of the handy labour!

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Toronto’s First Stiletto Sprint: Running in Heels

Xtremely Partied Out

Foodie: Samovar Room

Gems of Italian Cinema

Toronto’s First Stiletto Run!

Grand Opening of Anthropologie in Yorkville

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