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You Are Invited: Power Ball 21 Club


If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you already know that I absolutely love Power Ball. It truly is one of the most fun Toronto fundraisers, complete with intriguing art installations, incredible food, live music, and the best outfits. And I think this year is going to be one for the books! For one, the artist line up is stacked, with artist projects by Sarah Keenlyside (at the pre-party) Bruno Billio, Chelsea Culprit, and Max Streicher (at the main event). Part of the fun of Power Ball is exploring the various installations and interacting with art, and this year’s selection of artists looks to be particularly interesting. Another reason I’m extra excited for Power Ball: 21 Club is this year’s main sponsor Holt Renfrew, which can only mean even better fashion and people-watching.

One thing I’m still unsure about this year is my outfit. With less than 2 weeks to go, I don’t have too much time to decide. This year’s theme is 21 Club, a one-night-only speakeasy, and I’m thinking slinky cami dresses, loads of pearls and fringe, or a sleek double-breasted suit with equally sleek hair. The great thing about Power Ball is that it’s completely acceptable to dress over-the-top and almost costumey, so keep that in mind when figuring out your own look. This is not the party where a boring cocktail dress will suffice. Bigger is better!

Tickets are still available, so get yours before they sell out so you can experience the one-night only art installations at the most exciting party of the year! Hope to see you there!

WHEN: June 6, 2019
WHERE: The Power Plant
231 Queens Quay West
7pm-9pm – Pre-party
9pm-Late – Main party

Wishlist: Giambattista Valli x H&M Collaboration

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It’s official! H&M’s next designer collaboration is with Giambattista Valli, and I couldn’t be more excited. A preview of the May 25th pre-collection was released on the website today, and it’s just what you would expect – tulle, lace, chiffon, ruffles, organza, uber-feminine, and I want it all. With prices ranging from $19.99 to $599, it’s certainly a lot more affordable than the real deal, but just as fun. I’m hoping to pick up a couple of pieces online on May 25th, and can’t wait to see the rest of the collection when it launches on November 7th. Here’s hoping there are a few more gorgeous separates to look forward to along with all of those frothy gowns.


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What They Wore: Met Gala 2019


Guys, I don’t know about you, but this was one of my fave Met Galas in a while. With “Camp: Notes on Fashion” as the theme, I was hoping to see a swan dress or two a la Bjork, but my hopes weren’t especially high. Well, I was wrong, because so many celebs delivered! Perhaps not everyone went full camp, but so many did, and thankfully, I didn’t see a lot of “pretty”, “nakedy”, “boring” outfits. Well, Gisele did wear a pretty boring dress and Karlie Kloss showed up a clubby, wrinkly Gucci mini, but I wasn’t really expecting much from these two anyway. Instead, there were plenty of bonkers, bananas, cuckoo outfits…and it was so much fun! Some of my faves are embedded in this post, including Ezra Miller’s epic everything, Janelle Monae wearing all of the hats, Naomi Campbell looking ageless, Tessa Thompson the epitome of perfection in CHANEL, Jared Leto in Gucci and with a head to spare, Gemma Chan in a stunning Tom Ford-designed/Elizabeth Taylor-inspired headpiece, and Kim Kardashian dripping in crystals in a custom-made Thierry Mugler. Did you have a favourite outfit of the night? Check out the rest of the looks after the jump!



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Shopping: Shopbop Spring 2019 Trends


It’s that time of the year – spring is in the air, birds are chirping, temperatures are climbing, and all I want to do is wear fewer layers. This spring, I am trying not to overspend, and instead invest in a few smart pieces that will complement my existing wardrobe options, while adding a little freshness to the clothes I’ve grown tired of. For months now, I’ve been slowly building my perfect spring Shopbop wishlist, and at a recent preview, I actually got to see a lot of these pieces IRL. If you’re trying to update your wardrobe this season, and are looking to try a few hot trends, below are my personal faves – from Animal Print (which is technically a classic, so you may already have a piece or two in your closet), to touches of Neon, to my weekend staple of Coveralls, you don’t have to embrace each and every trend, but you may just find a piece or two that you’ll love and wear all the time, which is my goal too.

And to sweeten the deal, you can save up to 25% off regular AND sale items until April 12th by using promo code EVENT19. This is Shopbop’s Event of the Season, so if you’ve been eyeing something, now is the time to take the plunge, especially if it’s already on sale…getting a discount on an already reduced item is such a good feeling.

Happy Shopping!

Animal Print

Neon

Overalls

Strappy Sandals

Tie Dye


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Shopping: H&M Conscious Exclusive Spring 2019 Collection


Over the years, I’ve bought several pieces from various H&M Conscious Exclusive collections, and I am happy to report that they are still well-loved and often-worn…in other words those pieces truly held up both in quality and style. This year’s H&M Conscious Exclusive collection is another treasure trove of airy dresses (both casual and special occasion), chic suiting, and cool accessories, all made from sustainably-sourced materials, such as organic silk and cotton, Tencel and recycled polyester.

“This Conscious Collection is a wonderful step towards meeting one of our main goals – to use only 100% recycled or other sustainably-sourced materials by 2030. Sustainability is one of our core values and while there is a lot of work going into this throughout the entire value chain, it’s always exciting to see the more consumer-facing campaigns really showcase our conscious way of thinking.” – Isak Roth, Global Sustainability Manager at H&M.

Personally, I think it’s great to see a fast fashion brand embracing sustainability. I truly hope that more brands join H&M’s commitment to use recycled materials, while creating better quality garments. Of course, the entire fast fashion business model seems to be counter-intuitive to this goal, but hopefully as consumers become more and more conscious of our spending choices, more brands will choose to improve on this as well. H&M Conscious Exclusive Spring 2019 Collection will be launching in select stores and online on April 11th, priced from $29.99 to $299.



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Shopping: SmartBuyGlasses


One of the easiest ways to look put together when you’re not feeling too hot is to throw on a pair of chic shades – no makeup required. Over the years I built a solid collection of fun sunnies for all occasions, so when SmartBuyGlasses.ca approached me for a collab, I didn’t have to think too hard. The selection of sunnies they carry is quite extensive, with brands like Alaia, Balenciaga, Chloe, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Valentino, and so many more, it’s easy to get a little carried away. Their prices are also very competitive, with discounts aplenty, and lightning-fast shipping times. They also stock some of the must-have designer pairs that are sold out everywhere else!

Since I love sunglasses with a little flair, I chose these Gucci cat-eye pearl-embellished sunnies, and I’ve been wearing them non-stop ever since. I think they add the much-needed glamour to my sometimes blah winter outfits, and I can’t wait to bring them with me on my next vacay.

If you’re looking for your next pair of sunglasses, glasses, or even ski goggles, make sure to check out the selection at SmartBuyGlasses.ca, you won’t be disappointed. Some of my fave pairs below!



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What They Wore: Holt Renfrew H Project Uncrate Southeast Asia


To celebrate the launch of H Project Uncrate Southeast Asia collection, Holt Renfrew threw a fab cocktail party hosted by Alexandra Weston, and complete with delicious (and almost too pretty to eat) bites by Chef Nuit Regular of Kiin, a special performance by Toronto Thai Dance Troupe, DJ Karim Olen Ash on the turntables, and some of Toronto’s best-dressed in attendance. 10% from all sales during the event was donated to Room to Read, a non-profit organization focused on girls’ education and literacy in Southeast Asia.

We got to check out the impressive newly-renovated H Project space on the third floor of the Bloor Street flagship, and of course, shop the new arrivals from the Uncrate Southeast Asia capsule. There were so many things to love – from stunning Kalita dresses, to chic Angelys Balek swimsuits, to adorable plush toys by Cambodia Knits. The Uncrate Southeast Asia collection highlights almost 20 brands like Beachgold, Kayu, Kandila Co, The Brave Collection, Girlfriend Collective and many more, with socially responsible products that are made with sustainable materials, produced by local artisans and communities. Beautiful products that create positive change in the world? What’s not to love?!

You can now shop Holt Renfrew’s Uncrate Southeast Asia collection in store at Bloor Street, Yorkdale, Square One, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and online until mid-summer. 





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CHANEL in The Snow Fall 2019 Collection

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As someone who is really into snowboarding at the moment, the setting of the CHANEL in the Snow Fall 2019 Collection was thrilling to see. An entire collection of perfect apres ski clothes showcased in a faux alpine village, complete with Chalet Gardenia, CHANEL skis tucked into the snow, mountain backdrop, and of course, the snowy runway.

This was the first CHANEL show since Karl Lagerfeld’s passing, and most likely the last collection he co-designed with Virginie Viard (though rumour has it he had input into the upcoming cruise collection as well). It’s strange to think of CHANEL without Karl. The two have been inextricably linked since 1983 (longer than I’ve been alive!), and while I’m really excited to see where Virginie Viard will take the brand, I’m also sad that one of the most iconic designers to ever live is gone. To honour the late designer, there was a minute of silence before the show, and tearful models on the runway after, but the true celebration of his talent was the show and the collection itself.

Heavy on the menswear-inspired looks, with timeless oversized houndstooth suits and coats, substantial plaids, and high-waisted pants, but also with a good helping of cheerful bright tweeds, sheer tulle, iridescent sequins, and shiny leather, the Fall 2019 collection had the makings of a dream fall-winter wardrobe…mostly for off the slopes, but if I can get my hands on that fuzzy red CHANEL sweater, I’ll wear it all the time and for all occasions. No surprise, there were also a lot of gorgeous bags and accessories on the runway. As we know, Karl loved a cheeky minaudiere, and this collection was no exception. For CHANEL in the Snow, a ski lift minaudiere was introduced in three colourways, with “Coco” “drawn” on a steamy window. I’d love to see a “Karl” minaudiere in the future, and I wonder if that’ll ever happen.

What did you think of CHANEL in the Snow? Will you miss Karl Lagerfeld’s genius designs? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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What They Wore: Oscars 2019


Though I’m currently away on vacation, I knew I had to log in and blog about the 2019 Oscars fashion after seeing THAT dress on Gemma Chan. It’s pink, it’s tent-like, it has pockets and a ruffled collar, and it’s freaking perfect. Not boring, not predictable…just perfect. Thank you, Gemma, and thank you, Valentino for really bringing it. Gemma wasn’t the only one having a pink moment. I loved Maya Rudolph’s floral cape gown and that chic bob of hers…she looked incredible. Speaking of incredible, how gorgeous did Tessa Thompson look in her CHANEL Couture gown?! Understated, elegant, but still so far from boring. Love her so much, and love that the brand recognizes her amazingness too.

But while we always expect the women to make a splash on the red carpet, it was Billy Porter who seemed to be having the most fun in a velvet ballgown skirt, paired with a structured jacket on top, and attitude to match. Actually, this year’s Oscars had a veritable buffet of exciting looks on male actors: Stephan James and David Oyelowo in velvet Etro suits, Mark Ronson in haute bellboy attire, Nicholas Hoult in that drapey yet structured Dior jacket…so much better than the expected tuxedos, non?

There were also a few disappointments in my books…Lady Gaga in a whatever gown (I bet she had a million options to choose from, and this gown is what she chose?!), Brie Larson in Celine looking beautiful but also not very exciting, and Constance Wu, whom I looooove, in a fine Versace that just missed the mark for me (too reminiscent of Michelle Williams’ infamous marigold frock, but not as well-executed perhaps?!).

I’m rushing this post because my time on this business center computer is limited to 30 minutes…so I am sure I am missing some stellar and not-so-stellar looks, but I am including most of my faves in the gallery below. Let me know if you agree in the comments!



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Shopping: Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2019


I’ve always had a soft spot for Valentine’s Day, despite it being a “made up Hallmark holiday”. A day to celebrate love (whether it’s romantic love, friendship, or self-love) by consuming copious amounts of chocolate and other yummy treats, while treating yourself or your loved ones to cute presents that signify how much they mean to you? What’s not to love?!

Perhaps your mom has been asking about the benefits of face rollers (this one’s rose quartz and so pretty), or your significant other loves to cook (this heart-shaped Staub cocotte is delightful), maybe your friend is in search of a new perfume (this limited-edition CHANEL N°5 is a showstopper), or perhaps you’re a sucker for a good heart print (this Hermès scarf is for you!)…whoever makes your heart happy deserves to be treated to something that will make them smile.

Do you love Valentine’s Day and everything that comes with it? Share in the comments.

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WHAT I WORE

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