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What They Wore: Power Ball 2019

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When it comes to The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery’s Power Ball, you go big or go home. And this year, with new presenting sponsor Holt Renfrew, guests of this notorious art bash brought their outfit A-game. I spotted lingerie as clothes, a frock fit for Marie Antoinette, sheer dresses, lots of neon, extravagant headdresses, and lots more. Partygoers had fun with their clothes at 21 Club, and it showed.

Beyond fashion-watching, Power Ball: 21 Club was full of immersive artist projects, vibrant performances, and delicious food and cocktails. Toronto-based artist Bruno Billio presented an enlarged version of his Tron209 room, “a work that engages with bygone visions of the future by manipulating everyday objects and spaces with tape and black light”. Outside, guests took selfies with Max Streicher’s large-scale inflatable sculptures, Sleeping Giants, sipped bubbly from the FIOL Prosecco bar, and indulged in delicious sandwiches from Arthur’s and desserts from Ricarda’s. And just in case that wasn’t enough, there were also 2000 Krispy Kreme donuts to indulge in, if you were still hungry.

The party also showcased the talents of Toronto’s diverse LGBTQ community curated by Tobaron Waxman of the Intergenerational LGBT Artist Residency, with stage performances by Carlotta Carlisle, Tynomi Banks, Flarington King, Gay Jesus, and Dainty Smith and Imogen Quest of Les Femmes Fatales Burlesque.

We came, we danced, we sipped bubbly, watched great performances, indulged in yummy bites, and interacted with fun art…and it was all just as promised – Toronto’s most thrilling art fundraiser. If you missed Power Ball: 21 Club, there’s always next year, but for now, check out the rest of the photos from this year’s party below.







More photos after the jump!
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What I Wore: Cute Winter Boots



Breaking news! I finally found affordable, waterproof winter boots that look cute! After spending the entirety of December and most of January slipping and sliding in my stylish boots (or having to wear my clunky winter boots when the weather got really bad), I was determined to find a pair of waterproof leather boots with a non-slip rubber sole and faux fur lining, with a modest heel and at least knee-high, so I could wear them with culottes…but they had to be cute and versatile and also inexpensive (because I tend to ruin shoes almost immediately). That was quite a wishlist to fulfill…I considered La Canadienne – a Canadian brand I love, but all of the styles I liked were just out of my budget, and so I had to keep looking…until I found another Canadian brand – Blondo!

Let me preface this by saying that this is absolutely not sponsored, I simply fell in love with Blondo’s stylish selection of waterproof boots, and once I received my boots in the mail, I was super impressed with the quality too. So far, I picked up two pairs – a pair of ankle booties and these over-the-knee suede boots. Both are super comfy, waterproof, insulated, and they make every one of my winter outfits so much better. No more ugly winter boots for me. I honestly have no idea why I’ve spent so many winters in non-waterproof boots with slippery soles, the winterized Blondo boots were just as affordable and just as cute!

What’s your winter footwear strategy? Do you prefer the clunky winter boots? Do you know another footwear brand that makes cute winter boots? Share in the comments!





I Wore: Coat – Sonia Rykiel (The Room); Boots – Blondo (Naturalizer); Sweater – H&M; Bag – CHANEL

Hermès Boutique Opens at 100 Bloor Street West in Toronto

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For months now, I’ve been walking by the giant orange Hermès box at 100 Bloor St West eagerly awaiting the opening of the huge new store, and on Tuesday I finally got a chance to see it for myself. Airy, bright, beautiful, and spanning two storeys, the new boutique is certainly an upgrade from the more quaint location just down the street. The magnificent oval staircase with leather-lined handrail is the centerpiece that stuns and awes when you first enter the store, but the meticulously curated “universes” of the boutique are what make this Hermès location really shine. From the exquisite tablescapes, to cozy (in a luxuriously Hermès way, of course) sitting areas, to rare bags on display, this boutique is beyond a doubt a special place to shop. I still have much left to explore, since on preview day, the store was packed to the brim with stylish guests, but I am planning on making a leisurely stop later this week.

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After the sneak peek of the beautiful new store, the guests in attendance were shuttled off to a private after-party at Evergreen Brickworks, where a magical winter wonderland complete with ice-skating, games, and a surreal pastel-rainbow-like landscape was created. I wouldn’t be embellishing if I said that it was one of the best parties I’ve attended this year. We danced, ate cotton candy and foie gras, indulged in champagne…and Champagne Papi!!! That was the ultimate surprise – just as we thought the party couldn’t get any more fun, we noticed people gathering near the stage, and so we joined in, only to be treated to an intimate performance by Majid Jordan and Drake! We even got a little standup routine from the latter, who jokingly scolded his mom for not wearing Hermès to the party. Drake is reported to be quite the Birkin collector, so the brand love is real. Needless to say, having Drake sing right into my face, just feet away from me was an experience I won’t soon forget.


Several sightings of rare Birkins later, we were back on the shuttle to Bloor Street, and ready to call it a night. And what an unforgettable night it was to celebrate the arrival of the bigger and better Hermès boutique in Toronto! If you’re a fan of the brand (not unlike Drake), please do yourself a favour and stop by the boutique to see its beauty in person. You never know who you might run into!





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More photos after the jump!
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Beauty: Introducing GABRIELLE CHANEL


For the first time in 15 years (!!!), the House of Chanel has released a brand new fragrance – GABRIELLE CHANEL, named, of course, after the the inimitable Gabrielle Coco Chanel. Created by Olivier Polge, GABRIELLE is a fresh floral fragrance with warm notes of Jasmine, fruity scent of Ylang-Ylang, fresh essence of Orange Blossom, and a finishing touch of Grasse Tuberose. This feminine fragrance is an instant classic, and the streamlined yet striking square bottle only reinforces its timelessness.

To celebrate the new fragrance, a beautiful mini film starring Kristen Stewart and directed by Ringan Ledwidge was released, capturing the essence of the rebellious spirit of Gabrielle Chanel. If you’re still not familiar with the designer’s history of breaking the rules and reinventing herself, make sure to watch the Inside CHANEL videos linked below. They offer a fascinating glimpse at Coco Chanel’s life and of course the history of CHANEL.


As for me, I am smitten with GABRIELLE CHANEL. I’ve been lucky enough to wear it for a few weeks now and it’s my current go-to perfume – can’t get enough! The new fragrance is now available at all CHANEL Beauty counters in Canada, so make sure to stop by and try it for yourself.




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What They Wore: Grey Goose Sunset Soiree Picnic


I love picnics! I would picnic all the time in the summer, but I am way too lazy to put together a basket of provisions, blankets, utensils, drinks, and a million other things you need for an outdoorsy meal. Well, earlier this summer Grey Goose made my most exquisite picnic dreams come true and more!

The brand’s annual summer party was held at a Bridle Path mansion, its backyard set up with chic blue blankets and picnic baskets stuffed with a delicious meal prepared by Chef Justin Kent, along with an iced bucket of Grey Goose Rouge au Vin cocktail at the ready. With three lovely blanketmates, I enjoyed every moment of our picnic, sipping those refreshing cocktails, and devouring the incredible Poulet au Moutard, and other French-inspired nibbles.


After dinner, the guests spread around the grounds to enjoy the rest of the fun activations like a game of petanque, live music, a dove/goose balloon release, and Grey Goose Esspresso Martinis. There was even an artist on hand to sketch everyone’s stylish outfits! As afternoon stretched into late evening, the backyard was still abuzz with excitement – people dancing, mingling, and enjoying the free-flowing Grey Goose cocktails. And if that’s not a sign of a great summer party, then I don’t know what is.


If you’re planning on hosting your own al fresco soiree this summer, I highly recommend the Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz cocktail collection – these delicious concoctions will impress even the pickiest guest, and require only a few ingredients to whip up. I am also including Chef Kent’s recipe for Poulet au Moutard, because it was just too good not to recreate.

Happy picnicking!


More photos and recipes after the jump!
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Style Blog Travels: Boating in Capri


Before our trip to Italy this summer, I told le bf that we are definitely, 100%, non-negotiable renting a boat as soon as we get to Capri. Mostly, because one of my happiest memories in life involved boating in Capri and I wanted him to experience the joy of cruising around this beautiful island with me. He wasn’t psyched about navigating an unfamiliar boat in an unfamiliar area, but as I said – non-negotiable. Spoiler alert: he ended up loving it! If you’re into swimming, beautiful views, wind in your hair and sun in your face, then you too must rent a boat in Capri the next time you find yourself on this gorgeous island – it truly is the best.


While doing my boat research, I stumbled upon Capri Boat Banana Sport company and I am happy to report that they were professional, well-organized, and affordable – would hire them again without hesitation. Renting a boat for 2 hours cost us EUR 90 (each additional hour is only EUR 30, and the all-day rate is EUR 220), the staff was very helpful, walking us through the ins and outs of operating and anchoring their boats, as well as giving us a bit of background info about the island’s best sights along the way, before taking us to our boat. It was such a straightforward process, that both le bf and I immediately felt at ease.

Boating in Capri is very easy, even for inexperienced boaters – there is no reef to worry about, the water is fairly calm, there are plenty of spots where you can drop anchor and go for a swim, and the island itself isn’t very large, so you can cruise around without worrying about getting lost. As long as someone in your group has a driver’s license, you’re all set. There are a lot of stops to make along the way, so you may need more than 2 hours to finish the trip, but it was just enough time for us.


After our boating expedition, which included swimming, going through the Faraglioni arch, and just the overall feeling of being truly alive, we returned our yacht boat, and headed to Terrazza Brunella for lunch. We had a reservation, so we took the funicular to the center of Capri from Marina Grande – the quickest way to get to the top. This wasn’t our first time at Terrazza Brunella, and once again we were not disappointed – the food was top-notch, as was the service and the views.

Post-lunch we did some window shopping along Via Camerelle, but somehow I was able to walk away empty-handed. The store that really caught my eye on this trip was Wonderland, which carried a great selection of vintage bags and accessories. The shop itself is very cute, so check it out if you have time.


Because our boat to Sorrento was departing early, we didn’t have time for a visit to Anacapri, but having visited it in the past, I was ok with skipping it. We took the funicular back to Marina Grande and headed to our dock, sunkissed, with salt in our hair, and bellies full of clams. On our way back to Sorrento, le bf told me that boating around Capri was a highlight of our trip for him, and I couldn’t agree more.


Have you been to Capri before? What are you favourite activities on the island? Share in the comments.


More photos after the jump!
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Style Blog Travels: Sorrento, My Love


Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast of Italy have a very dear place in my heart. Perhaps predictably, the love affair began with Under the Tuscan Sun, and grew deeper each time I visited Sorrento and the vicinity. I loved it so much, I even got married there! Well, after missing it for 5 years, I finally returned to one of my favourite places in the world to celebrate my 5-year wedding anniversary this summer.

If you’ve never been to the Amalfi Coast, I highly recommend Sorrento as your home base in the area. All other must-see towns are very accessible from Sorrento by boat, bus, or car, and compared to Positano and Capri, there are a lot more affordable options for lodging. Yes, Sorrento is definitely touristy, and gets quite busy in the summer, but for me, the crowds don’t detract from its charm and beauty.


Getting There:
Getting to Sorrento is fairly simple. The closest airport is located in Naples, from where you can either take the ferry or the local Circumvesuviana train. When travelling from Rome, we usually catch a train from Termini station to Naples (just over an hour), and then grab a Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (under an hour). I recommend taking the Campania Express train instead of the local commuter one – the former is air-conditioned and has very few stops (though it’s slightly more expensive), while the latter does not have air-conditioning and can have some sketchy characters on board (try to stay close to other tourists and hold on to your bags).


Where to Stay:
On this visit, we stayed at Casa Evelina Airbnb, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. It was super affordable, with modern, stylish, well-appointed rooms, and located just steps away from Piazza Tasso, and minutes away from the Circumvesuviana train station (and breakfast was included too!). In the past, I’ve stayed at Palazzo Januzzi, and Maison Tofani – both are quite nice, but definitely pricier than Airbnb (use this link to sign up and get $50 off your first Airbnb booking). If you’d like to splurge on a fancy hotel with a view, the Bellevue Syrene is a lovely place, and is definitely on my list of hotels to check out on my future visits.


Where to Eat:
Trattoria Da Emilia is my personal go-to and I’ve eaten there many times over the years. The small seaside restaurant has been a Sorrento mainstay since 1947 and serves simple, but delicious dishes like Spaghetti with Clams (my fave!!!) and Caprese Salad at the picturesque Marina Grande. The service is quick, the location is perfect, and the entire menu is super affordable. For a fancier meal, head to Grand Hotel La Favorita’s rooftop restaurant, where both the views and the food are excellent. If it’s on the menu, try the handmade Eggplant Scialatielli – I am still dreaming about it. On this trip we also had a meal at the Michelin-starred Il Buco, not our favourite meal in town, but still quite good (my lobster risotto was delicious, while le bf’s pumpkin soup was just so-so). Whatever you do, don’t eat at the Piazza Tasso restaurants, these places are ok for a drink and some people-watching, but the food will most likely disappoint.


What to Do:
Apart from visiting the nearby towns and Pompeii (just a couple of Circumvesuviana stops away), Sorrento’s beaches are perfect for an afternoon of relaxation. Since you’ll have to pay for a lounger and an umbrella, get there early and stay for a while. Leonelli Beach is my favourite, with a nice sandy beach, and decent food (I especially like their fresh strawberries with lemon juice and sugar!). There’s a small stretch of free beach nearby, but it gets really crowded.


Shopping in Sorrento is pretty good, there are lots of great souvenirs to bring home – from limoncello and lemon chocolates to spices and ceramics to custom-made sandals. Shop around to find the best deals and avoid buying the “Made in China” souvenirs – there’s plenty of local artisans to support instead. If you’re smitten with Sorrentine cuisine, you can take a cooking lesson at the Quanto Basta Cooking School. The school was located near our Airbnb and was always packed with people, and the atmosphere looked really fun. Since we had a cooking class booked in Cinque Terre, we didn’t end up taking a class in Sorrento, but will definitely do it next time we’re in town. In the evenings the main street gets closed down to car traffic, and you can stroll along Corso Italia alongside locals and tourists, eating gelato, and enjoying the weather. It’s the best!

One thing to note, there’s plenty of stairs, hills, and slippery cobblestones in Sorrento, so make sure to bring comfy flats and get ready to do some legwork. If you find yourself near the beach and dreading the trek up to town, there’s a public elevator you can take instead of walking. There’s a nominal fee to use the elevator, but it may be worth it if you’re really tired or in a hurry.


If you’ve never been to Sorrento, I can’t recommend it highly enough, even if for a day or two. As touristy as it is, Sorrento is a charming town with breathtaking views, great food, and an unbeatable Amalfi Coast location. Have you ever been to Sorrento? Share your thoughts in the comments.

More photos after the jump!
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Style Blog Travels: #FordConnections at Langdon Hall


A few days ago le bf and I set off on a mini road trip in a brand new 2017 Ford Edge Titanium as part of the Ford Positive Connections program aimed to help bring people together on Best Friend’s Day (which also happens to be my birthday!) through a fun curated trip. First stop? Toronto Premium Outlets, because what’s a birthday weekend without a little #treatyoself?! With a few purchases from Saks Off 5th, J.Crew and Nike outlets piled up in the trunk, we jumped back into the car, and took the scenic route to Cambridge, Ontario. We drove by parks, farms, and fields, while the cooled leather seats kept us nice and comfortable, and the SYNC 3 system played my fave road trip playlist (mostly BSB, because I obviously have a great taste in music). Before we knew it, we were pulling into the picturesque Langdon Hall.


Since this was le bf’s first time at Langdon Hall, we did a quick tour of the property before settling into some comfy patio chairs with celebratory cocktails. With conversation flowing, the view of Langdon Hall’s main house in front of us, and the soft afternoon light in our faces, it was exactly what we needed after a few hectic weeks of all work and no play in the city. The next day, after a leisurely country table breakfast and a little R&R time by the pool, we packed our bags, checked out of our beautiful room and headed to Downtown Cambridge.

Back in town, we discovered that Cambridge was one of the filming locations for the Hulu show The Handmaid’s Tale (a current fave!). The bridge where the protest scene was filmed, the infamous hanging wall – both are super recognizable and we were so excited to have unexpectedly stumbled upon it. Needless to say, we were totally geeking out. After taking a million photos, we walked over to the nearby auto show, drooling over the vintage Ford Mustangs from the 60s and 70s (next year’s birthday present, perhaps?). We grabbed a couple of delicious Portuguese donuts from Malasada World, and hit the road.


The ride back to Toronto felt quick and easy, and since we had our Ford SUV for the weekend, we drove it from the house to Bar Isabel for yet another birthday celebration. It handled beautifully in the city, just like it did in the countryside. Le bf especially loved the car’s Personal Safety System that alerted us whenever another car was moving nearby unsafely, which came in handy a few times in the busy downtown Toronto. My favourite Ford Edge feature was definitely the cooled front seats – perfect if you like to drive with windows down, while keeping the rest of your body nice and cool.

Once the weekend came to an end and it was time to say good-bye to “our” Ford, I felt a little sad but very thankful for a lovely weekend of re-connecting with le bf and exploring new places together. I guess it’s never too soon to start planning our next road trip this summer! 





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What I Wore: The First Long Weekend in May



Victoria Day long weekend is just around the corner and for many Canadians this weekend marks the beginning of cottage season. While le bf and I aren’t cottage-owners, our usual Victoria Day long weekend plans involve packing our bags, renting a car, and driving to a hotel in Gravenhurst for a few days of sunshine, hiking, and swimming. Depending on the weather, my packing list for these trips is fairly uncomplicated – sweatshirts and comfy denim for chilly evenings, a dress or two for dinners out, a swimsuit, sunglasses, my fave HBC beach towels, beauty essentials, and a couple of easy to pack Tide PODS for clean laundry in a pinch (no musty towels for us!).

And since Victoria Day is the unofficial kick-off to cottage season, I partnered up with Tide to share the Cottage Laundry Care Guide for any upcoming weekend getaways you may have planned. Check it out after the jump!


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What I Wore: #BeNice


With Canada turning 150 this year, Roots has created the #BeNice campaign to celebrate Canadians who make this country a better place to live. You can nominate someone who deserves the title of Canada’s Nicest Person by sharing your stories on Facebook or Instagram and tagging @rootscanada with hashtags #BeNice and #RootsIsCanada. Canadian Olympic Champion Adam Van Koeverden will select the top 10 finalists, and it will then be up to the public to vote for who they believe is the nicest. The winner will be announced on June 20th, and will be recognized with a $10,000 donation to his or her charity of choice.

“We want to acknowledge those who embody Canadian nice – the kind of nice that takes guts, courage and strength,” says Van Koeverden. “We’re calling on Canadians to nominate nice and let us know who goes above and beyond to champion what they believe in to really make a difference.”

And while we’re on the topic of “nice”, Roots has also created the nice Button set ($3), with 100% of profits benefiting WE’s Indigenous Youth Empowerment Programming. For more info on Roots’ #BeNice campaign, upcoming events, celebrations, and art installations check out www.roots.com/nice!


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WHAT I WORE

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