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OBJECT for Danier by George Antonopoulos

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As promised, here’s a quick sneak peek at OBJECT by George Antonopoulos for Danier Leather – an all-Canadian collaboration that will be available in stores and online in August.

Sometimes, a designer creates a collection that feels nearly tailored for you – it has all the “perfect” pieces, and all the silhouettes you never knew you needed, but now need so badly. That’s how I felt about OBJECT. The only hiccup is…as much as I’d like to think so, it wasn’t created solely for me, and lots of other people felt a personal connection to the collab – which, I guess, is a sign of a very good collection.

Creative director George Antonopoulos  put a lot of thought and care into his first designing collab with Danier. He picked quality leathers (Italian lambskin for most), slaved over the most miniscule details (lining or no lining, raw hem or not), and as a result, designed a perfect collection for a confident modern woman.

As I try to narrow down my list of wants down to a manageable few pieces, I can’t help but gush about the gorgeous dresses with leather sleeves, leather pants that will hug your curves in all the right places, thanks to the added stretch, leather tank that will look as good with a pair of jeans, as it does with a killer OBJECT leather tulip skirt, and the grey leather trench? Forgetaboutit. OBJECT is also chock full of great accessories – a dreamy art-deco-looking patent leather belt with gold or silver hardware, a couple of unisex leather clutches in faux croc, as well as a kick-ass leather tote. If I had the funds to purchase this entire collection, I don’t think I’d need to buy any other piece of anything for fall – everything I need (for work or play) is there already!

Antonopoulos, a fashion stylist by day, definitely knows what women want in clothes (as well as what works), and his first collection delivers the goods in a simple, yet stunning way. I’m certain, that come fall, OBJECT for Danier will be on everyone’s wishlists. The question is…what will your OBJECT of desire be?

Danier Leather Fall 2011 Preview

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Last week, I went to check out Danier’s Fall 2011 preview, and walked away a drooling mess. There are just too many items that I covet come August/September, and unfortunately, not enough funds to buy them all!

For Fall 2011, Danier will be one of the hottest stores around, with amazing Canadian collaborations such as Greta Constantine Skin, Object by George Antonopoulos, and Mark Fast for Danier. But even the regular in-house collections are full of gorgeous, modern pieces…seemingly (style) miles away from the more blah Danier collections of, say, 5 years ago.

There’s lace + leather, knit + leather, lots of hot leather LBDs (that I would totally rock at work), amazing jackets (like the one below…swoon), and so much more, that I couldn’t help but get just a little excited about fall. Although my wallet is less than thrilled.

What do you think about Danier’s Fall 2011 collection? Will you stop by to check it out? Let me know in the comments.

Stay tuned for more photos from the amazing Canadian collaborations that will be available at Danier for Fall 2011.

More after the jump!

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Rita Liefhebber SS 2011 Trunk Show at Rac Boutique

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When Rita Liefhebber styled our Yorkdale is Me  photoshoot back in 2010, I found out that this model-turned-stylist was also an amazing designer as well. Talk about multitasking! Well, this week, I attended her S/S 2011 trunk show at Yorkville’s Rac Boutique, and I just could not walk away empty handed. A small, but versatile collection of hand-dyed, hand-knit, hand-stitched tanks, silk tops, maxi dresses, gorgeous scarves, and sexy basics was simply perfect for any contemporary fashion loving city girl. I love that Rita’s designs don’t scream sexy, they whisper it. Rac owners Glenna and Faith, obviously just as excited about Liefhebber’s designs, will also carry her Fall 2011 collection come September.

After much speculating, I picked up a grey and black hand-dyed silk tank top, that I decided was perfect for my top-lacking wardrobe. My very first Rita Liefhebber piece…but definitely not last! Next time you find yourself in Yorkville, make sure to stop by Rac Boutique and peruse Rita’s lovely collection. You won’t regret it!

Greta Constantine x Danier SKIN Collection

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Earlier this week, Canadian designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong of Greta Constantine previewed their brand new collab with Danier called SKIN. The drool-worthy capsule collection, consisting of jackets, dresses, belts, vests, and one kick-ass sleeveless bolero will be available sometime in August, and until then, you should start saving up – prices will run from $399 to $999.

My favorite piece from the collection and also the least expensive of the bunch (lucky for my wallet) was the bolero ($399) with an exaggerated lapel in grey suede – a perfect piece to inject some cool into one’s wardrobe. The buttery soft leather shift dresses in grey, black, and red ($499) were also calling my name, as I was watching people try them on all around me.

The mannequins on display were artfully styled in both Greta Constantine Primer and SKIN pieces – Primer being the lower-priced “basics” collection…that is anything but basic. The signature Greta draped silhouettes were present in heather grey soft jersey maxi dresses, putting at least one of them firmly on my must-buy list.

What do you think about Greta Constantine SKIN collection? Are you going to check it out come August? Share in the comments.

Greta Constantine Primer collection is now available at TNT stores, while Greta Constantine x Danier Leather SKIN collection will be available in August at 20 Danier stores nationwide, and online.

Beauty: Beautyphica Online Boutique

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In a world where vacuous starlets and reality TV idiots are widely celebrated, meeting someone as accomplished and as inspiring as Solange Strom is incredibly refreshing.

Solange Strom is a woman with a can-do attitude and a youthful, enterpreneureal spirit. A few years ago, a mom to two kids under the age of 4, Strom decided that she craved something more out of life. As a result of this craving, a company was born. L’Occitane – you might’ve heard of it? After turning the brand into one of the most well-known skincare lines in the world, Solange sold the company, and thankfully, got restless again.

Her new venture is called Beautyphica. Not a fan of cosmetic surgery, Solange firmly believes in using the right products for your skin, and before offering said products to her customers, she first has to be a fan herself. Beautyphica, though a Canadian company, has a very French approach to beauty – focus on skincare first, makeup second. Solange shared that she wants to make her customers feel beautiful on the inside, as well as out.

With a strong focus on exceptional skincare lines, Beautyphica finally offers Canadian (and US) shoppers, what for the longest time was nearly impossible to purchase in North America – über-exclusive International skincare brands (think Katima’A, Apot.Care, Lostmarc’h, Nuxe), well-known for their quality, “miraculous” results, and cult-like following, just a click or a phone call away.

Since customer service is one of the top priorities for the company, Beautyphica will offer free consultations, and with every purchase, consumers will be able to select 3 products through an exclusive trial program! Couple that with fast (and oftentimes free) shipping, and it’s easy to see why Beautyphica is already causing a stir among! With so much to offer, I hope that Beautyphica will soon become a premier shopping destination for North American beauty junkies. And with someone like Solange Strom at the helm, I am expecting nothing less.

Giveaway: Finding Myself in Fashion by Jeanne Beker

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When I was offered an advance copy of Jeanne Beker’s autobiography, I jumped at the chance! Jeanne is a Canadian institution, and I was really curious to find out just what her path to success was like. After getting through the book in 2 days, here’s what I thought.

Finding Myself in Fashion  is an inspiring read about one woman’s quest to live an extraordinary life. In her latest book, Jeanne Beker candidly opens up and shares many riveting stories about her life, her family, her business ventures, and her true love – fashion. Offering an intimate look not only at the fashion industry and its players, but at her life’s most interesting highs and lows.

The more I read this book, the more I realized that despite the privilege and the gloss, despite the glamourous façade, behind the scenes, Jeanne Beker is first and foremost a real woman and a mother, but one, who was never afraid to forge her own path, be it in fashion or in life. And for that, I truly have a huge amount of respect for her.

If you would like to win a copy of Finding Myself in Fashion, here’s what you need to do:

1. Leave a comment (1 per person, please)

2. Tell me why you’d like to win this book

3. For extra entries, please RT the following: “@styleblogca I’d love to win #FindingMyselfinFashion by @Jeanne_Beker! http://styleblog.ca/?p=9837”

4. Again, you don’t have to be a follower, but it’s always appreciated

5. This giveaway is open to Canadians only

6. C’est tout!

The giveaway will close on May 15th, 2011 at 11:59 EST. Good luck! And the winner is…jessica!!! She said that she would love to win because “i love reading about brave, daring canadian biographies”.

Photo Credits: Penguin Group Canada

Aldo x Flare “Bish” Shoe Preview

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Everyone has that one perfect pair of shoes that they wish they had in their closet. Be it a sublime stiletto pump, or a chunky flat platform, finding a perfect shoe can be quite challenging. Not so for Liz Cabral. The uber-stylish Fashion Director of Flare Magazine partnered up with Aldo Shoes for one kick-ass Canadian collaboration – her very own perfect pair of summer shoes.

Last Wednesday, I was very lucky to be one of the first few to actually look at their labour of love up close and personal, as well as try them on, and…gasp…buy them before they hit the shelves the next day! Did I jump at the chance? You bet your Loubies I did!

Aesthetically, the Aldo x Flare style“takes spring’s hottest trends in stride. With naturally sexy python, the sleekest wedge and a flash of fluoro orange, it’s a brilliantly of-the-now shoe for style whizzes like you!” And though I was really digging the high-impact citrus hue, and the python detailing, it’s the comfort factor that really sold me on it. The “Bish” shoe is super lightweight, while the leather cords provide enough support to avoid the foot from slipping and sliding, without cutting into my skin – perfect for the office, and power-lunch-shopping.

Another cool thing about the collab is that it’s available in very limited quantities. Though I have a sneaking suspicion that we’ll be seeing quite a few shoe-offs in Toronto this summer.

I am really loving these Canadian collabs, be it Aldo x Flare, or Aldo x Greta Constantine (which sadly weren’t mass-produced), or Danier x Mark Fast – here’s hoping to see many more!

Will you be buying the very first Aldo x Flare shoe? Or are you holding out for another collab? Share in the comments.

Photo Credits: Photo #2 by Anita Clarke (I want – I got); all other photos property of Style Blog

Toronto Fashion Week: Fall 2011

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This is my seasonal challenge with Toronto Fashion Week(s)…attend the shows, get a feel for my favorites and then…delay posting them. Sorry if this comes a bit late, but some rest (and reflection) was in order. So now that I’m somewhat refreshed and ready to go, I give you my favorite looks from LGFW Fall 2011 shows.

Having written about VAWK already, I have to say that it was my favorite of the season, but there were definitely some notable looks from other collections that caught my eye.

1. RUDSAK

In Canada, we spend most of the year bundled up…And what I love about RUDSAK is that they prove time and time again that you don’t have to look like Michelin Man in order to stay warm. The variety of gorgeous leather coats, fur collars, interspersed with smart knit detailing really made me want to throw away my old Aritzia parka, in exchange for a more grown-up coat. It’s on my list for next fall. Stay tuned.

2. Juma

The Juma show, made my heart skip a beat with their gauzy dresses in beautiful prints. Pants and anoraks were also on my “must buy” list, with their perfect flow and fit.

3. Greta Constantine

Not part of LGFW, but rather the Rogue Fashion Week, Greta Constantine never disappoints. My favorite looks consisted of GC signature jersey gowns in deep rich shades – which looked comfortable enough to lounge in, yet glamourous enough for the red carpet. Love. 

4. Amanda Lew Kee

The show started out strong, with exposed zippers, leather and sheer detailing galore – kick-ass and feminine all at the same time. The second part of the show, however, was much more…ahem…daring – visions of tinsel, Christmas, and Halloween came to mind, as well as Lindsay Lohan for Ungaro (rosettes on boobs? come on!). But I guess we can just forget about the second part, and focus on the leather detailing and the sheer maxi skirts for now, which really were pretty amazing.

5. LINE Knitwear

The final show of LGFW, with an encore to boot, LINE was one of the must-see collections of the season. And though lately, there’s a lot more to LINE that just knitwear, I loved their crochet and knit pieces the most – that yellow maxi dress was perfection!  

What about you? Did you attend any of the shows this season? Any items on your “must-buy” list for fall? Share in the comments. 

Photos: Greta Constantine, Amanda Lew Kee, Juma, Line Knitwear – by Jenna Marie Wakani via Toronto Life; Rudsak – via Rock-it Promo Flickr

Roots Spring 2011 Collection

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Is there a brand more Canadian than Roots? With the exception of the signature HBC stripes, Roots is a company I think of, when I think of Canadiana. But looking at their Spring 2011 collection – no maple leafs in sight, all I could think of was…STYLISH!

Roots shoes and bags have become increasingly popular in the last few years – mainly because of the quality (which is superb), and the variety of styles available. Admittedly, though I don’t own any Roots leather pieces of my own, I was really impressed with the company’s Spring 2011 collection – supple leathers in colors ranging from sandy brown to hot pink, comfy-looking (and yet still stylin’) boots, leather vests, sophisticated shapes, and clothes that are perfect for layering. Impressive, indeed. 

My favorite pieces were definitely the ones made with colorful leathers…yellow, orange, pink, and camel – amazing for those sunny days ahead! The below two-tone messenger bag was one of my faves – a perfect blast of color for practically any outfit, no?

So if you haven’t checked out Roots Spring 2011offerings yet, make sure to stop by a store near you, because beyond the usual medley of hoodies and athletic pants, their leather goods might just make you rethink your next designer bag purchase – the quality of leather is that good.

More photos after the jump!

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EDIT by Jeanne Beker Fall 2011 Preview

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If every lunch break could include a chi-chi meal with Toronto’s most stylish, I’d be one happy gal. Last week, despite a harrowing schedule of month-end (at work), and LGFW (at Heritage Court), I made a dash to Boehmer restaurant to get a glimpse at Fall 2011 collection of EDIT by Jeanne Beker.

With Canadian fashion rockstars (HBC CEO Bonnie Brooks, Flare’s  Lisa Tant, and Bernadette Morra of FASHION Mag count, right?) present and seated, Jeanne spoke of her line’s fall collection, the addition of more Plus-sized items and denim, once again adamant that she is not yet another celeb designer – she just has a real knack for picking and choosing all the right pieces to create a covet-worthy wardrobe for any woman.

Some of my favorites included a Pea-vest (peacoat + vest combo, or a sleeveless wool vest, if you’d like), which would look terrific layered over a leather jacket, an easy Equipment shirt (which comes in 5 colors), a sequined party vest, and a Burberry-esque Sherling aviator jacket – all versatile pieces that my closet desperately needs. It was also nice to see Peace, a Ben Barry model and a true size 18, rocking pieces from EDIT’s plus-size collection – looking just as stylish, as her skinnier counterparts.  Diversity in fashion? It’s happening.

All in all, I was once again impressed with EDIT by Jeanne Beker pieces, which were classic enough to suit just about any woman’s lifestyle, yet with just the right amount of edge. The collection is well-priced, and the hottest items usually sell out within days (at least in Toronto, they do). Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Have you bought any EDIT pieces for yourself yet? Share in the comments.

EDIT by Jeanne Beker and Jeanne Jeans are available at The Bay stores nationwide.

Tablemates: eTalk’s Sasha Tong and Julia Seidl of Style Hog

Hip Urban Girl Lisa, and one half of Toronto is Fashion – Marc.

Photo Credits: All photos by Style Blog, final photo by Richard of Toronto is Fashion

WHAT I WORE

What I Wore: Cute Winter Boots
Hermès Boutique Opens at 100 Bloor Street West in Toronto
Beauty: Introducing GABRIELLE CHANEL
What They Wore: Grey Goose Sunset Soiree Picnic
Style Blog Travels: Boating in Capri
Style Blog Travels: Sorrento, My Love
Style Blog Travels: #FordConnections at Langdon Hall

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