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Giveaway: Finding Myself in Fashion by Jeanne Beker

4 May, 2011 Nelia 15 Comments

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

28 April, 2011 Nelia 3 Comments

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

13 April, 2011 Nelia 2 Comments

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

11 April, 2011 Nelia Leave a Comment

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

7 April, 2011 Nelia 6 Comments

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

Giveaway: LGFW Line Knitwear Encore Show – 10 Tickets

31 March, 2011 Nelia 8 Comments

I know, I know…the Dr. Martens giveaway isn’t even over yet, and here I am posting yet another one. Hope you aren’t too mad at me.

If you follow Canadian fashion, you already know that Line Knitwear, was created in 2000 and designed by Toronto-based designers Jennifer Wells and John Muscat, is in its 3rd season at LG Fashion Week and is loved by celebs and media alike. My favorite Line pieces are usually their intricate knits (duh!), but don’t be fulled by the presence of “knitwear” in the label’s name, Muscat and Wells design a range of tres feminine non-knitwear too.

So, on to the giveaway…thanks to the lovelies over at rock-it promotions, I’ll be giving away 10 tickets…yes TEN tickets in total, to their Fall 2011 runway show tomorrow in Toronto! Exciting, right?

There are 2 ways to enter, read carefully:

1. Leave a comment, telling me why you’d like to attend the show – 1 entry

2. RT the following “@styleblogca I’d love to win @LINEKnitwear #LGFW tickets! http://styleblog.ca/?p=9402 #giveaway” – 1 entry

3. You don’t have to be a follower, but it’s always appreciated

4. This giveaway is open to Canadians only. The show is in Toronto, tomorrow at 10:30PM. Transportation to/from the venue is not included.

5. C’est tout

~~This giveaway is open until 11pm tonight. Good luck!~~ All winners have been contacted. Thanks for entering!

Don’t Miss – This Month in Toronto!

21 March, 2011 Nelia Leave a Comment

LG Fashion Week – Fall 2011
Heritage Court, Exhibition Place
March 28th – April 2nd

LG Fashion Week Beauty by L’Oréal Paris is the premiere fashion event in Canada which brings together media, industry, buyers and consumers to view the season’s collections in the Fashion Capital of Canada, Toronto. Now in its 12th year, the Fashion Design Council of Canada (FDCC) has successfully created a Fashion Week known as LG Fashion Week Beauty by L’Oréal Paris that commands international respect, drives the Canadian fashion economy and profile within the industry.

One of a Kind Spring Show
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
March 30th – April 3rd

The 33rd annual One of a Kind Spring Show returns to Toronto! Showcasing the vibrant talents of 450 artisans, the Spring Show is the place to uncover the coolest gift ideas in art, furniture, fashion, home decor, toys, food & more! Check out my post from the Christmas show…there’s just so much to see and buy!

Prom at the ROM – Into The Wild
Royal Ontario Museum
Saturday, March 26th, 2011

Get ready to experience the wild side of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) at the most thrilling fundraising event of the season – PROM: Into the Wild, presented by BCBGMAXAZRIA. Join hundreds of Young Patrons’ Circle (YPC) members and guests to celebrate the beauty of Earth’s biodiversity and the wonder of the ROM’s natural history collections. Enjoy a spirited evening complete with live entertainment and dancing, lush lounges and a gourmet feeding frenzy.

After Hours Men’s Event at The Bay
Men’s West End Shop
The Bay, Queen St. location – 2nd floor from 5 – 9pm
Thursday, March 24

See the new Spring 2011 men’s fashions from Hugo Boss, Ben Sherman, Strellson and more. Find out about The Bay’s made-to-measure offer and the new John Allen’s Men’s club. Light food & drink will be served, while quantities last. You could also get the chance to win a fabulous Strellson coat. Call to find out more information & RSVP to 416-861-6876.

Lise Watier Duo Glam Spring 2011 Launch

16 March, 2011 Nelia Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but I am not someone you’d call a makeup junkie. I like beauty products, but when it comes to my own face, my makeup regimen is pretty simple: concealer, eyeshadow, mascara…sometimes a bit of blush and powder, and some lip balm or lip gloss to pull it together.

One product I’ve had a love/hate relationship with for a while now is lipstain. I am not big on lipsticks (reapplying is a bitch), and lipgloss just doesn’t have that pop of color that my face often needs. And though lipstains offer longevity of application, what I really hate about most lipstains is the alcohol that dries out my lips, leaving them chapped and flaky! I’d rather have blah lips with no color than turtle lips. Am I right?

So when I heard that the new Lise Watier Duo Glam Rouge Infini lipstick/lipstain combo didn’t contain alcohol, but was water-based instead, I leaped for joy! Rouge Infini is lipstain on one end (1), and lipstick on the other (2). The lipstain side feels like water gliding on, and has a bit of a sparkle to it. With some lipstick on top, the final result is matte and long-lasting. 1 and 2 – it’s that easy. Two weeks later, and I am happy to report that my lips aren’t dry, and the color stays and stays and stays…all day long. Perfect for a lazy makeup reapplier like me!

Read more about Lise Watier Duo Glam Spring 2011 products after the jump!

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Philip Sparks Fashion Show Experience Fall 2011 Contest

10 March, 2011 Nelia Leave a Comment

Love Canadian fashion? Adore Philip Sparks? Love to take photos? If you said “Hell Yeah!” to all three questions, then you should definitely enter the Philip Sparks Fashion Show Experience Contest! The winner will receive two tickets to the Fall 2011 presentation, a $100 gift card from Town Shoes, and a chance to go backstage at Philip Sparks with an Olympus E-PL2!

This contest closes on March 13th, so hurry up and enter already!

Shopping: Coccolily Spring 2011 at Shopgirls

8 March, 2011 Nelia 1 Comment

Don’t you just love these cute little dresses? They are from the Spring 2011 collection of the Canadian line Coccolily, available exclusively at Shopgirls. To celebrate the launch, Shopgirls is hosting a public trunk show on Saturday March 12, 2011 to showcase the collection, that ranges in price from $150 to $250. Make sure to stop by and check them out, if you’re in the area. I, for one, am head over heels for these beautiful, totally wearable (and Canadian) cocktail dresses perfect for anything from birthday bashes to bridal parties.

Shopgirls Gallery Boutiqueis an 1800-square-foot creative retail and studio space that carries all Canadian designers and artists, located in the trendy Parkdale neighbourhood (1342 Queen Street West).