Jeanne Beker | Style Blog | Canadian Fashion and Lifestyle News

CAFA 2014: The Inaugural Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards

12 February, 2014 Nelia 2 Comments

Earlier this month, Canada’s brightest fashion industry talents gathered at Fairmont Royal York Hotel’s ballroom for one big reason – CAFA, otherwise known as the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards – the inaugural edition. Held for the very first time, CAFA Gala was a huge deal, and though I usually tend to avoid big fancy bashes, with a star-studded guest list that included DSQUARED‘s Dean and Dan Caten, Coco Rocha, and Mads Mikkelsen, attending this one was a no-brainer, especially when the lovely folks from Swarovski offered to “frost” me with their sparkliest baubles! Thanks to my blogger bestie Sharon, we got to join Team Swarovski at their table, joined by the beauties from Power of Privé, adorable actress Elisha Cuthbert, Emerging Talent Award winner Sarah Stevenson, and other amazing people. For the occasion, I wore my new Erdem dress from The Room, which was fitting since Erdem Moralioglu was one of the nominees. I also got to wear a beautiful vintage Mary Katrantzou for Swarovski cuff that was simply stunning.

The award show was very well-produced, and at times actually made me tear up, like when Jeanne Beker’s Vanguard Award was presented, followed by the loveliest of video montages, showing the most memorable moments from the Canadian Icon’s lengthy career, from her earliest days at MuchMusic, to her most jaw-dropping FashionTelevision reels. As I watched Canadian designers, stylists, photographers, models and other industry professionals on that CAFA stage, I could feel their happiness and excitement fill the room. With so many talented Canadians in this industry, spending the evening honouring some of them for their achievements felt great.

After the awards, the winners and the rest of us moved on to the after-party, where we danced to “What Does The Fox Say”, watched Bite lipsticks being made, hijacked a photobooth, and actually got to check out the CAFA trophies – shoe-shaped and very heavy. As someone who doesn’t stay out late very often, I was shocked to realize that it was past 1am when I finally decided to call it a night and head home. Yup, I’m a grandma and not even embarrassed to admit it; but some things are really worth sticking around for. I truly had the best time at this year’s CAFA Gala, here’s hoping that next year it’s going to be even more spectacular (perhaps with more monetary prizes for the winners?). I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

The full list of winners and nominees is after the jump!

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Halloween 2012: What They Wore (Toronto Edition)

2 November, 2012 Nelia 3 Comments

Odessa Paloma Parker (and husband) as Smithers and Mr Burns

Halloween is officially over, and though I didn’t end up dressing up this year (do sparkly cat ears count?), I know many of my friends and acquaintances did, and some of their costumes were just too good not to share!

From an editor cool enough to dress as Mr Burns, to a writer posing as Lindsay Lohan posing as Jesus, to a PR girl drinking her Go Go Juice as Honey Boo Boo, to another writer stripping down to his tighty whities to be Rocky Horror’s Brad, I loved every single one of these costumes…and even more so, loved the fact that none of these awesome people resorted to the obligatory “sexy cliché” costume. Way to go!

So what do you think about these creative Halloween get-ups? Take the poll below to vote for your favourite!

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Stephanie Fusco as Honey Boo Boo

Kevin Naulls as Brad from Rocky Horror Picture Show

Sarah Nicole Prickett as Lindsay Lohan as Jesus in Purple Mag

More after the jump!

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What I Wore: Toronto Life’s Most Stylish Party and Fashion’s Night Out Toronto!

11 September, 2012 Nelia 6 Comments

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What an EPIC day last Thursday was! It all started with a visit to Toronto Life’s Most Stylish party held at the new Shangri-La Hotel downtown. Toasting Toronto’s most sartorially gifted, this event was one of the best I’ve attended in a long while. Greeted with life size cardboard cut-outs of the 25 Most Stylish, my friend Lisa and I made our way around the room, checking out the immaculately dressed crowd, and snacking on pretzel bread grilled cheese sandwiches, fresh oysters, and caviar. Fancy!

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I also got to finally meet Andrew Coimbra, the winner of Toronto Life’s Most Stylish Reader contest (which I was also a part of). And I have to say, he was the WORST! Just kidding, he was pretty awesome, and we are now the best of friends. True(ish) story.

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After mingling at Toronto Life’s fancy party, Anita and I headed out into the night…more specifically into Fashion’s Night Out! Our first stop was eLUXE’s pop-up shop, full of candy, Smythe jackets, and Rebekah Price baubles, where we did a little mugging for the cameras at the photobooth. It was FUN!

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More after the jump!

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Halloween 2011: Toronto Fashion Heroes

25 October, 2011 Nelia 6 Comments

Year after year, I complain until my friends’ ears bleed about the crappy polyester slutty (insert a profession/object here) costumes that invade the streets of Toronto on Halloween. And this year is no different. I am sure the parties and clubs will be full of nurses, cops, flight attendants, etc. in cheap flammable outfits, and once again I will be wearing something that I pulled out of my own closet.

This year, I wanted to wear a costume that had something to do with fashion…avoiding the usual cliches of donning the “Anna” wig, the “Audrey” LBD, or something else equally predictable. And then, last weekend, while browsing the Halloween section at the Blue Banana, the inspiration came…in shape of a fake beard. My mind immediately went to the now infamous Toronto Life editor – Kevin Naulls. “Why hasn’t anyone else thought of dressing up as Toronto fashion notables?” – I thought. This city is full of vibrant characters equally as intriguing as Mr Lagerfeld, and Ms Wintour…or at least interesting enough to Toronto folks. And so this post was born.

If you’re not from Toronto, you might not be familiar with some of the people below…but I am sure you can conjure up costumes of your local fashion superstars too. All it takes is a little imagination.

1. Jeanne Beker – Fashion Television Host

Is there a person more recognizable in Canadian fashion than Jeanne Beker? I don’t think so. Jeanne Beker is an institution. And as such, she’s an easy target for Halloween costuming (is that a word?). Her costume is actually super easy to put together. If you aren’t blessed with a dark brown mane like Jeanne’s, pick up a wig with her signature blunt bangs. Grab a black shift dress (perhaps from her EDIT collection at The Bay?), cinch it with a cool belt (she wears one with a dinosaur buckle), pair with sky-high black pumps, grab a mic, and you’re ready to go find yourself in fashion!

2. Kevin Naulls – Toronto Life Online Editor

Main source of inspiration for this post, and a man that makes socialites tremble with fear and/or anger at his sometimes cutting, always hillarious photo captions. All you need to be Mr Naulls for a night is a good fake beard, something plaid (shirt, trench, scarf – use your imagination, people!), fun socks that he’s often spotted wearing, and a copy of Toronto Life in hand. Kevin, is that you?

3. Anita Clarke – Blogger

Bloggers are a huge trend, they say…and a trend that won’t be going away any time soon (we hope). And what blogger is more fun to emulate than Anita? My favorite (and most Halloween-appropriate) look of Anita’s of late was her fab Mark Fast jumpsuit – part catwoman, part fashion superhero, if you’ve got the body to rock it, then, I say, go for it! Don’t forget an awesome pair of shades, and a pair of Dean Davidson earrings to complete the look. Meow!

4. Sarah Nicole Prickett – Writer

SNP’s raw and insightful writing is the reason we tune in to her personal blog week after week. But it’s her killer style that makes us think she’d be so fun to wear for Halloween (err…not literally, of course). If imitation is a sincerest form of flattery, flatter her by wearing a rad pair of wedges (straps, peep toes, stripes…), tee off your boyfriend’s back, leather skirt layered over another skirt, and a swipe of red lipstick.

Finish the look with a tousled blonde wig (that you can trim to make it look slightly uneven). Use pink (or purple) highlighter to give the wig some fun highlights. And though we’ve seen SNP smile many a time, your costume won’t be complete without her signature smirk.

5. Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong – Designers of Greta Constantine

We see this designer duo everywhere! At industry parties, product launches…and of course, at their very own fashion shows. And their unmistakable style makes them perfect costume material! If you are looking to dress up with a friend – this is a great costume idea for you! Both Kirk and Stephen wear a lot of their own designs, so definitely go for something flowy and layered, in shades of black, white, and grey (leather shorts for Kirk, sweat pants for Stephen). Wear a pair of aviator glasses as Stephen, and thick black rims as Kirk. For Kirk’s outfit, you might want to find a paperboy hat similar to the ones he likes to wear, and for Stephen’s topper, choose a trucker hat, or just wear your hair in a knot on top of your head.

Hope you enjoyed this costume post. What other Canadian celebs Halloween costumes would you like to see? Share in the comments!

Stuart Weitzman Canadian Celebrity Shoe Auction

7 September, 2011 Nelia 5 Comments

If you ever wondered what it’d be like to walk a mile in celebs’ shoes, today is your lucky day! Well, technically, September 1st was your lucky day…but nevermind that.

Check out these kick-ass Stuart Weitzman shoes, designed by a slew of Canadian celebs – from Jeanne Beker (“woman who lived in a shoe” shoe), to Rachelle Lefevre (“crossword” shoe) – all pieces are one of a kind, and can be yours for as little as $200! How? The Stuart Weitzman Canadian Celebrity Shoe Auction is being held from September 1st-September 21st, with proceeds donated to support the work of Ovarian Cancer Canada.

I love how creative these celebs were in designing their signature shoes…and just to add – they all did it themselves – with no help from the Stuart Weitzman folks whatsoever. Pretty impressive, right? And though it’s tough to choose a favorite – I would probably say that Rick Campanelli’s bright yellow shoes definitely made me smile. Which ones do you love?

To bid on your favorite shoe and read all about the inspirations behind the designs, please go to:

http://www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/stuartweitzman2011

More photos after the jump!

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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

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: Strutting It by Jeanne Beker

18 February, 2011 Nelia 24 Comments

Have you always wondered about what’s it like to be a model? First-class tickets to glamorous destinations, rubbing shoulders with top designers, easy, breezy, beautiful, and not much work? Well, apparently not. Fashion Television’s Jeanne Beker, who’s been covering all things fashion for over 25 years, knows a thing or two about the “grit behind the glamour”, and isn’t afraid to share it. Jeanne wrote Strutting It to help young and ambitious model wannabes to get some perspective on the realities and pressures of modeling, not just the fun and fabulous aspects of it. With lots of personal stories, model profiles, and a ton of photos, Strutting It is a must-read for fashion lovers everywhere. And thanks to Tundra Books, Style Blog will be giving away 1 copy to a lucky reader.

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 #StruttingIt by @Jeanne_Beker! http://styleblog.ca/?p=8951”

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 winner will be chosen on February 25th. Good luck!~~

And the winner is…drumroll…My Bits and Bleeps! Congratulations!!! For everyone else who entered, there are more giveaways coming very soon! Thanks for entering!

Photo Credits: Amazon

Jeanne Beker Bratz Doll

14 October, 2010 Nelia 4 Comments

Recently, at a preview of the new line of toys at Windsor Arms, I spotted something very interesting – a Jeanne Beker-inspired doll! A fan of Jeanne’s myself, I was wondering what the deal was with the Bratz Passion for Fashion doll, since apart from the hair, the doll didn’t really resemble Jeanne in the least. Well, apparently, it wasn’t supposed to. Jeanne Beker, who wrote the book titled Passion for Fashion – Careers in Style for the young fashion lovers, was approached by Bratz for a collaboration. The result? A fashion reporter doll, named Jeanne B – styled by Ms. Beker herself!

The doll comes complete with a copy of Jeanne Beker’s book, a press pass, camera, microphone and other fashion reporter essentials. And as for the looks, I was told that since most celebrity look-alike dolls tend to look creepy (completely agree!), Bratz decided to go in a different direction with this one. Not a Jenne Beker doll per se, but a Jeanne-inspired one instead. I think, it’s pretty amazing!

What about you? With Christmas approaching, would you get a Jeanne B doll for your little fashion lover? Let me know in the comments!

EDIT by Jeanne Beker Fall 2010 Preview

31 August, 2010 Nelia 6 Comments

We live in a world where celebrity clothing lines are dime a dozen. And while I have no idea who in their right mind would ever even consider buying something with Heidi Montag’s name on it, when The Bay invited me to attend an intimate preview of Jeanne Beker’s new clothing line EDIT, it really made sense. After all, Jeanne is an iconic figure of Canadian fashion with an immaculate sense of style and an immense knowledge of the industry – who better than her?

And though Jeanne didn’t design the collection herself (“I’m not a designer!” – she exclaimed), she did have a hand in editing the collection to create a selection of simple, yet timeless pieces, ranging in price from $79-$195 and sizes 2-16. There’s a classic pencil skirt, a structured blazer, crisp white button-up, ubiquitous LBD – all staples in any working woman’s closet. My favorite of all was the cozy cape ($195), that came in grey and camel colors – such a versatile and fun piece to rock for fall – definitely a must-have on my list. But EDIT is not just for the ladies at the office – available are also Jeanne Jeans and Jeanne Jeggings, with portion of sales going toward Dress for Success.

The launch of EDIT not-so-accidentally coincides with the 25-year anniversary of Fashion Television, which drove Jeanne to do something a bit more personal to share with the world. The collection consists of 25 pieces, and will be available at 65 Bay stores come September.

To see some of the looks modeled by Jeanne Beker herself, check out Style Blog’s Facebook page here.