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You Are Invited: Marni Mini Market Pop Up at Holt Renfrew

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If you love Marni and all things colourful, then Holt Renfrew is going to be your favourite place this month. The Marni Mini Market pop-up is now open at Holt Renfrew Yorkdale until July 22nd, with a series of limited edition products on offer, including “playful picnic baskets handmade by Colombian artisans, animal sculptures made from metal and colourful PVC, and reimagined versions of the famous Marni shopping bag in striped fabric”. I haven’t had the chance to pay a visit to the pop-up yet, but after studying the images very carefully, I think I need…EVERYTHING. And the best part is, it’s all really affordable considering that it’s Marni. Most bags and pouches are priced from $115 to $240, chic scarf necklaces are $280, and plant holders are $80.

If you live in Vancouver, then you’re in luck too, because Holt Renfrew Vancouver will be hosting the pop-up there from August 1st to 19th. This is the first time Marni Mini Market pop-up is available in North America, so shop accordingly.

Are you excited about this pop-up? Share in the comments.

Where: Holt Renfrew Yorkdale
When: Now – July 22

Where: Holt Renfrew Vancouver
When: August 1–19





Photo Credits: Holt Renfrew

You Are Invited: TIFF Summer 2018

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If you don’t have any travel plans this summer or just want to escape the heat for a couple of hours, TIFF summer programming’s got you covered. I’ve been going to the movies so much lately, but there are so many great films to see, I just can’t help myself. There are films for fashion lovers, like the upcoming Vivienne Westwood documentary Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist (Jun 29 – Jul 5), and movies that will whisk you away to Italy or Japan thanks to programs like Summer in Japan (Jul 5 – Sep 1), Modernist Master: Michelangelo Antonioni (Jun 6 – Jul 21), and Maestro! The Films of Luchino Visconti (Jul 26 – Aug 19). I am especially looking forward to the Italian line-up, having grown up watching a lot of these films as a kid, and now fully obsessed with all of the timeless costumes. I am also super excited about the new 4K digital restoration of the Luis Buñuel’s classic Belle de Jour (opens on July 27th), with stylish costumes designed by none other than Yves Saint Laurent.

If you love film, fashion, and travel, you should definitely pay a visit (or several) to TIFF Bell Lightbox this summer. Don’t miss this rare chance to see some of these magnificent films on the big screen, you won’t regret it.


Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist
https://www.tiff.net/films/westwood-punk-icon-activist/


Belle de Jour
https://www.tiff.net/films/belle-de-jour/


L’Avventura
https://www.tiff.net/films/lavventura/


Blow-up
https://www.tiff.net/films/blow-up/
Photo Credits: TIFF

Beauty: Bastide at Holt Renfrew Yorkdale

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When I first got introduced to Bastide last year, I was immediately smitten. Not only do the products smell like heaven and work like a charm, the beautiful packaging makes me smile every time. Last month, I attended the celebration of the chic new Bastide counter at Holt Renfrew Yorkdale, with the world-renowned hairstylist and co-founder of Bastide, Frederic Fekkai in attendance. As someone who’s passionate about natural beauty, Fekkai along with his wife, Shirin von Wulffen, acquired and re-launched their favorite heritage brand from Aix-en-Provence – Bastide, a beauty and lifestyle brand inspired by the “wellness philosophy of Provence and founded on a commitment to artisanship and to clean, toxin-free living”.

If you’re not familiar with Bastide, you should know that the brand does not test on animals, avoids ingredients like parabens, silicone, and sulfate, relying on mostly natural ingredients instead. The brand’s hand and body lotions for example, are formulated with Provence honey, olive oil, and calendula, made with 97% ingredients of natural origin, and leaving even my uber-sensitive skin feeling soft and smooth, without irritating it. All products are created in Provence by Bastide Beautisans – expert artisans with generations of expertise in oils, soaps, lotions, and natural beauty. And to top it all off, the brand embraces sustainable packaging, using recyclable glass and paper instead of plastic. Bastide is truly a feel-good brand to support, and I am so happy to be able to find a wide selection of their lovely products at Holt Renfrew.

Are you familiar with Bastide products? Share your thoughts in the comments.




Photo Credits: Jenna Marie Wakani

You Are Invited: Power Ball XX – Carousal

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Now that we’ve covered the amazingness that was the Met Gala, let’s talk about a party we can all attend without needing to shell out $30,000 per ticket (!!!), one of Toronto’s most fun/fab/artsy fundraisers – Power Ball! Power Ball, presented by Max Mara is truly a not-to-be-missed fundraiser, with interactive art, an abundance of delicious food, and some great outfit-watching. Over the years I’ve seen some outrageously well-dressed attendees at Power Ball, with the best-dressed usually embracing the year’s theme with enthusiasm and creativity. Here’s hoping this year is no exception.

Carousal
noun. 1. a noisy or drunken feast or social gathering; revelry.
The theme of Power Ball XX is Carousal, which I find to be pretty open to interpretation. The official description and the poster seem to lean into the direction of Carnival/Circus, with the image showing a mermaid, belly dancers, magicians, and acrobats, but there’s always the “arousal” part of “carousal” if you wanted to take that direction instead. Here’s the official description:

“Come celebrate Power Ball’s twenty-year standing as the art world’s unofficial adult funland Thursday, 31 May 2018 and join us under the big top of The Power Plant for a carnivalesque mashup of art, edibles, waggishness and tomfoolery.
Revel in Power Ball’s decades’ old tradition of naughtiness, titillating discoveries and mischievous provocation as the gallery is transformed into a transitory space of circusry fit for the party’s big, bacchanalian birthday bash—all in support of the ambitious exhibitions and programming at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery.”

I still haven’t made up my mind on what exactly I’m going to wear…perhaps some Circus-inspired black and white stripes, or a nude slip dress with a ton of jewellery, or maybe something red and overtly sexy. There’s still time to decide, so I am not in panic mode just yet. I also put together a few of my fave dresses (after the jump) that could fit this year’s theme, in case you too need a bit of inspo. And in case you were curious, here’s what I wore last year to Power Ball XIX – Stereo Vision, and a couple more outfits I wore in the years before that.


Have you ever attended Power Ball? What are you going to wear? Share in the comments and see you at The Power Plant!

WHEN: May 31, 2018, 9pm-late
WHERE: The Power Plant, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto
TICKETS: $175 (Power Ball Party), $500 (Power Ball Pre-Party and Party)
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Shopping: Holt Renfrew Contemporary Treehouse

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Spring can’t come soon enough, but for now, I am slowly but surely assembling my dream spring wardrobe, so that when the temperatures finally hit the double-digits, I’ll be ready! Plus, I am so sick of sweaters and coats, that shopping for dresses feels somehow therapeutic. The other day, I got to preview Holt Renfrew’s newly updated women’s contemporary floor at their Bloor St location, and it was everything I needed and more for spring. Inspired by the “architectural structure, warmth and magical escape of treehouses”, the floor has been transformed into a bright and inviting space, featuring visual elements such as chipboard finishes, ash veneer beams, and wooden vignettes…and stocked to the brim with a ton of cool new contemporary brands.

There’s an abundance of cool denim brands like RE/DONE (my fave!), Outland Denim, Grlfrnd, Mother Denim, and so much more. It’s the perfect one-stop-shop for those looking to invest in a new pair this season. As someone who lives in dresses in the summer, I was immediately drawn to racks upon racks of beautiful spring frocks. I tried on printed silk dresses from RIXO London, boho maxis from BA&SH, and the playful styles by Ganni..and I loved them all!

If you’re looking for a new bag this season, there are several uber-chic options from cool brands like Staud and Cult Gaia – accessories with a ton of style and reasonable price tags. I already wrote about this spring’s ethically-made H Project arrivals, which you can also find at Holt Renfrew’s Contemporary Treehouse.

If you haven’t visited the Bloor St location in a while, make sure to stop by soon – from the CHANEL Coco Game Center on the concourse level, to the Contemporary Treehouse on the top floor, there’s lots of exciting things to see and do at Holt Renfrew on Bloor St…and with the new Colette Grand Cafe coming soon, it’s about to get even better.



More after the jump!
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Boxing Day 2017: Toronto Premium Outlets Bus Shuttle

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Shuttle Bus
If you’re thinking about spending your Boxing Day at the Toronto Premium Outlets, taking the shuttle to the mall is the best thing you can do to ensure a stress-free day of shopping. I’ve taken it in the past, and love how convenient the service is! With 2 Toronto pick up locations, free VIP Coupon Book, and no parking spots to hunt for, the shuttle will keep you focused on the deals instead of the craziness of Boxing Day. In addition to the regular perks, and Style Blog discount code (see below), the first 50 Boxing Day passengers will also get a $5 Second Cup gift card! Make sure to book ahead to secure your spot and happy shopping!

Shuttle Bus Prices: 

$30 + Tax (Round Trip),
$20 + Tax (One Way)

*pay 0% tax with the Style Blog promo code below.

Shuttle Bus Schedule:

From Union Station @ Maple Leaf Square (Monday to Sunday): 10:30 AM
From North York @ 5 Sheppard Ave E (Saturday and Sunday): 10:55 AM

Return from Toronto Premium Outlets:

Monday to Friday: 4:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 5:30 PM

Daily Bonus:

All passengers receive a VIP Coupon Book.  The VIP Coupon book can be picked-up from the Guest Services Counter located in the Food-court at the Toronto Premium Outlets by showing your electronic shuttle bus ticket.

Boxing Day Bonus:

The first 50 passengers will receive a $5 Gift Card from Second Cup

Exclusive Style Blog Discount:

All Toronto Premium Outlet Shuttle Bus Tickets booked on Style Blog pay no tax.  Just use Promotional Code: STYLEBLOG

BOOK YOUR TORONTO PREMIUM OUTLETS SHUTTLE BUS TICKET HERE: 

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Holidays 2017: Bacardi Party Bus with Luis Fonsi in Toronto

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Thanks to my college years in Houston, I have a special fondness for Latin music, so when the Bacardi team invited me to a holiday party hosted by Luis Fonsi, I replied as quickly as I could type. And while most people probably know him as the Despacito singer, my love for Fonsi’s music goes back to 2003 and his fifth album Abrazar La Vida (give Quien Te Dijo Eso a listen if you like heart-wrenching ballads in Spanish), so I was super excited about this event.

The pre-party was held at Baro with plenty of delicious Bacardi Holiday Mojitos and Latin-inspired nibbles. Food and drinks kept on coming even after we boarded the party bus – decked out with fun Christmas decorations and stocked with yummy Coquito cocktails served in coconuts. Once Luis Fonsi joined us on the bus, the party really kicked off – people were dancing, taking photos with the Despacito singer, belting out Christmas songs, all while enjoying their cocktails and touring Toronto’s most famous landmarks. It was a little surreal to be sure – I mean how often do you find yourself sitting next to an award-winning singer on a bus?! He did seem to enjoy himself – sipping on Bacardi cocktails and singing along to *NSYNC’s Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays song (fun fact: Fonsi and Joey Fatone used to be in a musical group together back in high school).

Eventually we had to let Fonsi go, but not before one last dance with the iconic Andrea Bolley. What a fun way to celebrate the holiday season! And while we can’t have Luis Fonsi partying with us every day, we sure can make those delicious cocktails and infuse some warmth into the freezing December nights. Find the Bacardi holiday recipes after the jump (my fave is Coquito – it’s creamy and sweet, while the Holiday Mojito is nice and refreshing), and impress all of your friends with delicious cocktails at your next holiday party. Feliz Navidad!





Bacardi Holiday Recipes and more photos after the jump!
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Do Not Miss – Sofia Coppola: A Name of Her Own

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I’ve been meaning to post about TIFF’s latest program Sofia Coppola: A Name of Her Own for a while now, but December and the holidays got in the way. Thankfully, it’s not too late for you to catch 3 more Coppola films at the TIFF Bell Lightbox this weekend. Say what you will about Coppola, but the woman has a very specific vision for her films, and just like Wes Anderson’s pastel-coloured dreamland movies, Coppola’s films transport you to a highly-stylized version of the world as she imagines it. 

And while my favourite movie she’s directed so far is Lost in Translation, I adore Marie Antoinette for its decadent costumes, stunning scenery, and the unexpected New Wave soundtrack – this movie is just so much fun to watch. And if you’re a fashion lover, you must watch this movie on the big screen – after all, costume designer Milena Canonero won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for creating the exquisite costumes for this film.

You can see the schedule and buy tickets for the remaining films from the Sofia Coppola: A Name of Her Own here. Share your fave Coppola movie in the comments!



Hermès Boutique Opens at 100 Bloor Street West in Toronto

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Hermes-Toronto-100-Bloor-Street-West
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.

Hermes-Toronto-Bloor-Street
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!





Drake-Hermes-Toronto
More photos after the jump!
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CHANEL Yorkville Boutique in Toronto Opens its Doors

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chanel-yorkville-toronto-boutique-2017
If you’ve been impatiently waiting for the new Yorkville CHANEL boutique to finally open its doors, I have some very good news for you – THE WAIT IS OVER! Tomorrow is the official opening day of the stunning new boutique, with two floors of CHANEL goodness on display. I was one of the lucky few to get a sneak peek of the store today and it’s magnificent! Designed by long-time CHANEL collaborator Peter Marino, the new boutique is a vision to behold. Everything from carpeting to tweed couches to product displays is so uniquely CHANEL, with many elements inspired by Coco Chanel’s Parisian apartment.

There are two salons dedicated to Ready-to-Wear collections, and four accessories salons, featuring a selection of shoes, handbags, small leather goods, eyewear, as well as CHANEL Watches and Fine Jewellery. Near the elegant stairwell, a commissioned art piece by Jean-Michel Othoniel demands your attention – a larger than life white and gold beaded 3-D pearl necklace cascading through the staircase, similar to the one at the ave Montaigne boutique. Smaller art pieces can be found all around the boutique, like little treasures waiting to be discovered.

The breathtaking new CHANEL boutique feels like a little bit of Paris in Toronto, and I had a very hard time leaving. I probably sat in every single chair and on every single couch, pretending that this is my new home, filled to the brim with CHANEL and most spectacular furniture. One can only dream!

The boutique will open its doors on Friday, November 17th at 98 Yorkville Avenue, just in time for holidays. Happy Shopping!

chanel-yorkville-toronto-boutique-2017

chanel-yorkville-toronto-boutique-2017
chanel-yorkville-toronto-boutique-2017
chanel-yorkville-toronto-boutique-2017
chanel-yorkville-toronto-boutique-2017

More photos after the jump!

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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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