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What They Wore: YSL Beauty Hotel Party

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YSL Beauty Hotel opened its chic doors in Toronto last week for two days of instagrammable installations, beauty discoveries, and a digital pop-up shop. With previous stops in Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul and New York, Toronto was chosen as the second North American location for this cool experience, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Guests were treated to makeup touch-ups, YSL temporary tattoos, fun photobooth, lipstick engraving station, and even a claw machine. Sadly, I am terrible at claw machines, and didn’t end up winning anything, but I did have fun with the digital pop-up shop. With just a few clicks, guests were able to virtually try the latest YSL Beauty launches through YouCam makeup app, with looks ranging from subtle to bold. With both floors packed with beauty lovers, the rest of the night was a bit of a blur. But thankfully, I have my newly-engraved Rogue Pur Couture The Slim to remember this cool event by.

Did you visit the YSL Beauty Hotel in Toronto or in another city? What did you think? Share in the comments.





More photos after the jump!
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You Are Invited: Louis Vuitton Time Capsule Exhibition in Toronto

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If you’re a fan of Louis Vuitton, then you cannot miss the brand’s beautiful Time Capsule exhibition at Toronto’s Union Station. Running from Sep 7th and until Sep 30th, Time Capsule revisits the brand’s history of design innovation from 1854 to the present, showcasing a curated selection of old and new objects from the Louis Vuitton archive. Once you’ve traveled in time, you can shop a variety of Louis Vuitton items – from books to perfume – at the small Louis Vuitton pop-up located inside Union station.

The exhibition has traveled to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Berlin, Singapore, Dubai, Shanghai, Melbourne, Madrid, Osaka and Los Angeles. The Toronto exhibition commemorates Louis Vuitton’s 35th anniversary in the city.

When:
09.07.18 – 09.30.18
Monday – Friday 9am – 9pm
Saturday – Sunday 11am – 9pm

Where:
Union Station
Sir John A. Macdonald Plaza
65 Front St W, Toronto

Free Admission

#LVTimecapsule

You Are Invited: TIFF 2018 Events

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TIFF 2018 is mere days away, and I don’t know about you, but I’ve been looking forward to it for weeks now, picking out films I’m going to watch, and figuring out the celebs I’ll be hoping to spot around town. And in case you’re just as excited as me, below are a few fun events you can attend during the festival, in addition to watching all of the films.

Share Her Journey Rally
Stand up for change with TIFF on the morning of Saturday, September 8 for the Share Her Journey Rally. All who want to see and be part of real change in the film industry are invited to join the action down on John Street at the Slaight Music Stage at 10am. With the support of partners ReFrame, TIME’S UP, and #AfterMeToo, we will hear from thought leaders and inspirational guests including:
– Dr. Stacy L. Smith, Founder and Director of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, the leading global think tank studying issues of inequality in entertainment;
– Amanda Brugel, actor;
– Keri Putnam, Executive Director of Sundance Institute;
– Mia Kirshner, actor, and co-founder of #AfterMeToo;
– Amma Asante, filmmaker ( Belle, United Kingdom, and Where Hands Touch)
– Cathy Schulman, President, Welle Entertainment;
– Nandita Das, filmmaker ( Firaaq, Manto) and actor;
– Zavia Forrest, TIFF Next Wave Committee member

RSVP at shareherjourney.org/rally to join the event.

TTC Free Screening
TIFF has once again partnered with the TTC to help film fans get access to great movies for FREE. Street teams are set to distribute free Festival and TIFF Bell Lightbox tickets, culminating in a special TTC Free Screening at Roy Thomson Hall on September 9. This Festival event is open to all TTC riders — just bring your Metropass or PRESTO card for entry!*

More after the jump!
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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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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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