Rendez-vous avec La Lingerie Francaise
Fashion — July 13, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Last week I had the pleasure- make that “le plaisir,”- of attending Brill Communication’s annual French Rendez-vous at Wychwood Barns. The event is a socialite-studded runway show which boasts France’s hottest lingerie designers from Passionata to Princess Tam-Tam. The event had all the makings of a successful Brill-esque rendez-vous: there was gorgeous decor, Moet et Chandon and of course girly swag bags.
The heat was a-blazing, (despite the presence of gigantic commercial fans,) but the audience was still packed to the walls. Who could blame us, anyway? A little heat isn’t enough to keep fashion lovers and lingerie model adorers from enjoying the steamy show happening on the runway- although going strapless may have been a good plan. Perhaps next year Brill will make the event a lingerie costume party.
But my very, very favourite part about attending this event? Sitting with the Toronto Football Club- Oh mon dieu.
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Fashion
Rendez-vous avec La Lingerie Francaise
Last week I had the pleasure- make that “le plaisir,”- of attending Brill Communication’s annual French Rendez-vous at Wychwood Barns. The event is a socialite-studded runway show which boasts France’s hottest lingerie designers from Passionata to Princess Tam-Tam. The event had all the makings of a successful Brill-esque rendez-vous: there was gorgeous decor, Moet et Chandon and of course girly swag bags.
The heat was a-blazing, (despite the presence of gigantic commercial fans,) but the audience was still packed to the walls. Who could blame us, anyway? A little heat isn’t enough to keep fashion lovers and lingerie model adorers from enjoying the steamy show happening on the runway- although going strapless may have been a good plan. Perhaps next year Brill will make the event a lingerie costume party.
But my very, very favourite part about attending this event? Sitting with the Toronto Football Club- Oh mon dieu.
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Jul 13, 2010 19:10
Beauty
Lose the Bacteria in your Brushes!
Ok ladies fess up, when was the last time you gave your makeup brushes a good wash?
It’s very important to keep your makeup brushes clean and sanitary because they can accumulate a LOT of bacteria.
Did you know that dirty makeup brushes can cause acne? The oil on our face as well as the old makeup, can get trapped in the bristles of your brushes causing bacteria to grow, which can cause skin problems.
How often should I clean my brushes?
The answer is if you are using your brushes on other people then they need to be washed right after. If you are a make-up artist working on multiple people then a good cleaning with 99% alcohol in between clients is a good way to keep brushes sanitary.
If your brushes are strictly for your face only then a deep clean every 1-2 weeks is fine. If you use a brush cleaner such as MAC’s Brush Cleaner in between you can stretch that out to every 2-3 weeks.
How to deep clean your makeup brushes.
Step one: Pour some baby shampoo in the palm of your hand, add a small amount of water.
Step two: Swirl your brushes back and forth into a lather.
Step three: Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
Step four: pat dry & lay flat to dry (never dry brushes vertically).
I use Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo because its very gentle on the brushes. You can choose a mild conditioner after you shampoo if you would like, this will help keep the brushes soft. I don’t do this step too often as I find the baby shampoo leaves them soft enough. Of course there are several methods of cleaning brushes out there, this just happens to be what works for me
Don’t forget your other beauty tools!
Eyelash curlers & pencil sharpeners can be cleaned using a swab saturated with 99% rubbing alcohol. Clean pencil sharpeners often to prevent bacteria being redistributed onto your lip and eye pencils.
Are you guilty of not washing your brushes as often as you should?
Do you have another method you would like to share?
I hope this serves as a reminder to some of you who think washing your brushes once a year or not at all is ok!
By Farah Balolia
Original post seen at Faces by Farah
Images Courtesy of Ayushveda and Splendicity
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Apr 21, 2010 15:59
Lifestyle
Jersey Boys – Oh what a night!
We at GF became tired of attending the same events over and over again. So we decided to spend a night at the theatre. I’m personally a sucker for musicals though, so any excuse to sing and dance along was fine with me.
Coming from London I naturally spend a lot of time in the West End so before going to see Jersey Boys my standards were high. Having said that–It was honestly one of the best musicals I’ve seen. Not only were the songs just incredible and such feel good, classic pick me ups—the acting was sensational.
The show follows the story of four boys from jersey who shot into stardom after the release of Sherry in 1962. I can guarantee you will recognise a lot of the songs played in this musical even if this isn’t your style of music. With classics like ‘Cant take my eyes off of you’,’ Working my way back to you’, and ‘Oh what a night’ – you’ll be sure to hav a great night. These are all the classics we sang in highschool at the top of our lungs whilst the teachers shouted at us. And that was in 2004!
The story of Frankie Valli and the Four seasons had me laughing, crying jumping singing and covered in goosebumps thanks to the amazing voices that accompanied these incredible actors. Best singers of the night were Bob Gaudio (played by Quinn VanAntwerp) and of course Frankie Valli (played by Jeff Madden). The audience was buzzing during the intermission discussing how the guys sounded JUST like the originals. The bass vocals of Nikk Massi (played by Michael Lomenda) lay the perfect bed for the harmonies while Tommy DeVito (played by Daniel Robert Sullivan) gelled the group together and easily the most entertaining with his foul mouth and quick wit humour.
Surely enough i’m sitting here writing this up with the soundtrack on full blast. My favourite feel good song being ‘Oh what a night’ which they played again as they received their much deserved standing ovation. The crowd were extatic at this stage as they danced and sang on stage while we joined along with side steps and smiles.
The profane Jersey boy language emphasised its authencitiy and had us in stitches as it followed the four boys from Jersey trying to make it big.
If you think this isn’t for you we highly recommend reconsidering! You can guarantee an awesome evening of fun with the Jersey Boys so see it and let us know what you think!
For Jersey Boys tickets playing at the Toronto Centre for the Arts visit www.jerseyboystoronto.com
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Apr 14, 2010 12:18
Recent Articles
in Fashion
Rendez-vous avec La Lingerie Francaise
Last week I had the pleasure- make that “le plaisir,”- of attending Brill Communication’s annual French Rendez-vous at Wychwood Barns. The event is a socialite-studded runway show which boasts France’s hottest lingerie designers from Passionata to Princess Tam-Tam. The event had all the makings of a successful Brill-esque rendez-vous: there was gorgeous decor, Moet et Chandon and of course girly swag bags.
The heat was a-blazing, (despite the presence of gigantic commercial fans,) but the audience was still packed to the walls. Who could blame us, anyway? A little heat isn’t enough to keep fashion lovers and lingerie model adorers from enjoying the steamy show happening on the runway- although going strapless may have been a good plan. Perhaps next year Brill will make the event a lingerie costume party.
But my very, very favourite part about attending this event? Sitting with the Toronto Football Club- Oh mon dieu.
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On Dress-Up Parties
heather and I at the Rethink Romp
Back at work today, around the proverbial water cooler (of course, we don’t have a water cooler; We have an espresso machine) my friend Heather told me about a party she had attended over the weekend. I responded, “Ohyeah me too.” But she wasn’t referring to any old party- Heather had gone to a Mad Men theme party, and I was instantly jealous.
Hiding my jealousy behind a mask of mild intrigue, I asked her to elaborate. First off, the party was for designer Jessica Biffi’s birthday, so the genius-idea kudos go to her. From looking at the photos, I can testify that the outfits were spectacular. There were short leather gloves; men’s skinny suits and of course bee hives. The sexy sixties were well-represented by an enthusiastic group of Torontonians on Friday night.
This got me thinking about other theme parties I would like to attend. At the top of my list are a masqurade ball; a superhero party and a moustache party- all of which I have heard of before and didnt make up.. just for the record.
I have been to the standard university shindigs: No-pants parties; 80’s prom parties; and saran wrap costume parties among them, But generally there is a lack of effort and creativity on the part of the guests (probably because we were all poor students.) Halloween seems to be the only time anybody goes all-out. That’s not true of the rest of the world, however. Friends in the UK have told me that every birthday is a “fancy dress party,” which friends participate in so rigorously that they don’t really care to celebrate Halloween. Jealous!
Two weeks ago I got my wish: I attended an awesome Superhero party to benefit Breast Cancer research! It was put on by the ladies down at Rethink Breast Cancer and included pink champagne, yummy snacks, and a professional photo booth. The best thing about the whole night was that everyone played along! Rethink Breast Cancer apparently always throws fancy-dress parties, so I for one plan on being at the top of their guest list every time.
Have you ever attended a theme party where you got to dress-up and be someone else for the night?
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Beauty Spotlight: Ryan Turner Make’s over our Hair!
As beauty editor of GF I was slightly embarrassed turning up at the Osolé salon with my hair in the state that it was. Needless to say I was in dire need of a trim and intense hydrating treatment.
In my desperate bid to grow my curly fro I had steered clear of any hairdressers cutting scissors but nay it was time to snip. The split ends had to go.
After having heard great things about the salon I decided to pay a visit and it was just as beautiful as described. With gold framed mirrors and light stone walls embellishing the space – this serenity in the city is gorgeous. I was almost convinced I’d stepped into Tuscany.
The talented 20 year old hair stylist, Ryan Turner fingers through my dried out tresses and tells me what he can do to save it. It seems as though he’s been in the industry for decades.
Turner begins by using one of my favourite products—Kerastase Bain Volumactiveshampoo ($34.00). This shampoo truly is incredible for fine damaged hair and will leave the hair full and with a mirror like shine.
“This line is amazing, it repairs, rebuilds, reconstructs and volumizes. The good thing about Kerastase is that all their shampoos are colour friendly. This green packaged line (Resistance) is great for improving the texture of your hair.” Says Turner
“I’m going to do an in salon treatment by Kerastase ($25.00) and we’ll take it from there.” Says Turner.
As he applies the treatment he begins to braid it into my hair whilst telling me about his history.
“When I was 10 I saw my mom do a French braid and I was amazed. I love braids…
I started when I was in theatre school. My friend and I started doing the hair and make-up for the shows. The first time I became serious was when I was 16 and attended a school that offered a cosmetology program. From there I went to another program as the teachers saw me excelling quickly.” he says as he puts the last braid in.
“I like to braid a treatment in I think it lets the product soak in more.”
He continues to tell me about his views on hair styling.
“I think first and foremost my client has to leave with a lesson on how to achieve the look I create. I want them to recreate the look at home and show off my work. They’re like my walking billboard.
When I do color on a client I like to give them something that they redo when they want, not when the have to.”
“I’m treating your hair as though it is two different heads of hair. I’m treating the ends with Ciment Thermique; a heat activated leave-in conditioner for weakened hair .” ($39)
Turner begins to take a few cuts into my hair but before doing so asks me if it’s okay to take ‘this’ much off. I rejoice inside–finally a hairdresser who checks before snipping. When he’s done he rakes his fingers through my hair and wanders off into focus. “Perfect” he says, whilst staring at my hair.
He begins the drying by using a paddle brush with the blow dryer to partially dry my hair. Turner then sections my hair into 4 parts and continues to take a large boar-bristle brush to the first segment. He makes it a vital part of his service to explain every step he takes to the client. Educating me on my hair throughout the session.
“Make sure when you are blow drying, that you dry upwards. This gives more volume.”
Once my hair is dry Turner finishes with Kerastase Lumiere Nutri-Sculpt finishing serum ($40) and Volumactiv Spray ($40). Again pulling the hair upwards as he styles.
The result? Bouncy, shiny hair. My hair has never been softer and I can’t stop touching it.
Before: Dry and Brittle!
After: Shiny luscious locks full of volume!
LTR: Hair Stylist, Ryan turner, GF Beauty Editor, Rema Gouyez Benallal
Haircuts at Osole start from $40. Visit www.osole.com for more details.
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Sabrina Savoy: Proprietress of Pretty Bird Originals (and All-Around Nice Gal)
I met the lovely Sabrina Savoy during LG Fashion week. We were both stuck rushing through our drinks outside of the media lounge- trying to enjoy but also painfully aware of the looming deadlines that awaited us.
Sabrina and I got to talking, and I learned that not only is she a fabulous photographer but she also makes her own jewelery- Her line is called Pretty Bird Originals. Sabrina was exceptionally pleasant: She wound up inviting me to join her at the Yoga in Motion Marathon and was kind enough to put me on the list as her guest at a recent Burlesque party. Ow oww.
This brand of kindess is hard to find in people these days so I was thrilled to have the chance to get to know Sabrina and her jewelery line through an interview. . Make that friendly conversation.
Katelyn: Where do you draw inspiration from?
Sabrina: I get my inspiration from clothing. I love going through rockabilly, pin up,
and vintage online shops. I don’t focus just on making Rockabilly
jewelry but that’s what inspires me the most.
K: What career path did you aspire to follow before you made jewelery? How did it develop
into the role you’re in today?
S: Well, I thought I was going to be a photographer. I studied it at Sheridan College and
thought I’d be shooting for
Vogue and Glamour by now. I’m actually lucky to have photography in my background,
it’s very convenient
once I’ve made a bunch of products I just set everything up and shoot it.
It’s great! I don’t have to hire anyone.
K: What materials do you love to work with?
S: When I’m making jewelry I really love working with more expensive materials,which isnt
always a good thing. I just love the shine and sparkle of
Swarovski crystals, the feel and texture of fresh water pearls, and the weight and
vibrations from natural stones.
When I’m making hair pieces; ribbons, feathers, and whatever I can get my hands
on usually works best.
K: What kind of woman do you have in mind when you’re designing?
S: I have every women in mind when I’m creating Pretty Bird products.
I have pieces for every age group and every genre.
K: What is the origin of Pretty Bird?
S: I’ve made jewelry my whole life. Thanks to kimp and string that started it all.
After graduating from Sheridan
I started selling at shows with a friend of mine who also made jewelry and from there I started to
venture out and book
more shows and events. I even do private parties.
I’ve met some really loyal clients from this.
K: What kind of environment inspires you to create your best work?
S: The only thing I need to have when I’m making jewelry is a good mood.
I have to be feeling well and happy to create.
I don’t need any other bells and whistles.
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in Deals+Shopping
How to get your Very Own Design on a Roxy Bikini
If you have trouble coming to terms with spending $100.00 plus on a bikini year after year, this might be your shot to get one for free.. oh and $5,000.00. No big deal.
Anyway, enter Roxy’s Design a Bikini contest here. Its super easy. The winner gets $5, 000.00 and their design on an actual Roxy bikini. If you are feeling particularly lazy, put some trust in your fellow fashionistas and vote for one of the entries. Our fave? This 80’s inspired 3 piece.
Good luck, ladies!
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in Fashion
Alternative Fashion Week: RAGE
And outRAGEous it was! The third day screamed anger and darkness and the performances were nothing short of that. Strange poetic/dance routines opened the stage and made us feel somewhat confused at what the message was. But ne’r the less it was exciting to see something new.
As the night went on we saw the work of fashion’s crazier designers, some of which had incredible potential. Our least favourite designs were the simple school girl ‘goth’ designs which we saw appear a little too often.
The best part of the night had to be the incredible performance that represented the struggles of a man wanting to be a woman. dressed in a suit with a piñata attached to his chest. He hammers away pulling out heels a feather boa and a wig. He then continued to cut of his plastic penis and throw it into the audience. If that’s not entertainment we don’t know what is!
The clothing showcased throughout the night featured black and red as the main colours with a couple of lines that provided the night with a burst of colour. Most of the lines shown represented the theme well and definitely left us wanting more.
Crazy wiring by Wendy Ing
Stunning elbow detail by David C. Wigley
Futuristic fashion by Heidi Ackerman. (my personal favourite of the night.)
Revealing jumpsuit by Aimee Tobolka
Feminine fits by Sans Soucie
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Are you a Barbie Babe?
Barbie beauties get ready…A new toy is out and even WE are coveting it. In celebration of David Dixon’s line, Barbie secured a spot at LGFW promoting the new ‘accessorize me’ dolls. 12 dolls inspired by Canada’s own in the fashion and media industry. People such as the FDCC’s Robin Kay and the National Post’s Natalie Atkinson have designed their own.
We caught up with the Barbie spokesperson present at the dolled up booth.
“We are launching the Barbie basics — 12 dolls with a little black dress girls — which encourages you to accessorize the dolls to your liking. You can also purchase accessory packs.” Said a spokesperson for Barbie
“We picked people who are active in the media or fashion industry like Robin Kay and David Dixon.”
Along with the booth of dolls celebrating the LBD, Barbie also had a life size Barbie box for visitors to pose in. Oh my did we love this! Even celebrities were posing in the box pretending to be Barbie dolls. Just goes to show that Barbie is for anyone, of any age.
Not only have we seen collaborations with Barbie and fashion, but also Barbie and beauty. It wasn’t so long ago that M.A.C. released a Barbie line and as we recall, it flew off the shelves!
This was Dixon’s 3rd season with a Barbie inspired fashion line and it certainly went down well at LGFW as the ushers trying squeezing as many people as they could into an already ram packed room.
“The dolls are for young girls but really for anyone who has an imagination. They’re fun to play with!”
The dolls certainly appealed to our inner Barbie and we were in the booth accessorizing our own doll for more a little too long.
The dolls are now available at a price range of $24.99CDN.
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in Beauty
Lose the Bacteria in your Brushes!
Ok ladies fess up, when was the last time you gave your makeup brushes a good wash?
It’s very important to keep your makeup brushes clean and sanitary because they can accumulate a LOT of bacteria.
Did you know that dirty makeup brushes can cause acne? The oil on our face as well as the old makeup, can get trapped in the bristles of your brushes causing bacteria to grow, which can cause skin problems.
How often should I clean my brushes?
The answer is if you are using your brushes on other people then they need to be washed right after. If you are a make-up artist working on multiple people then a good cleaning with 99% alcohol in between clients is a good way to keep brushes sanitary.
If your brushes are strictly for your face only then a deep clean every 1-2 weeks is fine. If you use a brush cleaner such as MAC’s Brush Cleaner in between you can stretch that out to every 2-3 weeks.
How to deep clean your makeup brushes.
Step one: Pour some baby shampoo in the palm of your hand, add a small amount of water.
Step two: Swirl your brushes back and forth into a lather.
Step three: Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
Step four: pat dry & lay flat to dry (never dry brushes vertically).
I use Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo because its very gentle on the brushes. You can choose a mild conditioner after you shampoo if you would like, this will help keep the brushes soft. I don’t do this step too often as I find the baby shampoo leaves them soft enough. Of course there are several methods of cleaning brushes out there, this just happens to be what works for me
Don’t forget your other beauty tools!
Eyelash curlers & pencil sharpeners can be cleaned using a swab saturated with 99% rubbing alcohol. Clean pencil sharpeners often to prevent bacteria being redistributed onto your lip and eye pencils.
Are you guilty of not washing your brushes as often as you should?
Do you have another method you would like to share?
I hope this serves as a reminder to some of you who think washing your brushes once a year or not at all is ok!
By Farah Balolia
Original post seen at Faces by Farah
Images Courtesy of Ayushveda and Splendicity
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in Deals+Shopping
Win $10, 000.00 with Who Inspires U?
The folks down at Who Inspires U {dot} ca are offering $10, 000.00 to the winner of a three minute video contest. All you have to do is upload a vid of yourself (via webcam, via BB, via iphone,) talking about the Femme- or dude- who inspires you in life. Upload to YouTube; post on your FB and twitter in order to get the most views and blow those other competitors out of the water! The top twenty vids will be posted on Who Inspires U {dot} ca for the second round of voting, when things really get hot. At the end of it all- after you’ve won (or haven’t won) that ten grand- you can enter Who Inspires U’s monthly What’s in the Bag contest for more goodies like designer bags, trendy electronics and sassy cosmetics.
Good luck, GFemmes!
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in Lifestyle
Jersey Boys – Oh what a night!
We at GF became tired of attending the same events over and over again. So we decided to spend a night at the theatre. I’m personally a sucker for musicals though, so any excuse to sing and dance along was fine with me.
Coming from London I naturally spend a lot of time in the West End so before going to see Jersey Boys my standards were high. Having said that–It was honestly one of the best musicals I’ve seen. Not only were the songs just incredible and such feel good, classic pick me ups—the acting was sensational.
The show follows the story of four boys from jersey who shot into stardom after the release of Sherry in 1962. I can guarantee you will recognise a lot of the songs played in this musical even if this isn’t your style of music. With classics like ‘Cant take my eyes off of you’,’ Working my way back to you’, and ‘Oh what a night’ – you’ll be sure to hav a great night. These are all the classics we sang in highschool at the top of our lungs whilst the teachers shouted at us. And that was in 2004!
The story of Frankie Valli and the Four seasons had me laughing, crying jumping singing and covered in goosebumps thanks to the amazing voices that accompanied these incredible actors. Best singers of the night were Bob Gaudio (played by Quinn VanAntwerp) and of course Frankie Valli (played by Jeff Madden). The audience was buzzing during the intermission discussing how the guys sounded JUST like the originals. The bass vocals of Nikk Massi (played by Michael Lomenda) lay the perfect bed for the harmonies while Tommy DeVito (played by Daniel Robert Sullivan) gelled the group together and easily the most entertaining with his foul mouth and quick wit humour.
Surely enough i’m sitting here writing this up with the soundtrack on full blast. My favourite feel good song being ‘Oh what a night’ which they played again as they received their much deserved standing ovation. The crowd were extatic at this stage as they danced and sang on stage while we joined along with side steps and smiles.
The profane Jersey boy language emphasised its authencitiy and had us in stitches as it followed the four boys from Jersey trying to make it big.
If you think this isn’t for you we highly recommend reconsidering! You can guarantee an awesome evening of fun with the Jersey Boys so see it and let us know what you think!
For Jersey Boys tickets playing at the Toronto Centre for the Arts visit www.jerseyboystoronto.com
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in Fashion
On Dressing like a French Woman
The very first blog I ever read, (embarrassingly enough, as recently as when I was in College,) was Cup of Jo. She’s still my very fave. Her posts, her photos, and her adorable idiosyncrasies check all the boxes that constitute a daily read for me. She was even so kind as to personally help me out with my wardrobe when I was visiting Paris for several weeks. I have a girl crush on Joanna Goddard. She’s just soo rad.
Anyway, Cup of Jo used to have weekly musings on Dressing Like a French Woman which I looked forward to, especially when I was actually staying in France and hoping to fit-in. Today I was reminded of these lovely posts when I came across Thomsen’s blog (through Cup of Jo, I might add) And in turn was thrilled to click-through a discover that Thomsen is actually a French clothing company- That’s Thomsen Paris. I love the floral prints, especially when they dress all of these handsome French models in them (Ow ow..)
And I totally have a girl crush on this cool Parisienne girl (right).
Cup of Jo also introduced me to Petit Bateau for adults. I’ve always thought they only made sweet little onesies for children but I was dead wrong. Their women’s line consists of everything from swimwear to lounge wear to underwear. Leave it to the French to make panties and an over-sized sweater look sexy.
Thanks to Cup Of Jo’s always-lovely posts on dressing like a French woman, I’ll be fully prepared next time I find myself feeling left-out in France. Thanks Joanna! xoh
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in Deals+Shopping, Fashion
Oh J Crew, Where Art Thou?
I have never been so disappointed to not have J Crew in this country as I am this weekend. All of my favourite blogs- which happen to be American blogs- are making me writhe with jealousy as they disect and review the latest pieces from J Crew for Spring 2010. Even the catalogue’s front page image is super wearable- I adore the floral hair ornaments, especially for bridal season. And speaking of bridal, J Crew has always had gorgeous lines for both guests and wedding parties.
In addition to dresses, boyfriend blazers and cozy knits for chilly nights by the fire, J Crew has old school-inspired swimwear in elegant jewel tones. There is also a fabulous pair of metallic peep toes with silk flower detail on the toe, which I plan to do some serious damage to. (In a good way.)
The most covetted piece (for me) is the floral playsuit. It seems that Top Shop and J Crew have captured the look, spot-on- but I have yet to find a decent playsuit in Canada. So where is our Canadian J Crew or Top Shop copycat?
PS check out this adorable ruffle under this skirt! LOVE.
“How will I get my hands on some J Crew finery,” you ask? Well, you can always turn to old faithful, and buy online.
–And for the love of ruffled cardigans, someone please start the petition to get J Crew in Canada!
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in Fashion
Behind the scenes with Evan Biddell
Fashion Week was indeed hectic, so after an intense week of work the GF ladies decided to spend the last night blowing off steam at the Evan Biddell after party at the Courthouse. Surely enough it was a raving night and who wouldn’t have enjoyed partying with one of Fashion Week’s hottest designers. After a few drinks we get talking to Evan–who is an absolute sweetheart–and he invites us to hang out at his boutique the next day for a photo-shoot of the new collection.
The day started off as you would probably imagine a rockstar designer’s day starting off: late.. Which we love, because while we waited for Biddell and his business partner Joe Fuda to get their team together, we had lunch at Union and went over our questions that we set to ask him. I mean- what do you say to Toronto’s hottest clothing designer of the moment- someone who is on the brink of couture? Someone who, as a general rule, flips-off his crowd of adorers at the end of his shows rather than the standard bow? As it turns out, Biddell is not as intimidating as people might think. In fact, he’s a teddy bear.
Biddell showed up to the shoot toting Portuguese pastries for everyone, dressed in mismatched socks and a bashful grin. Very welcoming indeed. We also met Joe Fuda, Biddell’s creative, antique-collecting photographer slash partner in crime. Also joining us was; Adrienne and John, their stunning models who obediently catered to Fuda’s every whim. There were a few other characters around, who continued to make the day more and more interesting: Biddell’s sister and Adrienne’s boyfriend; Biddell’s mom who had flown in from BC; and a street style photographer. Throughout the afternoon we were in good company thanks to kind people with a lovely sense of humour, especially Biddell- who never took anything too seriously.
The Ossington space from which Biddell and Fueda create and sell is a stunning, inspiring work of art. Art which they, surprisingly, created. “The space wasn’t always like this,” said Biddell after we finished Oohing and Ahhing over the bronzed radiators, distressed flooring and exposed brick and piping,” we renovated it so that it would look this way. There used to be this ugly panelling and these awful floors. It wasn’t inspiring to work in”. They have done a bang-up job in making their store-front look “old” like it has never been touched, even though months of work went into creating it. It also seems to be the perfect place to take photos of Biddell’s new line- they even utilized the ancient-looking, dusty basement which may have been the most interesting space in the building.
We followed model John, dressed in a pair of cork shorts and an aviator cap, down to the antique storage area-slash-part artelier to take some great photos by the original boiler. The enormous piece of machinery was in-set, smack dab in the middle of the room and a most-perfect prop for this particular shoot. Back upstairs, Biddell instructed his models- still dressed in cork outfits- to act like trees, “You are basically wearing a tree,” he mused, “So be plant like. I want plant-motions”. He was being funny, but the effect in the photographs was great. During a break after a few solid hours of shooting and plant interpretation, we sat down with Biddell at his antique sewing bench- a piece of furniture that complemented the boutique perfectly and was a gift from Fuda’s own mother who is a prop stylist. We had a little time to chat about Biddell’s line, LGFW, and life as a designer.
What inspired your fall 2010 line?
My space inspired the line. This studio was being renovated at the time and I spent a lot of time picking out the cork, copper and bolts so it’s inevitably going to inspire it.
How do you think LG Fashion Week went for you?
It couldn’t have gone better! I’ve always wanted to close a night. I liked the 9 o’clock time slot because it’s late and people have had a few drinks and are winding down. When you have a late slot it’s a show–it’s entertainment.
Did you face any problems at LGFW? How did you overcome them?
It was tricky planning the season because I was so busy renovating this place. But then I started to get really excited about it all as it inspired me.
What has changed about your line since you first began?
I used to make party clothes when I first began but winning Project Runway Canada obviously changed that. I was using raw silks… my line is a lot more ‘high fashion’ now. My Fall 08′ line was rushed because I had just moved to Toronto a month before fashion week. Spring 2010 was high fashion and clean lines. I would say my last two lines blew the others out of the ball park. They were the best.
What are your plans post LGFW?
Im doing a show called ‘Refined’ which is a collaboration with Cher Thornton of The Refinery, a vintage shop in Toronto. This line will be more wearable! It’s going to be shown at FAT (Toronto Alternative Fashion Week).
What was your favourite show at LGFW Fall/Winter 2010?
David Dixon!! I LOVED the ‘New Tribe’ line. The dress made of broken mirrors was amazing! I remember that show gave me goosebumps.
Where do you like to shop?
I like to go to Chinatown for tank-tops! I also live in my H&M long sleeved, black tee. When it comes to jeans i’ll usually make them. Shoes i’ll pay a lot for. I don’t mind paying a lot for good shoes. Chasse Gardée on Queen Street has the most amazing shoes in the city!
What do you like to do when you are not working?
I like to do as little as possible. I’ll watch a movie, smoke some weed. I like to spend time with my boyfriend when i’m not working.
For more on Evan Biddel in his Studio/Boutique at OZ studios visit www.evanbiddell.ca
From Left to Right: GF Fashion Editor, Katelyn Powers, Evan Biddell, GF Beauty Editor, Rema Gouyez Benallal. Photo By Joe Fueda
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in Beauty
Jessica Simpson takes it all off!
…her makeup that is! Jessica graces the cover of Marie Claire’s May issue with air-dried hair and NO makeup on.
Her new campaign, A Beautiful Me, celebrates individualism and positivity. “I’m leading self-esteem conferences that empower women to be confident with their appearance.” (Marie Claire, May issue, pg. 185). What better way to kick-off such an influential campaign than with an all natural 4-page spread in Marie Claire!
Presenters of this morning’s Z103.5 were debating whether or not she is really wearing makeup in these shots. The magazine claims the photos are not airbrushed or retouched, so what we see is the real thing. Looking at the front cover, she seems to be wearing a hint of eyeliner and mascara, but one website suggests it’s just the remnants of left-over makeup. Whatever the case, she’s less done up than usual and her hair is slightly untamed – the photos are clearly not airbrushed to perfection.
I say kudos to Jessica Simpson for stepping up and showing her true self However, I am slightly curious to know just how empowering her conferences would be…given the impression she made on “Newlyweds” would people take her seriously? I haven’t seen her new show “The Price of Beauty” – has she redeemed herself since the Nick Lachey days?
Let us know your thoughts.
By Anjali Handa
Original post at Rockthatlook
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in Fashion
Review: L’oreal’s Miracle Primer
Upon walking into LGFW on the first day the first thing we saw were hair and beauty stations hosted by L’oreal–definitaly a hit with me. As my eyes scanned the room i noticed the little black, paper bags that were being handed out by L’oreal’s ladies soooo I shuffle towards them with my inqustive temperament to find out what these little fancies are carrying. Like a kid at christmas I open it up and my eyes are glowing. Inside was the primer I had been looking for EVERYWHERE when I first arrived in Canada in August of last year. This primer by L’oreal Professional Studio Secrets is a dream come true for make-up lovers or those who just want smoother skin.
I had used it last year when back in England after trying it at my local Boots counter (Shoppers Drugmart for the UK) and fell in love. The perfecting base smooths out the skin, minimizes pores and even smooths out fine lines. It really is a miracle product and some days i’d go so far as to say i’d wear it without foundation.
After using this product last year I knew it would take the number one spot and sure enough i’m using this little pot of (pink) fluffy gold on my skin every day. Not only does it make your skin look incredible, it makes it feel so soft. The primer resurfaces the skin and you’ll notice the skin tone even out immediately. You’ll also notice you won’t need as much foudnation either. Required coverage becomes a lot lighter because the primer has done the job of masking any redness you may have.
Unfortunately Canadians will have to wait until August 2010 for this amazing product to come out but boy is it worth the wait. I would tell you to run to the stores when it releases ladies…I think i’ll be setting up camp the night before! This really is the perfect primer!
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