TIFF: Party like a fashion star

A little taste of what to expect: Left, Canadian Superstar designers of DSQUARED Dan and Dean Caten and their Fall 2008 ready to wear collection. Images: www.style.com
Summer is coming to a end but that doesn't mean the fun is going to slow down anytime soon. It's less than a week away until the Toronto's International Film Festival commences and this year will be the best! {(partly because I have tickets)
I have tickets to a Gala Screening, which brings about the question of what to wear to a Gala Screening. I have a great idea for a dress. A floor length sheer, one-shoulder black dress over a gold sheath dress, but I fear it may be a bit much for a non-red-carpet-walker like me. Then again I don't want to look too casual if everyone else is dressed to the nines. Major dilemma. }
Well even if you don't have tickets to the films, there is still much fun to be had at the million and one events lined up in the next two weeks.
Lindsay Lohan is hosting a party at Ultra Supper Club for beau and DJ supreme Samantha Ronson on Sept. 12. Tattoo Rock Parlour is hosting a after-party for the film "Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist" on Sept. 6. CTV/MuchMusic are throwing some crazy, open to the public, block parties on Queen Street during TIFF. On Sept. 7 one block party will feature a DSQUARED fashion show!! Fashion television and Jeanne Beker will host the DSQUARED runway event to promote their Fall 2008 collection. Love it! More details to come!
For all the hottest party info, check out Martini Boys list of the "it" places to be:
http://www.martiniboys.com/Toronto/articles/TIFF-to_d_be_d_scene-Guide-10855.html

Hye Park for Supermodel! You have my vote.

This year has brought forward much needed awareness to the "whitewash" problem in the fashion industry. Consciously or non-consciously, I can't stop myself from noticing race in magazines now. I almost feel like boycotting brands for using a army of blond, pale models in their ad campaigns. Although there are alarmingly few black models on the scene, I noticed more Asian models scoring major ad campaigns this fall for brands like Emporio Armani and Max Mara. The Max Mara store on Bloor Street has this gigantic window display of the ad featuring Korean-American model Hye Park.

Although how much does anyone know about Asian models? Given, not many models are household names anymore, but I read and write about fashion news daily and I know nothing about Asian models.

Hye Park made her runway debut in 2005 and since then appeared in editorial for magazines like Vogue, Flair and Harper's Baazar and on catwalks for designers such as Prada, Chanel and Alexander McQueen. Other high-profile Asian models include Chinese model Du Juan, China's first supermodel and Japanese models Ai Tominaga and Anne Watanabe. The information available is limited. So who's to blame? The media, the fashion industry or ourselves for not taking enough of a interest.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/03/16/mccain-stumbles-on-hiv-prevention/

(Sorry this has nothing to do with fashion but it's very important)

FREE trial case of o.b.® mighty.small.TM/MC tampons*. Or visit www.mightysmall.com/mightysample
Open to residents of Canada only.

The Bicycle Trend

Some people say the hottest accessory is the baby bump (well at least according to the tabloids.) I disagree. Inspired by the Eco-friendly trend and personally by the need for an alternative method of transportation after a possible transit strike, the latest and greatest is the bicycle.

Left: Audrey Hepburn looking whimsical on her bike. Right: Agyness Deyn on her Chanel Bike. Both bikes kind of look the same, no? Images: Google Images

This is the year of the bike and not just because I bought my first bike in 11 years. Karl Lagerfeld created the ultimate luxury bike this year along with Chanel's Spring 2008 collection and offers the ergonomically correct bike for a mere £6,200.

A bike offers excellent exercise while getting you from point A to point B. It is the most energy-efficient form of transportation and parking is pretty easy since there are many racks all around the city. Toronto is a cycle-friendly city with plans for adding more bike lanes and possibly adopting Paris' rent-a-bike program. It also nice to see NDP politician Jack Layton strolling along on a bike during this year's pride festivities. And finally being on a bike shouldn't rob you of your fashion sense. Check out this link for some tips: http://www.newcolonist.com/bikeclothing.html


Me and my bike

In my closet: Fall 2008

Fall Fashion

The best fashion season is rapidly approaching, various September fashion magazines are on shelves and stores have introduced their fall inventory. Perfect time to shop and browse for those fall essentials. I'm lucky enough to have found two lovely items on my personal must-have list.
First the statement piece, I opted for this turquoise Chinese chunky necklace.




Second, Indian-style flats. Inspired by Alexander McQueen's fall collection, these beige and gold flats are straight out of Pakistan. A great China Town find.

Image: www.gracemagazine.wordpress.com

More to come.....

Girls just want to have couture

In just a little over a week, Gossip Girl will air their second season. V. Exciting! All the fashion, teasers and photos on-set look amazing and full of drama. Leighton Meester is my favorite, who play Blair Waldolf, with a perfect 10 wardrobe and her Queen B attitude. If you haven't watched it yet, the first season is now on DVD or tune in September 1st on CTV. If not for any other reason, watch it for the to-die-for, high-end fashion.

Ed Westwick (left) looking very much like Jude Law, Blake Lively (centre) in a gorgeous blazer, Leighton Meester, (right) regal fashion icon, and Blake & Leighton (further right) together rule the NYC fashion scene. First episode spoilers from season two are available at www.gossipgirlinsider.com

Images: www.gossipgirlinsider.com; www.justjared.com

Did Bjork start the feather trend?

Alexander McQueen (left) and Carolina Herrera (right) flutter with feathers for Fall O8

This Fall, feathers continue to be a trend many designers used in their garments. Nothing says Boho Chic like feathers. Although, the pioneers of the feather trend did not get immediately embraced by the public and the fashion industry. Of course I'm referring to Bjork's infamous swan dress she wore to the 2001 Oscars. Personally I wish more musicians/actors would experiment on the red carpet. I mean they are suppose to be artists, not walking clothes hangers. Fashion police aftershows celebrate boring black dresses and criticize a risk, putting fear into self-expression. (Conspiracy?) Not to say people have to like the swan dress but appreciate the breathe of air Bjork and other risk takers bring to a life-less, ultra-normal red carpet. Up with inspiration! Down with boring!

Images: www.style.com, www.picasaweb.google.com

Fall Fashion

Just in case anyone is interested in the Comme des Garcons collaboration with H&M,
Here is a link to all the fashion goodness:

http://www.myfashionlife.com/archives/2008/08/19/true-to-its-calling-comme-des-garcons-delivers-avant-garde-for-hm/

Cheap and Cheerful but no longer boring

Fall Fashion
It seems like saving money is in style these days, which is good news for me and anyone else feeling the burn of rising commodity prices. Mass production fashion chains, I usually avoid such as Payless, H&M and Old Navy, now offer some very interesting designs at very low prices.
Payless has some great designers contributing to their Fall line-up (unfortunately I think this is only in the states but luckily the shoes are still in reach with online shopping.) Mainly, I'm impressed with Alice & Olivia designs like this pair of peep toe, wedge boots selling for about $50. Payless shoes were actually featured on New York Fashion Week's runways this year.

On a venture to Yorkdale Mall, I was in the search for the perfect sandals for summer. I thought I found them at Browns in the form of a light beige Calvin Klein gladiator, but when I tried them on, there was no love. They were a bit uncomfortable even without heels and it was hard to get the double buckles done up. I walked into every store trying to find something else and randomly in Old Navy I found two pairs I loved and a tier ruffle tank (now my favorite clothing item.) September's Vogue featured a Old Navy ad with the above dress in all it's structured perfectness (two-toned dresses are in for fall as featured in one of Vogue's high end photo spreads.) It will be mine very soon at the price of $29.99.


Last but not least, H&M. I never really buy anything here but I defiantly will be buying in early November when H&M collaborates with Comme des Garcon for a Fall 2008 limited collection. If the clothing are anything like their high end, fall ready-to-wear collection featured above, all of Toronto's fashion lovers are in for a thrill!
Images: www.nymag.com, www.oldnavy.com, www.style.com

Canadian Fashion Designers: Fall 08

Fall Fashion
As previously mentioned, "Black is Back" for the fall season but really did it ever go out of style? Elle Canada decided to dedicate a fashion spread to this new trend with Canadian designers and Canada's number one girl Coco Rocha, who scored two September covers for Canadian Magazines -Elle and Fashion {at least Canada is standing behind the models before actors cover wars.} Most memorable images include Montreal favorite Marie Saint Pierre's Hooded over sized neoprene coat, David Dixon's Lazar-cut silk dress, Helmer's boat-neck lace top....which should be wore as a mini dress...and Project Runway runner-up Lucian Matis with a fitted silk dress, very Spanish inspired. I wish there was a little more involved than just one image, especially since all of them were head to toe black from the "Top Canadian Designers" as it's the most pronounced title on the cover. Oh well at least they are represented since a U.S. magazine never acknowledge Canadian fashion exists. And at least an Andy Thê-Anh dress made the cover....he's my fave Canadian designer for sure!

Unfortunately Elle doesn't show all of the photos mentioned above online, but here is a signature look from Marie Saint Pierre with her signature streaming ruffles front and centre.

Image: www.msn.com

Vogue's September issue arrives: Black is Back

Vogue, or the fashion bible as some would say, has finally put out their September Issue, which means it's time to start planning the ol' fall wardrobe. Ahh Vogue, the first time I ever picked up one was in ninth grade because we needed a Magazine for art class with lots of photographs and Vogue was my choice. I haven't missed a September issue since. A lot of people are against the over 300 pages of advertisements featured in this issue, resulting in it's mammoth size, but these are more than ads, they're fashion ads. Therefore a piece of art from the designer's vision of the clothing. All advertisements attempt to sell you something, so deal with it.
Anyways, the September Vogue as Anna Wintour says "our most unapologetic issue." It's really unfortunate about the cover. Wintour mentions at first they were thinking about putting Kira Knightley in something from Alexander McQueen's Fall line...that would have been so magical. Instead she is in this hideous Balenciaga velvet top for a modern Berlin twist. Sad.
Today I start the search for the perfect fall wardrobe and Vogue is always a inspiration. This year there are many inspirations such as the sixties, glamorous Bohemian and Black is Back!
Some staple items I will be looking for: beige boots, beige belt, Indian-inspired flats, tights, bright colours, boho inspired pieces, white blouses and a two-tone dress.
It sounds simple but it's not. (to be continued)

The dark ages of fashion: celebrity clothing lines

Is there anything grosser than newly emerging celebrity clothing lines? It seems like every celebrity has their own line and I want to know why people are buying into it. Celebrity brands are over-priced and lack originality, while in return you get to wear something that a celebrity “designed” and maybe wore for five seconds during a photo op. Wouldn’t people rather save up for a piece of true fashion like a Betsey Johnson mini dress or a Michael Kors blouse than a D-list celebrity obviously attempt to capitalize on their fame instead of creating something worthy? Shame! That’s not to say that all of them are horrible. Some famous faces have labels that are fantastic. Even though the creditability of the designer is always in question, at least they have enough taste to put their names on high quality fashion.
My top three celebrity designers started their careers with impeccable, trend-setting style; therefore the transition into designing clothing is more acceptable. Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. collection is actual impressive. Straight up, I think she’s a weirdo with the whole Harajuka-loving thing but I do love her style. She’s very original, especially looking back at her No Doubt days, the video for “Underneath in all” was a fashion masterpiece in disguise.

Some truly inovative heels from L.A.M.B.
Image: www.stylehive.com

Diddy’s Sean Johns clothing line- first, it’s been around for a decade and second, it’s one of the most well respected clothing line with recognition from the Council of Fashion Designers of America with excellence in design. He many not be the best rapper, but he’s a style icon, phenomenal entrepreneur and a very exciting personality.
Lastly, is a more commercial choice, Kate Moss for Topshop. Before she collaborated with Topshop, I adored her fashion sense and I wanted her wardrobe…wanted it badly. So you can see my delight, and millions of British fans, at the release of her wardrobe to the masses.

Well at least these brands are better than some, the worst of the worst has to be Heidi Montage’s Heidiwood, Avril Lavigne’s Abbey Dawn, and Sarah Jessica Parker’s Bitten (Just because she looks fashionable with the help of Patricia Fields on set and Oscar de la Renta and Narciso Rodriguez on the red carpet doesn’t mean she has style)….oh but then there is Jessica Simpson , Paris and Fergie…Ahh! Too many bad celebrity brands, they must be stopped!

Pros for using o.b.
-Environmentally friendly
-Guaranteed to fit into your purse

For a free sample of o.b. tampons:
http://mightysmall.com/en/register_landing.asp

Canada Comes Together

There's something about the last few weeks in Canada. Some of the most crazy and somber news stories have been reported recently, one after the other such as Northwest Toronto's propane explosion, Montreal riots over police shooting and racial profiling....but the worst has been the Greyhound bus beheading. The drama to ensue afterward was a racist baptist group from the US (where else?) coming to protest the funeral because according to their beliefs "God Hates Canada." People that hate to hate, hate our freedom and open-minded views and use religion in a negative light. Luckily this is Canada and even with our police/political problems right now, we all want the same thing-peace and respect. http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=716480

Pegged Jeans= Not Sexy

Image:JustJared
Skinny jeans and leggings have dominated fashion for the last 2-3 years with their tight-fitted silhouettes and various colours. This fall many are speculating that wide-leg pants and jeans are making a comeback. Personally I don’t mind a wide-leg business pant. They have a look of authority and power but it’s very easy for them to turn up looking clown-like. I mean why would I want my legs to look like they are drowning in fabric. Another hybrid of the wide-leg pants is the flare pant or in the 70’s bell-bottoms. I admit to wearing them religiously when they came back into style in the 90’s but that’s it for me. In the rain or snow they have a talent of getting extremely soaked at the bottom, which isn’t very sexy. And then there is a pair of jeans being worn by the likes of Katie Holmes and Rachel Bilson called the baggy, pegged-leg jeans. The name says it all. I’m sure they are very comfortable but no thanks. I will be sticking with a straight leg, tights or even a skinny leg for the upcoming season. Fashion is all about sticking with what works best for you and I never found hiding behind baggy clothes a viable option.

Watch out for Tallulah Willis!

What is with all the teens being incredibly style savvy nowadays? I get laughed at sometimes for buying Teen Vogue but there are some very exciting, exuberantly youthful ideas inside. Many of the looks I love in the junior mag, I can't get in Vogue. Is high fashion just being marketed to a younger demographic? Or is there something else to it? When your a teen you just want to be older and vice versa. Some exceptional celebrity teen trendsetters to look out for include...

Tallulah Willis, 13, the fortunately feminine-chinned daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, unlike Rumor. (Right) Frances Bean, 16, daughter of Courtney Love and Curt Kobain.

Lourdes Leon, 11, taking after hot momma Madonna's excellent style.

Taylor Momsen, 15, Gossip Girl star and recently signed IMG model.

Images: www.babble.com, www.people.com, just jared

Exciting news and fashion rules

Something tres exciting happened last night. A dear friend, one I have known since grade 7, announced her engagement. It is one of those engagements you know is coming because the couple has been together forever aka 6 years, so congratulations to Lisa & Ryan. I've been the staple date to many weddings but this will be the first time I got the invite. Being a fashion lover and wedding goer, I have witnessed many wedding faux pas. In accordance to the decline of elegance, some Canadians think they can get away with any semi-formal piece out of their wardrobe. Here are some simple rules when dressing for a wedding:

• No flip flops (Unless it's a beach wedding but even then they should be a dressy sandal)


• Do not wear white (Mixed with other colours is fine but you should not look like your trying to take attention away from the bride.)


• Do wear a hat (Check out the hats and formal head pieces at Fashion Crimes at 322 Queen Street West. Tres chic!)


• Avoid sunglasses (Do you remember those guys in high school wearing sunglasses to prom?....yeah)


• Do wear make-up (Even if you don't typical wear make-up, a little lip colour and blush won't hurt)


• Keep hair styles and dressing choices tasteful ( i.e. big hair, over-the-top up-dos, extremely revealing, very full skirts similar to the brides')

For the love of fashion, even if these rules are not followed at least give me something good to look at. Although if you do wear white, you will get my cringe face.

The Bride-to-be

Hail to the Sutan of Cool

Where do Edmontonians go to seek refuge from mainstream fashion? The local American Apparel on the very hip 82nd Avenue (or Whyte Avenue), that's where. Many go to seek the clothing store's latest spin on classic clothing by seeing how the staff is wearing it. You can always count on urban chic flair from store manager Jared Berney. He is known for his fashion-forward style and brings cool back to the city.
Being a true xenophile Jared has travelled around many European cities, which has influenced his style and world views. Never a follower of hipster fashions, only a originator. He is one of the first males in North America to embrace skinny jeans, saying " The skinnier, the better." He was also influenced by left-wing views on Palestine and started to wear Keffiyehs as a statement piece, telling me "everyone will be wearing one by next year." And sure enough, today the keffiyeh is wore by many people, sold at mainstream stores and has lost its translation due to overexposure. Now that is the power of one man's style.

Jared's essentials:

Skinny jeans
Fine knit button up sweaters
Statement piece: scarf, hat, unusual jewelery

Trendsetting Male-nistas

Male-nistas-Men's wear never really inspires or interests me. Maybe it’s because I don’t wear it or maybe it’s because men look good in dull but classic apparel. I always felt bad for them, since it seems like girls have this secret world of fashion with endless garment choices. One of my male friends has a wardrobe solely comprised of a black, gray and white colour palette, which looks fantastic and very minimalistic. He would, as well as most men, never dream of wearing the latest European trends, such as Prada’s Fall ’08 masculine tutu over pants look. However many less exaggerated versions of European styles usually do become fashionable in North America after a few years. Trendsetting men are a rare find, especially one who can pull it off. The male tutu makes it debut in Prada's Fall 2008 runway show.

Speaking of trendy- Since Sex and the City has ended their reign as most stylist television show, now another contender needs to fill Carrie Bradshaw’s shoes. There is a need on television for visual fashion guidance that confirms 'what needs to be worn now' on a weekly basis. I vote for another NYC based show- Gossip Girl. It is the most fashion-forward show thanks to the fabulous wardrobe department and designer Abigial Lorick (who is behind the look of Eleanor Waldorf's designs.) Everyone’s favourite Upper East Siders return with their second season on September 1st.

Returning back to menswear- One male-nista has caught my eye in the form of fictional character Chuck Bass played by Ed Westwick. The loveable scoundrel of GG has featured some daring looks over the first season such as trench coats, neon/bright colours, bow ties and that unforgettable shark cardigan (very risqué.) He is a excellent example of a trendsetting male.

The many fashions of Chuck Bass.

Images: www.style.com, www.gossipgirlinsider.com