Sunday, November 30, 2008

Sparkle Frosty at Magic Pony

This Thursday December 4th Magic Pony is having a night of pen, ink, paint, glue, and glitter to turn blank toys into Christmas Miracles!

For one special night, the Magic Pony Gallery will be transformed into an Elfin workshop. Customize your favorite DIY figure, meet and greet with guest artists, eat, drink and be merry with fellow DIYers. Oh, and enjoy some Magical Pony sales never before seen by human eyes.

Guest Artists:
Nathan Jurevicius
Gary Taxali
Melinda Josie
Steven Charles Manale
Justin Pape (We Kill You)

Bring a gift of food for the Food Bank and enter to win a super crazy secret raffle!!

Toys, art, food, booze, prizes, party, yay!!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Thursday, November 27, 2008

YouTube Random Recommends

Today, YouTube recommended that I should watch the Rainbow Brite opening. I'm not sure why, but I decided to watch it anyway. I'll never get those 11 seconds back...

Now you can too!

Amazing Designer Sale!


Here's your chance to grab items from a number of fashionable closets from a selected group of ladies and gents in the city. Theyve pooled our nearly new, quality vintage and brand new clothing, shoes and accessories together to sell at great prices. There will be mens and ladies products available. The sale is CASH ONLY PLEASE and it's a one day sale.

Ladypalooza!

Cocktails & Clipboards With The Toronto Raptors

This actually sounds like fun:

Guys shouldn't have all the fun. Ladies! Come out again this season to experience Cocktails and Clipboards presented by Sterling Vineyards at select Raptors home games.

Your ticket includes:

- Pre-game wine tasting of the best Sterling Vineyards selections from California, Chile or Argentina with a sommelier
- Hors d'oeuvres prepared by Air Canada Centre's Executive Chef
- A private basketball 101 session with a member of the Toronto Raptors Basketball Club
- Gift package including a fitted Raptors t-shirt, Flare Magazine and more

For more info visit Ticketmaster.

Dance Cards: My How Times Have Changed

In honour of Worn Journal's Winter Formal Slow Dance, I'd like to prepare you with a little history on the dance card.

Dance cards became trendy items at balls in the early 19th century. They were a way for a lady to keep track of the gentlemen she had promised dances to during the evening.


Masters of ceremony and floors managers guaranteed that young ladies would only have to dance with gentlemen who were their social equals. Today, that is called “Cover Charge and Over-Priced Drinks". The floor managers saw that order and decorum were kept during the evening. Today, these guys are called “Bouncers”. They had to screen out undesirable elements, such as prostitutes who found masquerade balls easy to infiltrate - Today, those are called “Hoochie Mamas”, they had to keep an eye on alcohol consumption - Today, that is called “Last Call”, and saw that no young lady went without a suitable partner - Today, that is called a “Wing Gal”.

Dance cards were generally given only to ladies. Gentlemen were supposed to remember to whom they had promised dances. Yeah, that wouldn’t work today… The front cover of the dance card told the occasion for the event, the location, the date, sometimes the price of the ticket, and often the name of the band that would be playing that evening. Today, we get event invitations on Facebook.


The interior of the dance card usually contained a list of the evening's dances, with spaces provided for the names of the gentlemen to whom the lady had promised them. Today, ladies dance with their gal pals and diss guys who try to dance with them. Sometimes the dances were listed generically; "waltz" "polka" "two-step" etc., these lists provide us with valuable information about the types of dances and the musical selections that were popular in any period. Today, we get our groove on to The Pussycat Dolls and Lady Gaga.

And a scene from
Meet Me In St. Louis to show you how it's done, well, or not done:



Gotta love Judy!

Winter Formal Slowdance

Winter Formal Slowdance: Worn Fashion Journal issue 7 release party

Saturday, November 29, 2008 Dovercourt House (805 Dovercourt Rd, Toronto) Doors open at 9:00pm Entrance is $10 and includes a dancecard and Issue 7 of Worn Fashion Journal.


Worn recently moved from Montreal, and is now launching it's first Toronto-made issue with a Winter Formal Slowdance. A good excuse to dress up and get snuggly, the Winter Formal is being held at the Dovercourt House, a lovely old dance studio decked with crepe paper streamers, balloons and mirror ball. You get a dancecard to reserve a special tune and Resident Dancers for any shy boys and girls. There is also a photographer to take date and non-date photos to remember the night (and outfits) by.

What is Worn Fashion Journal?
Part fashion magazine, part academic journal, and part personal zine, Worn Fashion Journal is a truly independent publication. Driven by sales (not advertising) Worn offers unique perspectives on fashion, creating a diverse and inclusive alternative to mainstream fashion magazines. Articles deal with concepts and ideas around fashion from a historical, cultural, political and practical perspective. Issue includes articles on mannequin history, global fashion, luxury branding, and spandex. Yes, you heard right, spandex. It's got all that plus regular columns and photoshoots, too, in one very pretty little package. So you can see, Worn has a lot to celebrate. www.wornjournal.com

Mod Club Celebrates 5 Years

Anyone else out there remember Wednesday nights at Lava Lounge on College before the building sold and was turned into condos? Mod Club Wednesdays were fun and always brought out an eclectic crowd of hipsters - and that was pre-Hipsterville Toronto. So the boys (DJ's Mark Holmes formerly of Platinum Blond and Bobbi Guy) ventured a few blocks west and opened The Mod Club - one of my favourite places to see bands. Off the top of my head I've seen Mika, Lykke Li, Brazilian Girls, New Young Pony Club, Dragonette and a whole slew of others there.

Mika at Mod Club.

So, 5 years have past, so why not celebrate at The Mod Club 5th Anniversary Party this Saturday, November 29 @ 9:30pm til 3am at (where else?) The Mod Club, 722 College St. West (east of Ossington @ Crawford - in the heart of “Little Italy”.) Just stumbling steps from my home...

Doll Factory by Damzels' 2nd Anniversary & Leslieville Wanderlust!

Doll Factory by Damzels' 2nd Anniversary & Leslieville Wanderlust!

Help the Dolls celebrate their 2nd Anniversary and visit Leslieville Village Wanderlust!!

Thursday, November 27th: Special ONE DAY ONLY
Store Hours: Noon to 10 pm
Cocktails will be served 6pm to 9pm
15% OFF EVERYTHING in the store!!
PLUS
Exclusive, very limited edition Damzels In This Dress, winter/holiday dresses and free gifts with purchases over $50 (limited quantities)
Doll Factory By Damzels is located at 1122 Queen St. East, Toronto.


For more information about all the Wanderlust Events visit: www.eastendnoise.com

Passionate Paintings at Shopgirls

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Local on the Danforth

Local has it heart set on being Greektown's hippest lounge. Describing itself as "A fashion forward loft-style space founded on a love of food, music, and art, which brings the sophistication of downtown a little bit more..local. (To the Danforth, specifically). "


WHAT: Local caters to the hybrid food and drink aficionado; those who are seeking exceptional cuisine and then wish to experience an entire night out, by subtly transforming from a restaurant to a stylish after dinner affair.

WHERE: Local – 511 Danforth Avenue

Opening Night is Friday November 28th.

Well, if you live off The Danforth and don't feel like trekking all the way over to Ossington, you got a place to go now. Now you can feel hip in your own 'hood.

Get Almost Naked for less!

Saturday November 29th kicks off Almost Naked's Naughty or Nice Sale with 40% off.


Find the perfect stocking stuffer and gift ideas from your friends at Almost Naked where you will find the largest selection of premium underwear brands, including DIESEL, Calvin Klein, Betsey Johnson, Marlies Dekkers, Miss Sixty, aussieBum and John Galliano!

Almost Naked is located at 479 Queen Street West — just west of Spadina. Naughty or Nice Sale ends Friday December 5th.

Rags and Mags Holiday Styling Contest

My absolute favourite blog, Rags and Mags is here again with another contest to dress main characters Lucinda McRuvy and Max Velosse for the holidays.

Two winning outfits will be selected, one for each character.

To celebrate the launch of Dido’s new album, Max’s stylist will receive a Dido-branded aluminum water bottle and recyclable shopping bag, along with an autographed copy of her last album “Life For Rent”. Lucinda’s stylist will receive a paperback copy of The Collection by Gioia Diliberto. Both stylists will be name-dropped in holiday-related posts.

Go to http://ragsandmags.com/contest for contest details.

I Love Alphabeat!

Here's their latest video offering for What Is Happening:



Cute fun pop!

Karamea Studio Sale


Toronto-based KARAMEA is having a Studio sale from Friday, November 28 till Sunday, November 30th from 12 noon till7:30pm each day at 335 Roncesvalles Avenue #3.

Day to evening wear, all seasons, range of sizes and stock – up to 80% off. Cash only.
Pre-orders for Spring/Summer 09 are available-deliveries for February at a 25% discount.

For more information email michelleturpin@karamea.ca.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Fashion Crimes' Stylish Seasonal Gift

Holiday season is well upon us and the party invitations are just starting to flood inboxes and Facebook event lists. The big question: what to wear? Well, I don't know about you but I need a whole new slew of party frocks to warm up my wardrobe in preparation of the upcoming party season. (And some milk thistle to prepare my liver!)

Toronto's best place to find that perfect dress, Fashion Crimes is offering customers a $30 gift card with the purchase of $125 or more. Not that I need an excuse, but i can pretend to use it as one.

Click on the image and print the flyer to get your gift. Offer is good until December 18th.

BTW - My favourite fashion illustrator Danielle Meder created the illustration for the flyer. Love it!

The Drambuie Den

For two evenings why not have a taste of the Scottish Highlands with a wee dram o' Drambuie at the Drambuie Den at Ultra. You can RSVP for either Monday, December 1 or Tuesday, December 2. If you're not in Toronto, visit the website to find out when the Den comes to your city: www.drambuieden.ca.

You also get a chance to enter the Drambie Pursuit - a single day race which takes you on the journey Bonnie Prince Charlie took while escaping the Highlands. Speed bonnie boat!

LaDiDa Sale


One of Toronto's cutest boutiques, LaDiDa is having a pre-Christmas sale for a limited time only. Head on over to 128 Danforth Avenue to check out their unique stock of jewellery, clothing, shoes, accessories, and body & bath products. And why not treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure while you're there? It's always good to treat yourself.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Check Magazine: Issue 8


Canadian-based Cheek Magazine's 8th issue is online for your viewing pleasure. Check it out here: http://www.cheekmagazine.com/

Market Crash Bash

69 Buy the Pound is holding a used clothing swap this coming Tuesday. Bring all your old clothing and swap it for someone else's.

Tuesday November 25th. 1234 Bloor West, Toronto. Just west of Dufferin Station. From 6-9pm.

It's free for all! Check out the facebook invite for info.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Canada Can Just Dance!

I am currently obsessed - and I mean, rewind, repeat kinda obsessed - with Lady Gaga's Just Dance single!



So in honour of that, here are the upcoming ticket sales and dates for the So You Think You Can Dance Canada Tour!

The Top 10 dancers from CTV’s #1 new show, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA, will be hitting the road this winter with an all-new stage show. Ticket purchase information for each market is now available.

The tour, which offers fans from across Canada the chance to see the country’s most talented dancers performing their hottest routines in hip-hop, contemporary, ballroom, tango, mambo and salsa, is produced by 19 Entertainment, dick clark productions, AEG Live and Donald K Donald, and presented by Virgin Mobile.

On sale dates and ticket purchase information for each market is as follows:

Vancouver
Friday, January 30, GM Place
On sale Saturday, November 22 at 10:00 am
Tickets available by calling 604-280-4444, at the box office, or at www.ticketmaster.ca

Kelowna
Saturday, January 31, Prospera Place
On sale Saturday, November 22 at 10:00 am
Tickets available by calling 250-762-5050, at the box office, or at www.selectyourtickets.com

Edmonton
Monday, February 2, Rexall Place
On sale Saturday, November 22 at 10:00 am
Tickets available by calling 780-451-8000, at the box office, or at www.ticketmaster.ca

Calgary
Thursday, February 5, Stampede Corral
On sale Saturday, November 22 at 10:00 am
Tickets available by calling 403-777-0000, or at www.ticketmaster.ca

Saskatoon
Saturday, February 7, Credit Union Centre
On sale Saturday, November 22 at 10:00 am
Tickets available by calling 306-938-7800, 1-800-970-7328, or at www.ticketmaster.ca

Regina
Sunday, February 8, Brandt Centre
On sale Saturday, November 22 at 10:00 am
Tickets available by calling 306-543-7800, 1-800-970-7328, or at www.ticketmaster.ca

Winnipeg
Monday, February 9, MTS Centre
On sale Saturday, November 22 at 10:00 am
Tickets available by calling 204-780-3333, or at www.ticketmaster.ca or www.mtscentre.ca

Thunder Bay
Tuesday, February 10, Fort William Gardens
On sale Saturday, November 22 at 10:00 am
Tickets available by calling 807-625-2929 or at the box office

Sudbury
Thursday, February 12, Sudbury Arena
On sale Friday, November 21 at 10:00 am
Tickets available by calling 705-671-3000, at the box office, or at www.greatersudbury.ca

Toronto
Friday, February 13, Air Canada Centre
On sale Saturday, November 22 at Noon
Tickets available by calling 416-870-8000, at any Ticketmaster outlet, or at www.ticketmaster.ca

Montreal
Saturday, February 14, Place des Arts
On sale Friday, November 21 at Noon
Tickets available by calling 514-842-2112, 1-866-842-2112, or at www.laplacedesarts.com

Ottawa
Sunday, February 15, Scotiabank Place
On sale Saturday, November 22 at 10:00 am
Tickets available by calling 613-599-3267 (599-FANS), 877-788-3267, or at www.capitaltickets.ca

Hamilton
Tuesday, February 17, Copps Coliseum
On sale Saturday, November 22 at Noon
Tickets available by calling 905-527-7666, at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, or at www.ticketmaster.ca

London
Wednesday, February 18, John Labatt Centre
On sale Friday, November 21 at Noon
Tickets available by calling 1-866-455-2849, or at www.johnlabattcentre.com

Kingston
Saturday, February 21, K-Rock Centre
On sale Saturday, November 22 at 10:00 am
Tickets available by calling 1 877 554 8399, or at www.tickets.com, or www.k-rockcentre.com


SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA was created by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe, and is produced in association with CTV by Danse TV Productions. Sandra Faire and Trisa Dayot are Executive Producers. Ed Robinson is Executive Vice-President, Programming, CTV Inc. Susanne Boyce is President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Don't Miss This: Boytech

And now a note from our friends at House of Helder records:

We, at House of Helder Records, want you to be the first to see BOYTECH perform their NEW SHOW + NEW TRACKS ("Jamming The Signal", "Black Lion")!


Come! Let your camera flashes reflect off their salty beads of sweat dripping off of their steamy hot bods...

BOYTECH
w/ DJ DOPPLEHERTZ
Thurs Nov 13
@ The Social (1100 Queen West)
Doors @ 10pm
Show @ midnight
Cover $5

www.fritzhelder.com OR www.myspace.com/boytechmusic

Madge for Vuitton?

According to Style File the Queen of Pop Madonna is going to be the new face of Louis Vuitton’s Spring 2009 campaign AND apparently it's already been shot by my fave photo team Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. The last high-end ad campaign she did was Versace (in my mind I am pronouncing it a-la Showgirls, ver-sayce).

Madonna for Versace in 2005

I pray that it's better than the disastrous ads Versace put out with Madge back in 2005. (Did they not even warn her they were shooting?) Mind you the first ad campaign she did for Versace in 1995 was stunning, stunning, stunning!

Madonna for Versace in 1995

Bubbles Are Fun, Zubbles Are Funner

Coloured bubbles that don't leave colour stains when you pop 'em? Enter Zubbles. Hours of fun!



Read more here.

What does this have to do with my blog? Well... uhm, bubbles are fun and I like colour. Is that a good enough answer? I know you like them too.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

CNTM on CTV

CTV can add yet another reality contest show to their already strong lineup that includes Canadian Idol and So You Think You Can Dance Canada - they just announced that they are looking for Canada's Next Top Model! Mr Jay Manuel is back with his airbrushed pretty face as host.

(I really never understood why this promo shot looks like a sci-fi movie)

Here's where I get lazy and just copy & paste stuff. (It really is soooo much easier.)

CTV announced today it is looking for Canada's Next Top Model. Recruitment starts today for competitors for the third cycle of the 2007 Gemini winner for Best Reality Program or Series, which will air for the first time on CTV in 2009.

In a program first, Canada's Next Top Model hopefuls have the option of submitting their application packages online at the series' all-new website, model.ctv.ca. Applications are being received now through December 22, 2008. Thousands will apply, but only 10 women will compete on-air for an incredible grand prize that includes a $100,000 beauty contract.

"With the enormous success of So You Think You Can Dance Canada and Canadian Idol, we can't wait to take Canada's Next Top Model to the next level," said Susanne Boyce, President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc. "We will continue to bring the sidewalk to the catwalk, providing 10 young women an opportunity of a lifetime and the winner with the chance to jumpstart her modeling career."

Canada's Next Top Model returns with the hope of finding 10 young women who think they have what it takes to make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of modeling. To qualify, applicants must be female, between the ages of 18-23 (as of Friday, January 30, 2009), Canadian citizens and/or permanent residents of Canada, and at least 5'8" in height. Participants must also be prepared to spend five weeks away from family and friends and must not be locked into a current modeling contract. For up-to-date audition information and/or to download the official application kit and apply, visit www.model.ctv.ca.

Rebecca Hardy, from Manheim, ON, was named the Cycle 2 winner of Canada's Next Top Model. Since her win, Hardy has worked with top photographers and on the runways of high fashion markets including Milan and London. Since winning, Rebecca has walked the runway for Aritzia, Calvin Klein, Greta Constantine, G-SUS, Nada Yousif and Evan Biddell.

Doll Factory By Damzels: Extended Holiday Hours!

Everyone's getting in the holiday spirit! Toronto's Betsey Johnson - and one of my personal favourite Canadian stores, Doll Factory by Damzels are making it easier to get that perfect Holiday dress and the coolest gifts!


Until Christmas, the store will be open between 11am- 7pm from Tuesday to Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 11am till 6pm and Sunday 12-5pm. (Closed Mondays.)

They are fully stocked with dresses, cardigans and pencil skirts from: Stop Starring (I have a great dress I bought in the summer from the DF), Lucky 13, Sailor Jerry and tons of under $100 holiday dresses, and great gifts and accessories including Loungefly bags and wallets, Classic Hardware jewelry, Pacifica perfumes, and HodRod Hellcat picture frames!

Let's not forget the ever popular Burt Reynolds cheese trays!!! Who doesn't love cheese?

How to Walk in High Heels

This is kinda funny:



"Stiff knees" - ha ha!! Good for the novice - you'll be walking "sexy and sassy" in no time!


The new edition LEGWORK High Heel Fitness DVD designed by New York multi-disciplinary designer Kristin Victoria Barron vividly captures the current new wave of high stiletto fashion worshiped by the chic women of New York and Paris. Available online at legworkdvd.com for $9.95 {+$1.95 S&H}.

SOOS Rocks Studio Holiday Sample Sale!

The SOOS ladies are having another great sale!

FREE pair of stunning earrings with every purchase!
50% - 80% off all in stock items
Women's - earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, cuffs,
Men's - bracelets, necklaces, charms
Handbags - All new style handbags up to 50% off retail

Location: 599 College St. Third Floor (S/W corner of College & Clinton) - Red door with SOOS sign!

Thursday November 20th - Noon- 6:00pm
Friday November 21st - Noon - 6:00pm
Saturday November 22nd- Noon- 5:00pm

SOOS Rocks
www.soosrocks.com

Daniel Espinosa Gets Heartfelt

Click to enlarge

Friday, November 7, 2008

|FAT| Announces Call for Creative Entries

|FAT| Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week is back April 2009 for its fourth year of fashion, performance, visual art and music. Held once again at the historic Distillery District, this year’s theme, “Between Places” aims to explore the nature of transition, discovering and understanding our cultural roots, environmental sustainability and discovering the future through the eyes of cloth. Starting this month, those who are interested in participating can apply directly at the |FAT| website.

Currently, |FAT| is accepting applications for:

FASHION DESIGN: Women's Wear, Men's Wear, Wearable Art

VISUAL ART: Photography, Video, Installation, Sculpture

MUSIC: All Musical Forms of Expression Welcome

DANCE/PERFORMANCE ART

Deadline for applications is December 22, 2008.

ABOUT |FAT|:

When people talk about inventive, pioneering and contemporary events, where the latest innovators in fashion, art and music can break into the scene, they talk about |FAT| - Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week.

This multifaceted annual event showcases 200 of the most innovative fashion designers, visual artists, musicians, performers and dancers across the country and beyond. In April 2009 over 5,000 people across 4 explosive days and nights will come together to connect, create and experience the next big thing.

FOR APPLICATION INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
| Vanja Vasic | email: vanja@alternativefashionweek.com | 647.834.0061 |

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

Halloween decorations are down and all the Christmas stuff is up now. Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza/Winter Solstice is upon us once again! (Or should we just call it "shopping season"?)

At least the weather is keeping us from forgetting that winter (brrrr...) is almost here too. Right now with the economy in the _______ [insert phrase] and the nice weather, I bet all retail outlets are praying for an early winter. When it's nice outside, holiday retail sales tend to be low but when there is snow on the ground, everyone gets in the spirit and retail sales rise. (Yay snow!)

Speaking of holiday shopping, click the image below to check out some gift ideas from Montreal-based m0851.
Happy Shopping Season to one and all!