Find Me Here Now!

Hi all!


You can find me at www.gailmcinnes.com where you can view updates and videos on what I have been up to since March.


You can also follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/gailmcinnes to get instant updates, or you can feel free to email me gail.mcinnes (at) gmail.com.

Thanks!

The Style Box Changes

Hi everyone!

I've just launched my new business venture with the same name as my blog - The Style Box , which leaves me with no time for blogging all my favourite things.

Bookmark www.thestylebox.ca - our new website, which will be up and running soon. If you'd like an update on when the site will be posted, feel free to subscribe (see box at right) and we'll send out a notice when it launches.

What is The Style Box?

The Style Box is a unique promotional management organization for new and established Canadian designers who want to elevate their brand and achieve recognition. As groundbreaking promoters and managers The Style Box creates brand awareness unlike traditional PR Agencies by operating a fashion showroom set to launch in late summer 2009 exclusive to high-profile celebrities.
 
The Style Box’s vision is to be Canada’s leading promotional organization for new and established fashion designers. Driven by integrity and teamwork we will elevate fashion brands creating household names while increasing community awareness and economic growth.

We have a few events and some exciting projects in the works so please keep in touch!

Gail

Buy Design Goes Intergalactic!

If you love theme parties, dressing up, and having fun with a group of similar-minded party revelers then Buy Design is the charity event designed just for you! Now in it's 6th year, Buy Design has created a space-themed night inspired by Barbarella, er, I should say Buybarella - who you can follow on Twitter (@Buybarella) for your chance to win tickets. (If you don't know Barbarella, why not take a look back to my Design in Space post.)

Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 8pm
Location: Distillery Historic District
Cost $75, or 6 for the price of 5
Website: buydesignforwindfall.ca

Illustration by Danielle Meder

So bust out your go-go boots and minis! I can't wait - last year's studio 54 theme was incredible but this one is gonna be a bigger blast!

All proceeds are donated to Windfall, Canada's only NEW clothing and basic-needs bank.

"BUY DESIGN's galaxy-renowned live and silent auctions bring in donations that will sate fashionistas, foodies and culture lovers alike. Earthly possessions up for bid include Jenny Bird handbags, a $1000 H&M shopping spree and gift certificates to the city's best restaurants, spas, and salons. Be there for the curtained reveal and get first bid on items - from roundtrip Via Rail tickets to Montreal and autographed NHL and NFL jerseys, to one of a kind couture from Doll Factory by Damzels. Stop by the sci-fi Beauty Lab and get glam amongst beauticians in lab coats and beakers overflowing with luxury beauty products from brands such as Smashbox, Boss, Cargo and L'Oréal. Satisfy your astronomical appetite and indulge in delectable mini beef burgers, herb crusted lamb chops and sweet potato fries courtesy of Encore catering. Top off the night with BUY DESIGN's exclusive take home treasures thanks to the evening's generous sponsors."

Herbal Essence Shampoos

The lovely people at Matchstick sent me some Herbal Essence shampoos and conditioners from their new Hydralicious collection. I bought Herbal Essence a little while ago - the "Long Term Relationship" but wasn't really loving it for my hair. I've been using the orange one (Featherweight) this week and am really liking it - I guess there really is different shampoos for different hair types.

I fell deeply in love with local stylist Greg May's products during TIFF last Fall. We'll see if I fall in love with Herbal Essence - tomorrow I start on the pink (self-targeting) one.

I have some coupons for free full size shampoos so if you see me out and about, ask me for one - I have a few left!

SOOS Rocks Blow out Sale!

Designer Jewelry and Accessories starting at $10!!!

Come down to the studio and shop for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, handbags, men's, women's and more! New, Last Season, & One of a Kind custom pieces.

Spring is almost here, and the SOOS gals need to clean out their studio for all new merchandise! YAY! You reap the benefits!

* Thursday March 19th
* Friday March 20th 12-7pm
* Saturday March 21st

SOOS, 599 College St. Third Floor (College St. at Clinton)

If you can't make these dates, or if there is a specific piece that you are interested in, SOOS can do it up for you!

SOOS Rocks!

Jessica Jensen Sample Sale

Click image to enlarge.

Fashionably Yours Designer Consignment Boutique

Clean out your closets and fill your pockets! Fashionably Yours Designer Consignment Boutique will sell your unwanted, unworn and gently used designer dresses, apparel, accessories, shoes, and bags!

“SELL YOUR GENTLY USED GUCCI, LOUIS VUITTON, YSL, CHANEL, DVF, MARC JACOBS, AND EVEN BCBC, ZARA, MARCIANO, OR LOCAL DESIGNER ITEMS”

In today's economy, everyone is looking for ways to make a few extra bucks and a true fashionista won't let the economy affect her style. Style is eternal and the shopping must go on! Let us help you turn your shopping habit into cash and at the same time keep you looking fashionable!

FY is currently in the process of taking in lots of fabulous inventory, so be sure to get your merchandise to them in time for the Opening on Thursday, March 5/2009. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to get rid of those items that are taking up space in your closet; that dress that you never wore, the shoe that will never fit, the bag that you got as a gift and all your fabulous dresses that the Facebook paparazzi has seen too many times!!

Fashionably Yours is the first ever boutique of its kind in Toronto, specializing in selling your party dresses all year around, catering to the young, the trendy, the fabulous!!

FY is conveniently located in the heart of the busy Queen West Shopping area (inside MODA @ 632 Queen St West), so call 647.802.9687 or email sell@fashionablyyours.ca now for full details or to set up an appointment (7 days a week, 12pm - 7pm) to bring in your goods today! Pick up service available upon request. Call for details.

Still Revolution

Still Revolution: A Benefit for CONTACT Photography Festival

Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 8:00pm

The Burroughes Building, 639 Queen Street West. Tel: 416.880.4539

A high-energy event blending art, fashion, and music. This highly conceptual evening will feature a dynamic portrait gallery from Alex vs Alex, unexpected encounters with CONTACT featured artists, a dark room, live installations, and more.

Complimentary cocktails, food, gift bags and revelry. Tickets $75.00. Get tickets at www.contact.eventbrite.com

Shopgirls Presents: The Science of Style

Click image to enlarge.

Preloved Vintage Shoe Party

F-List Designer Spotlight: Carrie Hayes

The F-List is continuing with the second in their Designer Spotlight series with designer Carrie Hayes on Wednesday, March 4. The event takes place from 6pm - 9pm at EIGHT Wine Bar, Cosmopolitan Hotel, 8 Colbourne Street in Toronto. RSVP on the F-List.

"For soft sophistication, look no further than CARRIE by Carrie Hayes. This former TFI resident's creations have serious staying power, not to mention flawless construction."

My Collective Boyfriend

My collective boyfriend is back with their third album. It's been so long, I thought our separation was almost permanent. We had some good times in the Dark of the Matinee and I'll never forget when they said they'd Take Me Out, but I was sad when they had to Walk Away. I am thoroughly enjoying our third time around.



My top track pick: No You Girls.

I can't wait to see them again at the Kool Haus.

LG Fashion Week: The Ten Fashion Commandments

I've never been a fan of the general public coming to Fashion Week. I feel it should be strictly a trade event - especially when most people are there to work. The majority of public attending the shows respect that, but some public don't take that into consideration: they steal seats, fill up space in the already crammed tents, complain about the shows being "so short", and generally just get in the way.


I do want everyone to support and promote Canadian fashion, so I will post the link on where to get passes to LG Fashion Week, but before I do, I'd like to share my "Ten Fashion Commandments" for attending industry fashion shows:

1. Thou shall not drink too much Prosecco in a can.
2. Thou shall dress to impress.
3. Thou shall wait thy turn to get into the runway room.
4. Thou shall remain outside the runway room for invite only shows.
5. Thou shall expect standing room only.
6. Thou shall not steal seats.
7. Thou shall not covet the gift bags of your neighbours.
8. Thou shall not speak loudly during the show.
9. Thou shall respect the space of the media.
10. Thou shall not stalk the models.

Provided I haven't put you off too much, you can get your public day passes through the F-List for $75 each day of shows.

See you in the tents, just don't steal my seat - please! ;)

Rita Tesolin Inventory Sale

Celebrated Canadian jewellery designer Rita Tesolin is having an inventory sale. Items include costume, sterling silver and semi-precious jewellery collections and a wide array of one-of-a-kind belts. Prices starting as low as $5.00. Different items will be continually added. A great opportunity to buy designer accessories at bargain prices.


DATE: Sat, Feb 28 & Sun, Mar 1

TIME: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

LOCATION: 63 Wingold Ave., Suite 103

PAYMENT: **Cash only**

Your chance to purchase some original pieces featured in such magazines as Elle Canada, Flare, Fashion, FQ and Zinc at up to 80% off.

The L'Oreal Paris Challenge

Here's a scan of the flyer that I found in Shoppers Drug Mart on Saturday. Still annoyed that I knew who won - I didn't tell a soul.

Congrats Sunny & Baylor! Well deserved!

Heartbreak Karaoke Party

Toronto Vintage Fashion Bazaar

Studio Gallery presents the Winter 2009 Edition of the Toronto Vintage Fashion Bazaar on Sunday, February 22nd, 2009, 1pm-6pm.

Men's and women's clothing, shoes, and accessories from the closets of some of Toronto's expert vintage shoppers will be on sale.

Each season, Studio will select twenty of their favorite vintage fashionistas as vendors. If you are interested in participating at the Spring 2009 Edition of the Toronto Vintage Fashion Bazaar, please contact Vanessa at vanessa@studio.to

Directions to Studio Gallery: 294 College st., 2nd floor @ Spadina, above the Savannah Room.

Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own shopping bags. Refreshments will be available for sale. Cash only. $5 entry.

Shoppers Gives Away PRC2 Episode 3

Today, I went to my local Shoppers Drug Mart at College & Crawford and saw a little L'Oreal pamphlet promoting Project Runway Canada and L'Oreal's Spring trends.

As I'm waiting in line I take a little peruse and see right away that they've given away who wins the challenge for Episode 3 which doesn't air until this coming Tuesday!!!

Don't worry, I am not giving it away - that would not be fair, but with all the tight non-disclosure agreements in place for the show you'd think that the employees at Shoppers would have been given strict, detailed instructions on when to put it out for their customers. (Like, AFTER the show airs!!)

Looks like someone's gonna get a hand slap - or worse...

Bloomingdale's Designer Open Call

Starting this Friday, February 6th, Bloomingdale's will host a series of Designer Open-See days on the FIRST Friday each month through May 2009.


Open-See Dates:

• Friday, February 6
• Friday, March 6
• Friday, April 3
• Friday, May 1

Time: 12:00noon to 4:00pm, First-come, first-serve basis *TIP: Arrive EARLY in the morning and line up in the queue
Where: Bloomingdale's Fashion Office in NYC at 155 East 60th Street (between Lexington and Third Avenues, closer to Lexington), 11th Floor.
Tel: 212-705-3437.

Good luck!!!

The Gap & FASHION Magazine Event

The Gap and FASHION Magazine are hosting an evening of cocktails and shopping on Wednesday, February 11, 2009. You are invited!

Don’t forget to rsvp at prrsvp@gap.com.

Lavish & Squalor Recession Appreciation Event

The only thing I'm appreciating in this recession is the sales!

Follow Your Dream - Start Your Own Fashion Business!

A message from the Toronto Fashion Incubator:

Don't let the recession get you down! Now is the time to follow your dream and start your own business! Join us for this two-part series developed for new fashion entrepreneurs

Part 1: The Business of Getting Started

Are you passionate about owning a creative and exciting fashion business? Do you have what it takes to be successful? This intro for beginners is just for you!

Find out about: The ins and outs of the fashion industry, Financing options, Government regulations, Developing a collection, and Low-cost marketing ideas.


Part 2: DIY Business Plan in 5 Easy Steps

It's easier than you think. A business plan is an invaluable tool that helps you to plan, organize and clarify your business goals. It's a necessary document when applying for financial assistance.

Come to this seminar to learn about:Starting with what you know,Pricing your products, Setting realistic sales goals, Establishing a budget, Understanding the financials

Part 1: Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Part 2: Wednesday, February 18, 2009

5:30pm- Doors Open for Coffee & Networking
6:00pm- Seminar Presentation

Toronto Fashion Incubator
285 Manitoba Drive, Pod 3, Exhibition Place, Toronto

Cost: Buy one seminar or both!
TFI Members: $35.00 + GST per seminar or get both parts for $60.00+ GST
Non-Members: $50.00 + GST per seminar or get both parts for $85.00+ GST

Available NOW online at www.fashionincubator.com/shop

Suggested Supplemental Reading: Visit TFI Shop to read about our guidebooks "How to Start a Fashion Business" and "How to Prepare a Business Plan for Your Fashion Business". If you have already purchased TFI's guidebooks join us for this insightful two-part seminar to have any questions answered.

If Shakespeare Had A Sister

I was going through some old tapes and found Shakespeare's Sisters' second tape, Hormonally Yours.

(Yes, I have kept some of my fave tapes and even records from back in the day - mock if you will, but I know you probably have something completely embarrassing like Milli Vannilli's ill-fated first release.)

I loved how different they were from all the other female singers before them. I remember finding out that one half was Siobian Fahey from Bananarama and being quite shocked. Who knows what they are doing now. This bring me to one of my favourite songs from the 90's, Stay.



Of course, when on YouTube and I see my favourite comedy duo French and Saunders' name come up, I just can't resist clicking. I completely forgot about this parody! God, I love those girls!



I wonder who Shakespeare would have preferred as sisters?

Don't Be a Don't

Vitamin Daily - "Canada's premiere online guide to the good life." - recently posted a cute promo video, Don't Be a Don't which follows a "Don't" around. Check it out on their main page where you can also sign up for their daily updates for the city closest to you.

Happy Dead Bra Day!

On Friday, February 13, secrets from your sister celebrates its third annual Dead Bra Day Sale. Donate a used, washed bra and receive a 25 per cent discount towards the purchase of a new bra at regular price. The matching set of panties will also be discounted by 25 per cent. Purchase two bras (one at regular price and the other at 25 per cent off), and receive a 16-ounce bottle of Soak Wash absolutely free. secrets from your sister will be donating all bras to Sistering, an organization devoted to helping homeless, under-housed and low-income women in Toronto.


The Dead Bra Day Sale will be held at both secrets from your sister store locations (560 Bloor Street West and 2501 Yonge Street). The Bloor Street location will be open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and the Yonge Street location will operate from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Each store will also be raffling off a free bra and panty set and all customers who make a purchase that day will be eligible to enter.

Lenka Brings the Show to Toronto

"There once was a little girl. She was born in the bush. Her parents called her Lenka. Her first friends were trees. Her father played the trumpet, she sang with him when she was 6. She grew up a bit. They moved to the big city (Sydney). She went to school. She danced a bit. She acted a bit. She went to art college. She started to sing a bit more… She joined a band called Decoder Ring. They created an album called Somersault, which was the soundtrack to a feature film of same name. It won lots of awards. She got called things like an "ethereal songstress" a "pocket rocket" and "breathy, strangely haunting." (Rolling Stone Australia) She flew on a plane and landed in Los Angeles. She hid away in studios and emerged with new songs.


She released her debut solo album in September and made a video where she got to fly thru the air like Peter Pan. People liked her songs and used them in lots of TV shows and films, like Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy. She was named VH1's "You Oughta Know Artist", iTunes Single Of The Week, and people began to write about her in magazines and newspapers. Blender Magazine called her quirky and hot, Marie Claire compared her to a fresh coat of fuchsia paint and called her surprisingly cool. But hot or cool... all of the people who have come to find Lenka have discovered that she is still really that girl singing to the trees. "

My current fave Lenka is coming to Toronto this coming Monday to play an intimate show at The Drake Hotel. Tickets are only $10.50 (plus those not so fun Ticketmaster charges, which pretty much double the price!)

LG Denim DIY Contest

LG is looking for some of Canada's top "Under 25" designers to participate in upcoming design contests in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.

The LG Denim DIY contest is looking for young designers to design and create a fun, original pair of jeans to win a $5000 design contract with Sears Canada, flatscreen TVs from LG Electronics and more.


Winners will receive:

* Winner will be announced at LG Fashion Week
* Pitch designs to fashion experts and network with industry VIPs
* Make valuable contacts with Sears, one of Canada's largest mass market retailers
* Mesh with the manufacturing side of the business and the process of bringing new fashion designs to market,
* Exposure to Canadian fashion media (cross-Canada PR campaign will be engaged around the contest) and potential for gratis publicity and press coverage

They are only accepting a VERY small number of entries. E-mail LGDenimDIY@gmail.com if you would like to learn more or contact Cameron Gordon at HighRoad Communications 416-644-2252.

Fashions of the Future

I love watching old videos about fashion, especially ones that try to predict what people will be wearing in the future. One of my favourites is from the 1930's where American designers were asked to "forecast what Eve will look like in A.D. 2000".



"Ooh, swish!"

Madonna in W Magazine

Some images of Madonna's shoot for the upcoming issue of W Magazine are floating around the web. Here they are for your viewing pleasure.

Receding? I don't recall her hairline going that far back...

The former boy toy prefers her own boy toys.

I am a long-time fan of Madonna - having bopped around to "Everybody" back in 1983 and being yelled at by my mum in 1985 to stop singing "Like A Virgin" - so I'm excited to see how her recent split from Guy will translate to her creativity.

Elmer Lends His Eye For Canada's Next Top Model Cycle 3

Elmer Olsen made the rounds today on Canada AM and ETalk to announce himself as a new judge for the third cycle of Canada's Next Top Model. If you missed it, you can view his Canada AM interview with the queen of Canadian fashion Jeanne Becker here.

I'm not sure if this means that Elmer Olsen Models (the agency) grabbed the contract over Sutherland Models (the agency and school) to snag the winning girl. As soon as I confirm I will let you know - most likely though.


Perhaps the old "third times a charm" saying will hold true and the next title winner will actually become a top model. Andrea disappeared back to Whitby oblivion and Rebecca didn't quite make a splash either - though she is a lovely girl.

I have a feeling this season will be a good one.

Update: Just got the official press release. Sutherlands is out and Elmer is in:

In another TOP MODEL first, leading modelling agency and fashion industry powerhouse Elmer Olsen Model Management joins Cycle 3 of CANADA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, CTV announced today. Top agent and fashion veteran Elmer Olsen brings his experience and expertise to the table as he hits the road to participate in CANADA'S NEXT TOP MODEL's first-ever cross-country regional open-call casting tour, beginning this Friday, January
16 in Vancouver. Additionally, this year's winner will receive a modelling contract with Olsen's firm, Elmer Olsen Model Management.

CTV also confirmed additional prizing details for Cycle 3 the hugely-popular, Gemini-Award winning Canadian production. In addition to the modelling contract, the winner of CANADA'S NEXT TOP MODEL receives a $100,000 beauty contract from Procter & Gamble (P&G), which returns as a signature sponsor for the third straight year. Finally, the winner will also be featured in an editorial spread in FASHION Magazine.

"Nothing makes me happier than finding that one geeky tall girl transform into CANADA'S NEXT TOP MODEL and having her graduate to walking a runway in Milan," said Elmer Olsen.

In addition to P&G and FASHION Magazine, LG Electronics returns as a key partner for the series. CANADA'S NEXT TOP MODEL is presented by Cover Girl(R), Olay(R) and Nice n' Easy(R).

Design in Space!

I bought Barbarella on DVD ages ago and never got around to watching it till the other night. WHY it sat on my shelf for so long I have no idea! It is one of the funniest, campiest, and still relevant from a style perpective. Still can't get over Jane Fonda getting neekid in the opening sequence! And being so promiscuous - the little tart!


(I wonder how long that will last on YouTube before someone flags it.)

If you haven't seen it yet - you have to! If not, just to see this incredibly hilarious sex scene.

Let's not forget Kylie Minogue's ode to the opening weightless strip scene from the movie in her video, Put Your Self In My Place.



What inspired me to take that plastic covering off was my update from Windfall Clothing for 2009's Buy Design theme - it's Barbarella and all things in space!!! Stay tuned for more details! It was one of my favourite parties of 2008 and for sure will live up to (if not surpass) all expectations this year too!

The Women Fashion Show

I finally had a chance to watch the 1939 version of The Women yesterday. What a great film! And the cast is entirely women! For a lover of old Hollywood movies, I'm surprised I hadn't seen it before.

One of my favourite things about old movies is the fashion and this clip is just a perfect example of how Hollywood's costume departments influenced womenswear back in the day.

You can read about the designer Adrian here.

(What's really interesting is that this is the only colour segment in the movie.)