The Bay in the News

In little over a year, The Bay has dropped approximately 800 brands from its portfolio and picked up only 200 carefully selected new ones, most of which were previously not available in Canada.

The retailer has plans to open additional upscale “The Room” boutiques showcasing the world’s most talked about designers.

Hmm.

Source.

Alban. Love.

Photographer: Fred Segal
PhotoSource: Fashionisto

Decorating My Condo (is hard)

I have had so much difficulty designing my condo. I've been here for 6 months and you would think by 25 years old I would know my style right? Nope! I had an epiphany while I was shopping today though. My style is bohemian. I couldn't put myself into the old world, traditional or modern box because not only do I like all three but I LOVE eclectic, quirky pieces. I like the contrasts of fabrics, patterns and colours and I LOVE anything renaissance with a romantic feel to it. I love florals. I also love things that remind me of the 80s and 90s because of the nostalgia. I am largely a feeling based person so I like pieces that draw out emotions and images. I like when you walk into a room and it tells a story. Take the picture above; aren't you dying to know who lives here? What does she do at that desk?

My condo is painted a very warm-orangey-beige and it's really hard for me to work with. I think I'm going to paint my room (eventually) a very light pink. Although, after painting my last apartment I think I might wait until I can hire someone...

Right now I'm trying to figure out what to do with my den. I want it to be a social room but also a comfortable place for my kitties because they're always there looking out the windows. I saw a beautiful showroom in Ikea that gave me some ideas.

Picture source: AnnaSage

Sex and the City 2

I saw SATC2 the other night in Oakville VIP; the theatre with drinks! They actually brought the bar into the theatre for SATC... you usually have to buy your drinks at the lounge and take them in. I thought it was cute that all the ladies were getting daiquiris and cosmo's (I had my first cosmopolitan last night).

Favourite looks:
-Carrie's shoes & CROWN. at the wedding
-Samantha's karaoke outfit
-The Louboutin's; I can't remember what scene
-Carrie's karaoke outfit (the denim or pants)
-Miranda's pink dior suit (opening scene)

Photo: Vogue UK

Celeb Style of the Week

Kristin Davis looks stunning in Brian Atwood pumps & an unknown pattern dress at the beauty.com event earlier this week.

Source: people.com, style.co.uk

Need Help Landing Your Dream Job?

PHILIPPE DESROCHERS of 24 Hours Vancouver posted a great article today about landing your dream job and offered a free coaching session to those submitting an essay. I think it's an incredible strategy.

"Over the past two years I have written about being persuasive, approach letters, providing sample work, phoning employers and booking job interviews. These are very effective tools to have a significant advantage in your job search.

The latest development in my work has revealed that when you combine these tools together as a targeted strategy, you are in a position to actually invent a job. Employers actually create a job just for you."

"I proved to you in this article that the invent-a-job market is very real. Now it is your turn to convince me why you want to invent a job for yourself and learn the strategy. Send me a 250-word essay explaining the benefits to you. The entry with the most convincing piece will win a free coaching session where I will teach you the method.

To learn more about the Invent-a-Job Strategy, email me personally at philippe@dr-career.com. Feel free to visit my site as well at www.dr-career.com."

Original article

The Ageless Kate Moss in Vogue Paris

Follow the white rabbit for more

Menswear Inspiration

Luxury Brands Recession Proof?

I was having a discussion with someone the other day about the strength (or weakness) of luxury retailers during the recession. Interestingly enough I came across an article, demonstrating what we talked about.

The article states that in Charleston, South Carolina, Saks Fifth Avenue will be closing it's doors after being a staple in the neighbourhood for 15 years. The retailer will be replaced by none other than Forever 21!! Saks was hit hard by the recession while Forever 21 has been booming.

It seems like the creative class isn't exempt from the recession after all..



Source: BNET, Martin Prosperity
Saks Photo: Upscale Swagger

Lady Gaga = Fashion Intern?

Lady Gaga is following in Kanye West's footsteps, applying to be an intern with Philip Treacy. (Source: Huffington Post via Vogue UK)

Treacy is pictured below with Isabella Blow, who helped propel his career.



Here Isabella Blow wears a black lace laquered mask by Treacy:



Images from: BBC and Fashion's Most Wanted

Intern.

My first week went incredible. I'm finding it's not just about learning the actual information it's about stepping up your a-game; adapting and working hard to get what you want to learn. There is such a variety of strong personalities there. It's nice to work with strong, polished people.

LOVE.

AJE FALL 2010




Photos: Fashionising

Intern First Day

So today was my first day as an intern with the menswear buying office. Can I just say, I LOVE being able to see the trend forecasting books for Spring 2011?!! The people I'm working with are all so amazing; it's a really intimate environment. The other intern there is an international student from Paris, France.

Tomorrow I get to be part of a luncheon. Everything is so new, unfamiliar, a little scary, intimidating but amazingly exciting overall. I already know it's going to be an incredible experience. I'm so exhausted though!

Some girl was taking photos of stylish people outside before I went into work this morning... I was curious if she was working for a magazine or a blogger.

Critical Mass Speakers Series - Robin Givhan and Jeanne Beker

Hot Docs Fest is on in Toronto right now. This year the festival added a new series called The Critical Mass Speakers Series, that pairs three high-profile critics in the fields of music, architecture and fashion with Canadian media personalities for three 90-minute conversations about the latest trends and ideas fuelling their field.

Tonight at Hart House (in the beautiful University of Toronto), The Washington Post's Robin Givhan had conversation with Toronto's legendary Jeanne Beker of Fashion Television.


The discussion was very interesting to listen in on. I can definitely see how Robin Givhan can be controversial. Some key points I thought were interesting:
ANNA WINTOUR/VOGUE She worked at Vogue for 6 months; she said there aren't a lot of black people working there; maybe insinuating that the black population is underrepresented in the fashion industry? Robin also mentioned that Anna Wintour does a lot of great things for up and coming designers.

PLUS SIZE MODELS As North America's population gets fatter our models get skinnier on the runways; possibly a symptom of our denial. She believes designers are partly to blame for no body diversity on runways; they have an image of what they want their customer to be; how they want their clothes worn and it usually isn't your everyday American. Robin also stated that most consumers feel a sense of entitlement because of the accessibility of the fashion world nowadays and that is why they complain about the sizes. They do so because they think it is worth it; before they didn't because there didn't think there was a point.

BLOGGERS There are some good bloggers and some bad bloggers like magazines. She believes they add to the 'fashion conversation' but there is trouble in not knowing who's blogging. She also believes bloggers take away from something but I couldn't make it out on my camera when playing back because the audio sucks lol (I'll update if I figure it out). She touched on designers sending things to bloggers.


That was my first time attending something like that and I found it very intersting and thought provoking. Next time I'm going to bring a list of questions!

Just Because.

Follow white rabbit for original post and info.

Uh-oh! Canadian Knock Off

The Hudson's Bay has officially been ripped off. I guess it was going to happen sooner or later; they're doing really well right now by bringing back all of their traditional stuff. According to Toronto Life, the design isn't trademarked by HBC.

Blanket is from Pendleton Woolen Mills in the U.S.

Image: Toronto Life

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week Controversy

Plus-size models protested at RAFW after allegedly being shut out of 2010 shows. One of the models Natalie Wakeling stated designers stalled on hiring women over size 8, even after the public asked for more body diversity.

Models stated the Australian fashion industry is moving backwards after showcasing plus-size models last year. The positive initiative by owner IMG was hailed a success but hasn't been repeated. (The Daily Telegraph)

On the other side of the globe, Joe Fresh can be applauded for using plus-size model Crystal Renn as 1 of the 2 guest models leading Toronto's most recent Fashion Week.

In London's Fashion Week, Mark Fast used Crystal Renn in his latest collection. The season prior, Fast also used several plus-size models in his show of body-conscious knit wear – a move that infuriated his stylist, who quit over the issue. (Toronto Star)

Controversial or not, I think these models are beautiful and I'd like to see the movement of body diversity continue.

Photo Source

Etsy Finds - Bohemian Aztec Edition

1.Krystal Mucha Art Nouveau Headress Headpiece by ravenevejewelry
2.Delicate Bronze Gypsy Headpiece Neo Bohemian by raveneyejewelry
3.Maya Two Finger Ring by SickoJewels
4.Gladiator Brass Ankle Chains and Shoe Harness by dearbearcat
5.Aztec Princess by turiana07

Mind blown.

Just discovered Sisters of the Black Moon from Knight Cat's blog. I basically just had a heart attack. Not to mention, when you go to their Ebay store it actually says "epic online vintage store". The garments and editorial photos have this sexy, dark, magical, medieval gypsy feel to them... and it's just... heaven. HEAVEN!!


(Photos via Knight Cat and Sistersoftheblackmoon's Ebay store)

Etsy Finds

1.Double Crystal Rhinestone Chain Headband by UntamedPetals
2.The Dreamers Flight Necklace by formandfunktion
3.Sexy Peacock Feather Tattoo Tights by post

Stolengirlfriendsclub (RAFW)

is HOT. The cream mini dress reminds me of a photo of Linda Evangelista from the 90s. The rest of the collection is really good too. There is a huge rock/sleaze influence in this that i just love.





PHOTOBOTO SOURCE

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week

Lucette SS'10. These are INCREDIBLE nylons. So HOT. I want 10 pair.


and I want this skirt.


Image Source

Alban Blondiaux

OMG. I FOUND HIM. I came across Alban in 2008 (online) while I was doing a project on menswear in my first year. I basically turned to putty when I saw his picture so I HAD to find it and post here!!

He was the model of the week in 2006 on models.com. See below for his profile.





Photos from Brusselsisburning and models.com
(Model of the week link)

Belgian Male Model

There is this ridiculously amazing male model from Belgium that I came across online last year. I've been searching and can't find him. He's got some swagger and is known for tattoos. Still on the search.

Toronto Designer Heidi Ackerman

This is a hand knit piece by Heidi Ackerman. I saw the picture and died.


Heidi got a great amount of press coverage in Toronto's alternative fashion week for her construct(this) collection. Follow the white rabbit to see.

Photo credit: Toronto Street Fashion

EMERGE Fashion Show

Yesterday I went to the 'EMERGE Fashion Show' at 1 King West, showcasing 2nd and 3rd year George Brown Fashion student's designs. The building was gorgeous. The designers and backstage crew did an incredible job!!

Here's some of my favs :)









Designers from top to bottom: Arnold Santos, Justin Singh (x2), Emma Burchell (all 3 skirt/top outfits in the photo, so cute!), Laura Holland, Marina Tarantini (love the pants), Arnold Santos (middle outfit; cream top and pants)