Sarah Stevenson & Eliza Kozurno

Sarah Stevenson is hands down one of my favourite Canadian designers (not familiar? Check out my post on her Spring 2012 collection!). So when she got in touch to let me know about a fabulous sale happening next week, I knew I needed to mention it here on the blog because I am a huge fan of and believer in her work, and I am all  about promoting home-grown designers.

That said? If you're from Toronto, living in, around, near Toronto, or heck, Ontario - you need to get yourself to Rescue Vintage  on Ossington next week to snap up some incredible garments from the lovely (and seriously talented) Ms. Stevenson at up to 70% off. I swear, if I had the $$ to fly to TO just for a sale it'd be this one.

Photos via Eliza Kozurno

And if beautiful garments from Sarah Stevenson weren't enough, Toronto-based jewelry designer Eliza  Kozurno will also have a number of her stunning and statement-making baubles up for grabs as part of the sale goodness. Last but not least? Even the folks at Rescue Vintage will throw in 30% off their own offerings. Have I tempted you yet? Get the full details below:

It all starts with a big opening party a week from today, so mark your calendars! And, if you go? Make sure to send me a note to share what lovely piece (or pieces!) you picked up!

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LGFW: Golnaz Ashtiani & Caitlin Power

Long overdue is this last post on the final two shows I saw presented at LG Fashion Week - those from Golnaz Ashtiani and Caitlin Power. I wasn't initially going to see these two, but the lovely Nikkita from Queen West Style and I got to chatting and it turned out she had a plus one but her husband who had meant to come with her was unexpectedly called into work so she offered me what would have been his ticket. Since I had a couple of hours to kill before my train, I gladly accepted and was excited to see what to previously unknown-to-me designers would present.

First up out of the double-header of shows was from Golnaz Ashtiani. Citing Roman Holiday as inspiration for the collection as a whole, there was a soft colour palette (soft purple, lime, grey-blue, cream ) as well as some colour blocking (I loved the blazer with peach lapels and cuffs), lots of pleated details and some seriously pretty draped dresses.

Photo by Jenna Marie Wakani

I could very easily picture myself happily wearing many of the pieces that walked the runway. A very feminine and well tailored collection of separates definitely cemented Ms. Ashtiani in my mind as a designer to watch.  You can see the rest of my photos of the collection on the Lot 65 fb page, as well as some better ones via Fashion mag (well worth a look!).

The second show featured an LGFW debut for  Caitlin Power, an up-and-coming designer based out of Toronto, although I believe she is originally from Alberta (Calgary, confirms Ashley). In any case, based on her list of sci-fi inspirations including Blade Runner and Star Trek, I was definitely intrigued as to what sorts of garments would stroll the runway.

Photo by Jenna Marie Wakani

I can honestly say I was extremely impressed at the quality of the tailoring, and the futuristic but totally wearable aesthetic. She had a number of blouses that I absolutely adored, my favourite being the one pictured above - the orange detailing? Genius. I loved it, and I certainly wasn't the only one who did - I think it was particular favourite of many. In addition to some seriously fantastic separates, there were some sexy dresses and a jumpsuit that I (who generally avoid one-pieces at all costs) actually liked. I have to say, overall, that this was an excellent first showing at LG Fashion week for Caitlin Power.

Check out more photos of Caitlin Power's collection on the Lot 65 fb page, or also here via Fashion mag.

Getting to see two extra shows (thanks again Nikkita!) was a fabulous way to close of my second day in Toronto, and these two will definitely be on my must-see list if they show in Toronto next season.

LGFW: Sarah Stevenson Spring 2012

As I walked into Sarah Stevenson's presentation last Thursday, I felt very much like I imagine Mary Lennox might have, wandering into her Secret Garden.  After seeing the beautiful prints last season, I was extremely excited to see what colours and textures would come across in her prints this time round, and I have to say  I was not at all disappointed by the breathtakingly lovely floral prints, all of which were personally designed by Ms. Stevenson herself (learn more about her process in this video interview).

A nice touch that I loved was that these same prints were actually on display in frames around the room. I loved this idea! Especially getting to read the accompanying notecards which featured a bit more about the process and thought behind the prints used on the seriously lovely pieces around the room. I almost (okay, totally) wished I could take them home and hang them on my walls.

Overall, the shapes and silhouettes of the garments were simple, yet feminine and flattering, and were a perfect canvas for the exquisite floral prints used throughout.

It may be because lilacs are one of my favourite spring flowers (both the look and smell, divine!) but the above two looks that featured spot-on placement of a lilac inspired print were a couple of my favourites. Particularly the dress, since the x-shaped look of the print would be really flattering on, I think.

Prior to LG Fashion week I had never been to a presentation style show, as at our local fashion week here in Ottawa runway was the only option. A few of the shows I saw in Toronto were presented in this way, and I am glad that Sarah's was one of them - namely because it allowed for a long time to take in the intricacy of the prints, get a good look at the garments from all sides and (my favourite) take lots of photos.

I can genuinely say that this was one of the only collections that I saw during my time in Toronto where I could see myself delightedly wearing every piece (even if such a prospect might be a bit over budget). While in most of the shows and presentations I saw one or two garments that really stood out, in Sarah Stevenson's presentation I wandered around the posing models in their pretty printed dresses again and again just enjoying the lovely colours and patterns.

I took this very simple (and amateur) video of the presentation to give you a feel for what it was like to be there in person, as well as to see the clothes in better detail. I took this using my phone so the quality is less than stellar, but hopefully it gives you a good impression of this lovely collection.



I will say that literally from the moment the presentation started until the models left their posts, I was admiring and snapping photos of each garment and look. Especially following the debacle of the night before, this show was such a pleasure (as was the designer herself, who went out of her way to prevent any such thing happening to me at her show). I can honestly say that even if this had been the only show I'd gotten to see, it would, without a doubt, have been worth the trip to Toronto.

I will be uploading all of the photos I took during this presentation to the Lot 65 FB page, so take a look there this evening to see more!

All photos are my own, please credit and link back if you use them!

LGFW: (My) First Day at Toronto Fashion Week

On Wednesday morning I headed out bright and early on the train to Toronto to see some shows at LG Fashion Week. I got settled in at the Inn I was staying at, did a wee bit of shopping and then headed to the venue to pick up tickets and see the shows of the day.

I thought I might be a bit too late for the first show I wanted to see, but luckily I was just in the nick of time to see the presentation from Marie St. Pierre, a Montreal based designer showcasing her spring lineup. St. Pierre featured mostly easily flowing dresses with a very relaxed vibe in variations of black and white, with two major pops of colour in (my personal favourite) a floor-length red number as well as an emerald draped dress.  Not too sure if I'll be going for the swim cap look this spring, but there were lots of easy wearable pieces among this collection.

Next up was Klaxon Howl, a menswear line that I was (for obvious reasons) a little less familiar with. Lucky for me I got bumped up to the seats normally set aside for Elle Canada since a number of the reserved media folk didn't make it to this show - but I wasn't complaining! I was able to get a few good shots of the looks as the fellows sauntered past. Mostly very well tailored pieces that I could actually picture some of the guys I know looking quite nice in.

As a last aside on this show - if you follow me on twitter, you'll know that there is one male model who seems to get cast in every runway show featuring men during this and past Toronto Fashion weeks - and I find him so creepy (see what I mean here)! I had to laugh because he was one of the gentlemen walking the runway in this show - you can sort of see him in this picture, he's the fellow with the long flowing hair. Oh dear. To his credit, far less creepy in this show than in others.

Next up was the presentation from Label. These are not actually my photos  (these are from Fashion, below are from the FDCC FB Page), I was unable to get any good ones, namely because the show was set up like a runway show although there was no seating, so people crowded around trying to get a look and so I mostly peeked between heads and over shoulders to glimpse the garments. It wasn't until later when I looked through the lookbook pamphlet they handed us that I was really able to evaluate what I'd seen.

The colour palette was mostly soft - mauves and greys but also incorporated one of my favourites - teal.  I particularly liked the maxi skirts, seen below in sheer and solid versions, although my favourite piece was probably the lone print dress.

 The centre photo above is a strange one, because it combines one of my favourite pieces, the blouse, with one of my least favourites - those pants. Perhaps it is a personal taste thing but I can't imagine many women looking good in those super-skin-tight silver leggings. The collection overall though was very wearable. I thought perhaps that it didn't have the drama needed for a runway show and may have been better suited to a presentation style, but that's just me.

The last show I got to see was, wait for it, a rug show. That's right, floor coverings. I almost didn't go to this one, because I thought it seemed a bit of a strange idea and I'm not that enthusiastic about rugs in general, but I'm glad I went because it was definitely ... interesting.  Essentially what happened was that the rugs produced by Korhani were turned into "wearable" outfits that could actually have runway presence rather than just being presented in a large frame (as some of them were around the venue).

It started off with a theme of travel and different cultures, from the desert to the beach and beyond, but just when we thought the show was over, all of a sudden we were transported to ... wonderland? A major switch to a totally different theme, and models came out in characters from Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Red Queen and even Spades - like actual spades (all you could see of the models were spandex-clad legs and red heels).  Quite a shift in mood to say the least, but Korhani certainly kept us on our toes - who knew rugs could be so exciting?

After a quick but enjoyable dinner with the fabulous Isabel of Hipster Musings - the last show of the night that I wanted to see - Joe Fresh, ended up being quite a debacle. You can expect a full post devoted to that collection (which I loved) and the story of a major misstep by organizers coming up very soon.

You can see all of my shots from Wednesday's shows via the Lot 65 FB page. Take a look - I'd love to hear your thoughts on the shows!

A Final LGFW Roundup

This last post doesn't feature the complete roster of designers who showed during the remainder of LG Fashion week in Toronto, but you can see a few that caught my eye (for both good and bad reasons, although mostly good). It was a pretty great week for Canadian fashion, have to say - want to know more? Read on.

This collection from Juma presented earlier in the week but somehow managed to slip past me when I was doing my Tuesday post. There were tribal prints and soft kerchief-esque dresses and flowing shapes. This was also one of the few lines to incorporate menswear too (with one particular eerily androgynous male model). I personally loved this collection, especially all the prints. You can check out the rest of the collection here.

At Vawk (from Project Runway Canada alum, Sunny Fong), there were a lot of business-like staples in neutrals with pops of rich burgundy and teal (my favourite colour), interspersed with touches of fur (I think real, in this case). Fur isn't my thing, but I loved the cable-knit details on dresses and blazers, as well as the really pretty hair. Does anyone have a better detail shot of it? If so, please send my way! I would love to try to copy it.

Unlike the knitwear monstrosities that walked Denis Gagnon's runway mentioned in my last LGFW post, the knits from OR by Angela Chen were something that I can (and will) totally get behind. They were unique and eminently wearable. I particularly loved her knit skirts. How chic and cozy! Seems like the perfect thing to wear on a cold Canadian winter day, in my opinion. I'll be on the lookout for them to add to my 2011 winter wardrobe, for sure.

Another favourite for me was the collection from Line Knitwear. I loved the layered looks, it reminded me of something one of the chic older ladies from Advanced Style might throw together, (see especially that mustard crochet cardigan - far left) and that her granddaughter might just as easily want to borrow from Grandma's closet. I think my personal favourites were the full length crochet dresses in various colours. So pretty and perfect for fall.

I have to once again agree with the folks at Fashion - Amanda Lew Kee's fall collection started out with promise. Pretty velvet pencil skirts (although I'd take mine with the slit a little lower down, not SO much leg), some leather and surprisingly subtle studded trousers, but then, wait for it (LGFW "face-palm" moment coming up below)...

She then delved into wrapping paper, tinsel, and the kind of sheer that can only really be described as gratuitous boob, although hidden in some cases by awkward ruffles or flowers. It just got worse and worse until I was wishing I had the first few models re-walking the runway and reminding me that there were some actually sophisticated pieces to start off with. Personally I don't think that the wrapping paper (or as so elegantly described by Caitlan Moneta - "gasoline-spill iridescent foil aprons") and tinsel will be catching on for fall.  See the rest of this collection here.

Last but certainly not least, the collection I'd been waiting for with baited breath all week, the fall line from Sarah Stevenson. Those of you who have been following for a while may recall my post on her spring line during the last fashion week in Toronto. I fell in love then with her amazing prints, and was also excited and pleased to learn that all of her pieces are ethically made here in Canada. Needless to say the Fall lineup did not disappoint, it stands out as one of my favourites of the whole week, hands down.

There were such romantic colours, shapes, and floral prints, I had a hard time picking out just a few favourites from the collection (actually most of it is featured here, although you can check out the remaining looks here). I think my top two looks from Stevenson's line were the opening long sleeved blue dress, as well as the t-shirt sleeved dress with the floral skirt (above right). I look forward to the day that these dreamy garments find their way to either Holt's or some other retailer here in Ottawa. Beauty!

Overall, while there may have been a few misses, but there were definitely a lot of hits on the runways in Toronto, and I am excited to see (and shop) these looks towards summer's end.  You can check out full (and seriously great) coverage of these and all the other shows from LGFW via Fashion Magazine.  What were some of your favourites from this past week's fashion?

All photos by Jenna Marie Waikani of Fashion Magazine, collages by me

Fresh for Spring

On Wednesday I cleared my schedule to watch the Joe Fresh Spring 2011 collection walk the runway via livestream on the Joe Fresh website. This is always one of my favourite shows during the Toronto fashion weeks, namely because it is a line that consistently makes up a large part of my wardrobe.  Remember that fuzzy white coat of awesomeness? Yep, $89 bucks from Joe Fresh.

For those of you who have not read my many previous posts about Joe Fresh - it's a line available in Canada at a chain of grocery stores - Superstore to be specific. Recently Joe Fresh opened up a flagship in Vancouver and I'm thinking will continue to do so in other Canadian cities since it's become so popular. So you American ladies in the northern states could easily just hop over the border, head to a Superstore (or the flagship in Vancouver) and stock up!

The show opened with a video of a number of well-dressed country-club-esque folk riding around jauntily on vintage bicycles, and a bit of country club chic walked the runway, particularly with regards to the menswear. As for me, I was a big fan of the ruffles, shiny sateen cropped pants, bow details on the blouses and SEQUINS. Sequined shorts, capris, dresses, I am excited to pick up all of those as soon as they come out in the coming months. I've shared a few of the looks I liked best here, which will hopefully be added to my wardrobe asap. Oh the beauty of a line that is wallet-friendly! You can check out the entire collection on the Joe Fresh facebook page,



For those of you who didn't get to see the collection presented either live or via livestream, this little video from BlogTO.com will give you a little taste of what you missed.

T.O. Roundup - One

It's officially fashion week in Toronto. Meanwhile, I'm in Winnipeg, and thus definitely not enjoying the festivities in person, but I have enjoyed perusing the images of some of the offerings thus far. Not many of our more well known Canadian lines have shown just yet (Joe Fresh is live-streaming on Wednesday - can't wait!), although my preference thus far is garnered towards the fresher faces, at this point at least.

Greta Constantine is definitely one of the better known Canadian labels and usually I enjoy their collections but this season the highlight for me was seeing an actually recognizable Canadian model (usually only seen on the Joe Fresh runway) - the fabulous Coco Rocha. Her three appearances were the shows highlights, even in 2D on my laptop screen.

Nada is another label which I generally enjoy. My trusty Fashion Magazine doesn't have quite as many photos of this collection up yet, so I can't really assess the collection fairly, however I will say that I love this simple but beautiful blue dress on the lovely Tara Gill.

With regards to Ashley Rowe. I will begin with a disclaimer that yes, these garments look essentially like big billowy nightgowns, although they are certainly meant as ready-to-wear (trust me, I chose the least sleepy-time looks of the bunch - see the rest here). Pajama-esque characteristics aside, I really liked the colours. At least they'd be comfortable?

Next, Evan Biddell. A Project Runway Canada winner who has (gasp) continued to show at fashion week. Unlike the US show, the Canadian PR Alum seem to actually get careers, at least in Canada, and even with some success south of the border (See: Greta Constantine alum Stephen Wong). But I digress.

Mr. Biddell's collection, to me, seemed somewhat disjointed and was not, in my opinion, very cohesive. It was in dire need of some wise words from one Tim Gunn (who sadly is not part of PR Canada). Case in point - the relatively pretty little frock on the left, juxtaposed with this leopard print monstrosity on the right. Does this make sense? Really? According to our friends at Fashion, Biddell's collection included some "fashion works of art" - I'm not convinced.

Last but certainly not least, Juma! A brother sister team, these two put forth some fabulous basics with some African themed prints that I personally loved. These three looks were the only ones to make it into the coverage of the show that I was able to find, but I really like all of them.


All photos from Fashion Magazine