Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift Guide

& ASC.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to celebrate the unsung heroes of our everyday lives—here’s looking at you Mom! This year, apart from serving up breakfast in bed to the woman who knows best, why not spoil your mother with a side of something special?

Here’s our guide to the gifts mom will love, but will never buy for herself.

For moms with classic taste, look no further than a piece of jewellery designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. An intricate rose gold cuff will surely compliment your mother’s timeless beauty.

A bottle of Casamigos Blanco Tequila will make it easy for mom to relax and enjoy a spring time cocktail. Get creative- wrap up this gift with a recipe card and the fixings needed to make a delicious Casamigos Margarita!

Every woman needs a signature scent. Why not make a date with mom at 6 by Gee Beauty—home to Canada’s only Le Labo fragrance bar—to find her favourite!

Spend the afternoon treating mom to a shopping spree. Try Ann Taylor and Pink Tartan for sophisticated, wearable styles—if you’re lucky, maybe she’ll share her finds with you!

Ann Taylor

Pink Tartan

Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day!

Festival Fashion: Forever 21

& ASC.

It’s that time of year again…festival season has officially begun! Last weekend, we geared up to hit the desert for Coachella’s inaugural weekend. This double header brought out the somebodies of music and fashion who are sure to be inspiring our OOTD’s and playlists all summer long. Lucky for us, whether you’re hopping on the next plane to the California desert or just daydreaming about it, Forever 21 has you covered with the unveiling of its latest festival-inspired summer collection.

We’ve rounded up our favourite trends spotted during weekend one. Here are the Forever 21 pieces you need to snag on your next shopping spree that are sure to keep your festival style-game strong.

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Nothing says festival more than denim shorts and fringe. We love this Forever 21 suede top as seen on Alessandra Ambrosio.

 

 

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If black is more your thing, give it a fun twist a la Julianne Hough. A dress with a sheer overlay or athletic-inspired crop top adds a fashion-forward edge.

 

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For a  little something extra, try printed separates to top off any festival look for a paparazzi-ready (SnapChat) finish.

What are your festival must-haves? Share them with us by tagging @Forever21 and #F21xMe!

 

Spring Suiting with RW&CO.

& ASC.

Suit season is coming in hot this spring and with it, bringing a fresh take on patterns and colour. Say goodbye to the boring black suit and hello to bold blues, lighter hues and lively bow ties with RW&CO ‘s stylish and elevated 2015 suit collection.

Bold In Blue

Blue is the suit colour of the summer and a sure-fire way to stand out at any event, without straying too far away from the traditional.

Lighten Up

Have fun with your look and lighten up! Whether going for a heather grey, pastel blue or white on white combination, this style is a fun yet sophisticated way to introduce more variety to your suit collection.

Bow ‘Tease’

Looking to switch things up this summer, but don’t want to be too daring with colour? Pick a patterned bow tie and call it day!

Visit the RW&CO. suit lounge here for additional information.

The Good Fight with Sasha Exeter and Equinox

& ASC.

On March 10, Equinox brand ambassador and blogger Sasha Exeter hosted a boxing event at the Bay St. Equinox location. The state-of-the-art boxing studio overlooking Toronto’s Financial District provided the perfect atmosphere for an inspiring morning workout.

Nathan Bower, four time provincial boxing champion and Equinox instructor lead a class of fitness enthusiasts through the basics of boxing. Not afraid to push his students to the limit, Nate ensured each participant broke a serious sweat while learning how to channel their inner million dollar baby.

Whether you are a beginner or experienced boxer, Nate’s class will leave you strong, fit and energized! Visit Equinox.com for schedules and class information.

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Etiquette Tips with Lisa Orr

& ASC.

At ASC, we think etiquette is an important topic that’s not discussed nearly enough. We had expert, Lisa Orr, discuss some valuable tips for the dinner table.

As an etiquette and protocol consultant I teach every aspect of etiquette including social, dining, corporate and international but most of the time the thing that people are most nervous about is dining.  There are a few things that people always want to know so I have put together some simple tips on people’s most frequently asked questions:

Which one is my water glass?

The way I remember it is that I drink the way I write which for me is my right hand.  My husband doesn’t love this rule because he’s a lefty so for him  – I say the same thing to use his left hand but he has to remember to cross his plate.  The dining world really isn’t fair to left-handed people!

What is the “correct” way to eat with a knife and fork?

 There are different styles of dining around the world but the method I teach with a knife and fork is called continental.  The most important thing to remember when dining continental is that you always hold both pieces of cutlery while you are eating, fork in the left tines down and knife in the right and you only put both down when you’re taking a break, in which case you put the fork across the knife to form an X on your plate.  When you’re finished you should point your cutlery towards the northwest corner of the plate and fork tines should be down and the blade should face in.

Where does my napkin go?

First to dispel the napkin tucked in your collar myth there are only a few times when you can do it which include if you are on an airplane or somewhere turbulent, if you are eating lobster or if you are a child under FIVE (AKA someone who needs a bib).  The rest of the time napkins go on your lap.  There are two styles though little square lunch napkins are fully unfolded and a large dinner napkin should be partially in half to form a rectangle and the fold should go at your bellybutton.   Be very careful here though, all unfolding should happen on your lap, avoid the faux pas of shaking our your napkin beside you and then placing it, you’ll see some waiters do this at restaurants but it’s a no no.

Can I ever put my elbows on the table?

The answer to that question, I am very happy to report, is YES! When the meal is finished and all the dining has ended and you’re just having an after dinner and chat and a cocktail maybe then absolutely I was can go back on the table.

But remember the most important part about eating meals is enjoying great food with the special people in your life so if you focus on being engaged and respectful of the people you are with (and the people who are serving you your meal if you are out) – you’ll have great manners no matter which fork you use.

To read more about Lisa Orr, visit: www.lisaorretiquette.com

 

 

 

Career Girl Q&A: Meaghan Moroz

& ASC.

This week, we caught up with one of our account managers, Meaghan Moroz, to talk about her career in public relations.

Where did you go to school and what did you study? 

I studied political science and history at the University of Western Ontario.  I also completed my Master of Arts in Journalism at the University of Western Ontario.

How did you decide to pursue a career in Public Relations? 

I decided during my Masters that while I loved journalism, I was more interested in the PR side of telling a story. I enjoy the challenge of thinking of new and creative ways to share my client’s messages and I knew working at an agency would be the best fit for me because I love the fast paced environment. I took the opportunity to meet with various PR professionals while I was still in school so that I could understand the skills they would look for when I graduated.

Where was your first job and how did you get it? How did it lead you to your current position? 

My very first job was at a horse back riding stable – although there is not a strong connection between that and working in PR it certainly taught me a lot about hard work! My first PR related role was working as an intern at a large corporate communications firm.

What is the best advice you would give to individuals aspiring to get into PR?

My best piece of advice for individuals aspiring to get into PR is to always be over prepared and think one step ahead.  If you’re going for an interview, take writing samples, know the agency’s clients, recent work they have produced and any new industry trends. If you’re asked to complete an assignment or writing test don’t simply complete the task, ask yourself what you can do to make your work stand out, think outside the box and take it above and beyond what is required.

What is the best advice you would give to individuals looking for internships? 

I started in PR as an intern and the experience and opportunities it provided were instrumental in helping me grow personally and professionally.  I would recommend that anyone looking for or entering into an internship really take the opportunity to push yourself into trying as many new and challenging projects as you can.  Working at an agency is exciting and fast paced, take the opportunity to learn as much as you can from as many people as you can!

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt to date (in regards to your career)?  

Network, network, network! From personal career growth to business development having a strong, solid base of media and industry contacts is so beneficial in PR.

If you were on a desert island what is the one item you could not live without?

Coffee!!

 

NYFW Recap: BOSS Womenswear F/W ’15

& ASC.

For his third collection for BOSS, Jason Wu went back to basics and does what the brand does best, immaculate tailoring. For Fall/Winter ’15, the BOSS Womenswear collection was filled with work wear staples that exude a sense of sleek sophistication. With pops of colour like bright orange and icy blue, structured suits went from basic to bold.

On the other end of the spectrum, sequin sheath dresses made a statement on the runway. These sexy, straightforward pieces were a departure for BOSS and a step in the right direction for Jason Wu as he makes his mark on the brand. We wouldn’t be surprised to see one of these gorgeous gowns on front row fixture Dakota Johnson!


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Glam at the Grammy’s

& ASC.

Here at ASC, we get extra excited about the Grammy Awards. Why? Because the celebrities and “it” girls ditch the traditional red carpet attire and let their true colours show. From purple hair to brow power to silver locks, these women made some noise on and off the stage. Now, let’s take a look at our top beauty picks of the evening.

Katy Perry had one of our favourite looks at this year’s Grammy Awards. She owned the red carpet with her purple hair, showing off her playful and quirky sides.

Get the Look: Schwarzkopf Professional Pearlescence (available in March)

Aside from the obvious, Rihanna stole the show with her elegant and more natural make-up. Her brow game was completely on point.

Get the Look: GEE Beauty

Lady Gaga‘s silver locks and cat eyes created the ultimate Old Hollywood Glam look.

Get the Look: Schwarzkopf Professional BLONDME

Chrissy Teigen is a continuous top runner on the carpet- we are a huge fan of her nude lips and messy beach waves.

Get the Look: OSiS+ Session Label Salt Spray

Gwen Stefani proves that bright blonde hair is stylish at any age (ps. she’s 45).

Get the Look: Schwarzkopf Professional BLONDME Keratin Restore Mask

Who’s ready for a salon visit?

Sunday Funday: Super Bowl

& ASC.

In celebration of Super Bowl Sunday, we are introducing a new section on our blog, Sunday Funday! Despite our connection to football, it’s no secret that the main reason we tune in to the Super Bowl is for the half time show. Let’s face the facts, football games can be long and sometimes confusing for those of us who are athletically-challenged. We are still trying to figure out the difference between a turnover and an interception. The one thing we do know is that snacks and drinks are easily the best part of the day. We’ve put together some food and drink recipes that are sure to score you a viewing party invite, regardless of whether or not you know the score!

Here is what we’re serving…

Tequila Flank Steak (a la Jillian Harris)

Ingredients:

1 cup roughly chopped garlic (about 3 bulbs)
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 8 large limes)
1/2 cup Casamigos tequila
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 bunch roughly chopped fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
1 serrano pepper, seeded and diced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 1/2 to 2 pounds flank steak (serves 6)
12 corn tortillas, wrapped in foil

Directions:

Combine the garlic, lime juice, tequila, soy sauce, cilantro, peppers, cumin and black pepper in a resealable plastic gallon bag. Add the steak and let marinate in the refrigerator overnight or a minimum of 2 hours.

Remove the steak from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Put the marinade in small saucepot and bring to a boil. Then strain and reserve.

Place the steak on the grill. Cook for 4 minutes, turn 180 degrees, and cook for 3 minutes more (to create cross grill marks). Flip over and finish cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on desired doneness. Remove from the grill to a cutting board and let rest, lightly covered, for 5 minutes.

Slice against the grain, and serve immediately with the reserved marinade, garnishes, tortillas and hot sauce.

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Casamigos Punch 

Ingredients:
1.5 parts Casamigos Blanco
1/2 part Lime Juice
1/2 part Strawberry Juice
1/2 part Jalapeño

Directions:

In a large punch bowl, mix the tequila, lime juice and strawberry juice. We suggest using frozen fruit instead of ice to avoid watered-down drinks! Garnish with a jalapeno and serve.

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ASC Passport: PALM SPRINGS

& ASC.

Senior Account Coordinator, Alana, traveled to Palm Springs this past December. Keep reading to find out her favourite things about this California hot spot.

1. What brought you to Palm Springs?

My sister recently moved to Los Angeles. I wanted to visit her there and we decided that Palm Springs would be a fun road trip!

2. What was your favourite part of Palm Springs?

Palm Springs has such a unique, relaxed vibe. It’s a great place to go when you’re looking to disconnect and get some desert sun.

We stayed in Palm Desert which is a newer area; there are some amazing boutiques and larger stores there such as Saks Fifth Avenue on El Paseo. Old Palm Springs is much more rustic and many of the buildings still have the original architecture. There’s also a remarkable design district filled with modern home ware and furniture stores.

Another desert must-do is the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon. Trust me when I say this is the king of outlet malls. From Prada to Nike and Rag & Bone, they have it all!

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3. What were your top three favourite food spots?

Workshop Kitchen and Bar, Spencers and Kings Highway at the Ace Hotel for brunch.

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Men of the SAG’s: Best Dressed

& ASC.

We hope you tuned into the Screen Actors Guild Awards last night because the red carpet was hotter than ever, and we’re not talking about the ladies! As much as we love to obsess over the top women’s looks at any awards show, we think it’s time to show the men some best-dressed love.

So without further ado, here are our top pics:

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The original King of Cool, Lenny Kravitz, stayed true to his rocker style with an all-black suit and matching shades

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It Brit Eddie Redmayne looked dapper in a double breasted Prada tux

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We love this olive green Calvin Klein suit on Boyhood star Ethan Hawke

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Jesse Tyler Ferguson took a risk with this custom tweed Hickey Freeman look

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Always one to mix it up, Matthew McConaughey brought some much needed colour to the red carpet

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Game of Thrones actor Kit Harrington looked every part the TV star with his perfectly tailored tux

Honorable mention: Jared Leto. Although he didn’t walk the red carpet, we couldn’t ignore his pink pops of colour and signature ombre locks.

Ladies, you officially have some serious competition.

Calvin Klein Collection Presents Italo Zucchelli’s Fall 2015 Men’s Runway Show

& ASC.

On January 18, 2015, Calvin Klein Collection‘s Men’s Creative Director, Italo Zucchelli, presented his Fall 2015 Calvin Klein Collection runway show in Milan.

Mr. Zucchelli presented 44 looks to an audience that included actor Charlie Hunnam, the face of the REVEAL Men Calvin Klein fragrance. Mr. Hunnam, who was wardrobed in a look designed by Mr. Zucchelli, is the star of the recently concluded hit television series, Sons of Anarchy, and also stars in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming film, Crimson Peak.

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Exclusive to the show were 10 models, including American model Clark Bockelman, who is currently featured in the brands’ Spring 2015 advertising campaign; Filip Hrivnak, who opened and closed the show; and French Canadian actor Pier-Gabriel Lajoie.

A powerful, masculine spirit pervaded the fall collection, with looks executed in extreme proportions and rich fabrics like bonded flannel, mélange wool and cashmere, and printed tweed. Outerwear was the focus, juxtaposing voluminous double breasted overcoats, parkas and capes with cropped shearling collar aviator jackets. The monochromatic palette was inspired by black and white films – a gray spectrum ranging from light heather, granite, charcoal heather and anthracite – and was modernized with glossy vinyl and animal print surfaces. Smooth calf and patent leather field boots complemented the overall feeling of rugged utilitarianism.

 

The complete runway show can be viewed here.

 

 

ASC Passport: ARUBA

& ASC.

Our brand new coordinator, Jackie Cundari, was fortunate to skip some cold Canadian weather and spend the holidays in the beautiful island of Aruba, located in the Southern Caribbean Sea.

1. What brought you to Aruba?

Sun, sand and salt water!

 

2. What was your favourite part of the island?

My favourite part of the trip was exploring the island on dune buggies, visiting Aruba’s most scenic and historic spots like the Natural Bridge, Baby Beach and the Natural Pool.

3. What were your top three favourite food spots?

Gianni’s Italian Restaurant, Flying Fishbone and Kadushi Juice Bar at the Hyatt Beach.

 

 

Red Carpet Review: The 72nd Annual Golden Globe® Awards

& ASC.

The 72nd Annual Golden Globe® Awards have already been and gone, yet the ongoing debate of who won the red carpet has been a hot topic here at ASC all day. From pops of yellow, head-to-toe metallic, turquoise detailing and more, it wasn’t easy coming to a conclusion on who wore it best (or worst), but the votes are closed and ballots are in.

Now, without further ado, the nominees for best dressed are:

Sienna Miller (Miu Miu, Tiffany & Co.) – A recurring frontrunner on the red carpet, Sienna stayed true to her bohemian style with messy waves and a natural pink lip which paired perfectly with her champagne V- neck and Tiffany & Co. bracelets.

 

Emma Stone (Lanvin) – Leave it to Emma Stone to ditch the dress and instead do a modern jumpsuit with an all-over embellished top. Emma looked effortlessly flawless last night from her hair to her heels, and we love the bright red on her lip to tie it all in together.

 

Reese Witherspoon (Calvin Klein Collection, Tiffany & Co.) – Walking the red carpet in head–to-toe metallic, Reese Witherspoon was, as always, a showstopper last evening. Although some debate about the fit, we think Calvin Klein Collection looked flawless on her figure, and her Tiffany & Co. accessories were absolutely spot on.

And the winner is:

Emily Blunt (Michael Kors) – Walking the red carpet looking almost ethereal, Emily’s elegant wrap-around braid and smokey eye was perfection with her white gown. Not to mention her earrings- the combination of turquoise and diamond was gorgeous.

 

Now for the easier of the two categories. Here are the nominees for worst dressed:

Kerry Washington (Mary Katrantzou) – As much as we love purple tones and metallic, we really dislike them mixed together. If this wasn’t enough, the tea- length is awkward and the silhouette, very unflattering on Kerry’s curvy figure.

 

Keira Knightley (Chanel) – We understand that Keira’s trying to cover her baby bump, but this butterfly detailed bubble dress does not do the actress justice. Try as you may to defend Chanel on this one but Keira looked frumpy, and the three-tiered ruffled bottom was dangerously close to cringe-worthy.

 

Melissa McCarthy (From her closet) – We love Melissa, we really do, but this DIY satin bow-tie dress was just wrong. The sleeves are outdated, the ruffles are unflattering, the bow is floppy, etc. On top of that her shoes just don’t match. A positive note- Melissa’s makeup is flawless, so we’ll give her that.

 

And the winner is:

Claire Danes (Valentino) – This look has potential, but the ill-fitting top and dull colours sort of resemble the look of a vintage couch – the kind you want to get upholstered ASAP.

 

 

 

 

Career Girl Q&A: Laura Trubkin

& ASC.

Today on the blog we chatted with one of our account managers, Laura Trubkin, to ask about her journey in PR. Read below to learn more about her career background, favourite projects and sweet tooth!

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Where did you go to school and what did you study?

I studied English at York University and then did the Public Relations program at Ryerson University. I also studied Retail Buying at George Brown College.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in Public Relations?

PR combines so many of my interests. I love communications in all forms. I first decided that I wanted to focus on public relations at a store opening event in Toronto – I found myself wondering about the logistics of the event and about the launch of the brand into the Canadian market.

Where was your first job and how did you get it? How did it lead you to your current position?

My first job was at a day camp. I wouldn’t say there is much of a correlation between that job and this job, but I did need to use my communication skills quite a bit! My first job in PR was at Faulhaber Communications. A friend referred me and I started there as an intern. I have worked with lifestyle brands ever since!

What are the top three things every PR girl should have on their desk?

A computer, a phone and a notebook (and pencil) are the essentials. Some water or tea and the daily papers/latest magazine issues are also pretty important though!

What is the most exciting project you’ve ever worked on?

I loved working on the launch of a Canadian headphone brand at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas and working with The Body Shop because of their Community Fair Trade ingredients. The recent Ann Taylor Spring/Summer preview in New York and the Casamigos Tequila launch event in Toronto were also both a lot of fun. I think what’s most exciting is still to come.

We know that you love baking (and we love sweet treats). What is your favourite thing to bake and why?

My favourite thing to bake is mini apple pies made in jars or ramekins. They are just really easy to make and I always have the ingredients at home. They are also really good. Maybe I’ll share my recipe in a DIY mini pie post on the ASC blog one day!

You’ve shared your love for travel with us. What is your favourite place you’ve travelled to and why?

I love, love, love to travel and see new places. It’s always hard to choose between visiting a new place and revisiting somewhere I already love. Maui is my favourite place so far – There are so many fun outdoor activities, great food to eat, and beautiful things to see like rainbow trees, bamboo forests, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and volcanoes.

Holiday Gift Guide 2014

& ASC.

That time of year is upon us again and we’re here to sweeten your holiday with gift ideas from our clients! Shop everything you need for your loved ones and holiday parties from 424 Fifth, Ann Taylor, Casamigos Tequila, chAlk, Equinox Fitness, Forever 21, Gee Beauty, Pink Tartan, RW&CO., Schwarzkopf Professional and Tiffany & Co.

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 What are you gifting this holiday season? Share with us @ascpr!

The Canadian Launch of Casamigos

& ASC.

Casamigos Tequila co-founders Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman celebrated the Canadian launch of their award-winning tequila on November 17th in Toronto. The exclusive cocktail party was hosted at The Calvin Bar at the Trump International Hotel. An intimate group of VIP guests were introduced to Casamigos Blanco and Reposado by sipping on signature cocktails including the Casamigos Margarita, Casamigos Paloma and the Spicy Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita. Attendees included television host Ben Mulroney and wife Jessica Mulroney, CFL commissioner Mark Cohon, former NHL star Paul Coffey, and SportsCentre anchors Kate Beirness and Natasha Staniszewski.

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ELLE by RW&CO. Launch at the Toronto Eaton Centre

& ASC, Fashion.

On Wednesday, October 29th, guests arrived at the RW&CO. Eaton Centre store to share the excitement for the first ELLE by RW&CO. collection. With the holidays around the corner, it was the perfect opportunity for designers, Denis Desro, Fashion Director, ELLE Canada & ELLE Quebec, and Eve Miron, Senior Women’s Merchandise Manager & Fashion Director, RW&CO., to discuss their inspiration for the unique collection, as well as get influencers, editors and stylists talking about the “it” dresses of the season!

RW&CO x Elle Canada Event. Noreen Flanagan (ELLE Canada), Denis Desro (ELLE Quebec)

Denis Desro and Eve Miron  / Noreen Flanagan, Editor-in-Chief, ELLE Canada, and Denis Desro

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Karning Hum (left). RW&CO x Elle Canada Event. 1908. RW&CO x Elle Canada Event.

Contessa Award Winners 2014

& ASC, Beauty.

This year, there was nothing short of mesmerizing creativity and talent at the Contessa Gala Awards, which took place on November 9th, 2014 in Toronto. Produced by Salon Magazine and labelled as one of the best beauty and hair style award shows of the year, the Westin Harbour Castle was filled to the brim with excitement as the winners of this year’s awards were announced in the utmost of style.

We had the pleasure of watching five of our Schwarzkopf Professional Essential Looks artists proudly take the stage to accept their well- deserving 2015 Contessa Awards and Titles.

We would like to extend our congratulations to:

Alain Pereque, Winner of the 2015 Elite Master Award

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Rossa Jurenas, Winner of the 2015 Master Colorist Award

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Michelle Oliver, Winner of the 2015 Alberta Hairstylist Award

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Renn VonDyck, Winner of the 2015 Manitoba/Saskatchewan Hairstylist Award

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Matty Conrad, Winner of the 2015 Fan Favorite Award

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Take a look online to view the full collections of these beyond talented men and women, as well as additional photos from the evening. We cannot wait to see what creations they will stun us with next year!

chAlk Grand Store Opening

& ASC.

On Saturday November 15th, chAlk hosted its grand opening event, including a fashion presentation hosted by Jeanne Beker and modeled by some of Toronto’s most notable tykes. Guests enjoyed a 10% discount and 10% of all proceeds were donated to Ronald McDonald House Toronto.

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Opened in the fall of 2014, chAlk is a curated collection of lifestyle driven children’s apparel and accessories inspired by the need for high quality yet comfortable, children’s wear in Canada. The founders’ innovative and often eclectic clothing combinations embody their rich European heritage and paint a new picture of children’s apparel that is on-trend, exclusive and has a distinct point of view.

From “one of” pieces to seasonal must-haves, each chAlk-selected brand is designed to tell a story as unique as the child who wears it.

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Models with fashion icon Jeanne Beker

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Lola Grierson and Violet Fox / Afiya Francisco and her son Felix

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Caroline Mulroney Lapham with her children Pierce, Miranda and Thea, as well as Alexandra Scott / Robyn Scott and her daughter Alexandra

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Vanessa and Mark Mulroney with their children / Asli Tusavul with The Social Common’s Catherine Belknap and Natalie Telfer Thompson

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Owners Asli and Ali Tusavul with their son Alp

For more photos from the fashion show, check out chAlk’s Facebook album!

Forever 21 Holiday DIY Event

& ASC.

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Last week we presented the sights and sounds of the new Forever 21 Holiday 2014 campaign and collection, starring Iggy Azalea and Nick Young, to our media friends at new restaurant Thoroughbred Food & Drink.The holiday spirit was in full swing as some guests decorated cookies with Sweet Melissa, while others created ornaments with crafter extraordinaire Julie Ross of Hey Jules. DJ Jovie‘s mix of Iggy Azalea, other top 40 and holiday classic filled the room to complement the festive display of new Forever 21 looks.

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Ann Taylor Spring 2015 Preview

& ASC.

With Fall in full swing and Winter on the horizon, nothing warm us up quicker in the fashion world than when the Spring/Summer Collections are finally revealed.

On October 16th, Ann Taylor Creative Director Lisa Axelson showcased the Spring / Summer 2015 collection in true resort style. The bohemian inspired dresses, stunning white lace detailing and impeccable floral prints had everyone in the room dreaming of next season.

ANN TAYLOR Spring Summer 2015 Collection Presentation

Creative Director Lisa Axelson

If there’s one way to wish away the Winter blues, it’s by looking forward to your future Spring wardrobe set to hit Ann Taylor stores February 2015.  Have a peek at a range of the looks below and see for yourself!

ANN TAYLOR Spring Summer 2015 Collection Presentation

 ANN TAYLOR Spring Summer 2015 Collection Presentation

ANN TAYLOR Spring Summer 2015 Collection Presentation ANN TAYLOR Spring Summer 2015 Collection Presentation

ANN TAYLOR Spring Summer 2015 Collection Presentation ANN TAYLOR Spring Summer 2015 Collection Presentation

Head to our Facebook album for more images of the New York preview, including special guests Hanneli Mustaparta, Eva Chen, Jamie King and Kelly Bensimon.

Forever 21 Launches Exclusive NHL Collection

& ASC.

Canada’s favourite season is finally in full swing and Forever 21 has given us another reason to celebrate. No, were not talking about fall, were referring to Canada’s fifth season–hockey season. Whether you cheer for the Habs in Montreal, love the Canucks on the west coast or bleed blue for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Forever 21 NHL collection has got you covered.

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Celebrating all seven Canadian NHL teams, the collection features iconic imagery and vintage logos with a fashionable twist. Launched exclusively in Canada, the selection of crop tops, hoodies, dresses and graphic tees will have you game ready at all times, score!

The entire collection is now available in stores nationwide and at canada.forever21.com. So get in gear and tell us how you show your hometown pride.

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Career Girl Q&A: Karine Laparé

& ASC.

Karine Laparé is the Public Relations Supervisor for RW&CO., based in Montreal, Quebec. Read our Q&A below to find out more about how she found herself transitioning from marketing to PR and even meeting Hayden Christensen!

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Karine with Hayden Christensen and Claude Laframboise of LOULOU

1.  Where did you go to school and what did you study?

I always knew that I wanted to work in fashion so I went to Cegep (College) Marie-Victorin in Fashion Marketing. I also knew that if I wanted to make it in the fashion industry I had to learn  English so I went to JMSB (Concordia) to do a Bachelor of Communications with a major in Marketing and a minor in International Business. Later on, I discovered the world of PR and decided to do a degree/specialization in Public Relations at Université de Montréal.

2.  How did you decide to pursue a career in Public Relations? 

When I started working for Reitmans as a marketing coordinator, I met the PR Supervisor and immediately knew that this is what I wanted to do. It was my calling. Of course, at the beginning I only got see the jet-set part of her work…

3.  Where was your first job and how did you get it? How did it lead you to your current position?

After graduating from Concordia I worked at Guerlain for a year as a sales coordinator. It was a fantastic experience! I learned so much while working with the sales team on connecting with your customers and the value of developing a relationship based on trust. They taught me that when working with the public, your name and reputation are extremely important. You have to nourish every relationship as you never know where this relationship can take you!

4.  How long have you been with RW&CO.? Where did you start in the company and how did your career progress?

I have been at RW&CO. for a year and a half. I started at Reitmans as a marketing coordinator. It was a great change as I went from a small company like Guerlain to the biggest Canadian fashion retailer. The marketing coordinator position is such a great entry level when you start in the fashion industry because you are involved in so many projects. I got to work with creative, production, web, communication and merchandising teams and learn about what it takes to make a marketing campaign successful.

After a year and a half, I applied for a PR coordinator position at Reitmans and got it. I worked for four years under an amazing boss, Nathalie Lesage, and was surrounded by great PR mentors, such as John MacKay, who taught me everything I know in PR. After these four years, RW&CO. opened a PR Supervisor position to work on the Hayden Christensen by RW&CO. project. I fought hard for this position, but it is worth it!

5.  What is one piece of advice you would give to individuals aspiring to work in PR?

Never give up and learn as much as you can in as many fields as you can. As a representative of your brand you need to know everything that is going on in your company. Get involved!

6.  What are the top three things every PR girl should have on her desk?

A mirror because you never know who will show up at your office (stylists, celebrities for fittings…), your phone (or 2!) and your laptop. I really wonder how people worked before e-mails…

7.  What is the most exciting project you’ve ever worked on?

I worked on a lot of amazing projects; all of the collaborations I worked on were exciting. However, I must say that our collaboration with ELLE is the project that I am most proud of. I am a huge fan of Denis Desro and getting to see him work on the collection and directing our campaign shoot was very impressive. It is always inspiring to work with artists who have strong vision.

8.  What are the top three restaurants in Montreal?

Can I have four? I have two favourite restaurants that are owned by the same team: Tapéo and Meson. They serve great Spanish food that reminds me of Barcelona. I also love Taverne Dominion. The restaurant has a British vibe and the decor is really nice. Go on Friday and order the Fish and Chips–you won’t be disappointed! And the last one is Olive and Gourmando in the Old Port. They have the best cookies in town!

9.  What is your must have RW&CO. Holiday statement piece?

The Holiday season is all about parties and the must have statement piece is one of the ELLE by RW&CO. dresses… which one? Way too hard to pick!

Pink Tartan Presents Spring/Summer 2015 at WMCFW

& ASC.

On October 20, 2014, Pink Tartan‘s President and Head Designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran kicked off World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto with a bang. Models with bronzed faces and soft waves walked the runway in a 70s-inspired collection of fringe, head-to-toe black, white, paisley print and jumpsuits, in time with rock classics from the era, such as ZZ Top’s “La Grange”.

“We’re looking ahead, but looking back. I did a nod to the 70s, but definitely in a very modern way, which is a little bit of a departure for me. It’s always about pushing your boundaries and moving out of your comfort zone a little bit. My collection is about strong pieces for strong girls,” said Newport-Mimran backstage before the show.

See a range of the looks here and head to our Facebook album for the entire collection.

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What was your favourite look of the night? Tweet us @ascpr!

Get the Look for Less: Fall Footwear

& ASC.

Now that the temperatures have dropped, it’s time to swap your sandals for sneakers and tank tops for sweaters. Footwear is a focal point for mastering fall style; from casual day looks to work and weekend gear, multiple footwear options are a necessity. In order for you to max out (sartorially, not financially) on new fall trends, Forever 21 has got you covered for all footwear styles. So take a cue from our favourite style stars and recreate their looks, all at a budget-friendly price point.

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Lauren Conrad nails transitional dressing with a button-up, skinny jeans and patterned flats.

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Get the Look: Forever 21, Call of the Wild Loafers, $23.80

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A must-have for any stylish girl on the go, a classic black bootie, as seen on Jessica Alba, will take you from day to night with ease.

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Get the Look: Forever 21, Stacked Heeled Booties, $45.80

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There’s nothing like a good slip-on sneaker to complete a casual look. We love this pony-hair pair, as seen on Kendall Jenner.

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Get the Look: Forever 21, Ponyhair Slip-Ons, $47.90

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Kim, our other favourite Kardashian, takes a casual look to new heights with a classic pair of nude pumps.

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Get the Look: Forever 21, Classic Patent Pumps, $33.80

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Rihanna never gets it wrong, and we’re loving everything about her military-inspired lace up boots.

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Get the Look: Forever 21, Faux Leather Lace-Up Booties, $35.80

Which look is your favourite? Tell us in the comments or @ascpr on Twitter!

Breast Cancer Prevention Month

& ASC.

October marks Breast Cancer Prevention Month and fashion brands are doing their part to help the cause with limited-edition collections supporting worthy breast cancer foundations.

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This beautiful bracelet set will help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Now through December 31, 2014, Ann Taylor will donate 50% of the purchase price of these bracelets to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. Giving is always in style.

Strength, Love & Hope Bracelets: $88.16 CAD

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Forever 21 is also giving back with the launch of a line of apparel in support of The Keep a Breast Foundation, the leading youth-focused, global, nonprofit breast cancer organization. The Forever 21 Breast Cancer Awareness Collection is available through the month of October and includes cozy fall knits and loungewear with tag lines such as “Love to Give, Give to Love” and “Beautiful”. One dollar from the purchase of each item will be donated to Keep a Breast.

Price Range: $12.80-$63.80 CAD

Trend Report: Capes

& ASC.

Winter is just around the corner and every season we seem to ask ourselves the same question, “How can we update our outwear look?” We’re not talking about a new bright puffy jacket or another black button down coat. Let’s introduce a new and wearable style to our wardrobes. Capes have been a major trend both on the runway and on the streets this past season and easily solve our sartorial dilemma.

Take a closer look at styles and colours on the FW14 runways:

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(L to R): Embellished and whimsical at Dolce & Gabbana / Luxe and to-the-floor at Elie Saab

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(L to R): Punk and plaid at Saint Laurent / Casual and refined at Public School

Street style stars were also seen sporting capes this season:

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Olivia Palermo wearing a monogrammed Burberry Prorsum cape

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(L to R): Irina Liss, Miroslava Duma and Monica Ainley all showing off their personal takes on the cape at Paris Fashion Week.

Although the capes worn by models on the runway and by fashion icons on the street are beautiful and daring, how can you incorporate one into your everyday life? Check out our top three wearable picks for the season:

Forever 21 Fall 14

Want something casual? Forever 21’s knit cape can be thrown over your lazy Sunday outfit and is unique with its bomber-like look.

424 Fifth FW14

Want something luxe, but affordable? 424 Fifth’s minimalist wool blend cape will keep you both warm and chic from day to night, without breaking the bank.

Ann Taylor FW14

Want something with colour? Ann Taylor’s pop of blue will make anyone’s head turn.

Tell us, which cape will you be trying this season?

Career Girl Q&A: Annie Austerlitz

& ASC.

Annie Austerlitz is the Global Public Relations Supervisor for Forever 21, based in Los Angeles, California. To discover her journey to such a coveted position, we took some time during our weekly conference calls to find out more about her PR path.

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1. Where did you go to school and what did you study?

I went to Brandeis University and studied economics and international business (a far cry from PR!).

2. How did you decide to pursue a career in public relations? 

My first job out of college was working for Hachette Filipacchi Media on Premiere magazine; through peripheral contact with PR, I developed a strong love for it. Flash forward a year – and I took a job with Edelman Public Relations working on the Starbucks account.

3. What led you to your current position and how long have you been with Forever 21?

Throughout my nearly seven years at Edelman, I would always ask to work on any fashion related clients and I learned that I love working on brands that are in my day-to-day life. So how did I get to Forever 21? One of my friends sent me an email that said you MUST apply to this job. And I did. I’ve now been with Forever 21 for almost two years.

4. How has your career progressed with Forever 21?

Since starting with Forever 21, we have increased PR support, added new markets and opened nearly 50 new stores internationally including Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, Latin America, Mexico, Philippines and United Kingdom.

5. What is one piece of advice you would give to individuals aspiring to work in PR?

Always do a quick Google search before moving forward – just to see what’s already out there.

6. What are the top three things every PR girl should have on her desk?

Headphones, calculator and hand sanitizer. This way you can tune out the noise, double-check the budget and avoid getting sick – all at the same time!

7. What is the most exciting project you’ve ever worked on?

This year we opened our first store in Macau and I traveled to Asia for the grand opening. I also had a chance to visit our other stores in Hong Kong helping to strategizing future events and activities. A jam-packed four days, but time well spent! We’re also working on launching the first Forever 21 newsroom, which I’m very excited about.

8. Where are the top three places to eat in LA?

Izakaya for the best spicy tuna on crispy rice, Doughboys for their vegetarian chili and Eveleigh for their weekend brunch and A-list people watching.

9. What is your must have F21 Fall statement piece?

A wedge boot and camel duster can do no wrong!

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 Image: Forever 21 Fall 2014 Campaign Starring Anja Rubik

Trend Report: 2015 Hair Looks From SKP

& ASC, Beauty.

There was no shortage of glamour on the catwalks this season. As a perfect example, fashion’s front-runners are not letting go of the modern “undone” look. Whether tailored, embellished, feathered or textured, the unifying theme was uncompromising glamour for 2015 style.

There were key trends that dominated the runways, and it’s the mix of contrasting lengths and dishevelled textures that create a truly modern spirit for the season. According to our hair expert extraordinaire, Schwarzkopf Professional Essential Looks Artist Rossa Jurenas, texture was everywhere! From the slicked back locks and knotty knots in Alexander Wang, to the braids, buns and polished ponies at Tadashi Shoji, the direction for the season can be summed up by looking at the top three directions in the latest SKP collection:

· COLOR! Metal Chic – soft sheen, metallic tones, contrast with high shine, feathered fringes

· CURLS! Boho Curl – Rock Chic, hippy influences, 1970s, modern vintage

· CAREFULLY CRAFTED! Undone Glamour – Subtle detailing, crafted undone hair, sophisticated elegance

The key question is how does a regular person “get the look? Here’s a cheat sheet on what to use and what to do….just don’t tell anyone we told you!

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[CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE]

Trend Report: Mad for Plaid

& ASC.

What do Ewan McGregor, Queen Victoria, a hipster, a lumberjack, a grunge rocker, a cowboy (and likely you) all have in common?

They all love this Fall season’s hottest trend: plaid. The wonderful quality about plaid is its ability to carve out its own space in fashion history, time and time again.

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We saw Cher and Dionne parade around in matching skirt suits in Clueless, we rocked out to Nirvana in our most worn-in flannel button-up around our waists and we will never forget how Sarah Jessica Parker wowed us at the Met Gala in Alexander McQueen’s red tartan gown circa 2006.

For 2014, designers are keeping this ubiquitous look on our radar and we can’t stop checking out our favourite pattern.

Cozy Up

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Works from desk-to-dinner with the matching clutch!

424 Fifth, Hudson’s Bay – Double Jacquard print sweater & clutch

Weekend Ready 

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RW&CO. – Plaid Shirt

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The fashion world’s favourite tartan pattern

Burberry – Bloomsbury Structured Bowler

Accessories

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Not ready for a full commitment? A hint of plaid goes a long way.

Forever 21 – Plaid Accessories

What’s your favourite take on the plaid trend? Share with us @ascpr!

ELLE by RW&CO. Dress Collaboration

& ASC.

Launching just in time for the holiday season on November 1st, the ELLE by RW&CO. capsule collection features eight limited edition dresses. The collection encompasses everything from the perfect print, to show-stopping sequins, and every woman’s ultimate LBD.

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Deconstructed lace dress $169.90

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Fitted dress $159.90

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Tunic dress adorned with small embroidered flowers $149.90

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Sequined mirrored dress $149.90

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Textured dress with plunging neckline $169.90

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Printed neoprene fitted dress $159.90

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Strapless dress with floral texture $169.90

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Neoprene dress in rose print $159.90

Which is your fave look? Share your thoughts below and with #ELLERWCO @RWandCO on Twitter!

Forever 21 Fall Glamping Dinner

& ASC.

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This past Wednesday, we celebrated Forever 21‘s Fall Collection, and campaign starring Anja Rubik, with an intimate dinner and glamping-themed display. The cozy atmosphere was the perfect background to the luxe texture and boho details of the Fall collection, while providing an ideal setting for the evening’s delicious meal and delightful conversation.

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Vanessa Cesario of The Brunette Salad, Terry Wong of TheLoop.ca and Hilary Hagerman of Yahoo! look through the collection.

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Dani Roche and Bianca Venerayan of Kastor & Pollux / Richard Fabregui and Marc Piercey of Toronto is Fashion

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Tyler Franch of Flare Magazine / Roslyn Costanzo of Parentdish

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The Forever 21 ASC PR Team

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NYFW Recap: Calvin Klein Collection

& ASC.

On the afternoon of September 11, 2014, Francisco Costa, Women’s Creative Director, presented his Spring 2015 Calvin Klein Collection on the runway at Spring Studios in Tribeca. The runway show was also streamed live online and is currently available for viewing at calvinklein.com.

Mr. Costa presented his latest collection to an audience that included special guests, Sarah Jessica Parker and Rooney Mara, who is the face of the DOWNTOWN Calvin Klein fragrance. Each of the actresses wore Calvin Klein Collection.

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Drawing inspiration from menswear, the spring collection was made up of seasonless, knit separates which were anchored by elongated silhouettes and subtle layers. The sophisticated proportions combine an uptown sensibility with a downtown edge, translating into a strong blend of ease and refinement. The saturated palette was grounded in a mélange of blues and shades of cream and papyrus, which was capped with a statement-making lacquered red.

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Also in attendance at the show were Tao Okamoto, Kelly Klein, Atlanta de Cadenet, Daisy Lowe, Harley Viera Newton, Princess Deena Abdulaziz, Huma Abedin, Dasha Zhukova, Miroslava Duma, Chiara Ferragni, Bryan Boy, Elin Kling, Rumi Neely, Gala Gonzalez, Irene Kim, Tina Leung, Nicole Warne, Margaret Zhang, Helena Bordon, and Hanneli Mustaparta, who is also a contributor to Calvin Klein’s official social media platforms.

NYFW Recap: BOSS Womenswear

& ASC.

Sadly, New York Fashion Week for Spring 2015 has now come and gone. But as fashion lovers hit the pavement in London, we’re still dreaming about the second BOSS Womenswear presentation by Artistic Director Jason Wu.

See below for key looks from BOSS, ranging from work wear staples to evening gowns fit for the red (or black) carpet.

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Jason Wu opened the show with a strong statement about where he sees the brand going, including simple silhouettes and bold patterns.

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Menswear inspired details were seen throughout the show, as in this clean shirt dress, topped off with a sleek belt that perfectly nips in the waist.

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Wu referenced BOSS’ reputation for impeccable suiting with this low cut and commanding look.

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Known for dressing the likes of Michelle Obama, Jason Wu is never one to shy away from a beautiful evening gown. He showed several that are destined to be seen on high-profile fans like Kate Bosworth, who recently wore BOSS at TIFF and sat in the show’s front row.

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Lastly, campaign face Edie Campbell closed the show with an eye-catching and powerful beaded skirt and collar.

Visit BOSS’s YouTube page for more of the show’s highlights, as well as as a unique fashion film directed by Marco Brambilla entitled #thisisboss. “It’s a spring awakening,” states Jason Wu of this compelling and arresting film short, a statement of intent for the Spring/Summer 2015 season ahead.

Vince Camuto Canadian Flagship Grand Opening

& ASC.

On Friday, September 5, 2014 we celebrated the grand opening of the first free standing flagship Vince Camuto store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre with a personal appearance by the footwear visionary himself.

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From L – R: Jennifer Valentyne, Vince Camuto, Louise Camuto

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Two of our fabulous brand ambassadors, Sasha Exeter of Sosasha.com and Stephanie Sterjovski of Stephaniesterjovski.com

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From L – R: Caitlan Moneta and Eliza Grossman from FASHION Magazine, Jillian Vieira FLARE Magazine and Jen Masseau of Best Health

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Some of our sweet treats

Visit the gorgeous flagship store at Yorkdale Shopping Mall for some fabulous fall footwear!

HUGO BOSS and GQ Celebrate the World Premiere of “The Riot Club”

& ASC.

On Saturday, September 6th, HUGO BOSS and GQ celebrated the World Premiere of “The Riot Club” with a post-premiere soirée at one of Toronto’s most acclaimed new restaurants, Colette Grand Café.

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Guests, including the film’s director and star-studded cast, danced until the wee hours of the morning to carefully curated music by Daniel Buckman of Bellosound, while delighting on fresh seafood, charcuterie and aged cheese from the kitchen of Executive Chef Michael Steh.

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The stars of The Riot Club: Sam Claflin, Douglas Booth, Max Irons, Holliday Grainger

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Lone Scherfig, director

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On the black carpet: Lanita Layton, Managing Director, HUGO BOSS Canada / Jason Priestley / Lainey Lui and Lauren Holly

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Amoryn Engel                          Ainsley Kerr

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Inside the party: Douglas Booth and Kevin McHale / Miles Teller and Keleigh Sperry / John Sharp and Este Haim

HUGO BOSS is proud to once again be sponsoring the Toronto International Film Festival, one of the world’s most important film festivals.

Barbie Loves Forever 21

& ASC.

Just in time for back to school, Forever 21 is tapping into one of the most iconic symbols of girl power and fashion, Barbie®. She’s plastic, and fantastic!

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Shop the Barbie Collection here!

Starting today, get dolled up with the launch of the Barbie Forever 21 Collection, an exclusive line of women’s and girl’s apparel and accessories celebrating the ultimate fashion icon – Barbie® doll.

The Barbie Forever 21 Collection features a range of doll-tastic items from tees, tanks, and bodysuits to cosmetic cases, hairbrushes and more. Offerings are designed with the modern day Barbie girl in mind, emblazoned with iconic Barbie images and witty messaging.

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We suggest sprinkling some fun into your fall wardrobe and channeling your inner Barbie, and here’s the perfect soundtrack to get you started!

ASC’s Guide to TIFF

& ASC.

With the Toronto International Film Festival kicking off tonight, and our client Hugo Boss hosting the post-premiere party for The Riot Club on Saturday, it’s fair to say we have film fest fever. For some, it’s our eighth film festival, for others it’s our first, but we’re all equally excited for the days of parties, movies and celeb spotting to come.

Here, the tasks and reminders top of mind for us this year at TIFF.

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1. Suit Up

Do like the stars of The Riot Club, including dream boats Sam Claflin, Douglas Booth and Max Irons, and dress to impress. “When in doubt, wear all black, top off with your best accessories and you’re all set,” says Account Executive Fatima Reyes. “Better yet, if you’re in a pinch for a chic dress, Ann Taylor is your girl.”

2. Pack Your Essentials

Keep your must-have essentials to a minimum, but on your body at all times. “I keep a travel bottle of Vanille 44 (Paris) from Le Labo’s City Exclusive Collection at 6 by Gee Beauty for whenever I need that last minute spritz of scent,” says Account Executive Alanna Levine.

3. Work On Your Fitness

Since Equinox is one our clients, incorporating regular fitness into our routines isn’t just part of our lives, it’s our job. Account Manager Muriel Alexander, for one, will be doing Body Sculpt at Equinox Toronto. “There is no better fuel for surviving TIFF than by adding some fitness into all of the fun.”

4. Chow Down

Staying hydrated and eating regularly are important to keep up the energy required for late night parties and screenings. So make sure you plan ahead, whether that means healthy eating all the way, or fueling up with carbs, carbs, carbs. Account Coordinator Grace Chambers recently started a cleanse of no gluten, soy, dairy or eggs (SOS!), which she’s hoping will help with a little pre-TIFF skin glow, while Director Cynthia Yan has a different diet in mind. “My routine mostly consists of listening to ‘0 to 100’ by Drake and making sure I eat something hearty like spaghetti for breakfast. So Drake and Spaghetti = powering through TIFF.”

5. Keep Your Eyes Peeled

You never know who you will run into in Toronto at this time of year, with stars like Bill Murray, Al Pacino and Jennifer Aniston all confirmed to attend. Muriel is holding out a bit of vain hope that Tilda Swinton, who missed last year’s screening of Only Lovers Left Alive, will make an appearance, whereas self-described “celeb crazed” Account Coordinators Carolyn Beaudry and Alana Lowenstein are counting on spotting one of the world’s hottest couples, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.

6. Treat Yo’ Self

Last but not least, despite all the craziness, make some time for you! “I will absolutely be treating myself to a shellac manicure to ensure my nails are in tip-top shape for all our busy weeks to come. And maybe even a massage. It is my birthday, after all,” says Grace.

Stay up to date on all of our TIFF activity this weekend @ascpr on Instagram and Twitter!

Forever 21 x MFDF

& ASC, Fashion.

On August 22, 2014, Forever 21 hosted an in-store event and runway presentation to celebrate Montreal Fashion and Design Festival. Bloggers Camille Desrosiers from Le Cahier, Anik Lacasse from Montreal In Style and Chloë St.Felix from Petite brunette en Talons Hauts were on hand to host the evening and take photos with guests at the Pixi Booth, while enjoying the custom made cake pops! 

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BOSS Celebrates the Pocket Square in Support of the TIFF Pocket Fund

& ASC, Fashion, Lifestyle.

On August 27, 2014, HUGO BOSS Canada launched the limited edition BOSS pocket square in support of the TIFF Fund, created exclusively for sale in BOSS Stores across Canada. TIFF Director and CEO Piers Handling and Artistic Director Cameron Bailey both sported the pocket square to complete their BOSS looks, while toasting to the collaboration and the worthwhile cause.

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The pocket square retails for $45 and is only for sale from now until September 14th. All proceeds will be donated directly back to the Pocket Fund, helping to ensure children and youth from underserved communities have access to TIFF’s Learning Programmes, in which students discover how film works, hone their leadership skills and learn teamwork in workshops, camps and school programmes.

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HUGO BOSS is proud to once again be sponsoring the Toronto International Film Festival, which is recognized as one of the world’s most important film festivals.

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Bernadette Morra, Fashion Magazine

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Noreen Flanagan, ELLE Canada

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Karning Hum, Canada AM

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Suzanne Cohon (aka TBC)

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Joey Natale and Lanita Layton, Managing Director of HUGO BOSS Canada

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Carolyn Quinn, IMG, and Christopher Pfaff, Pfaff Automotive Partners

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David Livingstone, Men’s FASHION, and Paul Mason

Travel Diaries: Vancouver and Playa del Carmen

& ASC, Lifestyle.

Here at ASC we love to explore this great world of ours as often as possible, whether with our clients or on vacation. To fill you in (and reminisce) on our most recent adventures, we’ll be documenting a few of our trips this year (so far!) in a travel diaries series. First up, our Director Cynthia Yan and Account Manager Muriel Alexander.

Cynthia: Vancouver, British Columbia

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1. What brought you to this particular place?

An extremely over-due (think years…aka I’ve been a bad friend…yikes!) visit to my dear friend, Morgan, who I’ve known since Junior High.

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2.  What was your favourite part of the trip?  

Visiting Jericho Beach and feeding the dozens of adorable “wild” bunnies on Easter Weekend and admiring their Hobbit-like shire of a habitat, waiting for Frodo to come out and greet me.

Muriel: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

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1.What brought you to this particular place?

The SUN! It had been five years since I went on a destination vacation.


2.  What was your favourite part of the trip?

The workshop I took, and meeting new like-minded people.

Stay tuned to read more of our travel diaries and find out where we’ve been flying off to this year!

2014 Emmys Best Dressed

& ASC.

Last night, our favourite television stars pulled out all the stops for the 2014 Emmys. After a major red carpet debrief, we decided on our top eight choices for best looks of the evening.

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Suzanne’s Pick: Kristen Wiig in Vera Wang

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Cynthia’s Pick: Camila Alves in Zuhair Murad and Matthew McConaughey in Dolce & Gabbana

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Muriel’s Pick: Michelle Monaghan in Giambattista Valli Couture

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Alanna’s Pick: Julia Roberts in Elie Saab Couture

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Fatima’s Pick: Lizzy Caplan in Donna Karen Atelier

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 Alana’s Pick: Kerry Washington in Prada

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Carolyn’s Pick: Gwen Stefani in Versace

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Grace’s Pick: Sarah Hyland in Christian Siriano

Who did you think was best dressed at the 2014 Emmys? Share with us on Twitter @ascpr!

DIY: Pineapple Vase

& ASC, Lifestyle.

As you know, we love a cute DIY. And a cute DIY involving fruit? Even better! Michelle Agnelo from Peachy Vida shows us how to work the pineapple trend for a tropical centerpiece at a party.

It’s true that beautiful fresh flowers make any space nicer, and even though they don’t last forever, they are still worth having (I’m talking to all you cheap boyfriends). Below is a killer combo DIY for your place involving two of my fave things: pineapples and flowers.

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This DIY Pineapple Flower Vase takes only minutes to create, and leaves you with a tropical centerpiece that when your flowers start to wilt, you can toss out too (yay for no storage!). Almost as good, you’re left with a super fresh snack since a peachy vida does not involve wasting food. This reminds me of Hawaii, and if you can get your hands on a Maui pineapple, more power to ya!

What you will need:

  • A ripe pineapple
  • A pineapple corer-slicer
  • Fresh flowers

Grab your ripe pineapple, lay it on its side and slice off the head in a level stroke.TIP: you can tell if your pineapple is ripe by grabbing the tip of one of its leaves and pulling. If the leaf comes out easily, it’s ready to eat. Next, stand your pineapple back up and line up your corer-slicer (possibly the best kitchen invention ever) with the center. With medium force, turn the corer-slicer until you hit the base of the pineapple, and pull out to leave a perfectly scooped shell and delicious pineapple rings. Most corer-slicers come with a little add-on piece too that you can then use to easily slice your pineapple rings into wedges.

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Put your favourite blooms in your new hollow pineapple shell & voila! A beautiful pineapple flower vase for your countertop, patio or even a  super awesome boho wedding. For a twist on this DIY, use your hollow pineapple shell for a mega cocktail cup or fruitbowl and wow your guests!

Have a fun DIY to share with us? Email us at blog@asc-to.com!

Career Girl Q&A: Alana Lowenstein

& ASC.

Meet Alana, our newest Account Coordinator! This former intern sure knew how to network her way into our hearts. Find out how she started from the bottom and got here.

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Where did you go to school and what did you study? 

I went to the University of Western Ontario where I studied business management with a specialization in marketing. After completing my undergraduate degree, I attended Humber College for the post-graduate PR program.

How did you decide to pursue a career in Public Relations?  

I was fortunate to intern at Coty Beauty in New York where I worked with the PR and digital marketing teams. There was a big focus on celebrity fragrances which initially peaked my interest in PR as it combined my interests in lifestyle, media and celebrity branding. Additionally, my four years of marketing classes definitely helped guide me towards the PR route.

Where was your first job and how did you get it? How did it lead you to your current position? 

My first job was at a retail store in Vancouver, where I grew up. I was 16 and eager to get my foot in the door. Following that, I made an effort to secure internships every summer throughout university. Each internship was a learning experience that allowed me to further develop my skills and get a better idea of the career I wanted. I got my current position by volunteering, interning and being proactive.

What is the best advice you would give to individuals aspiring to get into PR?

Without a doubt, intern, intern, intern! I completed five internships and took away something different from each one. Not only do internships allow you to discover the kind of role you enjoy (or don’t enjoy), you create a new network of contacts who can be great people to connect with down the road.

What is the best advice you would give to individuals looking for internships? 

Don’t be afraid to reach out to new people! LinkedIn can be a great resource for job searching and networking. If there is a company you’re set on working/interning at, take initiative and contact them! Being proactive can make a big difference and help you stand out, especially in PR where interpersonal skills are extremely important.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned to date (in regards to your career)?  

I’m a firm believer in karma, so I would say always be nice. Reputation is very important, especially in PR which is very much about networking and building relationships. You never know when you’ll see someone again or where they might be in a few years.

If you were on a desert island what is the one item you could not live without?

Probably my iPhone, but an extra-soft pillow is definitely at the top of my list too!

DIY: Party Nails

& ASC, Beauty.

This DIY Wednesday, Kastor & Polloux create the perfect confetti nail art! See below for how to recreate the look yourself.

Nail art has always been a strange and uncharted realm for Danielle and I — we’re more of the solid, neutral polish types. However, we’ve been dressing quite #minimalistic as of late, meaning our inherent quirkiness needs to surface in some way or another. Enter Forever 21′s KoOkY nail options — sure to put the *fun* in a *functional* look by way of confetti, glitter, and other childlike things we may or may not thoroughly enjoy on our 22-year-old fingertips.

This past weekend, we stocked up on nail colours and accessories to bring you a quick and easy way to jazz up yo digitz. YOU’RE WELCOME.

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WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
– Some kind of base colour nail polish (we chose one that reminds us of Dunkaroos because #maturity)
– Nail decorations
– A pair o tweezers
– A clear top coat

STEP 1:
Apply yo base colour

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STEP 2:
Apply yo base colour again

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STEP 3:
Take yo tweezers n carefully pick up yo lil’ confetti circles or rhinestones or whatever

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STEP 4:
Marvel at your mad skills and repeat steps 3-4 until you’re really feeling accomplished

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STEP 5:
Apply yo top coat

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STEP 6:
Hold your nail polish bottle and take a quintessential nail art photo for your Instagram

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So there you have it, boys and girls. Dazzling nails for a dazzling human. Life changing — we know.

DIY: The Brunette Salad Makeup Tutorial

& ASC, Beauty.

Another Wednesday, another ASC DIY! This time, we turned to Vanessa Cesario of The Brunette Salad to show us how she puts together her everyday makeup look, including the always pretty nude lip and the sexy cat eye.

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I am by no means a makeup expert. But I am someone who’s been wearing makeup for about 10 years AND have a best friend that is a super talented makeup artist…so I think that counts for something, right? I may not be able to do a crazy peacock eye (nor would I want do) but I can manage a pretty decent “kicked up” natural face…a.k.a winged liner and nude lips. Keep reading to see how to I do it.

THE GOODS

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All c/o Forever 21. Exact products including colours listed under each step.

STEP 1: FOUNDATION

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You know the drill. Put on your “face” face first before you start the fun stuff. I use the basics – cream concealer, B.B cream, bronzer and contour when I’m feeling spicy.

Makeup sponges, here

STEP 2: LASHES

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Glue on lashes can be tricky, but luckily I personally am a bona fide false eyelash ninja. Try-hard high school days + a nightclub job has rendered me a seasoned veteran in this department. You’ll get the hang of it after a while, too.

Lashes, here

STEP 3: LINER

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While I won’t say this is my desert island pick (because good skin rules all and I’d choose foundation) felt tip eyeliner would be my second most vital makeup item. Seriously, a cat eye does unexplainable things to the face. I’ve been wearing it since I was 16 and probably won’t stop till my eyelids are so saggy I can’t access them anymore. My most helpful tip would be to rest your hand on your cheek and start with small strokes, then join the small strokes together.

Bold Felt Tip Eyeliner, here

STEP 4: MASCARA

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Another vital step. If I’m not doing a full cat eye, I’m at least doing mascara. Mascara makes me happy (can you tell?). This one is super black and sticks to the ends of the lashes like primer. Make sure to curl your lashes first!

Mega Fiber Lash Mascara, here

STEP 5: LIPSTICK & LIPGLOSS

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While I do have a special place in my heart for a dark, vampy lip, sometimes it’s just too high maintenance (or I have boys to kiss). That’s when a nude lip comes in. Tip: you’ll probably have a better chance at finding boys to kiss with a nude lip, because I’ve heard dark lipstick scares boys. Oh well. #manrepelling

Pigmented Lipgloss in Nude, here | Creme lipstick in Tan, here

~TA-DA!!!!!!!!!!!!~

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And there you have it, guys. Le mug, kicked up a notch.

Forever 21 Pre-Fall Presentation

& ASC, Fashion.

Last night, we celebrated the back-to-school season with Forever 21‘s Pre-Fall 2014 Collection, presented at Toronto hotspot Paintlounge. Our guests made a statement with their pro painting skills, delighted in treats served by Food Dudes and marveled at the Forever 21 looks for the whole family. The Pre-Fall Collection launched in stores this week with Barbie Loves Forever 21 Collection in stores September 5.

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The blank canvases were ready for guests to “Make a Statement”!

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The team!

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DJ Jovie provided the right beats to spark everyone’s artistry.

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A few looks from the much-adored Pre-Fall collection. #F21StatementPiece

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#BarbieLovesF21

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A few finished masterpieces.

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The friendly staff at Paintlounge were ready to help guests unleash their creativity.

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Some guests dared to wear white and smartly covered up in smocks and plastic bags, while others came prepared in already paint-splattered pants. Either way, they came away with bright ideas for Pre-Fall dressing and paintings to match!

Motivation Monday: Ronnie Friedman of Inspired To Be Fit

& ASC, Health.

This Motivation Monday, we caught up with Ronnie Friedman of Inspired to Be Fit. Ronnie started Inspired To Be Fit as a personal fitness journal in December 2012. Now, Ronnie inspires more than 100,000 people through Instagram alone.

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When did you start your journey and why?

I started my journey and @inspiredtobefit in December 2012 to keep myself accountable. I wanted to lose weight and I felt that having a secret account specifically dedicated to health and fitness would help me achieve my goals.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey?

I would say the most rewarding part of my journey, besides reaching my weight loss goals, would be inspiring other motivated individuals just like me. The fact that what I post on Instagram actually inspires and helps others across the globe is the most rewarding feeling ever. I truly enjoy helping others achieve their goals just like I did.

What does a typical grocery list look like for you?

My grocery list looks something like this: salad, spinach, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, celery, cauliflower, zucchini, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, apples (pink lady, granny smith and honey crisp), kiwi, grapefruit, pears, all berries, egg whites, eggs, organic oats, green tea, 0% plain greek yogurt, sugarless seeds (walnuts, raisins, sunflower seeds) almond milk, organic peanut butter, plain rice crackers, skinless boneless chicken breast, tuna, salmon, quinoa, sweet potatoes, spaghetti squash, popcorn.

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Have you achieved your goal? What inspires you to keep going?

When I started my journey my goal was to lose 20 lbs. I had gotten to the point where I would put on every piece of clothing in my closet and hated how I looked. I broke out into tears. I knew I had to make a change. I worked my butt off for over a year, slowly getting the results I wanted. My goals had changed from losing 20 lbs to being healthy and feeling good. One day I stepped on the scale and realized I had finally hit my goal weight but it didn’t really matter because goals will change and evolve. There is no “end” to the journey because we all should never stop trying to improve ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually.

What keeps me going is the way this lifestyle makes me feel. I have energy, I feel good, I look good, I’m not getting constant stomach aches and I finally feel the way my body is designed to feel. When I lose motivation I look back to my own Instagram and reread the advice I give to my followers. I remind myself why I started my journey. I also see how many people I have helped during my journey and I do NOT want to let them down. They are my biggest inspiration.

 If you’re going to cheat on your diet what do you consider your cheat foods to be and how often do you do it?

Cheat food is most likely a comfort food that you probably should not have more than once a week. I have my cheat meal every Friday at 7pm: all you can eat sushi! I stuff my face with rice, raw fish, spicy mayo, fried crab and froyo for dessert! Pizza is also a favourite!

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How does it make you feel to have such a huge following? Did you expect to have such a large following on your journey?

No at all. When I started my account it was actually completely private and the only two people who knew about it were my boyfriend and best friend. I kept it under wraps for about three months until I accidentally linked my Instagram to my Facebook. I would say that was a blessing in disguise because of all the surprisingly positive feedback I got from my friends. My account has now grown to have over 115,000 followers. It makes me feel like I am doing something right. It shows that hard work and dedication can get you anything you want in life, you just have to put the effort in. Because of the large following, it has sparked a little entrepreneurship in myself, giving me an outlet to start my flourishing online business. (www.itbfshop.com) which I don’t think would have ever happened without my account.

Career Girl Q&A: Carolyn Beaudry

& ASC.

Meet Carolyn, the newest account coordinator at ASC! Little known facts about Carolyn? She attended the National Ballet School as a child and was once featured on Holts Muse. Find out more about more about this dynamic social media star on the rise in our Q&A below!

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Where did you go to school and what did you study? 

I completed my undergraduate degree in Sociology at The University of Western Ontario. After that, I did a post-grad program at the Academy of Design in Toronto to study Fashion Marketing/Merchandising.

How did you decide to pursue a career in Public Relations? 

I always knew I wanted to work in a creative industry that involved working with people. After taking a Public Relations course during my post-grad program, I immediately grew a passion for it and my internship helped solidify my career choice.

Where was your first job and how did you get it? How did it lead you to your current position? 

While I was completing my post-grad program, a friend of mine connected me with a buyer at Holt Renfrew. He submitted my resume to the PR coordinator and after interning for about a year, I went on-contract in the department. An employee at Holt Renfrew then referred me to a director at ASC PR, which lead me to my current position!

What is the best advice you would give to individuals aspiring to get into PR?

I think that building connections and maintaining relationships are extremely important for people first getting into PR. My internship at Holt Renfrew was the perfect starting point for me because I was able to meet so many people working in the industry such as editors, stylists, photographers and buyers to name a few. Internships give you the foundation to create connections, leading you to possible job opportunities.

What is the best advice you would give to individuals looking for internships? 

Most post-grad programs require you to complete internship hours. I would definitely suggest to take advantage of your school’s resources and talk to your career counsellor. Be proactive and ask others in the industry for information sessions- everyone starts somewhere and through my experience, have always been open to talking to students about their career journey.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned to date?  

Don’t stay too comfortable. When you start to feel like you’re in an easy and safe position, you can lose sight of your end career goal and remain in a static role. Take new challenges and if you make mistakes, you only learn from them.

If you were on a desert island what is the one item you could not live without?

Granted there are no satellites (i.e. My obvious answer would be a cell phone–what would we do without social media?), I could not live without my notebook! I organize my life and write everything down from lists for work,  to groceries and places I want to go to (i.e restaurants, travels, music festivals) and shopping, of course. 

DIY: Beach Waves

& ASC, Beauty.

Introducing one of our Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS brand ambassadors, Ania B. This Calgary native has got style and grace and today Ania shares her tips on how to achieve the perfect beach waves.

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osis+

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(Click on photos to enlarge)

If you are anything like me, then using hot hair tools is beyond your basic comprehension of the hair styling process. I can straighten and curl my hair, somewhat reasonably… in the front. Working backwards in the mirror is just too confusing, and, most of all, time consuming. The one thing standing between me and my potential styling skills is patience. Which through my experience, I know you kind of need. Enter my recently started Schwarzkopf Professional product trial, a little willingness to learn and some trial and error and I have myself a brand new way of ensuring a full head of perfectly waved hair, no patience necessary, you can even catch some z’s. I recently stumbled upon a tutorial that changed my life and I want to pass that wisdom onto you now. It’s cheaper, more lasting and most importantly, less damaging than any hot tools will ever allow. follow these above steps with a head of damp hair, air dry overnight, or blow dry if you are in a hurry (both work well).

When using a blow-dryer I will suggest coating your ends with the Session Label Osis+ Silk Shine Cream, the essential product for styling with hot tools, preventing dryness and breakage from damage. in the morning you may notice your hair still a bit damp, unravel and brush through liberally to loosen the curl (remember the goal is an easy, laid-back wave, not a tight curl). Spray through with the Osis+ Session Extreme Hold Hairspray or work Osis+ Wax Dust through for extra hold.

Keeping the wave in your hair for a couple of days will help with washing your hair less often, staying away from the killer straightener and overall promote a healthier lifestyle for your hair. For those of us who were not blessed with this natural texture or those who simply want to add something extra to your summer looks this year this is a pretty amazing solution to any bad hair days. xoxo

Motivation Monday: Christian Confidential

& ASC, Health.

Meet Christian, as in Christian Confidential, man of steel. Swimsuit season is in full swing so we asked this muscle man for five tips to stay in shape this summer.

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1. Drink warm lemon water

Starting the day off with warm lemon water has been part of my routine for quite sometime due to it’s proven health benefits. Warm lemon water first thing in the morning helps kick-start the digestion process and also has other significant health benefits: anti-viral, anti-bacterial, immune boosting powers, liver cleanser, weight loss and digestive aid.

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2. Try high intensity training

When it comes to working out, longer is not necessarily better. If you are exercising efficiently, you can get a complete and effective total body workout in under an hour. High intensity exercises not only raise your heart rate but also pushes your body by burning more calories during the workout. This will help you continue to burn them off throughout the day.

*Some of my favourites include interval running and interval rowing.

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3. Switch it up

Many people underestimate the importance of mixing up workouts. Doing the same form of exercise day in and day out will cause you to plateau and you will no longer see results, which usually causes people to give up on their fitness goals. Engaging in different forms of exercise also helps prevent overuse injuries and allows you to build and develop new muscles. Adding fun and upbeat classes to your existing workout regime works wonders.

*One of my favourites is kickboxing!

4. Weight train

Training with weights, be it with free weights, kettle bells, or a weight machine can help change and define your body. If it’s a bigger physique you want, then you should try using heavy weights with short reps. Want to stay your size, tone and/or define, I suggest lighter weights with longer reps.

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5. Check your nutrition

The number one thing you can do to stay in shape and have good health is to be conscious of what you put into your body. Diet plays a pivotal role in seeing results. Five small meals a day is always ideal–it will help maintain blood sugar levels and allows your body to burn calories quicker. I suggest piling up on plenty of fruits and vegetables, organic chicken, salmon or any white fish, along with easy to digest grains such as quinoa.

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*All images via https://christianconfidential.com/

How To Shop Designer Trends on a Budget

& ASC, Fashion.

Today we caught up with our style savvy intern, Alana. We always say, she’s got champagne taste on a beer budget. Read below to find out how Alana buys her designer goods at amazing prices!

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It’s often said that the best things in life are free. Although that may be true, I would argue that the second best things in life are very expensive. For as long as I can remember, I have always had a knack for the finer things in life. The only problem being that my eyes have always been much bigger than my wallet. In high school I relied on “borrowing” items from my mother’s closet and the retail job I got to support my Chanel handbag fund. Over the years I’ve developed a keen eye for designer goods and how to find the best items at affordable prices. Check out my basic rules below:

1. Never buy something you wouldn’t purchase at full retail price. I’m a strong believer that it’s not worth it to buy something mediocre just because it’s designer and on sale. Save your money and buy something you really love, discounted or not.

2. Know your merchandise. It helps to have an idea of designer collections and how current an item may be. This way you know what you’re getting and if the price is fair.

3. Resist buying at full retail price because everything goes on sale! Seriously, everything. It’s also the worst feeling to see an item you purchased marked down later on. Wait for a sale and fill in the gaps at stores like Forever 21 and Zara. Don’t forget about online sales! Some great discount sites I frequent are theoutnet.com, gilt.com and fashionphile.com

Let’s get down to business. Here are my top five designer finds on a budget:

1. Kenzo Sweatshirt

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This was a recent find I picked up at the SHOP NYLA sample sale. I had been eyeing it for a while at Holt Renfrew and freaked when I saw it for 75% off. Major score!

2. Alice and Olivia Dress

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This was a dress I bought at Holt Renfrew Last Call (RIP) for about $60.00, yes, $60.00! It was on double markdown and the perfect dress for an event I had that year.

3. Helmut Lang blazer

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One of my biggest secrets is an annual Helmut Lang/Theory sample sale that happens every July in New York. Everything is priced under $100.00 and I paid $75.00 for this leather-sleeved blazer (it retailed for $595.)

4. Miu Miu pumps

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I found these awesome pumps at a consignment store in Vancouver called Dragon and Phoenix. They were $80.00 and I was thrilled to own my first pair of designer heels. There are some great designer consignment stores in Toronto as well. One of my favourites is Fashionably Yours on Queen West.

5. Proenza Schouler PS1

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This is my holy grail of purchases, my pride and joy and by far my favourite item in my closet. I found this Proenza bag at Nordstrom Rack in Honolulu, Hawaii while on vacation for 75% off! I think I blacked out in the store because I just couldn’t believe my luck. This is literally my dream bag and I still can’t believe I own it. Like I said, great deals find you if you know where to look.

Good luck and happy shopping!

DIY: Reupholstered Chair

& ASC, Lifestyle.

Summer is the perfect time to evaluate your space and do a bit of sprucing up. Reupholstering a flea market–or let’s face it, even a side-of-the-road–find is a great way to do just that. We couldn’t think of a better person to walk us through this task than designer, stylist and Buy It, Sell It, Fix It star, Tiffany Pratt! Check out her steps and beautiful photos below and let us know if you try the DIY out for yourself!

The first thing I say to my fellow makers and people that want to attempt a DIY is: you do not have to be “good” at anything to do it. I am living proof; I try a lot of projects just by winging it to get the job done. I have learned a lot along the way that I would love to share. Today—I will share some quick & dirty tricks to reupholster a chair in case you fall in love with a gem on the side of the street and want to make it yours. It happens all the time.

THINGS YOU WILL NEED:

HOT GLUE
COTTON BATTEN
SCISSORS
FABRIC
TRIM
STAPLE GUN
STAPLES
BRISTOL BOARD
SCREW DRIVER
MUSIC

Phase #1-

Assess the situation

If you see something at a market or on the side of the street, the first thing you need to do is check out the condition of the found goods. Is the structure is good shape? Is it sturdy worthy of the love you are about to bestow? Is the padding in good shape? Will you need to replace anything? This is the time where you ask yourself if you will end up spending more on fixing it than finding another gem.

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Phase #2-

Accept the mission

If you decided that this chair is going to change the face of your room and your life, then collect your supplies, carve the time and lets get started. Please find all of the items listed above and do not collect $500 or pass go onto phase #3 unless you have it all. Head outside or in some spacious place then rock on.

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Phase #3-

Destruction and creation

Pull your screwdriver or scissors out and tear the seat off and check out the condition of your padding. If in the raw, your padding looks ample—leave it. If not, then trace an extra layer or two of cotton padding and hot glue that puppy on top of the existing padding. Then pull out your new fabric and roughly cut out a generous amount of it to tightly wrap around your new padding. Get your staple gun and load it up and start tacking it down. Cut off the excess fabric from around the stapled edge. Trace your seat shape out on Bristol board and seal up the fabric edge.

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Phase #4-

The cherry on top

Once you have your seat recovered in the new fabric, now is the time to add any fancy new trims to it with some good old hot glue.  This makes any “unprofessional” ripples or edges disappear instantly and create a fun textured finish.  Once this final touch is added, it is time to get that screwdriver out and replace the seat.

Hey!  You did it!  Yeah you did.  You recovered your own chair and it looks really good.  Really good.

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Happy upholstering, upcycling and anti-upping to you!  XO

All photos: Koko Tchorbadjian

Motivation Monday: Post-Baby Workout

& ASC, Health.

Our resident fitness expert, Equinox‘s Regional Group Fitness Manager Mark Hendricks, was recently on The Social to give new moms like co-host Melissa Grelo tips for getting back into pre-baby shape as safely as possible. Check out the four best exercises for the sport of motherhood below!

EXERCISE 1:

Lie down on your back, wrap a towel across your lower back and cross it over your belly. Do a crunch and pull the ends of the towel together, creating a girdle-like effect.

EXERCISE 2:
Balance on one leg while bending at the hip to lower your chest toward the floor.


EXERCISE 3:
Go on your knees, with your weights in front of you. Mimic the movement of putting your baby in a tub, picking baby up on one side and putting it down on the other side. This movement is real to the movements all moms will be doing in the upcoming weeks and months following childbirth.


EXERCISE 4:
Wrap an exertube around a pillar/support beam. Hold the end handle and turn sideways to create tension pulling you to the side. Brace your core and move the handle away from chest, then up over head, then back down to chest level, and back into your chest. This is a total body exercise that focuses on your core and is perfect for post-birth.


CARDIO:
If, like Melissa, you were an avid runner before having your baby, you might find high-cardio exercises more difficult now. Walking is the most that Mark recommends  during this time. Stationary bike is also good as there is not skeletal pounding, but not everyone has a bike at home. Mark suggests an interval for walking that would raise the heart rate, but keep the exertion level low. For example: Walk at a brisk pace for a warm up, 30 second power walk, 30 second recover, 60 second power walk, 30 second recover, 90 second power walk, 30 second recover, etc.

Courtesy of The Social

DIY: Floral Crown

& ASC.

This Wednesday we’re getting crafty with Sasha Exeter of SoSasha.com. With summer in full swing and musical festivals galore, Sasha teamed up with Forever21, a festival-fashion go-to, to create a floral crown. Check out Sasha’s steps for a half floral crown below.

My recent obsession with festival inspired fashion resulted in a fun little project a weeks ago. I recently posted a boho festival look from Forever 21 and realized that a festival look is not really a festival look without a flower crown. With just fresh flowers, floral wire, floral tape, scissors and a wire cutter, I was able to create an adorable demi flower crown in just 20 minutes.

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How to Create Your Own Half Flower Crown in four easy steps:

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1. Cut your flowers so the stems are 1 1/2 inches long.

2. Measure the circumference of your head and cut your wire twice the length needed. Create your wire loop to the size of your head and use the extra length to wrap around the loop again for stability.

3. Place one of your center flowers on  your wire loop and use the floral tape to attach the stem to the wire.

4. Place another flower behind your first flower and tape that stem to the wire as well. Continue this process until you have that side completed. Repeat the process for the other side by placing a flower next to your center flower (the heads of the flowers should be facing each other) and working your way down that side of the wire. Cover the exposed wire in the back with floral tape, and voila you’re done!

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In case you missed it, you can check out Sasha’s festival inspired outfit post from a few weeks ago here.

DIY: Table-Top Hot Air Balloons

& ASC, Lifestyle.

Cynthia Yan, our resident florist, crafts-woman and calligrapher, has been busy prepping for a number of bridal showers and baby showers this summer. She’s pretty much making it rain on the shower front. Today, she generously shared with us her brilliant idea for her sister’s travel themed bridal shower. Do you want to shower your friends and family with love? If so, see below!

With wedding season upon us, it can get costly attending all the events leading up to the big day (i.e. engagement parties, showers, etc.) let alone the wedding itself. For my sister’s bridal shower the theme was “Love is a Journey” to represent the love of traveling the couple possesses. I decided to create a few hot air balloons to be used as décor near the candy bar– inexpensive, unique and easy to re-create!

Note:  This craft is easier with 2 people

What you’ll need:

  • Helium-filled balloon with a string tied to it
  • Small pot (or any small container to use as a base)
  • Ribbon
  • Rocks
  • Scissors
  • Tape

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Step 1: Measure the ribbon to the desired height you’d like. I cut approximately 42 inches for a 12 inch tall piece (that’s from the base of the pot to the very top of the balloon). Tape the balloon to the middle of the base. A strawberry pint makes a great base as well. Add some of the rocks to weigh down the base.

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Step 2: Tape the ribbon in a cross on the top/middle of the balloon.

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Step 3: Tape the ribbon about 1/3 from the top, to the balloon.

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Step 4: Tape the ends of the ribbon to the inside of the base, following the natural line that the ribbon is falling in.

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Step 5: Trim the end of the balloon and cut the string that is weighing down the balloon to the bottom of the base. Fill the base with more rocks or any other item to weigh it down. Voila your hot air balloon is complete!

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BONUS:  You can use a travel theme for almost any occasion. We also created a photo-booth station (“Passport Photos”) and created a parting gift with mason jars (“In-Fight Snacks”). Sky’s the limit!

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Motivation Monday: Sculpt a South Beach Backside in 12 Minutes

& ASC.

 

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This motivation Monday, we’re gearing up for shorts season with Mark Hendricks, Group Fitness Manager at Equinox. On the blog today we’ll share how to achieve the ultimate backside with three exercises as seen on The Social.

Step 1: Back Squat 

Lift a weighted body bar over your head and place across your upper back – with both hands securing the bar in place. Squat down until thighs are parallel with the floor. Return to standing position.
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Step 2: Weighted Hip Bridge
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. (Tip: To avoid discomfort, try using a towel or airex pad between your hips and barbell). Keeping your shoulders in contact with the floor, tighten your glutes and drive heels through the floor, lifting hips into full extension. If you want a challenge, extend one leg while hips are raised.
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Step 3: Weighted Swings
In a wide stance with both of your feet pointed forward, swing a kettle bell from between your thighs to shoulder height, using only the momentum from hip extension. The kettle bell swing can be done with one single weight (on the heavier side).
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For more information on the 12 minute work out visit the Q Blog!

Be Our Guest: Aleesha Harris of Covet and Acquire

& ASC.

Meet Aleesha Harris, Vancouver-based personal style and beauty blogger of Covet and Acquire. Today, we caught up with Aleesha to see how she achieves her mission to prove that a real girl with a real body and a real budget can be really fabulous. To learn about about Aleesha check out our Q&A below!
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What inspired you to start Covet & Acquire and how long has your blog been around?
I started Covet and Acquire back in July 2011 (I can’t believe it has been almost three years!) as a way to find my “fashion voice” … and to teach myself HTML and basic web design.

How did you come up with the name “Covet & Acquire”?
I chose the name because it pretty much describes the way that I shop: I covet items, simultaneously making a mental (and sometimes literal!) shopping list, and then I see which ones I can acquire — hopefully on sale. It has become a bit of a game for me.

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How do you balance your amazing job as a Web Editor at the Vancouver Sun with blogging?
With lots of coffee and a colour-coordinated agenda! But seriously, my roles at The Vancouver Sun and C&A can sometimes be a difficult balancing act. As a blogger, you can find yourself presented with situations that you could/would never find yourself in as a journalist. So when I’m faced with those types of situations, I usually like to ere on the side of caution and think and act as a journalist would.
Both positions have afforded me such unique opportunities to carve my own niche in this industry — which is something I hope to continue to do in the future. And for that I’m very grateful.

What is favourite part of living in Vancouver? 
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Vancouver is an amazing city to live in for all of the obvious, much-cited reasons such as its beauty, culture and food — but I would have to say that my favourite part of living here is watching it change and grow. Almost every day I come across a cool new boutique or artisan in this city that makes me even more excited to cover local fashion.

Which designers, photographers, decades or trends inspire you the most?
Oh, this one’s easy. Helmut Lang, hands down. And Smythe Les Vestes. It’s all about crisp lines and bold-shouldered blazers in my closet — and these brands deliver just that.
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Most memorable moment of Covet & Acquire?
Attending the Lucky Fashion and Beauty Blogger event in New York City was a big high for me. But really, any time I open my e-mail inbox or home mailbox to a new note from a reader or brand representative I still feel a rush of excitement.

What are you most looking forward to this summer? Any big plans?
I’m headed to Paris and London in the coming weeks — so I’m unbelievably excited for that. The food, the shopping … the blog photos!

What is your favourite summer trend?
I love embracing the light and bright colours of summer. The bolder the better! I spend the winter months cloaked in blacks and greys, so as soon as the sun shines, so does my closet. This year, I’m also giving pattern-heavy pieces a go.

Who are your style icons?
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Emmanuelle Alt, Phoebe Philo and Blair Eadie of the blog Atlantic-Pacific — because that girl really has a way with colour!


What is your favourite product in your makeup bag?
Nivea A Kiss of Shimmer lip balm. I have ten of them going at any given time.

What advice do you have for an aspiring editor or style blogger?
I would say: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Some of the greatest opportunities that I’ve had as a blogger and a journalist have come from me thinking of a story/post idea and reaching out directly to a contact. I think waiting for someone to come to you with something leads to missed opportunities. Remember, you never know what’s possible until you pursue it.

Want to be our guest? Email us blog@asc-to.com! 

Motivation Monday: Spice Up Your Ice Cubes

& ASC, Lifestyle.

Summer has arrived and bikini bodies are on every girl’s mind. Everyone knows the experts say drinking six to eight glasses of water a day helps reduce bloating and hydrates your skin, but sometimes it’s hard to meet that daily quota. This Motivation Monday, we asked one of our account executives, Alanna Levine, how she spices up her water!

This summer my goal is to drink a lot more water. I had extra fruit in my fridge that needed to be used and I figured what better way than to freeze them! These ice cubes take three easy steps and make any glass of water look and taste more fun.

Step 1: Pick your flavours! For my ice cubes I used fresh mint, strawberries and raspberries.

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Step 2: Chop your ingredients into small pieces, place in ice cube tray, pour water on top and pop into your freezer.

Step 3: Allow ice cubes to freeze and serve!

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Do you have a motivational tip to share with us? Email us blog@asc-to.com! 

Be Our Guest: Stephanie Sterjovski of SS Print Shop

& ASC, Be Our Guest.

Meet Stephanie Sterjovski, fashion blogger and founder of SS Print Shop. Today, we caught up with this brilliant beauty to chat all things SS Life & Style and SS Print Shop. To learn about about Stephanie Sterjovski check out our Q&A below!

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What inspired you to start SS Life & Style/SS Print Shop?

I really wanted a space to deliver my messages, share my inspirations and channel all of my creativity. I am very visual, so photography and graphic design seemed like the best way to do that, through the avenue of blogging.

 

How long has SS Life & Style/SS Print Shop been around?

I launched my blog in July of 2012 and my Print Shop in August of the same year!

 Most exciting moment of SS Life & Style/SS Print Shop?

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Getting to do what I love, with brands, companies and people that I adore is an exciting blessing to me everyday.

 

 

 

 

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We know this is probably like choosing between children, but which print is your favourite and why?

This is so tough! I would go with my pink and gold “LOVE” print, because it was one of my first designs that has carried on through the seasons and a best seller. Love, not just romantic love, is everything – spreading that message is just my small contribution to this universe.

 
You’ve collaborated with a lot of amazing people (Tiffany Pratt, Paris in Four Months). What are the qualities you look for in a collaborator?

When collaborating we are looking for creative individuals with a like-minded aesthetic. I love working with photographers and artists that have incredible talent and heart to what they do.

You recently redecorated your space. What are your top three tips for turning a space into somewhere you really love to be?

peach2.png1.    Fresh flowers make a house a home. I love all plants. They make everything feel so alive and really pretty-up any space.

2.    Choose pieces and colours that make you happy, if you want to mix patterns go right ahead, you have to look at it everyday, and that is all that should really matter.

3.    Surround yourself with messages that inspire you, that’s why I love  making prints so much, they are conversation pieces when your guests come over and serve as great daily reminders.

Where do you see yourself/your business/your blog in five years?

I give my life up to God. Whatever He wants for my life is what I want, and whatever He doesn’t want, I want nothing to do with. I live for His glory, not mine.

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Do you have any advice for an aspiring entrepreneur or blogger?

Create with all of your heart & soul and watch magic happen. Don’t do things for money, followers, popularity, etc. because those are all false idols – have the right intentions in what you do and say. Be intentional with your life and business!

Photos: Anna With Love Photography and Stephanie Sterjovski

DIY: Homemade Granola Bars

& ASC, Lifestyle.

Sometimes when hunger strikes, it’s hard to not crack and buy a mid-afternoon cookie. But not to fear, you can be prepared with these satisfying homemade peanut butter granola bars devised by Melanie Morais of Born Lippy Style.

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups quick oats
  • 1 cup Rice Krispies Cereal
  • 1/2 cup of flax seed
  • 3/4 cup 100% peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup of honey
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract

Directions

1. Line an 8×8 baking dish with aluminum foil and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine Oats, Rice Krispies Cereal and Flax Seed.

DSC_04173. In a microwave safe bowl combine Peanut Butter, Honey, Vanilla and Brown Sugar. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.

4. Using a spatula or your hands, combine the peanut butter mixture with the dry ingredients.

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5. Press into the 8×8 baking dish and refrigerate for 1 hour.

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6. After 1 hour, remove from baking dish and cut into bars.

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*If Flax Seed is unavailable you can substitute with an additional ½ Cup Rice Krispies.

Serve and enjoy! These will last a full week of healthy snacks.

Have a DIY you want to share with us? Email blog@asc-to.com!

Motivation Monday: Spin Playlist

& ASC, Be Our Guest, Health.

Meet Jen, PR intern by day and spin instructor by night. This Motivation Monday, we asked Jen how she keeps her class motivated for early morning workouts.

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As a spin instructor, I am constantly trying to motivate others to improve their fitness level. My goal for each class is to push riders out of their comfort zone to work beyond their limits. However, when trying to motivate myself to wake up at 6:00 am for an early morning workout, it is not easy! The one thing that does seems to get me out of bed at that daunting hour is a great workout playlist. Great music can be inspiring, energizing, and most importantly it will definitely get you moving! So if you need that little extra motivation for your morning workout, try adding these songs to your iPod and get those endorphins pumping.

Power (Remix), Kanye West & Jay Z: This song is the ultimate five minute warm-up. My favourite line in this song is: “You gotta go through pain in order to become you” – Jay Z

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Partition, Beyonce: The only motivation I need is Beyonce’s rocking body.

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A Little Party Never Hurt Nobody, Fergie: A great song for sprinting! This song has three sections of 20-30 second sprint intervals to increase your heart rate and burn those calories.

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White Walls, Macklemore: One of my favourite climbing songs. If you are on the treadmill or elliptical, increase the resistance to feel the burn. If you are on a bike, crank up the dial for a standing climb!

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Some Nights (Remix), Fun: This is by far the hardest song on my playlist. For five minutes straight, be prepared to sprint without any breaks!

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Love on Top, Beyonce: Can you tell I am a Beyonce fan? This is another great hill to get those legs really burning!

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Turbulence, Steve Aoki: I like to end each class with a challenging sprint and I promise this song will have you drenched with sweat.

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 Have a motivating tip you’d like to share with us? Email blog@asc-to.com! 

2014 CFDAs Best Dressed

& ASC, Fashion.

Year after year, The Council of Fashion Designers of America brings together the most stylish crowd, making Monday night’s red carpet the one we’ve all been waiting for.

Mad for Metallics:

Sexy in silver, Solange Knowles packed a punch in her backless Calvin Klein Collection gown.

2014 CFDA Fashion Awards - Red Carpet Arrivals

The golden goddess, Blake Lively, showed off her toned body in Michael Kors.

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 Fresh Fringe:

Beloved style setter, Olivia Palermo rocked an Ann Taylor fringe top.

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Olivia Wilde looked outstanding in her LA Decades black fringe dress. Can you believe this is her post baby six week bod?

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White Hot, White Now:

Marion Cotillard looked angelic in her lace white dress with a rhinestone neckline by Dior Haute Couture.

2014 CFDA Fashion Awards - Arrivals

Jaime King stunned in an ivory silk threaded evening dress from the Spring 2014 Calvin Klein Collection line.

2014 CFDA Fashion Awards - Red Carpet Arrivals

Who wore your favourite looks at the 2014 CFDA’s?

Motivation Monday: Barre Burn 101

& Health.

This Motivation Monday, we turned to top Equinox group fitness instructor and Nike Master Trainer Eva Redpath to walk us through one of the Bay St club’s most exciting and popular classes, Barre Burn, just in time for beach season.

BARRE BURN 101

Barre Burn is a total body workout that slims your hips, tightens your thighs, lifts your seat, sculpts your arms and mobilizes your metabolism. The class is offered exclusively at Equinox and utilizes ballet movements, intelligent isometrics, changes in rhythm, range of motion and progressive core training, so your body heals, tightens, strengthens and you look, feel and move better.

1.        Assisted Triceps Push Up | Benefit: Increased muscular strength and endurance | Target: Chest, Arms and Core

Assisted Triceps Push Up

Start with legs extended, toes on the floor, hands on the floor with arms extended underneath shoulders. Place one hand face down, flat on a block. Slowly bend elbows and lower body to floor with the chest almost touching the hands. Remain in proper alignment with abdominals held in tight. Exhale on exertion. Lower body fully and switch arms by walking hands across. Repeat on the other side, alternating hands. 10-20 reps.

2.       Split Squat with Body Bar | Benefit: Toned lower body; increased strength and stability | Target: Butt, Hips and Thighs

Split Squat with Body Bar

Stand in a staggered with one foot a step ahead and one foot a step behind, making an upside down V shape with both legs. Front foot should be firmly planted on the floor, with the other balancing on the ball of the foot. Place one hand on the hip and the other resting on the Body Bar (or chair) for balance. Bend both knees and lower your back leg until your knee is at a 90 degree angle, almost touching the floor. Straighten your leg and repeat for 20 reps then switch legs for 20 reps.

3.       Reverse Plank on Forearms | Benefit: Increased muscular strength and stability | Target: Full Body/Core

Reverse Plank on Forearms

Sit with forearms and palms planted on ground, below shoulders. Squeeze buttocks and thighs. Push up into a reverse plank (on either elbows or straight arms). Hold for 30 seconds and work up to 1 minute.  Keep body in straight line- maintaining lifted hip position. Be sure to breath. To add more challenge, lift one leg.

4.       Hip Raise | Benefit: Strong and toned lower body | Target: Glutes

 Hip Raise

Lie down on the floor with your head, torso and buttocks rooted firmly on the ground with the left foot planted on the floor and right foot on the block. Look up at the ceiling with arms and hands relaxed by your side. You should be in a straight line from the tip of your head to your tailbone. Take a few deep breaths. Exhale, squeeze glutes and engage core to lift your hips and buttocks off the ground. Raise your hips as high as you can without arching your back, making a bridge with your pelvis.  To increase the intensity of the hip raise, extend the right leg out in front of your body. This will force you to use only one leg to lift your hips and buttocks off the ground. Repeat for 10 reps the switch legs for 10 reps.

5.       Bicep Curl with Balance | Benefit: Increased balance and muscle strength | Target:  Arms and Balance

 Bicep Curl with Balance

Stand tall on one leg, with or without a block, keeping a slight bend in the knee. Keep the elbows close to your side and palms facing in. Externally rotate the upper arms and bring the dumbbells up to your shoulders. Release down to return the dumbbells to the starting position. Repeat for 10 reps Switch legs and repeat for 10 more reps the on the opposite side.

6.       Back Attitude Lift | Benefit: Strong and toned lower body; increased balance |Target: Glutes and Core

 Back Attitude Lift

Hold a Body Bar in your left hand (or use the back of a chair) for support and place your right hand on the hip. Stand on the floor or block, balancing on your left leg. Start with heels together, then externally rotate right hip turning knee out to the side, brace abs and raise right leg into a rear attitude. Squeeze glutes at the top, keep core engaged and stand tall on left leg. Slowly return to start and repeat for 20 reps. After last rep, hold at the top and pulse short range of motion reps for 20. Switch legs.

7.       Superwoman | Benefit: Strengthen lower back and posture |Target: Back and core

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Lie flat on your stomach with arms and legs extended flat on floor. Lift torso and arms a few inches off the floor, without overextending your back. Hold 5 seconds and lower. Repeat for 10–15 reps. To increase range of motion and assist this movement, place forearms on Body Bar, then roll towards you as you extend spine. Press palms into the Body Bar to further engage core.

Have something motivating to say in the areas of career, fitness or nutrition? Share with us blog@asc-to.com!

Motivation Monday: Breakfast Smoothie

& ASC, Lifestyle.

This Motivation Monday, we caught up with Account Coordinator Grace Chambers to get the inside scoop on her breakfast smoothie addiction.

How did you obsession with breakfast smoothies start?

I have never been a huge breakfast person, except for my ongoing love affair with Sunday brunch. But once I started experimenting with making homemade breakfast smoothies, I was instantly hooked! I often found myself feeling really bloated after eating breakfast, and nobody wants that! Recently, I’ve been making  nutrient heavy smoothies and I feel ready and energized for the day ahead. Below, I share with you one of my all-time favourite recipes, including my secret ingredients.

A note about the blender
Now, there are many people that say the Vitamix is the way to go, but unfortunately I haven’t received one for my birthday/Christmas/house warming parties….so my Magic Bullet does the trick. I opt for the larger container, which holds about two times the juices as the smaller one.

Ingredients:
1 cup          Unsweetened Almond Milk
1/4 cup       Pomegranate Juice
2 tbsp         Greek Yogurt (lactose-free, 0% fat)
1 cup          Assorted Frozen Berries
1/4 cup       Frozen Spinach
1                 Ripe Banana
1-2 tsp        Cinnamon
1 tsp           Flavoured Instant Coffee

Step 1: Combine 
I start by adding the frozen berries, followed by the frozen spinach (Note: I freeze the spinach so it lasts longer, and doesn’t rot in my fridge). Following the berries and spinach I add in the chopped banana (Note: I don’t freeze mine as it gives the smoothie a creamier consistency), and greek yogurt. Then add a splash of pomegranate juice and fill the remainder of the cup with almond milk (Note: Add almond until the fruit is covered). Lastly, I add cinnamon for flavouring, and my secret ingredient…..instant coffee! It gives the smoothie an extra kick to start your mornings off right.

Step 2: Blend
Blend until your desired smooth-ness! Expert tip: if I find if my blender isn’t ‘blending’, it is usually because there is not enough liquid. Add more liquid of your choice (i.e. almond milk and/or pomegranate juice) to ensure all the ingredients blend well together.

Step 3: Enjoy!
I hope this gives you some inspiration to make a breakfast smoothie. My favourite part of breakfast smoothies is that I think outside of the box by adding greens and mixing interesting flavours!

Share your favourite breakfast smoothie with us at blog@asc-to.com!

DIY: Banana Pop

& ASC, Be Our Guest, Lifestyle.

Now that it’s finally starting to feel like summer, we turned to Dentelle et Fleurs‘ Gabrielle Lacasse for a fun food DIY that is perfect for the warmer weather.

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Everyone will LOVE this healthy and fun banana pop, I swear.

Ingredients: 

Bananas
Yogurt
Toppings: nuts, fruits or candy (seen here: pistachios and M&Ms)

Directions:

1. Insert paper straw (or any type of straws) into the banana, previously cut in half.

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2. Chop your topping to make sure it sticks to the banana.

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3. Dip the banana into yogurt and add topping.

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4. Put it into the freezer and way until the banana is hard (takes about 1 hour).

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Ta-da! You are ready to add this pop to your the menu of your next summer BBQ. If this DIY got you in the mood for summer clothes, the Forever 21 summer collections is in stores and online now!

Want to contribute to our blog? Email us at blog@asc-to.com!

DIY: Mother’s Day Mason Jar

& ASC, Lifestyle.

With Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, we turned to one of our favourite craft queens, Julie Ross from The Life of a Cupcake, for an adorable DIY sure to delight.

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When thinking of something cute and thoughtful to get my Mom, I always choose making something myself. And as someone who absolutely loves to have fresh flowers in the house, as does my mom, I thought why not make her something special to put her flowers in? Not only that, but who doesn’t just love mason jars? For like everything ever?

I consider myself a very crafty girl, but I often get discouraged when reading a DIY post with 25 steps that seem far fetched at best. So, today I present you the easiest, cutest, little “Do It Yourself” that even the non-crafty readers can do!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
– Paint (this colour is “Spa Blue” by Americana)
– Mason Jar (I got this one at the St.Lawrence Antique Market for $2)
– Paint Brush
– Ribbon
– Chalk Pen
– Mini Chalkboard Heart
– Fresh Flowers (I got these beauties for $4 at St.Lawrence Market)

STEPS

1. Paint the jar with a sponge brush and put one full coat of paint. Let dry for 30-45 minutes, and add another coat. Do about 4 or 5 coats total and leave to dry. Once it’s dry you could add two coats of mod podge or leave as is. I really loved the way the jar looked with just the paint in a matte finish so I kept it this way for this time! I wrapped the top with a sparkly gold ribbon and tied it at the back.

2. Add a little chalk board heart or some sort of extra added touch! I got some yellow daisies to go inside because I absolutely love these two colours together! You could do this in so many different colours (like your mom’s favourite!) I think doing a couple different colours in different size jars and a variety of types of flowers would be lovely too.

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This is a great little gift to make Mom! It can go great with a new sweater, or a necklace or perhaps some new gardening tools! But, what it comes down to is that it’s the most special gift she will get because YOU made it for her.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the AMAZING Moms out there!

Trying out this cute and easy DIY? Tag #ASCDIY and show it off!

Motivation Monday: The Do-Anywhere Workout

& ASC, Health.

As the weather finally starts to get warmer, cottage weekends, vacations and outdoor parties suddenly start to fill up our calendars. But even with a busy schedule, it’s still possible to stay motivated, especially with a workout that can be done anywhere. Yes anywhere. Equinox‘s quick and effective do-anywhere session only takes 16 minutes, doesn’t require a single piece of equipment and fits perfectly into even the most aggressive schedules. Want to know more? The always helpful Q blog breaks it down for us.

The magic is in the movement “stack”:

Do move 1 for 30 seconds; rest for 30 seconds
Do moves 1 and 2 for 30 seconds each; rest for 30 seconds
Do moves 1, 2 and 3 for 30 seconds each; rest for 30 seconds
Do moves 1, 2, 3 and 4 for 30 seconds each; rest for 30 seconds
Do moves 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 for 30 seconds each; rest for 30 seconds
Do moves 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 for 30 seconds each; rest for 30 seconds

Then repeat the stack one more time.

“It’s a spin on density training, which, in its traditional definition, takes place over the course of weeks or months,” says Lisa Wheeler, Senior National Creative Manager for Group Fitness at Equinox in New York City, who designed the workout. “The same principle applies though: You’re increasing the amount of work you’re doing, but you’re not increasing the recovery.”

Watch Whitney Noble, an Equinox trainer in Chicago, demo the moves in the Q blog’s video or follow the step-by-step instructions of the six key moves below. Grab a stopwatch, go hard, and remember Wheeler’s wise words: “You can do anything for 30 seconds.”

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1. Bodyweight Wide Row
Sit on the floor and place your elbows on two sturdy chairs, side tables, ottomans or workout benches. Bend knees 90 degrees and lift feet off floor. Press elbows into benches to engage back muscles and push chest forward as you pull knees into chest (as shown), then return to start. Repeat for 30 seconds. Works: back and abs

Bulgarian Split Squat Jump-Move 2

2. Bulgarian Split Squat Jump
Stand about one foot in front of the bench or couch, and place your top of right foot on it, elbows bent 90 degrees and hands in fists and shoulder height (as shown). Bend left knee, then jump, extending arms to ceiling. Continue jumping for 15 seconds. Switch sides, repeat. Works: shoulders, abs, butt, legs

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3. Pull-Push Side Plank
Start on all fours, then press back into child’s pose, balls of feet on floor, arms extended in front of you. Pull body forward into push-up position, elbows close to sides, knees on or off floor, then press back into child’s pose. Next, press into side plank position, right hand on floor, kicking right leg through to left side and raising left arm to ceiling (as shown), then return to start. Continue for 15 seconds. Switch sides, repeat. Works: chest, back, shoulders, arms, abs

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4. Single-Arm Plank Kick
Start in deep lunge, left hand forward, right hand flat on floor, left arm extended behind you at left side. Step left leg back into single-arm plank, then step left leg forward, pressing off left foot to stand and kick right leg forward, elbows bent 90 degrees, hands in fists in front of face (as shown). Tap right toe to floor, then step back to start. Continue for 15 seconds. Switch sides, repeat. Works: Shoulders, abs, butt, legs

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5. Reverse Plank Leg Extension
Start in reverse plank, shoulders over wrists. Bend right leg and draw knee in toward chest, then extend leg straight up to ceiling, toe pointed (as shown), then bend knee back in toward chest and return to start. Repeating on opposite leg. Continue for 30 seconds. Works: Shoulders, abs, butt, legs

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6. Squat Jump 180
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, arms at sides, then squat, touching left hand to floor between legs, palm in, right hand extended behind you (as shown), then press off floor and jump, rotating 180 degrees to left, wind-milling arms in air, landing in a squat with right hand on floor, between legs. Repeat, jump back to start, rotating body to right. Continue for 30 seconds. Works: Abs, butt, legs

Have a motivational tip to share with us? We would love to hear it! Email blog@asc-to.com.

DIY: Lemon Filled Angel Food Cake

& ASC, Lifestyle.

If you’re anything like us, the gloomy weather lately has left you in the need for a little pick-me-up. Luckily, Ashley from Once Upon An Oufit has a delicious recipe for lemon filled Angel food cake that is sure to have you thinking of sunnier days. Read on to find out how to make it yourself!

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Lemon Filled Angel Food Cake

Ingredients:
Angel Food Cake Mix
1 package of lemon pie filling
3/4 cup of sugar
3 egg yolks
2 1/2 cups hot water
1 package of Nutriwhip
1 lemon

Directions:
1. Bake the Angel food cake according to the package directions. Let it cool completely.

2. Make the lemon pie filling. The filling also needs to be cooled completely so to speed it up you can separate it into two smaller bowls and then pop them in the fridge. Just be sure to stir them every so often.
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3. Cut off the top of the cake, about 3/4 of the way up. Set the top aside. Then pinch out a circle within the bottom part of the cake for the filling. Set aside the pieces you removed in a small bowl for later.

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4. Make the whipping cream. Make sure its nice and fluffy! Then you want to fold the whipping cream into the lemon filling. Use about half the lemon filling and about 2 cups of the whipping cream.

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5. Spoon the mixture into the space in the cake.

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6. Place the pieces of cake you had set aside on top of the filling. This helps to make the cake stonger and stand up instead of collapsing. Put the top of the cake back onto the bottom.
7. Cover the cake with the rest of the whipped cream.
8. Garnish the top of the cake with lemons!
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Trying this recipe out? Make sure to tag #ASCDIY to share with us!

Be Our Guest: Jillian Lansky of The August Diaries

& ASC, Be Our Guest.

Jillian Lansky from The August Diaries emits that laid-back Vancouver vibe, all while being Paris-level chic, on her blog and in person. We sat down and talked to the style setter to find out more about life on the West Coast, becoming a blogger and summer planning.

photoshoot whitney krutzfeldt, menswear inspired, white mens shirt, black hat, smokey eyes, the august diaries, photographyWhat inspired you to start The August Diaries?

I was in school studying Psychology and I needed a creative outlet. I loved fashion and had a feel for trends, so I started my blog. This further inspired me to do what I really wanted so I switched to Fashion Merchandising and the rest is history.

How long have you been blogging?

I actually changed my blog name to The August Diaries about 2 years ago. I had more of an unstructured WordPress blog before that (2010 and 2011) and it wasn’t until the name and website changed that things really got going.

Most memorable moment of The August Diaries so far?

When I was featured in InStyle magazine and People StyleWatch magazine last September. There’s nothing like picking up a copy and seeing yourself in print. I bought out the entire store.

What is your dream job?

Tough question. I would love to create and manage a magazine’s website and/or blog. I love working in the fashion industry online, I think it’s amazing what we can do with laptop. I also get great satisfaction out of working with a team as well as the creative layout aspects of websites and blogging.

plenty7Do you have any big plans for the summer? 

One of my best friends is getting married in Quebec and I’m in the bridal party so I am very excited for that! I love weddings and am definitely a crier (note to self: wear waterproof mascara).

What do you love most about living in Vancouver?

The older I get and the more places I go, the more I value and admire how beautiful it is here. I love being outdoors and I have a dog so I’m constantly running or hiking in the mountains, which I now realize is not something everyone can do! Growing up here I think I took that for granted.

If we had 24 hours to visit Vancouver, where would you recommend we eat, sleep and visit?

I think I would basically bike around the whole city and make stops for eating/drinking and shopping along the way. I would start in the Olympic Village and have coffee at Terra Breads and then bike to downtown Vancouver to stop by a few shops. Robson Street is great for a lot of the big names and I also love One of a Few and Community in Gastown for a more boutique feel. Cocktail hour would definitely have to be at Cardero’s right on the water followed by a short bike ride to Nook, where they have the best Italian food in Vancouver.

If I only had 24 hours here I don’t know how much sleeping I’d do but the Hotel Georgia is just gorgeous and the perfect central location.

spring floral with light trench coat, zara trench, isabel marant for hm dress, mules, black, the august diaries, vancouver style blog9If someone told you that you needed to pack up your bags and move tomorrow, where would you go and why?

I would be drawn to either San Francisco or Paris. I adore Paris because it is completely different from the West Coast and I love the European lifestyle. I’d go to San Francisco because I do love the West Coast and I love the feel of the city. It has similarities to Vancouver but is warmer and has that California vibe.

Or I would pack up everything and move to Bali.

What is your must-have piece for summer and why? 

A little white dress (LWD). I’m still looking for the perfect one, but it’s so versatile and summery. You can throw it on over your bikini and then wear it with booties and a leather jacket for an evening out.

What is your number one style tip for the aspiring blogger?

Photography was something I really improved on and an aspect that I feel has made the biggest difference. I started using my iPhone and now have a DSLR with a great lens. You don’t need a pricey camera, just make sure you have good lighting (outside, soft golden light) and a thought-out background. Look at blogs with photographs you like and figure out why you like them. Replicate that.

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Most importantly, be yourself. There are tons of bloggers joining the sphere every day and you want to stand out. I’ve realized that people actually want to hear about that day where I was feeling crappy about my body or the quirky personality trait I have.

Want to Be Our Guest? We’re looking for new contributors for interviews, travel tips and DIYs! Email us at blog@asc-to.com

DIY: Kastor and Pollux Festival Shorts

& ASC, Be Our Guest, Fashion.

We absolutely love working with Kastor & Pollux, especially when they come up with something as creative as this DIY post using Forever 21 Festival fashion. See below for their step by step instructions on creating your own pair of embellished pink denim shorts.

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The anecdotes and pictures from the past couple weekends of Coachella sent us into fits wishing that we, too, could be frolicking in the desert with large flowers/the entire Outkast discography blaring in the background.

However, since we didn’t go to Coachella (and are instead in our beds, weeping at the fact that we won’t get to hear any music in festival-type settings until TURF), we decided to make y’all a c00l and tr3ndy DIY!

Enter monochromatic + embellished shortz: In 5 very *simple* and very *fun* steps, you’ll have something to cover your bum in the most *unique* and *fun* way ever. Take notes, Vanessa Hudgens!

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WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• A pair of shorts (we used these in light wash)
• 2 necklaces (you can try this or this)
• Spray paint (in any colour)
• Super glue / a glue gun
• Pliers

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STEP 1:
Put down newspaper to protect the surface of wherever you’re spray painting. Lay your shorts down flat.

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STEP 2:
Apply spray paint to the surface of your shorts – as many coats as necessary until the colour appears opaque. Flip the shorts over and repeat process on the back.

*Tip* Wait in between each application, as denim is porous and will absorb the spray paint!

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STEP 3:
Once you’ve completely covered your shorts in spray paint, prepare your embellishments (we used two of the same necklace fromForever 21. Measure the length of the pocket, and use pliers to cut your necklaces accordingly.

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STEP 4:
Cover both pieces in the same colour spray paint. Wait for them to dry.

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STEP 5:
Apply strong super glue to the back of each jewelry piece, and hold firmly onto denim – underneath the pockets.

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P.S. This is our ideal Festival outfit…

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All c/o Forever 21. Hat / Necklace / Sunglasses (similar) / Top / Shorts (similar)

Forever 21′s ~Forever Festival~ collection is now available in-stores and online.

Tag your own looks and DIY’s #ForeverFest and #F21xme!

Courtesy of Kastor & Pollux

Career Girl Q&A: Tania DiVito

& ASC.

Meet Tania, one of our amazing account managers. It’s come to our attention that our account managers have lived nine lives. Did you know Tania has met Mila Kunis, Danny Masterson and Ashton Kutcher (that makes up 1/3 of the cast of That 70’s Show)? She’s also traveled to Africa, and used to play competitive baseball. Find out more about her here!

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Where did you go to school and what did you study?

I completed my undergrad in Political Science at York University and a Public Relations post-graduate certificate program at Humber College

How did you decide to pursue a career in Public Relations? 

I always thought that I wanted to pursue a business law career but half way through my undergrad I realized that wasn’t where my heart was.  After a bit of research and talking to a few different people I knew in the field, I immediately knew I wanted to pursue public relations.  I like variety and I strive in environments where I’m constantly being challenged, and in PR, especially in agency life, things are constantly moving so I’m always forced to stay on my toes, which is exciting!

Where was your first job and how did you get it? How did it lead you to your current position? 

Straight out of PR school I interned for a fairly big PR agency in Toronto.  I was fortunate enough to be hired on and I stayed there for four years.  When I think back to the start of my career, I really believe I was lucky to have had the opportunity to work in a reputable agency and learn from some really talented people.  Of course, though, things change, but change is good.

A mutual friend introduced me to Cynthia and we met for coffee.  What I thought would be a quick coffee chat turned into a two hour meeting, and in the weeks to follow I met the rest of the ASC team.  After I had the chance to meet with everyone, I knew that ASC would be my next great adventure!

What is the best advice you would give to individuals aspiring to get into PR?

 Love what you do! It sounds cliché but it’s the truth.  Public Relations is a lot of fun but it’s also a lot of work, and in this industry, you need to be willing to work hard to play hard.  Embrace every challenge and look for opportunities that will help you gain new experiences, both personally and professionally.

What is your goal for 2014? 

Creating a budget and actually sticking to it! I’m the worst when it comes to budgeting.

If you were on a desert island what is the one item you could not live without?

I don’t think I’d ever be able to live without a nail file.  Odd, I know, but I literally have one in every bag I own, at my desk and in almost every room of my house.  I couldn’t imagine being stuck on a deserted island trying to build myself a private hide-a-away, breaking a nail and having nothing to fix it with!

 

Be Our Guest: Alexander Liang of Kenton Magazine

& ASC.

Today we hung out with Alexander Liang, entrepreneur, fashion editor and men’s style blogger. How does he do it? You’ll have to read below to get to know the man behind KENTON Magazine & Alexanderliang.com.

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What inspired you to start Alexanderliang.com?

A year and a half ago, I was posting some of the fashion pieces I was wearing and outfits of the day through the KENTON magazine social media channels. I noticed that there was an interest in what I was personally wearing, so I started a Tumblr to begin cataloging some of my looks. And as interest started picking up more, I decided to go big or go home and commit to a full style blog. I’ve also found that my blog has been a great outlet for me to share my travels.

How long Alexanderliang.com been around?

A year and a half. I would say the official start was October 2012.

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Most memorable moment of Alexanderliang.com?

I think the most memorable moment for the blog would have to be the first time someone came up to me and told me they were a fan of alexanderliang.com (and not a KENTON reader). It was from that moment that I realized that I was developing a new readership base and a group different from who I was connecting with through KENTON, which reassured me that a personal style blog was a good idea.

It’s no secret that you are also the founder and Editor-in-Chief of KENTON magazine. Tell us a bit about KENTON, your experience building the site and where it is today.

There’s definitely a lot I could say about KENTON! It’s been quite a roller coaster ride, building the site and essentially the brand from the ground up. Getting it to where it is today has taken years of hard work, dedication and passion. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with an amazing team of talented people, who have become like family. I think much of the spirit of KENTON comes from their energy and passion. I have met so many amazing people in the industry along the way as well and it’s these relationships that constantly remind me why I love doing what I do. KENTON is still very much in its early days and we’re not settling anytime soon. We recently launched a new web design and plan to continue developing the world of KENTON in the near future.

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We followed your fashion week travels closely. Between New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week which was your favourite?

New York Fashion Week is always my favourite. The energy, the people, the show production–it’s incredible! However, I did really enjoy London Fashion Week this season as well, for the innovation on the runways and some seriously chic street style spotting.

If someone told you that you need to pack up your bags and move tomorrow, where would you go and why?

I would probably go for an adventure and travel to someplace far and tropical. There are so many places I want to visit in my lifetime and I think a kick in the butt to get going out the door would be a sign to get traveling, ha!

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What is your must-have piece for summer and why? 

Mirror-lensed sunglasses. An absolute must-have.

Style icon of the moment?

I don’t really have a style icon. I like to take inspiration from the runways and what I see on the streets.

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Be Our Guest: Justine Iaboni of Jetset Justine

& ASC.

This week we chatted with Justine Iaboni of Jetset Justine to find out the story behind her new blog and her latest obsessions.

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What inspired you to start Jetset Justine? 

Well, as one of my followers said it best: “Whatever Eurotrash was about a journey, an aspiration, going somewhere. With Jetset Justine, you’ve arrived.”

After four years nurturing and evolving with my first fashion blog, Whatever Eurotrash, I thought it was time to re-brand and take my career to the next level. The inspiration to start Jetset Justine was to share my style, my writing and my whole outlook on life with my readers.

How long has Jestset Justine been around? 

Four months! She is still a baby.

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How did you come up with the name “Jestset Justine”?

I wanted to keep the spirit of Eurotrash alive with the new blog, but upgrade it to something a bit more sophisticated. Since the jet-set lifestyle is all about understated luxury, fashion and travel it stood out as the winner when my boyfriend and I were brainstorming new names for the blog. And the alliteration with my own name, Justine, made it just perfect.

What is your must-have piece for summer and why? 

This summer I cannot wait to get my hands on a white shirtdress. It was my favourite piece from the spring runway shows like Alexander Wang, Lacoste, Balenciaga, Nina Ricci – I fell in love with the idea of wearing a crisp shirt with some sort of ankle boot or Birkenstock.

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What kind of look are you going for this season?

I am trying to streamline my closet and simultaneously add more colour, prints and textures this season. Probably two opposing currents but such is the fate of those with an eclectic sense of style. I’m sure many woman can relate!

World MasterCard Fashion Week is quickly approaching. What shows are you most excited to see? 

I am most excited to see Farley Chatto, Pink Tartan, Matthew Gallagher, Sid Neigum, Vawk, Soia & Kyo, Rudsak and Mélissa Nepton, off the top of my head. I would say I’m most excited for Farley’s show as I’ve been lucky enough to get a sneak peek at his FW14 collection, and all I can say is that it is going to be absolutely spectacular.

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Style icon of the moment?

Oh dear, it’s like picking your favourite child. Of the moment, I’m going with Anna dello Russo.

Top three magazines or blogs you love to read?

The New Yorker, Refinery 29 and The Business of Fashion.

Who or what inspires you?

I would say Chiara Ferragni of The Blonde Salad inspires me. She is the first blogger I started following back in 2009 and her journey has been such a source of inspiration to keep going and proof that blogs can lead to incredible opportunities. She is a pioneer of the fashion blogging industry.

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Most memorable moment of Jetset Justine?

The most memorable moment of Jetset Justine was a few weeks ago. I arrived at the first event of fashion season here in Toronto, after a long period of hibernation, and all my friends and peers in the industry were there. I was taken aback by how many of them were excited for Jetset Justine, had been following my progress and were just so supportive of this new endeavour. It was an amazing feeling to get such a positive response from the people I respect the most.

Best advice you would give to an aspiring blogger? 

This is a business of constant rejection, I would say 90% of the time you’re getting rejected. It’s also a competitive business driven by comparison. Those two things can be devastating if you let them take hold of you. I have learned to be happy for others and at the same time, really try not to compare myself to others. The best advice I can give an aspiring blogger would be: Don’t take another person’s success as YOUR failure.

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All photo credits are Alexander Liang

Be Our Guest: Alyssa Lau of Ordinary People

& ASC.

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Meet Alyssa, a 22-year-old fashion lover, who evidently hates snow and cold weather but lives in Edmonton, Alberta. Today we caught up with the stylish young lady who was previously a  Forever21 and Schwarzkopf Professional  Brand Ambassador. Find out more about Alyssa below!

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What inspired you to start Ordinary People & how long has Ordinary People been around?

Other bloggers inspired my cousin and I to start Ordinary People, and now it’s been running for just more than two years!

 How did you come up with the name “Ordinary People“?

It’s really cheesy if you think about it, but we really believed that anyone from any corner of the world could become a fashion blogger.

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What is your secret to keeping warm in our subzero temperatures ? 

My must-have piece for keeping warm in our subzero temperatures is a ginormous black knit scarf.

 What’s the best part of living in Edmonton? Where are the best places to visit, sleep, shop and eat there when visiting?

There aren’t too many places to visit in Edmonton, but I guess West Edmonton Mall (since it’s famous for (once) being the biggest mall in the world) and Whyte Avenue are good places to start. Places to shop include Oak + Fort, Gravity Pope, Loft 82, Coup Boutique, Bamboo Ballroom, and I can’t think of anywhere else. And if you’re hungry, check out King Noodle for some Vietnamese grub, Ragazzi for Italian and Yiannis for Greek.

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What designers, photographers, decades or trends inspire you the most?

I don’t often find myself having the energy to pay attention to trends or designers. I get most of my inspiration from street style photos!

Most memorable moment of Ordinary People?

When I went to New York Fashion Week two seasons ago!

Style icon of the moment?

Kiko Mizuhara

Top three favourite places to shop? 

Gravity Pope, Loft 82, and Coup Boutique

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What are the blogs you both read on a regular basis that you would say inspire you?

Kastor and Pollux, Jean Greige, India Rose, How Two Live, Wolf Cub Chronicles, and so many more!

 True or false: blondes have more fun?

TRUE!!!

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Oscars 2014

& ASC.

In case you missed the red carpet last night, don’t sweat it. We were there live with Ellen (as evidenced by the #selfie below). You might remember us from that time we crashed Twitter.

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Best Dressed on the Oscars 2014 Red Carpet

Kate Hudson, the resident face of Ann Taylor campaigns, literally took our breath away in her silver Atelier Versace gown and Neil Lane gems.

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Naomi Watts, a presenter for the evening, wore a custom Calvin Klein Collection ice beaded cap sleeve dress designed by Francisco Costa, the brands’ Women’s Creative Director.

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Best Supporting Actress winner, Lupita Nyong’o, was a showstopper in her blue Prada gown and Fred Leighton headband and jewels.

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Kerry Washington (and her future child) introduced Pharrell’s live performance, for his Oscar-nominated song “Happy“, in her Jason Wu gown.

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Most gorgeous face of the night goes to the one and only Angelina Jolie, one half of the stunning Brangelina.
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Best couple to walk the red carpet goes to Jason Sudekis and Olivia Wilde, who are also expecting their first child together.

And finally, the best dressed man goes to the hombre with the best ombre, Jared Leto, who also just happened to nab the Best Supporting Actor prize at the top of the night.

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With that, we bid adieu to award season. Until next year!

Be Our Guest: Anik Lacasse of Montreal in Style

& ASC.

Anik Lacasse’s smart and edgy street style makes her one of our favourite Montreal influencers. We wanted to get to know her more, so we asked about her blog, style and city in this week’s Be Our Guest!

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What inspired you to start Montreal In Style and how long has Montreal In Style been around?

I started my blog to share my view of Montreal fashion with boutiques features, street styles, designer spotlights, beauty finds. Montreal is such a great fashion city, it deserved to be on the fashion blogging map. My blog turned four this past June (wow already!).

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How did you come up with the name “Montreal In Style”?

It is actually meant to be pronounced Montréal in Style, a combination of French and English, because I write in both languages, something that was important to me, in order to reach as many readers as I could.

What’s the best part about living in Montreal? Where are the best places to visit, sleep, shop and eat there when visiting?

Montreal is such an easy and fun city to live-in, full of life and there are so many great spots to try and visit. The Mile-End neighbourhood has such cute stores and cafes opening up, Unicorn boutique on Saint-Laurent is of course a favorite destination of mine. Old Montreal is a popular tourist destination, and I love Italian eatery Dolcetto & Co on Saint-Paul. Mme Lee on Ontario is a hot spot on Saturday night or Flyjin in the Old Montreal. I could go on and on, Montreal has so much to offer!

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What designers, photographers, decades or trends inspire you the most?

I prefer minimalist trends, and I’ll always go for black before a flashy color. I like Alexander Wang, Celine, Isabel Marant, Stella McCartney, Rag & Bone, Philip Lim.

Most memorable moment of Montreal In Style?

Winning the P&G Beauty&Grooming Award for Best Fashion or Beauty Blog in French two years in a row.

Style icon of the moment?

I have to say Alexa Chung and Erin Wasson. They have been style icons of mine for a long time.

Top 3 favourite places to shop? 

Unicorn for local designers, Zara for cool minimalist fashion and Forever 21 for those easy trendy pieces.

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What are the blogs you both read on a regular basis that you would say inspire you?

Style by Kling for cool minimalist style (I’m in awe of what she has achieved), Man Repeller for a good fashion laugh, and Because I’m Addicted, for inspiration pictures.

What is the best part of covering Montreal Fashion Week? Favourite look, designer or moment?

For Spring 2014, I loved what Melissa Nepton did with her chic sporty look and wearing Laruelle for his first MFW presentation. I always love going backstage and checking out the making of the beauty and hair looks.

Beauty trend or look you’re most into right now?

I’m all about burgundy lips and dark eyeliner, either purple or navy.

Be Our Guest: Laurelle Alexandra of Paint me Pretty

& ASC.

Meet Laurelle, makeup artist and aesthetician by day, beauty blogger by night. We caught up with this multi-talented beautician around all things beauty.

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What inspired you to start Paint Me Pretty and how long has your blog been around?

I have always had a love for the beauty industry. I am a professional makeup artist and aesthetician and I love sharing my passion and knowledge with others. I thought a blog would be a great way to share my passion with others. I just recently started my blog so it’s only been up and running since June 2013.

How did you come up with the name “Paint Me Pretty”?

I wanted to come up with a catchy name that would describe my blog in the best way. Since I specialize in makeup and nails I settled with the name “Paint Me Pretty”. You paint your nails and I’ve always thought of the face as a blank canvas for me to create my work of art.

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Do you have a “daytime job”? If so where is it?/what do you do?

I do have a day job. I work at a salon called ‘Jolie Beauty Bar’ at Avenue Road and Lawrence as a makeup artist and aesthetician. I specialize in nails and makeup.

What is in your makeup bag at all times?

My makeup bag always consists of the following:

  • One Love Organics Skin Savior
  • Make Up For Ever Face and Body Foundation
  • Benefits POREfessional
  • Cover FX Cream Foundation
  • Benefits Bronzer ‘Hoola’
  • Make Up For Ever HD Microfinishing Powder
  • Tarte Blush
  • Smashbox Brow Tech
  • Annabelle Black Khol Liner
  • Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara ‘Very Black’

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Hair product you don’t leave home without?

Kerastase Ciment Thermique

Do you have a beauty regimen? If so, what is it?

My beauty regimen consists of cleansing and moisturizing my face every night. I use One Love Organics ‘Easy Does It’ and ‘Skin Savior’. I always tone my face with LUSH’s Tea Tree Water Toner. Occasionally I will exfoliate my face with One Love Organics ‘Brand New Day’ as well as apply a mask. My favourites are LUSH’s Fresh Face Masks, Origins Charcoal Mask and Boscia Green Tea Mask. I also always apply moisturizer to my face in the mornings before I apply my makeup.

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If you were on a desert island and could only have one nail polish colour with you what would it be?

‘Every Month Is Oktober Fest’ by OPI (it’s a deep dark burgundy)

Essie or OPI?

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Lipstick colour of the season?

It’s a tie between MAC’s Russian Red and Diva.

What’s the one beauty myth you’d like to break?

The one beauty myth I would like to break is that Gel Polish, Acrylic and Gel Nails damages your nails.

Do you also want to be featured on our blog? We’re looking for more contributors! Email blog@asc-to.com.

2014 Grammy Awards

& ASC.

We love the Grammy Awards for the spectacular on-stage collaborations, high-wattage performances, and of course the outfits. The event is known for inspiring some of the most memorable red carpet looks ever (Lady Gaga’s egg, Jennifer Lopez’s down-to-there Versace, anyone?), but this year the best dressed ladies were all elegance.

Beyonce brought out Sasha Fierce in her on-stage bodysuit for her steamy duet with husband Jay Z, but later changed into a stunning Michael Costello sheer white creation.

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Ciara decorated her baby bump and glowing skin with shimmering Pucci.

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Rapper Iggy Azelea worked it (pun intended) in striking Elie Saab.

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Taylor Swift shon in her glistening Gucci gown.

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And finally, Chrissy Teigen showed off her Sports Illustrated-worthy curves in Johanna Johnson.

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Who was your pick for best dressed last night?

Cohon Report: Mustique

& ASC.

Happy 2014 everyone!

By now, if you’re like me, your winter getaway seems like an eternity ago… Coming home to a Polar Vortex, icy streets and the reality of the real world can quickly become all consuming.

While January has been quite a jump start into the New Year, the Cohon Clan escaped just moments before the ice storm struck!

Down in Mustique we spent a heavenly 2+ weeks at Villa Oceanus. Christmas in the Caribbean was filled with sun, sand and lots of fun. Spending time together as a family, making new friends and spending time with old friends was the perfect combination to make our getaway flawless.

Tennis, riding, snorkeling and (of course) eating were the main activities day in and day out.

Speaking of tennis… For those of you that have a passion for fashion, 8am on the courts was the place to be! I did my best to pay attention to my swing, while slightly awe struck with some of the US & UK’s top designers playing alongside. While I can’t name names, if you were watching the Golden Globes a couple weekends ago, each designer had numerous celebs wearing their duds!  If they only made activewear… oh wait… 3 of the 4 do…

I hope you enjoy a few snapshots of our family holiday and highly recommend that should your travels take you down south, Mustique is your final stop!

Cheers!
TBC

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2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards

& ASC.

The 20th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®  took place last Saturday at the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles, California. While the show itself had some memorable moments, some of our favourite stars shined the brightest on the red carpet.

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Emilia Clarke in Calvin Klein Collection

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Sandra Bullock in Lanvin

Deep Blue

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Amy Adams in Antonio Berardi

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Anna Gunn in a Monique Lhuillier

Mama to Be

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Kerry Washington in Prada

 

2014 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards

& ASC.

The 19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards held at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California had a red hot, right now red carpet last night.  Our favourite looks were all about sleek sophistication.

Onesie for the win: Margot Robbie in Elie Saab

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White Wonder: Lupita N’Yongo in Calvin Klein Collection

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Pretty in Pink: Amy Adams in Roland Mouret

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Green Goddess: Cate Blanchett in Lanvin

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Be Our Guest: Amy Flying A Kite

& ASC.

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Meet Amy Flying a Kite . We love her whimsical approach to style, photography and blogging. Find out more about her below!
What inspired you to start Amy Flying a Kite and how long has Amy Flying A Kite been around?

When I started my blog I was looking for a creative outlet. At the time I was homeschooling and in desperate need of sharing my voice with others. I thought blogging would be a good way of connecting to like minded people and getting heard. I started Amy Flying A Kite 5 years ago and never anticipated I’d be interesting enough to be interviewed!

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 How did you come up with the name “Amy Flying a Kite”?

When I went to make my blog, I typed in Flying A Kite. I don’t know where the name came from or how it arrived in my brain but I’m glad it did. I think it represents my hunger for freedom.

 Do you have a “daytime job”? If so, where is it/what do you do? 

My day time job is mostly blogging, playing banjo and occasionally taking pictures for people.

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What’s the best part about living in Calgary? Where do you recommend a visitor to eat, visit and sleep there? 

The best part about living in Calgary is all of the exploring you can do! You are only an hour or two away from the mountains and city life surrounds you. It is a wonderful city for the blended folks who like the best of both country and city living.

There are so many successful and unique restaurants in Calgary that picking one as a favorite is hard to do. If you like sushi, Fuji Yama on 17th is my favorite. For Vietnamese, Pho Huong Viet has the best selection and portion size. Other favorites include The Dove Nest for high tea, The Coup for vegetarian and Farm for all things delicious using fresh and local ingredients.

If you’re in town on the second Thursday of every month, visit the Telus Spark Science Centre for Adults Only Night. They open a cash bar, put on some music and provide fun interactive experiments for everyone. You can also visit exhibits like you would during regular hours, it is a blast!

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Top 3 favourite places to shop? 

Goodwill, Value Village, MCC Thrift.  A Vintage Affair sells great vintage pieces too.

Most memorable moment of Amy Flying a Kite?

When I was invited to New York to meet other fashion bloggers and be treated to four days of fun. Some of the other girls invited were the most creative and inspiring people I have ever met. We got to stay in the iconic Gramercy hotel and everyone treated us like royalty. I was the only Canadian girl and I’ve spent the last three years wishing I could go back.

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Style icon of the moment?

Mori girls! Not one specifically — I love them all!

 What are the blogs you both read on a regular basis that inspires you?
https://ohyeahmorigirl.tumblr.com/  https://www.cupcakesclothes.com/ https://www.xiaoxizhang.com/


Favourite current beauty look or trend?

Red lipstick is always on trend!

Favourite recipe or DIY project right now?

Making Floral Headbands.  All you need is a headband, hot glue and some pretty flower stems.
1. Cut the stems so the flower is just a petal.
2. Arrange the petals on the headband until you like the design.
3. Hot glue the petals to the headband and make sure to remove any excess glue before it dries.

4. Once its finished drying, you can walk around proudly with flowers in your hair!
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2014 Golden Globes

& ASC.

Last night the who’s who of Hollywood started off award season with a bang at the 2014 Golden Globes. Though there were a few misses on the carpet, there were a few stars who never seem to fail.

Olivia Wilde and Kerry Washington showed us that maternity style can be chic.

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Olivia Wilde in Gucci

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Kerry Washington in Balenciaga

Presenter Reese Witherspoon and winner Amy Adams were bold and beautiful in bright colour.

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Reese Witherspoon in Calvin Klein Collection

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Amy Adams in Valentino

Wolf of Wall Street star Margot Robbie and co-host extraordinaire Amy Poehler used black and white to show off their sexy curves.

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Margot Robbie in Gucci

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Amy Poehler in Stella McCartney

And last but not least, winner Cate Blanchett and nominee Lupita Nyong’o stole the show in their regal numbers.

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Cate Blanchett in Armani

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Lupita Nyong’o in Ralph Lauren

Who did you think wore it best at the 2014 Golden Globes?

2014 People’s Choice Awards

& ASC.

Award season has arrived and we don’t know about you, but we can’t wait to see what the 2014 red carpets have in store for us.  Last night, the People’s Choice Awards kicked off the 2014 award season in style.

Red Carpet Highlights

Hats off to co-host Beth Behrs who looked fierce in  her white and black Giulietta dress.

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Naya Rivera channeled her inner Kim Kardashian with her new blonde locks and Michael Kors dress

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Allison Williams can do no wrong. The Girls star looked gorgeous in her cobalt blue belted David Koma dress. We can’t wait for the show’s season three premiere this weekend.

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Award Highlights

Favourite Album: The 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake (Psst – we totally went to that concert and we can’t lie it was AWESOME)

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Brit Brit’s still got it as she took home the award for Favourite Pop Artist

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Favourite Competition TV Show: The Voice

Favourite Streaming Series: Orange Is the New Black

So many winners, so little time! For a complete list of winners visit:

https://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/

Be Our Guest: Melanie Morais of Born Lippy Style

& Be Our Guest.

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For our first Be Our Guest of the year, we chatted with Melanie Morais of Born Lippy Style about what it’s like to live in Alberta, her style inspirations and the meaning behind her unique blog name.
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What inspired you to start Born Lippy Style and how long has your blog been around?

I started my blog as a creative outlet and hobby when I first moved from Ontario to Alberta. I moved to a very small town for my boyfriend who had started a job a year prior. What I realized from the first couple days here was that there was next to zero inspiration for me fashion wise. I have always been fashion oriented and I thought it would be a fun way to pass time. I also wanted to showcase that style can exist no matter how small the town. Little did I know, blogging would become something that has gotten me through the difficult transition of moving as well as being away from my friends and family.  I’m proud to say my blog has recently passed the two year mark!

How did you come up with the name “Born Lippy Style”?

That’s quite a funny story. When I first decided to start a blog it took me forever to try and decide what I wanted to call it. I didn’t want it to be a typical name and for some reason I thought of my old email when I was younger. I called it Born Lippy because it was one of my favourite lip gloss names and my friends always thought of me when they saw it or smelt it. It also has to do with my personality; I’m a very social person and always like to express my opinions. I thought about changing it a while back but I think it sets me apart from a lot of typical blog names.

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Do you have a “daytime job”? If so, where is it/what do you do?
I am currently taking some time off for myself in the job department. I worked for two years as an Office Administrator doing a bit of everything for a small company. My boyfriend and I will be moving to Calgary in January and I decided to take some time off since what I was doing wasn’t really my passion. With the time off, I will be able to go home for a little bit and have the time to look for jobs and a new place in Calgary. I’m trained in Human Resources and since I live in a small town the options for that field are very limited or nonexistent. I’m looking forward to living in a big city with more opportunities. I’m hoping for something in talent and recruitment since I love speaking to others.

What’s the best part about living in Alberta?
Alberta has been quite the transition for me from Ontario. It’s SO different in so many ways but I will have to say that Alberta has some beautiful scenery. I live really close to Jasper so it’s just nice to leave the phone behind and experience the amazing mountains. I’ve seen them countless times but they still take my breath away as cheesy as that sounds.
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Top 3 favourite places to shop? 

I can find something in just about everywhere but the stores I frequent most often are Gap, H&M and Zara. Oh and I’m breaking the 3 store rule, but I have quite the obsession with Joe Fresh.

If we can to visit you for a day where would you take us and why?

My town would take about 5 minutes to get through the whole thing ha-ha, but I would definitely take you guys on a road trip to Jasper. It’s about an hour and a half away from me and it’s such a cute little town with some gorgeous scenery. I’d also take you to a great restaurant I love there! Fabulous scenery and dinner… What’s not to love?

 

 

Style icon of the moment?
I absolutely love Jessica Alba’s style as well as Lily Collins. They both wear fun, fearless items and I really respect them for that. Not to mention, they are also super gorgeous. I look to them for hair and makeup inspiration as well.

What are the blogs you both read on a regular basis that inspire you?
I really love Mara from M Loves M as well as Veronica from Bittersweet Colours. I would love to go through their closets! Both ladies have great style. I’m always in awe!
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Do you have a beauty resolution for 2014?
I’ve been trying to be more adventurous in the beauty department lately. I’m not much of an expert when it comes to makeup but I really want to start wearing darker lipsticks. There’s something so sexy about it for winter. I always admire those that pull it off so well.
You mentioned you’ll be in Toronto in the coming weeks – what are you most looking forward to?
I am beyond excited to be in Toronto for the next few weeks. I’m most looking forward to walking around and exploring what the city has to offer. I’ve been pretty deprived of city life so I’m taking as much of it in as I can. I have tons of friends there and it’s such a super fast train ride from home into the city for me. Restaurants, shopping, and the culture. I’m just so excited!

Want to Be Our Guest? We’re looking for new contributors in 2014! Email us at blog@asc-to.com

Holiday DIYs with Julie Ross

& Be Our Guest, Lifestyle.

The holiday season has arrived and with only nine days left until Christmas, we turned to DIY-extraordinaire Julie Ross of thelifeofacupcake.com for home made holiday gift ideas that are bound to make anyone smile!

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No really, I am Christmas’ biggest fan. Not only do I get to spend time with all of the people that I love so much, but I also have the chance to shower them with presents, treats and homemade goodies.

I admit that I tend to go a bit overboard when it comes to gifts (okay fine, A LOT overboard!). Something I have learned over the years is that all the little things we buy for gifts can really add up. So I have gotten a lot better at making my own little gifts for co-workers, friends and even family members as an extra little treat!
Today I will teach you how to make two of the easiest, cheapest and cutest Christmas DIYs.
  • Candy Cane Epsom Salts
  • Chocolate & Candy Cane Lollies

IMG_8680First up, we have the Candy Cane Espsom Salts! This year was the first time I tried making these babies. They are very easy to make, and in the end it’s how you package them that is truly “the icing on the cake.” I find these to be really great as little gifts for co-workers and friends, or even as a hostess gift at your next holiday party!

What you need:
– Epsom salts
– Baking soda
– Essential oil
– Mason jar
– Gift bag
– Ribbon
– Tag
What you do:
Put two cups of Epsom salts in a large bowl, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and then 4-5 drops of essential oil (I used peppermint essential out because I think it’s best for the season!) stir around until set, and pour in to mason jars.
The mason jars could be decorated in so many ways, but I kept this one pretty simple. Cover the lid with Christmas washi tape, place in a plastic goodie bag, wrap twine around the top to close and finish with a heart shaped tag. Decorate it how you see fit!
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IMG_8516-1Next up, we have Chocolate & Candy Cane Lollies! I love these because they are just so easy and fun to make–not to mention as cute-as-can-be! I’ve used these as Christmas favours for my parties, and also to go with Christmas cards for co-workers, friends, etc.
What you need:
– Two large bars of chocolate (your choice, something good to melt)
– Crushed candy cane (yes, you can get it already crushed at Bulk Barn)
– Lollipop sticks
– Lollipop molds
– Cellophane
– Ribbon
– Tag
What you do:
Melt chocolate pieces in microwave or on stove. Keep a very close eye because chocolate melts very quickly and needs to be tended to. Put lollipop sticks at bottom of mold, and then sprinkle the crushed candy cane in the heart (or whatever shape). Once chocolate is melted, fill the mold. Put lollies in the fridge to cool. It is best to do it overnight or for a few hours. Once hearts are formed on the stick, wrap them in some pretty cellophane and put some ribbon around it.
And voilà! Speedy and thoughtful gifts for all the special people on your list.

Be Our Guest: Jessica Desjardins of BeautEzine

& Be Our Guest.

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Beautezine is one Canada’s leading beauty blogs. Founder and editor Jessica Desjardins knows her beauty inside and out, so we asked her to share a bit of her knowledge for this week’s Be Our Guest.
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What inspired you to start Beautezine and how long has Beautezine been around?
I had been blogging for a little while, but I really wanted to do something different in the beauty blog world. I always like getting creative, and I had this idea to combine the visual appeal of a magazine with the daily format of a blog, so I took about 3 months to develop the concept and the site before launching it. I launched Beautezine on January 1, 2011… but it has definitely evolved since then!

How did you come up with the name “BeautEzine“?
I came up with the name by a little play on words, “Beauty” and “e-zine” (as in e-magazine). I squished them together to create Beautezine!

Do you have a “daytime job”? If so, where is it/what do you do?
Beautezine is my day job and it has been for about one and a half years now! It was very scary but exciting to quit my job, but I haven’t ever looked back and it feels great to love what I do every single day (it did start out as a hobby in the first place)

What is in your makeup bag at all times?
Way too much! Haha! I’ve always got some sort of foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, brow product, eyelash curler, mascara, eyeliner, blush, lipstick and lipbalm at all times. As I’m testing new products and finding new favourites, things in my makeup bag tend to swap out, but for the most part I always have those products in there.
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Hair product you don’t leave home without?
Hairspray! It’s the one product I use religiously! Just like my makeup, I tend to switch which one I’m using from day to day, but I don’t feel ‘complete’ without finishing off with hairspray (extra strong hold, please)!

Do you have a beauty regimen? If so, what is it? 
I do, but it’s probably not as crazy as most people think! I’m very simple with skincare, because my skin is so sensitive and it goes crazy when I use too many things. I usually cleanse with some gentle cleansing water and apply a light moisturizer afterwards. If it’s bedtime, I’ll use a serum before that, and an eye cream as well.  I always wear perfume, even if I don’t wear any makeup… I just find it really lifts my mood! My makeup usually consists of whatever I’m testing that day, and if there’s nothing to test or I give myself a day off, I’ll either go with a very basic look or nothing at all!  My makeup regimen basically revolves around testing products so I can review them… so it changes daily!

Most memorable moment of BeautEzine?
Getting thrown into New York Fashion Week three days before it started. I went to NYC all alone (it was also my first time in the city, by the way) and stayed for 9 days. It was one of the most amazing and terrifying experiences I’ve ever had!
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Essi or OPI?
That’s a tough one… I love Essie’s unique colors, but OPI has had my heart for a long time. I love the

formula and the extra-wide brush makes it so easy to apply!


Lipstick colour of the season?
This season, lipstick is getting quite vampy! Deep wine shades are super popular for fall, and while it takes a little courage to wear them, you’ve never felt more powerful than when you do!

What’s the best part about living in Ottawa? Where are the best places to visit, sleep, shop and eat there when visiting?
Ottawa is a such a beautiful city!  The market is always so lively, especially in the summer, and if you come in the winter you have to go skating on the Rideau Canal and get a beavertail! One of my favourite places to eat is called Benny’s Bistro- it’s this small little Parisian cafe in the back of The French Baker (this baker does the best macarons in Ottawa, by the way). Their brunch is absolutely incredible! Even though I’m moving to Toronto at the end of the month, I’m going to miss Ottawa and I’ll always look forward to coming back!

What’s the one beauty myth you’d like to break?
That you shouldn’t wear blush if you have redness in your skin or rosacea. I think every woman looks better with a little blush on!  If you feel like you have too much redness in your cheeks already, use a little corrector or foundation to tone it down, but bring back a healthy glow (in the right spots) with a little blush and it will do wonders for your complexion!

Career Girl Q&A: Muriel Alexander

& ASC.

Muriel Alexander
Meet Muriel, one of our dynamic account managers. She has such a diverse background, we like to joke around that she has lived at least nine lives. Did you know she once hung out with Diddy, lived in Spain, led a circus through the Middle East, sings in a choir and speaks conversational Japanese? Find out more about this fascinating lady below!

Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I attended the University of Toronto where I studied Spanish and Italian

How did you decide to pursue a career in Public Relations? 

The industry, pace of the business and the diversity of daily activities appealed to me.

Where was your first job and how did you get it?
A boutique fashion PR agency in NYC. I took a  fashion PR course in New York and befriended one of the guest speakers in my class, which led to getting a job at her PR agency.

How did it lead you to your current position?
I started as an Office Manager at that agency and over the course of 4 years I grew my skills and knowledge. When I returned to Toronto, I searched for a role where I felt I could contribute and grow professionally, so here I am!

Tell us a bit about your time working in NYC. Where did you work, how did you get the job, etc?
The agency was in Chelsea (in Manhattan) called The Bromley Group. I had four roles during my four years there, so for the first two it was primarily in office. I traveled quite a bit to Spain and Italy in the last two.

What should every PR girl have at her desk?
A glass of water and an iPhone. Sometimes you don’t leave your desk for long stretches of time so it’s important to take care of yourself, while staying connected, and multitask of course!

What is the best advice you would give to individuals aspiring to get into PR?
Embrace every opportunity/challenge. You will not only be more marketable by gaining experience in a diverse set of areas, but also grow your skill set. Once you figure out what you like, you can start focusing your career in a direction that genuinely excites you and keeps you engaged. You are more creative and do your best work when you are inspired and having fun with what you are doing.

Get to know the CAFA Jury Members: Part 5

& Fashion.

Jeremy Freed – Jury Member

B-Insider-Sharp-26808-670x446Editor-in-chief Jeremy Freed has been with Sharp Magazine since its launch in 2008. Beginning his career as a successful freelancer for Toronto Life, Los Angeles Magazine, and National Public Radio, Jeremy had ambitions to one day write for a the likes of Esquire or GQ. “I had never imagined that I’d get the opportunity to build a great men’s magazine from the ground up. It’s been an incredibly satisfying journey so far,” says Freed.

As head of Canada’s premier men’s fashion and lifestyle guide, Jeremy plans to continue growing the Sharp brand across Canada and help Canadian men dress better.

CAFA: In your opinion, what sets Canadian fashion apart on a global scale?

JF: We have a really unique mix of cultures in Canada. It makes for a sensibility that is hard to describe but it inspires our designers to be chameleon-like in their approach to fashion. Since inspiration is coming from so many places and times – past, present and future – it makes it very difficult to pin down!

CAFA: The Canadian Art and Fashion Awards were named to highlight the artful nature of fashion as a craft. What does the concept of “fashion as art” mean to you

JF: Fashion is so unique in that regard. It combines elements of art and elements of utility in a way that feels more like industrial design than fine art to me, especially with regard to men’s fashion. Men seem much more concerned with utility. Generally a piece has to be functional, built to last, and beautiful. It’s such a cool combination of craftsmanship—from the designers who dream up the ideas, to the people who weave the fabrics, to the tailors and shoemakers who put them together. There is so much tradition, refinement, and specialized knowledge there—things that are becoming so rare these days. When I look at a tweed blazer, or a pair of beautiful calfskin boots, I’m seeing something that is worthy of display in a gallery, yet that also serves the purpose of elevating its wearer, which is truly unique to fashion.

CAFA: From your perspective, what has been the most prominent change you’ve observed in the evolution of fashion in Canada? What do you predict for the future of Canada as a global contender in the international fashion scene?

JF: The luxury segment in Canada has seen incredible changes over the last decade. There are so many top-level international brands investing and doing business here, and it seems more are arriving every day. I think this reflects Canada coming into its own as a truly global society, with a robust economy and vibrant cultural scene to rival just about any other in the world. Canadians care more about fashion than ever, and fashion is taking notice. It’s quite exciting to see these brands finally available here.

CAFA: What excites you most about CAFA as a national initiative?

JF: There are so many talented people on board, all committed to joining forces and elevating Canada and Canadian fashion to a global level—that’s really exciting to me. As someone who works hard every day to create a Canadian product that can compete with the best examples in the world, I innately understand how important it is to honour the people in this industry who are doing the same thing successfully.

By: Alexandra Thais Serrano
aserrano@cafawards.ca

 

Read more at: https://www.cafawards.ca

Get to know the CAFA Jury Members: Part 4

& Fashion.

Noreen Flanagan – Jury Member

Noreen Flanagan has been with ELLE Canada since its second issue back in 2001 and has been Editor-in-Chief since April 2010. Prior to that, Noreen worked at Flare magazine as a senior editor. She possesses a creative vision characterized by its refreshing approachability, sharp intellectualism, and an innovative aesthetic which has earned her widespread recognition as one of the Canadian fashion world’s most respected individuals.

 

CAFA: From your perspective, what has been the most prominent change you’ve observed in the evolution of fashion in Canada?

NF: There is a growing sense of confidence amongst the designers as well as a heightened desire from consumers and retailers to support Canadian talent.

CAFA: What do you think sets Canadian fashion designers apart on a global scale?

NF: We live in such connected times that it’s difficult to cultivate distinctive influences and identities. Any designer, regardless of where he or she lives, has to have the talent, courage, and financial backing to make it in this industry. A dose of good fortune also helps. That said, I do believe that our culture and climate does influence our aesthetic leanings. We’re not as moody, intellectual or angst-ridden as the Belgians, but there is an introspective, quietly confident sensibility that reflects our national character.

CAFA: What do you predict for the future of Canada as a global contender in the international fashion scene?

NF: I don’t imagine the Canadian fashion industry will ever be a significant global contender because our market is simply too small. I don’t even think we should set that as a realistic goal. I do, however, see the potential for more of our designers to establish international reputations and followings because of their talent, the quality of their work and their personalities.

CAFA: The Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards were named to highlight the artful nature of fashion as a craft. What does the concept of “fashion as art” mean to you?

NF: I’ll defer to Miuccia Prada here: In the Met exhibition “Schiaparelli & Prada: Impossible Conversations,” the two noted designers were debating this exact point. Schiaparelli tells Miuccia that, after chatting with her, she now believes fashion is art even though Miuccia begs to differ. “I always said, for me, fashion is not art,” she said, later adding: “Fashion is art, fashion is not art. But at the end, who cares?” I feel the same way. Branding it as an art form doesn’t lend it an added gravitas. For me, fashion can be inspired, evocative, transgressive and artful; in other words, immensely meaningful and influential on its own.

CAFA: What advice would you give to aspiring young fashion professionals?

NF: Drive, curiosity, authenticity and humility. If you have those attributes, you’ll be in good stead.

CAFA: What excites you most about CAFA as a national initiative?

NF: I think it’s a powerful platform to raise awareness and generate genuine interest and support for Canadian designers. In other countries, such as Britain and the US, these national awards have become respected arbiters of top designer talent, as well as astute forecasters for the ones to watch.

By: Alexandra Thais Serrano
aserrano@cafawards.ca

Read more at: https://www.cafawards.ca

Get to know the CAFA Jury Members: Part 3

& Fashion.

Tiyana Grulovic – Jury Member

TiyanaFITiyana Grulovic’s journalistic excellence has earned her national acclaim in the Canadian fashion community. Prior to her current role as Fashion Director at Flare, Tiyana sat at the creative helm of The Globe and Mail’s fashion section from 2008 to 2013, where she shaped the aesthetic and tone of the fashion content into an ambitious paper-wide redesign, and won a National Magazine Award for her work on Globe Style Advisor.

As The Globe and Mail’s Fashion Editor, Tiyana conceptualized and produced fashion and trend stories, styled editorials, worked with both established and up-and-coming photographers across Canada and in the U.S., and covered fashion week in New York. She has interviewed some of the fashion industry’s most prominent personalities such as Victoria Beckham, Derek Lam, Margherita Missoni, and was the first journalist to speak to Reed Krakoff after he announced his departure from Coach.

CAFA: From your perspective, what has been the most prominent change you’ve observed in the evolution of fashion in Canada?

TG: There has been such a creative rush from Canadian talent – be they photographers, designers, stylists or image makers – both here and abroad. I attribute that to a national work ethic and business savvy that is paying off. We’re a creative bunch but we’re also pragmatic, hard working, and best of all, kind.

CAFA: What do you predict for the future of Canada as a global contender in the international fashion scene?

TG: We still have a long way to go to become contenders on the international scene, largely because of funding and recognition issues, but CAFA is a move forward in gaining that recognition.

CAFA: The Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards were named to highlight the artful nature of fashion as a craft. What does the concept of “fashion as art” mean to you?

TG: Fashion is commercial art! It’s an art form to make things that people love enough to buy, again and again. And it’s an art form to make such a strong image be associated with a specific name and label.

CAFA: What are some of the challenges (if any) that you’ve faced as a Canadian in the fashion industry and what advice would you give to aspiring young fashion professionals?

TG: Absorb everything you can from the people you work with or for.

CAFA: What excites you most about CAFA as a national initiative?

TG: That it serves to highlight the talent in this country and unite the fashion community across Canada.

By: Alexandra Thais Serrano
aserrano@cafawards.ca

Read more at: https://www.cafawards.ca

Get to know the CAFA Jury Members: Part 2

& Fashion.

Susan Langdon – Jury Member

Susan-252x300During a career that has spanned over 30 years, Susan Langdon has demonstrated the kind of enthusiasm and devotion to the fashion industry that has garnered constant recognition.

A native Torontonian, Susan graduated from the Fashion Design program at Ryerson University in 1977. Throughout a fulfilling 17-year career in fashion design, Susan received a number of prestigious design awards including the Concours Design Award and the Woolmark Award of Distinction.

In 1994, Susan’s strong interpersonal skills and leadership qualities, coupled with a comprehensive knowledge of the fashion industry and previous teaching experience, led her to her current position as Executive Director of the Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI).

Her dedication to the Incubator and efforts to nurture, support and promote new, up-coming design talent has assisted in launching the careers of many now-known Canadian designers. She has generated media coverage from Toronto, New York, Dusseldorf, Dublin and Cape Town which has raised the profile of the TFI and heightened international awareness of Toronto’s vibrant design community.

CAFA: From your perspective, what has been the most prominent change you’ve observed in the evolution of fashion in Canada? What do you predict for the future of Canada as a global contender in the international fashion scene?

SL: Having worked in fashion for over 30 years, it has been amazing to witness the exponential growth of the industry. I think the catalyst was, and continues to be, the influx of fashion media starting with Fashion Television, Fashion File and later, shows such as Project Runway and Fashion Star, which brought fashion design and all of its glamour to the masses.

Ryerson and Sheridan were the only post-secondary schools in the GTA that offered fashion education (now there are five) and there were probably only two dozen top Canadian designers based primarily in Toronto and Montreal. Now, there are countless numbers of talented designers located across the country in emerging fashion centres such as Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Halifax. Canadian fashion designers are known worldwide for offering excellent quality mixed with European-influenced design and North American practicality.

Canada is already earning a reputation as a great place to set up shop and I see this trend continuing. The strong Canadian economy and our apparently insatiable appetite for shopping will lure many more fashion retailers from the US and abroad to our country. I can only hope that the current movement towards ethical product sourcing and locally-made goods will continue and that it will encourage retailers to buy Canadian. If this happens, it would have a very positive economic impact on the Canadian fashion scene.

CAFA: The Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards were named to highlight the artful nature of fashion as a craft. What does the concept of “fashion as art” mean to you?

SL: When I think of “Fashion as Art”, I think of clothing and accessories that go beyond the basic. It’s not the little black dress; it’s the LBD 2.0 that someone has designed with great consideration to cut, texture and innovation. When a designer captures that perfect blend, fashion truly becomes art and it’s exciting and exhilarating.

CAFA: What are some of the challenges (if any) that you’ve faced as a Canadian in the fashion industry and what advice would you give to aspiring young fashion professionals?

SL: If you want to succeed in business, whether it’s fashion or any other industry, you need to love what you do. If you love what you do, you’ll be passionate about it and that passion will help you to succeed. It will drive your ambition, it will make you problem-solve outside of the box, it will inspire others and it will lead you to achieve your dreams.

CAFA: What excites you most about CAFA as a national initiative?

SL: I’m excited to support CAFA as we are long overdue for a prestigious, national awards platform for fashion in Canada. Our best talents need to be recognized, applauded and rewarded because when individuals succeed, so does our entire industry.

By: Alexandra Thais Serrano
aserrano@cafawards.ca

Read more at: https://www.cafawards.ca

Be Our Guest: Danielle Roche and Bianca Venerayan of Kastor of Pollux

& Be Our Guest.

We love Kastor & Pollux’s quirky style and fun take on fashion blogging, so we chatted with them for this week’s Be Our Guest. With backgrounds in graphic design, editorial and fashion, both Danielle and Bianca have so much to share about their unique outlet.

imageWhat inspired you to start Kastor & Pollux and how long has Kastor & Pollux been around?

We started an online vintage shop in 2008 – and after tiring of it’s juvenile aesthetic and creatively stifling parameters, we decided to shut down and start fresh with Kastor & Pollux in April 2011.

Kastor & Pollux is a webshop specializing in handmade clothing and jewelry, and attached to that is our personal style blog in which we share cross-coordinated outfits and witty quips about the weather. Collectively, it gives us the opportunity to put our extensive list of fostered skills to good use, creatively and sartorially satisfying ourselves, and putting some money in our usually empty pockets in the process.

How did you come up with the name “Kastor & Pollux”?

When we met in 2008, we looked nearly identical and were labelled “twins” by our peers. It’s important to note that this was before Dani’s growth spurt (so we were both the same height), and before our introduction to bleach/razor (so had natural black hair with a layered & side bang-ed ‘do). Though the “twin” label is no longer applicable, we wanted to play off the idea that we were “twins” without explicitly labeling ourselves the AZN OLSENS. We decided to go the mythological route, penning our brand after the Gemini twins Castor & Pollux – stylized Kastor & Pollux because we liked how the ‘K’ looked typographically, of course.

What is your must-have piece for fall? What kind of look are you going for this season?

Our must-have piece for fall is a statement jacket. We love anything with an all-over print or a fun graphic, because they’re easy to just throw on and upgrade a plain Jane outfit.

imageHow was your experience at NYFW? What was your favourite moment, show or look?

It was our second NYFW – so the glitz and glamour of the debacle kind of wore off for us. Regardless we had a lot of fun (when we weren’t working), and got to catch up with a lot of our American friends!

What designers, photographers, decades or trends inspire you the most?

We discovered the magic of Steven Alan this past NYFW. We think it’s safe to say we’d wear his pieces head-to-toe if we could; the collections and the styling (especially in Spring 2014) are the perfect combination of preppy and quirky. As for decades, we love pulling ideas from the 60’s. Pixie haircuts, shift silhouettes, and unconventional colour blocking are always good in our books.

Most memorable moment of Kastor & Pollux?

As corny as it sounds, we try to make every day we’re working together a memorable day! One of our favourite parts about our job, though, is our constant ability to connect with like-minded creative types – bring Internet friendships to real-life fruition!

Style icon of the moment?

Street style savants Michelle Harper and Miroslava Duma.

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Top 3 favourite places to shop? 

We’re always frequenting high street stores, but above everything else, we’ve always gravitated towards thrifted pieces and vintage stores.

What are the blogs you both read on a regular basis that you would say inspire you?

Man Repeller! Leandra’s funny and intelligent and fun, and we want to be her when we grow up.

imageWhat is your favourite part about working together?

The better question is, who wouldn’t want to work on an endless roster of self-gratifying projects with their best friend?!

Why did you decide to partner with Forever 21 for their online influencer program?

Forever 21 is one ofthe biggest fashion companies of our generation; we can’t deny its influence on girls our age and younger. We’re honored to be a part of Forever 21’s culture, and can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve got planned for the next few months!

Get to know the CAFA Jury Members: Part 1

& Fashion.

Hans Koechling – Jury Member

bio_pic2-200x300

Hans Koechling is a leader in the production and direction of outstanding fashion events and is at the forefront of the Canadian fashion scene. His company The Image is … produces fashion events for luxury brands and designers from Toronto to Berlin, Montreal to Milan, and New York to Shanghai. His extensive knowledge and expertise in a constantly evolving global fashion world is widely recognised in the fashion industry.

Hans’ portfolio includes international fashion houses such as CHANEL, HUGO BOSS, ESCADA, DIANE VON FURSTENBERG, PORTS 1961, ROMONA KEVEZA, TOMMY HILFIGER and WONDERBRA, and renowned Canadian retailers including HOLT RENFREW, HARRY ROSEN, THE BAY, JOE FRESH STYLE, KORHANI Home, RUDSAK, MARK’S and BIRKS & MAYORS.

Hans has produced several high profile fashion shows with Quebec and Canadian designers at Montreal Fashion Week as well as World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto, including IMG’S Mercedes-Benz Start Up Canada program, and has successfully launched designers at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, Miami and Berlin.

He has also produced highly acclaimed fashion shows with Suzanne Rogers – presents: Oscar de la Renta and Marchesa, as well as FASHION TELEVISON & CTV’S television specials “red carpet meets the runway” shows for VALENTINO and DSQUARED2.

CAFA is honored to have Hans Koechling as a member of our inaugural jury. In the following interview he shares his thoughts on the future of the Canadian fashion industry along with some personal advice to young Canadian designers.

CAFA: From your perspective, what has been the most prominent change you’ve observed in the evolution of fashion in Canada? What do you predict for the future of Canada as a global contender in the international fashion scene?

HK: Canada is a country where talented designers are continually being discovered. However, few are household names or widely available to the Canadian consumer. Through shows like Fashion Television and Fashion File, and more recently through Toronto Fashion Week and professional social media coverage, we are beginning to see an exponentially relevant impact. Increased exposure of Canadian designers —through branding and marketing internationally— is the key to global interest for Canadian talent. Fashion today moves much faster, and Canadian designers must keep up by traveling to fashion capitals such as New York, Paris, Milan, Berlin and Shanghai. This will allow them to build larger followings, exchange ideas, meet buyers, and create new relationships beyond the confines of the Canadian market.

CAFA: The Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards were named to highlight the artful nature of fashion . What does the concept of “fashion as art” mean to you?

HK: Fashion is art, yet as we all know, couture is fabulous but not always practical in our daily lives. The absolute inspiration and translation to ready to wear is the art of fashion. After all, fashion thrives through blooming business.

CAFA: What are some of the challenges (if any) that you’ve faced as a Canadian in the fashion industry and what advice would you give to aspiring young fashion professionals?

HK: It’s a great time to be a young designer, as the global fashion industry is easily accessible through the magic of the internet. Young professionals need to surround themselves with the right fashion mentors and business advisors in order to succeed. Know your consumer! Having a great collection does not guarantee success and sales, you must have the right entourage of professionals to optimize marketing potential.

CAFA: What excites you most about CAFA as national initiative?

HK: It’s about time, Canada! Having worked in the industry for over 15 years, I have always hoped that the Canadian fashion scene would unite to celebrate their place. Canadian creative’s should be proud – borders and politics aside. Our nation is a strong united force; and these awards will champion our internal talent so that we can continue to shine brighter in other parts of the world.

By: Alexandra Thais Serrano
a.serrano@cafawards.ca

Read more at: https://www.cafawards.ca

Be Our Guest: Karon Liu Of The Grid

& Be Our Guest.

For this week’s Be Our Guest we interviewed busy (and hungry) food writer for The Grid, Karon Liu. Every Thursday we salivate over his latest news and reviews, so we thought, why not ask him about the experiences behind those stories?

What made you want to become a food writer? How long have you been at The Grid? Did you write about food before you landed your current gig?

I graduated with a journalism degree from Ryerson University and had some experience with general assignment reporting (crime, city hall, etc.) at newspapers. I fell into food writing when I started as an intern at Toronto Life in 2008. The web editors just started a food blog called The Dish and I elbowed my way in there with zero knowledge of Toronto’s food scene but I was eager to learn. I had a lot of fun with it and stayed on as a freelancer for about a year-and-a-half before I got hired at The Grid in 2010 as a staff food writer.

What is your favourite food trend in Toronto right now? Least favourite?

Restaurants are taking a more easy-going approach in that a lot of newer places aren’t cranking up the music as loud or making it seem like a place that’ll only serve tattooed people under 35. The whole movement away from fine-dining’s table linens and silverware got a bit out of hand and it went from stuffy to sloppy. Lately there are a lot of places where the staff uphold standards of a fancy restaurant but in a casual, neighbourhood friendly setting. Least favourite trend? So-so barbecue.

imageWhat has been your best experience at a Toronto restaurant so far? Either for a column or not.

It’s hard to single out one experience as the best but I always have a great time at Edulis. The service is warm and attentive, the food is magnificent, and the plates come at a pace that doesn’t make me feel rushed or wondering when the hell the next course is coming. It’s also in a neighbourhood area that’s just off the King West strip, and the dining room decorated like someone’s house. It’s just a really comfortable but elegant experience. I also like ordering the lettuce wraps at Chantecler at the end of a stressful week. Walk in, take a seat at the bar, order a cocktail, and for $21 you get a platter of food enough for two.

What is your favourite comfort food? Favourite greasy spoon or best place for late night eats in Toronto?

Macaroni soup with spam is a very distinct Hong Kong breakfast item that I make whenever I’m sick or jetlagged. It’s a pretty trashy dish that’s basically macaroni cooked in chicken broth seasoned with soy sauce then topped with a slice of seared spam and fried egg on top. It’s something I’ve been eating as long as I could remember. There aren’t a lot of diners where I am in North York. Instead I get my late-night congee and beef brisket rice fix atCongee Queen near Lawrence E and Leslie, which is open till midnight. I also go for bubble tea at Go For Tea in Markham, which is open till 3am. I don’t particularly enjoy bubble tea, which is essentially sugar water, but my best friend from junior high and I have been making it a monthly ritual for years.

Do you consider yourself a good cook? What is your favourite dish to make?

All food writers should have some fundamental kitchen skills if they’re going to analyze other people’s cooking. Through my job of talking to chefs and breaking down restaurant dishes, I learned a lot about ingredient pairings, blending spices, cooking techniques, regional cuisines, and how to make a lot of this stuff at home. I consider myself a stronger baker than savoury cook and I have a notebook filled with recipes like green tea shortbreads, dark chocolate-orange brownies, and scones. But cookies are my favourite thing to make. Once you perfect a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe that you can practically make while blindfolded, you can experiment with whatever you want. I have variations like espresso-chocolate, apple-cinnamon-walnut, and peanut butter-pretzel with butterscotch drizzle.

imageThoughts on the crookie vs. cronut?
I think the world can accommodate more than one hybrid croissanty thing. The Crookie actually originated from a challenge we gave Clafouti owner Olivier Jansen-Reynaud for a feature in The Grid in June. He was one of four pastry chefs we asked to create a new dessert by mashing up two existing ones, and he chose to combine an Oreo and his croissants. I’ve only eaten the Crookie and I never had Dominique Ansel’s Cronut. I’m sure the Cronut is good but I’m not going to line up two hours for a pastry. I actually read in an interview with Fox News that Ansel wanted to try the Crookie, so it’s cool that Jansen-Reynaud got so much worldwide attention for it.

https://www.thegridto.com/life/food-drink/double-bake/

There always seems to be a new restaurant opening or food trend in Toronto, and with restaurants often refusing to take reservations, it can seem overwhelming. What are your best tips for the Toronto newbie diving into the food scene?

If one restaurant doesn’t take reservations, accommodate a dietary restriction, or seats large parties, the next restaurant down the street will and probably has just as good food. Relax. Going out to eat should be a treat and not a harrowing ordeal. If a new restaurant is packed, wait a month or two for the crowds to die down. The food and service will probably better anyway because the staff now know what works and what doesn’t. It’s not the end of the world if you’re not there on opening week.

Also, there are so many great restaurants in Toronto that have been around for years, if not decades, but they often get overshadowed by the flashy new restaurants that everyone is Instagramming from. Check out some of the places that survived the trends, the economic downturns, and have a loyal clientele like Joso’s, Scaramouche, Didier, and Foxley. Those are the places that inspired some of the younger chefs dominating the current food scene.

Most anticipated restaurant opening right now?

There’s a Haitian restaurant called Rhum Corner slated for a September opening in the former Raw Bar space at Dundas and Bellwoods. It’s by the same people who run the neighbouring Black Hoof so you know the bar will be set high. Haitian food is really underrepresented in Toronto right now, so it’ll be interesting what comes out of that kitchen.

Photos Courtesy of Karon Liu and The Grid.

 

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