Toronto - FASHION & SHOPPING
June 18th, 2013
It's a Cinch
Buckle up, you beauties.
Belts – not shoes, bags or baubles – are on the radar. Wide or skinny, neon or pastel, leather, suede or studded, anything goes, really.
These ones from Maison Boinet are high on our wish list. Wear a skinny one looped through jeans or over a spring cardi for a little extra definition.
Don't be shy about colour. A flash of red or pink will give your waistline the lovin' it deserves. —Athena Tsavliris
At Gaspard, 913 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-546-7480, http://gaspardshop.comJune 12th, 2013
Father's Day Gift Guide Toronto
You can’t buy Dad’s love but sometimes a hug just isn’t enough. Herewith, a few ways to fête your father (and father figures) this weekend:
The stainless steel S'well bottle is a slick little number that’s perfect for water, coffee or wine. The double walled insulation means his drinks will keep even longer than his stories about the good ol’ days. $36, Drake General Store, www.drakegeneralstore.ca
Caffeine-crazy papas will get all hopped up on a subscription from Pilot Coffee Roasters. Beans are sourced directly from farmers then roasted to perfection in Leslieville. $60/3 months, www.pilotcoffeeroasters.com
Families who play together, stay together. Sign up for Father-Daughter Hack Day at Ladies Learning Code. Together you’ll design your own 3D dream house using SketchUp, HTML and CSS. A whole day with his gal? What daddy could resist. $100, June 15th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., CSI Annex, 720 Bathurst St., www.ladieslearningcode.com
The Lone Ranger was a symbol of truth and justice (just like your Pops). The Western hero's new Collector’s Edition features all five seasons of the 1950s TV show and a rare comic book. Hi-Yo Silver! $139.99 at Chapters Indigo stores, www.chapters.indigo.ca
Qwestion’s washed grey 3-day wheelie travel bag is small enough for carry-on with plenty of compartments for all his man-stuff. Tuck in a copy of On The Road and he’ll probably bring you back a pressie. $480 at Boomer, 309 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-598-0013, www.309boomer.com—Marianne Wisenthal
June 5th, 2013
diamonds and pearls
If you're a sucker for bridal blogs, you'll know that vintage weddings are still popular with brides in long lacy veils, heirloom frocks and jewels that sparkle from another era.
In Toronto, gals sans stash of inherited gems turn to Carole Tanenbaum for a deco comb or two. With a pop up shop at White, (May 30–June 13) brides-to-be can peruse a larger than usual selection of vintage cuffs, collars and chandelier earrings to complete her outfit.
Not heading for an alter? Splurge on a string of pearls, anyway. —Athena Tsavliris
By appointments only. White, 19 Hazelton Ave., Toronto, 416-849-9196, www.whitetoronto.comJune 4th, 2013
hot stepper
A nude shoe might lengthen the gams, but beige can be so boring.
This season we're bringing out our brightest accessories; think lime patent flats and Schiaparelli pink clutch bags.
For a splash of luminous yellow, we're lusting after these vintage inspired sandals ($225) from Philips Sparks. Charming, aren't they?
They go with everything, especially painted toes. —Athena Tsavliris
Philip Sparks, 62 Ossington Ave., Toronto, 647-348-1827, www.philipsparks.comMay 29th, 2013
no creeping around
Step aside ladies, this one's for the lads.
Toronto clothing label, Creep hits the sartorial bullseye this season with a collection of jackets, shirts, shorts and slacks that you'll wanna see on your man. Think vintage inspired Hawaiin shirts, camouflage print jackets and sharp looking anoraks in subtle stripes.
A select few can pull of tribal-print linen shorts but no man can't go wrong with a navy or washed denim chino. Pair them with a nautical tee and he's ready for hot frisbee days in the park. —Athena Tsavliris
See website for stockists, http://creep-clothing.comMay 28th, 2013
where haute meets handmade
We love their flashy designer goods, but this year Holt Renfrew embraces their crafty side.
H Project is a new in-store shop, celebrating artisans from around the world. With a focus on the handmade and unique, the boutique carries an assortment of coveted goods, from clothing and accessories to beauty and home décor. With plenty of eye candy, we found ourselves hovering over Lizzie Fortunato’s intricately embroidered clutches ($475) and caressing the soft pillows and throws (from $135) from Danish-based Aiayu.Verdict’s in: There’s nothing quite as precious as things handmade. —Anya Georgijevic
Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor Street West, Toronto, 416-922-2333.
Holt Renfrew, 510 8th Avenue, Calgary, 403-269-7341.
Holt Renfrew, 737 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, 604-681-3121.
May 22nd, 2013
Sole Individual
We're lusting after a hot pink wedge sandal for spring. Wait, make that orange, no, seafoam blue.
At freshly launched shoe website, Joker's Closet we can have the shoes we want in the colour, material and style we want (from $295).
Pick from six seasonal styles (I like these little peep-toe lace-ups) and then customize from a range of colours and leathers.
It's as simple as that. No joke. —Athena TsavlirisMay 21st, 2013
hat trick
"Cock your hat," Sinatra used to say. "Angles are attitudes."

In the spirit of Sinatra, we're stepping out in the midday sun wearing a chic Tracy Watts straw fedora.
It's lightweight and crushable (the perfect travel companion) and looks good on everyone we know. A grosgrain trim gives the hat a hit of femininity.
Wear it on a side tilt and you've got attitude in spades. —Athena TsavlirisFrom $235 at Ewanika, 1083 Bathurst St.. Toronto, 416-927-9699, www.ewanika.ca
May 17th, 2013
You had us at Gatsby
The spectacle of summer, (with a killer Jay-Z produced soundtrack to match), The Great Gatsby is Baz Luhrman’s technicolor take on the classic American novel. Herewith, our favourite Roaring Twenties-inspired pieces.
Summer weddings will be awash in head pieces, we predict. Make sure to pair with loose pin curled hair and a convertible roadster. $281 on Etsy.
The Twenties also marked the rise of the painted face: smokey eyes, rosy cheeks and bold brows and upper lips were all the rage. MAC's Veluxe Brow Liner ($23), the sophisticated Dame blush ($25) and palette of bright shadows like Contrast (purplish blue) and Humid (dark green with shimmer) will have you looking very Daisy Buchanan.
For a touch of jazz, the sparkly Ireland clutch ($35) and T-strap Elva heels ($90) from Aldo fit for a night out on the town.
Drop waists aren't for everyone and tassels don’t work at the office, but these 18K rose gold, diamond and white agate earrings feel classic, but never go out of style. $2,250 at Birks.
He may not have Leo’s matinee idol face, but even the dude-iest of boys
would look dapper in this Pink Strip Linen Jacket ($698) from Brooks Brothers’ The Great Gatsby Collection.
For brooding by a big picture window overlooking your estate, slip into this silk, bias-cut gown Long Luxe Gown ($310) from Vancouver's own Christine Lingerie. At Holt Renfrew in the fall.
Prohibition is history, but long live forbidden cocktails! We’ll be serving up Southsides (gin, lime, mint and simple syrup) in this sophisticated Lady Diamond Pitcher ($49). For total authenticity, consult this Vintage Cocktails book ($50). Both at The Cross Décor and Design. May 14th, 2013
she's with the crew
As far as fashion team-ups go, there are few that we'd actually line up for, and none that we'd camp out for.
But the Virginia Johnson for J.Crew collaboration definitely has us excited. It's the perfect summer tote – bright, whimsical and quintessential Virginia.
I've got my sights on the lobster print, inspired by Johnson's trip to Cape Cod. The emerald green will go nicely with my coral pink Virginia Johnson scarf.
Another prefect match. No lineups necessary. —Athena Tsavliris
$180 online at www.jcrew.com



