Toronto
February 3rd, 2012
Best Case Scenario
From Jonathan Adler to Marc Jacobs to Rebecca Minkoff, it’s hard to find a designer who hasn’t gone tech. Digital accessories are de rigueur.
Now, Adler’s ‘happy chic’ case was a frontrunner for our prized iPhone 4S, but we just couldn’t resist the sheer variety and creativity over at Society 6. The Aztec-inspired prints ($35) are popular round here and we love this sparkly air balloon ($35).
For something equal parts cool and creepy, check out these cases ($20) and of course, there’s always a great selection over at Toronto’s own GelaSkins (from $14.95) —Athena Tsavliris
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February 1st, 2012
All the Pretty Shoes
What girl doesn’t dream about boxes of Ferragamo wedges, spindly heeled Louboutins and peep-toed Chanels?
Well, this amazing site invites shoe addicts to create their own designer stilts (from $185) customized to the client’s style and specs. You choose the fabric, style and colour, et voilà, your perfect shoe appears.
I’m all about bespoke ballerinas, and if they introduce monogrammed velvet slippers, watch me snap up a pair in every hue. —Athena Tsavliris
January 24th, 2012
Leather and Lace
Who remembers wearing fat, neon laces in their 14-hole Doc Martens? Fast-forward 20-years and we’re still playing with laces, only these days they’re finer and a lot less obnoxious.
Local lace shop, Stolen Riches (hat tip to the lovely ladies at Honestly WTF) has made laces ($14.50) for over four generations and is our go-to for attention grabbing threads. Think bright classics in a bunch of hues.
Maybe your heeled oxfords could use a splash of colour? I know mine could. —Athena Tsavliris
December 27th, 2011
A White New Years Eve
We may not be in Rio to bring in the New Year, but there’s no reason we can’t celebrate like the Brazilians.
Their New Years celebrations involve dressing all in white, flocking to the beach after midnight, jumping seven waves, and throwing flowers into the sea. Ok, this might be tough for our Calgary readers, the Montreal and Toronto folk won’t want to be anywhere near a beach in this weather, and Vancouverites wait until New Years day to jump into the ocean (nope, you won’t be seeing this editor at the Polar Bear swim.) But there’s no reason why you can’t wear a white dress.
We love this Ann Demeul.Blanche dress from Luisa Via Roma. It is a bit pricey, but fits in great with the spring summer 2012 white dress trends, and this lovely drapy shape will get you through spring parties and summer weddings. Our tip: tanned skin (fake or real) looks great with a white dress. And then you can imagine you got some sun in Brazil. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg
$864.81 at www.luisaviaroma.com
December 22nd, 2011
Sock it to 'em
There’s nothing like a jolly pair of socks to put a spring in one’s step. Here are some of our favorites:
The name says it all: Happy Socks’ pixilated trio is a mod collaboration with gaming phenom Minecraft. Better still, they won’t shrink or fade. $50 at www.happysocks.com
Once your footsies have felt cashmere, you’ll never go back. Favored by the Queen and Welsh miners, Corgi’s Poppy Reds are softer than Lilibet’s four-legged friends. $98 at www.jcrew.com
Perfect for making a statement at the chalet bar in Valais (or the electric fireplace in your basement), we love these Scandinavian Crews by hansel from basel. 25$ at www.robberstore.com
Made in Quebec from the softest hair on a sheep’s neck, Les Bas de Julie’s Murray Bay socks keep your talons toasty without any itch. The Duke of Windsor was a fan of the contrasting stripes; we like the wooden crate packaging. $35.95 at www.basdejulie.com
Knit one, purl two. Learn to make your own fabulous wooly knee-highs at Leslieville’s The Purple Purl. Ambitious? Yes, but think of how much you can brag. Knit Socks 101, $49 at www.thepurplepurl.com —Marianne Wisenthal
December 14th, 2011
This one’s for the girls
Mums, sisters, grandmas and girlfriends – we’ve rounded up our pick of the perfect presents for the ladies in your life.
Sisterly love
We swoon over most things Liberty and these charming bangles ($28) from Pomp & Ceremony are no exception. www.pompandceremony.ca
Not your granny's slippers
For the chicest of hostesses, here’s a pair of posh, velvet slippers ($168) she can entertain in. I snapped up the ruby red (for myself, oops) but they come in bottle green, black and a cheetah print too. Cole Haan, 101 Bloor St. W., Toronto, 416-926-7575, www.colehaan.com
Besties for ever
Who doesn’t love a starry print? From long-running Canadian label Mercy, this tunic style shirt ($268, there’s a dress version too) will put the twinkle in some lucky lady’s eye. 913 Queen St. W., 416-546-7480, www.gaspardshop.com
Mom's the word
Anthropologie always take the prize for most original tree decs (from $14) The Missoni-inspired baubles ($28) are a favourite of mine and this angelita ornament ($20) is just darling, isn’t it? Anthropologie, 80 Yorkville Ave., Toronto, 416-964-9700, www.anthropologie.com
All the pretty girls
The beauty crowd is raving about NARS Arabian Nights ($55). For a smokey look with a cosmic twist, these dark and sparkly jewel-tones are a welcome respite from basic, flat black kohls. NARS counter at Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor St. W., Toronto, www.holtrenfrew.com —Athena TsavlirisDecember 5th, 2011
Put a Bow on It
They preen us, pick up after our pooches and scrub our tubs – these are the wonderful souls whose services we cannot live without. ‘Tis the season to show your dog walker/cleaning lady/aesthetician etc… how much you appreciate her.
If it weren’t for the dogwalker, you’d come home to pee-stained rugs and heel-less shoes. This hot dog leash ($12) is as cute as your Daschund. At Good Egg, 267 Augusta Ave., Toronto, 416- 593-4663, www.goodegg.ca
She scrubs, sweeps and polishes your pad, not to mention, keeping you in emotional check. Thank your cleaning lady with noshable gifts (fresh ginger loaf, lemon pound cake, truffles and cheeses) from All the Best Fine Foods. Her whole family can feast on a gift basket (from $130). AT All the Best Fine Foods, www.allthebestfinefoods.com
She’s around polish all day, but never has time to paint her own talons. Your manicurist will love these gorgeous glittery lacquers ($42) from Deborah Lippmann. www.lippmanncollection.com
Whether your hairdresser is a guy or gal, you can’t go wrong with a stash of bright and cheery Happy Socks ($12 each). At A2Zane, 753 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-803-775, www.a2zane.com
Look, it’s not Tuileries, but even your garden needs a regular manicure. Thanks to this lovely fella/lass you don’t have to lift a rake all year. A super moisturizing hand cream ($19) for those chapped, cracked, winter worn hands should be well-received. At www.mattercompany.com
November 25th, 2011
Editors' Picks: My 5 Favourite Things
Ever wonder what items our editors can't live without? Today Athena Tsavliris, our Toronto editor shares hers:
I wear two types of shoes, vertiginously high heels or flat as pancake ballerinas. I must own 20 pairs of French Sole flats. Sadly, they're not available in Toronto anymore so when I'm in London I buy in bulk.
Since becoming a mum, my beauty routine has become fast and simple. I use a few favourites from Pure & Simple, Weleda’s body oils and the fig or jasmine shower gel from Korres. I rarely wear polish, but when I do my nails are poppy red.
Few things are more delicious to me than freshly baked bread and salty butter. I buy a loaf from the Harbord Bakery almost daily. The bagels, biscuits and cinnamon buns are hard to resist too.
Fresh cut flowers and scented candles are another indulgence. I’m looking forward to filling vases with crimson Amaryllis. Ever since I discovered the Cire Trudon shop in Paris, I’ve been buying the Moroccan Mint Tea candle. It’s expensive, but it lasts and my home smells like a souk.
There are certain shops in the city that I can’t walk into without buying something. Good Egg in Kensington Market is one. I just bought this gorgeous Russel Wright pitcher for my mother-in-law’s birthday and I’m tempted to buy another one for myself! —Athena Tsavliris
November 24th, 2011
Editors' Picks: My 5 Favourite Things
Ever wonder what items our editors can't live without? All week long they'll be sharing their favourite things. Today Katherine Holland, our Toronto contributor, shares hers:
Scarlett Empress Lipstick from NARS
The perfect matte shade for fall. And just about the best lipstick I’ve found. For those who like to spend their days sampling the finest burgundy’s. $30 at www.nars.ca
The Breville Line of Housewares
From the Convection Toaster Oven to the Single Cup Brewer, the Breville line totally changed my life. I know that is an absolutely revolting thing to say, but it’s true. Hot single-serving brewed coffee in 10 seconds, and cupcakes straight from the toaster. I wait for no frosting. At Williams Sonoma, www.williams-sonoma.ca
Caroline Neron Jewellery
Okay , maybe I wait for "some" frosting. I’d be willing to wait for a bauble from CN to ship to me from Montreal, let’s say. Her jewellery is almost as sweet as her voice. A lovely balance of rock and roll meets hippie, and luxury meets practicality. Could you ask for more from a necklace? Look for her stores arriving in Toronto come January. Currently coveting.
Midnight Recovery Concentrate from Kiehl’s
When I’m out on all-day shoots, I actually find myself daydreaming about the moment before bed when I can put this potion on my face. Packed with essential oils, the smell drifts you off to sleep, and you wake up with an even complexion. Don’t be fooled by the ‘oil’ component, because it wears beautifully under makeup as well. From $34 at www.kiehls.com
Almond Milk Lattes from The Mascot
So you're lactose intolerant, and now SOY is supposed to be bad for you too? No need to bid farewell to lattes, because Toronto coffee joint The Mascot has your back. Delicious almond milk lattes, OMG cupcakes and custom Biltmore hats to lust over while you sip. Go no further than 1267 Queen St. W. —Katherine HollandNovember 21st, 2011
Elbow me
Remember when elbow patches were the provenance of fusty professors? These days, patches in tweed, leather or corduroy on your cardi are hipper than the square you were in school.
Lauren Waters takes your prof’s sweaters and gives them a decidedly modern twist. Launched last month, her line Valentine K consists of luxurious cashmere sweaters featuring patches in metallic leathers, animal prints, and bright coloured suede.
Just in time for the holidays, I’ve got my sights on this festive sweater ($365 pictured) embellished with shimmery black sequins. Take a peek at her long, hooded cardis ($495) too; they’re super for all of us with a long haul home. —Athena Tsavliris
See website for Toronto stockists, www.valentinekdesigns.com




