Menswear: The Sporting Life With Philip Sparks

Designers are putting the final touches on their collections as they prepare for LG Fashion Week in Toronto.  The official week kicks off tomorrow, October 19th, but one man decided to showcase his Spring/Summer 2010 collection a little earlier.  I had an opportunity to catch up with menswear designer Philip Sparks at his Toronto studio. It’s a small collection but quite unique and truly Canadian.

Sparks says he was inspired by the Canadian cottage life: canoeing, fishing and portaging.  Ah, yes, we’ll have to wait a good while before we can savour that lifestyle once again.  Meantime, check out his offerings for S/S ‘10.

CLICK HERE to See the Philip Sparks
Spring/Summer 2010: Video

Cafe Style Coffee…From Your Kitchen: Tassimo Coffee System

If someone told me, say, five years ago, people would actually leave their homes for the express purpose of grabbing a great cup of java at their local/favourite cafe, I would have said they were nuts.  Well, that’s exactly what has happened, no?  To top it off, we pay upwards of $3 to $4 for the experience.  It seems we may be coming full circle now.

Last week, I was invited to the beautiful home of design guru Nik Manojlovich.  He was incredibly charming.  So was his puppy, Dennis, following me around everywhere (the dog, that is).  Too cute.

Anyway, Nik was a terrific host, serving my cameraman and me the Best. Apple. Pie. Ever.  Sadly, he would not share the recipe but did let us in on a great entertaining tip, introducing us to his “new best friend” situated next to the dessert – a Tassimo coffee maker. Very clever…

I had the pleasure of trying this out at my brother’s house last Christmas (a present for his wife).  It was quite the attention-getter as everyone lined up to make their special concoction.

This latest experience was no different.  We huddled around the Tassimo as it did its thing, preparing very smooth cups of coffee.  Note, this luxury does not come cheap.  It is around $200.00 .  However, if you want or need to cut back on your gourmet coffee expeditions or do a fair bit of entertaining at home, this really is a fantastic addition to your kitchen and will pay for itself in due time.

While the Tassimo was one topic of conversation at Nik’s place, he also gave us great ideas and tips on how to entertain for the holidays.  We’ll get that video up soon.  Meantime, if you want more information about the coffee maker or want to win one, check out http://www.kraftcanada.com/tassimo/home.html Contest closes October 16th, 2009.  Nik will also give a live demonstration on the internet on November 7th, 2009.

Happy coffee making

Toilet Paper Couture: Fighting Cancer with a Soft Touch

Who knew toilet paper could be soooo sexy?  I couldn’t believe the designs created by fifteen of Canada’s top fashion designers – and all for a fantastic cause:  Battling breast cancer.  The event was sponsored by the makers of Cashmere toilet tissue.  They even turned out a special edition of pink toilet paper!  The show featured showstopping gowns (yes, gowns) from designers including Project Runway Canada alum Carlie Wong and Sunny Fong.

Check out the video here.

Star Service: DSquared2 on Canada’s Walk of Fame

I had an opportunity to chat with one-half of the dynamic design duo, DSquared2.  Dean Caten was absolutely thrilled and honoured to be recognized by Canada’s Walk of Fame for his (and brother Dan’s) contribution to the world of style.  Will have to try and get the phone interview up on the blog.  Dean was quite the colourful character chatting from his phone while vacationing in Greece.

Here’s the newspaper article which ran in the Sun papers across Canada.

Secrets of Seduction: Video

High fashion is not just limited to suits and handbags.  The French have long cornered the market on fine lingerie and their reign continues.  I checked out a fashion show in Toronto recently, where top French lingerie designers showcased fall’s trends on Canadian models – great combination, eh?!

Check out the video here.

Heavan-illa!!

My obsession with vanilla continues.  I add pure vanilla essence to practically every dessert I bake and have been looking for a fragrance that carries this scent without smelling like cupcakes – although that might not be such a bad thing!

I came across the perfect scent – in a batch of vanilla-inspired products from LUSH Cosmetics.  The dusting powder is absolutely decadent and enhanced with the scent of jasmine.  Not only is the fragrance exquisite but there is something quite luxurious about dusting oneself with scented powder before bedtime…  It also works great as a deodorant and dry shampoo!

Vanilla Puff Dusting Powder

$10.95 for 100g

LUSH Cosmetics

Aviator Sunglasses: Sexy, Smart & Always in Style

Nothing makes a cool statement like a pair of classic aviator sunglasses.  Check out my article and video produced for Sun Media.  The article gives expert advice on finding the right pair while the video showcases the latest models – on our model!

Enjoy.

Jessica Simpson: A Public Affair

The trials and tribulations of being in-and-out-of a relationship.  We’ve all been there but maybe not as publicly as Ms. Jessica Simpson.  Check out the article and video I produced for Canada’s Sun Media.   Three experts weigh in on Simpson’s problems and provide tips for those currently residing in Heartbreak Hotel.  Personal Trainer Ryan Campbell of Ryancamp.ca also gives us great workout tips to get back in shape and back at the ex!

Click here to read the article.

Click here for the quick and (not-so) easy workout video!

The ‘Skinny’ on Ultra-Sleek Pants

Not quite sure what took me so long but I finally bought a pair of sleek, slim black pants.  They are actually more like leggings but with piping running down the centre front and back leg.  That essential detail gives the “pants” enough structure to be worn at the office with a blazer and or/crisp, button-down shirt.  In other words, your boss is unlikely to send you home with a note asking your mother to dress you properly.

I’m someone who loves to buy on sale – even to the point where I get things I don’t need, just because it was 20 or 30% off.  Unfortunately, staple items rarely go on sale (usually sold out by mid-season) so if you want to add instant sex appeal to your fall wardrobe without being “overly ambitious” bite the bullet, pay full price and enjoy your purchase for the entire season.  Skinny jeans/ pants,/leggings have and will continue to be around for a while so display those tight glutes and gams.

If you haven’t hit the gym recently or are worried about some, ah, “extra bit of baggage” or just want to err on the side of modesty, stick with black and wear a top or jacket that covers your backside.  Keep in mind though, leggings can be slimming (thanks in large part to Lycra) and your butt probably isn’t as big as you think it is, so show it off!!

The Big Brush-Up

What woman hasn’t experienced a little high after buying a new lipstick or makeup palette?  It’s a rather inexpensive luxury that still allows you to feed, clothe the kids and make mortgage payments.

While makeup can be an essential beauty pick-me-up, its silent helpers often go unnoticed: the lowly brushes.  These little guys work overtime to ensure flawless, makeup applications – if you are using a high-quality brush.  That means, no shedding (terribly annoying and embarrassing), maintaining its shape wash after wash (you’re washing your brushes regularly, right?!) and it is soft and luxurious.

I found such a brush at Sephora the other day.  Made by Cover FX, this powder brush retails for $49.00.  Is that steep?  Yes.  Do you get what you pay for?  Yes. If you’re on a tight budget and have to choose between high quality makeup or brushes, many makeup artists will advise the latter option.  A great brush will likely outlast your latest makeup fad.

This brush is made of 100 % unbleached goat hair), does not leave stray hairs on your face and is guaranteed to last a long time.  It also remains sturdy and balanced thanks to the ramin wood handle.  A lot of work has gone into this brush and in my opinion, that makes it worth the money.

If you’re in the market for a great loose/pressed powder brush, give this one a try and let me know what you think.  I’ll highlight more of my favourite makeup brushes in future posts.

Cover FX Brush #190, $49.00

Available at Sephora

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