No date for Valentines? No problem!

We've got 8 Dateless-Valentines-Day-Goodies and you won't need anybody but yourself. 

1 Gluten-Free Chocolate Avocado Pudding (See recipe below!)

• Eating chocolate is almost like falling in love. We came across a wicked healthy chocolate pudding recipe and it takes 10 minutes to make! See the recipe after the jump -------

2 Lush bath bombs

• A nice relaxing bath with Lush's bath bombs is sure to make you feel smooth and revitalized. If you're still feeling a little bitter about the whole "alone on V-DAY" thing, pick up the "Ex-Factor" bath bomb (here) for $4.95 and watch your worries go down the drain.

3 Four Tet, Patti Smith and Death Grips

• For your listening pleasure, we have chosen a unique combination of records that are created by inspiring, independent artists. Each group has their own obscure and out-of-the box sound. Take some time to find the creative person within yourself and do something great like these three groups. 

4 Bear Flag White Wine 

• Initially, we picked up this bottle of white wine because of it's catchy label full of indie inspired drawings. It wasn't until we started drinking that we realized it has these cool little arrows on the side telling you at which point of drinking you turn from a pessimist to an optimist. If you enjoy a full, fruity wine pick up the Soft White blend - if you're looking for a dryer white, I'd go for the Bright White Blend. 

5 Chocolate and Macaroons

• So cliche, but everybody wants chocolate on V-Day. Why don't you go ahead and spring for a box of sweets from the prettiest bakery in the city, I recommend Nadege Patisserie on Queen W in Toronto where they have cute Valentines inspired treats for you and ... yourself!

6 St Ives Facial Scrub

• Whatever, we all need a good scrubbin' now and then. Wash away your troubles and your tiny flaws to make your face feel smooth and rejuvenated. Pick up this simple facial scrub and a cleansing mask at your local drugstore.

7 Auroshikha Incense

• Candles are the obvious choice, but we really only burn incense in this house. Auroshikha's natural incense comes in a ton of different scents (I like the eucalyptus and lemongrass the best) and are "pure light and inspiring". If you're living downtown Toronto, check out Shanti Baba on Queen W for these. Light one, grab a glass of wine and have a nice Lush bath.

8 Victoria's Secret

• Who said you can't be sexy for yourself? We all want to feel good about ourselves and there's no time you'll look better than half naked in your sexiest lingerie sprawled out on your silk sheets surrounded by candles, incense, a tall glass of wine and a good record.

___________________________________________________________________________

Gluten-Free Chocolate Avocado Pudding (See recipe below!)

Ingredients:

     • 3 avocados (skinned and chopped finely)

     • 1/3 cup chocolate chips

     •1/3 cup natural cocoa

     • 1/2 tsp salt

     • 1/2 cup sugar 

     • 1/2 - 3/4 cup almond milk

     • 1-2 tbsp cultured coconut milk

     • 2 tbsp honey

     • Optional (to taste): cinnamon, coconut flakes, peanut butter, agave etc...

     • Use a hand blender and a big bowl if you have one, if not use a blender but add the    ingredients slowly

VEGAN: For this recipe, you can substitute the honey and sugar for agave, however use less almond milk in the process to make sure it still keeps the pudding texture. Add a little bit at a time to your preferred taste and texture.

Instructions:

•  Cut avocados in half, scoop out the pit and throw away, remove skin. Chop the avocados into fine pieces and set aside.

•  Add 1/2 cup of almond milk to bowl or blender. Add dry ingredients (sugar, cinnamon, salt, coconut) and blend. 

•  In a bowl, melt the chocolate chips and honey and pour into mixture. Blend right away.

•  Slowly add chunks of avocado and blend into mixture. 

•  If needed, blend in more milk during this process.

•  Scoop into bowl, chill and serve pudding in a number of different ways. You can stuff strawberries as found here on the Damy Health website, you can use pudding as fondue with cut up fruit (as we did), or you can use as a light frosting when baking. If you guys find any other uses let us know! :) 

Enjoy & go get sexy ;)

Love,
LeahBradley

the time has come the forecasts say....

...for 90's to come back and shine another day!

  Let's face it: the '90s is a cycle we hope fashion skips every year. That being said, some of the most creative outfits and garments were created in the '90s - or as a result of them. Being a '90s child I grew up with some of the coolest trinkets, fashions and music. Seriously though, the 90s were ten whole years of "wear whatever the hell you want" and was a time of full enthusiasm and colour.  There's nothing that we need more in this world right now than a little splash o' the '90s.

While you read and experience a blast from the past, why don't you enjoy the ear orgasm that is Much Dance '95....

I simply want to show all you fearful fashionistas that the '90s are back - for an ATTACK and who knows, maybe this time it will stick?

MyVersion:

"Cruisin Through The Hood" Clueless pullover; Untitled & Co., 717 Queen St W, Toronto

Plaid chiffon skirt and red knee high socks from American Apparel

Yellow hexagon purse found on Karmaloop

White Lonestar platforms by Jeffrey Campbell X Wildfox on Solestruck

(Clueless Collection seen on left side by Wildfox Couture. Collection is available on Wildfox Couture)

Plaids, stripes, argyle, plaid, polka dots, hearts all over, full-on-pattern, and more plaid is all we saw when we watched Clueless the first time. After seeing it again a couple weeks ago - I've realized that some of the Clueless '90s trends never actually died. On a side note,  I've had this outrageous urge to buy the most perfect pair of blue/green/yellow plaid high waisted pants and jacket for 6 months now and I'm sure it's because I subconsciously knew this era was coming back to "haunt" us. However, I still haven't found these pieces so if any of you know where I can find these PLEASE PLEASE let me know! 

Now that's been discussed, we can get back to business. Wildfox Couture has just recently come out with a new collection that is strictly inspired by Cher and her pals. When using Clueless for style inspiration remember the following three key items:

- some sort of all-over pattern on at least 1-2 garments

- a good chunky-heeled platform shoe (try this in a bold solid colour to offset the patterns)

- knee highs/thigh highs are almost mandatory - play off the colours that are used in the patterned garment

Follow these and you should be like, totally hot.

AND!!!

For the rest of my favourite returning '90s trends, hit up my blog here!

Until next time
LeahBradley

BAGGIN' BITCHES!

BAGS + BITCHES = BAGGIN' BITCHES!


WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG?

Just because you have a designer bag doesn't make you a bagging' bitch; It's whats inside that counts... almost like the human soul. A bagging' bitch is someone who rocks their handbag from the inside-out. It's not the style of bag that counts, it's how trendy the objects inside of it are. Some seem to think the apocalypse may happen at any given moment, so they carry their entire life's needs with them, and others, travel light. We can tell a lot about a personality through the random findings inside people's handbags:


"That's expensive!" 
"Hoarding, much?!"
"Designer-overload?" 
"Rich bitch!"
"Pads vs Tampons."
"I want that.. No no, I need that!"
"Ummm... somebody is insecure."
"TOOTHBRUSH?! Did she even go home last night???"
"TMI. Too much information."
"You needs Jesus!"


I'm no psychologist, but what I can tell you is that each of us is designed with distinct personality traits which render the process of our every decision. Every thought, attraction or emotion leads to a choice. So, what I want from you is to tell me, who's 'soul' is the trendiest, baggin' bitch of them all? And which baggin' bitch are you most likely to befriend?

BAGGIN' BITCH #1

Angela Cole

BAGGIN' BITCH #2

Lauralee Talbot

BAGGIN' BITCH #3

Billy Vasilios

BAGGIN' BITCH #4

Nicole Grisell

BAGGIN' BITCH #5

Francesca Bata-Blyth

BAGGIN' BITCH #6

Lily Dai

BAGGIN' BITCH #7

Karolina Swietoniowska

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the baggin' bitch of them all?

Billy

xx

Bangin' Blouses

Written by: Nicole Grisell

Lately all over the city I’ve been seeing a lot of window displays with gorgeous silk blouses draped over the mannequins. They’ve become all the rage, and these silk blouses are proving to be more than another work day staple, but now a fashionable item with new patterns, embellishments and cut-outs. Over the past couple weeks, I’ve even caught myself purchasing a few of these hot ticket items! Let’s look at the new styles, and what makes them more wearable outside of the office. 

Some of my faves right now that work as great examples come from stores we all know and love. We're going to look at our first blouse, from Club Monaco:

This blue blouse from Club Monaco is the Sophie Shirt. Now this is definitely not a blouse you would have on at your office on a Monday work day, but we've taken your basic blouse, and done something modern and new to it. Making the base see-through and layering the pockets to be opaque, hiding your goods are done well. 

Available in:
xs, s, m, lrg  
$129.50 

Our next blouse is another fave of mine, bringing out nothing but bright and gorgeous colour! From J.Crew, we have the Silk Boy Shirt in a bright fuschia pink:

Something so bold would never be seen in the office where white, beige, navy are most commonly seen. The bright fuscia gives the blouse character and personality making this one of my fave picks.

Available in:

00, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10

$158.00   

Next on the list, I have a great cut-out option for your wardrobe. Seen here, my pick from Equipment, the cut-out shoulders take a spin on your average tailored blouse:

Without the cut-outs on the shoulders, this blouse, the Nixie Bittersweet, would look like your average work day shirt (other than the colour that adds a big bang to the look as well!)

Available in:
xs, s, m, lrg
$208.00 

Now for my last blouse, I want to show you all that even with a plain white blouse, adding a little embellishment to the collar, pocket, even cuffs, can really glam up your look with minimal effort. Another great blouse from, Equipment - the Daddy blouse:

Available in: 
xs, s, m , lrg
$308.00

Now after showing you all what great pieces I found that will work for your style, not only at work, but in your day to day life we can see that bright colours are also a big hit! Having some of these great finds in your wardrobe this season will set you off as the fashionable lady you aspire to be.

For more great blouses, visit:

• Equipment 
• J. Crew 
• Club Monaco 

Trend Alert: Spring 2013 by BLAK-I

By Cintia Lopez de Freitas

Diego Fuchs and Helder Aguiar met at the Academy of Design while studying Fashion Design in 2003. Their brand BLAK-I was created in 2010 and it has evolved throughout the years into a lifestyle for women that know what they want and “don’t really give a damn”.

The new Spring 2013 “#theNüBLAKI” collection was shown on October 15, at Brennen Demelo Studios, a very intimate and cozy venue. While waiting for the show to start, I noticed two ladies sitting patiently close to a wall, quietly watching the excited crowd. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to get their take on what was about to happen.

Turns out the two ladies were respectively the mother and aunt of Helder Aguiar. They were happy to tell me a little about their Portuguese background and how proud they are of both Helder and Fuchs’ work. When the show began, I rushed to the front of the runway space to get some photos and as I was leaving, they called and asked me to come back after the show so they could introduce me to the designers.  How cute, seriously?!

The collection was beautiful. It was great to see trends such as asymmetry and transparency in clothes that every downtown girl will need to have in their wardrobes. The fact most looks were quite basic made the collection that much more interesting to me, probably because I find “basic” to be my personal style. In terms of colors, there was a lot of black and blush pink – a combination that can’t really go wrong. What I loved the most was the way the draped dresses and tops would flow as the models walked. Truly stunning.

After the show, as promised, I got to meet both designers. As most students, when Diego and Helder graduated from the Academy, they knew the direction they wanted to go, but decided to work with local designers first so they could build their knowledge in the business before starting their own.

When BLAK-I was created, the target of the brand wasn’t directly on women as it is now, but both women and men. Soon, the designers understood that it would be better to drop the menswear and put all efforts into womens’, at least as a starting point. A smart move, in my point of view, because according to Helder, this decision allowed them to focus on producing and delivering exactly what they wanted to as a brand. So for all desperate last-term students: things can change and evolve! We don’t need to have everything figured out all the time!

Social Media Week 2012

This week (February 13th -17th) marks the annual week where social media pros and advocates raise awareness about the world of social media. This phenomenon is spreading like wildfire. Think to yourself, “How often do I use social media in one day?” It is used to connect to current employers, future employers, companies, and an array of interests such as art and tourism. In today’s North American society alone, the use of social media is at an all time high, from Facebook to Twitter (the most common sources), to LinkedIn and Pintrest (newer, highly used outlets) to information sources like Mashable.com and Fast Company.
Social Media Week is a global conference which discusses upcoming events, trends, and relevant information about emerging social media developments. The week gets many people involved in discussing how social media has an effect on our society and brings together people who are solely interested in learning about social media, to the people who base their lives around it such as bloggers, activists, artists, and company leaders. On the rise for Social Media Week is the discussion of mobile media. With smart phones seen in everyone’s hand, it is only natural that new phone technology has created a rise in social media usage.
If you want to learn more about Social Media Week or get involved, check out the website, http://socialmediaweek.org/ to see upcoming conferences, blog discussions, or the most popular hashtags regarding social media week.

Get tweeting!
Sabrina

Parkdale Toronto Fashion 411

So I get the pleasure of living in a area of Toronto titled Parkdaleand I love it! It is located on the West end of Toronto near Etobicoke. When I first moved in I knew nothing about the area but I now know it is a place filled with culture, great food, and Vintage Galore. The best part of is the prices of the used treasures. I want to tell you about a few of them and make sure you get out there.

1) Public Butter: When you firstenterthe Parkdale area coming from Queen W. near Duffrin, this is one of the first stores. I always walk by and see the "ALL CLOTHING $10" sign. It's my favourite. You can get anything from old school dresses, to real leather jackets. I recently myself bought a leather mini skirt. It was super exciting. I LOVE IT! They also have bikes and a t-shirtprinting station.Besure to stop by!

2)Value Village, Salvation Army, and Goodwill: Yes all of these exist in the vicinity of a few blocks. Do I really need to do anexplanation here? It's a hunt, and that is all I will say.

3) Roncessvalles: This whole street should have it's own blog post. If you start down by Queen and work your way up you find small stores which carry gems! You can find thosecow boots your are dying to get, or a wicked scarf from the 70's.

And for those of you who aren't into the used clothing and prefer new and shiny things, Parkdale has many adorable boutiques like FROCK. Which carries amazing accessories. (Just Saying)

SO get your butts down to the West end of Toronto and shop till you drop. (yes maybe that saying is over used but whatever)

Peace Love and Emeralds

Natalia Nikola

Material Girl Arrives at The Bay!!!

By Salma Moustafa

As a result of its huge success in the United States, Madonna in collaboration with her daughter Lola, have decided to launch their line, Material Girl in Canada and have it featured exclusively at The Bay making it their first international partnership with Hudson's Bay Company for their junior brand, Material Girl, according to MG Icon, the joint venture between Madonna and Iconix Brand Group Inc.

The Bay, one of Canada's leading fashion retailers, has entered into a multi-year license agreement to manufacture and distribute Material Girl clothing line and accessories in Canada throughout their 91 Bay stores with items ranging in price from $12 to $68.

Designed by Madonna and her daughter, Material Girl is a juniors clothing line fashioned for the fearless, spontaneous, young risk taker who knows how to make an entrance, a true and modern Material Girl.

Alongside their new international partnership comes a new face to the spring 2011 Marketing campaign. Chosen by Lola herself, Kelly Osbourne is now the new face of Material Girl. " Kelly represents a true Material Girl. She is edgy, cool and has a unique sense of style that Lola and I love," reveals Madonna.

In an official press release by Marketwire Toronto, CEO of The Bay, Bonnie Brooks says, "Just like Madonna, Kelly Osbourne is an inspiration to young females. She is spontaneous and fearless with an impeccable sense of style. The Bay is committed to introducing new and exclusive brands which is why we are delighted to share this new fashion savvy collection and campaign with Canada."

Material Girl made its official debut last Wednesday at The Bay.To check out this hot new line, be sure to make your way to your local Bay store and experience firsthand what it feels like to be a Material Girl.