Society's Puppet Masters

Society’s Puppet Masters

The ideal standard of beauty is found within each individual

          The world revolves around image. We have seen people fall for curvatious bodies such as: Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren. Then have the need to be supermodel thin. Now in 2012, the ideal body image is once again curvatious but with more volume this time around. Though most of these ideal bodies are fabricated by plastic surgeons. Young girls look at these women and put so much pressure on themselves trying to be just like their favourite superstar. They go to extremes trying to obtain something that is not attainable for most people. In the process they are putting their self-esteem and health in jeopardy.

         In 2004, Dove launched their "Real Beauty" campaign. This campaign focuses on bringing attention back to what a real person looks like. Dove has realized through a study that was conducted that a very small percentage of people find themselves attractive. The message that they send through their ad is to learn to love yourself and be confident with who you are. This program has the potential to educate many girls as well as young women, informing them that the media definition of beauty is unrealistic and that their beautiful just the way they are. However, it has been reported that Dove posted an audition ad that was looking for “flawless” people for an up and coming campaign they were having in 2010. This has caused many of their followers to feel like they have been tricked into believing in unrealistic standards. As well as, doubting the effectiveness of their products.

          Another campaign that was launch was the "Love My Body" campaign by Victoria’s Secret. This was a campaign to launch their new collection called Body by Victoria. When young girls compare this campaign to Dove’s campaign they are more drawn to Victoria’s Secrets image. It is hard not to fall into such stereotypes of wanting to have a body like a model. The love my Body campaign even has a flaw in the name. Instead of telling the reader’s to love their own body, they are telling reader’s to love the models bodies. Victoria’s Secrets focus has always been about beautiful models advertising the company’s undergarments. For years girls have looked to these provocative advertisements with a wanting to look just like them. But the sad reality is that even these women struggle to keep their perfect appearance. With tight deadlines it is hard for them to have children because as soon as they give birth the have an unrealistic amount of time to get back in shape. A nother truth about these models is that they are specially picked to represent this company because of their body type.

         As Society progresses the pressures of being the perfect person increases. These days girls as young as toddlers are being pressured to be perfect. The TLC television show Toddlers and Tiara’s has opened the eyes of millions of people worldwide. Some of these young girls are rumored to have already had surgical enhancements. Not only that, they are being intensely trained and drowned in makeup and hair products, with the dreams of winning beauty pageants. These children are being put into roles that they should only be subjected to if they were to choose so as an adult. The main focus should be school and developing the skills necessary to have a successful future.  At such a young age, it is damaging to their confidence because this is what they think the definition of beauty is. It is teaching them that looks are what make them successful. As these young girls mature, they will find themselves being overly critical towards their appearance and not being able to be happy with their selves.

           I can honestly say that I have been affected by the images that are said to be ideal.  When Jessica Alba’s lips and Kim Kardashian’s buttock became famous I wanted to do anything to get them. Luckily for me I am one of the many people that cannot afford to have surgical enhancements. And each year that I have gone without enhancements the more I have been able to look at my true beauty. Confidence doesn’t come at the end of a knife or through advertisements of other people; it comes from loving and respecting yourself. In all reality, there are very few campaigns or even people in the media that promote a healthy lifestyle. It is also hard to find the truth about how those people really live. We live in a world were if you have money you can fix yourself with plastic surgery.  We set our own standards and for the majority of people those standards are not real. Celebrities and the media install these standards into our heads. They are the masters and we are the puppets.

The Man Behind The Curtain

Work in the fashion industry is often portrayed in an incredibly glamorous light. One might assume that working in fashion consists of stylists, bloggers, editors attending Paris fashion week, or most will conjure up images of Carine Roitfeld dressing an immaculate Kate Moss in Givenchy’s fresh-off-the-runway designs. But the reality is jobs like this are few and far between. What about the people that don’t have their picture taken, and who don’t work for Vogue? What about the people behind the scenes who essentially produce these clothing lines?

Enter a new perspective of fascinating and important jobs in the fashion industry. For those who are not aware, apparel manufacturers are an exceedingly valuable link in the fashion cycle. The individuals that run these facilities are responsible for producing the clothing in photo shoots, as well as the clothing you wear on your back.

Ron Leibovitch is president of the Montreal based Empire Clothing Manufacturing Company.  He has been a part of the ever-growing company for 30 years, and shows no signs of slowing down.  To run an apparel manufacturing company is by no means a breeze. Empire Clothing Mfg. Co. has been a largely successful endeavor since its launch in the early 1900’s.  Empire has become a hugely successful men’s apparel firm, running all stages of manufacturing, from design to distribution. The company that began with its own private label has gone on to produce for established brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole and Peter Millar. 

Here, Mr. Leibovitch discusses his beginnings in the industry, what he loves most and least about his job, and shares his advice to those considering a career in this industry we call fashion.

How did you get interested in manufacturing and eventually get hired? 

“My Grandfather, Joseph Leibovitch started this business in the early 1900’s. He would go door-to-door selling men’s suits all around Montreal, and other areas in Quebec, all on his horse and buggy. My father, Edgar Leibovitch was raised to work in this business and went into it right after high school. Throughout my childhood and teen years, I spent every Saturday morning helping out at my Dad’s office.  After finishing my last year of school, my father was anxious for me to join the business. I have been working in the business of manufacturing men’s suits and apparel ever since.”

What is a typical day like for you? 

“Everything depends on what type of year it is, for example how the economy is. If production is slow, I am more involved in merchandising and sales.  During a typical day, I oversee every aspect of my business.  I always keep an eye on production quality and dealing with people from customers, to my staff.  I oversee accounting, customer service, human resources, the merchandisers, and the entire production room on a daily basis. I make sure that the managers of the cutting room, sewing room, pressing room and of quality control, are all doing their jobs up to par. “

 What excites or interests you the most about your job?

“The relationships with the people I have in the industry, from the salesmen, customers, and suppliers, to the people within my company.  I believe that having good relationships creates happy people and this leads to a positive outcome and work experience for all. I especially enjoy building relationships and getting to know people better. Not only does this create a close and comfortable work environment, but building strong relationships result in better sales.”

 And the least?

“The number one disadvantage is stress.  I have to work very hard to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. The amount of stress is very relative to different situations.  I also don’t enjoy the traveling aspect of my job, because I don’t like living out of a hotel and would rather be at home with my family.  I travel to visit customers, to buy fabric from different mills, and to see the latest trends for men’s clothing in Europe and Asia.  Traveling may seem glamorous, but its not, its very hard work.  I often become sleep deprived and it gets old.”

 What education, work experience and skills do you need in order to be successful in your field?

“I went to the University of Western Ontario and received my Business Degree.  After, I moved to New York, attended Fashion Institute of Technology and received a degree in Management Production. I then went to work for a Consulting Firm in New York called Emmanuel Wientraub, where my position was titled Production Engineering. After I completed my first year at Emmanuel Winetraub, my Father was anxious to have me join the family business and to start working with him. I had a wonderful relationship working with my father and learned a great deal from him.  In 1995, my father passed away and I took over the business.

I think it’s important to have strong social skills. I learned from my father that the relationships you build over the years are extremely important.  You need a great deal of energy to run this kind of business and you also need to work extremely hard and be very disciplined. It is essential to have an extensive product knowledge, but that comes over time.”

What advice would you give someone that is interested in the fashion industry?

“Find a job in the industry that you enjoy, take on the challenge, work hard and move up.  If you want to move up in this industry, you must be a capable, dynamic, innovative and creative individual. I look for people who show a lot of interest and have a very positive personality, with whatever they do. It is also very important to have developed social skills.  But, I believe that even if you are shy, with practice, you are able to learn people skills and develop your own contacts over time. As long as you are warm, positive, eager and show talent you will succeed!”

Capsule Collections: A Hard Pill to Swallow?

Capsule Collections: A Hard Pill to Swallow?

     It seems as though more and more people are becoming interested in owning well-known fashion brand clothing these days. It’s becoming easier to pick out Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel from a crowd than ever before. Take another look though - is that a two thousand dollar Versace dress? Or is it actually a two hundred dollar dress, courtesy of Versace by H&M? Capsule Collections - collections of clothing designed by one particular designer or brand, and created and sold by another - are becoming all the rage these days. As a way for people with a more modest budget to be able to get in on all the label love, stores have discovered how to make their merchandise as coveted and sought after as the runway looks they’re emulating by teaming up with some of the biggest names in fashion. With new ways to dress yourself in once coveted clothing, it’s reasonable to ask: are Capsule Collections a good idea that can expose shoppers to high-end brands, or do they somehow lessen the appeal of a well-established brand with an already good reputation?

     As mentioned earlier, Swedish fashion giant H&M is one of the largest retailers putting Capsule Collections out into the marketplace. Past collaborations include designers and brands such as Lanvin, Versace, Comme des Garcons and most recently, avant-garde label Maison Martin Margiela. These collections (and the numerous others H&M has released) have created world-wide buzz and stock of the merchandise almost instantly sells out as each collection is released. With sales like these and line-ups out the door, it is clear that H&M has been able to successfully mine a mostly untapped vein in the market of fashion - high-end names with low prices. Having experienced more than one of these events myself, I can certainly attest to the frenzy that seems to overcome shoppers in the midst of such great finds. Often, shoppers will buy any item they can get their hands on and if they do not fit (or simply were not a desired item) they will simply resell them on Ebay for a much higher price, turning a profit for themselves. 

     When brands attach their name to merchandise like that which H&M produces for these Capsule Collections, it begs the question: do these collections hurt or help the brands in question? Certainly, Capsule Collections do raise brand awareness. While Maison Martin Margiela is a well-known brand among the ‘Fashion Elite’, it would not be a stretch to say that the average consumer has no knowledge of them whatsoever. Via H&M however, the brand has now been introduced to a much wider audience who may now seek them out and strive to purchase the real items Maison Martin Margiela produces, straight off the runway. Mens magazine GQ recently collaborated with The Gap for a very successful collection that sold out in stores across Canada and the United States with advertising opportunities on the internet, GQ Magazine and word-of-mouth. With such a collection, GQ was able to increase awareness of their magazine and increase sales and The Gap received an increase in traffic in their stores, as well as sales.

     Though a greater public awareness of brands seems like it would always be beneficial, some might view these Capsule Collections as a cheapened version of the brands they represent and may look elsewhere for their high-fashion. Even though a name can be sewn into any garment, the quality of the name does not necessarily affect the quality of the actual clothing. While the appearance of many of H&M’s collections have been interesting, many people have noted that the garments and accessories themselves feel cheap and do not last nearly as long as their more expensive brethren. 

Another interesting idea: if the high-end collaborator is someone who is relatively new to the fashion world, or a label with less recognition than other major designers, will people really line-up in hopes of scoring the newest pieces? For example, in the Spring of 2012, H&M released a Capsule Collection with Italian brand Marni. Though the brand is known in the fashion world and has created many wonderful collections, the general public was not as familiar with the brand - sales were not as strong as the previous Fall collaboration with Versace. 

     Capsule Collections are an interesting, relatively new fashion trend. Though a seemingly effective way to increase brand awareness and generate sales for large retailers such as H&M and Target, high-fashion brands run the risk of hurting their own brand image by collaborating with these typically lower-end retailers. Though the look may be there, the quality, generally, is not. Our suggestion? Make the purchase if it makes you feel good. Having a piece or two to enhance your own wardrobe can make you feel good and the items are generally rare enough that you might be able to feel like more of an individual in a crowd. However, we wouldn’t suggest splurging - spending all of your money to grab as many pieces as you can reduces the cool factor of what you’re buying. And if you’re going to be spending a large chunk of change, you might just be better off saving for the real thing - it will certainly last a lot longer!

     

Baby it's Cold Outside...

Tips on how to heat up your wardrobe when the temperature drops

So the weather outside is frightful, but your wardrobe doesn’t have to be!  As autumn comes to an end, and we are welcomed by winter’s blistering cold winds, it’s difficult to find the appropriate attire that keeps you warm, while still looking your best. For the fashion-forward, the trendsetter, and simply the weather-conscious, here are some helpful hints to keep your wardrobe comfortably warm and effortlessly stylish, for the days you think the weather just doesn’t agree with you.

Let’s start with the basics: sweaters. The key is to ensure you don’t look old and frumpy. Nobody likes frumpy, and it’s just not a good look. To avoid this unfortunate mishap, find a sweater that fits you just right, and steer clear from the oversized boyfriend sweaters if you’re going out in public. The excess fabric will just create a larger silhouette and will do everything except flatter your body. If you like the bulky, too-much-clothing kind of look, then perhaps layering sweaters will be your go-to for the upcoming cold days. One or two light sweaters underneath a jacket with a wool lining, finished off with a knit scarf is an easy way to get the ‘I-swear-I-didn’t-take-that-long-getting-ready-today’ look you’re going for!

For the nights out in the city, when you’re usually afraid to rock those heels of yours when there’s ice and snow covering the streets, fear not! This is the perfect opportunity to rummage through your old shoes and grab those vintage boots and bring them to life again. If you don’t have a pair, look for a knee-high or mid-calf boot, depending on your personal style and the look you’re going for that day. If you’re getting dolled up for the evening, pair your sweater dress with a high heel boot. Just make sure you’re on the lookout for any icy patches. Nothing says “I can’t walk in these heels” like a graceful face plant. On the bright side, at least you’ll look fabulous doing it!

There is a secret weapon the fashionista uses to spice up her wardrobe when times get rough. She accessorizes. She adds personality to her outfit with subtle touches and accents of colour and texture. This is possibly the most exciting part of styling yourself, because it calls for creativity. In the winter months, these accessories range from knits, scarves, wraps, mittens, hats, tights, just to name a few. When working with these important pieces, it is crucial to understand how easily they can overpower your outfit, and know how to avoid that from happening. For example, if you think your black sweater and jeans combo needs an added touch, throw on a knit circle scarf of any colour of your choice and you’ll already notice a big difference in your attire. Remember, less is more. Don’t over-accessorize – this is about you shining, not surprising others that there is actually a person beneath all that unnecessary winter gear.

With these helpful tips in mind, you are ready to face the next few months knowing you’ll look and feel as stylish as ever! Happy shopping and stay warm!

Nothing But Vintage

Nothing But Vintage

Toronto’s Best Vintage Boutiques, GTA

Something old, something new…Or maybe not so new. Ok so let’s not call it old either. The word is vintage, and it seems to be appearing in some way or form on just about every fashionista in our urban playground of a city. If you didn’t already know, vintage pieces are like wearable antiques. They can be new, used, borrowed and second hand, but have been designed from our previous era.

Now, if your anything like I am, your constantly scanning the outfit choices that make up the streets of Toronto and noticing vintage more and more every season. The only question that has been making me ponder is where, oh where, are they finding these fabulous finds! Well it’s your lucky day because I’m about to share my favorite vintage shops from clothing to accessories to furniture. First stop…

Kensington Market! If you’re not familiar with the Kensington Market area, it’s located just south of College Street and off Augusta Avenue. Kensington offers well pretty much everything you may be looking for. Anything from cool vintage shops to independent business wear to your every day basic attire. Some of my absolutely favorite vintage clothing stores can be found here and for amazing prices!

Next on the list is the incredible Queen West Antique Centre. What makes this store so unique is that they offer an abundance of great furniture. Here you’ll be able to explore the diverse collection of vintage pieces. If you’re in search for anything like ancient anatomical posters or vintage floor lamps, I can guarantee you’ll find it right next to the stylish 60’s couch or the vintage 50’s bureau. If liking great furniture pieces with history behind them then be sure to make a visit to this incredible vintage shop.

Lastly, be surely not least and definitely on my top three favorites list, is a little store called Cabaret. Again located on Queen west, this boutique is strictly dedicated to bringing us the highest vintage fashion in the GTA area. Offering just about everything they can to our urban population, you name it they’ve got it. They go as far as offering vintage fashion tips, movie glamour, daywear, and bridal. Be sure to check out this boutique next time you’re headed down to Queen, surely they’ve got something just for you!

The previous eras are back, vintage’s the word and it may be for some time. Clothing, furniture and accessories it’s everywhere! I’ve shared some of my favorite vintage areas in downtown Toronto, I hope you’ll take my word and be sure to stop in at one of these fabulous shops. 

Diving into Dundas West—

From fashion to furniture this Toronto neighbourhood has got it all.

   For many Torontonians, the Dundas West strip from Ossington to Lansdowne marked the territory for our humble Little Portugal, but times have changed. Over the past few years the area has seen an urban renewal. Amidst the Portuguese cafes and local grocers, a slew of clothing stores, vintage shops, galleries, restaurants and bars have turned our beloved Dundas West into a local hotspot.

   For fashion lovers the area hosts some of the city’s best independent clothing stores and vintage shops. Lost & Found, the coffee and clothing shop that is bringing a popular New York City trend to the city, ranked number one in BlogTO’s 2011 List of Best New Fashion Stores in Toronto. Don’t let the inconspicuous storefront fool you, Lost & Found has quickly become a local favourite. Owners Zai Rajkotwala, Jonathan Elias, and Justin Veiga focus on bringing in locally-made quality products to their store. With brands such as In God We Trust, Unis, Joomi Lim, and The Hill-Side, Lost & Found proves that you don’t have to look far for well-crafted fashion goods. 

   Standing alongside Lost & Found in BlogTO’s 2011 List of Best New Fashion Stores in Toronto are Woodlawn Boutique, at number three, and Magwood, at number seven. Woodlawn, which shares a similar mantra to Lost & Found, focuses more in offering functional fashion basics. Magwood, owned by Sarah Magwood, carries high-end vintage fashion and fashion accessories. The young owner has managed to epitomize luxury vintage by offering everything from period women’s wear to original designer pieces. These stores are just the tip of the iceberg— Dundas West has lent itself to become the new go-to spot for emerging independent shops.

   Local artisans have also had a part in developing the area. Galleries such has Milk Glass Co. and LE Gallery have helped young artist to break into the national and international art scene, as well as improve the Toronto arts landscape.

   Once you’ve had enough of the clothing shops and artists hangouts, the block also has a lively nightlife. Spilling off of the Ossington strip, bars such as The Red Light, Bambi, and The Garrison have hosted local musicians and DJs, taken part in festivals such as NXNE, and showcased for artist like Azari & III. 

   Dundas West is no longer one of the city’s best kept secrets and condo development is already on the rise— A dead giveaway to the extreme potential the neighbourhood holds. Abacus Lofts are scheduled for completion in the upcoming year. The development marks the first of it’s kind along the Dundas West strip. Although it is a low rise building, one can only wonder how much change it will bring. Local residents have already felt the shift in attention; this once neglected district is now being given the spotlight. Toronto’s most popular west end neighbourhoods, Liberty Village and Queen Street West, are being given a run for their money. Residents have made it clear that commercialism is not something they are willing to support, and in order for Dundas West to remain strong it must keep sustaining local development.

The Nasty Gal Trend – Most Definitely Nasty

An outlook on this year's street style look, and why it's overrated.

As you are strolling down the forever exciting Queen Street West, you’re admiring the cute vintage shops and graffiti art alongside the buildings, all while sipping a freshly made latte from the local coffee shop. You are enjoying the fresh air, relaxing thanks to the chill atmosphere, but then all of a sudden you are faced with it, it being a “Nasty Gal”.


Now, for those of you who aren’t quite familiar with the term “Nasty Gal”, here is a brief introduction. A “Nasty Gal” is a name given to one who dresses themselves in outfits sold on the successful online shop named (you guessed it) Nastygal.com. Although the website offers a great variation of items, from androgynous loafers to preppy chic attire, the website has deemed the culprit for this years latest fashion crisis.

To differentiate between a “Nasty Gal” and let’s say, a homeless person, is quite easy. Although they do carry similarities through their wardrobe pieces, the “Nasty Gal” typically opts for more of a refined look. They start with the iconic Jeffrey Campbell Lita’s, and move up to high-waist denim shorts. From there, they continue with a graphic tank or crop top with an image of either a) a band logo that they’ve never listened to in their life or b) a cross, skull, or some other symbol of religious affiliation, although they probably aren’t religious. The Nasty Gal then does some final touches, such as adorning a pair of John Lennon inspired sunglasses, even though chances are high they don’t know how he died, and lastly, an unnecessarily large amount of bracelets, rings and watches that don’t match.

From putting this image together, you’re probably asking yourself “Am I looking at a circus freak, or a prostitute”, but neither are correct. You are staring at a full fledged Nasty Gal, ready to go out and browse the vintage stores they wont shop in (because they don’t want to get their hands dirty), and wont go past Bathurst because that just seems sketchy. What has come of 2012’s hottest trend is quite sad, because although some individuals are genuinely expressing themselves through their style, there are others who are dressing this way merely because they are hoping people will think of them as “hipster”, “cool”, or “trendy”.

Although trends are meant to have a significant amount of hype, that shouldn’t mean that everyone be dressing the same. Individuals should be putting together outfits that THEY really like, not what their friends like or what others are saying is cute and trendy. Style is about creative expression, showcasing your wardrobe as your personality and not caring what others say or think about it. From this trend, there is an absurdly enormous number of girls, from pre teens to adolescents, trying to fit this molded look in order for them to fit in. The mind set is “If she’s wearing it, I should too. Everybody thinks she’s cool, so I will be too!” Reality check, just because the popular girl at school is wearing 5” Jeffrey Campbell’s to the mall, doesn’t mean she is cool, it means she’s either a) desperate for attention or b) is simply an idiot.

In conclusion, although the website and its followers pride themselves on their iconic slogan “Nasty Gals Do It Better”, really, they don’t. The trend has now become, dare say, too trendy, with such a large abundance of girls dressing the same, its become quite generic. It’s not to say that the trend has lost its hype, but more so that the trend has lots it fascination amongst street style and the fashion industry, that nowadays people are not fazed by the sight of such an outfit. On a final note, girls, ditch the JC’s and Graphic Tanks, its time to show each other your true colors. Like they say, survival of the fittest.

DIY Skin Saviours

DIY Skin Saviours

The leaves are turning beautifully, we're sipping our pumpkin spice lattes and finally getting the chance to bust out the cashmere. Yes, we are enjoying the sweet joys of autumn, but cashmere can only mean one thing; it's cold out! Although we get the chance to look adorable in our leather boots, the chilly air and approaching winter months not only affect just our wardrobes. Skincare during the colder, end of the year months is just as important, if not more, than any time of year. The harsh winds and temperatures tend to dry us out, seal our pours and just take away that softness and glow we had in the summer time. Here are fabulous face masks that are super easy to whip up in just a few minutes, conveniently from your own home! Best of all, they all use products you probably have around the kitchen and in your fridge, making it perfect for beauties on a budget.

Brighten Up A Dull Complexion- Papaya Rub

Slice a piece of raw papaya and remove the seeds and pulp. Rub the inside of the peel gently on a freshly cleansed face. Focus on problematic areas such as fine lines, crows feet, uneven complexion etc. Let it dry for about 15 to 20 minutes, and follow up with a warm water rinse. If done twice a week on a constant basis when treating complexion issues, the enzymes in the papaya will exfoliate and repair minor sun damage as well as help diminish age spots and give you smoother skin overall. Skin will look brighter, softer and have a more polished finish.

Exfoliate Chapped Cheeks- Honey Scrub

Combine 1 teaspoon of honey wit 1 teaspoon of olive oil. In a separate bowl, prepare a pack of plain oatmeal, only using a small amount of water and stir until a thick paste is formed. Next, add the honey and olive oil mixture to the oatmeal paste. Apply this to your face (also great for the entire body) as a scrub, gently rubbing in small circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Let it sit for a minute or two and then rinse off with warm water and pat dry. The oatmeal in this scrub exfoliates and rids of flakey skin areas, while the honey and olive oil moisturize leaving you with supple, smooth surface.

Soothe Scaly Surfaces- Honey Mask

Mix 2 heaping tablespoon of honey with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Lemon juice is a good substitute if you don't have apple cider vinegar laying around. Apply the combination to a freshly cleansed face and leave on to sit. After about 20 minutes, rinse with room temperature water followed by another cool rinse. Honey is a natural antibiotic that heals and moisturizes. Apple cider vinegar (or lemon) helps soothe and balance the natural pH levels of skin.

The Sophisticated Geek: A prescription to personalize your style

The Sophisticated Geek

A prescription to personalize your style 

There was time when being a geek wasn’t so chic; somehow this theory has changed and the look is coveted by many.  But let’s not get carried away!  Some of us are proud to be eyeglass wearers; it’s not only our visual lifeline, it’s also an accessory that completes our everyday look.  Others not like it so much; either way, choosing the right style is essential.  Here are some tips to get you started in your quest to be an eye wear trendsetter.  Because, as they say, “just because it’s in fashion, doesn’t mean it’s for you.” 

FRAMED

The eyeglass frame of your choice should complement your face shape.  Ensure the fit is right and works for you.

SHAPE UP

There are five basic face shapes: square, round, heart, oblong and oval.

Square faces – An angular face with a strong jaw line and a square chin. TRY: Oval and round frames and avoid geometric and square frames, as they tend to accentuate the angles of the face.  Famous Face: Keira Knightley

Round faces – The key is to make the face appear longer.  TRY: narrow frames with angular edges or rectangular shapes.  Famous Face: Michelle Williams.

Heart faces –Your face is a bit broader with a sharp chin. TRY: butterfly shaped frames with airy, thin rims or rimless frames, which tend to be a bit wider towards the bottom.  Famous Face: Rihanna.

Oblong faces – The key is to create a softer look, as your face appears to be longer than it is wide.  TRY: Embellished subtle frames, which will help create some width.  Avoid frames that are too square as they will add width to your chin. Famous Face: Sarah Jessica Parker

Oval faces – You are the envy of all your friends.  With a face that is well proportioned, your options are endless. TRY: Walnut shaped frames, but avoid frames that are too narrow or too round.  Famous Face: Halle Berry

Try to choose a frame that reflects your personality and lifestyle.  This is your opportunity to create your own signature style but look chic. Don’t be afraid of color; eye frames have come a long way and you now have a variety of options.   So if those hot pink frames are what you like? Go for it! Does this seem less difficult than you thought?  With these quick tips you’ll soon be defining your own personal eyes style.

Canadian Cultivated Coats.

where to shop this holiday season?

Where to shop this holiday season? The who; what; why; and not so freaking expensive please.

                So you wanna shop till you drop? Or maybe you don't because you're a broke student and you dread holiday shopping but.. it's that time of year, you know December and Christmas/ Hanukah, for PC's sake don't forget kwanza is approaching! And once you have decided who you are going to be spending those hard earned dollars on, its time hit the streets and answer the even bigger question where to shop? From the bargain savvy student to the American Express black card carrying business man, we can all appreciate one thing, the importance of getting exactly what you are looking for, the perfect present!

Yes, it's the thought that counts, but really there's nothing better than seeing a loved one's face light up when they open a present you've gone out of your way to hand pick for them. Let's be honest, that's when the thought really counts, *hint* *hint*.  And you want them to notice your hard work, so we've got a couple suggestions to keep you from  meandering around malls with terrible Christmas sing-alongs.  You can thank us later ;)

Queen Street West:

The vibe: fun, youthful, hipster, unique, and surprisingly scenic!

The price point: $$ moderately expensive, varies by store

What to expect: A great place to come for funky shoes, and all things clothing. Also some great vintage/second hand stores Tribal Rhythm 248 Queen St West, and Black Market 256 Queen St West.

 Kensington Market:

The vibe: definitely funky, out there, great for vintage and hard to find items, not for the faint of heart!

The price point: $ super inexpensive!

What to expect: two words..hidden treasures! trinkets, antiques, furniture, vintage clothing, rusty spoons (not kidding!), vintage clothing, jarred food items, homemade candy, and jewelry. The biggest appeal about this place is the likelihood to find something extra original for a fraction of the cost. This is the place to find a stunning vintage fur vest for $50, you might just have to dig through a dusty trunk to find it first.

Bloor Street West/ the 'Mink Mile':

The vibe: busy, bustling with shoppers, high end, chic

The price point: $$$ with the exception of about 2 stores, it's all designer all the time!

What to expect: An abundance of beautiful and high end designer goods. Clothing (lots of clothing), shoes, accessories, jewelry, fine china, kitchen wear, household appliances, and electronics. The great thing about Bloor St is that due to the quantity and diversity of stores, it could be your one stop spot to find for everyone on your list! From roommate, to grandma, to boyfriend, Bloor has the best of brand name everything.  Great must sees, for all things culinary Williams - Sonoma 100 Bloor St West, Bay Bloor Radio Manulife centre, and how could we not mention the holy grail, Holt Renfrew 50 Bloor St West.

Hopefully you will find this list helpful, and make the quest to shop for your friends and family this holiday season a little easier!  If not, you know where to go for your own Kwanza wish list.. and we say, if the shoe fits, buy it!