A LUCKY PENNY WINE TASTING WITH FOOD AND FRIENDS

The season we now have in Vancouver, Sprinter, varies from freezing cold drizzle to the occasional, sunny warmish glorious day, and it was on one of these that we celebrated with friends and a bottle of Lucky Penny Chardonnay (85%), Viognier (20%) and Pinot Grigio (15%) and a red blend of Shiraz (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Merlot (20%).

We paired the chilled white wine with roasted asparagus, baby summer squash, seafood, French bread and a variety of cheeses. The first fresh, delicate flavor was of pear, not overly sweet but just a hint of summer to come. The honey and apricot flavors added to the complexity of this wine, but again, just reminders rather than big shouts. This is a wine that can be a treat by itself or a fantastic accompaniment to appetizers or main courses. Lucky Penny White has a pleasing aroma and invites you to go beyond just a taste.

After decanting Lucky Penny Red, our first impressions were of chocolate, vanilla and blueberry, although we also thought of almonds and French macaroons. We paired it with fruit and chocolate and it was never overpowering or overpowered. It retains its distinct, rich flavor throughout the courses and from first to second glass. There is no after taste; it is a delight on the palate. This red will go well with main dishes of meats or seafood as well as desserts.

The Lucky Penny wines are new labels from Australia. Yellow Tail is a popular selection in our local liquor store. This lucky red and white has been available since March and should bring in the best weather, if only in taste. Simple but effective labeling means the name, Lucky Penny, is easy to see and clearly indicates the composition and flavors of both white and red. Twist tops make it readily accessible.

Good luck, good friends and good food: what more could one ask for?

An Interview with Marcus Kan of Ukamaku

An interview with Marcus Kan, fashion director of Canadian online store, Ukamaku.

A: Can you talk a bit about your role as Fashion Director at Ukamaku?

M: As a fashion director of Ukamaku, my main role is to look for Canadian designers who will be interested in selling their products on our site. I also try to connect the designers together so hopefully they can work together in the future. One of the best examples I have right now is the Rachel Sin x Gardé Del Avante runway show which you will see it during |FAT| this year.

A: I've attended one of your events at The Drake Hotel and all of the designers whose pieces were on display were present. What a great idea! How is this benefiting the designers?

M: When we do events such as the Ukamaku pop up shop you attended last month, we always encourage designers who participate to show up at the event. The reason behind this is because we want the designers to interact with the customers so they can grow their fan base through those events. Also, customers like to get advice from designers so this will be a good way for the customers to learn more about the designers.

A: Nine of your the designers who have pieces at Ukamaku will be presenting at Alternative Fashion Week..did you help them along the way?

M: Back in December, we sent out an email to the designers who were selling their items on Ukamaku and let them know about this opportunity. We helped them to send the application forms and after they were picked by |FAT|, we then partially sponsored them for their runway shows. I am very proud of the nine designers who will be showing their collections at |FAT| this year.

A: How do you decide what designers to incorporate into Ukamaku?

M: Usually when I see a designer’s collection, I will first look at the potential of the collection. What I am looking for is the special element, such as the design or the material the designer uses, that distinguishes the brand from the others. After that, I will present the collection to my colleagues and we will decide if the designer will fit our roster of designers. At this moment, I am very happy to have more than 30 designers on our site and each gives a different flavor to the Canadian fashion industry.

A: You have several different ventures on the go right now..how do you manage?

M: It is funny how you ask me this question as sometimes I do question myself too. I believe is all about time management and I always have to remember what are my priorities. I do believe you have to work hard to achieve your ultimate goal and also passion is a very important element that motivates you to work. There is never an overnight success case but if you keep working hard, one day you will earn more than you can imagine. Remember, always be kind to people as this will help you to break a lot of road blocks in the future.

Some of the designers that will be presenting at |FAT|

Epoque

Zoran Dobric

Demoyo

Emily Woudenberg

Rachel Sin

A Great Interview With Jeanne Beker

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen

Today, on CBC Radio One: The Next Chapter, Shelagh Rogers interviewed Jeanne Beker about her latest book: "Finding Myself in Fashion" as well as her career and life lessons. You could hear Jeanne's smile and enthusiasm throughout the conversation. Even if you meet her at a busy Fashion Week or at the Bay's White Space for her introduction to her new clothing line: Edit, Jeanne is always interested in meeting people and is especially patient (always professional) with the crowds of fashionistas who gather around her.

This is Jeanne's second book, published close to her fifty ninth birthday and is her 'taking stalk' and passing on her stories and 'life lessons'. She writes, produces, designs, models and does a myriad of other creative things that keep her at the top of her game and always on the stage. She is very optimistic and looks forward every day to incredible possibilities.


I have read both of her books and find that readers are invited in easily and yet can still learn some very practical tips to looking their best. Jeanne's clothing line, Edit, is just as practical, yet classic and affordable. She says, " We are all part of fashion whether we realize it or not." Nice to be included in that circle, for once.

Jeanne Beker has a lot of positive influences in her life, especially her parents. Because both are holocaust survivors, she feels she has achieved their dreams. Her confidence, courage and tenacity come from them as well as from her own faith in the positive. She is tough and never gives up and gives us an example of that by telling the story about her first pregnancy during the early 80's. Her boss asked when she would be back to Fashion Television and she said, "Oh in a couple of weeks." She explains that in those days, no-one held your job for you and there were lots of others waiting in line for hers. She has always found joy in balancing career and family.

When Shelagh asked her how she kept in such great shape, Jeanne said she carries so many heavy suitcases all over the world and is constantly on the run and that that helps. For the interview at CBC, she was wearing that cute little black dress from her Edit line, killer high heeled boots, silver earrings and a fabulous cuff. She sounds fantastic and looks it too. Rock on Jeanne!

For more details, go to cbc.ca/the next chapter. Enjoy!

EVOLUTIONMAN Cosmetics Review

Written by Bryce Workman

I asked Bryce to try some of the fabulous new products from EVOLUTIONMAN. Here are a few of his favorites and his thoughts on them. Would you like to see more men's product reviews? Leave a comment with thoughts and suggestions! Thanks Bryce :)


Moisture Protect SPF20

This was a great product. I think most guys generally don’t think about moisturizing, and if they do I think the importance of sunscreen is often forgotten. EVOLUTIONMAN’s Moisture Protect SPF20 goes on very lightly, is quickly absorbed into the skin, and leaves no oily or greasy feeling unlike other moisturizers that include a sunscreen. A little bit definitely goes a long way, making it an easy product to utilize on the go.


Bronzing Moisture Protect SPF20

Like the basic Moisture Perfect moisturizing cream, the bronzing version is also an excellent product. To the guys who might be weary of using a product that includes an instant bronzer, I say think twice before refusing EVOLUTIONMAN’s version. This was my first time using a product like this so I was cautious at first, too. But a little bit goes a long way for this product as well, especially due to its dual moisturizing-bronzing ability. A very light application provides just a hint of colour without the dreaded orange effect– great for the transition months into spring and summer. I was even asked by someone if I'd gotten some sun over the weekend, so there you go!


Wash & Buff Facial Scrub

EVOLUTIONMAN’s Wash & Buff is far superior to any face wash that I have used in the past. Tiny exfoliating beads provide just the right amount of scrub and cleansing while still being gentle enough for sensitive skin. When using this product you can really feel it working, thanks to the refreshing tingle provided by a hint of tea tree oil extract.

And the Winner of the ShopBop Contest is...

I recently held a Shopbop giveaway for $100 on Clothes Line Finds and I have randomly drawn a winner the good old fashioned way. Out of a hat! Congratulations NATALIE! I will be sending your contact information to Shopbop so you can claim your prize! Thank you everyone for entering your lovely comments and ideas! Will be having more contests up here soon :) Thank you Shop Bop!

Denis Gagnon and Aldo Collaboration!

Denis Gagnon will be opening his very own boutique this May 2011 in Montreal! In conjunction with the store opening he will be presenting and releasing some pieces from his shoe collaboration with Aldo! The pieces are only $150 and 15% of the proceeds will be donated to the Farha Foundation in Montreal. Will you be heading to Montreal for the opening? I know Toronto isn't very far away and I have decided I'm going to make the trip!! See Denis Gagnon's collection from Toronto LG Fashion Week.

Yoga Tree Event

This Thursday I will be attending the Yogatree opening event! This event will be to raise funds for the Canadian Red Cross. I discovered yoga in Japan and am glad that I did. Funnily enough, I practice a lot at home but have only attended a few classes at different studios in Toronto. I have found that I miss practicing in Japan, but I am excited to try a few classes at Yogatree! Yoga is a great way to strengthen and learn how to relax in your daily life and under high pressure situations. I had the privilege of interviewing the owners, Jason Lu and Debbie Fung, about yoga and the new Yogatree location on Spadina and Richmond.

Can you talk about how Yoga Tree came to be and about minimizing your carbon footprint?

Debbie: Being green is in the roots of Yoga Tree's philosophy. Debbie's educational background includes a double major in environmental studies and business so it makes eco-sense for us to implement green initiatives to our studios. For instance, we are the only studio in Toronto to have a 12 feet indoor living green wall to help regulate temperature and reduce carbon footprint. The indoor green wall which includes plants such as creeping janes, Irish moss, monkey paws (and even parsley) helps improve local air quality, both by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, and by trapping dust and other pollutants.

In addition to this, our studios only use VOC-free paint, reclaimed building material, FSC certified forest wood panels and environmentally friendly cork flooring.

To cut paper usage - we use laminated student wavier forms to cut down the amount of paper use by 40%.

How did yoga change your life and what are the benefits to those reading who have never tried it?

Jason: I suffered from a bad shoulder injury and yoga helped gain back my range of motion and flexibility. I've learned to stay in the present moment thereby eliminating all the little things that stress people out from day to day.

What is your favourite type of yoga?

Debbie: Although there are benefits to all branches of yoga, I’d have to say that my favourite type of yoga is Hot Yoga. The benefits of doing yoga in a room heated to 38 degrees are manifold, beyond the weight loss benefits that it has become most popular for. Physically, hot yoga provides a deeper stretch, greater flexibility, and improves the metabolism and digestion. Working in a hot room encourages focus on the breath, which in turn improves mental concentration and calms the mind. Furthermore, hot yoga provides a detoxification through sweat, flushing out toxins and rejuvenating the entire body. After every class, you leave feel stronger, more flexible, often tired but always totally refreshed.

How can yoga help students?

Debbie: Yoga has the ability to reconnect you to your body, mind and soul. When you move from posture to posture, focusing on your breath, calming your mind and keeping balance, there arises a profound connection that is often lacking in other areas of our life. Ailments such as anxiety, depression and trouble sleeping, just to name a few, arise from the detachment many people feel from themselves in the Western world. Yoga focuses on existing in the present moment and in a completely self-contained space – not interested in past or future endeavors, or competing with those around you. This provides a much needed reconnection and grounding, allowing the body, mind and spirit to relax and let go. The peace that yoga offers often gets carried with you after you leave the mat, extending into all areas of your life and truly changing the way you feel and live.

What is one of your favourite memories of doing yoga? Whether in a different location or with a special instructor?

Jason: That would definitely be when Debbie and I were traveling and training in India - I went to tour the Agra Fort. We found a little part of the palace that was empty and quiet from all the other tourists and did a mini practice. Practicing in a place with such historic significance and spiritual energy gave us a new perspective on life.

The Bay Spring '11 Preview

On Thursday April 14th I attended The Bay's Spring 2011 Preview hosted by Suzanne Timmins with the lovely Marta of withlovegabrielle! There were all sorts of lovely treats and of course we got to see all of the new brands and collections The Bay has been importing for their White Spaces and The Room. We even learned all about the latest make up trends as well as the key Spring trends this season. Bright colors and hippie chic were my favorites. If you haven't been down to The Bay to check out the latest collections, you should!! Thanks to Marta for the last two images :)

Make-up tips!

A great turn out

Suzanne Timmins

Loved the styling :)

Image via withlovegabrielle

Image via withlovegabrielle

Fashion to Figure The Perfect Interview Look

I was recently contacted by the lovely ladies at Fashion to Figure! Check out the fantastic skirt they are giving away that I will be donating. Here's a short interview with Jessica.



1. How did FTF get started?

FTF was created by Nicholas and Michael Kaplan, the great-grandsons of Lena H. Bryant, the revolutionary businesswoman and visionary dressmaker who invented full-fashion more than 110 years ago. The Kaplan brothers are the fourth generation of their family devoted to providing the ultimate full-fashion experience.

2. A little bit about the stylists at FTF:

Our Stylists are full-fashion experts and at your service always. A personal Fashion Stylist for your time at FTF can make all the difference. Our Stylists know you and our fashions very well. They can help put together outfits, give you advice on what works, what doesn't work, and guide you on how all our many choices fit. Stylists can even help with anyone you have along with you on your visit to FTF. Your husband, girlfriend, boyfriend, or child need a seat and some water so you can shop? Our Stylists will handle it all.

3. Here's our story:

Everyone wants fashion and style; lots of choices; great prices and personal service. These factors and our family history in full-fashion made us realize customers were under-served and there was an opportunity to build a new kind of store - a corner of the world where everyone would feel inspired. We believe fashion is truly a state of mind, not a size range. So, we set out to create an environment that provides fresh fashion choices and service embodied by respect, attention, and understanding. And, all this in a cool, trendy and fun place everyone could enjoy going.

Check out their website, facebook page and follow them on twitter too! Here's to fabulous fashion for all!

Pair with a great colorful blouse, black
pumps and modern blazer and you've
got yourself the perfect interview look!

The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mom

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen

What attracted me to see this movie was the memory of thinking that surely someone else was really my mother, someone taller, a world traveller, a movie star, someone I would grow up to be. I knew from the title that this would be a similar, imaginative, funny and deep story, much like those that my students whispered and drew about. Actually, when they were five, the stories were presented in a confident, matter of fact way, whereas the older kids confided quietly but hopefully. There is always that search for where we came from and where we are going.



The title takes me right to the heart of the movie: the ups and downs of the mother- adaughter relationship, the development of the daughter and the examination of the mother, whether birth or adoptive parent, as a nurturer, educator and role-model and the intensity of the search for what is real, meaningful and achievable in the shaping of identity and family. The time period of one year is a snapshot of the exploration of a 'what if' in a child's life. However painful this may be for both the child and the parent, it seems necessary for Elizabeth on her swift journey to become that someone special she will be.


I loved the 1970's setting and clothing for this movie. The wood panneling, the kitchen radio, the huge station wagon, the rural, small town Manitoba - yes Canadian scenes - a contrast between the safe, predictable home and the 'I can see forever' roads stretching from Canada to the USA and who knows from there? The same can be said for the contrast between the usual little girl dresses and the jean jacket and frothy, layered outfit Elizabeth wears as she takes off on a bicycle road trip to meet Dolly Parton. Then, there is the vast audience one expects to find at a Dolly concert contrasted with the surprising sea of wigs and outrageous outfits of those, who like Elizabeth, are also looking to get closer to 'Dollyness'. But Dolly is herself; she is a writer, a singer, and an accomplished businesswoman. Beyond the appearance, she is real and although she tells Elizabeth that she is not her mother, is nurturing enough to tell her that if she did have a daughter, she would like her to be special like Elizabeth is. Loved that Dolly Parton, who is such an advocate for children, supported this movie with her songs and her strong message about being the best you can be.

This is a movie of firsts: director Tara Johns' first full length movie, lead 13 year old Julia Stone first lead role and perhaps a first for a Canadian partnership with Dolly Parton. Lucky enough to win a contest, I saw it on opening night, the first night it showed in Vancouver. Very much enjoyed the movie, (You must see it!) and meeting Tara and Julia through a Q and A after the show. An after party at District 319 was a pleasant way to meet the cast and crew, see clips from the movie and movie making and to receive the cd of the motion picture soundtrack. Also got 2 more tickets to see the show again. So many songs reflect the nature of this fabulous movie: "Love is Like a Butterfly", "Crossing Borders", "The Seeker", and "Little Sparrow" to list a few. I thank everyone for the chance to be 11 again and to laugh, cry and sing like Dolly. (no where near as good) Will see this one over and over!

Japan Fashion Week designers begin to show collections :) Nozomi Ishiguro

The show goes on! The fantastic Etsuko Meaux of PressPR2 has informed me that Nozomi Ishiguro collection will be shown on April 15th. Nice to see that things are getting back on track. I will always love Japanese fashion and feel lucky to have attended two seasons in Tokyo. Japan Fashion Week and its designers are world class and should be recognized as the one to watch! Please see images from the Spring Summer Collection 2011.

REFLECTIONS ON FASHION WEEK - 4 DAYS OF LEARNING

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen

This is my third Toronto Fashion Week and what a week this one was! So many things change from year to year as the event is dynamic and growing. As always, the volunteers are energetic and helpful and do their best to keep things running smoothly. Their fantastic co-ordinator, Eugenia Loukian, who was so welcoming at the front desk at the last fashion week I attended, was a whirlwind of energy and busy, busy, busy, but always has time for a smile and a "Hi, how's it going?"

Thanks Eugenia!

The Media Area was well used and full of writers and photographers exchanging ideas and happy to share the latest technology. I saw very few pens and many people managed to take pictures, tweet, twitter and talk, all at the same time. From the runway, then it was a mad dash back to get the info out as quickly as possible. Security was good and it was a convenient place to leave coats and bags and also enjoy a water bottle and rest up for a minute.

L'Oreal Hair and Make-up magicians got many people camera ready. What fun to look one's best while watching the best strut down the runway. The Kens were a charming group and a definite attraction and lovely distraction, too. I liked this year's display of clothing for sale and would like to see more clothing, jewelry and fashion cards for sale, next time.

Missed the coffee samples from last year and continue to request that more food be available.

Kudos to the designers and to the models who make the transition for us from concept to reality. Continue to design for a range of sizes and ages, too.

That's all folks. See you next year! If you'd like to attend next season visit LG Fashion Week.

Images via Treasure Seeker Colleen Photography

HEATHER LAWTON

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen

Unfortunately, this collection was shown in the studio and the lighting was so dim that it was difficult to see the intricate patterns and design details of much of it, especially the dark pieces. The long white wigs on the models gave each face an eerie cast. The white winter theme was further emphasized by the snow on the monitors around the room. The cathedral music was well chosen as a backdrop for the Gothic tones of the black leather, big shoulders and dramatic hoods. Huge wooly scarves and furs were all presented as exaggerated shapes as if to say, "Winter, I dare you to bring it on." See her website here.

Images via Toronto LG Fashion Week