Interior Design Show - Toronto

I had never heard of the Interior Design Show until my lovely friend recommended I apply for press a press pass and attend with her.  I'm not into interior design much, but thought it might be something different for you all to read and fun at the same time!  I was not disappointed...

The Toronto Convention Centre was packed!  There were fashion bloggers, designers, architects, stylists, artists and more.  Wonderful treats included: signature cocktails, pulled pork sandwiches, braised duck, ice cream, cookies, and chocolate.  This was not your typical trade show.  A few of my favorite exhibits were: How Do You Work, Entrance Exhibit by Willy Chyr and the MCLV Lounge.   Check out the Interior Design Show Website for more information and do stop by next year! 

Willy Chyr's Entrance Exhibit

Fashion everywhere!

Architect Karim Rashid at the Kia Design Icons Exhibit

Moi

This is one of the walls in the "How Do You Work" exhibit

Yes, a TV table top

Interesting lighting fixtures everywhere!

Morroco Chocolat was there too!

Design Boom Mart

Could not resist taking a picture!

'At Studio North

Diana Vreeland Doc- "The Eye Has to Travel"- Opening Night at Van City Theater

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

It is so true that "the eye has to travel" and there was lots to see at Vancity Theatre, Friday, January 25th!  The place is a brightly lit, busy venue with movie posters, a refreshment bar, a 'fireplace', lots of meet and greet seats (as well as comfy red plush inside) loft ceilings, a balcony and the best films in town.  There was a line up of those with a passion for fashion, followers of Vancouver Fashion Historian, Ivan Sayers and all of us who love films of all kinds and especially Diana Vreeland.  A big thanks to Laine Slater and Melanie and all Van city staff who gave that little bit  extra to invite Ivan, to widely publicize the event and to get us in early to take photos and meet the crowd.  Films are greatly enhanced by Vancity's guest speakers, director chats and salons as well as a host of other creative endeavors that bring the neighborhood and the community at large not only to see movies but also to be part of something social.

Colleen and Dianna Drahanchuk - Volunteer

My Sister's Closet - BWSS

According to Diana Vreeland, "Balenciaga did the most delicious clothes.  In Balenciaga you were the only woman in the room - no other woman existed."  Ivan Sayers brought two Balenciaga designs and pointed out the fabulous features of both.  A 50's coat was pure sculpture, chic, complex and exquisitely styled and finished.  The polka dot evening dress was as beautiful from the back as it was from the front.  Showing off a small waist and lots of skin, it was one of a kind and flattering - a true fashion statement!  It would take an expert collector like Ivan, however, to locate treasures like these.  His classes at SFU Harbor Centre, feature clothing from the 18-20th centuries, their history and how what we see today, looks back and ahead.  Fashion = action and reaction. 

The Vreeland Documentary is well worth seeing and continues at Vancity at least for the rest of this week.  Editor of Harpers Bazaar, and Vogue (before Anna Wintour) and also a major player at the Met Costume Institute, she said, "You can see and feel everything in clothes."  She brought the magazines and the Met to life and, it seems, that her life was very much like what was in them.  She was excited and exciting and her legacy continues.  What a delightful way to get out of the dreary rain and into the bright lights!  The "Empress of Fashion" posed this question: " Is there anything beyond fashion?" I'd answer it by saying, "Yes, there are all of the people who love it, wear it, design it, spread the word about events and, of course, make things happen.  So for Friday evening, I say a big thanks to those who wore red for Diana, wore vintage for Ivan Sayers, fashion students: Vancouver Community College, The Art Institute, Blanche Macdonald, Emily Carr, (and others), and to those who tweeted and invited others: Felix Tavira@YukiAndBee, Brenda Wong (Fashion Marketing & Design - The Art Institute) Samantha Kearney - My Sister's Closet (BWSS), Vancouver Fashion Week, and SFU students in Ivan Sayers' classes: Lynn, Ilsa, Linda, Sue, Tricia, and Connie, my photographer.

Here's hoping for more fun and fashion at Vancity!

Photographer Connie's vintage jewelry

Colleen, Ilsa, Lynn

Students in Ivan Sayers' class at SFU Harbor Centre

Love the shoes!

Vintage clothes from Ivan's collection - Balenciaga (1950's)

Celebs in Black and White - Janelle Monáe

Black and white has got me inspired!  I have found myself wearing a lot of black and white in the last few weeks and have no idea why, other than the fact that it's different and makes me stand out.  It puts a spring in my step and makes me feel put together and confident.

Janelle Monáe has boldly worn black and white for the past seven years!  She is an inspiration!  I've included her speech from the 2012 Black Girls Rock Awards where she talks about the reasons behind why she wears a uniform.  Before Janelle got her big break she was a maid - her family also worked jobs that require uniforms and so she wears her uniform to honor them.  She gives some great words of wisdom for women - especially for us all starting a new week and Monday!

"I have work to do, I have people to uplift, I have people to inspire and today I wear my uniform proudly as a Cover Girl.  I didn't have to change who I was to become a Cover Girl."

"Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I believe it's our uniqueness and our unique ideas that make us rock!"

I searched through Hollywoodlife.com and found that many celebs wear black and white on the red carpet as well.  There are some fantastic looks!  See a few more videos below: one of Janelle talking about her love for black and white and another from Fabsugar.com that features a few tips on how to make it work with your wardrobe!

Janelle Monae

Duchess Kate

Marion Cotillard

Blake Lively

Victoria Beckham

Diane Kruger

Scarlett Johansson

Cameron Diaz

Angelina Jolie

Marion Cotillard

Kristen Stewart

Eva Longoria

Jessica Alba

Michelle Williams

Images from Hollywoodlife.com

Motivation Tuesday: New Year's Resolutions

Tuesdays are probably one of the hardest days to feel motivated.  You're not quite at Wednesday, but at least you've passed the dreaded Monday!  A little motivation for you:

Re-evaluating

• Check back in on your New Year's Resolutions.  How are you doing?  If you're not achieving your goals, re-evaluate:  is there a compromise or adjustment you can make?
• Weather:  Does it make you feel like staying cooped up at home?  Bundle up and get out there!  Whether the gym, an event or meeting a friend, you will feel much better once you get out!
• Resolutions - Don't worry if you haven't achieved everything yet.  Just keep going and you WILL get there! 

   My Resolutions

• My New Year's Resolution - See my original resolutions post here.
• Re-evaluating - My goal was to buy 5-7 key pieces for Spring.  I may be able to stick to it, I may not.  This weekend while out shopping with my friend, she helped me realize that you can adjust things budget wise.  So in case I feel the need to express myself with a new look, I have allowed for a monthly clothing budget as well, JUST IN CASE!  
• The first two pieces I bought this weekend did stick to the resolution - they are key pieces that I can wear with everything.  A black blazer and a fun take on a spring trench.  Zara has great sales on right now, if you can find something that isn't damaged!  See looks below.

Both jackets - Zara