EXPRESS Summer Preview 2014 at Spin

It sure doesn't seem like it in Toronto these days, but Summer is on the way! We saw a glimpse of it this past weekend with warmer temperatures and sunny skies. And what better way to prepare for Summer than attend the latest preview for the 2014 Express Summer collection?!

The event took place in the always fun Spin Ping Pong bar on King West in downtown Toronto. We were greeted with Summer cocktails and delicious barbecue inspired snacks. It was a magical escape from the ever cold Toronto weather on a Wednesday night!

Stripes, whites and bold colors continue to be popular this season. Express also has some of the best and most affordable jewelry. Their pieces always last and are unique and show stopping! Other favorites were basic and bold clutches and cute booties and sandals. I have especially been drawn to the preppy nautical look as of late and there were many options to choose from on the Express racks! It was great to see so many people out and ready to bring on Summer despite the poor weather. Bring it!

Love this statement necklace!

Dreaming of summer pedis and open toed sandals 

An amazing pair of statement earrings are all you need :)

Perfect summer look

Accessories are a great strength of Express

Hats galore

Stripes!

Statement bow tie and blazer

I was inspired to visit the Express store this week and left with

this beautiful Audrey inspired skirt. Going to be wearing it to the 

office and then to an exhibit at the Design Exchange. Can't wait!

Here's a photo from the summer of me in Express!

Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards 2014 After Party in Toronto

You may have seen my post on the Canadian Art and Fashion Awards a short while back. Here are the photos and official video from the awards and after party! It was a spectacular way to get the 2014 fashion year started. Well organized, great venue, fabulous attendees and an enjoyable time for all. Bravo!

About the CAFA
The Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards celebrates outstanding achievement and emerging talent in art and fashion industries across Canada. These awards were created to support and encourage Canadian designers and enable them to continue to grow on Canadian soil.  The awards were nominated by 57 official industry experts and presented by comedian Gerry Dee on February 1st, 2014.

The winners:

Women's wear designer of the year - Jeremy Laing
Men's wear designer of the year - Travis Taddeo
Outstanding achievement - Dean and Dan Caten (Dsquared2)
Accessory designer of the year - Dexter and Byron Peart (WANT Les Essentials de la Vie)
Canadian style award - Joe Mimran
Image maker of the year - Chris Nicholls
International designer of the year - Dean and Dan Caten (Dsquared2)
Stylist of the year - George Antonopoulos
Model of the year - Coco Rocha
Emerging talent - Sarah Stevenson (Received a $10,000 cash prize and mentorship program with Joe Fresh. The Collections will also produce her Spring-Summer 2015 look book.
2014 Vanguard award - Jeanne Beker

See Toronto Life's coverage of the CAFA awards.

Thanks to sponsor Sephora

Learning how to make lipstick with BITE 

With up and coming jewelry designer Anjli!

Hair and makeup by Sephora

Wearing William's Hats: Vancouver Milliner's Artfull Gallery

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

A sunny afternoon briefly transformed Vancouver's winter and off came my heavy black felt hat and on went this delicate spring flower creation by William S. Wallker. 

Some of Bill's Favorite Photos of his Hats

 

Time with Bill is time in an art gallery of vintage and modern hats and accessories that he continues to create.

Working from home, now, he is a man of many talents: artist, designer, teacher 

and milliner extraordinaire!!  Look at this brilliant red feathered beginning. 

How about this beaded bag, pleated turban and matching top? 

Where have you ever seen a decorated brim like this one? 

Using his own patterns and hat forms, he begins with the best materials 

he can source and magic takes place.

Although his painting are exotic and beautiful, it's the colors and shapes 

of the ribbons, flowers and feathers that make his home a gallery.

China and silver for tea, of course and a last sunny smile from Bill, holding two of his own felted hats.  

Thanks for the hats, the tea and and the fabulous company, Bill!  Want to have a one of a kind hat for a special occasion?  Need a stunner for a play you wrote or are starring in?  Going to Buckingham Palace, the Met or a Gala?  Go to walkermillinery.com to find your heart's desire and remember that this is someone who designed for Paramount Pictures and made a 1920's cloche for none other than Sarah Jessica Parker.

Hats off, Bill!  We all want to wear them. Visit Bill's fantastic website here for more information.