Toronto Must See Destinations
June 19, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
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Toronto is lucky to have a multicultural explosion right at their fingertips! Visit cultural areas such as Greek-town, where the party is always in full swing, to Little Italia, Corso Italia, 3 Chinatowns, Korea Town, Little India, Portugal village and more. Explore Jewish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Somalian culture, food, art and fashion in the ethnic communities they settle in. Experience the true meaning of Canada’s multiculturalism right in the heart of Toronto.
On top of the cultural diversity that Toronto has, there are plenty of fun, creative and special spots of interest to visit:
- The Financial District: A great spot for seeing amazing skyscrapers but also for the underground world it houses. Take a walk in the 6 mile underground mall and shop, eat or get a manicure- everything is available in the underground concourse!
- The Downtown Entertainment District: The home of all the trendy, chic clubs, bars and nightlife.
- Queen Street West: Check this shopping street out if you have hip, eclectic taste, you won’t be disappointed.
- The Gay and Lesbian Village: Where Toronto’s gay and lesbian community meet, offering stores, patios, cafes, and restaurants for all.
- The Fashion District: A shopping mecca for designer clothes at outlet prices with a backdrop of 19th century factories converted into chic lofts.
- Harbourfront: A wide range of activities to capture your attention ranging from boat cruises to music or theater performances, shopping and eating.
- Rosedale and Forrest Hill: Two ritzy communities that have incredible homes and properties set against a park background. Beautiful to drive through or walk through.
- Cabbagetown: This pocket of Toronto was a middle class area that now has some of the most impressive classic Victorian homes in the area.
- The Distillery District: Classic Victorian architecture in an industrial setting this distillery area has been around since 1832. Visit the stores, galleries, studios, bars, cafes, and much more in this lively, upbeat pocket of Toronto.
- The Beaches: A favourite of many Torontonians, the Beaches offers sports, parks, trails and shops. Often called the Toronto version of California beach life!
Main Attractions
Being a pretty young city, Toronto has a good mix of architecture and design including:
- The Skydome is a unique sports and music stadium with a retractable roof for off weather days.
- The CN Tower is a free standing structure that rises 553m straight up! An amazing piece of architecture and world famous building.
- Historic Fort York is a neat experience taking you back to the War of 1812. It is considered the birthplace of Toronto.
- For Romanesque type architecture take a look at Old City Hall.
- Visit the University of Toronto’s campus, the largest university in Canada.
- Casa Loma is a beautiful medieval castle from the 1920s designed by a Canadian named Sir Henry Pellat.
- Queen’s Park is a Romanesque style government building.
Theater, Music, Museums
Toronto has a very talented and creative theater community. Enjoy broadway musicals, local productions, international visiting shows and classical musical events. A few of the best theatre venues are the Royal Alexandra theater, Princess of Whales, the Elgin, Hummingbird Center, and Royal Thompson Hall (and so many more). A full list and details can be found at www.showmetoronto.com/toronto_theatres.htm).
- ROM (Royal Ontario Museum)
- AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario
- Bata Shoe Museum
- The Hockey Hall of Fame
- The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art
- The Bay of Spirits Gallery
- Black Creek Pioneer Village
- Holocaust Centre of Toronto
- The Ontario Science Centre
Markets and Shopping
- St Lawrence Market: A fun shopping experience in a farmer’s market where freshness and high quality products are demanded.
- Kensington Market: A busy and fun market with surprises at every stop. Check out all the stores for specialty items.
- Eaton’s Centre: The best known shopping mall in Toronto, jam packed with 285 retail stores.
- Yorkville: A popular stop for an fashionsita, this area is full of upscale shops and spas and restaurants.
Style Abroad
June 9, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
I recently had the opportunity and privilege of traveling across the pond and experiencing first hand the European fashion climate. Now my immediate reaction I must admit, was a bit anti-climatic. Seeing that I had always revered our Euro market as stylishly progressive and aesthetically composed.
Although I am not saying that my initial instinct wasn’t warranted, what I am saying is that their fashion sense compared with ours was more greatly parallel than I had anticipated. Being in the field of fashion it is always said that whatever is big in Europe undoubtedly will cross over into the North America and dominate the season’s trend. For example take the waist coat or even the colored canvas upper rage of the past two summers. You could find evidence of this trend in nearly every single reputable designer collection and even some of the lesser known labels. Let’s just say my last trip gave no such glimpse into anything that forthcoming nor innovative. It was as if fashion was at a stand still and nothing excitingly new was on the horizon.
I must say though, that when you saw an outfit put together it was done so immaculately and was a true reflection of this motherland of fabulous culture – La Dolce Vita. However, for the most part it seemed to be that same old tune. The ultra casual look done in designer fabric and labeled garment. Its what I like to refer to as the $1000 casual ensemble. This is where the individual may appear to be wearing merely a loosely thrown together outfit accompanied by a quintessential pair of sunglasses, of course. If you were to tally the cost of that seemingly dressed down, effortless ensemble you will inevitably find yourself in the $1000 price range. Jeans – $200, Top – $100, Shoes – $200 , Sunglasses and Accessories $300 – Originality? Lifeless. To be quite frank we have been beating this same style to death for the better part 5 years. It may be time for us to pick on something else.
Now, I am not saying that I have lost faith in my perception of European style – no, not at all. If I were to take that stand point, then what would that mean to us here who have adopted that very same swagger in our personal wardrobes? And, certainly I am not saying that I had expected to see people draped lavishly in couture while perched at a local café sipping espressos. This was not my first trip to Europe and I am not a novice.
I guess what I am saying is that either we as North Americans have finally caught up to our stylish counter parts or for the first time ever in history, they are looking to us for their inspiration. Which in itself would be jarring to say the least. As a side note; the one certainty I can say as far as forecasting upcoming trends, is that, the skinny jean has finally left the building. And, its siblings the Staight leg and (affectionately nicknamed) “Boyfriend” jean has entered the playing field. Hey, I’ll take what I can get.
Overall I must say that all fashion aside, it was an unforgettable vacation in a beautiful culture. Maybe, it is best to leave work at home where it belongs and enjoy your time away.
Designer Sale June 6-7 at Hyatt Regency
June 5, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
40%-80% off all designer brands this sat and sun at Hyatt regency downtown Toronto
Best kept secret is proud to present another sample sale offering designer brands at recession friendly prices! We sell all designer goods at 40%-80% off retail prices. Some of our brands include: true religion, ed hardy, rock and republic, william wrast, diesel, lacoste, christian audigier, seven for all mankind and many more.
For more info call: 647 293 0771
Location: 370 King Street West Hyatt Regency
Fendi – Luxury shopping in Toronto
March 20, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
When Adele Casagrande married Edoardo Fendi in 1925, they decided to change the name of her already established leather and fur shop to Fendi. Little did they know that they would also change the coarse of how high fashion would be viewed throughout the world from that point onward. Adapting the double F “Zucco” logo in the 1960’s, prompted by German Head Designer Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi went on to become a world wide force for designer luxury goods. Their ready to wear line gained immediate praise and although the dealt lesser expensive pelt products, a sacrifice in quality was never an issue. To this very day this fabulous house shows no signs of slowing down. That is, if record sales of their highly sought after “Spy Bag” in 2005 and Mr. Lagerfelds stunningly historic show on top of The Great Wall in 2007 serves as any indication. Fendi would appear to be just as relevant as ever before.
Holt Renfrew | 50 Bloor St. W. | (416) 922-2333
Hours: Mon – Wed 10–6, Thurs – Fri 10–8, Sat 10 -7, Sun 12-6
Sherway Gardens | 25 The West Mall | (416) 621-9900
Hours: Mon – Fri 10–9, Sat 9:30–6, Sun 11-5
Yorkdale Mall | 3401 Dufferin Street | 416-789-5377
Hours: Mon – Fri 10 – 9, Sat 9:30- 9, Sun 11 – 6
Some Other Fendi Featured Posts:
| Fendi Multicolored Reptile Stamped Bag – Purses, Designer Handbags … – Handbags and Purses: The Purse Page is the largest source for handbag reviews, designer purses and fashion discussion on the web.
LOUIS VUITTON Small Ring Agend | FENDI – Fashion, Entertainment … – things sure i’m gonna bring LOUIS VUITTON Small Ring Agenda, Nano, macbook, Fend Borsa, I prefer Tote bag as my hand carry., (Tama will die I think)… This is for now. Designer Handbag Reviews At Señora Cartera: Fendi Peek-A-Boo … – For those of you that are as head-over-heels in love with the Fendi Peek-A-Boo Satchel as I am, be sure to click on over to Saks where a group of these beautiful bags is now available. With either patent or sophisticated leather … |
Has Your Closet Gotten Out of Hand? Time to Organize!
March 15, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Is your closet as chaotic as a war zone? Does it take you forever to pick an outfit, find the clothes or shoes you need, or search for that thing you stashed somewhere in there but now can’t find? These are the tell-tale signs that closet-organizing time is approaching!
Clean, organized closets are a crucial component of a quick out the door fashions. They provide a place to store the stuff that you need to use on a fairly regular basis, but don’t want messing up the rest of your house. But it’s easy for a closet to go from being a blessing to a curse if it’s not serving your needs effectively. Like that little-used drawer, your closet can become a catch-all place for people to hide away things they can’t find a better place to store and still can’t bring themselves to chuck out. And clothes, since we all grow, gain and lose weight, and because styles constantly change, can become a huge burden on even the most spacious closet.
Organizing a closet that has gotten out of control seems like an insurmountable job. But if you break it down into manageable steps it might seem less daunting. The first step is to remove everything from the closet and lay it out so you can go through it item by item.
Clothing and other items from your closet should be put into three basic categories: things you need and will go back in the closet; things you no longer need and can discard; and things you need to keep but should be stored elsewhere. Be ruthlessly honest about your possessions! If it no longer fits you or you haven’t worn it for a year, get rid of it. If it’s something you don’t use but has sentimental value, put it in a box and put it in storage. Donate your discarded clothes to a clothing bank. If you’re like me and have a hard time throwing things away, donating to a worthy charity is a good way to ease the pain!
It can be very difficult to get rid of possessions we’ve grown attached to, even if they are no longer of any purpose to us. But when possessions start getting in the way, hogging limited space and making it harder to find what we really need, we have to ask ourselves is it really worth keeping them. I can be a pack-rat myself, and when I finally get the courage to throw away unused stuff, I feel like a huge burden has been lifted off me.
Next, while your closet is still empty, take its measurements if you feel you need to purchase extra storage materials, such as bins, shoe racks or a new shelving unit. There are tons of great storage solutions on the market that are fun to shop for! Think about the overall aesthetic you want to achieve, and whether you may move in the near future or want permanent storage capability.
When you’ve figured out what you’re going to keep and put back in the closet, it’s time to chose a way to organize your clothing to best suit your personal needs. You can organize by colour, season, style (casual, work, social, and so on). If you always wear certain pieces together, hang them together to create more room. Certain items, such as ski-wear or other seasonal pieces, might best be stored elsewhere in sealed labeled bins and brought back to your closet only when you’re ready to use them again.
Re-organizing your closet can be highly satisfying, even fun. Aside from that, it serves a worthwhile purpose. You use items from your closet every day, and a chaotic closet makes things hard to find, wasting your valuable time. Making your clothes accessible and removing obstructive clutter goes a long way to making your day-to-day life run more efficiently.
What’s the Big Deal With Celebrities and Fashion?
March 14, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Admit it, you’re intrigued by celebrities. You want to know what they’re doing, who they’re dating, where they go on vacation, and of course, what they’re wearing. Why does the public have such a fascination with the rich and famous? And how does this fascination affect the fashion industry itself?
The truth of the matter is, celebrities and the fashion world have a symbiotic relationship of mutual benefit. Both major film and music icons and fashion houses sell a brand. People are more likely to buy stuff from brands that are well-established and seem to represent their interests and aspirations. Brands build themselves through publicity and marketing. If the Olsen twins or Kanye West are showing off something from your clothing line, there is no better form of free publicity. There are innumerable magazines and websites whose main purpose is analyzing the fashion choices of the famous and glamorous, and they help to turn fashion labels that many ordinary consumers might never have known of into household names.
By the same token, celebrities benefit from having access to high-end brands of clothing and accessories. Celebrities are under constant pressure, even in their private lives where they are hounded by photographers, to look stylish, sexy and trendy. For whatever reason, the public is interested in them as people, beyond what they create artistically. The famous pay a high price for their wealth and status in a huge loss of privacy. Most stars have assistants, or even teams of people, to help them cultivate their image. They have considerable financial resources, so wearing high-quality designer clothes, which make a huge difference in their appearance, is well within reach. It is not unusual for a high-end store to shut itself to the public so a famous patron can shop in peace.
Because of the unending scrutiny of the magazines and websites mentioned above, stars can’t really afford to make “fashion mistakes,” or they’ll be publicly humiliated for it. They need the support of the fashion industry, and they get it! In fact, many design houses will offer stars free clothing, especially for the big televised shows like the Oscars and the Grammys. It’s a publicity coup that is more valuable than all the advertising in the world!
So the question remains, why do people care what celebrities are doing, and wearing? Many very bright people, such as academics and sociologists, have pondering this question for decades. There are no easy answers. Maybe it is part of human nature to need people to look up to, to idolize, and to emulate. In the past, many cultures had kings and queens who may have served this purpose. In our modern democratic world, maybe celebrities are the new royalty.
Certainly, a lot of us can’t stand the adoration of the rich and famous. People often say that celebrities are “role models,” and maybe they shouldn’t be. A lot of them certainly don’t behave like role models, as anyone who reads the tabloid press knows. The culture that worships superstars also likes to knock them down a peg or two every now and then. This explains the popularity of gossip websites and tabloid publications. Sometimes it’s good to be reminded that celebrities are just people, too.
Plum Shoes – Yorkville’s fix for any woman’s shoe addiction
February 26, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
I was first made aware of this particular Yorkville gem when on the hunt from one of my favourite women’s shoe designers, Chie Mihara. This quaint sub-leveled shop is and absolute treasure chest of hard to come by brands. Everything from Calvin Klien’s couture line to lesser known but equally amazing Hussein Chalayan, are all available in this petite shoe boutique. This is definitely the shoe store for that women with her own sense of style and who does not mind paying for it.
Plum Shoes | 29 Bellair St., Suite 107 | (416) 964-6404
Hours : Mon – Wed 10–6, Thurs – Fri 10–7, Sat 10–6, Sun 12-5
Welcome, 2009!
January 26, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Ladies and gentlemen, we survived yet another year in our great city of Toronto. And as we bid farewell to the “do’s and don’ts” of ’08, it’s time to start focusing on the infinite fashionable possibilities awaiting us at the dawn of ’09.
Ladies, set those slouchy sweaters and “Tom Boy Couture” pieces aside; it’s time to re-embrace your femininity. Gentlemen, the “80’s Campus” look has finally come to an end, so let’s graduate to a more polished appearance. 2009 is going to be a year of reinvention and re-evaluation. And we at TorontoShoppingList.com promise to be with you every step of the way!
The runway trends of 2009, although slightly varied from the previous year, still allow ample room for self expression and interpretation. I see a turn toward impeccable tailoring. As the look of ’08 was of a looser, more casual silhouette, this year’s focus may be more on structure and form.
In a trend inspired by late 60’s early 70’s avant-garde glamour (think Mod meets Monaco), we are noticing bolder prints, slimmer cuts as well as more gender specific pieces–women dressing like women, men looking like men. Androgyny has been taking a back seat, for the most part.
Believe it or not, street fashion, while still propelled by the skinny, narrow fitting denim, is starting to show signs of a more relaxed cut as an alternative. Although it may be a while before we fully divorce ourselves from our slimming companion, a change is on the horizon.
An upcoming look (primarily for men) is the reintroduction of the 50’s “Grease Monkey” aesthetic. Leather jackets, vests, straight-leg-raw-denim dungaree and plain white v-necks, are all back. It would seem that the rebel has found a new cause. However, please use in moderation!
For the ladies, think simplicity and texture. The vintage overload of the past has finally blown a fuse and it’s time to return to staple basics. Ruffled neck lines, minimally printed tees, motorcycle jackets and slightly flared jeans are all good choices for the Spring/Summer season.
Consider yourself now “in the know,” Toronto. Happy 2009!
There is so much more coming your way– stay tuned!
The StyleXchange
January 17, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Originating in our sometime-rival Canadian city of Montreal, The StyleXchange is a welcomed addition to Toronto’s retail playing field. This urban retailer carries a bevy of recognizable high end street wear brands. And they house the best denim on the Yonge Street strip. Lines such as Diesel, Energie, Miss. Sixty, G-Star (just for starters) dominate its sales floor. This popular chain has certainly provided proof that Montreal and Toronto can get along.
The StyleXchange | 181 Yonge St. | 416-214-0111
Hours: Mon–Fri 10-9, Sat 10-8, Sun 11 – 6
Stylish Sites
December 2, 2008 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Being fashionable oftentimes can prove to be a bit tiresome. So what do we style slaves do when we wake up uninspired and unmotivated to put together the day’s outfit? Well, if you’re stuck in winter’s rut and are feeling less than fabulous, allow me to provide some food for thought. Here are some cool style sites and fashion blogs from around the globe that I’ve come across, featuring both people with amazing fashion sense and a couple of fashion “do not’s” mixed in. Sometimes we all need a little push, so I hope this provides you with ideas to utilize your wardrobe’s full potential. Enjoy.
- thecoolhunter.net
- stylebubble.typepad.com
- fashionmission.nl
- style.com
- feedshion.com
- hoyfashion.co.uk
- pradandmeatballs.blogspot.com
- thesartorialist.com
Top 10 Most Stylish Music Artists
December 2, 2008 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
If our modern fashion culture has taught us anything, it’s that style is no longer dictated by the supermodel–or even necessarily the designer. It is, however, driven by those in the spotlight who sport the coveted fabrics. And throughout all our eras of “pop culture” one thing has remained true: it’s the music artists who always hold top spot in shaping the general public’s understanding of trends. So, on this note I bring you my choice of the top ten most influential artists of current style, in no particular order (and I’m sorry all you Kanye fans out there, but Mr. West did not make the list. Send your complaints care of GetOverIt.com ) :
1. Pete Doherty (The Libertines, Babyshambles) – This often misbehaved rocker and Kate Moss’s “on-again off-again” partner in crime. Has also been a muse to, former Dior Homme designer, Hedi Slimane and has left his stamp on the way many up-and-coming artists approach style and image.
2. Gwen Stefani (No Doubt, Solo) – What more can be said about this highly successful artist and now fashion designer? Influenced herself by the underground Japanese Harajuko culture, Stefani released L.A.M.B.
3. Pharrell Williams (The Neptunes, N*E*R*D (No One Ever Really Dies), Solo) – One of my personal favourites. Pharrell is the definition of what it is to be an alternative black male–just being yourself. You can see it in everything from his own personal lines Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream (alongside Bathing Ape Japanese designer Tomoaki “Nigo” Nagao). He also was the face of Louis Vuitton for ’06 with a little help from his good friend Marc Jacobs.
4. Scott Weiland ( Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver, Solo) – Here we have a template for rock style. His fashion choices are a throwback to the good old days of the late 60s and 70s, when a rocker looked like a rocker. Love his style!! Say what you want about his battles with addiction and his stints in rehab, this is a man with a “balls out” swagger.
5. Karen O (Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs) – Besides being a huge fan of the Yeahs music, I’m also love her ultra New York style. This a front-woman that just brings attitude to her outfits. She’s badass! Enough said.
6. Julian Casablancas (The Strokes) – Speaking of New Yorkers, I’m going to go way out on a limb and say: not only did this front man and band reintroduce the Ramones-esque basic garage band format to the masses, (not to mention reviving the “The” band trend), but also was pivotal in the resurgence of the skinny jean, rock-tee, Chuck Taylor, motorcycle jacket (also very Ramones) movement of the early millennium. And it’s for that reason he has made my list.
7. M.I.A – Now let me start off by saying that although I am a big fan of her music, I’m not always a huge fan of her fashion choices. That being said, I can’t deny her influence on the general public and how much of a catalyst she has been for women re-embracing early 90s style. So for this reason, I have to give her a shout-out.
8. Brandon Flowers (The Killers) – Now, I’m not 100% sure whether his style is dictated by himself or whether he has enlisted the services of a stylist… but I like this dude. His choices are a bit more daring than your average male rock artist and his wardrobe seems to be constantly evolving. Whatever the case may be, keep doing your thing, Brandon!
9. Justin Timberlake – Say what you want…but I can’t walk outside without seeing some kid wearing one of those under-sized fedoras, tipped sightly over the right eye. You have Mr. Timberlake to thank for all that. And, I am surprised to say I am a fan of his, Trace Ayala and design collaborator Johan Lindeberg’s line William Rast. It seems as if he can do no wrong.
10. Madonna – Surprise, Surprise! If you have any argument with this choice of fashion icon, then you obviously have not been exposed to any form of media in quite some time. She has influenced every single current female artist out there without exception. All hail he Queen of reinvention!
Honorable Mention
The Olsen Twins – Okay I know that they are not music artists per se, but their influence cannot be downplayed. The Olsen Twins are two of the most mimicked celebrities in modern style, period. It would seem that once it appears on the Twins it has been deemed automatically fashionable. Now that is glam power. I couldn’t possibly compile a list of trend setters without giving them their props.
Why Not Shop From Home?
December 2, 2008 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
In these colder Toronto months, the idea of venturing outside for that “must have” item may seem a bit far fetched. So it is for that reason, I provide you with an alternative that won’t require you leaving your cozy abode. Here are some online shopping sites that you may not have known existed but which carry some amazing cutting-edge items for all. Enjoy and, you’re welcome!
www.revolveclothing.com
www.shopbop.com
www.normlclothing.com
www.oki-ni.com
www.shopstyle.com
www.yoox.com
www.bluefly.com
www.urbanoutfitters.com
www.pickyourshoes.com
Note to all: always be aware of on-line delivery policies. Sometimes the delivery charges can be a bit costly.
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