Friday, April 30, 2010

May 2010 | The Age Issue





FASHIONFILE53 IN MEMORIAM The fashion world mourns the loss of Alexander McQueen.
58 NEWS Matthew Williamson for Bulgari, new blood at Thierry Mugler, Project Runway goes Wii, the Olsens’ new jewellery collection, and more.
62 Q&A New York designer Prabal Gurung on why sexy, smart women of all ages are clamouring to wear his fine frocks.
64 AGE From the 20s to the 50s, four fashionable women divulge the secrets to their personal style.
72 SHOPPING Are Canadian designers who jump on the collaboration train selling out—or simply selling more?
78 THE LIST Sugary pastel timepieces; trends for every age, from shorts suits at 20 to tribal at 60; and how to update your wardrobe for spring.


BEAUTY
94 MOST WANTED The anti-fragrance, hair products designed for your cut, Joe Fresh Beauty’s cheerfully cheap spring nail colours, and more.
80 HEADSHOT Beauty director Adriana Ermter’s backstage pass to the best runway look for spring.
98 TEST DRIVE In an attempt to fit into a beloved Chloé dress again, Roberta Bedford undergoes the latest fat-zapping treatment.
100 AGE  Eight fashion insiders craft a letter to their past or future selves, sharing how they live a beautiful life.
112 SPAS  We’ve searched the globe for the best destinations to visit when you need to relax and recharge.
120 SKIN CARE  Janine Falcon discovers serums are like underwear; they should be layered on before anything else.
124 DEFINED  In an excerpt from her new memoir, author Jen Lancaster’s internal monologue takes us beyond the comfort zone.
130 EXTRA  Laura Keogh marvels at nail lacquer’s shades of influence.

CULTURE
137 INTERVIEW Comedian Sarah Silverman’s scandalous new tome.
138 INDEX Broken Social Scene is on the scene again, chic new Canadian hotels, The National Ballet of Canada gets its groove back, and more.
142 ESSAY When the lights go down on a glamorous auntie, learning to drive at 40, and giving into the grey—ruminations from ladies of a certain age.


FASHION&FEATURES
162 THE WEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING Photographed by Gabor Jurina.
176 CINDY CRAWFORD Photographed by Alix Malka.
178 A TWISTED TALE Photographed by Gabor Jurina.

FASHIONSHOPS
185 SHOES From a new start-up to a historic landmark, six canadian stores and their stories.
190 NOTES The coolest shops and labels to watch from coast to coast.
199 FOCUS Our cross-Canada guide to getting prepped for summer with nails, waxing and faux-tans.
216 BUY IT Where to find everything in this issue.
218 MY STYLE Designer Rachel Roy on her fashion weakness and age-appropriate dressing.

Spring Colored Candy Mints

Spring time means flowers, warmer weather, Spring showers, and Color! I came across a recipe for these cute little candy mints; so easy to put together and the flavor reminds me of the filling I used to make for my Mom's chocolate, mint fudge when I was growing up. I have not tasted this filling since then, and I do not even want to remember how long ago that was!
My photo-taking is a little off because the color did not come out crisp for me. The top photo is color true.
The little mint recipe is called Cream Cheese Mints and I actually found the recipe in one of Paula Deen's magazines so I thought I would share:
Cream Cheese Mints
(adapted from Paula Deen)
1 (3-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup all-vegetable shortening
1/2 t. peppermint oil - or flavor of choice
4 cups confectioners' sugar
Directions:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, shortening and peppermint (or flavor of choice) with a mixer until smooth. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating until well combined. (Dough will be soft and elastic.) Roll dough into small balls, and place each ball on prepared baking sheet. Press fork into each ball to flatten. Cover baking sheet with plastic wrap and chill mints overnight.

Take Care Of Your Hair



Possessing a dense and luxuriant mane covering the scalp is a cherished dream for all. However, very often, this dream is eclipsed by the nightmare of large-scale hair loss. It brings with it anxiety and depression. In desperation, we seek ways and means to check this menace completely, or at least curb it.

It should be noted that a certain rate of hair fall, that is, loss of a number [80-100] of hair strands per day is normal. However, when it exceeds that limit, it becomes a cause for concern and is considered a problem. Some people lose a lot of hair early in life because it runs in their family [inherited] or because of disease, medications, stress, injury, or damage to the hair.

What causes hair loss?
The most common cause of hair loss is genetics - you inherit the tendency to lose hair from either or both your parents. This is called male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia. [Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss.] About 50 per cent of people have this type of hair loss by about 50 years of age.

Other common causes of hair loss include:

Ringworm of the scalp [tinea capitis], which is common in children.
Mental stress or physical stress, such as recent surgery, illness or high fever.
Chemotherapy, the use of medication to destroy cancer cells.
Pulling your hair back too tightly, wearing tight braids or ponytails, or using curling irons or dyes.
As you age, you grow less hair. It is also thinner and tends to break more easily.
What are the symptoms?
Hair loss can occur as thinning [you may not notice hairs falling out] or as shedding, with clumps of hair falling out. It can be general - you lose hair all over your scalp - or focal, which means you lose it in one area only. In inherited hair loss, men generally develop bald spots on the forehead area or on the top of the head, while women have an overall thinning of the hair throughout the scalp.

Because hair is an important part of appearance, hair loss can result in loss of self-esteem and feeling unattractive, especially in women and teens.

Diagnosis
Hair loss is diagnosed through medical history and physical examination. Your health professional will question you about your hair loss. Do your parents have hair loss? When did your hair loss begin? How much hair are you losing. He or she will also look at the pattern of hair loss, examine the scalp, and may tug gently on a few hairs or pull some out. If the reason for your hair loss is not clear, the person may take a sample of your hair or scalp to examine under a microscope, or do a blood test to identify a disease source.

How should you treat it?
Some people choose to treat hair loss with medications or surgery, such as hair transplantation. Others choose to wear hairpieces [wigs or toupees] or use different methods of hair styling [dyeing or combing]. The approach you use depends on the cause of your hair loss and how you feel about it. Some people feel they need treatment, while others are not as concerned about thinning hair or baldness.

Hair loss that is caused by a controllable factor, such as stress or medication, is treated by eliminating the cause. Whether your hair grows back depends on the cause of your hair loss. If you have inherited hair loss, you would need treatment to re-grow your hair. It will not grow back naturally. However, treatment to re-grow hair does not work for everyone. If your hair loss is caused by medication, stress, or damage, hair often grows back after the cause is removed, although sometimes treatment may be needed.

Home treatment for hair loss includes hair care and hairstyling techniques that may help you cover thinning or bald spots on the scalp. This may be easier for women, because inherited hair loss [androgenetic alopecia], causes a general thinning that is usually not as severe as it is in men. Hair sprays, dyes, and permanents can help make the hair appear fuller.

In women with inherited hair loss, hair care and use of grooming products, hair sprays, hair colour, teasing, permanents, or frequent washing will not increase hair loss. However, if your hair loss is caused by improper hair care, then perms and dyes may contribute to more hair loss.

For both men and women, hair thinning and baldness increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer on the scalp. When in the sun, wear a hat or use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more to prevent sun damage to the scalp.

Medication
Medication for hair loss can slow thinning of hair and increase coverage of the scalp by growing new hair and enlarging existing hair. However, they need to be taken continuously. If the medications are stopped, any hair that has grown back will gradually be lost, and within 6-12 months your scalp will most likely appear the same as before treatment. If you are taking medication for inherited hair loss, do not expect to re-grow a full head of hair. Hair coverage is improved on the top of the head, but not on the forehead area. However, when you stop taking these medications, hair loss begins again.

Make sure you choose the best option for your hair and keep looking your best.

Tips To Prevent Hair Loss
Get rid of stress as this is most dangerous for your lovely hair.
Bend your head while you are shampooing and massage your scalp. This will increase blood circulation to the scalp.
Get sufficient sleep. Like healthy body, healthy hair also needs a good night's sleep.
Ensure your diet is rich in Vitamin B6 and zinc.
Use supplements if you cannot get enough from natural food sources.
Don't pull your hair. By pulling your hair you are placing strain on the hair follicle and may cause permanent damage which results in that particular follicle not being able to grow hair again.
Be careful not to rub you scalp against a towel to dry it. Rubbing your scalp can also damage a hair follicle. If possible, pat away excess moisture and then leave the hair to dry naturally.
Don't use wigs, unless advised by a doctor. The scalp needs to breathe for the hair follicles to work to their maximum effect. Using a wig suffocates the follicles.
Use the right shampoo for your hair. Shampoos are formulated for a reason and giving your hair the most help possible is a good idea. Also, never over-wash your hair, otherwise, you deprive it of all its natural oils.
Don't use permanent or colorants. Using any chemical on the hair can lead to damage of the scalp and hair follicles.
Always wash your hair thoroughly after using shampoo. Shampoo contains soap and chemicals and needs to be washed off thoroughly after use.
It is important to watch your diet. Eating unbalanced diets results in deficiencies and your hair will not get the nutrition it needs. You should also carefully watch your intake of both vitamin A and E as excessive amounts of both these vitamins have been linked to hair loss.

Bright Lights, Big City

As long as I can remember, I have felt a pull between two opposites- a love for the countryside and a love for the city. While I am completely at peace in the country, there is something about big cities that makes my pulse race in the most exhilarating way.


Helena Palazzi Photography

The traffic. The noise. The people. The lights. The buildings. All of these things and more capture a piece of my heart.


Martin Rusch

I love staring out a window many stories in the air, taking in building upon building with skyscrapers lined up as far as the eye can see.


Helena Palazzi Photography

Especially at night. When light and darkness meet halfway.


Troy House Photography

For the next few days I will be in and around New York City, and my heart is filled with happiness. I have a weekend filled with not only the excitement of the city, but also the company of family and friends, ones who it has been too long since I've last seen.

Midweek, I move on to Massachusetts to spend time with some more close friends who I also haven't seen in far too many years, and I most likely will be MIA for a little over the next week; I hope during that time you have many moments of sweet bliss, as I intend to enjoy many of the same.

Stress Free Holidays




Release the tension around you, and embrace the peace within.

We all get overwhelmed this time of year, but the key to keeping our mental balance lies in being able to handle stressful situations. Use our tips to prepare yourself.

Move for Your Mood Daily exercise helps release bottled-up tension by exerting energy in a positive way, and sweating helps dissipate impurities in your body. Also, stretching, which lets your muscles "yawn," encourages stress to melt away through your fingertips and toes.

Mental Munohies Some folks head to the fridge to find relief. Sugary, starchy comfort foods such as ice cream and potato chips create an artificial surge of energy. Opt to eat a balanced diet throughout the day, reaching for power fare such as blueberries and oranges when you need a snack.

Mind Over Matter Learn to react calmly to tension. First, draw on past experiences to form a plan of action. Second, seek support from family and friends. Third, find inspiration by doing something creative or helpful for others.

Sorting Out Stressors

Stress, a natural response to situations and experiences, places demands on our body's resources. There are different types of stress: Positive stress arises in situations that challenge us to grow and teach us how to change ourselves or our environment. Negative stress results from events that we cannot easily change or avoid, such as physical injury. Life events can fall into either category. "The best way to handle negative stress is to be prepared for it in advance," says Corey Keyes, positive psychologist at Emory University in Atlanta and a member of our Healthy Living Advisory Board. "This means getting sufficient sleep, eating a good diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, and exercising regularly."



Preferences celebrities and Mini Skirt pictures

Preferences celebrities and Mini Skirt

All clothes worn in everyday life serve no purpose I believe not.Jackets, cardigans, leggings, shorts all of them at the moment, we have entered into with piskoloji into shape or want to make it appropriate to say anything we choose.


Miniskirt When it comes to the subject, and I needed a little against it as a sax man as one with the foot yorumluyorum.Mini female portrait more sexy and daring If we get a say I would not be wrong hiçde; elegance with a piece of mini skirts, nice and smooth legs and is in harmony with a good combination of very good choice.



Celebrities Preferences and Mini Skirt ...








How To Save Money On Wedding Photography


All brides want that one photograph that perfectly captures the wedding day. But to get it, you have to hire a skilled photographer--and unfortunately,

they usually cost several thousand dollars. Here are some tips to cropping your photography budget down to size:

1. Post an ad in the art department at a local college or university for a photographer. You'd be surprised at the talent and skill available--and for a lot less. Just be prepared to assemble your album from the developed photos.

2. Lose the prints and go digital. Many photographers now offer this as an option; so instead of getting proofs/prints you can get your 'photos' on CD. Then check out an online photo editor/developer like Shutterfly for printed photos. (Shutterfly even offers the first 15 prints free for signing up--so you can try it risk free.)

3. Make your own wedding album. Depending on your photographer and the number of photo taken you can save hundreds (or more) by putting together your own album.

4. Reduce the number of hours you'll need a photographer. For example, instead of having the photographer follow you around while you're running to the salon to get your hair done, have your bridesmaids snap those photos.

5. Forego the photographer at your reception and provide disposable cameras for your guests. You'll get a better variety of pictures because the guests will be sure to take some photos of each other--and not just the bride and groom. (Trust me, this is a good thing. You'll get tired of sorting through hundreds of pictures of yourself that all look the same.)




Choosing the Right Bed Makes You Sleep Well


Buying a new bed can be an intricate matter. Get it wrong, and you'll have years ahead of you with uncomfortable nights. You might have an idea of the kind of bed you are looking for, or the interior of your bedroom might specifically ask for a metal or a wooden frame. The good news is the frame can be exactly to your liking, as the most important decision that lies ahead will be the choice of a mattress. You can easily go for a cheaper frame, and invest in a good mattress. The tip is to always spend more on the mattress than on the bed frame, as the price tends to reflect the quality and durability of the mattress. There are several things you need to consider when buying a mattress. People have different preferences when it comes to the firmness of the bed they lay on, and being aware of whether you prefer a softer feel or a harder base will help you make your decision. The base of the frame will affect what kind of a mattress you'll need to buy. Especially if you are buying the two separately, take good care of checking that they match as not all mattresses will fit all bed frames. All types of mattresses are designed to go with slatted bases, but do listen to manufacturers recommendations on which mattresses to consider for their frames! The size of a bed includes three dimensions, so the width of a bed is not the only thing to consider. Of course, getting a wide enough bed for you and your partner is important, but you should not forget to consider the length and the height of the bed as well, as these do vary. Especially if you are quite tall, or tend to fall off your bed, these dimensions gain extra importance. People with special conditions, such as back pains or asthma will need extra care when choosing their mattresses. Names sounding vaguely medical, such as orthopaedic, can simply mean that the bed is the hardest one available in the product range. A doctor's advice will be more trustworthy in these occasions. For people with asthma or allergies, getting in the habit of cleaning and airing the mattress regularly will prevent the worse symptoms. However, when making the buying decision, it is a good idea to check the material of the mattress for any allergenic components. Finally, the quality of the retail service might be the source of your final decision. Sleeping on a good mattress should help you relax, and the process of buying a mattress should match that comfort.

Happy weekend!

We are in NYC this weekend meeting up with some of our 2010 couples for some fabulous photodate sessions, 8 to be exact (we're sneaking in one pregnancy portrait and one sexy session too)!

Can't wait to see everyone and snap it up in the city!

So not to worry if the blog is quiet for a few days...it's going to be blowing up soon enough!

Manmohan Singh becomes Brhai - Funny Picture

Manmohan Singh becomes Brhaai - Funny Picture



Amazing shoot coming up...

I just love the style and colors of an amazing collaboration in the works. Here's one sneak peak photo of a piece I shipped off yesterday (along with a few others). Have I ever told you my favorite colors in the world are peach and mint? Not pink or orange.... not green or blue... both are inbetween, but I love them:


Manmohan Singh cleans hi Glasses - Funny Picture

Manmohan Singh cleans hi Glasses - Funny Picture



Gucci's 2010 Cruise Collection

The first thing that strikes us about Gucci's 2010 Cruise Collection is the sense of retro-cool that oozes from the outfits. From a sporty black boyshort bikini, to a stunning floor-length gown with thigh-high split, it's almost as if the models have stepped out of a 1970s James Bond film and into the creative mind of Frida Giannini. The colour palette of black, white and navy means the pieces are geared towards being high-quality wardrobe basics; the cuts are sleek and body-conscious for a look that's simple yet sexy.Gucci's subtly retro-infused progression into 2010 is a natural follow on from their Spring/Summer 2009 collection, which featured similar seventies undertones but in bolder colours and prints.




Twigs & Honey veil + Elizabeth Dye dress :: Just like heaven

It's no secret... I LOVE Elizabeth Dye's work. You know she made my wedding dress SUPER fabulous, yes? With gorgeous lace overlay, details, and detachable floral and chiffon bustle/train... So, I loved seeing this pairing from the amazing photographers, Sweet Little Photographs for their Lovely Bridal Shop shoot. A Twigs & Honey Soft Light Lace veil and Elizabeth Dye dress:





I love this photo... there's a Twigs & Honey mini bridal hat on her shoulder:



Photo credits: Sweet Little Photographs

shabd love

I LOVE shabd's designs and in particular, I love this new dress for the autumn/winter 2010 collection:


Want To Be A Fashion Stylist





What a hair stylist does for your 'do, a fashion stylist does for your wardrobe!
It is the job of a fashion stylist to help a client figure out what "look" he or she desires and then help him or her get it. If a rocker chick is looking to tone it down for an interview,

if an aspiring executive hopes to look the part, if a politician needs a new image, or if a mom desires to reclaim a lost sense of style and sophistication, he or she might consult a fashion stylist.

Ultimately, a fashion stylist is an image consultant. Professionals in this line of work have a keen fashion sense that is paired with an equally strong ability to recognize the desires and individuality of their clients. It is no big secret: we come in all shapes and sizes, and we have various personalities and lifestyles. We all want to look good, but we all want to look...well, like ourselves. A fashion stylist knows how to help clients choose outfits and accessories to compliment body type and sense of individuality.

Becoming a fashion guru takes dedication, experience, and pizzazz. Most fashion stylists start out in the fashion industry - working in various positions, including retail sales, buying, advertising, and journalism. Our tip to stylist hopefuls: soak up all of the knowledge and experience of the fashion industry that you can. Whether you start out selling pantyhose at Macy's or picking up the fashion editor's morning latte, keep your ears and eyes open! Knowing and learning as much as you can about the fashion industry will only prepare you to launch your own dream career.

Another tip: get experience by offering your services to family and friends. Everyone has the cousin whose wardrobe is stuck in the 1980's. Help your cousin out and practice your consulting skills! Don't be afraid to believe in your talent, and be adamant about marketing your services - even from the beginning. If you work hard, continue to engage in fashion design training, and want it bad enough you will eventually get a chance to show what you can do. Seize and dress every opportunity in a pair of Jimmy Choo's!

University of Cookie: Royal Icing

Hey guys! A quick note to let you know there's a new vlog over at University of Cookie. This one is called "making royal icing."

Come take a peek! {I may or may not have invented a new drinking game to go along with it!} ;)

Wags 'n Whiskers flower challenge, a sale, and news about the next release!

Yay! It's Friday! :) Hope everyone is having a fabulous week! It's time for a new Wags 'n Whiskers challenge, and this week, the fabulously talented Jeanette is asking us to use flowers. I was commissioned to make a Mother's Day card with two boys with skin of color. So I chose both Super Ryan and Just For You. Aren't they too cute? I love these two together, because "Just For You" does indeed look like the older brother, don't you think? I stamped them in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored them with Sketch Copics. I then cut them out and double popped them off the card.

And right now, both of these stamps, as well as all the Wags 'n Whiskers stamps illustrated by Crissy Armstrong, are on sale for 25% off!!! How cool is that!! If you've been wanting to get some of them, now is the time!

Please be sure and pop over to the challenge blog to see the rest of the Divas fabulous creations! We're sadly saying goodbye to Bree from her GDT spot, and welcoming Melanie on board as our new GDT. We'd love it if you played along with the challenge, and this time you have two weeks to play along, because next week is the NEW SUMMER RELEASE of Wags 'n Whiskers! So hope you stop by on Wednesday and Thursday for the sneak peeks, and then again on Friday for the celebration blog hop for the new release! The new stamps are sooooo CUTE, and I can't wait for you to see them! Thanks for stopping by to see me today, and hope to see you back again soon! Hugs!
Images: Super Ryan and Just For You - Wags 'n Whiskers; background and sentiment banner - Magnolia-licious
paper - DP - Nitwits; cardstock is Bazzill
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Sketch markers
Misc: silk ribbon, charms, machine stitching, oval Nestabilities, dimensional tape

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Colourful


I love this fashion shoot featured in W Magazine celebrating admirable women in Spring attire! It's so colourful and so Bohemian and how gorgeous is that patchwork vintage style sofa in the picture above!


Photographer - Bruce Weber, Stylist - Camilla Nickerson

Shoe Box in the Shock - Funny Picture

Shoe Box in the Shock - Funny Picture



Animals kissing Scene - Funny Picture

Animals kissing Scene - Funny Picture



Inspiration from Sarah + Sean

Last August Mariah and Lisa shot the wedding of Sean and Sarah...hello pink and green details! Sarah is a Lily Pulitzer kind of girl and carried that style throughout her wedding, a georgeous day indeed!Venue: Blithewold Mansion
Flowers: Sayles Livingston
Caterer: Morin's

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Black & Spiro One Day Only Sale


As we are about to embark on the remainder of our exciting renovations in under 2 weeks, we have decided to have a ONE DAY only sale.

The last famous Black & Spiro sale was approx 3 years ago so this one is definitely not to be missed!!!

All floor stock including furniture, lamps, shades and accessories will be heavily discounted, as well as a huge range of amazing fabric remnants reduced to clear. I am also throwing in some things from my own home so make sure you don’t miss out.

Remember, the sale is only on for one day!!!

Hope you can make it.
xx
Anna

For a very POPular Teacher . . .


Can it be? Summer is almost here? But before summer...it's time for teacher appreciation gifts!


Welcome to those of you coming from Woodlands Family Magazine (and to everybody else, too)! I'm so happy to be working with Melissa of Domesticated Lady (you're going to love her!) to bring you not only a how-to for cookies, but an adorable FREE printable topper as well!


Let's get started on the cookies (you can make these NOW and freeze them until the end of school!):

  • Make sugar cookies using a candy corn cookie cutter (it's a multi-tasker) and let cool.

Using red royal icing and a #3 tip, pipe the outline of a popcorn box (AmeriColor Super Red).

  • With a #2 tip, pipe a wide oval in yellow icing (AmeriColor Egg Yellow).


  • With another #2 tip, pipe the outline of popped popcorn above the box in white (add AmeriColor Bright White for extra white).
  • Thin the yellow icing with a bit of water, stirring gently until it is the consistency of thick syrup. Let sit several minutes covered with a damp dishtowel (see a video of this process here).
  • Gently stir the icing with a rubber spatula to pop any air bubbles that have risen to the surface and transfer to a squeeze bottle.


  • Fill in the oval and part of each popcorn piece.
  • Thin the white icing in a similar fashion.


  • Fill in the popcorn box and the remainder of the popcorn. Swirl the yellow and white icings together on the popcorn.
  • Let dry at least 1 hour.


  • Using a #5 tip, add wide red stripes to the popcorn boxes.
  • Switch to a #2 tip and pipe "POPcorn" in red on the oval.


  • Outline the oval in red using the #2 tip.


  • Let the cookies dry overnight before packaging.
My favorite part? The swirly popcorn pieces:


The free printable topper is available from Domesticated Lady here.

Melissa, of Domesticated Lady) has so many wonderful ideas...I know you'll want to check out the rest of her darling blog while you're there! (And the online version of her article about the toppers/cookies is here.) It was a pleasure working with Melissa...this theme was all her idea...she is so creative!!!

If you want to make a few individual popcorn pieces to go along with these, check out these too cute cookies from The Decorated Cookie! Is that the cutest idea, or what?

You know what? I made popcorn cookies about 5 years ago and I am so glad to get a chance to update them. Wanna see?


I like this year's version much better!

I'll be linking it to TidyMom's I'm Lovin' It linky party. :)

Have you planned your teacher gifts yet?