Kim Kardashian's Belle Noel Line Arrives @ The Bay

Kim Kardashian embarked upon Toronto last week to promote her jewelry line, Belle Noel.

The reality tv star made an appearance at The Bay, Queen Street on May 10th, drawing a crowd of about 1000+ fans, who were mostly young, female admirers vying for a glance of the beauty, up close and off camera (although plenty of men – and families – could be spotted in the crowd). 

Fashionably late by about 10 minutes, Ms. Kardashian did not disappoint. There were screams, smiles and even some tears, as Ms. Kardashian addressed the crowd and thanked her fans for their support.

All eyes were on Kim as she appeared, clad in a classic Kardashian-style curve-hugging outfit, complete with a statement necklaces, several stacked bracelets and cocktail rings from her own line.

Named Belle Noel (a play on Kim's middle name, Noel) the line launched in the US last year to great success. Its Canadian debut features items from the new spring collection, which consists of large statement pieces reflective of the bright, punchy colours of the season. The line’s focal point is the wishbone, which serves as a source of inspiration for Kim, who is the Creative Director of Belle Noel.

Wear The Love: Valentine's Style Guide

HUGs and smooches ladies! V-day is just around the corner. Whether you're single, taken, or undecided, you can still take cupid's lead by dressing the part.

Here are 5 easy options to get you in the mood for love, no matter how you're celebrating.

1. Rom com night with the girls? 
Be comfy and cliche. Wear TopShop Heart Crop tee, $26 at The Bay. 

2. Creating an at home spa? 
Swipe on a glittery pink. Wear OPI Polish in Excusez Moi, $12 at nailpolishcanada.com.

3. Going from work to drinks? 
Play sophisticated but not too serious with hint of l'amour. Wear DVF Valencia printed silk-crepe scarf, $195 at net-a-porter.com.

4. Hot date on the town?
Show a little leg. Wear MOTEL Meredith Dress, $89 at Sunday Valentine.

5. Romantic evening in with him? 
Send a message without saying a word. Wear Ban.do LOVE barette, $25 at Bicyclette.

Whether you're going sappy, sexy or just a little bit sweet, have fun with your wardrobe on February 14th!

-- Tamika Auwai is a fashion junkie, splurge-a-holic and founder of Shop Socials. 


Image credits: TopShop, NailPolishCanada.com, Net-a-Porter, Sunday Valentine, Ban.do

Raising Our Eyebrows @ The Chella Brow Bar

Celebrity make up artist, DeeDee Marcelli stopped by The Bay, Yonge & Bloor last week as the new spokesperson for brow and lash line, Chella.

The collection will be exclusive to the Canadian retailer and includes brow stencils, conditioning treatments, lash gels, eye masks and brow tools ($15-95).

DeeDee had a good look at my sparse brows and filled them in with two different pencils ($18) and a stencil ($15). A clean up came via a mini razor (it didn't hurt), tweezers and scissors. I emerged with dark, bold eyebrows which was very exciting because it was not something I would normally choose.

The counter does not currently offer brow waxing, but plans to in the future. In the meantime you can stop by for a brow consultation and have a look through the products in the collection.

Getting my brow make over from Ms. DeeDee. We spoke about our mutual love for California, where she is visiting from. Cheryl Hickey from ET Canada even stopped by to chat brows. So why are brows so important for a make up artist like DeeDee? She talked about how having beautifully groomed brows can make your face look 'done' without having to go into a whole make up routine. It can give your face an effortless lift.

Holiday Hostess Style

It recently dawned on me that I haven't entertained in ages.

I definitely think working from home over the past few years, has made it much less attractive to stay in and entertain guests, mostly because I've got to transform my boardroom back into the dining room -- major pain! It's a total shame because I love getting creative in the kitchen and letting my inner Martha Stewart shine. Plus, I really do need to come up with reasons not to leave my work on the dining room table 24/7.

With the holidays approaching, I'm sure I'm not the only one contemplating taking on hostess duties.  Here's the recipe I'll be following for simple holiday entertaining.

One part great apron like this festive retro style by the west coast domestic goddesses at Sugar Baby Aprons, $45. It looks stylish so I don't have to worry if I'm not quite ready before guests arrive and really with an apron that cute, I won't even bother putting too much thinking into my outfit underneath.

Two parts ready to serve goodies like these Tipsy Cocktail Stirrers and artisanal goat cheeses available at The Bay's Foodwares market. They make it so easy to host cocktail hour without any hassle. There is no rule that says you have to cook everything from scratch!

Topshop Summer Takeover @ The Bay

Back-to-School specials might be popping up everywhere and the sweet signs of summer seem to be fading (along with our tans), but we’re enjoying it while we still can. Topshop knows there’s still some summertime fun left to be had this season, and their Summer Takeover at The Bay on Queen Street made sure we all took advantage.

Guests got to shop the preview collection of bright floral bottoms, delicate whites, stripes, polka dots, and animal prints that will still look chic when fall rolls around. Resort-style mojitos and cocktails were served up with backyard party finger foods and warm weather jams on blast from DJ Lauren Burns Coady.  The very best part was the photo booth equipped with floral headdresses, umbrellas and shades for guests to capture their summertime fashion favourites before it’s all over.

Get your Topshop fix at the pop-up shop at The Bay on Queen Street right now, and prepare for the grand opening at The Bay in Yorkdale Shopping Centre October 5.

What do you think of Topshop? Have you been to any of their stores before?


Check out more at http://www.facebook.com/topshopcanada and @Topshop_Canada #TopShopCA.

Daniela DiStefano is a Toronto-based freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter @ddeestefano or check out her blog, Making it to the Masthead.

Moon Apparel 2011 Fall Collection

Last Thursday, the Mimran Group, Alfred Sung and their entourage of models took over the sixth floor of the TIFF Bell Lightbox to celebrate the one year anniversary of Moon Apparel. But that's not all... Moon unveiled their 2011 fall collection AND the introduction of a men's line!

Moon represents some of the major trends we're going to see when the temperatures cool off. A splendid colour palette of nudes, blacks and bold navy hues make these dresses, tops, bottoms and coats stylishly simple, versatile and elegant.

I adored Kate Middleton's lace wedding dress so of course, I'm loving Moon's inspired version of the navy lace pencil skirt ($75) paired with the V Tunic Sweater ($69). We also can't wait to snuggle up in a merino wool turtle neck ($69) and get comfy in the double knit riding pant ($49).

What the Mimran Group has done for women's apparel, they now have done just as exceptionally well for the hip + urban gentlemen. Who says clothes don't make the man obviously never laid eyes on this collection! Bespoke tailored suits, an array of inventive trousers and conventional clean-cut and simple designs makes easing into fall's cooler temperatures no problem! Prices for dress shirts ($69) to sweaters ($65-79) to blazers/jackets (under $175) means it's easy to justify buying the solids, strips and gingham patterns.

Since Moon's launch last year, I can't give enough praise to this brand and the partnering designers behind it - Alfred Sung, Saul Mimran and his family are such creative, remarkable and down to earth people. It's the perfect marriage of Club Monaco's modern classic style with accessible pricing two notches above Joe Fresh. Now hurry to The Bay and prepare to fall in love again!

Yorkdale Gets Topshop First + Topshop Pop-ups

UK's affordable and chic clothing lines, Topshop and Topman are planning a major summer takeover starting this month. Pop-up Shops will be previewing the collection, pre-launch all over the city:

Weekend Pop-up @ Queen West & Soho Street
June 17 to 19 in the parking lot, 12-8 pm 
Expect free frozen treats, DJs and the first 200 customers each day get a free tote bag


Topshop Capsule @ The Bay Queen Street
Starts Thursday June 30th, Third Floor - all summer long
Shop a capsule collection curated by Tommy Ton


Muskoka Pop-ups - TBA
July 30 to August 1st
Will be happening all over cottage country, more details to come


Yorkdale Mall is also going to be the first in line to get a Topshop and Topman inside The Bay with a store-within-a-store concept. Better haul ass and get your tokens ready for the University line come September.

Don't live near Yorkdale or even in Ontario? The Bay has also announced that a Canadian online shopping site will be launching in September to satisfy all fashion appetites across the country. For more details and information, check out: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Topshop-Canada/135176303223782

Jeanne Beker: Edit - Fall/Winter 2011 Collection

Canadian style icon, Jeanne Beker hosted an Editor's Luncheon during LG Fashion Week to showcase her Fall/Winter 2011 line, EDIT. Beker's curated collection has been a smash success with women across the country and is celebrating its first birthday. We spotted wide-sleeve capes, faux fur coats, animal prints, chunky cardigans and wide-leg dress pants as Jeanne's picks for the season. The launch of Jeanne Jeans last year will bring seven dedicated 'Jean Shops' to The Bay for fall. The jeans come in 14 different styles and washes. The best part of all this? A portion of the sales from Jeanne's denim collection will be donated to help disadvantaged women find jobs through, Dress for Success. The campaign is already on track to exceed its year end goal of $75,000. Jeanne Beker and Bay CEO, Bonnie Brooks handed over a large contribution to the foundation (left) that day.

A few looks for fall

The Little Black Dress, a staple from Jeanne Beker's EDIT collection has a flattering structure and durability. It's perfect for running around the city and is not too delicate that you have to tiptoe around in it. The LBD looks professional, can wear easily from day to night and one of our favourites from the line.

Topshop is Coming to The Bay

Chic British clothier Topshop will be teaming up with The Bay to bring their brand across Canada.  Hip + urban boys, do not fret - the import will include Topman - so we can all get our fashion fix.  Topshop will exist inside The Bay stores and stand alone locations are also in the works.  Toronto will be the first in line for a full-on Topshop coming Fall 2011.  


Topshop tested the Canadian waters with a collection at indie clothing boutique, Jonathan + Olivia.  Looks like it was a success!  The closest access prior to that was flying across the pond or visiting their single North American store in New York City.  2011 seems to be the year of 'Retail Expansions' with the announcement of Target and Simons going coast-to-coast.  In the meantime, see what we're all getting so excited about, visit Topshop online.

Beauty Review: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Pen

I have been subsisting off a diet of champagne and canapés.  The month of December has been a different holiday party.  Every.  Single.  Night.  It’s been wonderful catching up with friends and business contacts, but all those late nights means huge bags under my eyes.  I’m starting to look like a zombie and Halloween has already passed.
  
Concealer and highlighter has become this girl’s best friend throughout the holiday season.  I love to socialize, but don’t want to look like a party-girl (see Lindsay Lohan) the next day at work.  I’ve been eyeing the gold Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Pen for a very long time.  I had first heard about it through the countless number of ‘Best Beauty Products’ lists that the Touche Éclat has made.  The pen is a favourite among beauty editors and make-up junkies, so I had to see what all the hype was about.


I initially thought the pen was meant to replace your concealer, but I was wrong. So what exactly is it? According to the company, the pen is a highlighter cream that will help your face “capture eight hours of sleep with the click of a pen.” Woah - those are some serious promises. Touche Éclat also claims to reduce the look of fine lines and dark shadows.  The secret is in the tiny light-reflecting illuminators contained in the formula.