Monthly Archives: May 2010

May 31, 2010 · 9:15 AM

Event: Strut for a Cure

We had a fabulous time at the Strut for a Cure event last Thursday held at the Berkeley Church on Queen East. We just LOVE that venue - it’s a true rustic gem in the city. We love the courtyard, old hallways, exposed brick, and the random treehouse beside it. So fun. This event originated a year ago in Barrie Ontario when supermodel Coco Rocha and her 11 year-old cousin Erika organized a charity fashion show to raise funds for a friend with cancer. The event was a success and made its way to Toronto for an even bigger and better soiree. The night featured the one and only Jeanne Beker as Emcee, a fashion show with designs by Todd Lynn, a concert performed by Dragonette, amazing DJs, and lots of fun times. If you’re into fashion, music, and contributing to a great cause, you should come next year!  

Inside the church

View from the treehouse

We met Cherry and Tamara who told us they are SDP readers! You made our night ladies :)

CM in an H&M Garden Collection dress, earings from NYC, and sky-high wedge shoes from Aldo.

I picked this dress up for $40 at a vintage store in Mirvish Village - right on Markham street at Bloor. There are a lot of great vintage stores and restaurants in that little nook of Markham street. Me loves!

We got a picture with the striking and down to earth Coco Rocha. She is perfectly tall and teeny tiny in the bod. It’s completely ridiculous that the modeling industry has been deeming her a plus size model as of late. That’s just so crazy I have no words.  She’s stunning, has an amazing runway walk, and seems like a very humble and caring person. Afterall she’s Canadian! JD & CM

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May 29, 2010 · 2:19 PM

MTV With Jakey-Poo

A friend of ours scored tickets from a Twitter contest to see Jake Gyllenhall live at MTV! He was promoting his new movie Prince of Persia. There were mostly high school kids in the audience and us - a group of rowdy older girls perched on the balcony shouting things like “we love you Jakey-Poo” and “show us your abs” – yes we are 12. But he looked up at the balcony and laughed at us. That’s right, we made Jakey laugh. He was super cute and down to earth. Great combination. CM + JG = true love forever.

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May 28, 2010 · 12:06 PM

Hot Dog Day

The sun is shining, it’s Friday, and I’m just a little tired. Perfect day for that hot dog I’ve been craving since Monday. 

You’ll have to excuse me for my delayed post, Christine and I were out last night and I was in no form to blog when I got home. We went to the Strut for a Cure event at the Berkeley Church on Queen East with a group of girlfriends. It was fab, and we’ll be blogging about it later. Stay tuned and enjoy your weekend!! Get a hot dog! JD

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May 27, 2010 · 11:55 AM

Sex And The City II


I went to an advance screening of SATC II last night! I was so excited – even though I heard negative reviews. I knew there would be cheesy parts but girls like the cheesy parts so I figured it would still be a crowd pleaser. I don’t want to ruin it for you and I encourage everyone to see it so we can all debrief, but all I can say is a big MEH. Le sigh. Sorry girls it was just too much cheese for my plate. JD

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· 8:41 AM

In The Navy

Since we started this blog, it has forced me to evaluate my current wardrobe and what I actually make use of.  I have cleared out my closets at least 3 times this season yet I still manage to hoard.  Often I will decide to break out certain items (out of the darkness from the back of the closet) and wear them just to learn that I should have trashed them long ago.  Case in point: these hideous shoes. Yes, I bought them at a good price…but that was 5 years ago and clearly my only excuses at this point.  Seriously, what was I thinking?!  My blog posts have also taught me that I need to practice using self tanner on my legs on a regular basis.  Case in point: my legs in these pics!  They make the shoes look that much worse.  Now I know.

Anyhow, I am feeling the rest of this outfit.  Lipstick is Prescriptive’s Classic Red Cream.  The blazer is from Zara on Bloor and dress is from Forever 21 on Yonge for $24.  Bracelet is from H&M for $4 and necklace is an oldie from Annex at Masonville Mall in London.  Do any of you ladies remember that store? CM

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May 26, 2010 · 10:14 AM

Meat and Art

We’ve heard from a number of sources that Caplansky’s Delicatessen on College Street is better than the infamous Schwartz’s Deli in Montreal.  I haven’t been to Schwartz’s so I can’t really say and I’m not really a fan of smoked meat, but when Christine bit into the smoked meat sandwich, she confirmed the rumours were true. According to her taste buds anyway. 

While we were there enjoying the patio, we discovered yet another photo exhibit from the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival. What a delight! This exhibit by Jade Lee Portelli and Emma McIntyre is called Before and After. The shots were beautiful depictions of the built environment, both urban and rural as seen through American landscapes.

Doesn’t this butcher look like he’s 12? The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival is on till the end of May – keep your eyes open for exhibits, or check out http://www.scotiabankcontactphoto.com/

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May 25, 2010 · 12:13 AM

Red Lemon

The colour combination of red and yellow is a bit bold…kind of like ketchup and mustard. I normally wouldn’t marry the two but I was inspired by an outfit I saw in Anthropologie’s look book (which is always amazing by the way). It’s liberating to wear an outfit that doesn’t contain any trace of black or grey.

I bought this top from Winners a while back and it’s one of those tops that I don’t wear often, but I know better than to get rid of it. This yellow skirt is from Zara and I really like the crisp shape – it instantly gives a polished look. My belt is from the GAP and it’s one of my all time favourites. Vintage sunglasses were my grandfather’s, and my jazz booties are from Spring shoes. Wearing this outfit has got me in the mood for street meat! For those of you that don’t know, Toronto is home to countless hot dog stands throughout the city and the dogs are amazing! I’ll let you know how my first dog of the season is….excited for lunch. Happy summer days ahead! JD

PS – here is just one of the many street meat hubs in the city. I wonder how many there actually are….

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May 21, 2010 · 9:31 AM

Shopping In The Boudoir

After work, Julie and I walked down to Bathurst and Bloor to check out the goods at Secrets From Your Sister.  We are passionate about our bras – most importantly wearing the right size bra – and we both like what Secrets From Your Sister has to offer.

Once in the store, we were more than happy to find that Secrets From Your Sister was a participant of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival.  Angelina Aristodemo’s collection of sophisticated boudoir photos were on display on the east wall above the stores product – how fitting!  All equally beautiful and captivating, Angelina left me wanting me to be photographed by her.  What I love most about this festival in particular, is that it always surprises you and shows up where you are around the city – just like us last night.  Next time you are dining out or having drinks with your friends, look around as the festival may be right beside you.  CM

For more information go to http://www.scotiabankcontactphoto.com/

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May 20, 2010 · 7:22 AM

Sealion Woman Dressed in Floral

It was incredibly nice out yesterday that we had to find some shade to take these pictures because it was so bright! I love this weather!!!! I scored this dress from H&M for just $19! I think it will be a great summer staple. I paired it with lace floral tights from Aldo, my charm necklace ($7) and jazz booties ($29) from Spring shoes. My sunglasses ($20)are from Red Pegasus on College street. Next time I’m going to wear this dress with bare legs, open toe brown shoes, and a brown belt. The weather man says it’s supposed to be 28 degrees today!! I’m going to take a lap around the park on my lunch break. Enjoy your day! JD

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May 19, 2010 · 8:04 AM

Moto-Pretty

If ever you are looking for the perfect outfit to transition from a bikers Harley to the office this is the one.  I was almost hoping, on this particular morning walking to work, that a bad-a#@ biker was going to pull up beside me and say, “Wanna ride sweet thing?”.  I would have put on my pink helmet and been off covering the best three city blocks of my life!  Sigh, it didn’t happen.

Here I am office ready.  Jacket is from Club Monaco on Bloor Street and H&M top was purchased on Bloor.   My skirt was purchased at Suzy Shier in Calgary for $10.  Shoes were found at The Bay in Burlington for $12 and necklace is from Forever 21 on Yonge Street for $8.  CM

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May 18, 2010 · 9:04 PM

Fave Quotes

“My mum used to say: ‘you can’t have fun all the time,’ and I said: ‘why not? Why the fuck can’t I have fun all the time?’”
-Kate Moss

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· 9:39 AM

Toronto Cityscape

There are so many cliché images out there of New York, Paris, and London. Poster stores, framing stores, Homesense, Target, Winners, you name it. Although these three cities are amazing, I’d rather hang images of the city I live and breathe on my apartment walls, not somewhere that I have been a just handful of times.  That’s why Christine and I were attracted to the exhibit entitled Toronto by Adam Shax at Lakeview Restaurant, as part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival. When I moved into my latest apartment, I decided I wanted to buy images of Toronto to hang above my couch, but did you know they are next to impossible to find? You can’t buy them anywhere – which made me want them even more. I ended up purchasing old Toronto images from the Toronto Star online, but they are not nearly the same as what we saw here….

Lakeview Restaurant, Dundas West

Massy Hall, Victoria Street

Lula Lounge, Dundas West

Velvet Underground, Queen West

The images were so vibrant, colourful and glowing! They look so animated and almost like illustrations…if you weren’t familiar with the venues in real life. Massy Hall looks so elegant, Lula Lounge screams colour, and I’m actually shocked at how good the Velvet Underground looks. I walk by it weekly and it’s not one of my favourite places because of its dingy and dirty vibe, but Shax manages to make it look beautiful. Impressive.

I wore a mix of vintage and new finds. My classic Levis red tab jean jacket and purse were both thrifted gifts from BFF for my birthday. It’s pretty cool to have a friend that knows what vintage things you like. Striped tights are from H&M, Jazz booties are from Spring Shoes, and my floral dress came from a clothing swap party. How many photo exhibits have you hit this month? Take a closer look around, there are amazing photos everywhere for the month of May!

Interesting Facts: 1) Lakeview Restaurant is open 24 hrs a day to satisfy your late night hunger pangs. And 2) there were many scenes filmed at Lakeview for the movie Hairspray with John Travolta! JD

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May 17, 2010 · 8:04 AM

Into the Blue

Julie and I ventured west of the city to check out a few of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival exhibits.  I wanted to be comfy cozy but still appear festival chic so I threw on my new denim jeggings purchased at Costa Blanca for $10.   As soon as I slipped on a pair of these babies, I knew that my legs would not see a pair of twill jeans until the close of the still young summer.  They are beyond comfortable and feel good to the touch – I am just waiting for the day when I see a girl rocking them at the gym in yoga class or on a treadmill.  My jacket is from Value Village purchased for $8; tank is from American Apparel and necklace is from F21 for $12.  My patent pumps are Steve Madden and I bought them a few years back at an outlet in the states for $50 – nude pumps should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe.

There are countless exhibits and installations in the city of Toronto this month for the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival.  It was hard to narrow down what we wanted to see but Roman Elinson’s Snowglobe City collection caught my eye.  My trips down to NYC always include a mission to find a Manhattan snow globe and sadly I have never come across one.  (Seriously if you ever see one pick it up and I would be most happy).  Snowglobe City is a collection of photographs shot with the Lomo Fisheye – a toy camera that uses a plastic wide-angle lens to create a spherical effect.  To my surprise, the majority of pics were taken in NYC so for that short while at the Cream Tangerine Gallery, I had my own NYC snowglobe.  CM

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May 14, 2010 · 2:31 PM

“Whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.” – Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

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May 13, 2010 · 5:25 PM

Afternoon Champy

Located on Charles at Yonge, between Yorkville and The Village, 7 West Cafe is our place for everything.  Open 24 a day, 7 days a week, it covers everything from brunch to dinner, to 3pm cappuccinos to cocktails.  It also the place for a 3am post-party-pizza-binge which is how I was introduced to the cafe.  Covering three floors, you can find the atmosphere that suits you or your mood best.  After fashion shows and work events, Julie and I head straight to the back patio, I brunched with my mother and my Aunt (who loved the place) on the first floor and this day in particular it was the third floor for a boozy lunch.

A Kir Royal is the best way to start any lunch.  Champagne and cassis are the only two ingredients but together it is heaven.  These are $9 each. (Yes there was a third person at the table .)

7 West specializes in pastas, pizzas and sandwiches with most being under $10.  This is the Pasta Pollo and below is the Biana Pizza.  Was delish and enough for two lunches!  Next time we may split something.

I decided to give the camera extra attitude over lunch day.  This weekend I am going back to Burlington to get my hair ‘did.  Saying goodbye to my dark blonde locks.  Although I have been toying with shades of blonde over the last 10 years, I always look forward till the next time I sit in Jaime Violo’s chair.  He is ‘ze best so no well wishes needed!  CM

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· 12:29 AM

High Rolling Hills

There’s nothing like the great outdoors to make you feel like a million bucks. Well that’s the case for me, so I was really excited when BFF and I went for an amazing hike in Malibu. I love the way Malibu rolls off the tounge…it makes me think of Malibu Barbie, colourful bikinis, and throwing beach parties with tiny pink umbrellas in every drink. I was not prepared for how beautiful the Santa Monica Mountains were going to be. Doesn’t this look like a fairy-tale land?

We came across a mountain man…meaning a camper-type guy with a beard and no shoes who looked like he just lived in the bush, and we crossed paths with a snake too. Eeek! We started the day with lattes from Urth Cafe and finished the hike with fish tacos from The Reel Inn along the Pacific Coast Highway. Ah-mazing day. Where is the best spot that you’ve hiked? JD

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May 12, 2010 · 9:31 AM

Mom Style

At our childhood homes over Mother’s Day weekend, we both found ourselves rummaging through old photos, finding images of our first style influencers – our mammas! There are traits you cannot help but take from your mom – some you don’t like, and others you adore. We both love our mom’s sense of style and love looking back on the way they dressed is so cool to see. It shows a lot of who we have become….

JD’s mom. Here’s my mom on one of her many trips in one of her many self-made outfits. She had a top similar in style to this and decided she wanted one in red, so she made this one by simply tracing the pattern of the store-bought top. She then cut two squares of the red material and sewed them to her white shorts, or did they call those hot pants? not too sure. In any case I love this! Way to be creative!

I liked this photo as well because I would definitely wear an outfit like this. high-waisted, wide leg jeans, with a cropped blouse, and sunglasses. Simple. Great silhouette. Notice the helmets in the background — my parents went out on mopeds and I think someone fell off or crashed. haha. Thankfully no one was hurt.

CM’s mom in 1978.  My Mom had the ultimate boho-chic style.  Most of the pics that I looked over had her in floor length, floral print dresses and chunky plat forms – something that I would wear now!  I love this pic and it may be that my inspiration for the middle part is from her and not Gwyneth Paltrow – I will attribute it to her!  Her eyes look brown here but they are actually the brightest, sparkling blue I have ever seen.  I wonder if her necklace is still around…

I am unsure what year this was, but this pic was taken in Banff in the mid-70s.  How chic is her ski suit paired with mirrored aviators?  Have to hunt those down as well.  CM

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May 11, 2010 · 4:04 PM

“There were only two things she loved – the first was her long dark hair. The second was how easily she could cut it off and feel nothing.” — 500 Days of Summer

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· 12:35 AM

Timeless Trench

Can I just say I love open jacket weather? Yes, we’ve had a few wonky days here and there but overall we can’t complain because its been pretty dang nice. And that’s a bold statement coming from my mouth because I am Queen cold. I get shivers just thinking about wind and chilliness.

This is my classic trench from Zara and I think it was a fantastic find. So far it has proven to remain timeless and in good condition, but one day I would like to own a classic Burberry trench. Not because of the name, but because I expect the material and fit to be impeccable and last a lifetime. My scarf was a gift from my ma.

My jeans are by Rich & Skinny (gift), shirt is by Hugo Boss (sample sale), belt is from a clothing swap ($0), grey blazer is from Zara ($89), and jazz booties are from Spring Shoes ($29). I got them at the Duff. Always great finds there. This grey blazer is turning out to be a staple of mine as well. I have worn it so many ways and the I like that it can go from work to night, or dressy to casual, and above all – it’s comfortable! A lot more comfortable than a regular blazer. Keepin’ it real on a Tuesday. JD

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May 10, 2010 · 4:10 PM

Ribbons & Bows

I wanted to take on a nautical theme with this navy dress from H&M.  Purchased recently at H&M for $30, I paired it with my striped boyfriend blazer found at a Toronto stylists yard sale for $20. (We will let you know whenever we hear of upcoming yard sales.)   The broach came with the jacket and is a permanent fixture – bonus!  The shoes (sigh) are my absolute favorite pair at the moment.  I saw them online at Aldo for $40 and purchased them right away. Tights are by Hue found at Anthropology on Yorkville Ave. for $4.  CM

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May 7, 2010 · 9:17 AM

Bowlarama-ding-dang!

Remember the grand birthday parties that were held in your ninth year where everyone would come together to celebrate and just bowl their hearts outs?  Well, that is what we did last night for my good friend’s birthday.  Making our way out to Bathurst Bowlerama, 18 people met throw down strikes, spares and mostly gutter balls in their cosmic themed alley.  We choose to play 10 pin but they also have 5 pin available on another floor.

Bowling shoes will never go out of style.  I asked for two spritzes of anti-bacterial spray in mine.  Two is better than one!  Check out these bowling moves - guaranteed 11th place.

The gang was all there and we had to do a group shot with extra cheese for the occasion.  Happy Birthday Erin!  CM

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May 6, 2010 · 3:31 AM

Event: Contact Photography Festival

Every year in the month of May, Toronto plays host to the Contact Photography Festival. This annual event boasts over 1,000 local and international artists sprinkled throughout 200 venues across the city. Contact is devoted to celebrating the art of photography and is one of the largest photography events in the world.
Last night I attended Glen Baxter’s featured exhibition of his trip to Azerbaijan. Not gonna lie, I had no idea where that was so I had to google it. The first image made me think of Borat so that’s how I kind of clued into the location.

Glen Baxter who is internationally known as the host of In Fashion and reporter for Fashion Television spent one month in Azerbaijan capturing the landscape, beauty, people, and poverty. The money raised from selling his portraits went to Right to Play. Are you going to check out any exhibits this month? JD

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· 12:05 AM

Ankles Exposed

I love the whole cropped pants look. Especially high waist, pleated pants! Another one of my “so ugly, it’s pretty” theories. I think everyone should expose their ankles this Spring because it’s just such a great look. Yes my ankles are so white they are pink, but I still dig it. I especially love when guys wear cropped pants or denim….alas, only if they can pull it off. My blazer is from Costa Blanca ($50), cropped pants are from Zara ($54), white dress shirt is by Hugo Boss (sample sale!), belt is from a clothing swap ($0), and Jazz booties are from Spring Shoes ($29). The day was warm with a comforting breeze and it was the first day I left the house without a jacket! Joy! However the rain came in like crazy at the end of the day just as I left the office for a photography exhibit…but the Grey Goose martinis kept me dry…more on the exhibit to come, stay tuned…JD

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May 5, 2010 · 8:05 AM

Dirty Bingo

Last Monday night was the BEST Monday night that I have EVER spent in the city.  After living in the village for 2.5 years, I did something that I have been talking about doing since I’ve moved here – play Dirty Bingo at Zelda’s.  Now located on Yonge Street, Toronto’s favorite rainbow filled restaurant/bar hosts an evening of Dirty Bingo with all proceeds going towards AIDS House.  Myself and four friends ventured out to participate in the old game hosted by two witty queens; Lena Over and a brunette, bearded Lady Gaga.  I just have to say that by the end of the night we were more intoxicated then we should have been on a Monday and some people (male and female) ended up naked on stage.

BEST. MONDAY. EVER.

How it works is that there are 4 rounds (varies) with 2 games per round.  You can change how many cards you play with each round.  We started the first round with 5 BINGO cards at a dollar a piece.  Inevitably, we were dubbed the “straight, crazy old BINGO ladies” and were heckled for it all night.    The “straight, crazy old BINGO ladies” swept the first round.  Jokes on you suckas! (No pun intended.)  There were many prizes, all of which were completely inappropriate and 100% dirty.   Pitchers of Mill Street Organic were a drink special at $14 which made playing more games of Bingo possible.

Zelda’s decor.  They don’t look to far off from the Holt’s mannequins.  Just a little more fierce.

SJP (yes, those are her initials) took breaks by the patio.

Lena Over, one of the fabulous hosts of the evening.

The brunette, bearded Lady Gaga.

Our fabulous waiter Chris.  If you are thinking of going (which I highly recommend you do) make reservation otherwise you might be seated in the back and miss out on the action.  I thought I would leave you with the song that started every round that night.  Happy BINGO’ing!  CM

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May 4, 2010 · 6:32 PM

Flying Saucer

A friend sent me a forward today – one of those motivational type slide shows with images of flowers and quotes. One of the slides said to take 5 minutes out of your day to just sit in silence, so that’s what I did when I got home. The weather was a bit wonky going from sunny to rainy to cloudy but I got my 5 minutes in there – just me and my favourite flying saucer chair. My friends and I got this chair from the motel we stayed at after our senior Prom in high school. My friend backed her GMC Jimmy up to the room and I threw it in her trunk. Ok so we stole it. Confessional moment. I see these types of chairs in trendy furniture stores on Queen street and they’re trying to sell them for well over $200! Seriously? It’s a plastic chair. So here I am enjoying the weather until something came along and ruined the moment….

Another random cat in the neighbourhood! If you read my post on Mr. Bojangles you know I’m not a fan of cats. I think this one looks like Toonces the driving cat from SNL. Please tell me you remember Toonces! JD

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