Monthly Archives: September 2010

September 30, 2010 · 8:21 AM

Joe’s Pop-Up Shop

Last night we attended LouLou Magazine’s Shop ‘Till You Drop event on Bloor Street.  We planned on visiting a number of stores, but that was kyboshed by the insanity of our first stop at the Joe Fresh pop-up shop.  We left the office at Bay and Bloor to walk 40 steps to 151 Bloor where the pop-up was located.  A 40 minute line was an obstacle that we had to overcome but once inside we were greeted with Joe Fresh’s Fall Runway Collection that we were first introduced to at their fashion show during Toronto’s LG Fashion Week.  Hello sequins!  Hello leopard! Hello wool! Hello silk!
Drinks, tasty and hors d’oeuvres, and pastel macaroons were available for our eating pleasure while shopping, and Julie and I picked up some great fall pieces.  Best of all, we got our hands on Joe’s much talked about make-up line such as their matte lipstick, blush and make-up brushes.  I picked up some great Fall nail polishes (three for $10) in Nude, Caramel and Storm.  I need to get them on my fingers ASAP. CM

Mr. Joseph Mimram was walking around the party in his signature slippers, wearing a big, friendly smile on his face.  And why not?  There were over one hundred women in line to purchase his designs for hours.  Now Joe, I just have one question – when are you signing the lease on 151 Bloor Street?  CM

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September 29, 2010 · 7:59 AM

Playing With Patterns

Sometimes I get a bit restless with pairing all my outfits with a solid colour top, so I decided to play with patterns with this one.  At first I wasn’t sure if it looked acceptable, but you can mix patterns as long as the colour scheme is the same, so this does work.
My floral skirt by Kensie was an unexpected find from Liquidation World for $10.  I wore it another way here.  I paired it with a polka dot top that I took from my Mom’s closet (also worn here).  My army green Esprit jacket was purchased probably 7 years ago and I’m glad I’ve held on to it!  This circle scarf is from Spring ($14); horizontal striped tights are from H&M; and my shoes are my favourite black booties from Spring.  JD

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September 28, 2010 · 8:08 AM

3-D Floral

I feel as if it has been a long time since I have done an outfit post and this makes me feel bad.  I would have included a punctuation sad face but I know how much it annoys some people and then I would feel worse.  I will keep the punctuation sad faces to myself.  It was a perfect fall day when I wore this American Apparel 3-D Mesh Jumper for the first time.  I have been lusting over it for months and when I received a gift card I ran to the Yorkville location to acquire this beauty. Pants are from Zara and shoes are borrowed. CM

Photos by Brenna Kearns.

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September 27, 2010 · 7:49 AM

The Cropped Peg Pant

There’s no escaping the cropped pant look, at least in my world there isn’t.  I’ve loved this style pant for a long time and it just keeps growing on me.  I’m on the lookout for a black pair, and faded army green pair.  Aritzia and American Apparel have good options, but I’m waiting for the Zara on Bloor to open  back up because I’m sure I’ll find them there.  It blows my mind that Zara on Bloor would shut down for what’s going on FOUR months to do renovations.  I bet you ten bucks it will look exactly the same.  Anxiously awaiting.
These pants are from Zara (pre-construction) and my top and belt are from Joe Fresh.  My lace-up booties are from Spring.  Happy pant shopping! JD

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September 24, 2010 · 8:10 AM

Zola Jesus

I was recently introduced to musician Zola Jesus and I’m hooked.  Check out her gothic-chamber-pop via her Myspace.  She has 3 amazing songs and a cover for your listening pleasure.  My icing on the cake today?  I just found out she is playing at The Garrison next Thursday, September 30th for $12.50.  That is a steal and I am there.  Next week will be busy for Seven Dollar Pants.  LouLou magazine has a shopping event on Bloor Street Wednesday, September 29th starting at 5pm.  BCBG, The Gap, Jacob and Banana Republic are the main destinations and to top it off, Joe Fresh is setting up a pop-up store at 151 Bloor Street West.  All you have to do to attend is sign up on LouLou’s shopping event page.  Each store is offering discounts on new fall fashions as well as cocktails, munchies and giveaways.  Who doesn’t love martinis and shopping?  CM

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September 23, 2010 · 8:22 AM

A Walk In The Park

I took a stroll through Trinity Bellwoods Park yesterday.  Best park ever!  Toronto has a lot of great parks, but this one is the greatest.  I’ve always lived within walking distance to Trinity Bellwoods so maybe I’m a little biased.
It’s sad that the temperature is dropping but to put a positive spin on it – I’m looking forward to wearing my trench coat and leather leggings.  I always feel like some sort of detective or a James Bond girl when I wear my trench – I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of it.  Underneath my trench is a t-shirt from Joe Fresh; denim chambray shirt from Zara; and leather leggings from American Apparel.  My gold necklace came from a Thrift shop in Port Colborne; and this coolio zebra purse came from a vintage clothing sale ($5).  My beloved shoes came from a boutique in France.  Best purchase ever.  I like the wooden soles.  What is your favourite park in the city?  JD

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September 22, 2010 · 8:08 AM

Hockey Canadiana

Hello Ladies.  I know we have many American readers (love you!) so I think we need to explain a little something about us Canadians.  Yes! We are hockey obsessed.  My sister works for the largest sporting company in North America and invited me to last nights pre-season game.  As no one turns down hockey tics, I went along for the excitement the game brings.  Now, in the US, this event would not be a big deal, but for the largest hockey market in North America, it was the main event overshadowing the Blue Jays game down the street.  Coca-Cola Zero was last nights sponsor and freebies were everywhere.  Fans were dressed in their best Maple Leaf garb and supporting every move.  It was a great night despite the loss – ouch!

I came to meet the sis directly from work.  I was wearing this cardigan that I picked up from VV Boutique for $4, blouse from Joe Fresh for $12, belt from Costa Blanca for $6 and pant from J Crew for $40.  Did you know that the original Maple Leaf’s jersey was navy, green and white?  CM

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September 21, 2010 · 8:08 AM

Cool Kat Hat

While walking though one of my favourite neighbourhoods of all-time – Kensington Market – an old man, probably around 85 years old says to me “nice hat, you look like a cool cat.”  It was too cute and made my day.  This hat is by Goorin Bros. and it reminds me of the hats my Nonno used to wear – and he was a very cool cat.  My plaid shirt came from Winners; white t-shirt and jeans are from Joe Fresh; canvas shoes are from Wal-Mart ($8!); and I picked up these sunglasses in Kensington for $5.  Gotta love the huge array of sunglasses – I get excited every time.  JD

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September 20, 2010 · 3:04 PM

Brunch Spot – The Grilled Cheese

I went to The Grilled Cheese in Kensington Market and you know what they serve?  You guessed it – only grilled cheese!  I got the Turk 2000 – turkey, cheddar, and tomato.  Simple. Delish.
The Grilled Cheese is an adorable little place on Nassau street – very laid back, woodsy-Canadian decor, and good music.  I’m a little bitter though because this concept is very similar to one of my secret business plans, but not exactly, so who knows maybe mine will still take off.  If you go here, I recommend ordering the grilled cheese….cause you kinda have to. JD

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· 8:24 AM

Mens FASHION

Last week, amid all the TIFF festivities, FASHION Magazine celebrated  the first birthday of Men’s FASHION Magazine at the BOSS store on Bloor Street.  With Drake on the cover, it was announced that David Livingstone is the new editor-in-chief of this glossy men’s mag and was followed by fashion show of BOSS’s latest fall fashions.  Here are some of the looks.

We were inspired by both the mens and women’s looks.  What are now on our shopping lists?  Double breasted vests, leather pants, grey suede boots and shearling.   Ooohhhh shearling!

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September 18, 2010 · 5:47 PM

Monsters Pre-Party at Ame

Tribute magazine hosted a pre-party for Monsters (a UK film) before its screening at TIFF.  I was almost too TIFFed out to go, but it was being held at Ame Restaurant and I wanted to check it out.  Like a champ after a long day, I enthusiastically put on my 5 inch heels and headed for Mercer street…another one of those hidden spots I love (tucked behind King West).  Ame Restaurant features a modern Japanese menu and is so gorgeous inside!  It’s owned by The Rubino Brothers and is a re-launch of their former restaurant Rain.  Interesting fact: the building is a historic landmark and was once home to the first women’s prison in Toronto. Creepy!! I would definitely recommend this place. Here are a few shots of the interior. JD

PS – See more TIFF photos on our Facebook page here

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September 17, 2010 · 8:01 AM

Into The Wind

Did you know NBA all-star Steve Nash is also into film making?  Well he is, and he debuted his first film at TIFF called Into The Wind – a documentary on Terry Fox.  Nash was just 6 years old when Fox set out on his Marathon of Hope, and remembers fondly how inspired he felt.  Seeing Terry Fox running with one leg, battling cancer in hopes of spreading awareness, Nash felt compelled to spread his story.
I didn’t get tickets to the film, but I was invited to the after party.  It was held at an amazing venue – the home and gallery of Canadian artist Charles Pachter.  He is one of Canada’s leading contemporary artists and some say he is  the Andy Warhol of Canada.  I quite enjoyed his artwork and his house was AWESOME!  The best part was its location – a random, almost hidden side street in downtown Toronto.  And you know how much I love hidden gems.
The theme was appropriately “Canadian” from the bottles of maple syrup and mini pancakes, to the decor and artwork on the walls.  I had the pleasure of talking to Nash and also Charles Pachter.  Here are a few photos. JD

This is Charles Pachter’s house – before it was decked out for the party

After getting decked out. I loved the Canadian Mounties!

This is the artist – Charles Pachter

Lounge area before the party started

Mini Pancakes! Catered by The Food Dudes

PS – Check out more photos on our Facebook page here

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September 16, 2010 · 2:11 PM

Diamond Rings

I have had mega-music-crush on Diamond Rings for a long time now.   I saw him last night at the Arts & Crafts Festival Music House TIFF party.  He never fails to entertain.  The make-up, the fluorescent clothing, the bad choreography, the overdone guitar riffs accompanied by kneeling in front of amps and head banging – everything satirically perfect.   A long way from his former indie-rocker persona as the front man of the successful Toronto band The D’Urbervilles, Johnny O has reinvented his self as a Bowie-esque pop-rocker and I can’t get enough.

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· 9:23 AM

Fall Wardrobe Essentials Guide

We recently wrote an article that was published in HER – the fashion and lifestyle magazine published by the Burlington Post.  We gave our take on the top 5 wardrobe essentials for Fall 2010. Think of it as a shopping list from Seven Dollar Pants!  We’ll be sharing our takes on these looks over the next few months, so stay tuned!  JD & CM

Fall Wardrobe Essentials Guide
By, Julie & Christine of Seven Dollar Pants style blog.

As the Fall season approaches, it’s time to hit the stores and update your look.  We recommend the following key pieces without breaking the bank:
Lace-up Booties
Shoes make or break an outfit and this could not be truer for the Fall 2010 season.  We are looking forward to wearing lace-up booties with a variety of different outfits.  Try wearing them with a feminine skirt and fun tights, or with printed socks layered over basic leggings. The lace-up bootie can be flat like a combat boot or have a heel for a Victorian look.  We found great pairs at Spring and The Bay.
A Long Skirt
We haven’t seen long skirts for a while, but now mid-calf and even floor length skirts are back to mix things up in a whole new way.  Floor length skirts can be worn casually with a t-shirt and leather motorcycle jacket, whereas mid-calf skirts can be worn in 1960′s fashion with cardigans and thick waist belts.  Printed and colourful skirts can be found in any vintage store or your mother’s closet.
Fitted Blazer
Boyfriend blazers are still great, but the new fitted blazer is a good style investment for Fall 2010.  Show off your waistline with a two-button jacket with structured shoulders.  Basic navy or black blazers go with everything, but switch things up with camel or grey for a softer look. If you’re feeling adventurous, a printed blazer in floral or plaid will really make a statement. Our go-to stores for the perfect blazer are Zara and Suzy Shier.
Feminine Blouse
We’re excited to wear the feminine blouse this season adorned with ruffles, pleats, or bows. You can create runway looks by wearing a printed or solid colour blouse with dark denim and heels, or with a skirt and belt. Tucking is a must!  Check out H&M, Winners, or vintage stores for this trend.
Leopard Print
Be daring and incorporate at least one leopard print piece this season. At the Joe Fresh Fall 2010 fashion show, we saw a lot of great leopard print pieces including an adorable coat.  We also love the leopard print pony purse from Urban Outfitters.
Keep in mind you don’t need a whopping paycheck to look gorgeous. Venture into stores like Suzy Shier, H&M, Forever 21, Winners and Joe Fresh. If you know what you like and have an idea of what you are looking for, the good finds will find you.

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September 15, 2010 · 5:04 PM

Festival Music House – City And Colour

Last night we hit up Rock-It Promo’s Festival Music House featuring Canadian artists.  We caught the tail end of the poetic Hawksley Workman‘s set and for the first time saw Newmarket’s Tokyo Police Club play live.  Both artists were a delight and the boys from TPC were too cute.  City And Colour headlined and impressed.  Not to many mainstream artists can perform well live and he did just that.  K-os was in the crowd and pulled a Canadian Kanye – an interruption but in a positive light.  Her grabbed Dallas’ mic saying, “Yo Dallas, I’m gonna let you finish.  But Festival Music House had one of the best TIFF parties of all time! Now everyone shut the f*#@ up.”  City and Colour played mostly new music – there is lots to look forward to in his next album.

I leave you with Sleeping Sickness with Gord Downie.  Gord is headlining the Festival Music House night tonight.  Will I see you there? CM

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· 8:39 AM

TIFF Bell Lightbox Block Party

On Sunday I went down to King West to catch a bit of the TIFF Bell Lightbox Block Party!  The Bell Lightbox is an impressive five-story complex and new home to the Toronto International Film Festival.  It is Canada’s newest year-round cultural destination where you can go to experience a diverse selection of screenings, guest appearances, exhibitions, and special events – all for the love of film.
The afternoon started off with some laughs when I got a ride from the Timberland Eco Cab.  I hopped in somewhere along Queen street and my driver peddled all the way there.  I was kind of jealous of the great work out he was getting.
There were crowds of people enjoying the festivities on the street and in the building itself. Outside – Canadian singer K’naan performed, while people inside toured the building checking out all of its galleries and studios.
The afternoon ended on a high note, when I stumbled upon the Smashbox make-up lounge at Brasaii and had my eyes done by Myles, a talented make-up artist with Smashbox. He went with navy coloured eye shadow to give me a different kind of smokey look.  I’ve never tried navy eye shadow but it turned out quite alright! JD

They have a number of these contraptions going around the festival

All my picks went “off sale” :(

The crowd outside watching Canadian singer K’naan perform.

Inside the Bell Lightbox – very impressive!

The Smashbox Make-up Lounge

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September 14, 2010 · 8:23 AM

L’Amour Fou

On Saturday I attended the world premiere of Jacque Rivette’s L’Amour Fou.  Yves Saint Laurent’s partner of 50 years Pierre Thoretton is the main narrator of this documentary covering his life with the famous French fashion designer and the sale of their grandly inimitable art collection.  The couple acquired this collection over the course of 40 years and housed it in their three homes in Paris, Marrakesh and Normandy.  It sold in February 2009 by Christie’s auction house in Paris for over 375 million Euro.  As for the personal relationship between Yves and Pierre, Thoretton respected the couples private nature yet tracked the ups and downs of the couples half-century partnership.  The film may sound similar to that of Valentino: The Last Emperor but I promise it to be very different then that.    To view the trailer, please visit TIFF’s website.

Interesting fact: There was much controversy over the sale of two sculptures – a rat’s head and a rabbit’s head – that the couple owned.  The sculptures were taken from Communist China and China believed that the stolen relics should be given back to them and not be put up for sale.

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September 13, 2010 · 12:46 PM

Pushing Labour Day

Do you wear white after Labour Day?  I find that people are split 50/50 over this.  I understand that seeing white apparel after the first weekend of September can be sad to some.  It is hard to say goodbye to summer after all.   I find that many retailers make this rule even more confusing.  I was shopping on Queen Street and many retailers have (gasp!) white pants and skirts hanging in their stores.  Anyway, here I am wearing this white and navy striped dress from Ralph Lauren.  I had to get one more wear in before Fall really hits.  I purchased in Florida for $40.  Shoes are Cole Haan and necklace is from Aldo.  CM

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· 8:17 AM

The Hazelton Takeover

On Friday night, we were invited to The Hazelton Hotel in Yorkville to celebrate the launch of George Stroumboulopoulos’ newly re-launched show called George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight.  Talk about a mouth full!  Debuting September 20, his new show will continue the success of The Hour with a highly interactive website strombo.com.  GS Tonight is Canada’s late night talk show connecting Canadians to the world’s news makers and icons.  What I like most is George’s authentic interview style.

Me with George Strombo

So now that you know what his show is about, let’s talk about the party!! We arrived in Yorkville to a giant swarm of people hanging outside the Four Season’s Hotel and The Hazelton Hotel.  We could barely make our way through the crowd but luckily a few members of Billy Talent lead the way and we followed them to the entrance.

We were escorted past the velvet curtain and into an epic night!  The venue is gorgeous to begin with, but the DJ set the vibe.  Delicious food was in abundance including lobster mac and cheese and mini burgers – our favourites.  The drinks were flowing, people were dancing, there was an old school photo booth, spacious patio, and all the cool kids were out.  We ran into Juliette Lewis, Steve Nash, Clive Owen, Ron Sexsmith, John of Diamond Rings, and all sorts of other interesting Canadians like shoe designer Ron White and sportscaster Ron McLean.

We danced until the wee-hours of the night thanks to the vodka and energy drinks they were serving.  I think it gave me a boost for the entire weekend.  Here are a few photos of the night, but click here to see more!

George with Toronto Maple Leafs players Jonas Gustavsson and Freddy Sjostrom

Christine with the very talented Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith

Cheers to George Strombo for throwing a FANTASTIC party, and congrats on the new show!  JD & CM xx
PS – Click here to our Facebook page to see more photos!

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September 11, 2010 · 11:40 AM

KOKO! Share Bar

Yesterday we took a stroll through Yorkville to take in all the TIFF action and ended up going for lunch at KOKO! Share Bar.  It opened in March and it’s pretty awesome.  If you’re looking to change things up from the standard sushi go-to places in Yorkville like Sushi Inn or Asuka, this place has it going on.  DELICIOUS food, superb service, and just a nice, relaxed atmosphere.  I highly recommend getting the Makimono Assortment plate…so delicious, I might want to go again today.  Happy TIFF for those who are enjoying it!

KOKO! Share Bar is located at 81 Yorkville Ave.

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September 10, 2010 · 5:59 PM

Let The TIFF Festivities Begin!

Last night marked the official start to Toronto’s BEST festival of all – the Toronto International Film Festival or TIFF as most people know it.  With over 300 films taking place, we are graced with so many celebrities in town, red carpet events, parties galore, and champagne flowing till the wee hours of the night.  A number of  restaurants and bars throughout the city have an extended 4 am last call, the paps are out in full force, and everything just feels a buzz….it truly is the best time of year!

CM and I started the festivities at Nikki Beach – a global traveling party with stops in Cannes, St. Barth, and St. Tropez.  We went right after work so our attire was a bit on the conservative side, but we’ll be breaking out the party outfits soon enough.  Stay tuned! JD & CM xx

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· 10:14 AM

Forever 21 Onesie

I found this versatile onesie at Forever 21 in NYC last fall while CM and I were power shopping on Broadway.  We both agreed we wouldn’t waste precious New York time in chain stores that we already have access to, but Forever 21 was the only exception because it’s just so much better in the states.  I went to the one at Yonge and Dundas square the other day and there was NOTHING good!  Anyway I like that this onesie is strapless, pleated and balloons at the ankle.  I can wear it conservatively with a blazer like so, or in a dressy way sans blazer.  I paired it with my grey blazer from Zara, lace-up booties from Spring, and a collection of vintage necklaces from my mammy and grandmammy.  My shiny yellow clutch is from the Gap and was a gift from my cousin who inspired our blog name – see story here.  I’ve been getting a lot of compliments on my double ring, or brass knuckles as I like to refer to it as.  Surprisingly it’s from Costa Blanca ($9), and my dad-style watch is by Casio found in Paris.

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September 9, 2010 · 9:03 AM

First Fall

While Tuesday marked the first day of school for many students, for me, it was the first day of layering.  How is it that Labour Day passes and instantly chilly nights and cool mornings set in?  I had to layer my $35 Gap dress for my journey to and from work with my Club Monaco leather jacket and $13 H&M scarf.  Boots are from Winners for $40 and tights are Hue from The Bay.  CM

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September 8, 2010 · 8:05 AM

Zebra Purse

I walked out my door the other day and this woman was setting up a small table of vintage accessories to sell.  Two purses caught my eye within seconds and when she said $5 each – I said “I’ll take both of them please.”  And off I trotted to the grocery store with an extra bounce in my step.  The purse shown here is leather and zebra fur and it reminds me of the Deena & Ozzy Pony purse from Urban Outfitters.  The other purse is a small leather messenger style, and I’ll show that in a later post.  I’m also wearing a skirt as a dress from Club Monaco with a Forever 21 belt and a vintage necklace I got from a market in Belgium.  Are you going to incorporate animal print to your Fall wardrobe?  JD

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September 7, 2010 · 9:45 AM

To Beehive or Not to Beehive

This past weekend I was in Canada’s capital celebrating the wedding of my friends Erin and Steve.  I was a member of the wedding party and as most of you ladies know, it is best to wear your hair up for the long day that a wedding can promise.  Myself, the bride, and the other maids had their hair done at Julian Marc salon in Ottawa’s ByWard Market.  I decided to go for a Breakfast at Tiffany’s look and the talented Josiah did just that.

Josiah lightly curled my hair then tied it in a pony tail on top of my head.  Next, he teased two-thirds of the pony tail with a hair brush  and pinned it lightly in place.  He then used the un-teased hair to wrap around the bee hive.   I took notes and hopefully I can pull it off someday.  The only problem with the Beehive is that it can turn into a real rat’s nest.  This is what I had to deal with the next morning.  Almost makes me rethink recreating it.CM

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