Fashion Action
Once again, L’Oreal Fashion Week is taking place in the tents set up just outside City Hall at Queen and Bay. It’s a great New York-style venue that gives the 33-show event, showcasing 69 designers, an urban vitality. Plus, the location makes it easy for non-industry fashionistas to check out the happenings.
Tickets are $20 per presentation (available on site) or $50 for a day pass, which can be purchased online. Note: some shows are limited to media and invited guests only, but most day and evening runway shows are intentionally open to locals (over 19).
Tuesday is one of the most buzz-worthy slots with the eco-chic fave Preloved collection hitting the catwalk at 2 p.m., The Heart Truth show (a presentation of 21 red dresses modeled by Canadian celebs to raise awareness of heart health) at 6 p.m. and the T-dot’s own boy-genius Philip Sparks’ stellar menswear tailoring slated to wow at 10:30 p.m.
For more details and the full fashion week schedule, visit www.lorealfashionweek.ca
Value Village
For The many FF readers who love scouring the racks and shelves at Value Village for vintage finds, one-off goodies and brand name cast-offs, there is now extra incentive to buy gently used goods: The Green Savings Pass.
Through to May 11, receive a stamp in your Green Savings Pass for every $5 spent (before tax). Once you’ve got 15 stamps, you save 30 per cent off your next purchase. Visit www.valuevillage.com.
Joe Fresh hits the mark for spring
Joe Fresh’s Riviera Skirt, $39. Available at Loblaws.
For Those keen on both bargains and punches of saucy colour, do peruse the wallet-friendly fashion nuggets now on the racks at Joe Fresh. Yes, this is Loblaws/Canadian SuperStore’s clothing line created by Joseph Mimram (formerly of Club Monaco fame). The prices are mind-bogglingly low and the designs are quite exception- ally fun, though more so as accents versus foundation pieces.
FF’s top finds for a little spring zing include the neon-bright yellow patent Satchel Bag ($12), the retro-print Riviera Skirt ($39), the chic Contrast Pumps ($29) and numerous cutie kids separates under $15.
Note: Joe Fresh is also presenting its fall collection at L’Oreal Fashion Week (on Monday). Visit the collection at www.joefresh.ca
Crafty Happenings
Ottawa-based crafty DJ night phenomenon, Spins and Needles, hits Toronto next Thursday night. What could be more fun than co-ed crafting with fab tunes and a licensed bar? Save the date and head to the Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen West at Dufferin), starting at 9 p.m. Admission is $6, and includes all supplies. For details, visit www.spinsandneedles.com
Nathalie-Roze Fischer is a designer, writer, bargain-hound and DIY enthusiast. Visit her online at
www.nathalie-roze.com
or at her indie shop/studio in Leslieville (1015 Queen St. East).
