On the Scene at the Second Annual Right to Play Ball

L-R: Johann Olav Koss, President and CEO, Right To Play ; Glen Baxter, Right to Play Ball Chair & Founder.
L-R: Johann Olav Koss, President and CEO, Right To Play; Glen Baxter, Chair & Founder Right to Play Ball.

The tagline for the Second Annual Right to Play Ball was “Where the fashion and finance crowd play and dance the night away in support of Canada’s fastest growing international humanitarian organization.” Recently held at the swanky Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto the event attracted the city’s business, fashion and sports crowd under one roof and on one dance floor.

On the ones and two were DJ Tony Okungbowa, The Ellen Degeneres Show’s house mix master, and renowned Montreal DJ Jo Jo Flores whose tunes had the crowd letting loose some wicked dance moves.

Guests in attendance included Rosie MacLennan (2012 Olympic Gold medalist), Director X, hip-hop artist Kardinall Official, singer Glen Lewis and model Stacey Mckenzie who spent 99.9% of her time lighting up the scene with her carefree dance moves and impromptu DJ booth visits. It’s been a while since I’ve been to a fancy shindig where so many people got down on the dance floor. And guess what? I didn’t event have to take off my heels the entire time dancing.

By the end of the night more than $55,000 was raised for Right To Play allowing the organization to further its goal to help children in disadvantaged environments “overcome the effects of poverty, conflict, and disease” through play.

L: Glen Baxter, DJ Tony  Okungbowa and  Johann Olav Koss.
L: Glen Baxter, DJ Tony Okungbowa and Johann Olav Koss. Lower right: DJ Tony Okungbowa and DJ Jo Jo Flores.

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Photo credits: George Pimentel

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Holt Renfrew’s hr2 an Equation for Shopping Extravaganza

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hr2
Address: 1 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan, ON, L4K 5W4
Phone: 905-886-2427
Store hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00AM-9:00PM / Sunday 11:00AM-7:00PM

If Einstein’s theory of relativity is E=mc2 then Holt Renfrew’s new shopping concept for customers equals hr2. This new shopping format looks to expand the reaches of the luxury retailer to a wider audience who has a penchant for designer brands at irresistible prices, which translates into affordable luxury or to be blunt, cheap, however you want to look it.

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I recently attended a sneak preview of Holt Renfrew’s second hr2 store at Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre - the first hr2 opened last month in Brossard, Quecbec. hr2 has taken over the nonexistent Holt’s Last Call outlet store (may it RIP) and it has been completely redesigned into a modern, well-lit and colourful space offering men’s and women’s fashions, footwear, accessories and jewellery. More than 150 brands line its shelves and racks such as DVF, Kate Spade and Michael Kors, and needless to say I was happily lost in all 25,000 square feet of the store.

Each section within hr2 is perfectly primed and ready for an easy shopping experience. The handbag section took me well over a hour to fully appreciate and the shoe section… well I spent most of my time there. When I saw Prada shoes for $329 and Louboutins for $199 (which I did purchase) I was completely lost in the experience.

My final verdict on Holt Renfrew’s hr2? I will be back for more shoes.

This Prada shoe could be yours for $329!
This Prada shoe could be yours for $329!
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RUDSAK Flash Sale: 2012 Is The New 2013

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As you wake up this long weekend morning you’re probably thinking to yourself, “What should I do first today? Should I clean, do the laundry or go to the gym?” My answer to these difficult questions is none of the above – you should go shopping!

RUSDAK, one of Canada’s leading brand in leather, is having a flash sale this weekend only (May 18-20). As they say 2012 is the new 2013 and you can scoop up the best of RUDSAK’s fall and spring 2012 collections, and get 50% discount on sales items – I’m always on the lookout for a good deal no matter the season.

I’ve already did some fashion reconnaissance for you; the outerwear is to die for, but the DIMA coat is truly drool worthy (originally $495, for sale $249.99) and the Sally blazer is perfect for year-round use (originally $245, for sale $179.99).

Make sure you use promo code: RUDSAK2012KIMBERLY. The code is valid only at rudsakstore.com from now until Monday 11:59 p.m. EST. Let your inner shopaholic out and allow the shopping adventures begin!

Sponsored by RUDSAK

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Shoes of the Moment: Odile Espadrille Sneakers by Loeffler Randall

It’s the long weekend here in the T-Dot (aka: Toronto) and boy am I happy it’s Friday! This weekend marks the end of all things winter and the start of the summer social season; barbecues, art and music festivals, and weekends spent up north at the cottage is how we roll around here. And I got just the shoes to keep you looking fresh and stylish.

Shoe specifications:

  • Outer, linen/silk blend fabric with crepe sole
  • Colour, multi-coloured
  • Heel height, N/A

Why I chose these shoes: these Loeffler Randal shoes are fun, flirty and look really comfortable. I typically prefer floral designs on high heel shoes but it’s nice to see it on a pair of flats, especially when they’re designed well. For my local people (in Toronto) Augustina Boutique is selling these floral sensations online in case you need to up your fashion ante when cottaging up north; however, for my non-Canadian friends Lyst is selling them online.

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Giveaway: LINE Knitwear + Sample Sale

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Did someone say “Sample sale and giveaway?” Why yes that was me!

PYA Importer is having its seasonal sample sale from May 22-25, which means you better have your wallet and credit card ready to score some serious designer finds – details here. Brands such as DKNY Intimates, Edun,  Toscano and, my favourite, LINE Knitwear can be bought for up to 80% off. Hello!

To get you ready for this shopping extravaganza I’m giving away this beautiful striped linen sweater by LINE Knitwear to one lucky reader. Retail $150.

Here’s how you can win this sweater

  1. Like The Souls of My Shoes’ Facebook page.
  2. Leave a comment in this blog entry, make sure to include your e-mail address when filling out the text box.
  3. For an extra entry tweet: “Giveaway alert! Say the magic words: PYA Sample Sale + win @LINEKnitwear sweater on @kimberly_lyn’s blog http://wp.me/p2LFdT-1nG”  

The giveaway closes on May 22, 2013 at 12:00 a.m. EST. I will announce and e-mail the winner. Thanks again to the lovely team from PYA Importer and LINE Knitwear for their generosity!

Psst! If you don’t win the sweater, don’t fret, it can be found at the sample sale for purchase.

N.B.: this giveaway is open to readers located in the Greater Toronto Area only. Please allow for a few days for shipping. There are no prize substitutions.

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In My Closet: Lady In Red

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So you thought it was summer time huh! Seeing the temperature in Toronto drop below 10°C this past weekend and Tic-Tac size hail falling from the sky is not my idea of fun in the sun. So like the good ol’ Canadian I am out came my winter jacket, hat and scarf; these pieces are never too far from reach.

I pillaged this fire engine red jacket from my mom’s closet – happy belated Mother’s Day mom – and donned my second favourite accessory, a big floppy hat. I purchased this hat on pure whim will browsing inside Holt Renfrew’s flagship store on Bloor Street; Holt has, in my opinion, one of the nicest selection of stylish chapeaus in the city and for the price of $80 I couldn’t resist picking up this bad boy.

In my closet: hat, Holt Renfrew; jacket, vintage; dress, Joe Fresh; handbag, Jessica Jensen; sunglasses, Burberry; hosiery, Hudson’s Bay; shoes, Sam Edelman.

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Shoe of the Moment: Paris Ankle Strap Sandal by Saint Laurent

The first time I heard about London’s legendary department store Harrods I was in my pre-teens. My über sophisticated Aunt E was visiting from London and recounted her experiences shopping the floors of the store;  the centre of style, luxury, clothes and, of course, designers shoes. It wasn’t until I visited the city years later did I realize how utterly amazing Harrods truly is. The history of the store is evident the moment you walk through its doors, the building takes up more then 1 million square feet and the shoe floor alone seemed to go on forever.

The store is a must-see for any shopaholics visiting London; however, if you’re not travelling across the pond any time soon you can still get the Harrods experience online and shop for my favourite accessory… shoes!

Shoe specifications:

  • Outer, suede and patent leather
  • Color, black
  • Heel height, 11.5 cm

Why I chose this shoe: the moment I saw this Saint Laurent heel on Harrods.com I said “Oh my god!” and nearly fell off my chair. It’s a simple design, uncomplicated in its structure exuding sophistication in the daintiness of it’s stiletto heel and suede covered vamp; yet, this shoe hints at hidden wonders with its over sized patent leather buckle and ankle cuff. However, the best part of finding this sandal on Harrods.com is that they ship worldwide. Woo hoo!

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Sponsored by Harrods

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Designer Sarah Stevenson Wins TFI’s 2013 New Labels Competition

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Forget the TV series Project Runway! Canada has the original version which has been running since 1992 and it’s called TFI New Labels Fashion Design Competition.

Held annually by the Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI), this national competition features the country’s up-and-coming design talent in one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year allowing them the opportunity to showcase their sartorial skills in front of a panel of judges, industry movers and insiders.

Sarah Stevenson, fall/winter 2013
Sarah Stevenson, fall/winter 2013

The perks of participating in this year’s New Labels competition included the chance to win the Suzanne Rogers Award For Most Promising New Label, a cash award of $25,000, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop an exclusive collection for Target to be sold in stores across Canada in 2014. Can we say amazing?

Sarah Stevenson, Paria Shirvani, Christopher Paunil and SEVENTHIRTYONE were the four designers participating in this year’s competition. Each had their own distinct aesthetic from floor length floral evening gowns, asymmetrical suite jackets, feminine ruffles and kimono-inspired outerwear.

Paria Shirvani, fall/winter 2013 collection
Paria Shirvani, fall/winter 2013
Christopher Paunil, fall/winter 2013
Christopher Paunil, fall/winter 2013
SEVENTHIRTYONE, fall/winter 2013
SEVENTHIRTYONE, fall/winter 2013

And the winner is… Sarah Stevenson! For fall/winter 2013 Stevenson was inspired by “Dutch still life paintings from the Baroque period” which lead to the creation of floral frocks in the form of a silk chiffon blouse, pencil skirt and long-sleeved maxi dress.

Before she was announced as the winner, Stevenson’s collection was my absolute favourite the moment I saw her first look come down the runway, I knew instantly it was going to wow the judges. Should have bet a pair of designer shoes on it!

L-R: models in Sarah Stevenson; Sarah Stevenson; John Morioka, SVP Merchandising for Target Canada; Suzanne Rogers; Chloé Rogers; Dina Pugliese, Host.
L-R: models in Sarah Stevenson; Sarah Stevenson; John Morioka, SVP Merchandising for Target Canada; Suzanne Rogers; Chloé Rogers; Dina Pugliese, Host.

Photo credit George Pimentel

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Shoes of the moment: elaphe and leather sandals by Roland Mouret

Summer is here! Let the choir of angels sing. Oops… wrong occasion, but it’s still a great time to celebrate. The temperature is more then 20°C which means it’s time to pack away your winter coat, hats and shoes, and trade them in for sleeveless tops and open toe sandals such as these Roland Mouret heels.

Shoe specifications:

  • Outer, leather and elaphe
  • Colour, white and neutral
  • Heel height, 11cm

Why I chose these shoes: I can’t think of a better pair of open toe heels to slip my (or your) feet into. The monochromatic look of these sandals make it a versatile piece and the curved lines crafted from elaphe (aka: snake skin) gives it a modern and architectural feel. I just wish they didn’t cost $1,319… I can’t help it I’m genetically hardwired to like expensive shoes!

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You’re Invited to the Second Annual Right to Play Ball

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Where the fashion and finance crowd play and dance the night away in support of Canada’s fastest growing international humanitarian organization.

Block off your calender on May 10th and dust off your most stylish dress, dapper suit and dancing shoes because the second annual Right to Play Ball will be taking place in just over a week. This charity fundraising event supports Right To Play, “a global organization that uses the transformative power of play – playing sports, playing games – to educate and empower children facing adversity.”

On the ones and twos will be DJ Tony Okungbowa, resident DJ on The Ellen Degeneres Show, and Montreal resident DJ Jo Jo Flores who has rocked the dance floors from New York to Athens; this DJ line-up is so sick that I may have to bring a pair of flats to change into when my heels start to hurt!

Tickets are on sale now and cost $175. I’ll see you there!

Date: Friday, May 10, 2013
Time: 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Location: Shangri-La Hotel, 188 University Avenue, Toronto, ON
Tickets: $175

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