The weather for the past while in Toronto has resulted in almost two full weeks of straight rain and overcast skies – dark and depressing doesn’t begin to describe the gloom going around the city; it was only this past Saturday that we had the most marvellous weekend. Well, perhaps I should rephrase that last sentence and say there was one really good day of uninhibited sunshine.

People came out of hibernation in droves, in their flip-flops, shorts and sunglasses. Sunglasses are a summer essential and I’m guilty of purchasing a cheap pair off the rack that begs the question if it’s infused with UV protection as the label says.

LensCrafters, the largest optical retailer in the world, made its first media/blogger foray into the Canadian market and invited a select group from Toronto to preview their latest collection, as well as to educate us on the importance of having prescription lenses installed into sunglasses.  

Approximately 98 per cent of the sunglass styles carried at LensCrafters can be made with prescription sun lenses by choosing from a large assortment of stylish brands, such as Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Tory Burch, Versace and Ray-Ban.

There was lots of information touting the do’s and don’ts for eyewear and we had a little fun by taking a personality quiz to determine our eyewear style; I fell in between the categories of  “style maven” and “classic,” and was then generously gifted with a pair of Rx-friendly designer sunglasses to match my personality – thanks LensCrafters! 

Actress, Mena Suvari was the special guest brought in as the Company’s spokesperson and she was absolutely stunning – I don’t think she’s aged a day since her appearance in American Beauty in 1999.

Image gallery #1 courtesy of LensCrafters

Image gallery #2, picture #5 courtesy of LensCrafters

One of the fashion trappings of the fall/winter season is to automatically begin wearing dark colours. I know many people – myself included – who fall into this habit and end up rotating regularly between the colours black, grey and white all season long. Yet, you can’t blame anyone for defaulting to these colours as it reflects our mood; everyone goes into hibernation and our dislike for the cold is evident as we grumble non-stop about the weather.

Secret has developed a line of colourful hosiery for fall 2010 which provides several ways to inject life back into your wardrobe. The collection is available in a multitude of colours and is priced affordably at $7.50 for a pair of tights and $7.95 for a pair of leggings. The entire collection is available at retailers across Canada.

I think Secret’s colourful hosiery for fall is a great idea and I intend to try some of the tights and leggings when it gets colder – which means fall is just around corner and then winter comes... noo!

Colours available: black, grey, berry, camel, blue, plum and red.

Images courtesy of Secret

I’ve been too busy to blog as consistently as I normally do. Therefore, here is a roundup of notable fashion news and events in and around the city of Toronto.

White Cashmere collection reveals 2010 designers: the seventh annual White Cashmere Collection confirmed its designer line-up for 2010. This compilation of Canadian fashion talent includes Zoran Dobric, Ines Di Santo (bridal designer), RUDSAK, Renata Morales and jewellery designer Shay Lowe. All designers will craft clothing and accessories from Cashmere Bathroom Tissue for the September runway show being held at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

The theme for this year’s show is Fashion With Compassion. Fittingly so, as the collection is a fund and awareness-raiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, as well as heralds the return of limited-edition Pink Cashmere; with twenty-five cents from the sale of every package of Pink going directly to the Foundation.

The clothing designs developed from the bathroom tissue are absolutely mind blowing. Here are several images of the 2009 White Cashmere Collection that was on display in the Bay’s award-winning windows.

Swarovski’s “UndertheBlueCollection:” Swarovski recently previewed its latest fall/winter 2010 line, UndertheBlueCollection, at the Hazelton Hotel. Attendees had the opportunity to get an up-close look of the jewellery and to try it on. Avril Graham, executive fashion and beauty editor of Harper's Bazaar, was the host for the evening and charmingly provided tips on how to accessorize.

I own several Swarovski pieces and have an affinity for its statement rings. During this event I was drawn to the Milady Pendant Cameo ($175 CDN) and the brand’s exclusive designer collection, Atelier Swarovski. The turquoise and black bracelets, designed by Kirt Holmes, were my favourite pieces with its woven crystal beads that form lattice style shapes.

Plutino Group website relaunch party: on Tuesday night the Plutino Group celebrated its redesigned website with a party at Parts & Labour. Plutino’s new website is quite the visual and interactive online portfolio showing its roster of talent that includes some of Canada’s elite fashion stylists, hair and makeup artists, fashion directors and producers.

I was really hoping to catch the live fashion installation showcasing creative collaborations between Plutino’s artists and Canadian designers; Greta Constantine, Mark Fast, Mikhael Kale and Philip Sparks were advertised. However, this was not around to view by the time I arrived. The event pictures give you a bit of an idea of the creative partnership though.

Plutino images: Jeffrey Chan (from snap.CLICK*pixel)

In preparation for tonight’s visit to the Bata Shoe Museum’s ‘Til 10 event I did what any respectable shopaholic would do and went to the mall yesterday to find something to wear. I purchased a pair of earrings from Aldo named Merfeld. I love the pearl beads and shape, chic with lots of character (see picture one).

While in line at the cash register I turned my head and saw a pair of shoes that just blew my mind (see picture two), but I resisted making an impulse purchase and left the store before I got myself into trouble. However, when I woke up this morning I caved, went back and bought the shoes – the last pair of size sevens in the store! 

The shoes are named Mickolick (got to love the product names Aldo picks), are composed of blue suede on the exterior with a leather insole. The stiletto heel measures 12.5 cm with a hidden toe platform of 3 cm.

Not sure if I’ll wear my new shoes tonight because I have to break them in first, but for the love of fashion I just might give in.

N.B.: unfortunately Aldo.com doesn’t have the earrings or shoes for purchase online yet, your best bet is to go to your nearest store and pick them up there. Good luck!

(Warning: objects are bigger than they appear)