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February is Black History Month and when this time of year comes around I reflect on my family heritage. My background straddles a multiracial line consisting of African, Chinese and European. I haven’t celebrated Black History Month in a longtime and recently took the opportunity to attend the Canadian Film Centre’s (CFC)’s event examining the black experience in cinema.

To speak to this topic the CFC had legendary Canadian filmmaker Norman Jewison (In the Heat of the Night and Hurricane) and Lee Daniels, director of Monsters Ball and the Oscar nominated movie Precious present for the discussion. The moderator was Clement Virgo (Poor Boy’s Game).

Influenced by recent events I attended revolving around the use and power of social media, I decided to tweet for a large portion leading up to and during the discussion with the three filmmakers. Here’s a recap of the evening’s tweets:

6:19 PM – Making my way to @cfccreates to meet @JDAconsulting. Looking forward to hearing Lee Daniels & Norman Jewison spk.

6:29 PM – @cfccreates ticket pick up is ridiculous. Waiting outside is not fun. A better system is needed.

7:05 PM  – Sitting w/ @JDAconsulting waiting for @cfccreates discussion to st. Got a few pics of Lee Daniels working the media line.

7:13 PM – Cdn filmmaker Clement Virgo is making intro on stage. #blackhistorymonth

7:34 PM – Norman Jewison talking a/b apartheid & his interest in the black experience. @cfccreates. #blackhistorymonth

7:37 PM – Norman Jewison says when he filmed "In the Heat of the Night" timing was everything. @cfccreates

7:39 PM – Lee Daniels loves #toronto & feels you can kill racism w/ kindness.

7:46 PM – Lee Daniels talking "Monsters Ball" & says ppl were afraid of the truth re: depicting Halle Berry & got a lot of hate mail as a result.

7:51 PM – Lee Daniels says film making is a/b growth & he tries to learn how to be better. @cfccreates

8:21 PM – Norman Jewison says racism goes both ways. Lee Daniels feels the same way.

8:23 PM – Virgo: where do black stories go fr here? Jewison: they get stronger. Young ppl today are less prejudice than their parents.

8:31 PM – Now onto the Q&A portion of the discussion. In "Precious" pig’s feet were the symbolic item to show the characters' inside.

It was a very educational and insightful night for those exploring and celebrating Black History Month, as well as providing cinephiles with a chance to hear these talented filmmakers speak. Virgo was extremely well-versed in the history of Black cinema, but there were times when he didn’t provide enough context thereby losing the audience in parts of the conversation – a more streamlined approach and simplification of discussion points would have made it easier to follow along.

I was very impressed by the frank discussion and honest answers Daniels, Jewison and Virgo shared, particularly their views on racism and overcoming it.

Images taken by Kimberly

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Event description: Toronto-based jewellery line Bijouxbead has teamed up with upscale fashion boutique Magnolia for a special cocktail reception to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Guests can shop while enjoying a glass of wine and delectable cupcakes and mingle with an eclectic group of Toronto’s fashion industry insiders, media and artisan lovers.

Bijouxbead designer, Darlene Martin will be in-store to greet customers and help them find the perfect piece of wearable art as a Valentine gift for a loved one or a special treat for themselves.  

Bijouxbead’s wearable jewellery art consists of earrings, bracelets and necklaces (ranging in price from $70 up to $1,300 for custom pieces) and is also available for purchase online at www.bijouxbead.com/shoponline. For those who can’t make the event, Magnolia will have select pieces from Martin’s collection available for purchase in-store until February 14, 2010.

Date: Thursday, February 11, 2010

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Location: Magnolia, 333 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario

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For 2010, Chinese New Year falls on Valentine’s Day (February 14^th) both happy occasions merging the Western and Eastern calendars – if you’re in a relationship for the latter.

Roots is paying homage to these holidays by dedicating a collection of its leather bags to this occasion. The bags are composed of Italian Prince Leather and the colour is a brilliant red; when combined with the gold hardware and graphic design it immediately reminds me of the traditional Chinese red envelopes my parents used to give my sisters and I.

The graphic design on the bags represents the Chinese zodiac sign, the tiger which is the symbol for 2010. Predictions for the Year of the Tiger say that it is a time of activity, “seizing opportunities and making the most of our personal and very individual talents” (Wayang Times).

Availability for these leather bags for purchase is scheduled for mid-January 2010.

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Dear Santa,

I haven’t written to you since I was nine years old but I’m making up for some lost time. I’m not asking for too much this Christmas, but in case you are wondering here’s what I have on my wish list:

1.  Plane ticket to visit my family in London, England

2.  Christian Louboutin shoes

3.  Balmain dress or a Chanel suit – either or both works for me

4.  Valentino: The Last Emperor – the DVD or the man himself

5.  A new cell phone (Blackberry or iPhone) – the battery is dying on the one I currently have

6.  Good fortune and opportunities for all my family and friends in 2010

If you can hook me up that would be great. I’ll leave out some milk and cookies for you on the eve of the 25^th, hopefully someone from my family won’t eat them first because we usually think with our stomachs in my house.

Thanks,

Kimberly

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By now you’ve either finished your Christmas shopping, are mid-way through it or haven’t even started. If you're still shopping, here are a few of my gift suggestions for the fashionably inclined minds or for those who just want to give a nice present.

The Fashion Questionnaire – this is quite possibly one of my favourite books on fashion. Published by Assouline and authored by Michael Specter, “The Fashion Questionnaire is a rare, inside look at the creative icons that influence not just fashion but contemporary culture.” A series of questions are posed to some of the most influential and legendary fashion designers, such as Diane von Furstenberg, Karl Lagerfeld, Oscar de la Renta and Valentino. Product details:

• Hardcover, 93 pages
• Price, $16.91 CAD

Lululemon Dance Roll Legging – the Lululemon product picture of this pant doesn’t do it justice AT ALL. When you see and feel the actual item in real life then you will understand why this pant, made of cashmere, may make you consider taking up yoga if you haven’t already done so. Product details:

• Slim leg fits great in your boots
• Rollover waistband for coverage and comfort
• Colours, black and grey
• Price, $128.00 CAD

Roots Little Michelle in Colour Prince Leather – no one does a good quality leather bag with such care as Canadian retailer Roots. In the last few years Roots has made a comeback on the fashion scene by crafting beautiful leather bags of all tasteful shapes and sizes. Product details:

• Made in Canada from 100% Italian Leather.
• Dimensions: 16"(L) x 12"(H) x 6"(D). Handle drop: 8".
• Colour, truffle
• Price, $258.00 CAD

Anthropologie Starlit Stem Earrings – you really can’t go wrong with adding a little bling to any Christmas gift. These earrings are not meant to overpower an overall look but to act as an understated fashion accessory. Product details:

• Materials, metal, acrylic and glass
• Diameter 0.75"
• Colour, blue
• Price, $30.53 CAD

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This holiday season designer pop-up stores are all the rage throughout the City of Toronto. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, a “pop-up retail space is a venue that is temporary... (it) allows a company to create a unique environment that engages their customers, as well as generates a feeling of relevance and interactivity,” buzz and exposure (Wikipedia).

I haven’t been able to attend most of the pop-up stores, but I did go to the Bijouxbead Holiday Pop-Up Interactive Store held at the Fair Trade Jewellery Company and had the pleasure of meeting the charming Darlene Martin, jewellery designer and creative mind behind Bijouxbead.

For Martin’s holiday pop-up store she created an eight piece collection inspired by the spring/summer 2010 creations by Canadian designers, such as Evan Biddell, David Dixon, Brandon Dwyer and Sonny Fong. Each necklace had eight strands and was composed of sterling silver and glass crystal pieces – they were quite beautiful and well made.

You still have a few days to drop by, see Martin’s creations and do a little holiday shopping. Here are the details:

Date: December 1 – 14, 2009
Location: The Atelier of The Fair Trade Jewellery Company
523 Parliament Street, Toronto
Phone: (647) 430-8741

Hours:
Monday – Tuesday by appointment only
Wednesday – Friday 12:30pm-8:00pm
Saturday – Sunday 11:30am-6:00pm

Pictures taken by Kimberly Lyn

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Details: Ever have instances where you've worn something once (or in some cases, never) and haven't picked it up again? Have someone give it a second chance and Swapify Your Wardrobe.

Swapify Your Wardrobe is an event organized by urbanebloc.com – it's the first ever clothing swap! Bring goodies like tops, dresses, jackets, skirts, pants, boots, purses and more that you know could get a little new love.

Date: Sunday, December 13, 2009

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Proper Reserve, 498 Queen St. West (Queen and Portland), 2^nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario

Free admission and bring cash (in case swapping doesn’t do). Expect some treats and good company.

RSVP here: CLICK.

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I don’t know about you but this year is going to be a frugal Christmas for me and my family. It doesn’t mean we aren’t financially secure or wise in our money decisions, it’s just a sign of the times and a realization we don’t need so much stuff to express our appreciation and love for each other.

Therefore, I decided to ask a few friends (who also happen to be bloggers) what was their favourite Christmas present and why. Their answers are varied but focus on the meaning behind the gift, not on the dollar amount.

Ashley Bartlett, freelance writer, PR professional and contributing writer to She Does the City: “My favourite Christmas gift has always been my plane ticket to Sarasota, Florida. Since the year I was born, my Nanny started a tradition by gifting my family and I, with a week with her in Longboat Key at her beach side property right along the Gulf of Mexico. These trips hold some of my most amazing and cherished childhood memories that I won't ever forget.”

Jess Bennett, Sift, Dust & Toss: “A few Christmases ago, my brother gave me a Shun chef’s knife. I had been obsessed with cooking for a while, but didn’t know what sharp really meant until I received that knife. It entirely changed the way I cooked. Tasks were made easier, cutting more professional and precise. Now that I’ve entered this land where tools fulfill their full potential, I'll never go back.”

Catherine Kustanczy, Play Anon: “I don't remember a specific gift so much as a theme: Barbie dolls. I really, really loved Barbies. Name a themed Barbie from a certain era – I probably owned it. At some point, I got sick of the homogenous beauty of all of them and decided to procure haircuts. That wasn't a popular move with my mother. But I'm pretty sure it was the first of many personal rebellions, imaginations, intellectual, feminist, humanist, personal, epic and otherwise.”

Lava Nosenkis, Ad Girl and Tech Nerd: "My favourite Christmas present was a gift card to a book store. It made me oh-so-happy because I'm a book worm and I found joy in having the freedom to pick out a book for keeps to read over the holidays.”

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The other day several friends were discussing Gravitypope and expressing their desire for this Canadian retailer to grace Toronto with its presence. No sooner than I could say “shopping” I received an e-mail from the folks at Gravitypope introducing themselves and letting me know about their pre-Christmas sale online.

Gravitypope was founded in 1990 in Edmonton, Alberta, by Louise Dirks. Originally it only sold footwear but quickly expanded its selection to clothing and accessories becoming Western Canada’s source for fashion; subsequently, additional stores were opened in Calgary and Vancouver.

We don’t have a Gravitypope store in the Greater Toronto Area yet, but you can still take advantage of its pre-Christmas sale online.

Sale information:

• November 27 to December 13 – receive 15% off all regular priced merchandise at gravitypope and gravitypope Tailored Goods.
• November 27 to December 24 – receive 15 to 25% off select fall 09 footwear.
• November 27 to December 24 – receive 25 to 50% of select fall 09 clothing.

** N.B.: starting on December 15th, there will be free shipping on regular priced goods over $150.**

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Bijouxbead Holiday Interactive Pop Up Show

"My muse is Canada; its nature, its people, its inimitability, and the horizontal links between them. My work has a distinct aesthetic that draws from several different mediums – be it glass, metal or stone. To feel the warmth that transfers from the wearer to these pieces inspired the Bijouxbead tagline feel what you wear, wear what you feel. As my handmade collection of necklaces, bracelets and earrings develops, so too does my passion for incorporating the Canadian experience into my work" ~ Darlene Martin, Bijouxbead

Date: December 1 – 14, 2009
Location: The Atelier of The Fair Trade Jewellery Company
523 Parliament Street, Toronto
Phone: (647) 430-8741

Hours:
Monday – Tuesday by appointment only
Wednesday – Friday 12:30pm-8:00pm
Saturday – Sunday 11:30am-6:00pm

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