In my closet are blog entries that documents anything that’s been given to me, purchase out of my own wallet or something I already own. Unfortunately, I haven’t done a good job of publishing this type of entry on a regular basis. My last “In my closet” post was in November 2010, eek! 

Let’s be honest here, I do a decent job of taking pictures of people and objects at events for but to capture myself is a whole different story. It’s more difficult than people would assume and I have to depend on myself to take these shots; using a tripod, setting the timer on my camera and then running to pose in front of the lens while praying that I got a half decent shot of myself, and then repeating the process until I get a picture I’m happy with – it can be quite comical to watch.

There are a number of bloggers who can take outfit pictures so effortlessly. Many have significant others who take pictures of them, or others have an innate talent and the equipment get the perfect shot like my friend Dejana of Shopsterium – she kicks serious butt when it comes to outfit posts.

So after that long rant, I’m kicking off summer with my first outfit post and hope to be a little more consistent moving forward (fingers crossed).

A few weeks ago I was reorganizing my closet and came to the realization I have way too much dark clothing and not enough colour. Therefore, bringing bright colours into my wardrobe is a personal goal of mine for the next few seasons.

For the Proenza Schouler event at The Room, I wanted to dive in head first and tackle the season’s trend by wearing bright colours to the cocktail reception. To update my wardrobe, I went to Zara for something affordable and I came out with a bright green tulips style skirt and an electric blue blouse. 

When it comes to colour blocking with bright colours, simplicity is best especially when accessorizing. After putting together the top and skirt I felt some detail was needed and my immediate gaze went to the waist of the skirt. Instead of using a belt I borrowed a brooch from my mom, pinned it on and tada!

What I wore:

• Colourful tulip skirt with pockets, Zara
• Blouse with turned up sleeves, Zara
• Rio handbag in black snake, Nella Bella
• Leather and suede t-strap heels, L.K. Bennett

A special thank you to Nelia of Style Blog for taking the outfit shots of me!

Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, the design duo behind Proenza Schouler, were in Toronto last week to introduce their collection to attendees at an invite only cocktail party at The Room.

While waiting for the duo to finish their interviews with the media I had the opportunity to examine their clothes up close and personal. It’s always a treat to see and touch designers’ clothes in real life, because you get a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship and work that goes into each piece and learn first-hand the reason why some are so acclaimed and celebrated in fashion. 

On display were selected pieces from Prozena Schouler’s spring/summer and fall/winter 2011 collections, both focuses heavily on texture and pattern to relay a sense of vibrancy and fun for these seasons. Neon yellow ruffles, tweed and multi-colour sequin were expertly used to construct dresses which appeared delicate from afar but sturdy up close.

The clothes

I was most fascinated by the use of velvet in the fall/winter 2011 collection. The last time I wore or saw someone wearing velvet was possibly in the late 1990s and it was the cheap kind, massed produced and sold at $40 for a shirt that hung like a damp rag.

In Proenza’s collection, there is a multi-pattern velvet dress in earth tones hues, cut close to the body and structured to give the wearer a beautiful fit and form.

The people

As for meeting the design duo, well the term “bloggers attack” comes to mind as I and a few other of my counterparts zeroed in and locked target to the meet Hernandez and McCollough first, before the rest of the guests had a chance – when it comes to fashion, we take no prisoners! 

I had a brief moment to speak with McCollough and asked him about the reasoning behind choosing lizard as the design inspiration for these pair of shoes I posted the other week. His answer was, “lizard is more lady-like” versus the other exotic skins.

Anna Dello Russo – she came, she saw, she danced and she conquered Toronto through her multiple outfit changes over a two day visit hosted at The Room, inside the Bay’s flagship store. ADR was in town to celebrate the launch of a photography exhibit titled “When Tommy Met Anna.”

The exhibit (which runs until April 29) features photos taken by Canadian photographer and blogger, Tommy Ton of ADR, his muse and Vogue Japan’s Editor-at-Large, in her most memorable fashion moments.

The instant word hit the street several weeks ago, via @TheHudsonsBayCo’s Twitter feed, that ADR was coming to Toronto the city’s fashion set was buzzing with her pending arrival, which was quickly followed up by paper invitations to an invite only reception outlining the dress code was “á la Anna.”

The reception held last week was a night that didn’t disappoint; The Room rolled out the leopard print carpet, ushered in six foot tall drag queens dressed to the nines and had wait staff decked out in t-shirts reading “When Tommy Met Anna.” The city’s fashion crowd arrived en masse in bold and colourful attire, some of which would be deemed as very interesting to say the least.

I counted approximately three outfit changes by ADR the night of the soiree which consisted of a Giles Deacon bandage print dress and a lamp shade dress and skirt from Mary Katrantzou’s spring 2011 collection. I opted to dress up for the occasion and wore a Jonathan Saunders jersey dress.

Throughout the night ADR and Ton was surrounded by scores of admirers jostling to get a shot with the pair; I made two weak attempts to have my Anna moment but was unsuccessful. I still had a really great time at the event and have to say the fashions on display and people watching were thoroughly enjoyable.

The wait is over for all of those fashionable Canucks who have been counting down to the arrival of Vogue Japan's Edtior-at-Large, Anna Dello Russo. ADR has officially touched down in Toronto to launch a photography exhibit at the Bay's Queen Street store titled, "When Tommy met Anna." The exhibit features 81 images highlighting Dello Russo's unforgettable fashion moments and outfits captured by Canadian photographer and blogger, Tommy Ton.

Nicholas Mellamphy, creative director of The Room, presented ADR with a one-of-a-kind Hudson's Bay Company striped cape designed by Erdem.

Ton and Dello Russo will be at The Room at the Bay on Thursday, April 21 for a public autograph signing session starting at 12:00 p.m. The photography exhibit runs until April 29.

Kung Hei Fat Choy (Happy New Year)!

My family and I used to celebrate this time of year by dining out at a Chinese restaurant packed with tons of families doing the same. The best part of the holiday was receiving red envelopes with money inside from my parents.

Now, welcoming Chinese New Year is a laid back affair in our house. My siblings and I are all grown up; there are no more red envelopes and our celebration consist of ordering “authentic” Chinese take-out – we are Chinese but opt for the easy way out when it comes to cooking on this holiday.

While shopping in the Bay last week I came across this mannequin installation in The Room. The straw hats combined with contemporary fashions does justice to this subtly stylish ode to the New Year.

After a hectic few weeks of fashion in Toronto the Bay held another event at The Room, but this time it was an intimate affair, a meet and greet with American fashion designer Thakoon Panichgul.

Thakoon is commercially known for producing a capsule line for Gap in 2007 and for also appearing in the 2009 movie, The September Issue. His design vision and skill culminate into elegant garments which compliment a range of body types worn by the likes of Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker and Demi Moore.

I’m always intrigued with the chance of seeing designers’ clothes up close and was not disappointed at the detail and execution of Thakoon’s work. One piece in particular which caught my eye was a dress which appears to be a snake skin print from afar, but on closer inspection it is made of hundreds of black and white sequin sewn together.

Tricia Campbell-Hall, Nelia of Style Blog and I had the opportunity to chat with the Thakoon who proved to be every bit as kind and humble as he appears on camera.

I’ve recently downloaded a new app for my iPhone called, QuadCamera and took a few pictures of Thakoon’s clothing on display– hope you enjoy my mobile creativity.

For those who know me, I'm a person who prides herself on being prepared: hand sanitizer, breath mints, Tylenol and camera – check. However, life likes to play its little tricks on me now and again, and the one time I fail to pack my camera or bring a pair of heels to work a surprise invitation to attend the Jason Wu meet and greet at The Room pops into my calendar. All I could do is knock my head against the computer screen in frustration.

Wu is best known to have designed Michelle Obama's inaugural ball gown which was an ivory coloured, chiffon dress with floral detailing. Since then he hasn’t looked back, receiving high praises and reviews from the fashion industry and news media.

The gathering last Tuesday was small and intimate with Wu’s designs fitted on a row of mannequins greeting guests as they entered the Platinum Suite. Clothing from his fall/winter and spring/summer 2010 collections were also present throughout this section of The Room, as well as a few choice pieces from his line of eyewear; most were sunglasses with over-sized shades.

Seeing a designer present their collection on a runway or watching it on TV is one thing; it is a completely different story when you have the opportunity to examine and touch the clothing without obstruction. I was captured by the vibrancy of colours used in Wu’s collections, the expert tailoring and array of fabric choices. It was a very tactile experience, seeing how he uses materials like feathers, tulle and prints to create dual imagery on several garments, such as gold leafing to mimic chemical spills on a red sheath dress.

Meeting Wu was a special treat; he graciously mingled with guests and answered questions about his designs during his short visit to Toronto.

The price tag on Wu’s creations runs into the four figure range and up, but for the level of craftsmanship and quality you absolutely know that you’re buying an investment piece that will last for years to come.

Photo credit: Sonia Recchia