Archive for the ‘We Freakin Love…’ Category

It’s time to bubble over with excitement Ladies.

Come ‘n get em,

High Rise Yoga Jeans, new in Spektra Black!

Can’t wait long enough to get your Yoga Jean but in the store?
Shop Online!

DIY, How-to, Before and After, and Decorating ideas are housed on Shelterness.com.

The article that first caught my eye was “20 Cool Home Library Design Ideas”,  a book collector’s dream.

Navigate through all of the sites features whenever you’re looking for a DIY project, home edition.

You may find a side table with a leg made of tableware, or a camera lens mug, or a tour of a toilet shaped house.

Be sure to check out the site around Holidays too, because this Halloween Shelterness was full of last minute decor ideas.

For further reading, Shelterness also has a list of sites that they recommend, which can be found on the right hand column.

Now go get inspired and indulge in this design dream.

With all of this rain in the past few weeks here in Toronto, my two umbrella’s have either had to be thrown in the trash or forcefully fixed by the wind (who broke it in the first place).

And I’m sorry The Weather Network, but I feel like you are constantly lying to me. One day I hope our relationship will mend. One day. But for now, with my umbrella becoming as attached to me as my keys, I’m having thoughts of purchasing one bright, sturdy, cheeky umbrella. I may cast aside my 2.99 corner store umbrella, in hopes of a stronger frame and a much happier addition to a rainy Monday.

Cheeky Umbrella’s are located in 7 stores in Toronto, so who knows, I may link their store locator with Google Maps and be on my way.

The newest arrival to Shopgirls is myself,
Stephanie Rotz!

Today is my first day here at the boutique as an intern. Coming from my second year at Ryerson University as a Fashion Communication student, I couldn’t be more excited to be apart of this truly Canadian store. Seeing as how I pride myself on being a true Canadian I have either had a hockey stick, Timmy’s cup, or some maple syrup in my hand. Now, instead I’ll be here, among truly inspiring Canadian works of design. My personal favorite items so far are the extremely light and bright necklaces by Montreal designer, Norwegian Wood, featured at the front of the store. These necklaces in my opinion are a perfect dose of the colour blocking trend.

As a Toronto fashion student, the wait for LG Fashion Week is over. I can’t wait for Melissa Nepton’s show! This Thursday October 20th, you can catch me backstage helping out at the show, and then after back here at Shopgirls for the preview of her Spring 2012 line. Be sure to come by and check out her current fall line as well, that will be for sale. Don’t miss the FDCC calendar of the events for this week’s shows.

Keep your eye out for me!
Stephanie

We’ve always been fans of Danielle Meder and her excellent fashion industry blog, Final Fashion. Last year, she up and moved to London to work and explore, and though we miss her and we’re jealous, we’re also thrilled for her! And we’re still reading her blog, and loving her work.

Check out today’s awesome post, “five ways to end your fashion design career”. It is better to burn out than fade away? Danielle’s got us thinking that any kind of premature expiry is a giant loss of talent, and even big-time designers don’t have it easy. Worth a read!

As always, Danielle’s created this stunning illustration to accompany her piece:

Here at Shopgirls we believe a good cup of joe is key. I, myself, argue (with myself) about it – isn’t that how addictions work?
Self: “Caffeine is not a drug, it is a vitamin!”
Smart Self: “That’s bullshit.”

Regardless, our (myself and I) new addiction is The Mascot located across the street from us at 1267 Queen Street West. We love more than a couple of perks to this café. The vintage espresso machine (where you pull levers down to start the process – neat!); the snacks brought in by OMG Bakery; the amazing selection of global style and culture magazines; the overall take-a-minute-to-take-it-in vibe; and who doesn’t love the free WiFi?

But what we freakin’ love the most are the gentlemen that serve up this brew every day. Their “we take cash or I owe you’s” approach, witty conversation always to be had, and their clear love for Parkdale (support of the arts and bi-monthly charity events) makes us Shopgirls more than willing to argue for our daily dose of vitamin C-appuccino.

Open 7am-7pm weekdays
8am-7pm Saturdays
9am-7pm Sundays

(photo credit goes to BlogTO – http://www.blogto.com/cafes/mascot-toronto)

Here at Shopgirls we are embracing and enforcing the revival of the CROP TOP! We’re seeing it all over the streets, in all the stores and on all the people we love to watch. It’s a throw back to the days of 90210 (the original series), Saved By the Bell and you can even spot em’  (in a more classy lassy way) in our favorite, Madmen!

Paired with short shorts , high-waisted trousers, or even with your fave skirt, this is a trend that anyone can love.

We’ve brought it in with gorgeous tees by Covet, including this taupey tan number with a scooped back:

As well as this more structured, printed semi-crop from Eve Gravel! Again, we love this length in the back:

More to come as Spring progresses! Keep your eyes on the prize, ladies! Crop tops for everyone!

Love this bag! Clean and simple design, beautiful vegan leather and at a great price, no less! Nella Bella has done it again…

Check out all the ways you can wear a London Bag, and come into the shop to get yours before they’re gone!

I love my heels. Stilettos, wedges, pumps, and platforms are just a few I can’t live without. But after dancing all night the pain is inevitable. Thankfully there are damn Heels.

Damn Heels are fold-away flats that can easily fit in any clutch. The tiny package comes complete with a reusable bag to store those killer heels while walking home in the comfy, cute black ballerina-flats. Now I never leave the house without Damn Heels! (If you are still not convinced, check out this cool video.)

Damned Heels is the brainchild of Canadian entrepreneur Hailey Coleman, now available at Shopgirls at $20/pair. No more torture! Hallelujah!

I first came across Norwegian Wood while visiting a friend in Montreal. I wanted to find a cool shop that featured up and coming local artists and designers. Shopgirls did not exist yet but I suppose boutiques like Headquarters sparked its’ inception with its artist run shop and multi-layered design sensibilities celebrating all things artistic (music, art, fashion etc…) While perusing the racks, I found myself gravitating to pieces by Norwegian Wood. Little did I know that Angie Johnson, the designer, was also part owner to this creative boutique.

I’ve been a fan since then, so much so that I picked up parts of her collection to sell in the shop! Angie’s edgy style does not follow trends, but rather ignites them. She is incredibly innovative and seems to have adopted a UK design influence, one that is avant-garde with no apologies. In fact, Angie was sought out by Britain-based Top Shop to design for them! (Love when that happens to Canadian designers!) I freakin love her hand-made max fringe necklaces, her novelty leggings and of course her signature harness belts and best of all, everything is reasonably priced. Want to be the first to wear pieces that will be adopted in the fashion world in a year or two? Get into Shopgirls and pick up some Norwegian Wood.