Posts Tagged ‘Toronto’

Last week the Shopgirls were heading to Michelle’s to make mini sandwiches for our tea party. “Bikes vs. cars; Bikes win again!” I called as the few of us on cycles zoomed past those packed into the vehicle. ”Take that Rob Ford,” laughed Jade. A neighbor walking past chuckled and commented on his disbelief that someone on their street actually had that guy’s sign on his lawn. Yesterday one of his campaigners dropped a pamphlet at the shop. “No thank you,” we said to deaf ears as he turned and walked away; we told him it was a waste of paper, but he wouldn’t take it back, just kept walking! This morning we opened to a sticker over our padlock.

I hate to contribute the the fear mongering of the anti-Rob Ford campaign without providing some alternatives. Check out One Toronto for some election info from an environmental and pro-community perspective. Now Magazine has quite a few articles relating to each of the candidates. You can even check out the websites of Pantalone, Smitherman, and Ford themselves.

Spend an hour, get informed, and go vote. Your city depends on it.

We’re a little late on writing about FAT, but bear with us! It’s such a great event, it couldn’t go without mentioning.

Evan Biddell, Cherry Dewar and Avendano were but a few amazingly talented designers who showed at April’s Alternative Fashion Week. I’ve been attending this annual event for several years and must admit that the caliber of talent and the event itself keeps improving. I especially love the integration of performance art breaking up the many runway shows, keeping the audience captive with a taste of diversity and sometimes obscurity.

What’s truly unique about this week is the lack of pretentiousness that can often be felt during other fashion events… less discrimination and more of a shared appreciation for art and fashion in general. This event also offers designers the opportunity to showcase their collections to potential buyers as well as sell goods directly to the consumer – making this a much more financially viable endeavor for those participating.

Kudos to Vanja Vasik and her team for pulling together such a fantastic event… excited to see what 2011 will look like!

With Exit Through the Gift Shop now screening in cities across North America the elusive street artist Banksy seems to be making his mark right here in Toronto. Sightings of his work (the first in Canada) started popping up on Sunday and are quickly being painted over around the city. I sighted some on my way to the shop this morning just off Richmond, so here I am thinking about art and public space and what it takes to not only make a statement but to get people out and interested.

sighted on the streets of our city

(Torontoist has a running list of sightings and pictures if you’re in need of some adventure this evening.)

… Avril Loreti’s modern chic accessories!

Toronto-based Avril Loreti creates modern decor items and accessories that “add that extra little bit of creative thought and design sensibility to your lifestyle.” Yes they do, and WE LOVE THEM. Witty, stylish and functional, her collection includes Scrabble coasters and ones for math nerds, as well as the Moustache Hankie, perfect for the special (runny-nose) person in your life! Tis the season for that, isn’t that?

Prices range from $14-60. ALL items super-cool.

Check out more about Avril Loreti here and read about her in a recent National Post mention here.