A little while ago Smart Set launched a campaign leveraging the social epicentre of Facebook and interactive media (check fashionatplay.ca if you haven’t already). There you’ll find some pretty infectious music and addictive spin-cubes to appease your clothes-matching desires. A great initiative that they started for lucky bloggers (including myself) was to allow them to shop at Smart Set, on them. Seeing as I already sporadically pick up some work-goodies there, I decided to take them up on the offer.

The program would initiate with me sending an item of clothing for them to base a customized styling on. I sent in a dress that I got last year, however Smart Set decided to use the theme of the dress for a new look.

I’m desperately in need of work ready clothing, so I bought the two most perfect items in the store that I could get my hands on – a striped well-structured jacket, and an adorable three-button pocket skirt, with a great texture. Just goes to show that you really can find something for every girl in this store (and not just basics!)

Thanks for all of your help Rayanne!

> images courtesy of smartset.ca and Smart Set’s styling team

The life of a mover and shaker fashionista is one that a vast majority of the female population envies. Much credit goes to media phenomena such as The Hills and America’s Next Top Model, for glamorizing the increasingly competitive and nitty-gritty world of fashion. Meet Miss Ashley Rowe – someone who has managed to snag internships at FLARE and FASHION Magazine, as well as a role at Holt Renfrew as a Style Assistant, and has been living a fashionable life for four years. Jealous yet? There’s still more.

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Our beloved Torontonian Ed Mirvish passed away not too long ago, but he leaves a great legacy. Not Mirvish Productions you fool, HONEST ED’S! I can still recall my sporadic trips downtown to visit the grand Bargain Harold’s style retailer. I honestly think there wasn’t another place in Toronto that sold $2.00 ill-fitting floral patterned shorts.

So, what’s the big scoop here that I’m about to divulge? The fact that I just found out Honest Ed’s is having a 60th anniversary, and there is a “ready-to-wear” fashion show involved. Take a look see at the details:

Sunday, July 20th, 2008 – 10am – 9pm

Join the Mirvish family and staff to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Honest Ed’s with a full day of free events and activities, kicking off with opening ceremonies. Special guests include Ontario Minister of Tourism Peter Fonseca, Toronto Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair and the Mirvish Family.

Bring the family for free hotdogs, drink, treats, free games, and the highlight of the event, a free fashion show showcasing bargain ready-to-wear clothing from Honest Ed’s.

For more information about the fashion show click here.

About Honest Ed’s:
In 1948 Ed Mirvish opened Honest Ed’s, one of the world’s first bargain stores, with the help of cashing in his wife’s $212 insurance policy. In April of that year, Ed painted a sign over his store which read “Name your own price! No reasonable offer refused!”

Today, Honest Ed’s has become a Toronto landmark, and the city’s largest bargain emporium featuring top name brand items for less. Shop for clothing, housewares, groceries and beauty products. There’s also an in-store pharmacy. For those that hunt for antiques, Honest Ed’s has some rare finds including
many remaining items that once were part of Ed’s former World Famous Restaurant and Market Museum.

Honest Ed’s is located in the historic Mirvish Village, a unique shopping area featuring boutiques, book stores, artists studios, antique shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

> from toronto.com

Nothing like paying homage to the summer, like a great summer dress to throw on for a warm day out.

What kinds of choices do girls have these days for casual summer frocks? I’ve picked out a few that I liked that I’m going to highlight.

1. The Little Black Dress pays a visit: In this fine season it’s hard to put up with anything darker than navy, but black should certainly be given consideration. This particular one is from Kimchi&Blue, designed as a sheer dress with lace detailing and great play on texture.
2. The Flowery Frock: Be surprised, for this piece is from the Lauren Conrad collection – I liked its simplicity and non overabundant frills. The Whit dress is a lightweight beach-esque dress that I would love to get my hands on.
3. GAP Never Fails: When I think of frolicking on the beach (or dancing aimlessly, just like the commercials), I think GAP. This jersey dress has been taunting me from the racks for weeks. This basic dress yearns for accessorizing and play.
4. The Shirt Dress: The oversized menswear has struck back this summer, looking for girls to drape on. I’m a big fan of the menswear-inspired clothing, and I think that this is a great answer to casual cool.

Share your favourite summer dresses!

> images courtesy of gap.com, urbanoutfitters.com, and shoplaurenconrad.com

I absolutely love Kate Hudson’s style – I don’t know how she manages to finely mix unique pieces and classic styles together, but she somehow does it and makes it her own. Part of this could possibly be attributed to the works of Rachel Zoe, but it’s the person that wears it that manages to pull it off.

People.com has gathered some great candid snaps of the blondie on their website, located here. Take a flip-through and see if you agree with me.

> images courtesy of people.com