I’m about to embark on a bit of a blogging adventure. Henkaa is a local Toronto company introduced to me by a friend (thanks Clem!) – they’re a convertible dress company catering to the bridal market. For those who are tired of the generic one-size-and-style fits all uniform for matrimonial ceremonies, Henkaa aims to be a cure. 18 colours, unlimited variety in styles, and a welcomed outlet for creativity.

I’m eager and excited to be supporting them – please be sure to have a look at their website, like their page, and tweet them.

Beauty. It comes in so many forms. Few, I think, would disagree that the most beautiful comes raw. Untreated. Unrefined. Bare. Natural. Simple.

Danish-born, Montreal-based designer Camilla Jorgensen adopted this concept for MICALLA’s Fall 2011/Winter 2012 collection, aptly named, In the Raw (could you guess?)

Made from natural gemstones and using the rare colours, and configurations of the earth as inspiration, MICALLA’s latest offering features necklaces, bracelets, and earrings designed with clean lines with an “unexpected hit of raw edge”

Each piece is carefully handcrafted by Jorgensen using, in addition to the gemstones, certified and conflict-fee diamonds, Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, sterling silver, and gold.

The materials used are sourced from strictly artisanal mines from across the globe; including small suppliers in the United States, Canada, Australia, Madagascar, India, and Africa – A reflection of her personal travels and varied background.

Definitely for a glam night out, I see hints of Christmas and New Year’s Eve in these designs! Too early?

The season’s right around the corner folks.

P.S.  Do you know how MICALLA started? It’s really quite touching. Read the snippet here.

Say a little hello to the summertime – every morning a deal revealed. Sale running from July 4th to July 31st. Want a little more Headmistress? Visit www.loveheadmistress.com or read up on urbanebloc.com’s previous post on the lovely brand.

FACT #1: JACOB is one of the last stores that I’d be looking for fun and flirty summer dresses. For as long as I can remember, the Canadian family-run company spews out racks and racks of clothes that scream “corporate”. Please note: this is coming from a girl who works at an agency where  a pair of dark denim jeans is considered to be fancy. Okay, maybe not.

FACT #2: I am smitten with JACOB’s 2011 summer dresses.

So what gives? Colours, ruffles and prints. And possibly the way that the model is styled with a messy bun and a pair of giant sunglasses, both of which signify youthfulness.

It’s hard to tell what the quality is like for these dresses. I may have to drop by one of the locations before I can give my final verdict. But kudos to JACOB for having a bit of fun.

Aritzia‘s highly anticipated New York flagship store in Soho finally opened its doors over the weekend to the delight of eager fashionistas around the city. I’ve always wondered if those in the States and other countries got as excited about getting some Canadian Fashion as we did about getting stores from abroad (remember the crazyness that was Abercrombie or H&M opening at the Eaton Centre?!)… Well, from the reviews online, it seems like the Canadian brand has won over NY’s fashion-centric crowd, with tons of excitement surrounding the grand opening.

The two-story flagship store has a familiar resemblance to the Artizias here at home that we’ve come to know and love, but with a few added extras, like an old bank vault that was preserved and repurposed as a fitting room, and an intimate studio shopping space on the second floor (swanky right?). So, note to Canadians who may find themselves shopping in New York and feeling a little overwhelmed by the fashion scene - you now have a refuge.