Canada Day is here and while you have an opportunity to stock up before it’s too late, why not try something a little different?

Piat d’Or has completely revamped their wine collection and has also added another welcoming change, a great new price. A 750 ml bottle of Chardonnay or Merlot is only $8.95 while a 1500ml bottle is sold for $15.95. The Chardonnay has an enticing aroma of citrus, apple and pear complemented with a fresh and fruity palate and the Merlot has aromas of ripe, black fruits and is complemented by a palate brimming with sweet, dark fruits.

However, if you need to spice things up a little, pair either the white or red wine with a chilled bottle of Perrier. You’ll definitely get that perfect drink to beat the summer heat this Canada Day.

Issue number 2 of one of the edgiest and most avant-garde mags to come about in a long time, PUSH IT, is an ode to the privacy of yesteryear (read: 2-3 years ago), dedicated to those of us who still make an effort to “fight for our right to [fill in the blank]”: the DEFENDERS.

How do you defend yourself? What do you do to keep things private? Is it a pair of oversized shades, blocking FB stalkers friends, claws for nails (loooove this), screening BBM (ahem-who said that)? It’s nothing new that it’s become much harder to keep your business, your business, and we could wax on for days on the topic but it’s not that kind of party. Search out the mag for some truly upper crust interpretations.

All 4 covers for this quarter were shot by photographer Frank Berlin and feature ‘fits by Frey Mudd, Maison Martin Margiela, Bottega Veneta, and the late, great Alexander McQueen.

Once an online only mag, PUSH IT is now available on newsstands worldwide, but if you can’t find it, the website is choc full of fashion, beauty, art, style, and music goodness.

Take it in.

www.pushitmagazine.com

As much as I love spending sunny summer days by the water, there’s nothing I dread more than searching for that perfect piece of swimwear. Finding something stylish is hard – but finding something stylish AND flattering is nearly impossible.

For those out there who face the same dilemma, 1 Sol Swimwear is providing a solution. The LA-based design company is re-defining swimwear with its sexy and flattering collection for summer 2010. Launched last year, the swimwear has already made a huge splash, even landing on celeb bodies like AnnaLynne McCord, Audrina Patridge and Abbie Cornish. Meant to be worn to catch some major attention on the beach, the designs incorporate modern silhouettes, simple lines and shiny detailing for that extra hint of glamour.

Choose your pick from the collection’s 36 swimwear styles, and 10 colour options. For those more daring, there’s the Starbust knotted hipster Bikini, which features a triangle top embroidered with Swarovski crystals; and for those who like to be a little more covered up, the Rockstar bandeau bikini offers full back covereage with its boy brief, embellished with copper and silver metal studs. To see all the sun-inspired designs, check out 1solswimwear.com.

The Shops-Parts & Labour is the latest hipster hangout to enter the Toronto night scene on West Queen West. A refurbished old mechanic shop, P&L is a hybrid restaurant nightclub. The space has two levels, a top floor restaurant, and a lower level dance floor. The venue is open concept, filled with long dining hall style tables, modern decor, and great food. It is no surprise that the great minds behind The Social, Castor Design and Oddfellows have created such a beautiful space.

Another bonus- the prices of the dishes are amazingly affordable, ranging from $6 salads to $35 entrees (if you so desire)! P&L is the perfect in-between restaurant for maturing social twenty-somethings that are outgrowing the traditional ‘clubbing’ spots. The venue is classy enough to attend all dressed up, and cool enough to show up in jeans and a tee. It doesn’t matter. Parts & Labour is aimed toward the fashion-forward, rock-and-roll, supper club crowd. The ambiance is laid-back, edgy, and oh so scene. See you all at The Shops!

It’s a contemporary woman’s dream – the purse hanger that emulates the shape of a nine, and is easy and adorable to port around in your purse. A curvy little acrylic beast with a grip for the table surface – this $15.00 wonder from Up To You has saved my purse on multiple occasions.

Smile, here comes the hook.

Nothing quite like embracing multiple trends within one piece. Can we say coral, bustier (with underwiring), and front full length zip? Groggy does it best – as Ashley from Blossom says, “You don’t end up looking like you’re wearing lingerie”.

This is my new favourite – in favourable shooting conditions (demask patterning is my #1 favourite print). I stopped by my favourite uptown boutique, Blossom Lounge in Unionville, and came across this happy diddy. Comes also in a variety of other colours (was tempted by the blue pin stripe…but I’ve overkilled that print).

You liiike?

Nouveau Riche Colors is a new shirt design company out of Montreal. If you dig that whole high end tee shirt thing than you will probably want to check them out. They specialize in “limited quantities using high quality materials” and they also put together some hand crafted pieces. We at Urbanebloc got a sneak peek at the summer 2010 line and I have to say the whole 1930’s print ad style is kind of cool. Unfortunately they are so fresh that they aren’t online yet so if you really want to get your hands on one fire an email to nvrchclrs@gmail.com.

It’s a greeting card mask! Superman at that. Thanks to the Up To You Gallery in Toronto (previously profiled here), I’ve been up to date with some of the most amazingly kitschy things around. Whoever thought that you could get your mask on while writing a hello to someone for a special occasion. Would you wear it?

These days, designer collaborations are a commonplace in the fashion world.  No stranger to the trend, Atelier Swarovski has been creating buzz since its launch in 07, with its exclusive collection of crystal accessories created in conjunction with some of the world’s top fashion designers.  For spring/summer 2010, such collaborations include celeb-friendly designers as Jason Wu and Matthew Williamson.

With that kind of hype, what can you expect for this season?  Well, the collection pushes pass the fragile crystal-look usually associated with the brand and manages to impress with chunky, bold, stand-out pieces that pop with colour.  Definitely not for your everyday wear though; the accessories look more like pieces of art, best suited for the catwalk or better yet, encased in glass.  And ofcourse, as with anything designer comes desinger prices.  Still definitely worth a gaze and an awe… the collection can be found at limited Swarovski stores, or online at www.atelierswarovski.com.

With sunshine in the sky and warmer temperatures in the city, it’s time to start thinking about light fabrics and spring skirts. Las Valentias, profiled by Ms. Chik here, is the perfect place to start hunting for new spring attire. They make taking your wardrobe from spring to winter and back again easy. Add a scarf, subtract a sweater, layer over tights, or add a belt, Las Valentias is all about stretching your wardrobe and your imagination.

What’s more, their online store is up and running, just in time for shopping season. Their designs are the perfect combination of sexy and sweet – think ruffled shirts with colourful skirts, and flowy dresses with short(er) hemlines. As if that didn’t convince you, Las Valentias is 100% Canadian made. (Plus, I’m always a sucker for pieces with real girl names, like Chloe, Etta, Martine & Sara!)

Check out lasvalentias.com for the full collection and to find the store nearest you.