Choosing between fashion and a sustainable future has just got a little easier.  The earthly conscious minds at Reveal have come out with something that’s pretty swanky.

Loathe and behold Reveal’s Luxury Bamboo watch. Made from natural bamboo and handcrafted, this timepiece will sure have your bling bling sounding like thump thump (sound of wood; yeah, i know, a little lame). Its Japanese movement, tenacious structure, and eco-friendliness will definitely add a little uniqueness to your wardrobe.   Not to mention, it comes with it’s very own handmade natural bamboo box.

Do remember that bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants, so once planted, it will be back recycling that CO2 in no time.  And if the watch alone doesn’t do it for you, at least you’ll have comfort knowing that Reveal will plant a tree for every item purchased.

If your looking for a richer tone to your watch, also check out their Luxury Forest Watch made out of natural beech wood.  Also, take a look at the lightweight Chikurin Watch also made with natural bamboo.

If I had the creativity to design clothing, the essence would hopefully resemble this beautiful line designed by Daniel and Carla Hogg. The collection is an assortment of basic jersey tees, cardigans, and shift dresses. The vibe of the season through ‘fawning’ eyes is equal parts ethereal as it is edgy and rugged.

The entire collection is incredibly ready-to-wear and functional. There are no surprises, but its beauty is in the details, seen in the use of studs, chains, and fringe.  The soft colour palette in combination with the hardware creates a chic ‘city’ femme– with the use of charcoal, with pinches of rose, mulberry, peach, and ivory.  The result is simple, structured, classic, and fashionably ‘bad ass’.

I posted this up on Facebook and have probably watched it eight times since. There’s something amazing about the staging of the video (the antique-ish furniture) and parade of merchandise that gives me the urge to take a plunge. Savings has never been so hard with fall and winter coming. Expect more posts that gush about everything between infinity scarves to cognac purses.

Over the Rainbow situated (not over the rainbow) in Yorkville, Toronto has been my staple venture-to store whenever in the area. With an expansive denim wall loaded with staples and the latests, an enviable accessories rack, and friendly, energetic staff, the store is a sure win each visit. I was all too eager to attend their 35th Anniversary walk-through of the store with the family behind the landmark denim store.

“The idea is pure service”, says Joel Carman, the owner of Over the Rainbow. His excited demeanor showcasing the store from top to bottom was infectious – rattling off some impressive numbers and facts that I never would have imagined. Want some? Here’s a few:

• Has sold more than 500,000 pairs of jeans since being open
• Over 20,000 customers in their database
• 4,800 square feet to house merchandise
• A sewing facility in-house to cater strictly to their clients for hemming and fixes. They do over 6,000 original hems a year.
• Largest selection of denim in the country: over 250 pairs in their assortment.

Some highlights from the visit – viewing vintage press clippings of the store, behind-the-scenes glimpses of their photoshoot area and storage of countless puffy Canada Goose jackets for the upcoming winter season, and trying on more than my fair share of denim to find the right fit. Hudson Premium Skinnies were a win.

Their celebration is this weekend, with goodies and grabs outlined here on their store blog. Bring in your friends and family for a little denim fun and some.

Thank you to the OTR team and Briana!

Canadian designers are invited to enter Art of Fashion’s 12th designer competition and truck show in Teedot. Shiny prizes? 1000, a complimentary professional photo shoot with model, hair and makeup, street-level exposure in the window display of one of Toronto’s top fashion outlets, and a few tricks up their sleeve.

Launch yonder career starting with an entry by Tuesday, August 31, 2010.

“We chose this year’s theme, La Belle Époque, in order to draw a hopeful historical parallel with the “beautiful era” before World War I – a time of glamour, opulence and sophistication that blossomed in a period of peace and economic prosperity.”

The event showcasing the competition will be held in Liberty Village during Nuit Blanche on Saturday, October 2nd, 2010.

In fashion, where six feet glamazons rule, Rachel Bilson single handedly makes petite chic. Aside from my numero uno-modelesque style icon Alexa Chung, Rachel Bilson is constantly on my humble style radar.

Even when she is jet-setting from LAX to YYZ visiting her gorgeous finance Hayden Christensen (footnote-are they still together?), she always looks cute, comfy, and immaculately styled. Her look is an eclectic mix of high-low brands, vintage, and unique accessories.

Some might think her look is a bit too understated to be considered a style muse, but it takes a keen eye for style and trends to know when to stop…yes, there is such a thing as too many accessories, colors, and prints. And you can ALWAYS be certain that Rachel Bilson will mix and match, giving a young and new spin on casual looks.

She is the perfect example of how you can dress for yourself in comfy clothes, without compromising style. Heeled boots, tights, scarves, sweaters, and boyfriend jeans are staples. The overall look is fresh faced and equal parts trendy. Best of all, every look is polished and the perfect inspiration for ‘real life’.

I was forwarded this video from ROOTS and loved every last moment captured in it. From the lighting to the gorgeous clothes (yes, I managed to utter that out in relation to ROOTS – gone are the days of mere sweat pants and logo-emblazoned sweaters), I couldn’t help but stay riveted to this video filmed in Newfoundland. I want, I want.

Here we go – The EATONS are back again, with cover art from mister Flex. Come out to the Silver Dollar on August 26th (oh, Thursday eh?) and give them a deserving cheers to the new CD. Join Boris and co (and me!) starting at 9:00pm and tap your feet along with some sweet new tunes. The other bands featured aren’t half-bad either, which is half reason for you to come out. So, come!

This jacket is on the must-have list. Which is looking pretty short right now, but still in the midst of being built for fall. Have you seen? Soia and Kyo and related company Mackage have at long last updated their websites with all their clothing candy – jump on the pages now and sift through the amazing assortment of jackets. This version “Pink” has detachable down cuffs and neck collar. Comes in heather grey and black/charcoal. Amazing.