Blo For Hope

Thursday night, Chelsey, Jamie (Jason's sister whose in town for the hair show) and I went down to Sociale for a charity event Blo For Hope, in hopes to raise money for breast cancer research. The host for the evening was none other than Blo Blow Dry Bar! The ambiance was great - pink EVERYWHERE! The venue was filled with balloons, yummy treats like cookies, cupcakes and donuts, blo-tinis (which were fantastic!), even tiarras and blo-buttons!! The DJ was mixing the beats keeping the vibe alive while the entire first floor started to pack with people flooding in. The Blo girls had a small station set up where you were able to get your hair styled for the evening, and they had a photographer snapping photos of guests on the gorgeous pink carpet outside, as well as inside the party. We were lucky enough to run into most of the local bloggers, including Vincent of Binzento Vincente, and Karolina of Karolina's Style. We also ran into Daryl White (D.W. Fashion) and Aleem (Bano & eeMee). It was a fabulous night, and all for a good cause! We're more excited then ever to try Blo for ourselves, and hats off to them for a fantastic fundraiser! 

The always adorable Ivanka! 

Blo-tini love <3 

(From Left) D.W, Vincent, Karolina and Ivanka 

Eleven Eleven Designer Shopping Night

This past weekend Ivanka and I went to Eleven Eleven Boutique for their Designer Shopping Night. The shop had a ton of great deals, and lots of local clothing and jewelry designers. They had wine and appetizers set up in the gallery upstairs, while the guests mingled and browsed the clothing downstairs. The fashion show was completely different than anything I had seen before, but it was a refreshing change! The models walked through the shop casually, there was no set catwalk, and they weren't in any kind of rush. They took the time to pose for photos and let you get a really close look at all of the amazing pieces they were showing. It was the first time we seen Ruby Ellen Designs, and we were extremely lucky to see the collection she just showed at Boston Fashion Week. We were especially looking forward to seeing our friend Aleem, designer of Bano and eeMee. He just recently started selling his collection in Eleven Eleven and has amazing pieces at reasonable prices. His work has taken off in Calgary and it's almost impossible not to see one of his pieces at local fashion events. We're definitely coveting a few of his items!

Ruby Ellen Designs

Our fabulous host for the evening, Lana of Eleven Eleven

Us [insert]calgary ladies, and the much taller Karolina of Karolina's Style Blog 

Fashionsign Magazine Launch

Saturday night Ivanka and I attended the Fashionsign Magazine launch party! It was fantastic. The whole party took up the top floor of Art Central, and in part was hosted by Stoneworx Gallery where they had pieces from the Dong Show, and a table full of the yummiest/most adorable cupcakes ever! We were able to mingle with some of the most fashionable people in Calgary, as the whole place was packed! We were also lucky enough to speak to Chantel Traub about her amazing collection, which she was showing in the fashion show later that night. Host of the evening, Sabrina May (Of Sabrina May Public Relations, and also of Fashionsign) looked stunning in one of Chantel's hand painted dresses. The fashion show featured looks from Art Central retailer Studio Intent and, as previously mentioned, Chantel Traub. You can buy your own digital copy of Fashonsign Magazine on their website, and hard copies will be available at a later date for order as well. If you pick one up make sure to keep your eyes open for our Facebook page photo, which was selected as a top 5 photo of Calgary and is featured in the issue! (Cue Chelsey squealing like a little girl)

Ivanka and Chantel Traub

Sabrina May

Studio Intent

Studio Intent

Studio Intent

Chantel Traub

Chantel Traub

Chantel Traub

Chantel Traub, this gown also appears on the cover of Fashionsign this month!

Boxwood

What is there to do on a random Saturday afternoon? EAT! Chelsey and I went down to 4th for a quick bite at Boxwood and what a treat it was! We shared a few tapas including the Red Lentil Hummus, Spiced Almonds and Pecans, and the Fresh Baked Bread served with their house churned butter. The hummus was a new adventure for Chels, and I think it may take a little getting used to. As an avid hummus-eater myself it was good, but can't beat Odette's homemade "heaven in a Tupperware container". The almonds and pecans were confusing at first, I didn't understand - were they sweet? were they savoury? However, after a few bites and careful deliberation the decision was unanimous, we both liked them! What can I say about the bread and butter.. it was probably the most thoroughly enjoyed part of the meal, quite possibly because we were both STARVING and started off with it, but more likely because it's got that nostalgia behind it, that comfort food, or that last minute addition you throw together with every meal. I think Chelsey would agree, the butter was so creamy and rich, if I didn't know how socially unacceptable it was, I would eat it off a spoon!


Don't worry, we always save room for dessert!! We couldn't decide between two of the choices, so naturally we ordered both! First up was the Saskatoon Berry Ice Cream Sandwich - HOLY MOLY, I looked at it and looked at C.Bass carefully cutting it with her spoon, then looked down at it again and just dove in face first. All I can say is that it definitely didn't last long! And to top off our meal we shared the Fair trade Chocolate Raspberry Caramel Brownie. I think that because I started with the ice cream sandwich, the brownie just had no chance. In hindsight it was very yummy, I really liked the different textures in it with the creamy brownie base, the chunks of raspberries and the little bits of crunchy caramel.


Boxwood, I give you an 8/10 for food, 10/10 for ambiance and service!

Chelsey, with Boxwood in the background

Hummus, Pecans and Almonds!

Saskatoon Berry Ice Cream Sandwich and Chocolate Raspberry Caramel Brownie 

Fabricated

We partnered up with Live Cosmo Calgary last week and were lucky enough to be featured as their guest bloggers/tweeters. Make sure to check out the blog post and follow them on Twitter and Facebook if you don't already! They've got amazing local deals, and daily giveaways. We're also going to be covering some future events for them, so keep your eyes open for details about when and where!

Big shout out to Mike and the rest of the fantastic team at Live Cosmo! Thanks for everything guys, Cheers! 

The Art Gallery Of Calgary Features Bass Bus

Friday night Jason and I went down to the Art Gallery of Calgary where the guys of Bass Bus were throwing the "Calgary Collects" Party. We were lucky enough to score VIP passes to the pre-party (Thank's Gareth!) which had great appetizers, art and music. All four levels of the gallery were open to the public for viewing of rarely before seen pieces, and in the back alley Bass Bus had parked, and set up a DJ booth. It was a fantastic mix, the sophisticated atmosphere of the Gallery mixed with the laid back beats of some great musicians. There was a lot to look at; be it the art, the bus itself (If you've never seen it you're really missing out!) or any of the other entertainers which included fire dancers. It was a fantastic night, and the guys are super approachable. They spent the whole night visiting with party-goers, and it's pretty obvious they're all super passionate about supporting local artists and providing them with reasonable ways to reach new audiences. They've got a ton of great plans for the future of the bus, and I really can't wait to see it all! 

Jason (Left) and our friend Chris (Right) 

The Dong Show

(Sorry  for the delay!)

Don't get your minds out of the gutter, you read right and it's probably along the lines of what you're thinking. Chelsey and myself went to Stoneworx in Art Central for a couple art shows, specifically - the Dong show. Five local artists got their heads together and came up with an interesting concept surrounding the male reproductive organ. The notion began with the realization that art in the form of a male's anotomy is very rare and hard to come by. You see a woman's figure portraied in very sensual and artistic ways, but not a man's. Each one of them created their own take of the penis using their medium of choice. There was every style of art; photographs, paintings, sculptures, and carvings. Luckily, we scored an interview with one of the artists, Lisa Heinricks. The meduim that she is most familiar with is Acrylic, and occasionally she'll use mixed mediums like in her "Freddy Flowers" compostition. You can find her work at Stoneworx, Jerry Thomas, and Harrison (in Vancouver). Stay tuned for updates on other shows coming up!

Exclusive Caitlin Power Interview

One thing you may not know about [insert]calgary's very own Ivanka? She interned for Cailtin Power! So, luckily for us, she got a fabulous interview with one of Calgary's most talked about, up an coming designers. Check out her exclusive interview below! 

IT:Which designers do you look up to the most?

CP: I look up to Canadian designer Denis Gagnon. His business went bankrupt a few years back, and has now rebuilt a very strong company. He is an inspiration to never give up, and to know that it is ok to go backwards to get ahead.

IT: Where does your inspiration come from for this collection?

CP: The inspiration from the FW2011 collection is Victorian Goth. It is a very dark, edgy collection and needs a confident women to fill the clothing.

IT: Briefly describe what a day in the life of Caitlin Power would be like preparing for the first show of the season.

CP: Extremely busy and chaotic! If it's a couple days before the show, I won't have had much sleep, and working 14-16 hour days just to make sure everything is finished! At that time I'm usually still sewing garments, and waiting for outfits to come together. I would love to get to a time where the week before a show I can relax and work on small details...one can only dream!

IT: If you could have dinner with someone dead or alive who would it be and why?


CP: Alexander McQueen. It would be life changing just to be blessed with his presence!

IT: Any words of wisdom for aspiring designers, or artists in general?

CP: What I've learned lately is to just believe in myself and my designs. I've had a lot of feedback from buyers about "toning down" the pieces to make them more wearable. I'm still listening to their feedback, but not letting it have too much influence on the designs. I don't want to loose myself as a designer just to satisfy a buyer. Be confident in you work, make sure you love what you do, and don't listen too much to outside critiques.



Thanks Caitlin!

Lounge Burger

Mmmmm! After a meeting with the livecosmo crew (Mike and Daniela), Chelsey and I headed down to loungeburger to satisfy our month-long craving for what is said to be the best burger joint in the city. As first timers we didn't really know what to expect, so we tried as much as we could to allow ourselves a solid experience! First up was the poutine (Chelsey's very first poutine adventure!) which was quite yummy to say the least, and I think Chels would agree because we inhaled that bad boy to the bitter end! Next up was our burgers! C.Bass had the chicken burger which consisted of: marinated chicken breast, house made bruschetta and swiss cheese served on a red pepper onion bun - thoroughly enjoyed! I.Tanafranca had the aaa beef southwest burger that had guacamole, jalapenos, jalapeno jack cheese, double smoked bacon and chipotle ranch on a brioche bun - two messy thumbs up! The jalapenos were a little empowering, but still good! Last but definitely NOT least was dessert! There's always room in our dessert tummies! It was a different take on your average cheesecake with a chocolate cupcake layer and amaretto icing on top, drizzled with vanilla bean and chocolate sauce and of course, whipped cream and strawberries on the side! definitely something I would order again! Cheesecake cafe..watch out!

Poutine

(we almost forgot to take a picture...)

Chicken Burger and Salad (Chels was being all healthy)

AAA Southwest burger with onion rings..ohh yeah! 

Cupcake amaretto cheesecake!

PARKLUXE

What a perfect night in the Winter Garden at the PARKLUXE show! The Jamieson Place venue was unreal with crazy blown glass sculptures and an entire wall of live greenery! The VIP lounge was fully stocked with champagne, beer, sushi and tons of other goodies-they definitely didn't hold back! Anne B. was the first to kick off the night with her fabulous collection of accessories, my favourite was this huge beaded necklace (that you'll find below). Next up was Lara Presber with her fall looks (unfortunately, I only got one good picture from it). One of my favourite designs for the night was an outerwear piece by Bridget Bergman, she had the most amazing coats, I want to buy them ALL!! You can check her stuff out at Under the Bridge Fashions just off Edmonton trail. Last but definitely not least was Caitlin Power's Fall collection which was very true to her style and reminiscent of last fall. Her consistence when it comes to flawless construct never ceases to amaze me!

Parkluxe-Success!

Myself and Lindsay at the beginning of the night

The VIP lounge

Anne B. Accessories

Anne B. Accessories

[I need this!]

Lara Preseber

Lara Presber

Rupi (The Diva Lounge), Ashley (Lions Lace Lattes), Myself and Karolina (Karolinas-Style)

My new friend Vincent!

Bridget Bergman (I'm making room in my closet for this coat!)

Caitlin Power

Caitlin Power

Caitlin Power