The "It" Book

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2010-08-18T16:23:00.002-04:00

L'Oréal Fashion Week: "It" Week

2007-10-26T18:56:00.000-04:00

The fashion-induced buzz (possibly fueled by strawberry-flavoured Rich Prosecco in a can) under the FDCC big top is about to come to and end. Last night I caught Saniya Khan, whose sari-inspired collection was a contrast to all the cocktail gowns and streetwear I'd seen so far. And today, the fashion masses left work early to catch Paul Hardy's presentation, an absolutely charming collection of floaty, fluffy dresses and sophisticated, voluminous skirts all set to a fairytale-type soundtrack.
Following Paul Hardy was Nada Yousif, who presented her first runway show. The former Degrassi: The New Generation extra chose candy colours and lollipop stripes and added kangaroo pockets to mini dresses and skirts giving the range a fun, youthful air. Four of the cast of Degrassi sat in the front row to support Yousif and after the show she was whisked off to chat with Jeanne Beker, an interview that was broadcast live on screens around the tent.
All in all a fun, crazy, busy, exhausting fashion week - as usual. I am retiring to my bed for 24 hours where I will try not to think about fashion but may end up planning my spring wardrobe anyway.

L'Oréal Fashion Week: "It" Night

2007-10-25T12:09:00.000-04:00

Well, Wednesday night was definitely the night to hit the fashion week tents at Nathan Phillips Square. Not only did some of the most popular designers show, but there were a lot of bared and accentuated body parts. The crowds were out of control and the Schick Quattro-sponsored "Booby Booth," where fashionistas can anonymously flash their assets for a camera in support of the Rethink Breast Cancer foundation, was actually getting some action – of course that may have had something to do with the free Vin de Pays D'Oc wine tastings.As expected, the Fashion Grindhouse, featuring collections from Damzels in this Dress and Play Dead, was incredibly entertaining. Each started with a kitschy little video about life-size dolls gone wild and finished with a parade of quirky, enthusiastic models made up like dolls, rocking the runway. Bum cheeks and nip slips weren't planned but actually added to the attitude and the models whose privates were bared played it off with confidence.
There was a virtual mob scene at Andy The-Anh, whose collection involved a lot of flirty waterfall ruffles down the back and along the bum of his sexy dresses – a detail the camera man made sure to catch every time. And unfortunately, I got to see lots of the bum shots. Because of the mob scene – and a quick dinner that went too long – I was late for the show and had to watch it on a screen next to the runway but it was impressive nonetheless.
David Dixon's show featured huge white fabric waves stretched along the runway and a soundtrack of crashing water and as usual, his collection was feminine, architectural and modern all at once, with three-dimensional details that were half flowers, half ruffles.
I arrived at This is London just after the Gotstyle show because I decided to stay to watch Common Cloth and was happy I did. The 70's-inspired collection was a nice contrast to the more formal clothes at Andy and David Dixon. High-waisted denim shorts in raw denim and baby pink looked great on the models but I worried about what they might look like on me. But the flowy, cropped tops layered over simple tanks reminded me of their first ballerina-themed collection.
Oh, and the Rockport event did indeed end with me sporting a fabulous new pair of knee-high leather boots. As a habitual ballet flat wearer, I had no idea Rockport shoes were stylish – and so ridiculously comfortable.

L'Oréal Fashion Week: "It" Boys

2007-10-23T23:17:00.000-04:00

It was a day of cute boys. First was the Philip Sparks show at Town Shoes with cute, geeky-looking bespectacled models and Sparks himself, who is undeniably adorable and ridiculously likable. The clothes and much-talked-about Philip Sparks for Town Shoes shoes were fabulous. I have to admit that menswear runway shows don't usually excite me, but Sparks' collection was fun and original, while still feeling classic. The pieces that got the audience whispering excitedly were two jackets, a windbreaker and a trench, made out of the kind of ripstop plastic that's usually reserved for tarps. Sounds bizarre but with Sparks' technical skills, they looked like works of art.
My second show of the day was Ginch Gonch, and while there were girls in the show, I would bet that most of the audience was looking at the greased up, gyrating (22 of the mannequins gracing the catwalk were professional dancers) guys in their skivvies. The underwear itself was totally fun. Those who could tear their eyes away from the well-defined abs would have seen monkey, leopard and Native Canadian prints graced the briefs and hoodies.
Tomorrow: A long day starting with an event at Rockport shoes (where it's rumoured that attendees will get a free pair) and ending with another all male show for men's store, Gotstyle at nightclub, This Is London. I'm predicting that the Fashion Grindhouse, featuring labels Damzels in this Dress and Play Dead Cult will be a highlight – and that the Fashion Grindhouse after-party at the Play Dead Mansion should make for an interesting end to the night.

L'Oréal Fashion Week: "It" Show

2007-10-22T23:26:00.000-04:00

As suspected, the Project Runway Canada show was the "it" spectacle to see. Even Canuck catwalk pro Heather Marks, who was in Joe Fresh's 8:00 presentation, watched from the front row alongside Fashion Television's Jeanne Beker and editrixes from Canada's top fashion mags. Iman in person is just as statuesque and (although it's stereotypical to say) gazelle-like as I imagined. I can't say much about the actual runway presentation but to prevent a spoiler situation, we still don't know who the finalists are.
Now on to Tuesday. I'm looking forward to Philip Sparks' lunch and runway show at Town Shoes. Of course Ginch Gonch, known for saucy men's unders (and ladies' stuff too, I guess) should also be fun. The jostling to get a prime seat could rival Project Runway!

"It" Fashion Event

2007-10-22T12:37:00.000-04:00

Join me for Toronto's L'Oréal Fashion Week and get the backstage scoop on the best collections, parties and gossip – okay, okay, the media pass-scoop. But I'll share my invites and experiences so you'll feel like you were there.
Fashion week kicks off today at Nathan Phillips Square in New York fashion week 7th on Sixth-inspired tents.
According to Canadian press, the tents cover 30,000 square feet and the runway is 61 metres long. The six day event will feature more than two dozen designer collections.Tonight's "It" event is the Project Runway Canada show which, because it's being taped for the reality tv series, is top secret. All attendees, especially media, have been embargoed to keep details of the finalists' collections confidential until the episode airs so I'll fill you in tomorrow on everything I'm allowed to spill.

"It" Movies

2007-10-10T14:23:00.000-04:00

Kirsten Dunst, Kate Hudson and Rita Wilson make their directorial debuts at Clinique counters at Bay stores across Canada today. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Clinique's classic scent, Happy, Glamour magazine partnered with the cosmetics company to produce three short films, directed by Hollywood "it" girls. Each film was based on a true-life story submitted by Glamour readers about a moment in their lives when they felt empowered and happy and Clinique is screening the films and giving away copies of the dvd at counters until October 14.
Dunst's film, surprisingly enough, is a psychological thriller starring Winona Ryder. Hudson's features step-dad Kurt Russell and Wilson's film, features the actress and Harper's Bazaar columnist singing during the closing credits.
Glamour's Reel Moments program was launched in 2005 to create new opportunities for women to get behind the camera. Reel Moments alumni include Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston.

"It" Menswear

2007-10-09T15:14:00.000-04:00

Toronto's Philip Sparks, a former Stratford Festival costumer, is quickly making a name for himself among Canada's finest fashion talent as a menswear master. To accompany his third collection, for Spring 2008, Sparks collaborated with Town Shoes to create a line of stylish men's footwear, which will be unveiled during Toronto's L'Oréal Fashion Week. Last season's stand-out hit was a metallic leather bomber jacket and Sparks fans are anticipating what Spring will bring. Male or female, with a boy to dress or not, Sparks' presentation promises to please. The clothes are fab and the boys who walk the runway aren't so bad either.
Photo: Mary-Theresa Lawlor for Philip Sparks

"It" Spot

2007-09-28T16:15:00.000-04:00

The man who indirectly brought fame to club kids like Amanda Lepore and Heatherette’s Richie Rich, is opening a new 55,000 square-foot entertainment venue in downtown Toronto. Peter Gatien, an Ontario native, first opened nightclub Limelight in Florida in 1976 and opened other incarnations across the country – New York’s being the most notorious. If you’ve ever seen 2003’s movie Party Monster, you know the drug-riddled violent tale.
But that was clubland New York in the ’80s. This is Toronto’s CiRCA, which launches with an invite-only red carpet affair on Thursday. The venue promises to be “much more than a nightclub,” designed to showcase art, fashion, music and film, complete with state of the art screening room, catering kitchen, live concert stage and a room created by hipster toy company Kidrobot’s Paul Budnitz.

"It" Skincare

2007-09-28T11:00:00.001-04:00

The press kit for Chanel’s newest skincare collection, Beauté Initiale, is totally charming with illustrations by Italian erotic comic book creator Milo Manara. The images depict a (full-dressed) comic version of the face of the campaign, Shalom Harlow riding a bike with a little one in tow, strutting her stuff in Chanel duds and

reviewing blueprints with a hunky construction worker.
The best part of the collection of course, is that it seems to work. The eye gel for one, actually diminishes dark circles and puffiness. Beauté Initiale, is aimed at women 25 to 35, who, according to Chanel, don’t worry about their age and wonder if a skin cream is really necessary. Unfortunately – and if you’re in this age-range you know it’s true – this is also when wrinkles start to appear, the circles under your eyes get darker and your skin just doesn’t look at radiant as it used to. Chanel promises to slow the aging process with an Energizing Multi-Protection Fluid and cream, both with SPF 15, a Spray Serum enriched with energy-drink ingredient Taurine and the eye gel.

"It" Show

2007-09-26T09:32:00.000-04:00

All the backstage backstabbing and catwalk cattiness come to Canada this fall with Project Runway Canada.
Supermodel Iman plays host while Elle Canada's Rita Silvan and Bustle clothing's Shawn Hewson judge Canada's 12 designer hopefuls. L'Oréal's beauty gurus, Eddie Malterre and Eric Del Monaco handle makeup and hair, respectively.
Three finalists head to Toronto's L'Oréal Fashion Week in late October where a winner will be chosen. Insiders say that the designs are more impressive than the U.S. version but that the bitch-factor, while in effect, is more subdued. Talent and manners, what else would you expect from Canadians?
Check out behind-the-scenes photos, blogs and more on Slice.ca
Project Runway Canada airs Monday nights starting October 8.
Photo: courtesy of Slice

"It" Bag

2007-09-24T12:55:00.000-04:00

I have finally found the eco bag of my dreams. While the Anya Hindmarch version is a bit of a status symbol (even with its cheap and chic price), the Baggu bag is totally convenient. Each rip-stop nylon bag holds up to 25 lbs of groceries, clothes, shoes, whatever and fits into a teeny little, pocket-size pouch. You no longer have to run home and pick up your earth-friendly canvas totes before hitting the market. Just carry the little Baggu in your purse and shop without plastic bag guilt.

"It" Collection

2007-09-20T09:32:00.002-04:00

Roberto Cavalli for H&M
H&M is going glam just in time for all those cocktail parties November brings – and they’ve called in the expert. Roberto Cavalli, best known for ultra-sexy, curve-hugging animal prints, launches his capsule collection for the masstige retailer on November 8. In true Cavalli style, the line includes lots of leopard and lavish gold as well as evening wear for guys.
Ads for the campaign were shot by fashion photographer Terry Richardson at Cavalli’s residence in Florence, Italy. They feature top models like Anouk Lepère and Canuck Jessica Stam as well as socialite muses Julia Restoin Roitfeld (the daughter of Paris Vogue’s Editrix-in-Chief), Lydia Hearst (publishing heiress-turned-model) and Theodora Richards (Rolling Stones’ Keith’s daughter). Even Cavalli himself (centre) makes a cameo.
In Canadian prices: Silk leopard-print wrap dress (on Anouk, back left), $149; Leopard-print corset top (on Astrid Munoz), $69.90; Silk zebra-print dress (on Julia), $119; gold halter dress (on Lydia), $349; Ruffle front sleeveless blouse and shorts (on Leigh Lezark), both $59.90; Tuxedo (on Cavalli), $349; Suit (On Nicolas Malleville), $299; gold sequin beaded dress (on Jessica), $299.
Photo: Terry Richardson

"It" Purse Accessory

2007-09-19T13:51:00.000-04:00

Powdering your nose in public is so passé. For the holiday season, the "it" compact is filled not with pressed powder but with solid perfume.
Thierry Mugler's star-shaped, limited edition Angel Rêve de Parure comes in a perfume ring as does Marc Jacob's daisy-shaped Daisy, while Gwen Stefani and Sarah Jessica Parker have launched precious purse accessories. Look for Gwen's L, L.A.M.B. Fragrance in a gold double "L" square compact and Sarah's covetable faceted flower compact.
L, L.A.M.B Fragrance Gwen Stefani, Solid Perfume Compact, $42

"It" Product

2007-08-21T16:46:00.001-04:00

T3 360 Boost
You've probably seen Orlando Pita's name in hundreds of fashion magazines. Of course, unless you follow celebrity hair stylists, the name may not ring a bell. But rest assured that most of the inspiring looks that come down the runway each season are created by Pita.
And now you can have him help with your hair on a daily basis. Check out his product line for T3, coming soon to Sephora stores. T3 makes salon-quality hair dryers and irons and has collaborated with Pita to create products of the same calibre. Boost is a dry-feeling serum that coats hair, protects it from your flat iron and keeps it straight for days so styling is almost as easy as if Pita made house calls.

"It" Product

2007-08-08T16:41:00.000-04:00

Women all over the world – wrinkled or not – are clamouring for Boots No7 Restore & Renew. Called Protect & Perfect in the UK, the product has been proven, by a BBC documentary no less, to actually repair damage to skin’s structure. Protect & Perfect’s results can apparently only be matched by prescription products. No wonder there are waiting lists! In the UK, thousands of bottles are being produced hourly to keep up with demand.

Boots Restore & Renew is now available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

"It" Spot

2007-07-05T13:50:00.000-04:00

The ckIN2U lounge in Toronto
For two nights only – tonight and tomorrow night – visit Calvin Klein's IN2U lounge in the club district, at 312 Adelaide Street West, for $2 drinks, ckIN2U fragrance samples and techno-flirting. Visitors are given a Virgin cell phone and an ID tag so they can get texty with guests who catch their eye.

"It" Accessory

2007-07-04T15:31:00.000-04:00

Relli Jewellery
The newest trend in jewellery has very little to do with actual jewels. Designers like Lanvin, Marc Jacobs and Marni, whose accessories are just as coveted as their clothing, are mixing down-to-earth elements with precious metals.
Toronto jewellery designer, Maria Passarelli picks up on the trend with wooden beads and semi-precious stones in her customizable collection. Check out her work on Facebook in the group "Relli Jewllery" and if you see something you like, email her for prices or make a custom request.

"It" Inspiration

2007-07-03T10:10:00.000-04:00

Britney's Breakdown
Tabloid princesses like Nicole Ritchie, Lilo and Britney have become muses for photographer Steven Meisel, who produced a rehab-themed fashion shoot for Italian Vogue. The issue, which hits stands this week, features models like Sasha Pivovarova, Agyness Deyn and Canuck, Tasha Tilberg sitting in group therapy, yelling and paparazzi and going bare, meaning both getting a crew cut and flashing unmentionable areas while exiting cars.
Get a sneak preview on wwd.com

"It" Makeup

2007-06-14T15:34:00.000-04:00

M.A.C's Strange Hybrid collection is a midsummer night’s dream. Moonflower Eyeshadow, a washed out aqua colour, Permaplum Powerpoint Eye Pencil and rosy pink Flowerplay Lipstick conjure visions of plush gardens and fairy princesses – but not in a little girl’s birthday party kind of way. Strange Hybrid is like the original versions of your favourite fairy tales, all dark, tragic and magical. Check out the full selection online or at M.A.C counters.

"It" Girl

2007-06-13T16:19:00.000-04:00

Hillary Rhoda
The beauty with the Brooke Shields brows may not have been an instant hit on the International catwalks, but being named the new face of Estée Lauder and appearing on Vogue's May cover as one of ten new supermodels, certainly secures her as a fashion force.
For the spring 2006 runway season, Rhoda was turned down by every designer in both New York and Milan until the brilliant mind behind Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquiere chose her. Then all of Paris wanted her. She walked the runways at Dior, Chanel, Chloé, Rochas, YSL and even opened the Valentino show.
Despite her sporty roots – she used to play field hockey and loves to Jet Ski and kayak – she's says she's a girly girl who's always in dresses. Luckily for her, she looks just as at home in a couture gown as she does in a wet suit in June's issue of Vogue. Basically, you can't help but love an underdog story and one with such a gorgeous face deserves a little recognition.

“It” Diversion

2007-06-12T14:52:00.000-04:00

If you’ve read or seen The Devil Wears Prada, and loved it, you will enjoy Intern Memo. No matter your age, industry or position, Intern Memo, a thrice-weekly newsletter should at least make you chuckle. Check out “Internal Monologue,” a brilliantly titled column following the trials and tribulations of semi-fictional Simon and Samantha, first time interns at NY mags. You don’t have to sign up to read the content either. Just visit www.internmemo.com and click on archives to catch up on what you’ve missed.

"It" Jeans

2007-06-11T13:05:00.000-04:00

Coloured Denim
Basic blues are getting old, aren't they? Stonewash, indigo, distressed and ugh, whiskered. Celebs like Fergie , Rachel Bilson and Ashlee Simpson have been captured in red, violet and royal blue blues and Harper's Bazaar identified coloured denim as one of the successors to the ubiquitous skinny jeans. Some of the best come from Australian line Nobody. Look for their red, navy and black jeans for fall and for holiday, check out the bright blue (shown here).

Coming soon...

2007-06-08T14:38:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy week, which meant fewer posts than usual, but worry pas! Next week starts off with the newest denim trend and continues with beauty booty from M.A.C and a new "It" Girl.
Have a fab weekend!

"It" Beauty Block

2007-06-05T13:02:00.000-04:00

Sure, we all wear sunblock but how about a pollution block? New skincare products combat the evil signs of aging, caused not by the sun, (although that’s obviously still super important) but by all that bad stuff in the air around us. Clarins’ Expertise 3p is a skin-shielding mist that basically protects against the ageing effects of free radicals like pollution and cigarette smoke. It also protects against electromagnetic waves, like those from your cell phone. Lancôme has launched Primordiale Cell Defense Serum, a complex that blocks 99 per cent of free radicals and protects against the skin’s natural tendency to oxidize “like a piece of fruit.” Based on Lancôme's 23-year-old "It" girl, Daria Werbowy, appearing in the ads, I guess you're never too young to start fighting wrinkles!
Photo: Lancôme Canada

"It" Gloss

2007-06-05T12:31:00.000-04:00

Benefit California Kissin’
The genius minds of former Calgon ad twins and Benefit creators, Jean and Jane Ford have proved their beauty brilliance once again. California Kissin' doesn’t have an imbedded LED light or mirror, like The “It” Book’s last "It" Gloss but Benefit's lippy will not only make you smile, it’ll brighten it. The blue tint makes teeth look whiter and the minty-fresh scent makes you pucker perfect.

"It" Jeans

2007-05-31T16:12:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not, they're Levi's. According to WWD.com, New York-based company Brand Keys revealed the denim results of its Customer Loyalty Engagement Index study and the 154-year-old company came out on top. The brand, with bragging rights as the first women's jeans to appear in Vogue, launches a new style: Curvy Bootcut 528, next month. Made for bootylicious bodies, the new style promises to hug your curves in all the right places.
Number two on the denim devotion list was Lilo-approved Joe's Jeans. In just six years the company has garnered more fans than the much-hyped Seven and Rock & Republic brands.
Photo: Levi's Curvy Bootcut 528

"It" Scent

2007-05-30T16:16:00.000-04:00

Hermès Kelly Caleche
Named after the iconic Princess of Monaco, the Hermès Kelly is the original "It" bag. Of course its price tag, which ranges between $5,000 and $50,000, makes it pretty unattainable. But this August, you can exude the sophistication and charm of an Hermès princess with the company's new scent. The original Caleche scent launched in 1961, with notes of iris, tuberose, orange blossom and rose. Kelly Caleche, a floral leather fragrance featuring the Kelly bag's clasp on the band around the neck of the bottle, gets an update with mimosa and climbing rose. And with 100 mL at $126, Kelly Caleche is accessible elegance in a bottle.

"It" Site

2007-05-29T19:23:00.000-04:00

Yep, you guessed it! It's The "It" Book again. People all over the world are checking out the hottest new fashion and beauty blog! Current events site, News on Japan, even linked to us yesterday in a story about parasols for the ozone-depleted country.
"Now even beauty editor and style writer from not so warm and sunny Toronto, Canada has proclaimed in her The "It" Book blog that Japanese parasols are becoming popular in the West."

"It" Art

2007-05-29T16:33:00.000-04:00

Coca Cola
Whether you're a pop princess or water baby, you can't deny the pop culture importance of the iconic Coke brand. The new Coke museum in Atlanta, Georgia, opened last week featuring 30 of Andy Warhol's Coke paintings, pencil sketches and screen prints. The two-storey museum includes the "Happiness Factory Theatre," where visitors can preview the magic that goes into each bottle, and the "Taste It" centre, where 70 different products can be sampled.
On a recent trip to Cuba, I got a glimpse of just how global the brand really is. Check out the coke baseball cap and faux camera at a market in Varadero!

"It" Accessory

2007-05-28T16:41:00.000-04:00

The Sun Umbrella
Yes, it sounds nerdy but milky-skinned girls in Japan have been carrying parasols to protect their complexions for years. And judging from Gwen Stefani's Harajuku love and Marc Jacob's Spring 2007 collection for Louis Vuitton, inspired by Tokyo fashion, quirky Japanese trends are travelling West. Even Style.com had a Kerry Cassill UV-protection umbrella in their feature on summer's most wanted. This summer, while listening to Rihanna's latest hit (aptly named "Umbrella," if you haven't heard it yet) expect to see trend setters toting their own shade makers.

The "It" Tee

2007-05-25T12:31:00.001-04:00

Let's face it. As glamourous as we strive to be, every girl needs a pair of "it" jeans and an "it" tee. Smart Set (who'd of thought?) has the perfect tees. They are great alone and as layering pieces, and they're stretchy, so they don't go all wonky in the washing machine. Now all you need is a great pair of aviators...

New "It" Book Girl

2007-05-21T23:08:00.001-04:00

Introducing...ANDREA
This beauty product aficionado and self-proclaimed magazine junkie worked with Vanessa, dreaming the day away thinking about what new products to try and which trends to embrace or bunk. Check out new posts coming shortly from this Contributing Editor.

"It" Bag

2007-05-18T16:33:00.000-04:00

It’s not monogrammed or made of leather – and it’s not plastic either, this season’s “It” Bag is Anya Hindmarch’s eco-friendly “I’m not a plastic bag.” The tote, meant for trips to the grocery store, or even the mall, launched on April 25 at famous UK grocery store, Sainsbury’s. Brit celeb fans like Lily Allen, Keira Knightley and supermodel Lily Cole have been spotted sporting the designer canvas bag.
The US goes through 100 billion plastic bags each year and it takes years for each bag to break down, so carrying canvas makes sense. Get yours in June at Holt Renfrew for $18.

Other “It” Bags
While owning an Anya Hindmarch bag is impressive, the point here is to help the environment. So if you can’t get your hands on the “I’m not a plastic bag,” why not check out President’s Choice’s new Reusable Shopper? Canada’s greenest shopping bag is made of recycled plastic bottles and costs $0.99.
Or buy a plain canvas sac (check out sites like ecobags.com to buy a whole bunch for very little money) and personalize it with paint, iron-on transfers, ribbons etc. Basically, any bag will do as long as you’re not accepting the plastic ones offered to you at the store.

“It” Bonus: Eco-conscious shops like Lululemon and many grocery stores will give you a small discount for bringing your own bag!

"It" Girl

2007-05-17T16:53:00.000-04:00

Mandy Moore
Maybe she never achieved the kind of wild success that Britney and Christina did, but Mandy’s also baby-free, has a full head of hair and is far from dirrty. Plus, don’t you kind of wish you were friends with her?
The new issue of Flare Magazine totally highlights how down to earth she is – and not in a sickly sweet Walk to Remember way. “I wear a size 6 to an 8, and I’d rather represent for that. It may not look like [today’s] ideal woman, but it’s a normal size,” she says in the story.
Her new album, Wild Hope, is nothing like the bubblegum pop she used to churn out, she has three cool-sounding movies coming out in 2007 and she got to play Adam Grenier’s love interest on the “It” show Entourage. The best part is that she's probably not wildly hoping to ever be wildly successful.
Photo: G. Gershoff/Wireimage

"It" Gloss

2007-05-16T16:58:00.000-04:00

Rimmel Underground
Light Beam Lip Gloss
Rimmel’s new lip gloss will light up your life, literally. Okay, it will at least light up your lips when you’re trying to apply it in some dark nightclub – or will illuminate the potentially cute guy dancing next to you, or the inside of your purse when you can’t find your keys. The brilliant design not only features an LED light on the inside of the cap, there’s also a mirror on the side of the tube so you can check your makeup, your teeth after dinner and spy on the action over your shoulder.
The actual lip gloss, of course, is pretty cool too. The non-sticky formula comes in six wet-shine shades like “After Hours,” a cherry hue and “Strobe Light,” a glittery silver.

"It" Cover

2007-05-15T11:10:00.000-04:00

Cover girls Paris and Nicole, partners in crime
Yes, yes, we all know that Paris Hilton is virtually a jailbird – but when Harper’s Bazaar cast Miss Hilton and her sassy socialite best-friend -turned-nemesis-turned-best-friend again, Nicole Richie, as cover girls for their June issue, Paris was still a free woman. According to WWD.com, the pair will appear in a photo shoot as jewellery thieves who have a run-in with the law. The June issue of Harper’s Bazaar hits stands May 22.
Photo: PR NewsFoto

"It" Spot

2007-05-14T16:33:00.000-04:00

New Erogenous Zone:
The Collar Bone
The New York Times has declared the clavicle the new hot spot to expose. Like the pop star herself, Britney’s bare belly fell out of fashion ages ago (and no one’s buying into the bare scalp look). Boobs are always in, as are legs, but no new parts stepped into the sexy spotlight. Until now. The Times reports that revealing your collar bone lets you show off that you’re in shape without showing it all off, especially since this summer’s staple – the dress – tends to be on the voluminous side. If you can’t show off your tight tummy or toned abs, what can you display?
Look for generous x-shaped halter-necks that frame your clavicles, or opt for generous square- or round-necks that highlight your lovely décolleté without too much cleavage.

Jessica Alba elegantly exposes her collar bones at the Fantastic Four Screening in Melbourne, Australia on May 4. (Photo: Serge Thomann)

"It" Boy

2007-05-10T16:10:00.000-04:00

Will Chalker
Unfortunately, I had never heard of Will Chalker until a Paco Rabanne press kit landed on my desk. I am now thankful to Mr. Rabanne for introducing me to my future hubby. The new face of Blackxs, a rock ‘n’ roll-inspired scent for “tough guys with a tender heart,” was a construction worker in East Sussex, England before being discovered. He’s 27, 6’1” and an amateur boxer. Will has walked the runways of Gucci, Paul Smith and Valentino and appeared in ads for D&G and YSL.
Check out his comp card for Models 1 Management or look him up at New York Model Management

Coming soon: "It" Boy; Meet your new boyfriend

2007-05-09T16:18:00.000-04:00

Check back tomorrow to see the man whose image you'll soon be papering your walls with.

"It" Product

2007-05-08T15:48:00.000-04:00

It does everything
Today’s multi-purpose products are not like the 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner combos that did nothing for your usually lively locks. Versatile creams, balms and oils from better beauty brands actually soften, soothe and treat all the stuff they’re supposed to. Elizabeth Arden’s 8-hour Cream, created in 1930, was one of the first of these “it” miracles. Use it on chapped lips, skinned knees, paper cuts – I’ve even heard claims that it cures eczema. Nuxe’s Huile Prodigeuse is a dry oil for face, body and hair. Yes, oil for your face. It softens skin, strengthens hair and it works wonders while shaving your legs.

The newest “it does everything” product is from Cake. Satin Sugar All-Purpose Treatment Balm smoothes frizzy hair and flyaways, is a yummy-smelling lip balm and softens dry skin. Infused with Shea Butter and Beeswax, it treats chapped skin and has a super satiny texture.
It’s also worth checking out Cake’s Satin Sugar Refreshing Hair and Body Powder. The perfect product for hair-washing procrastinators! It totally soaks up any extra oil and lets your blow-out last a few more days. Plus you can fluff the lemon-vanilla-scented powder all over your body post-bath…or workout and not worry about B.O.
Cake Beauty Satin Sugar All-Purpose Treatment Balm, $24. www.cakebeauty.com

"It" Gift

2007-05-04T12:00:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth Grant Skincare
Haven’t decided what to get mommy dearest? Check out Elizabeth Grant’s new foot care collection featuring jojoba oil, shea butter and EG’s secret age-defying ingredient, torricelumn. Or, if you’re willing to break the bank and want to pamper mama Hilton-style, spring for Elizabeth Grant’s Caviar Ampoules. Why ingest luxury when mom could be slathering it on her skin, right? Each of nine vials contains a skin-nourishing blend of vitamins, protein and Omega-3 fatty acids – all courtesy of a delicacy most people smear on a cracker.

But back to the reasonably-priced pedicure; Peppermint and Eucalyptus Foot Scrub to tackle mom’s sandpaper heels and Refreshing Foot Spray – a summer sandal must – are both $20, and the soothing Jojoba Foot Cream is $25. www.elizabethgrant.com or 1-877-751-1999 to order.

"It" Art?

2007-05-04T11:39:00.000-04:00

Paris Hilton Autopsy
Speaking of the Hiltons…Nope, she’s not really dead but Daniel Edwards, the guy who created that ungodly sculpture of Brit Brit with a bun coming out of the oven (Eeeeew! Still gross), has sculpted a deceased, spread eagle Miss Hilton still in her tiara with poor little Tinkerbell trying to wake her mommy. The sculpture, meant to show the socialite after a drunk-driving car crash, will be unveiled a week today in NYC in an attempt to teach teens about the dangers of underage drinking. And bonus! It’s interactive. New Yorkers can actually remove Paris’ entrails, living out all their CSI dreams. And students are invited to submit a 300-word obituary based on the sculpture before May 13. Winners will be announced May 21. Visit www.parishiltonautopsy.com for more info.
Photo courtesy of Capla Kesting Fine Art, Daniel Edwards' Paris Hilton Autopsy, 2007

“It” Debate
Does Paris’ faux corpse actually make you think twice about drinking? Was drinking and driving ever an option for you?

Coming Soon: "It" Gift

2007-05-02T15:17:00.000-04:00

Not sure what to get mommy dearest for Mother's Day? Stay tuned for The "It" Book's skincare suggestion.

"It" Debate

2007-05-01T10:32:00.000-04:00

Kate Moss for Topshop: Love it or hate it?
Pop star Lily Allen is not a fan. She declared that her new line, launching at New Look in the UK, will be accessible to curvy girls – not just size 0 models.

What do you think? Check out pics of the collection and comment away!

“It” Girl

2007-04-30T16:15:00.000-04:00

Very soon fans can smell and dress like “It” Girl, Kate Moss. Not only will the style icon introduce a new signature scent in the fall* with Coty Cosmetics, – the company behind CK fragrances and Moss-endorsed makeup line, Rimmel – tomorrow, the supermodel will act as mannequin in the windows of London’s flagship Topshop store as they launch the Kate Moss collection.

* You’ll have to take a trip if you want to be one of the first to get a whiff of Kate. Her scent (do you think it’ll have base notes of moss?) launches in Europe, Australia and the Middle East in the fall with Latin and North America soon to follow.

Photo Credit: Christian Ferretti. (PRNewsFoto/Coty Inc., Christian Ferretti)

“It” Store

2007-04-30T16:12:00.000-04:00

Fashion nerds, shopping addicts and bargain hunters alike can rejoice! Cheapie retailer Forever 21 – the US’s answer to Swedish-born H & M – is launching this summer in the Gap’s old digs at the corner of Yonge and Dundas in Toronto. Six more will open across the country by the end of 2008.
If you haven’t been to a store in the States or browsed the site, Forever 21 is chock full of colourful, affordable fashion and accessories for ladies and gents. The “It” Book recommends a pre-shopping-spree meditation session so you don’t hyperventilate when you cross the threshold. So much to see! So much to buy!

“It” Gossip
Wrap-dress pioneer, Diane Von Furstenberg filed a lawsuit against Forever 21 for allegedly ripping off her dress designs. DVF and an entourage of other designers and fashion insiders are asking the lawmakers on Capitol Hill in Washington to protect original clothing designs by changing copyright laws.

“It” Scent

2007-04-30T16:08:00.000-04:00

Gwen Stefani is adding perfume to her L.A.M.B. (Love Angel Music Baby) brand. Be on the lookout for more details as her Tdot concert date nears. Although both the songstress mom and her cosmetics backers, Coty, are keeping mum about the scent specifics, rumour has it that new info will be revealed to insiders later this month.

Photo: Coty Cosmetics

“It” Site

2007-04-26T11:35:00.000-04:00

The “It” Book launches!
Welcome to the web’s newest source for fashion, beauty and pop culture news.
Aimed at trend-savvy young women, The “It” Book will not only keep you in the know, but we’ll also give you the chance to be an “It” Girl – an “It” Book correspondent who gets to share her comments and report on the trends she spots.

Check back Tuesday May 1, 2007 (and every week after that) for all the news on the next big things...

Sneak peek: Your new favourite store hits Toronto this summer; Kate Moss noses and poses; a new scent you'll go bananas for.
Kate Moss (PRNewsFoto)