Buying a Counterfeit Bag Comes with a Price

Amanda's Fashion Spot is a strong advocate against the purchase of counterfeit products. As I have discussed before, the thrill of buying a fake Burberry bag for a tenth of the price may seem exciting, but what you don't know is that the money that you use to buy that bag often supports child labour and terrorism. What is often unknown is the amount of money that major fashion houses lose every time someone purchases a counterfeit bag or accessory and these fashion houses are not taking it lightly.

Three Canadian production companies have recently been sued by Burberry and Louis Vuitton for up to $3 million in damages for trademark and copyright infringement after they were caught selling counterfeit products. After a series of private investigations, it was discovered that these companies have been involved in purchasing knockoffs for quite some time with this lawsuit being called, the "largest anti-counterfeiting judgment in Canadian history".

How do you feel about counterfeit products? Have you ever purchased a counterfeit product? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Bieber Fever Baby!: Justin Bieber meets Bata Shoe Museum

The Canadian cutie and heartthrob has taken the music world by storm, his latest film, Never Say Never was a hit and he even has a nail polish collection with OPI.

However, all this success has not stopped Bieber's flame from burning bright and this Monday, March 14th at 11am you can get to know a whole new side of him at the Bata Shoe Museum. That's right fashionista's and fashiomista's, artist Landon Holmes has organized the newest addition to the museum's collection- Justin Bieber's shoes!

For one-day only you can check out The Biebs vast collection of foot attire, which I am sure mainly consists of old school high tops, Converse and purple. For all of you closeted Bieber fans, come out and visit this exhibit and you will be one less lonely girl. For more information, click here.

Are you going to check out Bieber's shoe exhibit? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Fashionista.com knows where to shop, None other than the T.Dot!

As a fashionista, it is important to be well-versed on the fashion ins and outs of all the major cities around the world. New York, Paris, London, Tokyo and Toronto mainly. One look around the T.Dot and anyone can tell that a few of things that reign supreme in the fashion world here are scarves, Canada Goose jackets, leather jackets and vintage, vintage, vintage! It seems like a few other people are starting to take note of what us T.Dot fashionistas wear on our backs, starting with New York-based fashion blog, Fashionista.com!

Recently they posted their first ever shopping guide and they have started with Toronto! If you are familiar with the Toronto fashion scene you will recognize some of the favourites such as, 69 Vintage and Jonathan+Olivia, both on the trendy Ossington as well as the higher-end Holt Renfrew and The Room at the Bay. Written by two Toronto-natives Hayley Phelan current writer at TeenVogue.com and John Ortved, you know that they have a keen eye of what Toronto shopping is all about. Although I am surprised Mendocino, Aritizia and Joe Fresh did not make it onto the list, oh well maybe next time!

Check out the article here!

What are your favourite places to shop in Toronto? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Calling All Brides!: LOULOU+BCBGMAXARIA= Shopping Event!

With Valentine's Day just a week away, love is in the snow-filled air and with that in mind be sure to save the date this Thursday at 5:30pm to join LOULOU and BCBGMAXARIA for the launch of LOULOU's special wedding issue!

Hosted by LOULOU Style Editor Claude Laframboise, race to BCBG at 50 Bloor St. W. to join in on the shopping, schmoozing, champagne and makeup touch-ups by Bourjois Paris. As a bonus, receive a goodie bag filled with stylish goodies with purchase and get $100 off purchases of $300 or more. Talk about a Valentine's treat!

If you are looking to find some fashion-forward bridesmaid dresses or if you would just like to get a sexy little number for your Valentine's Day celebration, then I insist that you do not miss out on this event.

R.S.V.P. at Loulou.Toronto@bcbg.com by Wednesday February 9.

Will you be at BCBG this Thursday? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Not Wearing White After Labour Day Does Not Apply

The year is still new and as we are all working hard at brightening up the wardrobe and brushing up our resumes all while looking fabulous, why not take some time out of your day to give back to the more than half a million people living in poverty throughout Canada?

Windfall is an award-winning charity that collects and donates new clothing and basic-needs to social service agencies and shelters. This month is their annual Wear White for Windfall Campaign that raises awareness for poverty, and to celebrate they are hosting a few festivities for the generous organization.

To begin, visit 15 Bloor Street West on January 26th for Buy Design at H&M for hor d'oeuvres, cocktails and entertainment with 15% of all sales going to WW4W. What better way to add to your new wardrobe and help someone in need at the same time? To attend the glamorous and charitable soiree RSVP at ca@hm.com and make sure you can legally drink because the event is 19+.

The following day, dress yourself in your finest winter white pieces to visually express your support for anti-poverty. I suggest a faux fur scarf with a chunky wool sweater and skinny jeans or you can purchase
their official T-shirt designed by Canadian fashion designer, Franco Mirabelli for only $20 with all proceeds benefitting Windfall.

If your New Year's Resolution was to be more charitable (in addition to being more fashionable) then I highly recommend participating in this wonderful event! For more information, click here.

What charities would you like to participate in? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Fashion Television Presents Vivienne Westwood: London

If you have ever wanted to visit merry old England's wonderful capital then make sure to tune onto CTV at 7pm this Saturday, January 22, 2010 for Vivienne Westwood's London. In a journey that is expected to be captivating and inspiring, the Queen of Punk Rock fashion will take you on a personal tour throughout London revealing her favourite places, her past times and a new way of looking at the world.

The designer first gained success when she designed clothing for the 1970's punk band the Sex Pistols and her clothing shop at 430 Kings Road now called, World's End. She has gone on to be known as the designer who loves to push the envelope with her frequent use of tartan, safety pins and corsets. Her latest menswear collection, which was inspired by Prince William, featured male models pouting in scarlett lipstick!

Westwood takes her eccentric charm to this Fashion Television produced documentary, in which she shows her passion for the cultural world and the home of the famous Abbey Road. If you are fan of Fashion Television's Face Time, then I suggest that you do not miss this documentary for it is sure to be one for the ages.

What are your favourite fashion documentaries?

Let me know in the comments, Facebook or Twitter!

Enjoy,

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Ukamaku Has Some New Designs!

It is the new year and as you are working on bettering yourself and fulfilling all of New Year's resolutions, why not treat yourself to some online shopping at one of Toronto's hottest online fashion boutiques, Ukamaku?

If a tailored, sophisticated yet luxurious piece is what you are after I suggest you try the Bianca Dress by Rachel Sin ,which is colour blocking at its best. Featuring a raspberry coloured camisole-style top and a high-waist wool skirt for the bottom, this dress would look great for a day at the office with a blazer overtop and just as nice for drinks later in the evening. Get it while it's hot because this sexy, sophisticated piece is on sale!

Clean, modern and cool is the name of the game for The Paddock. Featuring easy to wear pieces to keep as staples in your wardrobe, this is the line to snatch up if you are looking to add some classics to the old wardrobe. I suggest    the English Riding Shirt which can be worn in a variety of ways with a belted waist, roll-up sleeves and loose collar. It will go perfectly with spring's highly anticipated high waist trousers, a leather woven belt, gold bangles, straw fedora and corkscrew wedges to achieve the casual cool look that we all love. 

Psalm 91:1 offers up hand made, organic jewellery that is intended to be a reflection of the soul. If you like jewellery with some meaning behind it, I suggest you try out some of these delicate pieces. My favourite are the Allure Gold earrings. With their filigree design, they are perfect for evoking that exotic feeling you get after spending the summer in the beach of luxury, St. Tropez. Gold exotic earrings are a staple in any jewellery collection, as they look good with pretty much everything and alleviate any simple look to true elegance.

What are your favourite pieces from Ukamaku? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

What is Your Guilty Pleasure?: TFI Combines Fashion and Food for a Sinful Shopping Experience

We all have a little something sinful that we cannot resist but indulging in. For some people, it is watching reality television, reading gossip sites and eating ice cream out of the box but on Saturday, February 5th it is time for a change. It is time for a new guilty pleasure that we help benefit others. It is time for none other than the Toronto Fashion Incubator's Guilty Pleasures Sale at The Drake Hotel!

This one day event takes place from 9am to 4pm and will fill two floors with fashion, food and a silent auction with 100% of the proceeds benefitting community programming offered by the TFI's non-profit organization. 

Get out and indulge in your compulsive desire to go shopping and help support local designers such as, Andy Hall, Melissa Clemente Designs and Leah Bazian. 

For information, click here and don't forget to give in to this new guilty pleasure.

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Rumour Has It.....Joe Fresh Heading South?

Fashion is always full of gossip and rumours galore with the latest one being that Canadian retail chain, Joe Fresh is heading to the Big Apple!

Following the footsteps of Joseph Mimran's baby Club Monaco, Joe Fresh may soon be available for our southern neighbours to enjoy on none other than Fifth Avenue. Despite having the majority of Joe Fresh stores being attached to Loblaws, the possible NYC location will be a stand alone store, second to Vancouver's location, that Flare.com  is reporting to be 15, 000 square feet.

What Canadian stores would you be interested in seeing on your next trip to the States? What American stores would you like to see on Canadian soil?

Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

So you want to work in fashion?

It's a new year with a whole new beginning. Amongst your New Year's Resolutions is surely to spruce the old the resume and get some fashion experience! I have talked extensively about pursuing an internships in New York City, (which if you have any interest in I highly suggest you go for it!) but what if you plan on staying in the true, north, strong and free land of Canada? Well lucky for you there are oodles and oodles of opportunities to dip your feet in the fashion pond! Read on my friend and feel inspired!

1) Volunteer!


The best way to gain some experience in the fashion industry is to volunteer and be prepared to work for free! Like or not, that is just the way it is. There are tons of fashion events and charities that occur in Toronto that are great way to get your hands wet, especially if you do not have a lot of fashion experience to begin with. Some places to try are the Toronto Fashion Incubator, who regularly look for volunteers, contacting LG Fashion Week and signing up for Magnet Creative's, a Toronto-based fashion marketing company's, intern newsletter.

2) Work in retail!


Many of you may already do this and if so I suggest you take full advantage of it. If you love the fashion industry, you would be surprised by how much you can learn working in retail. Use your part-time job as an opportunity to really get to the know the clothes by observing new trends, fit and quality. Ask your managers about events or new things happening with your company and grill your district managers whenever they make store visits.

3) Intern!

There are many fashion-based companies in Canada that offer fabulous internship programs with great, priceless opportunities that you will use for the rest of your fashion career! Places to contact are luxury department store, Holt Renfrew which offers corporate-based internships and Toronto-based fashion designers. If the magazine world is something you want to conquer, I highly suggest applying for an internship with FASHION, FLARE or ELLE Canada. These are each highly respected and highly fabulous magazines that would surely teach a lot to any editor-in-chief in training. And here's an insider tip if you want to intern at a magazine, apply EARLY, like yesterday. Magazine internships are highly competitive and fill up faster than you can say, Christian Louboutin.


4) Be Aggressive!


The fashion industry is competitive so if you really want to get your foot in the door you must be determined to never give up. If you want to learn more about a certain company and opportunities they have for you to partake in, I highly suggest calling or emailing them directly that way you will be able to hear right away what your options are and if the company is right for you. Also don't give up if you don't always get the response or the experience you were hoping for, remember when one door closes another doors opens!

5) Study!


Whoever said that fashion was for the absent minded was sadly mistakenly. Before applying for any job, it is important to know a thing or two about the company, that way you will know what you are getting into and you will be able expand your knowledge of the fashion world. It is also really important to keep up-to-date on what is happening in the fashion industry from trends to events to insider news as well. Fashion is constantly changing and it is important to keep up with it so you are not left in the dust. Some of my favourite sites to visit are, Style.com, Fashionista.com and Styleite.com. You can also sign up to some really great newsletters from, Flare.com, WhoWhatWear.com and the really fabu' Canadian job website, StyleNinetoFive.com. Or you can always visit www.AmandasFashionSpot.com! I am more than happy to fill you in on all the fashion information you need!

So now that you know how to conquer the Canadian fashion world (keep in mind these tips can be applied to wherever you live) get up and get out there! Time is not moving any slower! Good luck with your fashion endeavours and come back to let me know how everything goes in the comments, Facebook or Twitter!

Enjoy and happy new year!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Photo(s) of the Day: Time to Standout!

If you know me well, you know that I have a deep love of costume jewellery. I love the glitter, the sparkle, the drama and especially the way a single piece can make an outfit instantly unique and special. I recently discovered this Canadian jewellery line named Rocaille that specializes in ornate, delicate designs with a little vintage inspiration. These two pieces are my favourites, for they have the right amount of character to make any look a complete show stopper!

What are your favourite accessories? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy! 

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Ukamaku: A One Stop Canadian Fashion Shop

If you ever wondered where to conveniently find your beloved Canadian designers fashionable goodies, look no more! Ukamaku has arrived.

Launching just last week, the brand new online fashion store aims to promote and sell Canadian fashion designers to not only your fellow Canucks, but the whole world as well. The site currently carries your favourite designers such as Another Word For Pink, Bijouxbead, Emily Woudenberg, Heidi Ackerman, and Zoran Dobric with many more to come!

Featuring women's and men's clothing and accessories ranging from $100-$600, customers can register to create wish lists, read designer blogs and be the first to know about all the exciting things happening with these fabulous designers.


For your next online dilly dally venturing through all of your fashion sites, be sure to make Ukamaku your first stop!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot


*Photo Courtesy of fashionmagnet.ca

A Career in the Canadian Fashion Industry From A Designers Perspective

As the Canadian readers will know (myself included) as much as us Canadian fashionistas love the fashion world, unfortunately it seems that the opportunities are few and far between. However no need to fly off to the streets of Paris just yet! 

TorontoStar.com recently posted this article about Canadian fashion designers and their reasoning for staying in the great North. Here are the highlights!

Jeremy Laing- "It's never been a question about if I should stay or go. I like living here. It's isolated from the fashion world."

Mikhael Kale- "This season I did market in Paris and Vogue's Fashion Night Out. It is expensive for a designer to partake in all this stuff....So what I can do is have a showroom in New York and Paris but live here, which allows me the finance to do these things."

Kimberly Newport-Mimran-"I absolutely grappled with that decision because I have a larger presence in the U.S. market. But I feel rooted here. New York is an international fashion city so it's nice to have a presence there but this is home."

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

It's a Shopping Contest!

Don't just love when all you have to do is enter in some of your contact information into a database and then voila, you have a chance at winning a shopping spree? Well you are in luck because Club Monaco, FASHION magazine and Shopbop have all teamed up for a fabulous and fashionable contest!

Enter and you will receive a $1000 gift certificate to Club Monaco and Shopbop accompanied with a consultation with none other than a very wise and talented editor from FASHION!


If you are broke and in need of style guidance or just love shopping and want to meet a FASHION editor, I highly suggest you enter this contest!

Click here for more details and good luck!

Enjoy!


Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Noir in the City

Looking for an oasis for your next tea or java fix? Just take a stroll along St. Clair Ave. West's up and coming trendy neighborhood and discover the lovely cafe, Noir Coffee and Tea located at 701 St. Clair Ave W. 

The atmosphere is pure zen with its Japanese decor. Assorted teas, coffees and sweets for your delight. Take a bite out of the ruby red strawberry rhubarb pie or try the sweet, crunchy snap peas with hummus while sipping tea or having a mug of steaming coffee. 

So the next time you are strolling down the avenue, why not stop in and have a Zen moment?

Donna for Amanda's Fashion Spot  

amandasfashionspot@gmail.com 

https://twitter.com/AFSpot

It's hard to cook without a book!: The Cookbook Store

Looking to find that sought after cookbook? Look no further than The Cookbook Store! Located at 850 Yonge Street in fashionable Yorkville.

This is a great place for the novice cook or the master chef. Nestled among the neatly lined shelves, you'll find every cookbook from the renowned Joy of Cooking, a classic for all cooks to the hard finds such as, Dulce Latin American Desserts by Joseluis Flores, and everything in-between.

The store also hosts many culinary events throughout the year catering to the desire of every cook’s heart. So if you are just starting out to explore the Nigella Lawson in you or looking to try your hand at a new recipe, look no further than The Cookbook Store!

Enjoy!

Donna for Amanda's Fashion Spot
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Chillin' on the West Side: A Fashion Comparison

In the West Village you have your hipsters, the West 11st Street Cafe, Magnolia Bakery, and one of my favourites, Marc Jacobs!

On Bleeker Street is the famous Marc Jacobs that carries Marc by Marc Jacobs and his even lower-priced line in which he sells fun items like $11 (woo-hoo!) flip flops and $14 cashmere ankle socks. Actually all the lower-priced, high-quality items remind me of Canada's favourite, Joe Fresh!

Oh the similarities! First, both are loved by the fashion crowd, New York for MJ and Toronto for Joe, second, both are contemporary, fun and colourful when they want to be, third, each dabble in the trends while still staying true to their brand and fourth, each show that being fashionable and high quality can be affordable!

In Canada, Joe Fresh is known for selling a slew of very au courrant yet classic pieces using high quality fabrics while still managing not to break the bank. Marc Jacobs lower-priced line as mentioned above $14 cashmere ankle socks, show that anyone can have a part of the MJ world without maxing out the credits cards.

Each time I have come to New York, I always love checking out the Marc Jacob's store because it is full of colourful, fun little pieces that are full of wardrobe inspiration. One of my first pieces from there was a purple quilted bag and today they have an enviable animal print plastic slouchy shoulder bag. They also have a metallic silver MJ monogrammed sleek gym bag that I would love to tote around, along with adorable heart shaped (and broken heart) compact mirrors.

On the clothes front, what is there not to love? My favourites are a squared shaped '60's-style striped double-breasted cardigan that was red, gold and navy, perfect for when fall rolls around. They also had the same jacket in hot pink, orange, white and gold with a matching A-line skirt. Super cute for your summer internship or strolling around on a nice day. I also loved a group of dresses that came in fuchsia and teal with large yellow flowers. They had a pleated neckline and pleated details at the pocket hem. They were made of some sort of silk or sateen and had a lovely shiny finish. Ideal for a summer night first date or a cool concert.

Next time you find yourself in NYC, make sure to make the Marc Jacobs store in the West Village one of you first shopping stops. You will not be disappointed, I promise.

Enjoy!

Amanda

What's in a Name?: Vogue Threatens to Sue Canadian Fashion Event

Most recently the Victoria, British Columbia fashion industry had organized a fashion event celebrating the West Coast's talented designers. This fabulous evening was going to called, Victoria's Fashion Night Out in order to pay tribute to all of Victoria's fashionistas who had planned to take part in the event. Unfortunately, the name that the organizers had intended to call the event was a little similar to another well-known fashion event, Vogue's Fashion Night Out.

As soon as Vogue's legal team caught wind of the similarities between the names they contacted the organizers of Victoria's Fashion Night Out and demand that they change the name immediately change their name or legal action will be taken. Victoria's Fashion Night Out organizers had to scramble to change the name the night before the event to simply, Victoria's Fashion Night.

I guess when it comes to fashion the early bird gets the worm.

Amanda

Sex and the City 2 Baby!

With Sex and the City 2 coming out in just a few days who can resist the squeals, the excitement and the cocktails that are inspired by Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha! Oh and the fashion! Who can forget the fashion! It is just me? Or did Patricia Field, up the style barometer with colour, scarves, and shimmery gold!

If you are die hard fan like me, you must enjoying all the magazines with none other than SJP gracing the cover. So why not check out the latest cover of FASHION magazine and read all about it!

Enjoy!

Amanda

In Bloom: It's The Spring Clothing Show!

You know the season is changing once The Clothing Show has arrived!

This year it will be taking place from Friday, May 14th, 2010 to Sunday, May 15th, 2010. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door taking place at The Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place 195 Princes Blvd.

As always, The Clothing Show promises to provide a great selection of vintage provided by 69 Vintage and flirty, feminine designs by Champagne and Cupcakes. This is the perfect way to spend a belated Mother's Day or jump start on your spring shopping.

Enjoy!

Amanda