Magnolia wants you and a friend to shop free!

With all the lovely seventies inspired and colourful clothes for spring infiltrating magazines, blogs and street style everywhere, you may be thinking it's time to update the 'ole wardrobe! And what better way to do that than at a chic boutique that is kept all to yourself, so you can shop, sip on some bubbly and nibble some delicious cupcakes!

Magnolia offering you the chance to shop at their boutique at 333 Eglinton Avenue in the T.Dot with a $700 shopping credit and 15% off following purchases in the year 2011.

If this sounds like the ideal way to spend your afternoon, then all you have to do is send an unique email to springshopping@magnolia.ca including your Twitter or Facebook account and tell them how your clothing choices effect your everyday life. Then, log on to Twitter, follow Magnolia @magnoliatoronto and tweet: "Dear @magnoliatoronto, I want the $700 shopping spree". After that, "like" Magnolia on Facebook and become a temporary fashion critic by commenting on an outfit. You can look at the picture by clicking, here.

To take advantage of this exciting shopping opportunity, enter this contest by Saturday, March 5th, 2011 at noon so you can shop until you drop with Magnolia! For full details on this exciting opportunity, click here.

What do you love about fashion contests? 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

Seed and Sew: George Brown+Frugal Fashion Week+Goodwill=Eco Fashion

The Toronto-based fashion event company, Frugal Fashion Week has a new charitable fashion event up its sleeve with the upcoming Seed & Sew: An Eco-Chic Initiative debuting in March.

The students of George Brown College have been invited by FFW to create fashionable, environmentally and affordable collections with pre-worn clothing, accessories and everything in-between, all generously donated from every vintage-loving fashionista's favourite store, Goodwill. Culminating the initiative is a fabulous runway event showcasing the budding designers eco-fabulous creations.

As a George Brown fashion alumni, it is so really exciting to see my old stomping grounds contribute to such as a great cause, that is not only good for the environment but a great opportunity for all the talented fashion students at George Brown as well.

The future CFDA winners will also have the chance to attend the Fashion Harvest Workshops including, how to get A-Listers in your designer duds, what buyers have their eye on and The Art of Schmooze.

For more information on this glamorous and eco-concious initiative, click here.

What do you think are ways that the fashion industry can be more charitable? Let me 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

Pretty in Pink Tartan: Yorkville Has a New Hot Spot!

Coming off the heels of a colourful '70's style spring fashion show, Kimberly Newport-Mimran is ready for a reinvention in the form of a brick and mortar store at 77 Yorkville Avenue.

Being described as "a lifestyle concept"the boutique will carry pieces from her own collections as well as some of the George Brown College alum's favourite artwork from home, Stockholm's own Acne Jeans, the natural and sustainable Alicia Adams Alpaca and Archie Grand Notebooks.

If her store is anything like her ladylike yet cool chick designs, it is sure to be lovely!

For more information click here and here!

Enjoy!

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

Twinkle, Tippy Toe and Dance, It's Sequins & Stilettos: Designers vs. Djs Baby!

Fashion and music has always had a strong relationship. No musical artist could quite evolve to superstar status without having the right look. Hello? Lady Gaga. Equally there is something about certain outfit that only a rock star can make look good. Paging Slash.

Well if the relationship between music and fashion has always fascinated you, then you must attend Frugal Fashion Week's latest event, Sequins & Stilettos: Designers vs. DJs on Friday, October 15, 2010 at none other than Nyood Bar at 1096 Queen Street West in the T.Dot!

This event marks the first collaboration between Frugal Fashion Week and the FC: Fashion Collective , a group of enthusiastic fashionistas who support and promote up and coming designers.

Tickets for the soiree cost $10 and for more information click here!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
Amanda's Fashion Spot on Facebook
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

J to the O to the E to the Fresh: LOU LOU Magazine Fashion Block Party is Back Again!

What's better than shopping and parties?


On Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 151 Bloor Street in the T.Dot, LOU LOU magazine and Joe Fresh will partner up for the second year in a row for the LOU LOU magazine's Fashion Block Party!

From 5-9pm enjoy yourself at the Joe Fresh pop-up shop and sip yummy cocktails, taste some hors d'oeuvres all while checking out the highly coveted Joe Fresh runway collection. If you thought that was not enough be sure to stop by and receive a $10 coupon off of your next purchase of $50 or more at Joe Fresh locations country-wide and spend $150 and get a one-year subscription to LOU LOU!

For more information click here and find out how you can shop 'til you drop!

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

TopShop Hits the T.Dot

The popular British fashion store, TopShop has finally hit Canadian soil but not in the way you may think it has.

Clean and modern fashion store, Jonathan+Olivia located in the trendy area around Ossington and Queen Street West which carries international brands from A to Z from Alexander Wang to Zero by MC has upped the ante by featuring an in-store TopShop Boutique. Featuring the stylish and fashionable pieces that TopShop is known for this unique concept is the first of its kind in Canada.

If you are craving the British trends infused with a Canadian spin head down to Jonathan+Olivia!

Enjoy!

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

Photo of the Day: TIFF Baby!

While enjoying the Toronto International Film Festival, actress Jennifer Connelly stepped out at premiere wearing this sophisticated yet sexy black number by Yves Saint Laurent. Simple and classic is sometimes the best way to go.

What were your favourite TIFF looks?

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

Fall for Liv by Au Lit

Are you one of those people who start planning your fall wardrobe as soon as August hits? Have you already started daydreaming about a faux fur vest and leopard print scarf? 

If you are more than ready to start you Fall 2010 shopping spree, may I suggest stooping by Liv by Au Lit? The lovely boutique lifestyle store that sells everything from vintage-inspired vanities with crystal door knobs and ornate details to chic, chunky sweaters and stylish jeans. Their fall 2010 collection has landed and is filling up the racks with pieces from Amanda Uprichard, James Perse, Mink Pink and more!



If you are in search of the perfect Italian cashmere sweater (I know I am!) or leather leggings then be sure to make Liv by Au Lit your first stop on the shopping trail!


Enjoy!


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

It's a Pop-Up Shop!

Don't you just love when shopping opportunities come out of nowhere?

Well you are in luck! Today and tomorrow the online consignment shop My Ex-Closet is having a pop-up shop at 498 Queen Street West in Toronto between 10am and 9pm. If you are a lover of their online selection, then you will be sure to enjoy their pop-up shop. So get out there and go shopping!

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

Fashion Gives Back: The Corsage Marathon!

We all remember dreaming about our dream prom dress. Whether it was pale yellow with lace and sequins all over or puffy enough to resemble a wedding gown, it was all something that we will never forget.

As some of you may know, The Corsage Project is an organization that provides free formal gowns and accessories to Toronto high school girls, who are cannot afford to buy a brand new sparkling dress for prom. Even if you haven't had the chance to volunteer for one of the Corsage events, you still have the chance to give back at The Corsage Marathon!

No stilettos for this run, it is serious running shoes if you would like to take some time and give back to a worthy cause. On Sunday, September 26th, 2010 you can take part in the 5km run/walk, half marathon or marathon and all you have to do is click here to find out all the details.

Enjoy!

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

Twitter World? Amanda's Fashion Spot has arrived!

Dear: Fellow Readers, Followers and Fans of Amanda's Fashion Spot,

As I have mentioned many times on my blog, this is the year of taking risks and moving forward. With that in mind I have decided to take Amanda's Fashion Spot to the Twitter world, so if you are a member of Twitter feel free to follow me there too at https://twitter.com/AFSpot.

Thanks for reading!

Enjoy!

Amanda amandasfashionspot@gmail.com

In the T. Dot: Frugal Fashion Week Gets Beautified

It has only been a year since Gillian Downes has launched Frugal Fashion Week and what a whirlwind it has been! After holding successful events such as, Frugal Fashion Week's shop crawl in several fashionable areas in Toronto and many fashion shows at trendy West Queen West's, Nyood Bar, Frugal Fashion Week is making its way to the world of beauty. This will not be a stretch for Downes who once ran the successful skincare line, B. Skin.

On Thursday, July 22, 2010, Frugal Fashion Week will be hosting a beauty boutique at Kiehl's Uptown, located at 2518 Yonge Street to launch Frugal Fashion Week 2010! Expect to experience the relaxing feeling of mini-facials, make-over/make-unders and hairstyle stations, all through the help of Kiehl's beauty experts. Now this is the right place to get your look ready for Frugal Fashion Week.

No kickoff event would be complete without a gift bag of course, so make sure to pick up yours and enjoy the decadent goodness of cupcakes, Teatinis from Queen Street's own, David's Tea and enjoying some happening music!

The event is from 7pm to 10pm and tickets are $10. If you would like to secure your ticket visit, www.frugalfashioweek.com and fast because they are sure to go soon! As always, proceeds for the event will go to benefit Windfall, a charity that helps those in basic need. You give a little, you get a little. For more about them, click here! 

Enjoy!

Amanda