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To WIN these shades, valued at $99, all you have to do is enter through one of the three ways listed below. *For more chances to win, enter the contest through all three options!

 No purchase necessary. Contest is open to all residents of Canada. The prize is (1) pair of sunglasses with free shipping to winners destination. The value of the prize is $99 and up (value of prize varies depending on winner’s place of residence). Not redeemable for cash or credits. The contest will run from 5/21/13 to 6/7/13. All entries will be received through Twitter, Facebook, and TIF comment section until 6/7/13 11:59pm EST.

Menswear retailer GOTSTYLE recently used their Instagram account for an impromptu style spread and we loved the results. Here are their 5 looks for the summer. Call or go online for prices and details. The brand currently has two locations at 62 Bathurst St & Wellington, and their newest location at 21 Trinity Street in the city’s Distillery District.

Previous GOTSTYLE posts:

GOTSTYLE takes part in MasterCard campaign

A red light affair at menswear retailer GOTSTYLE

GOTSTYLE strips down for men’s underwear event

In September 2013, Target’s apparel and home collections in Canada will be launching their first collaboration with Beaver Canoe. The collections will include a wide range of clothing, from t-shirts to hoodies, to track pants for men and women, as well as accessories.

We are looking forward to the home collection that will also be included, marking the first attempt of the Roots-owned label to venture into pieces like pillows, vases and furniture. The apparel collection will launch on September 8^th and the home collection a week after. The collaboration is expected to run for a year and might continue if the collections are successful.

We’ll keep you posted when the collections debut at Target, for now why not check out some previous posts:

TARGET welcomes Sarah Jessica Parker to Canadian launch

Designer Prabal Gurung lookbook for TARGET

Our TARGET archives

Canadian luxury retailer Holt Renfrew opened its second off-priced chain location on May 10th at Vaughan Mills mall in Toronto.

The first location of this new retail branch named ‘hr2′ opened in Montreal at the Quartier DIX30 lifestyle centre in Brossard, Quebec, and has already received positive feedback from shoppers in Quebec. The store’s success is attributed to its offer of discounted products which includes brands like Michael Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg, Cole Haan, 7 for All Mankind, Elie Tahari, the hr2 private lable and lots more. Discounts on the items are also due to the call-offs from product requests in other retailers as well as Holt Renfrew’s established rapport with existing luxury designer brands.

By the looks of it, it seems likely that more stores will be seen in Canada. The new hr2’s concept of offering seasonal marked-down products, as well as favorable merchandise with weekly renewals, is already being embraced by consumers. For more information head to the Holt Renfrew site by clicking here.

Reports are coming out that singer Rihanna is currently suing U.K. based fashion retailer TOPSHOP over the alleged unauthorized use of her image. The chart-topper has been in legal negotiations with the retailer for over a year but the talks have been unsuccessful so far, which is why Rihanna has decided to sue.

A source from the singer’s camp said her management team had asked the fashion store several times to stop selling her image. According to the New York Post, the source was quoted as saying: “She has spent almost $1 million (£660,000) in litigation at this point. She says it’s the principle, and wants to make a statement about it.”

Many websites are claiming the singer has asked for $5 million in compensation, but the U.K.’s Telegraph is reporting that the legal documents the singer’s lawyer presented do not state specific amounts. Rihanna is currently designing a second collection for U.K. brand River Island as well as Armani.

Photo Source: Telegraph.co.uk

According to French authorities, a million dollars’ worth of jewellery has been stolen while a movie premiere was starting for the Cannes Film Festival. The Chopard jewels were to be worn by celebrities attending the festival and were reported missing from the room of a Chopard employee at Hotel Novel. Apparently the hotel rooms’ security box had been smashed open and the jewels taken.

The Swiss luxury jeweler is known well on the red carpets around the world, but especially in France where he has designed the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or award presented to best film. Oddly enough, the jewellery went missing the same time as Sophia Coppola’s film ‘The Bling Ring’ was premiering. So far there are no suspects in the case.

Above Photo (not of the stolen jewelery): AnneStreetStudio

Social media users have responded to the recent remarks, by doing what must be the brands ultimate marketing nightmare. They’re buying and donating a ton of Abercrombie & Fitch clothing to the homeless in protest. The clothing campaign/re-branding was started by L.A. film maker Greg Karber  and spread rapidly by using the Twitter hashtag #Fitchthehomeless.

The company is expected to release their earnings report this month. Hopefully for the company, Mike Jeffries recent statements don’t tarnish the brands investment value. The internet has had a field day with the CEO and got creative with Mike Jeffries’ pictures. You can see them, and watch the Fitch The Homeless Campaign, via BuzzFeed.

Mother’s Day is May 12^th, and if you’re reading this post it may mean you haven’t yet purchased a gift for the special lady in your life. Busy schedules, crowded malls, can’t make up your mind. Whatever your reason is don’t worry, we have you covered with this Mother’s Day Last Minute Gift Guide. These fail-proof gifts will score you some major brownie-points with your mom, with gift ideas that are geared just for her. After all, it is her day!

Some more great last minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas:

Treat you mom is a trip to Good Gosh Beauty. a popular beauty bar at College and Davenpoty, where she can enjoy eyelash extensions, makeup services and classes, and permanent cosmetics. Special $100 discount (each) if 2 friends book $250 (each)
of services. Visit http://www.goodgoshbeauty.com/ for more info.

Take your mom over to Waxed Wax Bar, a walk-in, one stop grooming bar, where mom can get waxed, tweezed and smoothed with no-appointment injectables. Mom will also enjoy a Waxed membership which gives them access to discounts, free gifts
and special members only promotions.

If mom is too busy to get her to a spa, then make the Spa come to her! On Sunday, May 12th, The Mobile Spa Service by Wright Spa is offering Pampering Spa Packages that can be sent directly to where you mom is. Make this Mother’s Day the best one with a unique and lavish spa experience she is sure to appreciate in the comfort of a home, hotel or office.Wright Spa Mobile Services can deliver all sorts of VIP treatments to her doorstep– for the much-needed rest and relaxation she deserves.

Grab your mom some comfy and fun robes and pyjamas from Victoria’s Secret that will come in handy for a comfy day or if she’s planning a stay-cation. With many colours and designs to choose from you will find something that will suit your mom’s style.

Want to give your Mom the royal treatment at home? Then pick up some Yardley London’s bath products and Eau de Toilettes. The brand offers a lovely selection of floral fragrances; English Lavender, Lily of the Valley, and English Rose, and Yardley London has also achieved two royal warrants, which are awarded to products that are used in the Royal Household.

Want to give mom a spa treat at home? Then try out SensatioNAIL, an at home LED gel nail system offers mom salon quality nails that last two week without leaving the comfort of home. Also, give her Micro Pedi, which buffs and smoothes coarse heels with a flick of the switch, the revolutionary at-home gadget has an unique micro mineral roller that spins at 360º, at an amazing 30 times a second!

Want to inject some more style into your mom’s wardrobe? Head over to Tristan where they have a wide selection of dresses, jackets and shirts that are stylish and chic. We like that they tell you which are Canadian made items.

Want to get your mom a new fragrance, but don’t know if she will like it? Sephora has you covered with their Bottled Dreams Fragrance Sampler gift set. The set has 6 of Sephora’s most sought-after women’s fragrances like BALENCIAGA Florabotanica, GUCCI Guilty, and Lancôme La vie est belle. Give you r mom a choice and let your mom pick her new favourite perfume. $60

If you mom likes to bike her way to work instead of taking a car, then Canadian-owned, Opus bikes has a fashionable cycle that will suit your mom. Whether she takes a ride through Trinity Bellwoods with the kids, bikes down on Bloor St., or just takes a ride in the beaches, you can’t go wrong with the 2013 Lisboa Urbanista by Opus. $602

This year’s celebration deserves a special gift, so get your mom something that sparkles and shines from Tiffany & Co. A new Tiffany’s Paloma Picasso Mom pendant will make her happy, or maybe the Tiffany Ziegfeld pearl earrings are more her thing. If your mom isn’t they type of person that likes jewellery, then go for the Tiffany Central Park picnic basket and take your mom out for a picnic in the park. Wrapped in the beautiful Blue Box and tied with the perfect white bow, it is sure to be a gift she’ll cherish forever.

Tiffany’s Paloma Picasso Mom pendant in sterling silver, $220 CDN
Tiffany Ziegfeld pearl earrings in sterling silver, $495 CDN
Tiffany Central Park picnic basket, $3,950 CDN

Amanda Seyfried in Vintage Givenchy – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Anne Hathaway in Valentino – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Madonna in Givenchy – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Sarah Jessica Parker in a headpiece by Phillip Treacy and dress by Giles Deacon – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Taylor Swift in J. Mendel – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Allison Williams in Joseph Altuzarra – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Anna Wintour in Chanel Couture – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Beyonce in Givenchy – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Christina Ricci in Vivienne Westwood – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Jennifer Lopez in Michael Kors – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Mary-Kate Olsen in Vintage Chanel – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Miley Cyrus in Marc Jacobs – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Solange Knowles in Kenzo – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Ashley Olsen in a 1972 Vintage Dior Couture Dress – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Coco Rocha in Fausto Puglisi – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

January Jones in a Chanel Spring/Summer 2009 Haute Couture Collection dress – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Jessica Pare in Jason Wu – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Karolina Kurkova in Mary Katrantzou – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Katie Holmes in Calvin Klein – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Katy Perry in Dolce & Gabbana – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Kylie Minogue in Moschino – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Lena Dunham in Custom Erdem with Erdem Moralioglu – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Nicole Richie in Topshop – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Uma Thurman – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Cameron Diaz in Stella McCartney – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Elle Fanning in Rodarte – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Gwen Stefani in Maison Martin Margiela – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Jessica Biel in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Kerry Washington in Vera Wang – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Calvin Klein- PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Michelle Williams in Saint Laurent – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 06: Actress Michelle Williams attends the Costume Institute Gala for the “PUNK: Chaos to Couture” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

Nicki Minaj in Tommy Hilfiger – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Stacey Kiebler in Rachel Roy – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Blake Lively – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala

Donatella Versace – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Emma Watson in Prabal Gurung – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Kim Kardashian in Riccardo Tisci Givenchy- PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Leelee Sobieski – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Nina Dobrev in Monique Lhuillier – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Rita Ora in Thakoon – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Carey Mulligan in Balenciaga – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Dree Hemingway in Stella McCartney – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Heidi Klum in Marchesa – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Karlie Kloss in Louis Vuitton – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Sienna Miller in Burberry – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 06: Actress Sienna Miller attends the Costume Institute Gala for the “PUNK: Chaos to Couture” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Ashley Greene in Marchesa – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Hailee Steinfeld in Donna Karen Atelier – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Rose Huntington-Whitely in Gucci – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Rooney Mara in Givenchy – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Renee Zellwweger in Prada – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Paloma Faith – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Miranda Kerr in Michael Kors – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Minka Kelly in Carolina Herrera – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Mindy Kaling and BJ Novak – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Marion Cotillard – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Lauren Santo Domingo – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Kelly Osbourne – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Kate Beckinsale Alberta Ferretti – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Julianne Moore – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Julianne Hough in Topshop – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

John Krasinski and Emily Blunt in Carolina Herrera – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Jessica Alba in Tory Burch – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Jamie King in Topshop – January Jones in a Chanel Spring/Summer 2009 Haute Couture Collection dress – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Kristen Stewart in Stella Mccartney – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Gwyneth Paltrow in Valentino Couture – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Gisele Bundchen in Anthony Vacarello – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Giovanna Battaglia – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Ginnifer Goodwin in Tory Burch – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Florence Welch – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Eve – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Emilia Clarke in Ralph Lauren – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Elizabeth Banks in Atelier Versace – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Doutzen Kroes in Theyskens Theory – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Diane Von Furstenberg – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Debbie Harry – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Dakota Fanning in Rodarte – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Claire Danes – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Chloe Sevigny – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Chelsea Clinton – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Cara Delevingne – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Bella Heathcote in Chanel – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Bee Shaffer – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Aubery Plaza – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Ziyi Zhang PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Amber Heard in Emilio Pucci – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Alicia Keys in Jason Wu – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Alexa Chung – PUNK: Chaos To Couture Costume Institute Gala 2013

Images: Huffington Post, The Gloss

Looks like singer Rihanna is taking a stab at fashion design again. Designing a second collection for U.K. brand River Island, (her first collection was widely panned by fashion critics) the singer must be trying to win back support from the fashion community with her newest design collaboration. After the tacky disaster that was her first London Fashion Week show we can only hope that this time around the entertainer has realized the difference between what works as an attention-grabbing-paparazzi-seeking outfit that only a multimillion dollar performer should wear to what will actually work for the general fashion public. If she needs any help in the design department, we hear fellow Ungaro designer Lindsay Lohan’s schedule is currently wide open.

RiRi took to Instagram to tell the world of her second coming as a designer.

Photo via Instagram

One of Toronto’s most notable event spaces is about to mark ten years of being back in the hosting business. Renowned for its architectural beauty, The Carlu has been chosen for major events taking place in our city including the Blackberry 10 launch, Ann Taylor Canadian launch, TIFF’s amFAR gala and the MotionBall Gala. Since its closing in 1976 it has been a long road for Toronto event visionaries Mark Robert and Jeffry Roick to bring the historical site back to its original glamour.  

When it opened in 1930, the seventh floor of Eaton’s College Street was the pride and joy of Lady Eaton, Toronto’s grande dame who presided over many sumptuous soirées orchestrated in the sophisticated spaces designed by French architect Jacques Carlu (1890 – 1976).

The 1200-seat Concert Hall, a great achievement in its time, attracted international performers like jazz singer Billie Holliday, big band leader Duke Ellington, and old blue eyes Mr. Frank Sinatra. The venue became known for its attention to detail, which was important to the architect who held rein over every decision stretching from the style of lighting to the choice of stemware and waitresses’ uniforms in the circular dining area known as The Round Room.

Before it was closed in 1976, the elegant walls had been painted orange and the fabulous fountain, which was lit from below, taken apart.  Although designated a National Historic Site in 1982, after much lobbying by a concerned group of Torontonians, the doors remained closed.

In 2001, Mark Robert and Jeffry Roick faced the almost impossible task of raising $8 million to restore the one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece at Yonge and College Streets.After six months of seeking financial support from banks and government, Robert and Roick eventually turned to private investors who provided the funds needed to undertake the massive project, referred to at the time as ‘the highest profile heritage restoration in Canada.’ Naysayers said they wouldn’t even last a year.

A decade later, more than a half-million guests have attended 1,650 events that include 900 corporate launches and conferences — triple the number from four years earlier — as well as gala fêtes ranging from the Genies to the ACTRA Awards.

Check back next week when we bring you more on the anniversary of The Carlu. For now, check out the beautiful venue.

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Fashion designer Victoria Beckham is planning to expand her fashion empire by opening her first store location in London. Her collections are currently sold across the U.K through department stores such as Harrods and Selfridges, but this will be the designer’s first independent retail location. Victoria is prepared for the stress of juggling a growing fashion line as well as a growing family; she welcomed 21-month-old daughter Harper to her family of 4 boys.

“The children are my priority and always have been and always will be so it’s a little bit of a juggling act,” she told the Vogue Festival at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday.

“I really enjoy being a mum, I love my kids more than anything, but I love doing what I do as well and it’s just getting the balance right which is not easy, at all.”

The designer, famous for being one-fifth of the pop group Spice Girls, has lived a very successful life and has proven herself as a savvy designer and businesswoman. After a foray into design with denim brand Rock and Republic, Victoria launched her own collection in 2006 and has risen to become a staple at New York Fashion Week. It is currently rumored she may be landing her first American Vogue cover soon. As a model she has also appeared in campaigns for designers Marc Jacobs and Dolce and Gabanna. Her son Romeo is currently starring in Burberry’s 2013 Spring/Summer campaign.

No word yet on the location of the store, but we’ll keep you updated. British media reported that Victoria bought a Spars location, which is kind of a convenience store/supermarket, back in March. This won’t likely be her first flagship location for her fashion collection but will rather be used for extra work space as her fashion team expands.

Watch the Romeo and Burberry campaign:

Fashion house Fendi will help to restore one of Rome’s most historical sites, The Trevi Fountain, one of the largest baroque fountains in the world. This is one of the biggest restoration projects ever for the famous masterpiece and will take 20 months to complete. Fendi’s headquarters has been located in the city since 1925 and is very much a part of Italy’s rich modern history.

“It is the first time we have been involved in something so big,” admits Silvia Venturini Fendi, who represents the third generation of the Fendi family. She is renowned for designing the Baguette, the first ‘It’ bag, and heads the accessories division of the Rome-based house.

“We have always supported things in a quiet way, so this is not out of the blue,” she says. “But there is a big link between Fendi and the fountains, because in the 1980s, the Fendi sisters [Silvia's mother Anna, and her aunts] produced a book on Rome’s fountains.”

It is long believed that throwing coins into the fountain will bring good luck and ensure you will return to Italy. The Trevi Fountain restoration will cost around $4 Million (CDN), which is enough coin to make sure the historical site will see tourists for years to come.

Fendi isn’t the only fashion house to come to Italy’s economic rescue by offering to restore a historical site. Leather goods-maker Tod’s is funding a restoration of Rome’s Colosseum, and Diesel is said to be helping to restore Venice’s Rialto Bridge. These initiatives are regarded as part of the companies’ corporate responsibility.

“We have so much that needs to be preserved and restored,” laments Venturini Fendi. “So we are helping our country to do this, because these sites belong to the world. ‘Made in Italy’ is not just fashion, it is also culture and history.”

Photo Credit: Featured Image – David Iliff – Wikipedia

Top Image – Corbis – From left: Karl Lagerfeld, Silvia Venturini Fendi, and Fendi chairman and CEO Pietro Beccari.

If you miss this event, there will be a second Prom event at the TOPSHOP location at Yorkdale Mall on Saturday May 4th at 2pm. Rumour has it that singer ‘KAY’ will be making an appearance at one of the locations during the event!