My night at the P&G Beauty Awards

On Thursday, October 29, I had the pleasure of attending the first-ever P&G Beauty Awards in Canada at The Carlu in Toronto. (Check out the live tweets and my photos.)



I was so flattered to receive an invitation to this exclusive event that although I received invitations to attend several events that night (believe me, that night was an exception), I accepted graciously.

Hosted by Nia Vardalos, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated Canadian actress and screenwriter, best known for her performance in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the event portion of the evening is best described as entertaining and stylish with a splash of good humour for good measure. Lots of fashion and beauty personalities were on hand, Fashion Television’s Jeanne Beker; David Clemmer, star of the W Network’s “Style by Jury”; MTV News host and producer, Aliya-Jasmine Sovani; fashion designer Joeffer Caoc and the reigning Canada’s Next Top Model, Meaghan Waller. who were presenters. Somehow I missed Valerie Bertinelli, what a shame. She was Mr. B’s adolescent crush.

Unlike any awards shows I’ve seen on TV, this one ran quickly. Video commentary from one of the judges in each of 16 categories provided brief explanations as to why each winner was selected. Acceptance speeches were short, sweet and to the point. The ceremony even ended a few minutes earlier than expected, allowing more time for the elegant after-party.

What really stood out for me, apart from all the beautiful people who were impeccably dressed, was how several of the winners gave a shout out to the PR people who made their jobs easier. At a time where public relations is facing new challenges and often called out in an unflattering way because of shoddy blogger outreach, it was refreshing to hear praises for people who do it well. It’s also a reminder that at the end of the day, no matter who is approaching whom or how, what matters are relationships and relationships are a two-sided equation.

Next year let’s hope we’ll see a greater recognition of fashion and beauty bloggers who are outside of the mainstream Canadian fashion and beauty media.

Congrats to all the winners! Thanks again P&G Beauty and all the sponsors. (I’m enjoying the very generous swag bag too.)

Check out my interview on FinalFashion

Shortly after Bargainista began, some awesome and very connected members of the fashion blogging community contacted me and invited me to join them for the second Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch, started by none other than the incredibly talented and articulate Danielle Meder, the woman behind finalfashion. She’s a brilliant fashion illustrator too. (Thanks Danielle for letting me include one of your illustrations.)

Danielle interviewed me this week for her interview series, fashion blog karma where we discuss the intersection between the fashion and shopping blogger communities and public relations. Have a read. I’d love to know what you think.

My friend made it into Holts' window

This post is long, long overdue. At the end of June, Holt Renfrew unveiled a new series of windows as a tribute to some of the best fashion bloggers in the whole wide world.

I knew about the Holt’s windows and the shout out to bloggers for a while and I owe a huge apology to my friend Anita Clarke of I want – I got for not posting this sooner. In fact, I probably took one of the first photos of Anita’s window before it was revealed. Anita invited me to her “reveal” party the night of the unveiling and unfortunately, I wasn’t able to join in the celebration.

Why should you care?
A tribute to bloggers demonstrates Holt’s awareness of the importance of influential blogs, customer reviews and word of mouth (online and off) for sharing knowledge about fashion, what’s hot, what’s not and where to buy. They didn’t stop at the windows, they’re also having a contest where you can vote for your favourite blog correspondents on Facebook using a touchscreen computer outside their Bloor St. store or your own devices.

Here’s a list of the other incredible fashion bloggers who made the cut:
• Scott Schuman
• Bryanboy
• Tommy Ton
• Jane Aldridge
• Garance Doré

Why should I care?
Well, way back in the fall of 2006, shortly after I started blogging, I got an email from Anita. We had never met in person. Outside of some PR and marketing folks who I had met briefly at two-part AIMS events and my friend Glen, I really didn’t know any bloggers. I certainly didn’t know any who were blogging about fashion or shopping.

Anita invited me to join her and a small group of friends who were heavily engaged in the local and international fashion blogging seeing. She invited to me to join them for an upcoming Toronto Fashion Bloggers’ Brunch, a group founded by the ever-so-talented Danielle Meder from final fashion. I haven’t looked back since. We’ve all remained friends and I owe it to Anita and Danielle for welcoming me into their community.

So to those of you who think us bloggers are a bunch of computer nerds hanging out in our basements, think again. ;-)

Related articles by Zemanta

• Scott Schuman: Street smarts (nationalpost.com)
• Holt Renfrew Reveals Fashion Blogger Windows (newswire.ca)

My take on L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara

I’ve been approached by Matchstick (a word of mouth marketing company) to do product reviews several times. Unlike most of the companies who contact me, Matchstick required me to complete a survey first to ensure I’m part of the demographic they are targeting for their clients. In the past, I’ve never made it past the survey stage because of my age.

Things have changed. This time around, I wrote back and asked Danah, their new blogger relations co-ordinator, why they keep contacting me since it was a waste of everyone’s time. I also mentioned that you – yes, all of you reading this post right now – don’t belong to one age band and it was short-sighted of them to discount Bargainista because I am older than the top of their age band for most products. (People who follow this blog are anywhere from teens to at least mid-50s.) She approached me because of a mascara program for L’Oreal Paris. I assured her women their 40s still wear mascara. ;-)

Danah and I met at a Toronto Fashion Bloggers’ Brunch. I talked to her about blogger influence, the next day she had a chat with her client and they decided to include women in my age group in the program. Well, I’m still not convinced they made this decision for the right reasons but I was happy to participate, get a better sense of what Matchstick was all about and try some new make-up.

I was quite impressed when I received a cosmetic bag (“The Glam Kit”) filled with two containers of L’Oréal Paris European version Double Extension Beauty Tubes Mascara. the product I was asked to review and some other stuff:
• 1 x L’Oréal Paris Cosmetic Bag
• 1 x L’Oréal Paris Cosmetic Brush
• 1 x L’Oréal Paris Eye Shadow Quad in Grey
• 1 x Carbon Black Liquid Liner
• 1 x Guide to Smokey Eyes

You may remember it wasn’t that long ago I reviewed another new mascara. So I hope you don’t mind if I make a few comparisons.

I’ve been spending a lot of money on mascara so I wasn’t expecting much from L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara – it’s available for $14.99 at most drug and grocery stores. I’ve been using this product for about a month now. (I figured I needed to try it for a while to give it a fair shot.) At first, I was pleasantly surprised. The biggest benefit was this product didn’t smudge. I wear contact lenses and usually buy waterproof mascara. It still smudges. Guess what this cheap stuff that isn’t waterproof doesn’t smudge at all.

Similar to the Lancôme XXL Cils Booster, the first step of the L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara is a white cream I applied to my lashes. The second step is a black mascara. I like how both tubes are part of one package but I found the application awkward because the two brushes emerge from the middle and the cream and mascara products need to be screwed apart from either end. It would be easier if the brushes were contained in the tops like typical mascara tubes.

I really liked the staying power of this product. It lasts all day and stays on all night if you’re like me and sometimes to tired to remove your make-up before bed. (shh!). My eyelashes looked long and lush. It also washes off very easily with soap and water.

What I didn’t like was my eyelashes looked a too thick and unnatural. (I much prefer the appearance of my eyelashes after an application of Lancôme Oscillating Mascara.) I also found my eyelashes were more likely to fallout while I was washing it off.

At first, when the product was fresh it had a perfect consistency. Not to thin or thick. After two week, it became very gummy. I guess that’s where it shows the difference between premium beauty counter products and drugstore brands.

I’ve had a lot of eyelash experience in the past few months. Coincidently, I wore professionally applied lash extensions for my cousin’s wedding in December. If you watch this video, the make-up artist claims you’ll get the same results from Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara. The lash extensions looked natural. They made me look like I had more lashes. I disagree that Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara produces the same results.

Expert Advice

Over to you…
I’m not ready to give up on L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara entirely. I don’t miss raccoon eyes. So if you know of another mascara that also staying power but maintains a fresh consistency until the last application, please leave a comment and let me know.

Save $5…
If you’d like to try L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara and get a coupon mailed to for $5 off, you can sign up online and enter the code “2HMT” in the upper right-hand corner. I’m not sure about you but I think it would make a lot more sense and be more eco-friendly if you could print a coupon right off their website. Don’t you? Besides, then you could buy it right away

If you’ve tried L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara, Matchstick would love to get your feedback too. Please take a couple minutes to complete this survey.

One more thing: Matchstick, I’m so glad you let me participate in this program but I find the process you put your bloggers (and “influencers”) through to onerous. I much prefer trying products without any strings attached. Oh ya, and I haven’t received follow-up phone call from you yet. Your instructions stated you’d be calling me for feedback about a week after I received “The Glam Kit”. Several of the links you’ve sent me are broken too.

Celebrating BlogDay with five new finds

Hey, did you know today is the 4th annual BlogDay? Well, it is so I’m going to share five blogs I’ve discovered and thought you might like too.

Here they are in random order:

tinku tales -
About: “the not-so-secret life of a contemporary art gallery owner/intrepid traveler/international marketing maven/adventures”

I “met” author Amrita Chandra (“tinku” is her childhood nickname) on twitter and right away was enamoured with tinku tales – a blog about opening her first art gallery, art and life through her insightful eyes. Learn about the modern art world, the challenges of opening a new art gallery and the incredible life experiences of this amazing woman as she embarks on a new career.

Zoey’s World
About: “And this is..? Zoey Castelino blogs about life as a writer and journalist, sharing her insight on social media, mainstream media, trends, pop-culture and stories from her life.”

Zoey Castelino found me on twitter shortly after the launch of Community Divas and I’m so glad she did. She’s a brilliant writer with lots of juicy stories about her life. I think you’ll love her take on trends and pop-culture and even if you’re not into reading about media, you’ll want to read what she has to say.

Rags and Mags – haute on the hog
About: “Rags and Mags is a voyeuristic peek into the thoughts of two fictional characters as they work and play within the real fashion industry in Toronto, Canada. It is written by Carolyn Rohaly and illustrated by Danielle Meder.”

I became friends with Danielle and Carolyn through the now defunct TFBB (Danielle was the founder.) I love their humourous take on the local fashion scene through the eyes of their uber fashionable alter egos, Rags and Mags.

so you wannabee a Domestik Goddess?
About: “So you wannabee Domestik Goddess is about helping you to create a living space that reflects your own unique personality and style.”

Jen your hostess is the alter ego of author Rebecca Leaman (another interesting woman I’ve *met* on twitter), guides you through a multitude of ways to simplify your every day home life and achieve domestic bliss effortlessly - oh don’t I wish.

Independent Fashion Bloggers
About: “… a blog in reaction to corporate networks and media companies springing up faster than I can keep track of. Most of us are not business people, and are not familiar with the ins and outs of the industry, and are often left without knowing where to go for information and who to talk to and ask questions. I don’t have the answers, just like many of you, I have questions that together we can all figure out in a safe and open environment.”

I’m so glad I came across this blog founded by Jennine Tamm who blogs at the The Coveted. It’s rich resource for fashion bloggers looking for information about building successful commercial blogs. Oh, and best of all, membership in the IFB community is FREE!

Eye Weekly talks digital dress up

I had the pleasure of meeting Rea McNamara at the March Toronto Fashion Bloggers’ Brunch. Last week she interviewed me about Second Life for a story she covered for Toronto’s Eye Weekly. You can read Digital dress up here.

With Mark Kingdon, former CEO of Organic, appointed as the new head of Linden Lab, Second Life’s creator, I think we’ll be hearing a lot more about this virtual world in the days and months to come. Thanks to Kate Trgovac for the heads-up.

Weekly Wish – Attending L’Oréal FashionWeek

Last week I attended a special TFFB where everyone was preparing for a week of fashion excitement, as Toronto’s finest designers were getting ready to debut their fall-winter ’08 collections. Most of them had press passes because the Fashion Design Council of Canada (FDCC) is enlightened enough to realize the value local bloggers bring to the community.

If you’re like me, chances are you didn’t get to L’Oréal FashionWeek. I really wanted to see the Pink Tartan show – I love Kimberly Newport-Mimram’s Pristine Punk collection. The Joe Fresh show always amazes me too – how does Joe (Mimram – yes, he’s Kimberly Newport Mimram’s other half) pull off such an incredible show while keeping prices so affordable?

Fortunately, there’s a lot of coverage online. Fashion Television assembled an incredible multimedia archive. And if you want to get a behind-the-scenes look at the make-up, check out what Henna from Canadian Beauty had to say.

Enough of this virtual view of L’Oréal FashionWeek, next fall I’m wishing for my own press pass so I can share the details first hand. Wish me luck!

TFBB 15 - Recap

After a lengthy absence, it was great getting together with the Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch crowd. I enjoyed catching up with friends and seeing several new faces around the table.

Everyone was so geared up for L’Oreal’s Toronto Fashion Week which starts tomorrow. I probably won’t be making it to any of the shows or parties so I’ll have to follow the adventures of my TFBB friends who do a great job of reporting. You can do the same! Check out where to find attendees below...

Sonja Andic - PR rep for L’Oreal

Henna Singh - Canadian Beauty

Gail McInnes - The Style Box and Toronto Fashion Incubator news editor

Anita Clarke - I want - I got and blogTO fashion writer

Danielle Meder - Final Fashion and Rags and Mags illustrator

Rea McNamara - Eye Weekly style writer

Rina Grosman - She Does the City “Sew What”

Alison-Violet Mount - FashionTelevision videocaster

Adrian Corsin - Fashion Verbatim

Carolyn Rohaly - Toronto Fashion Incubator diarist and Rags and Mags writer

Brooklyn Brownstone - Designer Relations for the FDCC

Rebecca Leung - photographer and PR for Too Magazine

Sarah Nicole Prickett - Torontoist fashion editor

Unfortunately, I had another commitment and had to leave early and didn’t have a chance to speak to everyone. It was so nice to hear from Rea McNamara after brunch. She wants to learn more about my shopping adventures in Second Life.

Thanks Danielle for the photo!

Special Pre-Fashion Week: Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch XV - March 16

You’re invited! Calling all local fashion bloggers:


What?
Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch (TFBB)

Where?
Brassaii
461 King St. W. (map)
Toronto

When?
Mar. 26, 2008
11:30 a.m.

Who?
The TFBB gang and friends.

How?
RSVP by logging on to http://tfbb.eventbrite.com

It’s been a while since I’ve brunched with the gang. I’m looking forward to this one. Hope to see you there.

Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch 14 - Sun., Jan. 27

You’re invited! Calling all local fashion bloggers:

What?
Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch (TFBB)

Where?
Brassaii
461 King St. W. (map)
Toronto

When?
Jan. 27, 2008
11:30 a.m.

Who?
The TFBB gang and friends.

How?
RSVP by logging on to http://tfbb.eventbrite.com

It’s been a while since I’ve brunched with the gang. I’m looking forward to this one. Hope to see you there.

TFBB XIII - Nov. 25

You’re invited! Calling all local fashion bloggers:

What?
Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch (TFBB)

Where?
Brassaii
461 King St. W. (map)
Toronto

When?
Nov. 25, 2007
11:30 a.m.

Who?
The TFBB gang and friends.

How?
RSVP by logging on to http://tfbb.eventbrite.com

Special thanks to Danielle great illustration and poster, Anita for setting up the RSVPs on eventbrite and Henna for booking Brassaii. Unfortunately, I probably won’t make it to this one but can’t wait to read about it on the ’net afterwards.

Tags: Brassaii, blogging, fashion, social media, TFBB,

Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch XII - the recap

Brassaii was host to yet another TFBB today. In addition to yours’ truly, we had an intimate and lively group of bloggers and readers:

• Adrian, Fashion Verbatim
• Anita, I want - I got
• Danielle, finalfashion
• Henna, Canadian Beauty
• Liza, Irene, Rachel and Sonja, Toronto Street Fashion
• Melissa; and,
• Amanda

As usual, interesting conversation ensued:
• Toronto Fashion Week - all this week, Nathan Phillips Square, be there!
• Adrian’s visit with Chanel
• Comments from anonymous bloggers, blog syndication and blog networks
• Fashion PR
• Joe Fresh Style for kids - it’s the best

BTW, check out Danielle’s phenomenal sketch of some of us regulars. In addition to her design talents, Danielle is an extraordinary illustrator. Friends have commissioned her to produce custom illustrations for their blogs and biz cards. You should see her moo cards. If you're interested, let her know. Her illustrations start at $100 - a bargain, don’t ya think.

Tags: Brassaii, Joe Fresh, illustrations, moo cards, TFBB, Toronto Fashion Week

Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch XII - Sunday, Oct. 21

You’re invited! Calling all local fashion bloggers:


What?
Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch (TFBB)

Where?
Brassaii
461 King St. W. (map)
Toronto

When?
October 21, 2007
11:30 a.m.

Who?
The TFBB gang and friends.

How?
RSVP by logging on to http://tfbb.eventbrite.com

Special thanks to Adrian for the sassy poster, Anita for setting up the RSVPs on eventbrite and Danielle for keeping us all on our toes.

Tags: Brassaii, blogging, fashion, social media, TFBB,

Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch XI - Saturday, Sept. 30

You’re invited! Calling all local fashion bloggers:

What?
Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch (TFBB)

Where?
Frans
20 College St. (map)
Toronto

When?
Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007
7 p.m.

Who?
Special shout-out to Danielle for her terrific poster (more about that later) and co-ordinating this event.

How?
RSVP by logging on to http://tfbb.eventbrite.com

Technorati tags: blogging, Frans, nuit blanche, TFBB

Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch X - Sunday, Aug. 26

You’re invited! Calling all local fashion bloggers:

What?
Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch (TFBB)

Where?
Brass Taps
221 Carleton St. (map)
Toronto

When?
August 26, 2007
noon

Who?
Special shout-out to Danielle for her terrific poster (more about that later) and co-ordinating this event (and picking up the ball in my absence.)

How?
RSVP by logging on to http://tfbb.eventbrite.com

Technorati tags: blogging, Brass Taps, brunch, TFBB

H&M empire continues to grow in Toronto

Note: This guest post is courtesy of Sonja Andic, Managing Editor and Photographer of TorontoStreetFashion. Sonja recently attended the opening party for the new H&M store on Queen and shares an insider’s view.

Look for the new H&M store just opened on Queen Street West near Spadina Ave. It is a newer, fresher version of the other already established H&M Toronto locations.

For those on a strict diet of fast fashion this retail empire doesn’t disappoint. Prepare for the usual smorgasbord of cheap hipster fashions for men and women. Highlights include rip-off House of Holland slogan t-shirts, skull motif socks, afro comb pendant necklaces and skinny leg jeans in bright colours.

The opening night in-store party was a huge parade of the who’s who in the Toronto fashion community. Caught red-handed rummaging for bargains was FQ Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Jeanne Beker and Fashion Design Council of Canada (FDCC) President Robin Kay. You couldn’t move for all the VIP stylists, photographers, fashion bloggers, designers and Queen Street hipsters.

Prepare to pack a light snack of energy bars to get you all around the massive two storey building with racks and racks of the latest trends for women. If you are a male shopper, the men’s section is a bit on the scrawny side, but don’t let that stop you from pilfering from the gals!

We’re you at the H&M Queen W. opening? What did you think? Been to any store openings lately? Share your event coverage with Bargainista? E-mail me.

Technorati tags: FDCC, FQ Magazine, H&M, Jeanne Beker, Robin Kay, Sonja Andic, TorontoStreetFashion

TFBB IX - the recap

Brassaii was host to our first TFBB mid-afternoon bite. Knowing several of the gang would be at the debut of Carolyn’s band, Satan’s Candy the night before, we decided to have a fashionably late 2 p.m. brunch. What style!

We had an intimate group of bloggers:
• Anita Clarke of I want - I got and blogTO
• Carolyn Rohaly of the TFI blog

• Danielle Meder of finalfashion
• Henna Singh of Canadian Beauty
• Sonja Andic of Toronto Street Fashion
• Gail McInnes of the Plutino Group
• Ali de Bold of Chick Advisor

• first timer, Jenna Wilson of Girl from Auntie

and friends:
• Tierre Taylor, photographer extraordinaire, of SNAP Downtown Toronto; and,
• Barry Freedman - a reader who shared his interesting insights about mens' fashions and international travel.

We had some lively discussions including:
• Satan’s Candy's debut performance the previous night
• Toronto Fashion Week (again)
• local designers and artists
• Moo cards
• copyright issues for bloggers
• creative manicures, especially the custom hand-painted designs sported by Carolyn

And speaking of food...
Brassaii came through once again and we’re getting better at dealing with the “no individual bill” policy.

photo credit: Tierre Taylor, SNAP Downtown Toronto via finalfashion on flickr

Technorati tags: Brassaii, blogging, TFBB

Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch IX - Sunday, July 29

You’re invited! Calling all local fashion bloggers:

What?
Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch (TFBB)

Where?
Brassaii
461 King St. W. (map)
Toronto

When?
July 29, 2007
2:00 p.m.

Who?
Special shout-out to Danielle for her awesome poster (more about that later), Anita for her technical expertise support and Carolyn for co-ordinating this event.

How?
RSVP by logging on to http://tfbb.eventbrite.com

Technorati tags: Brassaii, blogging, fashion, TFBB

Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch VII - Sun., June 24

You’re invited! Calling all local fashion bloggers or fashion blog lovers:


What?
Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch (TFBB)

Where?
Brassaii
461 King St. W. (map)
Toronto

When?
June 24, 2007
11:30 a.m.

Who?
The TFBB gang and friends. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make this one.

How?
RSVP by logging on to http://tfbb.eventbrite.com

Technorati tags: Brassaii, blogging, fashion, social media, TFBB,

Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch VII - the recap

Brassaii was host to yet another TFBB today. We had large, lively and eclectic group of bloggers and journalists:

Adrian Corsin, Fashion Verbatim
Andrew Sardone, Now Magazine
Anita Clarke, I want - I got
Carolyn Rohaly, TFI Blog
Eden Spodek, Bargainista
Gail McInnes, Plutino Group
Henna Singh, Canadian Beauty
Hilary George-Parkin, Static Fashion
Kate Trgovac, My Name is Kate
Marissa Liu, Yo Porro
Nathalie Atkinson, National Post
Samra Habib, Rouge
Tiffanie Ing, Toronto Street Fashion
Zaigham Zulqernain, Week of Style
along with other members of our community

As usual, interesting conversation ensued:
• Week of Style
• lack of fashion for men
• pitching bloggers (there are some great posts if you want to learn how to do it right)
• similarities and differences between bloggers and traditional journalists (Is there a higher level of accountability? Do we have the same authority? Can a small niche audience be as important as a large one?, etc.)
Lots of food for thought to say the least.

And speaking of food...

Brassaii knew just how to treat us. Liam our server, kept surprising us with his fashion knowledge. The food was yummy and a few of us got some parting gifts: fresh baked croissants. Only one complaint: the “no individual bill” policy.

photo credit: geekgirl on flickr

Technorati tags: Brassaii, TFBB, Week of Style