Toronto Fashion Bloggers’ Brunch V: recap

Today I went to Toronto Fashion Bloggers’ Brunch V. We met at Il Gusto. Decent food and reasonable prices but a cozy spot like this is meant for parties of 2 or 4, not groups of 10 or so, like us. ; )

Other bloggers in attendance were:
• Adrian (poster designer) from Fashion Verbatim
• Anita from I want - I got
• Carolyn from the Toronto Fashion Incubator
• Danielle from Final Fashion
• Gina from Keep on Shopping
• Henna from Canadian Beauty
• Tiffanie (event organizer) from TorontoStreetFashion.com

Discussions revolved around Toronto Fashion Week from the perspective of the audience, the media and the publicists; and, discussing the where fashion and social media collide.

As for Toronto Fashion Week, The highlight was learning about Pat McDonagh’s show. It was a celebration of her 40 years in the biz. The theme of her show was inspired by An Inconvenient Truth. Ironically, her clothing was made from synthetic fabrics and often paired with fur. Most intriguing was her use of penguin motifs on formal wear. Not sure it’s my thing but according to my fashionista friends, her loyal fans lapped it up. I quite like the coat in the photo but you wouldn’t catch me in a fur hat.

And as for social media, we discussed MySpace (“so last year”), Facebook (“it’s where everyone is now”) and LinkedIn (“the place to be for professional networking”); controlled vs. uncontrolled communication; and, bloggers as trusted sources of information.

By the way, I’m booking the restaurant for TFBB VI. Suggestions welcome.

Technorati tags: blogging, Facebook, fashion, Il Gusto, LinkedIn, MySpace, Pat McDonagh, TFBB, Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch, Toronto Fashion Week

Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch IV

I snuck out of PodCamp and scooted across town to attend Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch IV. It was great seeing everyone again and definitely worth the trip.

We discussed lots of interesting stuff:
• Fashion vs. style - can you have one without the other?
• Shopping and manufacturing - how does Joe Fresh provide such great quality at such low prices? Is it awesome or boring?
• Fashion Weeks: London and New York - Marc Jacobs definitely the highlight
• Upcoming events - Toronto Fashion Week

We had some new faces:
• Miki, a fashion blog reader (how cool is that?)
• Marlene Shiff from boutique le trou, shared interesting insights and experiences working with Canadian designers

And familiar ones:
• Anita of I want - I got and blogTO
• Toronto Fashion Incubator diarist Carolyn Rohaly

• Danielle of final fashion

• Adrian of Fashion Verbatim

• Rachel, Sonja and Tiffanie from TorontoStreetFashion.com

As usual brunch at The Drake Hotel was yummy. (Unfortunately, I didn't stay long enough to make the photo session at the end.)

I'm looking forward to TFBB V.

photo credit: Danielle of final fashion

Technorati tags: fashion, podcamptoronto 2007, TFBB, Toronto Fashion Blogger Brunch

Toronto Fashion Bloggers’ Brunch - V

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

What?
Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch (TFBB)
Time to talk about Toronto Fashion Week

Where?
TBA
Toronto

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

Who?
Special shout-out to Danielle for the inspiration, Tiff for carrying the ball and Adrian for the awesome graphic.

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

Technorati tags: blogging, fashion, L’Oreal Fashion Week, social media, TFBB, Toronto Fashion Week

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)

Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch VI - the recap

As we welcomed the warm sunny weather, we also said hello to a new meeting spot: Brassaii.

And what a warm welcome we received...

In addition to reasonable prices, ample comfortable seating, and delicious food, we had excellent service and complimentary mimosas. Not one complaint. We’ll be back!

Other bloggers in attendance were:
• Adrian from Fashion Verbatim
• Anita from I want - I got
• Carolyn from the Toronto Fashion Incubator
• Danielle from Final Fashion
• Sonja from TorontoStreetFashion.com
and
• community members: Andrai and Kasia.

Danielle, Sonja, Anita and Carolyn shared their perspectives and opinions about TFI’s Ultimate Platinum:
• Should we support Canadian designers just because they are Canadian or do they have to earn our praise?
• What does it take to be a good designer: innovation, commercial appeal, a bit of both?
• What do you think?

Anita and Sonja were both chatting away on their new KRZR’s. The MP3 player rocks. Like most camera phones, the camera has room for improvement. We tried to take some pics on Anita’s phone and after six different shots, still didn’t have one we wanted to use on our blogs. Regardless, KRZR’s design sure is slick and made my relatively new phone seem pretty uncool in comparison. Maybe, I’ll get to test one out and let you know all about it first hand.

What would Earth Day have been without some discussion about organic fabrics and sustainable clothing? A few of us got into quite the philosophical discussion about consumer behaviour and materialism. What do you think?

Last but not least and certainly not unique to fashion (or shopping) blogs, was how to pitch a blogger.

Got a great product or service you want us to write about?
• Do your research.
• Read our blogs.
• Make sure you know who you’re targeting.
• Think like a boy scout: be prepared!

Join the TFBB group on Facebook.

Technorati tags: blogging, Brassaii, Earth Day, fashion, KRZR, TFBB, Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch, Ultimate Platinum

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 TFBB - the Feb. 07 edition

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

What?
Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch (TFBB)

Where?
The Drake
1150 Queen St. W.
Toronto

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

Who?
Special shout-out to Danielle for the inspiration, Anita for carrying the ball and Adrian for the wonderful, Warhol-inspired graphic.

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

Technorati tags: blogging, fashion, social media, TFBB, The Drake

Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch VII - May 27 reminder

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?
May 27, 2007
11:30 a.m.

Who?
Special shout-out to Danielle for her wonderful Breakfast at Tiffany’s poster, 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, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, blogging, fashion, social media, TFBB

Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch VII - May 27

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?
May 27, 2007
11:30 a.m.

Who?
Special shout-out to Danielle for her wonderful Breakfast at Tiffany’s poster, 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, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, blogging, fashion, social media, TFBB,

Reminder - Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch VI - Apr. 22

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?
Apr. 22, 2007
11:30 a.m.

How?
RSVP asap, log on to http://tfbb.eventbrite.com

Technorati tags: Brassaii, blogging, fashion, social media, 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 VI - Apr. 22

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

What?
Toronto Fashion Bloggers Brunch (TFBB)
Time to talk about TFI’s Ultimate Platinum

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

When?
Apr. 22, 2007
11:30 a.m.

Who?
Special shout-out to Danielle and Anita for their support; and, of course Adrian for another fabulous poster.

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

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

Uptown girl's downtown fashion brunch

Today, I connected with some members of the Toronto's fashion blogger community. We met at The Drake for the Toronto Fashion Bloggers' Brunch (TFBB).

There were about 20 fashion bloggers (and friends) representing the local fashion scene including:
• Anita - I want - I got, BlogTO and recent guest columnist
• Danielle - final fashion
• Bianca - a wee bit skint
• Carolyn - Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI)
• Adrian - Fashion.Verbatim
• Truc - Deeply Superficial
• Rachel, Sonja and Tiffanie - TorontoStreetFashion.com

We spoke about everything from blogging to fashion design, pr and marketing. One of the highlights was chatting with Truc. She's worked at some places other aspiring fashionistas would only dream about.

Thanks Danielle for all your hard work organizing this event (including the great photo graphic), and to Anita for inviting me.

Technorati tags: blogging, fashion, TFBB

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 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 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,

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!

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

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.