FASHION Magazine

Into each and every fashionably frenzied life, there comes a time to recharge the Energizer Bunny batteries. A time to find inner Zen, not the closest H&M. A time to acquire more chi than Gucci.

Recently, between drowning in work deadlines and tossing out a life preserver to save my sinking Visa (the summer sales had turned me into a trend-driven Tasmanian devil), I decided it was time to breathe and reboot on a stylish summer vacation. Unfortunately, the closest thing I had to the smell of sea air was the Michael Kors Island fragrance wafting over from our beauty department. But with my mind wandering from Mainbocher to Maine, and with no immediate getaway appearing in my crystal ball, the question was raised: In the summer, what is a city girl to do? The answer: Find a higher power, or rather tower. Destination: The Four Seasons Hotel’s rooftop pool for a little stylish summer sizzlin’.

After a late night (12 a.m.!) at the J.Lindeberg fashion show, hosted by Elmer Olsen Model Management at the Ultra Supper Club on Queen Street West, FASHION realized two things the next morning:

1. Sunglasses and a slick of bright lipgloss do a feting femme good
2. Blazer-wearing boys (in the show and the crowd) are on our style radar

Despite a few fashion casualties (felled by fierce-looking boots on sore feet), too much caffeine and too little sleep, the fashion pack turned up today looking perfectly turned out. Inside the Liberty Grand, spirits were still high and the ankle booties even higher. On with the shows…

Looking to spot some gems today, I was armed and ready with my Fashion Week essentials: Starbucks, a cellphone and sunglasses. After popping in at the Tevrow + Chase showroom to view the fall lineup (watch for print blouses, adorable bubble skirts and fab egg-shaped coats—j’adore!), I raced back to the Liberty Grand to join the fashion pack for today’s runway roster.

Question: Has spring already passed me by? With the weather at a balmy 10 degrees and a cream Burberry duster coat sweetly whispering “spring” in my ear, I am already thinking about the new collections and knitwear for Fall 2007. On the (stilettoed) heels of the fall international collections in Milan and Paris, Toronto’s L’Oreal Fashion Week has officially begun with all of its fanfare, fashionistas and fabulousness.

My name is Sarah, and I am a window shopaholic. Like a fashionable fish, I swim toward the many shiny lures–a chain-handled bag, a platform shoe, or a to-die-for dress. So, last week as I stared at my pale reflection in the travel agency glass, I knew instantly what I needed (besides a serious sweep of blush): a sigh-inducing island getaway. It was time to hit cruise control. What could be better than sun, sand and a suitcase full of the latest resort collections?

In light of Toronto’s recent mayoral election–for which I dutifully cast my vote while doing a modern-day spin of Jackie O: a pink cropped wool jacket with 3/4-length sleeves, oversized sunglasses, pearls and a pair of skinny jeans–I have been thinking a great deal about polls, platform statements and promises.

The final night of Toronto’s L’Oréal Fashion Week may have been on-trend, but it definitely was not on time. After waiting a full 1 hour 15 minutes, the lights dimmed and the music started. I put down my prosecco and picked up my pen … on with the show.

Stuck in a ghastly gridlock, I barely arrived in time for the next round of shows. After a quick pit stop at the media lounge to grab (the fashion editor fix of a diet coke and buffet bite) and gab (five hours a day for five days a week, and there is still more to chat about?) with some of fashion’s finest ladies and gents, I was back in my seat, feeling refreshed and revitalized for some ready-to-wear…

The torrential rain on Tuesday didn’t wash away the fashion crowd, who arrived ready for round two. And while Burberry umbrellas bounced about outside the Muzik building, the fashion forecast inside was favourable.

In a flurry of cabs, canapés and Canadiana (love the gold maple-leaf pendants on the Fashion Design Council of Canada girls!), Toronto’s L’Oréal Fashion Week was off to a stiletto-strutting start.

Let the games begin! It’s Toronto’s L’Oreal Fashion Week! Check back dailyfor our front row coverage of the best shows, as Canadian designers showcasetheir Spring 2007 collections.

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