NB Fashion Week: a review

Friday was the day for the New Brunswick Fashion Week. For an event that had promised so much potential, it never really peaked to expectations when it came time. I truly believe that honesty is the best policy when it comes to blogging because this is one of the bases of a blogger`s credibility. As much as I believe in the concept of a New Brunswick Fashion Week and stand behind promoting a fashion industry here, this event was not executed nearly as well as it could have been. However, I am thankful for (in the spirit of Thanksgiving!) having the opportunity to improve my knowledge of what is required to build a fashion industry and for having been introduced to the talent and hard work of local designers.

If you remember back to my initial post on NBFW a few months ago, this event was initially to be Moncton-based but expressed interest from other cities grew it to include Saint John and Fredericton. Saint John, of all locations, had by far the most people who expressed interest and a desire to contribute to this event. At two Industry Nights hosted in July and August in Moncton and Rothesay, respectively, big plans had been laid out for a week full of events to promote a true fashion industry in Atlantic Canada.

NBFW logo designed by Danielle Queen

In the end, NBFW was condensed into a one day event at the Trade & Convention Centre. Lack of organization and marketing on part of the company organizing and directing the event was evident. Events from Moncton, Fredericton, and KV had been quietly dropped from the plate. Schedules and information were very limited in what was provided to potential sponsors and others interested in promoting the event. What little information was provided usually changed and with little notice. Radio ads featured a week in advance of the event were not even entirely accurate, nor was information in the paper.

However, with that being said, local retailers, businesses, models, hair stylists and make-up artists involved executed their roles to the best of their ability with professionalism. I was really impressed with this.

The event was to run from 1-5pm with a trade show of vendors booths, accompanied by local retailers showcasing their merchandise on the runway. I arrived at the Trade and Convention Centre mid-afternoon to find out that, despite having the actual schedule (in Excel spread-sheet form) from the organizing company in my hand, that the production had shut down shortly after 3pm. The schedule had changed so radically that all fashions had already been displayed on the runway, even without notice to the store owners showcasing their clothing and accessories. I began to snap photos of the retailer's tables but then they turned down the lights so that I couldn't even finish that task.

I was a little surprised as well to see no sign of the New Brunswick Fashion Week logo (as above) anywhere at the event. There was also no mention or poster of the charity that was being supported (prior to verbal announcement at the evening show): The Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation's The Give, in supporting stem cell therapy. It was announced at the Industry Night at Shadow Lawn in August that NBFW is donating 10% of its proceeds towards this excellent cause. This would have been an important and helpful fact to better publicize.

(Image credit: SJRH Foundation)

As far as the evening fashion show went, it was good to see that the retailer`s merchandise was added to be included. The models did an excellent job of walking the runway and showcasing items, both retailer and designer. The choice of low lighting in the room proved a challenge to get good photos, but for an amateur photographer, I managed to figure it out!  

I appreciated the acknowledgement of bloggers`presence at this event and the respect we received. We were included with the press to be able to receive media passes. Unfortunately, there was no section or reserved seating for media as we were told in advance, and there really wasn`t the opportunity to go back stage as promised (unless you snuck back there!)

After a long night...the true purpose of what this event was truly to be about finally hit the runway. The designers`work was truly impressive. I just wish they had gotten more time that they had truly deserved- and after a long day for many of them- that they had been featured earlier in the show rather than all having to wait until the last 50 minutes of a 3.5 hour show. (For example, we had to sit through a 4 song Zumba performance before we finally got to see the designers`work- the instructors/performers were really good, but it just did not seem to be a proper fit for a fashion show.)

Those who waited it out to see the designers` pieces on the runway would agree that it was more than well worth the wait. In total, 6 designers from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were featured:

BEC fashions by Rebecca Pike (Halifax)

Danielle Queen Designs by Danielle Queen (Saint John!)

Clutch Culture by Mo Handahu (Halifax)

Ginic Fashions by Ginette Bijould and Nicole Cameron (Moncton)

 CBrido Collection by Celine Brideau (Fredericton)

 Drunk Gurl by John Michael Brewer (Halifax) 

(Left to Right): (1) Designers hit the runway for their final walk, (2) Mo of Clutch Culture takes a bow at the end of her showing, (3) Danielle of Danielle Queen Designs graces the runway after her Saint John designs have run, (4) Mo Handahu and Rebecca Pike walk to the end of the runway hand-in hand for the final designer walk.

Seeing this show live made me realize how much talent we really do have here in Atlantic Canada and how important it is to preserve and support their work. These designers have created pieces that I would truly love to wear! They presented their work with integrity and professionalism....we really do have the beginning and potential for a fashion industry here!

To see the full collections from each designer, check out the album I posted on the blog's Facebook page:

• Photo album: New Brunswick Fashion Week- Designer Runway Show

Unfortunately, this fall's event didn't quite do them justice. With better organization, communication, and execution, advanced planning, and a great increase in marketing to the public, I could see next spring's New Brunswick Fashion Week being a huge hit. It really has the potential to be a huge success, especially if there are people on the ground in the local cities helping to plan (the organizing company were based out of province). Nonetheless, I'm so glad this idea was brought to Saint John. The intentions and passion behind the idea were there, yet there is a definite room for improvement in what can be offered next season and how we can get the message out for increased participation.

At the end of the night, I did leave the event with a feeling of excitement after being introduced to these designers' work. For more of the my favourite aspects and moments from this event, stayed tuned for upcoming blog posts this week!

reviewed- what I wore, the book...

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It's really exciting how varying industries, not only fashion, have embraced what style and fashion bloggers have to offer. If you're one of those people with a keen, quick eye for style and deliver unique content through a well-versed, captivating blog, the opportunities to get your opinions out there are really quite vast. One such girl is personal style blogger Jessica Quirk of What I Wore.

Photo Credit: What I Wore (the book website)

I've been a regular follower of Jessica's blog for about a year and 1/2 now, though she's been posting her outfits and writing when, why, and where she's worn them for just over 4 years now. (Makes my 1 1/2 year-old blog a baby still!) From our computer screens to actual paper, I was excited when Jessica announced last spring that she was working on a book to be published.

Photo Credit: What I Wore (blog)

Flash-forward a little more than a year later and you have What I Wore: Four Seasons, One Closet, Endless Recipes For Personal Style landing on my doorstep one day after its July 5 release date. I immediately dropped everything to read the 130 charmingly illustrated pages of Jessica's book.

What I Wore: Four Seasons, One Closet, Endless Recipes For Personal Style is a guide that provides extensive advice on how to build a practical, but stylish wardrobe season by season. The books is full of suggestions of how to build on the clothing basics, what are the must-haves for every woman's closet, how to make sensible purchases toward expanding your wardrobe, and how to remix what you have to make your wardrobe go the distance. Jessica's book is an effortless read that is presented in the cute metaphor of a cookbook as she suggests step-by-step how to put together the perfect wardrobe similar to how you would follow recipes to cook up a fantastic meal.

Photo Credit: What I Wore (blog)

My true critisims are few: and they are more related to the construct of the book rather than the actual core content. The illustrations are awesome, but the outfit photos of Jessica at the beginning of each season appear a bit grainy. My only other criticism was just with the ease of referencing the descriptions in the text to particular outfit illustrations. Despite the fact that the written content itself is an easy, interesting read, sometimes you have to flip forward or look back a page to discern which group of images she is referring to. For a more seamless flow between images and the text, the illustrations could have benefitted from subtitles/labels.

Now I'll get to the positives about the book, because overall I really did enjoy What I Wore and thought she did an awesome job in her written composition and her beautiful illustrations! 

My favourite aspects and advice from What I Wore, the book: 

• She provides perspective on what percent of your clothing budget you should spend on each season (and it's not divied up to be 25% per season..)
• Before purchasing a new article of clothing, Jessica makes the great suggestion that you be sure it can be worn with at least 3 items already existing in your closet.
• She provides basic check-lists of what you should have in your wardrobe and what to add to it
• She reminds us where to spend and where to splurge.
• As a girl that sports vintage herself, she gives the down-low on what exactly classifies as vintage and how to shop for quality items second-hand.
• She gives helpful hints on how to measure yourself and prepare to shop successfully online.

Photo Credit: What I Wore (blog)

If you're familiar with Jessica's blog you'll start to recognize that she made an interesting move and illustrated her own wardrobe on the models- as a fan of her blog, it was interesting  to recognize and remember  items her outfits! Although following these step by step instructions to a T will build you a wardrobe just like Jessica's, if you're not the type to dress fairly girly (with lots of full, longer skirts), you can still get many excellent pointers out of this book.

I'd say What I Wore: Four Seasons, One Closet, Endless Recipes For Personal Style is worth a read, no matter if you are building a wardrobe or forcing your overflowing closet doors shut. Jessica's got some pointers that will even give the seasoned fashionista a few things to think about.

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my first video post!

I've played with the idea for some time now in regards to doing a video blog post (aka vlog); whether it be on my shopping finds, my closet, or beauty products. I bought a mascara the other day on a whim and decided testing it out might be the perfect opportunity for a video!

Review of L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Eye Illumintator Mascara

Let's get a better look of the contrast before and after I applied the mascara. Keep in mind, that aside from the mascara, my make-up (including eyeliner) was applied prior to the video. Let's check out a before and after looks:

The Product Line...

With this product you have your traditional black as a base coat. For each eye colour there is a different coloured illuminator to be applied as the second coat to serve as a highlight for lashes.

(Photo: Beauty Blitz Blog)

Longevity Test...

This product not marked as "waterproof" mascara, which I would normally consider an essential factor when looking for a smudge-free product. I wore this mascara for the rest of the day. It held up through a windy outdoor photo shoot and a ladies night uptown! No smudges were spotted. I was pretty pleased. Especially given the reasonable cost (roughly $13.00 CAD), I'd recommend this product.

So there you have it! My very first video post. I'd love to hear your feedback as well as ideas of topics you'd like me to cover in a future video blog posts. Also, I'd really like to know what yout favourite mascara is and why?

Chanel Nails: Spring 2011

Ok, so I know this nail polish trio isn't particularly new to stores, but I finally had the opportunity to hold the bottles in my hands last weekend! I had a manicure lined up at Perfumes Plus and was torn on which Chanel shade I should have my nails panted. (I know, such a crisis.)

Photo: Fashion, Beauty & Everything Glamour

I'll say this: I've already been in a spring state of mind. I am loving and craving to new spring products and trends. More or less, I'm gravating to want to dress for the weather I want, not the weather (aka snow) that we are faced with! So pinks being on the rise for this spring, I decided to go with Peche Nacree for my nails. I loved it's peach, almost nude appearance.

My manicure was done by Stefanie at Perfumes Plus while we chatted about our upcoming weddings. (She's much more on the ball than I am!) I asked her for a little advice on preserving a manicure. We always want to make the most of it. So here is her advice on the important things to know and how to avoiding early chipping of your polish: 

"Well, to help it last longer you want to start by making sure before you do the polish application to wipe your nails clean of any oils. You can use polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Next, we use a product called chip skip, what it does is dehydrates your nail temporarily so that when you get the base coat on it bonds really well. Then after your manicure make sure your wearing gloves if your cleaning or doing dishes. After a day or two apply another clear coat and it will help keep it even longer."

Ever wonder why in Canada we don't get the same variety of Chanel products they do in the US? I remember the difficulty of getting my hands on a bottle from the Khaki Collection. Well, here's a little something I learned from Laura (make-up artist at Perfumes Plus): in Canada we actually get our Chanel products from France. Chanel's cosmetics in the US are a thing of their own: they are produced and sold there. Well, didn't my nails did feel a little more European after that!