Flaunt Ottawa in images

Hello Dahlings!

Great things keep on happening, lots lots lots of them, and they're somewhat stopping me from posting my notes, which I shall overcome. So here it comes.

My following adventure at Flaunt Ottawa in images...and...well...words, lots of them. Enjoy!

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Justine (Rogers TV producer) and I, followed the guests in the roof top terrace of the NAC, to enjoy the evening, sipping on drinks from The Collection & Bar 56, and indulging in our guiltiest pleasure just as much.

I started by taking pictures of course, that's what I do, as soon as I enter. Pictures of the baroque décor, the designers booths, the atmosphere but most importantly, stealing shots from the best dressed, most original, eye catching women of the soirée, all different from one another, they were simply gorgeous and brought a smile to may face.

But let's get back to the action for now...
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I started at the PishPosh Accessories booth, where our two designers/cousins Martha and Penny Govas always have a little charm of their own to offer.

It’s great to see them evolving since last time I spotted them at the Ottawa Fashion week, always so sweet. they picked their favourite pieces, pictured.

Another one I was pleasantly surprised to see was Toronto label Desperately Different.
I had just discovered them at the Montreal Fashion & Design - TransCanada segment few weeks back. I liked one of their sheer tops and the architectural dresses, very modern with a "Thieves" feel to it.





















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There was also Klutch, a brand of interesting handbags, all made by hand. The concept and products are interesting, they fit one who likes to make a funky/chic entrance on her passage, plus they come in various colours, patterns and sizes. Giving you plenty options to choose from.

Stacey, the event organizer and Kania Designer was spotted flaunting her Klutch, which perked up her already glamorous outfit.

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Other hand goodies were assured by Kairos, the sophisticated handbag company with its individually hand-painted and sewn pieces. I like the mix of colours (great for me who mostly wear black) which adds to the uniqueness of each piece.

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Besides handbags galore, no one could have missed the frenzy at Kania's booth, a true KaniaMania.

Her pieces were litterally flying off the racks, and ending on delighted customers who were trying them on.

The comfort of her designs and their versatility are so worth the investment.

Talking for myself, that large flare leg black jumpsuit I bought from her is a hit every time I wear it. I love how comfortable and figure flattering her clothes are, on just about every body type.

Below, one of her customer (Hot Anne) showing off one of her purchase, the wrap/hoodie by Kania.

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All this shopping and dancing - As Djays play some of the King of Pop’s best hits (mixed by the DJAY* Entertainment Group) had every belle damzel’s make-up asking for a little touch up, and thanks to Murale service, everyone was quickly and professionally freshen up (the line up was so impressive though.

So I forfeited, after all, I wasn’t the one posing for the camera.

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Talking about pampering, there was a booth of handmade body treats freshly made in Toronto by Froosh, they smelled so good that I thought I was in for another little cake treat. They are very affordable and eco-friendly.

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Another guilty pleasure of mine, if not the most notorious, was completely fulfilled by Little cakes, literally! Courtesy of the Ottawa cupcake bakery, who makes everything from scratch, with love (trust me, I am a pro-baker and I know love when I taste it!).

You can tell from the look on their faces, that they are enjoying these little treasures.

You absolutely have to try them, if you haven’t done so already, I promise you, you will ask for more… and more.

Little cakes are the perfect size, deliciously looking and dangerously good, you won’t feel guilty to indulge in more than 1…

I stopped counting after 5!

Now I must go and count how many Belle demoiselles I have taken on camera at the event, they're coming next, and you just might be one them, so tune in!

Until next time, tataaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Ottawa @ its Flaunting Best

Hello Dahlings!!!

I just came back from a flash visit to O Town last week-end, where I went to cover Flaunt Ottawa, an event organized by Ottawa based clothing Designer Stacey Bafi-Yeboa from Kania.

This one of a kind Trade Show turned into one Chic Shopping experience was a must attend for any Fashion and Style Savvy in Ottawa or anyone looking to indulge in affordable luxury.

Plus it was a beautiful sunny day so why not?

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I was accompanied by Justine Lefebvre from Rogers TV, who filmed my every move and interviewed me at times, during the event, to gather images and sound bites for an episode of one of their TV show Tranche de vies, scheduled to air this fall.

Tranche de vies is a show (in French) which highlights a particular day in the life of an individual, to share their lifestyle/career/passion/experiences with the viewers.

They focused on what I do as an autodidact & independent Fashion Journalist; the long and exciting hours of fun(work), Fashion and Style talks, ambitious vision and of course Canadian flare, I am eager to see the final montage.

It was a gratifying experience, a perfect kick off for the upcoming Miss SLY! *The Show* which I am currently working on. Miss
SLY! *The SHOW* is going to be bold, edgy, stylish, funny and I hope inspiring. So stay tuned!

But until then, I will share highlights of this super day of flaunting, with pictures, comments and more, in posts to come.


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Here on the picture, Kania Designer and Event Organizer Stacey Bafi Yeboa et moi!
I am wearing one of her designs, a Black flare leg jumpsuit, too sexy and too comfy for words, versatile and instantly edgy, accessorized with a red butterfly FCUK belt.

I may ask her to do it in different colours, love it that much!
She is wearing one of her designs as well of course, a very elegant ivory tulip shape dress, complemented with wood tone accents and a bang!

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It was nice to see Ottawa’s best come out in numbers to flaunt, no question about that.
Great looking women of all ages (the older they were, the hotter they got, I promise you!)
graced the red carpet to access the Flaunt Ottawa room.

All well decorated and ornate with pillars, vases, chandeliers, feathers, in a very baroque and feminine boudoir inspired theme, with a black/white/fuchsia colour palette, this Trade Show was an ode a la femme.

Designer and event organizer Stacey Bafi Yeboa did an absolute AMAZING job in designing this somptuous decor, with the help of the Avant-garde decorative company, she turned the NAC roof top terrace in the perfect environment that it became, so guests could indulge in their guiltiest pleasures in the best way possible: shopping, sweets & drinks and pampering, in a chic ambiance were au rendez vous!

Not only do I love her clothes, but it seems like she could add Interior Designer to her Resume. I am definitely considering a consultation with Miss Stacey, to look after the Miss SLY! *The Show* upcoming launch.

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Others to have taken part in making this event a success, were members of STARFISH who promoted the event and provided volunteers.

Pictured here is Samantha (notice the necklace!), taking a breather after checking in all guests in the Flaunt Ottawa environment.

All of that in a fun and festive atmosphere and for a great cause to top it off, as a percentage of the ticket sales and 100% of the silent auction items were donated to the Peter Munk Cardiac Center, par amour et par plaisir.

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My pride and joy for Ottawa's determination to up the Fashion-meter, regardless of the corporate zombies and other 9-5 junkies perpetuals turn offs, can't be fully express with words alone.

I may have left but by no means have I abandoned the ideal of making Ottawa one glamorous city in its own rights. Look at this blond lady for example, doesn't she look glamorous? No need to be a fan of her looks to recognize that... (she reminds me of 90's Super Model Claudia Schiffer).

You are well on your way Ottawa, just keep on flaunting like this!

I spotted so many gorgeous "Miss SLY! victims" that it almost felt like a photography nirvana, if there was such a thing. So more pictures and comments of my favourite moments at Flaunt Ottawa coming in my next post.

Tataaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa for now!

The King is gone, but the Legacy remains

1958 - 2009 ...
Never thought digits could mean so much, take such a magnitude!

I am a Fashion Journalist, a Style critic, and on this Blog, my posts are about Fashion shows, Designers collections, shoes crush, newly discovered boutiques, trend alerts etc...you know how it goes.

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But today, my post will take on a different turn, not so different come to think of it.

It's a tribute to personal style, talent, true genius, uniqueness, eccentricity and all "everything" that makes one a King! I am an advocate of true Self Expression that doesn't comply for conformity's sake, after all.

At this precise moment, Black or White, everywhere in the world, in his favour or not, people have come to terms with the departure of one the greatest, finest, if not the only one, true artist of our lifetime. "Ain't no sunshine" when he's gone, "Gone too soon".

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From world breaking records in too many categories to name, incredible and mind blowing dance moves always imitated never duplicated, most avant-garde and exceptional Fashion sense, which has inspired many from runways to celebrities like Balmain and Rihanna just to name a few;

Creativity that defied the humanly possible of course, and the unyielding faith in the goodness of the world, maybe a sign of innocence and blind trust; the King was irresistible, electrifying, Invincible, til' the end, true to himself.

Impenetrable, impossible to fully grasp or categorize, he remained an enigma, a mystery, and although we acknowledge him as a Genius way before is time, every word still make for an understatement.

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I have moon walked in the past and still do (Oh yes!), while his genius continues to "Rock my world" as I prepare for my next move. See, now more than ever, I definitely "Wanna be startin' something" bigger, larger and much more meaningful. It's dangerous I know.

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We will forever remember the silver glove and socks on cropped pants, the red Jacket from the Epic Thriller (well Chris Brown with or without one, will be remembered for very different reasons!) , the aviator glasses, the white T-shirt under the Jacket, the loud grunts, the moonwalk, and the scream!

In the Music and Personal style department, he always innovated

and never imitated. Almost 4 decades later, he is still on Top as the greatest of all time!

I will listen to his timeless music and "Remember the time" for this is "The way he makes me feel"!!!

Forever Grateful.

Thank you M.J!

This is It!

From the Montreal Fashion & Design Festival...

Moments captured at the Montreal Fashion & Design Festival

Pic # 1: A lady and her daughter...I mean Dog; they look alike, charming.
Pic # 2: Technician at work in the air, the risk we take for fashion's sake.

Pic # 3: A girl dressed a la Lindsay Lohan

Pic # 4: One of the Male model, killing smile

Pic # 5: ??? Shorts, socks and confidence = great Fashion moment!

Pic # 6: Madame Olsen? Her hippie chic style and sunflower captivated many

Pic # 7: The lady in black, very Manhattan meets Paris.
Pic # 8: Simplicity at its best, not trying to be chic is chic.

Pic # 9 & 10: The Hair-do of the festival, interesting!

Pic # 11: Miss Julia, sporting her Gucci and a one sided-hawk

Pic # 12: Model, walking through the crowd between shows

Pic # 13 & 14: Manny Vides, Mixologist extraordinaire.

I have a video of him showing off his talent, a must see!!!

Pic # 15 & 16: Special attraction at the F&D Festival

Pic # 17 & 18: Paris, Kimberley and Ciara? Wrong!

They are professional dancers (hence the toned bodies) from Artmistice

Pic # 19 & 20: Another hair moment.

He couldn't stop smiling when he noticed I was taking pictures of him.

Pic # 21: A guy from the crowd...let me guess, it's not Chris Brown

Pic # 22: Fierce model taking a break between shows, it's not Rihanna either!

Pic # 23: A photographer, his pecial trait: shaved/tattoo eyebrow

Pic # 24: A professional break dancer - she had killer moves

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These Mi Dahlings were the highlights of my days at the Festival, beside the runways shows.

It was a true advantage to be perched at the VIP balcony, right at the entrance, which allowed me to snap shots at the crowd whenever I'd see an image worthy of a flash.

I enjoyed it and I hope you do too.

Until next time, Tataaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!