Blue and Brown for Girl Geek Dinner

Sweater - Zara; Dress - Banana Republic; Boots - Steve Madden

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend the season opener of Girl Geek Dinners Ottawa - a fantastic monthly networking event that makes technology accessible and interesting to all age groups and all people, particularly women. Led by Amanda Shendruk, founder of Aesthetic Intelligence and a leading expert in data visualization (also, she has the most amazing hair), last night's discussion focused on big data and the role of infographics. As someone who can't pass up reading an nfographic, this topic was right up my nerd alley.

For an evening of conversations, creativity, and learning about chartjunk (it's a thing, google it!) I decided it was only fitting to get a little creative and debut a never-before-worn blue and brown look. It was comfortable, casual, and thankfully chartjunk free!

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Harvest Noir

This past Sunday, I had the privilege of being my friend's plus-one at Ottawa's secret, chic picnic, Harvest Noir. Only hours after learning the location (you receive an email at noon and are to arrive promptly at four), 1,500 people of all ages gathered on the front lawns of City Hall in their most stylish black apparel, to toast the harvest, and in our case, wine and dine in the rain. 

In only it's second year, Harvest Noir has not only doubled in size, but it has quickly become one of the most sought after social tickets of the season. The evening is comprised of three acts, each unique and breathtaking.

ACT I: The Secret Picnic
Elegantly-dressed diners head to the secret destination toting picnic baskets stuffed with locally-harvested food they've prepared, set up a feast at their assigned tables, and celebrate the harvest with friends and family. Guests will enjoy the dining experience of the year, accompanied by glasses of fine local bubbly, wine and beer, and refined live music by a 13-piece orchestra. (Official event description, sourced from HarvestNoir.com)



Despite the fashionably late rain, which arrived ten minutes after the picnic started, it was a fabulous evening, if not for the people-watching alone. With men in tuxedos with tails and top hats, and ladies in hooped skirts and fascinators, and even a gorilla suit, Harvest Noir was like dining at Downton Abbey, if only the Dowager enforced a strict black-only, steampunk-inspired dress code.

Our table decor

The lighting of the burner - a true team effort to ensure we had a hot meal

ACT II: The Pop-Up Parade
After cleaning up our table, we were given sparklers and followed a marching band from City Hall, through Confederation Park to the N.A.C. 

Throughout the parade I happened to walk behind a girl wearing the most fabulous wings. 
So, naturally, I had to take a picture. Creepy, I know, but how could I not!?

ACT III: The DJ DanceParty

Once we arrived at the N.A.C. the party really began. With three different dancefloor, each table had been assigned to a room. Ours was the Classic Room, so we danced and sang the night away to oldies tunes - everything from Mungo Jerry to 80s rap. I loved it all!

The only time we weren't on the dancefloor was to watch the fashion show and marvel at the hula hoop artists who'd taken over the foyer. 

One of the highlights of Act III was when a choir started to sing "We are Young" by Fun. and everyone in the N.A.C sang along. You really can't beat the sound of 1,000+ voices singing together.



What I Wore

As soon as I was invited to Harvest Noir, I knew exactly what I was going to wear: the strapless, bubble dress I'd worn to my University graduation. It's been sitting in my closet ever since just begging to be worn. So Harvest Noir was the night.

In keeping with the Harvest theme, I thought it was only appropriate to wear gold leaf accessories (the bartender was thoroughly impressed by my dedication to the harvest).

My original lookDress - Jacob; Tights - Zellers;
Boots, Necklace, Earrings, Clutch - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

For an outdoor evening event, where rain was expected, I knew that a cashmere cardigan was a must - plus, the pearls made it feel very Harvest Noir appropriate.

Cardigan - Joe Fresh

And finally, to top off my look, the chicest of all rain apparel: a trench coat and umbrella.

Trench - H&M

My Harvest Noir date, Alayne, and I - before the rains started.

Thankfully we took photos before the rain *really* started, because before long I looked like this (Alayne, on the other hand managed to look stunning, as always):

  

Half-way through the picnic and still smiling, after at least two hours in the rain.

Even though we were soaked, Harvest Noir was a fantastic night. So much so that we've already decided we can't miss 2013; rain or shine.


All photos in this post are my own. For official event photos check out Jake Wright - they're amazing!

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Faculty of Celebrity Studies

Last night, I had the honour of attending gossip maven Lainey Lui (of eTalk and Lainey Gossip fame)'s first Faculty of Celebrity Studies event in Ottawa. I had no clue what to expect from the evening, but I can honestly say it far exceeded any expectations I may have had.

Held at the Terence Robert Gallery on Sussex it was an evening of not just gossip (we did talk all about the latest on K.Stew, Katie and Tom, and much, much more), but we also discussed how celebrity gossip can be used as a barometer for the current state of society and, when done properly, gossip can actually be a study in human behaviour - see, I told you, not at all what I was expecting. For example, Lainey hypothesized that global events, such as the decline of the world's economy, can be mirrored in the way celebrities are portrayed in gossip mags. Back in the days celebrities were larger than life, unapologetic characters and now they're "just like us." 

But, it wasn't all hypotheses and theories, the evening was a gathering of many of Ottawa's most fabulous. We sipped Vitamin Water cocktails and nibbled on delicious spring rolls and bison sliders (NB: I can only speak for the deliciousness of the veggie spring rolls, but I was assured that the bison sliders were also very tasty).







And of course there was a chance to do a bit of mingling (I completely repeated an outfit for the event, for a better look, click here.) Lainey was awesome - what you read/see is exactly what you get. She was very down-to-earth and genuine, cynical but sweet, and she has a killer sense of fashion (check out her shoes in the very last photo - amazing!)

photo credit: Marilou, Twenty York Street

photo credit: Marilou, Twenty York Street

photo credit: Marilou, Twenty York Street

After attending the Faculty of Celebrity Studies, I've decided that I'm going to look at my gossip addiction in a whole new light - I mean, it's basically cultural anthropology - at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

A huge thank you to Lainey Gossip and Vitamin Water for hosting such a fun and educational evening.

Vitamin Water with Lainey's special, custom labels

And a special shout out to the beautiful Marilou of Twenty York Street who patiently held my iPhone while I waited to have my picture taken with Lainey.

Marilou of Twenty York Street with Lainey and a friend

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Flaunt Ottawa

Ottawa's most fabulous and fashionable were out in full force on Friday night to support Kania, Ovarian Cancer Canada and FLAUNT what they've got!



When I walked into the Trillium Ballroom at the Ottawa Convention Centre I was blown away! FLAUNT was described as an Escape to Indulgence and it more than delivered on it's promise.

With mini-boutiques of fabulous jewellery and clothing designers set up throughout the ballroom, and DJs Select and Magnificent playing the hottest beats, I happily shopped the night away with my delicious FLAUNTini in one hand and my bag of candy, courtesy of HCM Works and Sugar Mountain, in the other - okay, there were three bags.

When it became too much for me to hold my martini glass, I strutted my way over to the Thann Skincare table and indulged in a wonderful hand treatment. Never have my hands felt so soft; seriously, I spent a good portion of the night rubbing my hand against my cheek. Yes, I realize it's weird, but they were so soft, I just couldn't stop myself. (PA's Note: They're still so soft, I'm rubbing one against my cheek as I type.)

In addition to the fantastic shopping, The Loft and Murale were on hand providing free blowouts and makeup touch-ups, and Maria Threading Zone was there making sure everyone's brows were polished. Had the lines not been wrapping around the room, I would have totally scored myself a touch-up; but alas, it wasn't meant to be. I have to say that I was mighty jealous of everyone who did get touched-up - they looked fabulous!


Although I perused all of the racks several times, I only came away with one piece - a cute dress from Paper Planes, courtesy of Milk Shop's mini-boutique. But, this wasn't for lack of options. More than a few things caught my eye, but by the time I got my petite hands on the hangers, my size had been snatched up. I'm taking this as a sign from the universe that it wasn't meant to be. sigh.


Just as I was finishing up my shopping Boom 99.7 DJ Kim Sullivan called everyone to the dance floor as the Kania Fashion Show was about to begin!


 


After a quick presentation, the models mingled throughout the ballroom wearing the gorgeous Kania dresses, jumpsuits, and feathered head pieces in the most vibrant colours. Everything that the models were wearing was up for auction with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Ovarian Cancer Canada. And, one didn't have to worry if they weren't model sized; the designs would be customized to fit the winners. Customized couture for a good cause - what more could you ask for?!


 


I'm not going to lie, I was obsessed with the headpieces. I don't know what I would do with one, or where I would wear it, but I am seriously coveting them. And the more I think about it, the more confident I am that I would be able to rock one - and think of how tall I'd look!


The outfit

I was having one of those days; okay, I was having one of those weeks. Nothing was working for me, and nothing in my closet seemed Flaunt-worthy. So, with four hours left before the party, I was running around Rideau Centre like the crazy petite that I am, frantically searching for the right dress. After four stores I found what I was looking for: modern elegance.

 

I don't normally gravitate towards the mullet dress, but Flaunt wasn't any normal event.

Dress - Old Navy; Belt - Jacob;
Clutch - Le Chateau; Boots, Necklace - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

Flaunt was an absolutely fabulous event! Thank you to Stacey Bafi-Yeboa, the creative genius behind Kania, for organizing such an amazing night! I'm already counting down the days until I can FLAUNT it again next year.

Thanks to Marcia B. Creative for being such an amazing shopping partner!

Thank you to all of the sponsors for providing delcious drinks, yummy treats, great entertainment and so much more: ARC The Hotel, Boom 99.7, Boston Pizza Orleans, Cherry Blossom Pole Dance Studio, Glow Magazine, HCM Works, The Loft, Moksha Yoga Ottawa, Murale, Ottawa Magazine, Responsible Choice, Star Motors Mercedes Benz, Sugar Mountain, SynSue, Via Rail, Voulez Vous Boudoir Photography, and the always fabulous Twenty York Street.


Also a huge thank you to everyone involved, Aleksandra Jewellery, Demu Label, Desperately Different, Dj Magnificent, Dj Select, Dylan Ribkoff, frAsh, iStyle Originals, Karamea, Leah Bazian, Love Headmistress, MAFIA Jewellery, Miz Dragonfly, Moxy Maus, Pish Posh Jewellery, Rachel Sin, Rimanchik, Shibang Designs, Susana Erazo, Thann Skincare, The Milk, and Tresnormale.

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Life of Style

On Thursday, September 15 the who's who of Ottawa gathered at the ARC Hotel to experience the LIFE OF STYLE.

Ironic that the event of the season took place the exact same day that Vivian Song of MSN.com named Ottawa as one of the Worst-Dressed cities (see the opinion piece here) - because glancing around the lounge of the ARC Hotel and that thought would never have crossed your mind.

Life of Style was the definition of glamourous!

Put together by Twenty York Street, and Beyond Events, Life of Style was the hottest party to hit Ottawa all Summer. After walking the red carpet, guests were treated to oysters from Whalesbone, delicious appetizers courtesy of the Arc Hotel, and delectable treats from Little Cakes and Reggina.

The paparazzi were out in full force that night, snapping pics of all the fierce fashions and people walking the red carpet.

When not noshing on the treats or being pampered by the Thann Skincare hand masseuses, guests were sipping on signature LIfe of Style drinks, enjoying champagne, and dancing to the beats of DeeJay Eric. Everything from modern hits to way back playbacks, including the Spice Girls and the Backstreet Boys, Eric kept the guests dancing all night long.





Highlights from the night included dance performances by Start Up Dance.



A fashion show from the luxurious line of Miikali.







And, the launch of You Got Squared, Ottawa's newest boutique photography, videography and creative agency.

The beautiful Marilou of Twenty York Street
posing alongside her portrait from You Got Squared.

Stylish volunteers could be seen everywhere, from the red carpet checking guests in to the live tweeting station, wearing fabulous jewels provided by Frash. I loved mine so much I almost didn't want to give them back (but I did; a kleptomaniac I am not). Now, I'm on the hunt for my own.

Yours truly, in the fabulous Frash jewels, at the Life of Style live tweeting station

All photos courtesy of Moose Photography.

And now, on to the outfit...

As an event volunteer, I was asked to wear a black ensemble. I couldn't have been more excited to pull this dress out of the closet.

Originally bought for my Carleton grad a few years back, I was super stoked that it still fit. Plus, you know you can't go wrong with a LBD. Paired with some fab peep-toe pumps and my new favourite accessorie - my Fossil watch - I was ready to live my Life of Style that night.

The final outfit, in all it's glory

I apologize for the iphone mirror pics

Dress - Jacob; Shoes & earrings - Aldo; Watch - Fossil;  Necklace - Frash

Life of Style was definitely the event of the season - thank again to Twenty York Street, Beyond Events, the ARC Hotel, Frash, Thann, and all of the fabulous sponsors for such an amazing night.

I've already started my countdown to LIFE OF STYLE 2012!

Did you experience the Life of Style? What did you think?