Style Profile: Little Red Purse

Name: Leah Sandhu

Age: 25

Occupation: Owner of Vantage Events & Wedding coordination

Site: www.littleredpurse.blogspot.com

Location: Toronto, ON

When and why did you start your site? 

I officially started my blog in October of 2009, but didn't really start committing time and effort to it until August 2010 when I needed a creative outlet.

How would you describe your site? 

Well, it started out solely as a fashion blog, but over time and as I've grown as a person, it has also become more of a lifestyle blog.

Where do you get your inspiration? 

I get my inspiration from other bloggers, pinterest, and other favourite sites.

Who are your style/beauty icons? 

Gillian Zinser - her effortlessly cool style is something I would love to be able to pull off. I also really love Mira Duma. She has the quirkiest fashion sense and I love that about her.

Describe your personal style. 

My style is a little all over the place, but in one word - comfort. I love big cozy sweaters, wool socks, and maxi skirts. I rarely wear heels, but I do love to dress up when the occasion arises.

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given? 

I can't help but quote Coco Chanel: "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off." I am all about simplicity, and I believe that a lot of women overthink fashion, so this is the best advice.

Where are your favourite places to shop? 

Hitting the mid-20's really changed how I think about clothes and wear I shop. So I try to stay away from Forever21 and instead head for H&M and Zara, and of course the thrift stores!

What are your favourite trends for this season? 

I really do love the burgundy/ oxblood (whatever name you want to call it) colour trend. I also do love the patterned pants since it's something that I can easily fit into my everyday wardrobe.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve? 

My biggest style pet peeve is when girls wear leggings as pants, with a shirt that barely covers their bum! Also, knock off Ugg boots. They're bad enough as it is, but the cheaply made pairs are even worse because they fold to the side on heel and just look awful.

What do you never leave home without? 

My cell phone, Blistex lip balm, and a pack of gum.

What are your five essential items that you think every woman should own? 

A pair of black flats, black pumps, a trench coat, good stick of mascara, and a comfortable bra.

What is one of your goals for 2013? 

One of my goals this year is to really push myself out of my comfort zone in whatever I do. I want to experience new things and really learn to enjoy life to it's fullest!

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years? 

I honestly don't know where I'll be or what this little blog of mine will look like. I want it to grow with me and be a reflection of who I am. It's exciting to think of what new possibilities will be out there and what my interests will be, and that's what I'll continue to share with my readers.

You can find Leah online at www.littleredpurse.blogspot.com. 

Have a great weekend!

All images courtesy of Little Red Purse.

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Style Profile: With Love Gabrielle

Name: Marta Tryshak

Age: 24

Occupation: Creator of WithLoveGabrielle.com – and Manager of Social Media for Garage Clothing

Site: www.WithLoveGabrielle.com

Location: Toronto / Montreal

When and why did you start your site?

I started WithLoveGabrielle.com more than four years ago while attending University of Toronto. I am a creative person, and the website was a way to share my creative thoughts on my personal interests – arts and fashion.

How would you describe your site? 

The motto for my website is “Where Fabulous Meets Every Day”

Where do you get your inspiration?

“Gabrielle” in the name of my website is an homage to Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, who is my ultimate style icon. On a daily basis, my inspirations are always changing, so much to do with the people I am meeting, cultural and social events, etc.

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Chanel of course, and then I am also quite fond of Marc Jacobs.

Describe your personal style.

Classic. I definitely enjoy dressing up, so people are for more likely to see me wearing heels than sneakers.

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given?

Be true to your personal style. I have to say thanks here to my mother Oksana, she is an amazing person and has taught me so much about being a woman!

Where are your favourite places to shop?

In Toronto, my favorite shopping centre is Sherway Gardens. I have been fortunate to travel a lot, and New York, Los Angeles, and Miami Beach are all high on my list of shopping destinations.

What are your favourite trends for this season?

Flirty bows on everything, including my newest purse from Kate Spade that I just got today (so happy!)

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

Rain boots... I can’t stand seeing women wear them as if they are stylish.

What do you never leave home without?

My wallet J In terms of style & beauty, I always make time to do my make up properly. In terms of clothing, nothing is that critical.

What are your five essential items that you think every woman should own?

Little Black Dress of course, classic pumps, cashmere sweater, pencil skirt, white silk blouse.

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years?

Not really sure. I have had a lot of amazing opportunities in the past year, and keep getting cool offers every week. So I am open to wherever my career path goes as the website continues to grow, and also as I get more offers to be part of ad campaigns and TV shows.

You can follow all of Marta's fashionable adventures at:

www.withlovegabrielle.com

www.facebook.com/WithLoveGabrielle

Twitter:  @withlove

 www.pinterest.com/MartaTryshak

Would you or someone you know like to be featured in a Style Profile? Send an email to petiteadventures@gmail.com.

All images courtesy of With Love Gabrielle.

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Style Profile: Hello Denj

Name: Danni Simmen
Age: 25
Occupation: Designer
Site: hellodenj.blogspot.ca
Location: Toronto

When and why did you start your site? 
I started my site about 2 years ago after my my best friends encouraged me to start blogging to share my obsession with fashion, and it developed from there.

How would you describe your site? 
A little bit of this, and a little bit of that. I like to post about lots of different subjects from interior design, to personal style, to new recipes I'm loving.



Where do you get your inspiration? 
My sisters, my friends, and and of course, all the other amazing bloggers and design sites out there.

Who are your style/beauty icons? 
Olivia Palermo, Taylor Tomasi Hill, Miroslava Duma

Describe your personal style. 

Classic with an eclectic personality. I love bright colours and printed everything, and I love to play with current trends.

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given? 

Accessories can make or break an outfit.

Where are your favourite places to shop? 

Aritzia, Zara, Rebecca Minkoff, Winners, and Asos.

What are your favourite trends for this season? 

I'm obsessed with peplums and moto jackets, and I can't get enough of printed jeans.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve? 

Definitely leggings as pants

What do you never leave home without? 

Tinted lip balm

What are your five essential items that you think every woman should own? 

A statement purse (preferably in a bright colour!), a leopard printed scarf, a leather jacket, a perfect pair of dark skinny jeans, and a good nail polish collection.

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years? 

I like blogging because it keeps me inspired, and pushes me to discover new things, and I get really excited to share those things with everyone. In the future, I want to continue to use my blog as a place to be inspired. As for me, I've always dreamed of starting my own design company, so I hope I'll be on the road to making that happen! :)

What's on your nightstand? 

A mini Eiffel tower from my trip to Paris a few years ago and an alarm clock.

All images courtesy of Hello Denj.

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Style Profile: Dainty Girl

Name: Nicole Wilson aka Dainty Girl

Age: 28

Occupation: Blogger (Marketing Manager by day)

Site: http://DaintyGirl.ca

Location: Toronto, ON

When and why did you start your site?

I’ve always loved fashion, beauty and style and I think I’ve got a pretty solid written “voice” so I made it my 2012 New Years Resolution to launch a blog. On January 28^th 2012, Dainty Girl was born and I haven’t looked back since! I’m honestly amazed at how far it’s come.

How would you describe your site?

 It’s a fashion, beauty and style blog with a “dainty” twist! I’m passionate about all things local and take pride in sharing and supporting local designers, artists and entrepreneurs on my blog. There’s so much creativity, innovation and passion on the Toronto (and Canadian) fashion scene and I want to share that with the world.

Where do you get your inspiration?

 I’m incredibly inspired by the fashion and beauty entrepreneurs that I’m lucky enough to meet on a weekly basis. They have fierce and unwavering passion for their craft so it’s easy to fall for them and the goodies they’re selling with such heart. They make me feel like anything’s possible.

Who are your style/beauty icons?

 Michelle Williams is such a dainty darling. I love everything she wears and her flawless natural beauty. Emily Blunt and Amy Adams always look perfectly flawless on the red carpet; I love their elegant sophistication. I adore Nicole Richie and her effortless bohemian-chic style and fun statement jewellery.

Describe your personal style. 

Well I am Dainty Girl! I think have pretty diverse fashion tastes; I have equal love for shapely and structured glam styles and loose, flowing bohemian styles. I love juxtaposing feminine with edge - lace and leather, sparkle and studs. Everything has an element of dainty and I’m always a sucker for a pretty dress and heels!

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given?

 Don’t overdo it when it comes to fashion or beauty. Try one or two trends, not all of them; less is more when it comes to makeup, tanning and exposed skin. Drink lots of water!

Where are your favourite places to shop?

Local boutiques supporting Canadian fashion, like Fresh Collective and Homegrown Boutique in Toronto. Zara, M for Mendocino, Joe Fresh, H&M and ModCloth are always dependable for a great fashion find and affordable accessories. Sephora is my beauty mecca.

What are your favourite trends for this season?

 I absolutely love the burgundy trend. It’s flattering on every skin tone but I love the way it contrasts my fair skin and brings out the red in my hair. Also loving the leather accent trend; it’s so naughty versus nice and I’m hoping to find a detachable leather collar and a coat with leather contrast sleeves this season.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

 Too much skin – porno cleavage and super short skirts never look classy. Heels with wide leg pants that just aren’t long enough. Tube tops with chest/back skin spillage. On the beauty front, hands down it’s overly tan skin or too much bronzer – we’re in Toronto, not California ladies!

What do you never leave home without? 

Lip balm or lip gloss – hate dry lips! My cell phone; gotta stay connected to my social networks! Business cards – never know who you’re going to meet!

What are your five essential items that you think every woman should own? 

1.    The perfect Little Black Dress (LBD)

2.    Blazer than can be dressed up or down

3.    Skinny Jeans that make your butt look awesome

4.    Comfortable heels (platforms baby)

5.    Statement Accessory – bold jewellery or a vibrant handbag

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years? 

I want to be synonymous with Toronto fashion – a trusted advisor for shoppers and a trendsetter for the stylish. I want to bring together local designers and entrepreneurs for exciting collaborations and events. I want someone to ask for my autograph ;)

What's on your nightstand?

 A tall glass of water (always), Canadian-made SheeBody hand cream, USB keys full of media photos, DaLish lip balm (that I made myself), business cards collected at recent events and nerdy (yet awesome) reading glasses.

All images courtesy of Dainty Girl.

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Calling all Ottawa Designers

Did you know that the Mercedes-Benz Start Up Program will be holding one of its semi-final events in Ottawa on August 13^th and 14^th 2012?

Mercedes-Benz Start Up Program is a competition that provides a national platform to discover and support emerging Canadian fashion designers who have been in business for less than five years.  By connecting these gifted individuals with an experienced panel of industry insiders, the program mentors Canadian talent to help them hone a broad range of skills and elevate their profile through unique and exclusive opportunities.  

Mercedes-Benz Start Up offers finalists the tools necessary to create a successful business, beyond the initial launch of a collection. Through its association with World MasterCard^TM Fashion Week in Toronto, young designers will gain the invaluable opportunity to showcase their collection on an international platform. 

Check out the website (www.mercedesbenzstartup.com) for more information as well as the application package. The Ottawa application deadline has ben extended to Friday, July 27^th.

Good luck designers!

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Smiling, Laughing, Tired, Toronto.

I'm a bad blogger.

The Toronto skyline from Billy Bishop Airport

I spent a week in Toronto for work and not only did I manage to take zero (good) photos (and I completely neglected to take outfit photos on three occasions), I did absolutely no shopping. NONE. I had even scheduled my flight home for later on Sunday so that I would be guaranteed some quality time with H&M; however, my need for sleep won out (sleeping in the Porter Lounge at Billy Bishop Airport is tres classy and not embarrassing at all).

I have no one to blame for this travesty but myself.

You see, after working 16 hour days I decided to go against my usual hermit tendencies and was a social butterfly. Not only did I have friends who lived in Toronto that I had to see, but friends/former colleagues just happened to be in town from Vancouver - so really, it would have been rude of me not to go out.

Day 0 - drinks with a friend
Shirt - Wilfred from Aritzia; Jeans - Mavi; Wedges - Aldo

Even though I was exhausted, it was fantastic. There's nothing quite like catching up with friends who you haven't seen in over a year, and in some cases two years. I swear, part of the reason I was so tired at the end of my trip was that I'd spent the entire time smiling and laughing. So really, it's pretty good excuse for neglecting my dear old friend H&M.

But I wasn't just in Toronto to socialize, I did some work as well.

My Conference "uniform". I made t-shirts to promote our national week of celebration (which takes place in November) and they were a hit! I've never had so many people compliment an outfit - the power of an iron-on transfer!
Sweater  - Zara; shirt - homemade/Fuit of the Loom; Pants - Jacob; Shoes - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

I was in Toronto as my work was hosting it's annual general conference (AGC). But this wasn't just any AGC, this was an AGC for the record books because we had partnered with the International Society to host the biennial World Congress - only the second time this event has ever taken place in Canada. Over 1,200 people from 60 countries traveled to Toronto for these four days, and it was incredible. Talking with people from all over the world was amazing and quite eye-opening. It really puts it in perspective how lucky we are to live and work in Canada.

Day 2 - Sweater - Zara; Shirt - homemade/Fruit of the Loom; Skirt - Jacob; Shoes - Aldo

Some of the highlights (aka: Kate's most embarrassing moments) from the Congress include:

• A poster I designed for World Radiography Day was revealed at the Opening Ceremonies (I was not expecting this at all; thank goodness no one asked me to come on stage).
• Being asked last minute to walk the catwalk in a radiation safety fashion show in a zebra-printed led vest and skirt combo - tres chic! (I was on my way back from the bathroom, about to make my way to the fashion show to take pictures when I was scooped up and asked to walk. I was awkward.)

All-in-all, it was a long, but amazing week in Toronto. I was sad to leave, but have also never been happier to be home.

It's taken me a full week to recover. I'm still not completely caught up on sleep, nor have I put away any of the seven pairs of shoes I brought with me, but I'm getting there. The Kate-day I took on Saturday definitely helped - there's nothing quite like a day of brunching, shopping, spa-ing and sunshine to help you feel back to normal.

Until next time Toronto!

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Style Profile: Monochroma.Chic

Name: Kristy

Age: 26

Occupation: Assistant Accountant

Site: www.monochromachic.com

Location: Toronto

When and why did you start your site? 

I started blogging through Chictopia in early 2009 and I created my own website in November of 2009. I started blogging about my personal style because the whole idea of fashion blogging was really intriguing, so I decided to join the fun. It's been a blast :)

 How would you describe your site?

Easy to read and navigate, focuses on affordable and wearable outfits for work & play, a journal of my personal style.

Where do you get your inspiration?

 Definitely from fellow bloggers and my favorite fashion "it" girls: Olivia Palermo & Miroslava Duma

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Olivia Palermo & Miroslava Duma :)

Describe your personal style.

Wearable, affordable, comfortable

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given?

Use a face tissue or paper towel to wipe my face after I wash it.  

Where are your favourite places to shop?

High-street stores, such as H&M, ZARA, ALDO. I like to peruse through Winners as well :) 

What are your favourite trends for this season?

Lace on everything and Tangerine Tango on everything! 

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

 Leggings as pants and barely-there denim shorts (or any kind of shorts, really!)

What do you never leave home without?

I assume this has to be fashion-related? A great yet comfortable pair of shoes!

What are your five essential items that you think every woman should own?

Pleated skirts (mini, midi, maxi, doesn't matter!), button-down blouses, black tights, leopard accessories (e.g. belts or scarves), and a pair of not-so-classic black pumps.

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years?

I would like to have a career in the retail buying field, so in 5 years, I hope to become a buyer. I would also like to see my site grow (obviously!), but I don't want it to become too "commercialized" that I lose touch with my readers and blogger friends. I started fashion blogging as a hobby and I would like to keep it that way :)

All images courtesy of Monochroma.Chic.

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Style Profile: rcsaveas

Name: Andrea Shoust

Age: 26

Occupation: Fashion Blogger & Teacher

Site: http://rcsaveas.blogspot.com

Location: Toronto, Ontario (originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario)

When and why did you start your site?

RCsaveAS was created in March of 2011 – for as long as I can remember I have right-clicked and saved what I love about fashion - I decided that instead of continually punishing my computer’s hard drive and memory space I would create a blog to document my obsession. In many ways, it is my digital inspiration board!

How would you describe your site?

I think that RCsaveAS is an extension of myself – it represents what I love, and what inspires me, in the fashion industry on a daily basis

Where do you get your inspiration?

Street-style fashion blogs & fellow bloggers – they are often the most creative

Who are your style/beauty icons?

I have a serious thing for Leandra Medine (The Man Repeller) and Taylor Tomasi Hill – those women can do no wrong in my books!

Describe your personal style.

‘Chiffon meets Leather’ (if that makes sense lol) – I love feminize pieces but there always needs to be an edge to balance it out

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given?

Dress for yourself – and no one else…ever

and LAYER! I cannot express the power of layering – makes or breaks an outfit

Where are your favourite places to shop?

The bulk of my closet consists of Club Monaco, H&M, Wilfred, and vintage pieces

What are your favourite trends for this season?

1) Fur – which elevates an outfit to a new level of opulence in my books

2) Coloured Pants – totally having a moment right now

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

Cleavage – can’t stand it!

What do you never leave home without?

The basics: my iPhone, lipstick, wallet, and keys (duh!)

What are your five essential items that you think every woman should own?

1)    A leather jacket

2)    A gold watch

3)    A fantastic pair of sunglasses

4)    A killer statement necklace (I love Dannijo)

5)    A great pair of booties

…Can you tell I love accessories?

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years?

Doing what I am doing right now… teaching amazing people and having a creative outlet that I am passionate about – I love getting up each morning and being inspired by what the fashion world has to offer – it’s an incredible industry!

What's on your nightstand?

Bio Oil, Moroccan Oil, and J.R. Watkins Medicated Ointment

Tell Petite Adventures readers something random about yourself.

I was a former national athlete and professional swimmer (retired in 2007)

I also have a Masters Degree in Education.

All images courtesy of rcsaveas.