Toronto Treasures: Distill

Distill is a wonderful east-end boutique filled with Canadian designs. From clothing and accessories to pottery and pillows, this boutique is perfect for perusing. 

If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly accessory option, I highly recommend checking out the Erin Templeton sandals and bags made mostly from recycled leather. They all have interesting design elements and are made with a keen eye for detail.

For a quirkier piece of accessory art, I suggest both the stacking cuff and scribble necklaces by Alison Dawson. A Toronto native, her pieces are creative works of art and each a wonderfully lightweight summer accessory.

If a new summer frock is still on your list, check out the navy and white striped Lucie dress by Dace. This simple dress is the perfect outfit to throw on for hot summer days.

Add the stackable cuff to the dress, a bag and sandals and you’ve got a perfect outfit for city streets or the cottage beach! 

Visit Distill at 55 Mill Street #47 Toronto - 416.304.0033 

Join THE REFINERY on a boutique shopping tour to discover Toronto’s very best boutiques!

Wendy's Words: 1M bucks... or 20.

People fascinate me, so I tend to observe them from afar on a regular basis.  One of my favourite places to do this is in the hall of the change room where I stand waiting for clients to try on their next piece.

Most recently I observed a mother and daughter trying on shirts and reacting to the new pieces they picked out.  The daughter had a shirt on that she wasn't sure about, so she asked her mom's opinion.  Mom said, "It looks good for 20 bucks."

I've heard women speak this way before, but it struck a cord with me on this particular day.  I couldn't help but think, "If you settle for something that looks good for 20 bucks, you are never going to feel like a Million!"

We all want to look, and feel, like a million bucks, so it saddens me when women are willing to settle for less than that.  Pieces don't have to cost a fortune to look spectacular, but they do need to make us feel like we're worth a fortune!

Until next time!
Wendy

Toronto Treasures: Do My Hair

Do My Hair brings New York style luxury to Toronto with their blow dry and makeup bar - a salon with convenience at the top of their minds.  The environment is relaxing and comfortable, like a home away from home with stylists who know what they're doing, and have a knack for welcoming you into the space.

Whether you're looking for a daily blow out, or styling for a special occasion, this boutique salon focuses on making your already cut and dyed hair look stunning!  Choose from styles like The Jennifer 'Straight-up' or The Fabulous Farah, or Me but Better - your choice of style, executed by the pros.

Finish your whole look while you're there with an expert makeup application appropriate for whatever events you have on that day.

The Do My Hair Motto:
Gorgeous Blow Out. DONE
Fabulous Fresh Face. DONE. 

Appointments are optional so pop in when it works in your schedule.

Treat yourself like a star, and leave this salon looking like one.

Do My Hair is located at 583 Mount Pleasant Road - 416.544.0505

For The Love of It: Candy Pants

Undies are about as intimate as a fashion accessory gets so when the young designer from Candy Pants, Jamie Metzger, rolled into the shop on her skateboard and glittery makeup, I was left speechless...that is until I actually saw her designs.  Jamie’s original approach to underwear is not only colourful and fun but best of all Jamie uses only eco fabrics.  Her line of underwear is locally made with flare, featuring ruffles and buttons and “cheeky” accents. Jamie is a 3rd year fashion student at Ryerson and has always been a strong advocate of green fashion so much so that she helped found Design Awear, an association created to help connect fashion students to the eco options available in the fashion industry. 

It is refreshing to see someone take on a serious staple such as undies and make it fun again.  While no one else might know that you are wearing a pair of hot pink ruffle bottom panties with orange trim, you certainly will!  And the softness and lightness of organic cotton is pretty darn nice too!

You can find a wide array of Candy Pants unmentionables at Shopgirls Gallery Boutique at 1342 Queen Street West.  On weekends, you can also meet the adorable Jamie live in person!  Visit www.shopgirls.ca for more information.  

Michelle Germain, owner/curator of Shopgirls Gallery Boutique, showcases over 80 Canadian artists and designers in her Parkdale shop.  This 1800 square-foot creative and retail space features one-of-a-kind and one-of-a-few designs from emerging Canadians and also boasts carrying the biggest selection of Yoga Jeans in Canada.

Simple Ways to Wear a Summer Frock NOW

Many women have summer frocks sitting in their closets waiting for warmer weather... well wait no longer!  Listed from the easiest to execute to the most difficult, REFINED. shares some layering tricks so you can frolic in your frocks right now!

1. Layer a finely knit cardigan over your dress.  Fine knits go really well with lightweight summer dress fabrics. 

2. Wear a pashmina style scarf around your neck in a colour that's in the dress.  If it gets cooler you can take the scarf off and wear it around your shoulders instead.

3. Add a blazer, which can be worn instead of a coat outside, but perfectly appropriate to leave on while you're inside.

4. Tights are amazing because they keep your legs warm, which none of the other layer options do.  Just be sure that the fabric, colour, and weight of the dress and tights match - an advanced style move.

5. Wear a long sleeve shirt under your dress to give the dress a jumper-style appearance.  You can try a t-shirt, fine knit sweater, or collared shirt.  This is the most difficult of options because it takes a keen eye to be able to find necklines and fabrics on both the dress and shirt that go well together.

For those really cool mornings, wear a few of the options above so you can easily take layers off throughout the day when it gets warmer!

Spring 2010 Style Updates for Edgy Women

 

WHO YOU ARE: You are a wild one, who likes to break the rules!  You do what you feel and you express your emotions through many mediums - your wardrobe being one of them.

WHAT YOU LIKE: You love music, art, and going to concerts.  You like to dress very out of the ordinary and stand out from the crowd.  You are drawn to hard-edged, graphic details. 

WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE: Channel your inner rock star! This season, go all out on studded shoes and accessories like jewelry and belts. Asymmetrical shaped blazers, dresses and skirts are great for you. Although, you might not love colour, try adding a hint of it with a bold red purse, bag or clutch. Denim flats or caged booties show your laid back side, while a pair of studded black shades finish your rocker ensemble!

Spring 2010 Style Updates for Sporty Women

WHO YOU ARE: You are full of energy, adventurous and outgoing. You love anything that keeps you active and makes you feel vivacious! 

THINGS YOU LIKE: You like adventurous  activities - hiking, running, or scuba diving... if it's active, bring it on!  You enjoy easy fitting and fun fabrics that feel comfortable. 

WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE: This season, you can easily update your sporty style by treating yourself to a wild coloured canvas tote bag or fanny pack.  They are both convenient ways to carry your things, and have stylish flare!  Designers were inspired by the olympics this year so lightweight breathable fabrics are available in more than just activewear.  Update your day-to-day sporty style by adding an easy-to-wear tennis style skirt, or flat sneaker inspired shoes.

Spring 2010 Style Updates for Creative Women

WHO YOU ARE: You are an independent free thinker.  You love taking risks and doing the unpredictable. People appreciate your originality and wild imagination.

WHAT YOU LIKE: You enjoy artsy activities like painting and yoga. You like bright mixes of colors, abstract styles and one-of-a-kind designs. You are attracted to anything out of the ordinary, and unique.

WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE: The key to being kitschy this season is to mix things up, especially with patterns and colour blocking. Animal shaped bags, purses and clutches can also express originality in your wardrobe.  See how crazy you can go with your shades - be as daring as you wish!

Spring 2010 Style Updates for Natural Women

WHO YOU ARE: You are environmentally friendly and have an easygoing nature. You wear minimum to no make up, let your hair loose and embrace the joys of life!  

THINGS YOU LIKE: You enjoy gardening, camping, taking your dog for a walk, and organic healthy food. You like to recycle and reuse. Earthy colours like green, turquoise, and brown are your favourites because they connect you to the natural world.   

WAYS TO UPGRADE YOUR WARDROBE: Designers have taken inspiration from the hit film AVATAR, so the tribe has spoken this season! Tribal prints are everywhere and an authentic way for you to upgrade your clothing wardrobe. Natural accessories made with beads, canvas, and leather are also very hot this spring.

Spring 2010 Style Updates for Romantic Women

WHO YOU ARE:  You are a girly girl who loves ruffles, lace, and bows.  As a true romantic you believe in prince charming and fairy tale endings. 

THINGS YOU LIKE: You love to cook, bake, and enjoy a glass of champagne. You love to take photos of family & friends so you can put together beautiful scrapbooks and enjoy those loving memories.

WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE: Spring into the season by splashing some dusty tones in your wardrobe.  Soft pinks, purples, blues, and greens are everywhere and go so nicely with your feminine style.  Floral patterns always show themselves at spring, but this season florals are seen on unexpected accessories like purses.

Spring 2010 Style Updates for Alluring Women

WHO YOU ARE: You are a confident sexy woman who believes in getting what she wants when she wants it.  You love to show off your sexy curves.

WHAT YOU LIKE: You love cocktails, dancing, parties, and social events.  You love makeup, which is always applied very neatly and boldly; you are known for your smokey eyes and sharp red lips. 

WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE: Show off your sexy legs in a pair of ankle-length lace pants.  A trench with sheer sides is the perfect way for you to wear a piece that is usually too plain for you - a sheer trench will definitely make you stand out in a crowd. Black is universally sexy, splash an animal printed shoe and handbag in your wardrobe to enhance your look. A sheer chiffon blouse will definitely bring out your flirtatious personality.

Spring 2010 Style Updates for Classic Women

WHO YOU ARE: You are a sophisticated, polished and educated woman. You are independent and enjoy simplicity. 

THINGS YOU LIKE: sailing, taking a cruise, horse back riding, tennis, musicals, and visual arts. 

WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE: This season, get nauti with nautical hinted accessories while sticking with your favourite crisp white collared shirts and neutral colors.  A cropped trench coat is  a simple way to update your Spring 2010 wardrobe while staying true to your personality. Clean and neat outfits will best accentuate your true classic personality.