Be Your Own T, featuring t-shirts designed by various designers all over the world, launched at the Gap store on Bay and Bloor Tuesday night.  Hosted by She Does the City and featuring some of Toronto’s most prominent bloggers such as Nelia from Styleblog.ca and Lauren Out Loud, attendees were treated to a braiding bar, appetizers from Food Dudes (they seem to be everywhere these days!) as well as drinks such as coconut water.  There were also discounted items, a DJ and a bicycle giveaway.

We were there fairly early on – around 5:30 and the place was already packed.  For the store’s location, 5:30 is a great time to start – you catch the after-work crowd who stop by before heading home.  Besides, one can make a night out of it – work, a shopping event, perhaps with friends and then drinks/dinner with them.  On a Tuesday night.

I recently had dinner at Five Doors North, located on Yonge, just south of Eglinton. I’ve known about this Italian-inspired eatery before – after all, it’s been around for several years – but only went there for the first time this past weekend.

Light fixtures on the ceiling

Romaine leaves with garlic crostini and Caesar dressing dip

My first impression of the restaurant was its eclectic decor – lamps hanging diagonally on the ceiling and the magazine tear-outs on table tops.  In addition, the menu is wallet-friendly without looking like it is  Unlike similar restaurants in the same price range, it doesn’t have a long list of pastas.  Rather, they offer the following: a long noodle, a short one, a gnocchi and a risotto with two sizes.  The larger size is very substantial and is served on a skillet.  The main courses include meats and seafoods as well as two non-pasta vegetarian choices including eggplant.  There is also an abundant choice of sides, including grilled rapini and polenta, great for people who don’t like the standard potatoes and veggies (or those who don’t want any additional starch at all).  This is something that isn’t often seen in restaurants at this price range.

Large pasta

Table top decor – mostly tear-outs from magazines.  This one is from a TIFF issue of Toronto Life (I see George Clooney, Brad Pitt and I think the woman in gold is Ashley Judd)

At my visit, I started with romaine leaves with garlic crostini and a Caesar dipping sauce – think Caesar salad without the tossing, shared with my husband.  Nothing surprising here. Basically Caesar salad presented a different way.  The good thing is that with a dipping sauce, you’re controlling the amount of dressing you consume.  As a main, I chose the pork chop with sundried tomatoes and onions and added a side of rapini.  The meat was absolutely delicious.  Not too over-done and the sundried tomatoes gave it a bit of zest.  The rapini, on the other hand, was a little on the tough side – a bit difficult to cut, either with a knife or one’s teeth.

Pork chop with sundried tomatoes and onions

Service was very good.  Staff were very knowledgeable about the dishes and gave excellent recommendations.  I would have gone with another side had our server not suggested either the zucchini or rapini.  We were a little bit stuffed for dessert, but will definitely try something the next time we stop by.  One thing I would have to say about Five Doors North are the menus.  They were handwritten, photocopied and unfortunately, a little difficult to read.  While I understand that the pastas are changed on a regular basis, it would have been nice if the menu was typed and printed on heavier stock.

Five Doors North is located at 2088 Yonge.  Reservations can be made by calling 416-480-6234.

Has the show jumped the shark?  The most recent episode, which aired on Sunday, features Betting going to Weight Watchers (I didn’t even know it existed in 1966), Sally turning into a bratty teen and Pete is sleeping with his commutermate’s wife.  Not to mention that Roger and Don are acting like a-holes and have been all season.  The sophistication is definitely gone.  It’s a very different show from season one.

Trailer of the episode aired on May 13, 2012

I realize that we are heading deeper and deeper into the 60s – we are almost at the “Wonder Years” timeline (1968-1973), but focusing on the young crowd isn’t what Mad Men is supposed to be.  Besides, with Megan gone from the office, the “young crowd” basically is made up of the “creative team” – Peggy, Stan and Ginsberg.  These people are more workaholics than fun types (not that they don’t have fun while working) and are just slightly out of the age range that the 60s tend to focus on.  At the same time, I did like seeing the more formal look of earlier seasons.  It’s something that we don’t get in the 21st century.  Actually, I don’t think we’ve had anything like that since the 80s, if at all.  My generation – basically the children of people Sally’s cohort (or Glen, to be more accurate, since I’m in my early 30s), didn’t exactly grow up with much formality, and our children in an even  MORE casual environment.  There are people my age who can’t hold a fork and knife properly and men who can’t tie ties (even those who went to schools with uniforms!) and I think my generation was the last to NOT address adults by first name without adding Uncle or Auntie in front of it (even if these adults weren’t related to you).  Anyway, formality is not the point here. It’s about the show itself.

The problem is, as we head towards the 70s, we’re getting to the part of the 1960s that is overplayed in movies and television.  We really don’t need to see any more Vietnam/Summer of Love (which would be at least hinted on in Season 6) and Woodstock.  Of course, getting it  from an adult-adult’s perspective rather than a teen or early 20something would be a bit of a change, but still, I’ve seen that time period before.  I’m also not a fan of the fashion of that era.  As youth became the focus, everything about how one dresses changed – and went downhill from there.  Oh well, at least we aren’t going to see the 80s, the first decade I remember well.

I was originally going to wear a different dress to brunch, but ultimately decided on the above Peacock Parade purchase, a beaded neck dress by Hale Bob.  The dress was paired with tan peep toe pumps from STUART (the Stuart Weitzman line available at Ron White) and a Tory Burch tote.  That was a recent purchase from the newly-opened Tory Burch boutique at Yorkdale. As for pics of what we ate?  Here are two:

Some French Toast, rice pilaf, beans, fish and tortellini

Swan shaped pastries with custard and cream

They also had one of my favourites, strawberries dipped in chocolate (can’t have a good buffet without it).  Anyway, I hope everyone had a great Mother’s Day too!

]]> http://www.shorty-stories.com/2012/05/what-i-wore-to-mothers-day-brunch/feed/ 0 http://www.delectablychic.com/2012/05/marienatie-lipgloss-light-for-a-no-make-up-look/ http://www.delectablychic.com/2012/05/marienatie-lipgloss-light-for-a-no-make-up-look/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:13 +0000 Cynthia Cheng Mintz http://www.delectablychic.com/?p=10277 [Continue Reading]]]>

I’ve been a lip gloss girl for years and though I’ve been trying to transition myself to lipstick for the last little while, I couldn’t say no to a sample of MarieNatie lip glosses from a PR company. I was sent two shades – a full size tube of Pink Lady – a pretty pink shade and a sample tube of Sexy Red (enough said).  The line is Canadian-founded by two women – Marie and Natie and made with “all-natural” ingredients such as jojoba oil, jojoba gel, pomegranate oil, sunflower seed oil, Vitamin E and essential oil.  In all, there are 12 shades.

A sample of Sexy Red (top) and a standard tube of Pink Lady

I found the gloss to be similar to many products it competes with.  It is lightweight, with just a hint of colour.  In fact, you could say that there is barely anything there. Unless you’re wearing a darker shade, it’s difficult to know you’re wearing anything at all.  And unlike a lot of like products, it isn’t sticky, heavily scented nor does it give off a very shiny, glossy look.  It’s a great product if you don’t want the overly made-up look and works very well worn with just primer and/or BB Cream or even a bare face.  One thing that is a drawback, however, was the metallic scent.  It was very strong in the small sample container, and a little subtle in the regular sized version.  But it could have just been that particular sample.  Again, colour-wise, if you don’t like a deep tones or just want to feel like you’re wearing something, this is a product for you.  However, this isn’t something you’d wear alone if you are looking for a more polished, made-up look.

The author wearing Sexy Red

MarieNatie lipglosses retail at $18 and can be purchased from their website.

The May long weekend is next week for us Canadians and the week after in the US, so it’s officially sandals time!  Here are some of our favourites going into the unofficial start of summer:

More Chie Mihara…

These sandals will go well with most of your wardrobe – especially lower wedges (Banana Republic).  I also thought the Stuart Weitzman sandal was very unique looking.  As a wedge, it shouldn’t be too uncomfortable.  Another favourite is the blue and magenta Chie Mihara.  I think I saw a pair at Holt Renfrew Bloor Street the other day, but didn’t get a chance to try them.  Whatever sandals you wear,  make sure you get that pedicure.  If you’re going to show your toes you better have nice-looking ones (just make sure it goes well with the shoes – you don’t want crazy nail art if you’re wearing the Jimmy Choos, for example).

We are giving away ONE PAIR OF TICKET to the DelectablyChic! Social, THE networking party for style media (style lovers, too) and industry! The event will feature delicious hors d’oeuvres as well as makeovers and the chance to expand your fashion/style/beauty contacts!  DJ Lissa Monet will be spinning the music, so it’s going to be great!

For your chance to get the ticket, please blog about the event – a short post will do – and fill in the form below.

For an additional chance, please Tweet the event to your followers!

Tickets are $33 until May 15 at 8 PM and $35 after.  Group tickets are available at $165 for five.  The giveaway closes on June 1st at 8 PM Eastern Time.  Please note that those who get the tickets will have to provide their own transportation and/or accommodation in Toronto.

Catching Fire starts right from where The Hunger Games left off. The beginning of the book focuses on Katniss and Peeta going through the “victory tour.”‘  This gives readers an opportunity to learn more about all the different districts. While traveling through the different districts it also opens up for some minor back story on some of the former tributes in the previous games (last book).  The repercussions of Katniss seemingly ‘faking her emotions for Peeta’ in order for them to survive the games are brought to the forefront. The story does a good job of showing the changes for Katniss in the social, financial and everyday aspects. The author (Suzanne Collins) doesn’t lose the detailed descriptions of everything like in the previous book.  This book also further explores the relationship between Katniss and Gale, with Gale’s role further developing through out. While all this goes on Katniss and Peeta are also attempting to plan a wedding to continue their public appearance as the young and in love couple.

Aside from all the emotional and romantic aspects of the story, there is also the 75th annual Hunger Games, which is a quarter quell. Every 25 Hunger Games, their is an additional surprise aspect to the games. This quarter quell had tributes chosen from a pool of living victors. This automatically means Katniss is put back into the games as she is the only female victor in her district.  During their training portion just prior to the games we are introduced to some new and very interesting characters such as Johanna, Finnick and BeeTee among others. While this time the arena portion of the book, while very cool, did feel a little bit rushed but that is probably just the “action type” in me.  Over-all, once again, simply and nicely written that keeps you hooked!

With a rebellion growing next up is… Mockingjay!

I like how you can create dozens of different looks with just one “dress” – including skirt looks.  Considering the price, it’s many looks for one!  Also, the light weight jersey material is perfect for warm weather wear.  Of course, it’s not all perfect.  It can take time to put together styles, and you might want to consider a tube top or cami to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions.  In addition, the long gown, which is, according to the website, 46″ from the chest might be a little bit too maxi for the very “sub-petite” – even if you control the length.  It would be nice if they created something that was just slightly shorter – perhaps at 42″ for petite women!  Very short women like maxi looks too!

One of the styles that you can create with Henkaa dresses:

IFRAME Embed for Youtube

Changing lengths without alterations:

IFRAME Embed for Youtube

Those in Toronto are lucky as the Henkaa boutique here in town.  For those outside of the GTA, but in Canada, the US or Australia, dresses are available online.

]]> http://www.shorty-stories.com/2012/05/from-antm-live-toronto-petite-friendly-convertible-dresses-from-henkaa/feed/ 0