Monday, December 13, 2010

Farewell Tour

It's been a long time since I regularly posted here, and it's time to explain. I have been battling with some health issues for the last six months and though I'm feeling much better each day, my priorities have inevitably shifted and I won't be able to commit myself to bringing you the latest on conscientious consumption of Montreal designer fare.

I have, however, begun blogging for General 54, one of Montreal's first independent design boutiques to support local talent. So look for me there.

And if you ever want any tips/opinions/comments/leads about where to shop, who to buy, and how to support the amazing sweethearts of the local design world, you can forever and always email me at info [at] brazen-design.com.

Brazen Design, my line of bling, will live on and can be found at www.brazen-design.com.

Thanks for the years of support, questions, sharing and for buying local. Much love to you and yours.

xoxo

R


Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Simone's Rose Moving Sale!



The talented Michelle of Simone's Rose is moving to Toronto, which means a blowout sale of samples, old pieces and discounts on orders for the upcoming collection (some pics of which are posted above, and blowing my mind). Info here.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Glasgow Sale!


The Jennifer Glasgow Spring/Summer '10 collection is now on sale! Buy online or come by General 54 (I'm working there on Saturday) to take advantage. I bought the Aurore and now have my eyes on the Diana and the Isis.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

All Hail The Sale! Simone's Rose SS10


I can't say enough about the beautiful things that Michelle of Simone's Rose creates. To make way for her Fall/Winter 2010 collection, Michelle is slashing prices on some real gems, including the love-of-my-life houndstooth dress and my newest acquisition, the Tiffany. Michelle posted this pic of me wearing it on her blog, where you can also find the details of the sale and a bonus discount code for free shipping, here at the Simone's Rose blog.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

The Case for Nude

The Nude Shoe rocks.

I know, I know, you think it's hard to pull off and should match your skin tone which is impossible, and anytime the word "flesh-coloured" gets used, people run as far away as possible.

But really, The Nude Shoe rocks.

1. Cream looks good on everyone. You don't have to match your skin tone - it's pure white that'll make you look pasty. And it's summer - get some sun on those feet!


2. Your legs will go on and on and on... who doesn't love that? I have a serious weak spot for ultra strappy and chunky black stilettos but I can't deny they shorten the look of my calves.



3. That killer cocktail dress will be all anyone sees. The Nude Shoe gives your entire outfit a subtle platform from which to shine.



4. Last but not least, they're sex in a shoe. There's something so enticing abou the suggestion that you're barefoot, while still on your tippy toes... Need I say more?

I've shown you some Christian Louboutin's to inspire you - I suggest looking for a substantial shoe like a wedge or espadrille, and/or something very strappy. My favourite incarnations are the summer-boot with peep toes and straps all the way up around the ankles.

And cause I refuse to pay money to see the second Sex and The City Movie, I got my fix by looking for nude shoes in the fashion-candy world of Carrie Bradshaw to prove my point.





Tuesday, June 15, 2010

And the winners are...

[francais en bas]

Dearest precious lover of bling::

Today is Brazen Design's 3rd Birthday. I am filled with deep and hefty gratitude for each and every one of you who has complimented, worn, purchased, modelled, recommended, advised, sold, supported and encouraged me and my little bling-making machine for these last three years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

There was such an overwhelming response to the Name Necklace contest that I couldn't bring myself to pull just one name from that ol' mason jar of entries. I decided to pull one name for each year.

And the winners are.....

[drum roll]

Alex Taylor
Deborah Adams
Rosemary Scanlon

Congrats! I'll be in touch with you about what name you'd like on your new necklace!

For those of you still eager to have one, Name Necklaces are STILL ON SALE until the end of June! Half off at $50 instead of $100, with an additional discount to orders of six or more.

Treat yourself to some cake today - it's your birthday too.

xoR

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Party favour


Dear lovers of bling,

While I wasn't looking, Brazen Design's THIRD BIRTHDAY crept up on me and it's almost here! Where did the time go?

When I launched, I set out with a secret mission to bring back The Name Necklace, and have been doing so one hand cut sterling silver name at a time.

In this spirit, I will offer clients HALF OFF of a customized Name Necklace for the entire month of June! That's $50 instead of $100!

It doesn't stop there! if you respond to this email with your name and contact info, you'll be entered into a draw to win A FREE NAME NECKLACE on June 15th, Brazen's official 3rd Birthday!

Pass this message along to friends and family - they can enter too!

Spread the bling love,

xoR

How To Order or Enter: send an email to me at info [at] brazen-design.com.

Wanna see more name necklace pics? Check out the Etsy posting here.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Valerie Dumaine at Unicorn Boutique!


The lovely Valerie Dumaine will be doing a meet and greet at Unicorn Boutique on Thursday June 3rd!

Her Spring/Summer collection will be 15% off for the evening.

RSVP before June 1st! RSVP info and more on Unicorn's blog.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Make Do & Mend Redux

If you've flipped through a copy of the Mirror this week, you may have read about the very cool talk taking place at the new Ethik Boutique on St Hubert tomorrow night.

Part of a series of ethical fashion events, fashion historian Pamela Grimaud will be talking about the return to a more conscious consumption of clothing (mending, modifying and upcycling) and the rise of handmade, ethical and environmentally friendly fashion.

Tomorrow, Wednesday May 26th at 6:30 PM
Ethik Boutique, 6050 St Hubert
$10

The full Mirror article is here and the Ethik Boutique has a facebook page here.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

All Hail The Studio Sale: Eve Gravel & Station 8

Previous season Eve Gravel, and Eve's men's line Station 8, will be on sale at the Eve Gravel atelier on De Gaspe starting on Thursday and continuing through Sunday.

Wine n' cheese on Wed evening as well - more info on Candice Pantin's Montreal In Fashion blog and Eve Gravel's site under News.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Swap n' Shop on May 29th


Bigger and better than ever, a date has been set for the next Montreal S.W.A.P.!

Brought to by the awesome folks of The S.W.A.P. Team, this massive clothing swap will go down at Musee Juste Pour Rire on May 29th.

They've changed up the format this year and it's going to be very exciting: a one day event starting at 2pm and going to 3am, DJs, a fashion show (styled by yours truly!), on-site fashion consultations from Ludique, and a V.I.P. lounge for those swapping haute couture labels!

This year, due to overwhelming demand and limited space, you pay for your entrance (a nominal donation to the non-profit) by buying your ticket beforehand here. The Couture Salon is extra but well worth it if you have some luxury brands hanging at the back of your closet to trade in for some same-caliber duds.

How does the S.W.A.P. work?
You donate clothes and get 1 ticket for every piece of clothing (must be in good condition, no stains and rips!) and you can trade in every ticket for a new piece of clothing you find at the swap.

How do you donate your clothes?
It's so easy - email clothingpickups-MTL@theswapteam.org and they'll pick it up for you!

For way more in-depth information about the swap, check out http://theswapteam.org/happenings/take-off-your-clothes-montreal.

Don't miss out!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Guest Blog: On Fashion, architecture and flowerpots...

I'm so excited to have this awesome guest blog from Samantha Etane of Montreal visual blog tam+sam! I couldn't check out the Open Doors Design Montreal event so Sam generously agreed to cover it for my dear readers.

Here we go!

This past week-end Design Montreal organized the 4th edition of 'Portes Ouvertes' Design Montreal; designers of all trades - and calibers - opened the doors of their boutiques, studios and atelier to the public.

I saw so many creations, fell in love with so designers, but had to make a choice...

Helmer.
A Passionate creative force who specialize in delicate & unique embroidered pieces for women, Helmer Joseph welcomed us in his St Laurent's boutique-gallery. The designer gives us plaids, polka-dots, lacework, and precious bling with a classy twist.




Incidentally Helmer worked with my next 'coup de coeur' Philippe Dubuc , a designer who embodies the spirit of Quebec's creativity. He welcomed us in his 'atelier' and chatted about his creative process, his upcoming women line he's preparing for Simons, and the challenge of designing women's garment.






Next stop Cardin, Ramirez & Julien , an architecture firm located on The Main. They specialize in sustainable development, and have recently won Rio Tinto Alcan Competition for the design of our new Planetarium.




Jamais Assez
is an interior design heaven. There, you can get colorful and original pieces at very affordable prices. On top of it, made in Quebec.






'Portes Ouvertes' Design Montreal is one of these event that makes you realize how lucky we are to live in a city where the artists and the art are so accessible.

PS: A huge Thanks to Eric, from the Dubuc store, who was rocking the brand like it was nobody's business.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Street Stylin': May Day Moments

May Day has come and gone and it was a blast. General 54's 4th year anniversary, the celebration of Local 23 and the unveiling of the new Local Annex space went down next door to the General this past Saturday. There was a fashion show, drinks, DJs, giveaways and projections.


The theme for the first show was Nautical Garden Party, featuring vintage dresses and new designs by grob, Enfants Sauvages and Jennifer Glasgow, to name a few. The models, hot-to-trot ladies from the hood, did a fantastic job walking the runway and posing en tableau.


Reema, of Cocoa Locale, looked simply splish-splash in this Glasgow dress, hot off the presses from the Spring/Summer collection. She's also sporting the Brazen Design anchor necklace and vintage shoes.

The second show was a little more glam, and the models poured champagne in the General's honour from an oversized cutout bottle.

The crowd was a fashion show in and of itself and many sported our local talent.

Reanna and Emilie were the suave stylists behind the show.

Reanna (left) was representing Australia in her Something Else by Natalie Wood top and denim leggings by Sports Girl.

Emily (right) is wearing a vintage onesie from their vintage collection Caesar Pony, on sale here. Also, check out Reanna's blog at reannatime.blogspot.com

My little sister Monica (left), wearing Noemiah earrings.

Deborah (middle) is the talent behind Deborah Adams recycled bags and belts and the sweat behind a number of local designer sewing machines. She is wearing boots from Sam Adelman purchased at Little Burgundy, an H&M waistcoat scored at the last S.W.A.P. and a pair of Teenflo pants from the 90's.

Aaron (right) is sporting a Viola Blanca ascot, black 514 Levi's also obtained at the S.W.A.P. and Fluevog ankle boots.

Roxy (left) is wearing a blouse from d.e.p.t., and Hoss ankle boots. Michelle, the genius behind Simone's Rose, is wearing a Vanessa Moore necklace, Betsy Johnson purse, Miss 60 shoes, Pants from Paris Pas Cher!, Foxy Jeans by Michelle Maymond sweater and Brazen Design earrings.


Elaine (left), mastermind behind Elaine Ho (aka Roadkill) jewellery and pepito mimumo clothing, is wearing a Les Copains jacket, belted vintage oversized camisole, Groggy leggings, Full Circle coat and vintage boots found at Value Village, and some knotty roadkill bling.

Yana (right), superstar of Supayana, is wearing a thrifted scarft, cardigan, jacket, purse and vintage boots.


Jenn (left), the 'jenn' of Jennifer Glasgow Design, is wearing a mashup of vintage Glasgow pieces.

Elizabeth (right) of Land of Talk, is wearing an Oasis leather jacket, Vexy shirt, Silence + Noise blazer, and jeans and tanktop purchased at "that sample store on St Viateur near Park". The boots are vintage Charles David and were purchased in New York right before playing on Letterman.


Jeremy (left) is wearing Lucky Jeans shirt and pants and sneaks purchased at Gravity Pope (when're we gonna get one of those?!).

Poppy (right) is wearing an H&M top, American Eagle jeans and Kensie shoes.


Reema (middle) is wearing vintage shoes and an altered vintage dress with a hilarious backstory; her and her father were thrifting in Hamilton while her mom was out of town (a habit they shared that mom didn't condone) and Reema hadn't found anything. Her dad, who is actually colourblind - grabbed a hideous muumuu from a rack and said "What about this?". That muumuu is now the dress you see in the picture, with the sleeves and hem shortened, and one of her go-to favourites.


Tamara, the lady behind This Ilk, is wearing This Ilk, an H&M sweater, Norwegian Wood leggings, Derek Durand camisole purchased at Puces Pop and Aldo sandals.


Monica with Tamara after purchasing a This Ilk necklace. The General opened for an hour after the fashion show and Monica ran over to buy this Enfants Sauvages (left) and grob (right) dress worn during the show.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

MAYDAY! Celebrate General 54.

General 54, one of my favourite Montreal institutions, is 4 years old and ready to get a little loose.

The good people of General 54, Local 23, and their forthcoming store, “The Local Annex” are having a party. They will be opening the door of their pre-renovated and newest location to throw down a celebration for us all.

Kicking off the fun will be a Fashion Show. Wares from the neighbourhood worn by the neighbourhood.

Also a Silent Auction over loud music will be held.

Did I mention music?

DJs Roxy Moron
Dan Lafleche
Mary C.

Visuals by Bearmod

This will be to be a night to remember.

Doors open at 9.
Fashion show 9:30.

NO COVER

Facebook invite.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

All hail the sale: AU CŒUR DE LA MODE

If you missed the Braderie, here's yet another amazing sale of many local designer labels. AU CŒUR DE LA MODE is a Quebec fashion sale that raises money for the Farha Foundation. The proceeds of AU CŒUR DE LA MODE assists the Farha Foundation to continue to help the more than 20,000 men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS in Quebec.

Click here for deets and here for a full list of designers.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Braderie de Mode Quebecoise!

I am sooooooo excited to tell you about this incredible sale happening this weekend: the Quebec Designer Sale. It's going down at Marche Bonsecours and all your favourite local labels will be there and steeply discounted.

Brazen Design was invited to participate so come by and say hi! And if you have had your eyes on anything from the collection, now's your chance! If you mention this blog post, I will give you an extra 15% off the already marked down prices!

Check out the deets here: www.braderiedemodequebecoise.com

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

STYLIST'S OWN 3.0

I don't have time to explain why you should go to this but you should. Go.

Stylist's Own. Edition 3. Deets here.