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.

Dream Team: The Perfect Bag Arrives

Once upon a time, I had a dream. A dream of a purse that could rearrange itself into a variety of bags - laptop, clutch, purse, shoulder and messenger. This dream bag would be a classic black, made of soft leather that was easy on my conscience, and hardware that would stand the test of time. Best of all, it would be hot-to-trot and go with anything I wear.
The bag of my dreams (and yours) has arrived. With a Conscience. The 007 is made from upcycled leather, has plenty of inside and outside pockets, interchangeable fringe and strap accessories, and Mini-me (a detachable clutch).


The creation of a dream bag takes a dream team. In this case, The S.W.A.P. Team, Montreal Couture and local recycled leather accessories designer Deborah Adams (about whom I haven't stopped raving on this blog) joined forces to crowd-source and design the perfect bag, a portion of which will go to supporting the SWAP and Montreal Couture's not-for-profit endeavours."So how do I get my hands on one?!", you ask? Simply sign up for the SWAP's newsletter here to ensure you receive your invite to the exclusive online pre-sale. Only the number ordered will be made to reduce waste. The price has not yet been released but is guaranteed to be less than the retail average with a higher quality production (being the owner of multiple Deborah Adams bags and belts, I can personally guarantee it!).


Ok, stop drooling and go sign up - I don't want to hear "I wish I'd gotten one" when you run into me, 007 and Mini-me on the boulevard.

Majolie

For a while now, I have been madly in love with the quebec-knit line, Majolie. Creation of the gorgeous and talented Lysanne Latulippe, Majolie provided us with luscious, unique and devastatingly feminine knitwear. Made in Quebec no less! Alas, this collection is on pause for the time being while Lysanne works with some our other local fashion heroes.


Instead of mourning the loss, take advantage of the sales. I was at General 54 and all the pieces I've featured here are in stock and on sale.



I picked up this tied-at-the-neck herringbone sweater, in white and black. It was 50% off! There's one last one left, in medium so get 'em while you can!

Here's hoping this isn't the last we see of Majolie!

(p.s. the General is just down the street from Jennifer Glasgow's studio - see the previous post about her studio sale and kill two birds with one stone!)

Random Round Up

A random round-up of what's on my fashion mind this week.

I was interviewed for this great article on Montreal's Craft culture by Aaron Vansintjan. Check out - well articulated.

If you've admired this skirt I've been wearing, get it NOW - on sale for $39! So easy to wear. Comfy, soft and easy to combine with a variety of tops and leggings.

[While you're on Michelle's etsy shop, check out the new S/S collection. Delicious. I also picked up a pair of her luxe leggings which paired fantastically with my Denis Gagnon over the weekend.]


Upcoming Chatte Bottee sale at HQ on the 25th. Vintage boots n' shoes. Don't miss it!

All hail the sales!

January is a great time to get some good deals. It's rare that boutiques carrying a lot of Made-In-Canada designs have major sales, but there are some jems this month.

I'd highly recommend popping by Jeans Jeans Jeans - I was in there helping a friend pick out a pair of made-in-Montreal Second Yoga Skinny jeans, and found a rack of Guido & Mary, Lois and Seconds at half-price. Plus, the second pair is seventy-five perfect off! And that's off Jeans Jeans Jeans' regular prices, which are below suggested retail.

Another great sale is going down at La Gaillarde in St Henri. It's on until the 24th of this month.


I've had my eye on a young designer, THIRD EYE by Dessaivre, whose eco up-cycled creations are carried there. Her work is romantic with an edge of dark, using lots of creams and black and lace.

All Hail The Sale: Style Cutters

I'm doing one last show this holiday season and I'm really stoked about it - three fashion designers, two jewellery designers, two handbag designers and a reclaimed wooden toy maker will descend upon Blizzarts, our favourite plateau watering hole.

More than just shopping - enjoy cocktails, desserts, music and old films.

We will be there all day, from 12h - 19h. Come by, say hi, and gift your loved ones or yourself with local creations!

Sneak Peeks for STYLIST'S OWN

As promised, here are some sneak peeks of (a few of) the Brazen Design limited edition collection on sale this weekend at STYLIST'S OWN. All the pieces are made with recycled leather and sterling silver chain.

Made in MTL with Love

Holy cow, next week is like a not-so-mini pre-party for Montreal Fashion Week (which is more like three days, not a week, and will be upon us Oct 13th).

But first things first: we're gonna kick things off on Wednesday with Fashion Pop, followed by STYLIST'S OWN on Friday. Saturday will launch the Puces Pop annual Arts & Crafts fair.

FASHION POP

Wed Sept 30th
8 PM (doors at 7)
Espace Reunion, 6600 Hutchinson
This is an exciting fashion show and contest between 6 up-and-coming Montreal fashion designers. You can read my previous blog entry about Fashion Pop here.

STYLIST'S OWN

Friday, October 2nd – 10 am to 9 pm
Saturday, October 3rd – 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, October 4th – 12 pm to 6 pm
Studio MW
400 McGill
Montréal

This is only the 2nd ever STYLIST'S OWN from respected Montreal wonder woman and stylist Azamit, and founder of souk@sat. She has gathered one-of-a-kind and limited edition items from over 60 Montreal designers. The perfect opportunity to get your hands on a gorgeous unique piece made with love right here in Montreal.

Brazen Design will be presenting a never-before-seen recycled leather/sterling silver collection and I'll post sneak peeks next week.

PUCES POP

October 3rd & 4th, 11am - 7pm
St. Michel Church Hall (105 St-Viateur O.)

Quickly becoming a Montreal institution, this Pop Montreal side-project-turned-raging-arts-and-crafts-beast, The Puces Pop Marketplace is an amazing assembly of handmade clothes, jewellery, zines, toys, ceramics, books and much much more.

I will be there all weekend, and the permanent Brazen Design collection will be on SUPER SALE so take advantage!

Style Tip: It's gettin' hot in here! Stay cool.

Woowee! I just scanned the weather projections for the next week and it is gonna get H-O-T-T. I'm so glad I was gifted this Kimchi Blue (made in the USA!) lace-neckline tank yesterday by the always-stylish Reema Singh of Cocoa Locale - it'll be the perfect nearly-nude top to stay cool in this week.

STYLE TIP

Pair a light, long and billowy tank with short-shorts or a mini-skirt. If you're feeling a little more conservative, try a pair of lightweight (linen or cotton) capris. Accessorize with a skinny belt around your natural waist. Finish the look with strappy wedge sandals.

PERFECT WITH...

Lalouka's handmade-in-Montreal bloomers:


Second-hand Givenchy Sandals from Shoes and Your Mom:

Featured Purchase: Lalouka Nautical Pinstripe Skirt

I recently stumbled upon Lara's Etsy stores - Lalouka (handmade goodies) and The Crumpet Closet (vintage finds) and went nuts for her stuff.

Think retro casual cool meets smart garden tea parties (Lara's originally from England).

I promptly ordered the Nautical Pinstripe Skirt and I LOVE IT! Lara tailor-made it to my size and I've worn it twice since picking it up on Friday. The fabric is a nice mix of strong and stretch and I love the highwasit - it's very flattering. My favourite touch is the contrasting horizontal stripes in the pocket. And as Lara put it, it's "very nice in the bum".

She's gearing up for her fall line so I'll let y'all know when it's ready. In the meantime, head over to her shop and pick up this skirt or a pair of bloomers - it's gonna be a hot september!

Street Stylin': Danielle in BodyBag by J.U.D.E.

My friend Danielle wore this stunner to her engagement party - a perfect light summer dress amped up with classic navy blue striping and oversized white hem. Made in Montreal with love!

Dress:

BodyBag by J.U.D.E.
17 Bernard West, Montreal.
www.jude.qc.ca/bodybag/

Happy St Jean Baptiste!

The Etsy blog "Storque" asked Angie (of iheartnorwegianwood and Headquarters Boutique) to write an article about Quebec artists in honour of St Jean Baptiste which was published today on Etsy.com.

I am honoured that Brazen Design was featured! Check out all the other amazing talent and remember: shop local!

Conscious Consumption Catwalk

The ladies and I had an awesome time at the opening Fashion show of Festival Mode & Design. 50 local brands showed off three fall outfits a piece while Beast of Sound made the most gorgeous live beats I've seen in a decade.

Highlights: (sorry, can't get images yet!)

Andy The Anh's billowing red silk dress (ah if only!)
Eve Gravel's Melting Dress (which I already have?! Wow, I'm ahead of the curve!;)
Valerie Dumaine's fall cocktail dresses. (ALL OF THEM. Must choose one only - gonna be a tough call!)

Go check the amazing stuff happening down on McGill College! You still have today and tomorrow!

Tailor Made: Shoes

Image by urbanmakr at flickr.com/photos/urbanmkr/471915540/
I got lucky while breezing through Zara with a friend recently, and found the last of a pair of leather sandals that had arrived and sold out that day. They were made in Spain, mostly leather and really affordable; but the sole was one very thin piece of leather that just wasn't enough padding between me and the sidewalk.

I took them to Imperial boots on Bleury, just south of Sherbrooke. It's the third shoe repair I've taken to them: they re-soled my cowboy boots (doing a far superior job than the original manufacturer, I might add) and replaced a long side zipper on a pair of riding boots from Paris.

I have been super happy with every repair and this time was no exception: he added a rubber tread to the ball of the sole and thick piece of rubber matching the leather under the heel. I walked out of the store wearing them and walked from Bleury to Guy and back with no issues.


The real beauty of Imperial Boots is their old-world customer service and quality. They actually make shoes from scratch (all those boots you see hanging in the window when you walk by? Handmade in Montreal. And they do custom work. I have heard many a testimonial to the awesomeness of custom Imperial winter boots. I swear you're gonna see me in The Winter Boots of My Dreams this year.

Imperial Boots
2117 rue de Bleury
Montréal, QC H3A 2K2

(514) 844-5611‎
(map)

Featured Purchase: The "Loni" from Jennifer Glasgow

I have found the perfect clothing item for this 7-degrees-below-average-weather that we have been having: Jennifer Glagow's "Loni" High Waisted Pant from the Spring/Summer 09 collection.
They are beautifully tailored trousers made with a soft lightweight cotton denim. With an invisible side zip instead of a fly, these pants cover your legs in the chilly mornings while keeping you breezy when summer peeks its head out of the clouds in the afternoons.

I love the retro aesthetic of these pants - the not-that-high waistline is reminiscent of your mom's trousers (which were a really flattering height and it's a shame we don't see more of it), the shape of the pockets and belt loops, the wooden buttons, and the colours in the stitching and lining are all vintage-inspired classic.

They are perfectly paired with spring blouses, and they work great with a belt. I wore them to Puces Pop day #1 and got tons of compliments: proof that they work on short curvy girls like me and not just the tall & lanky set!

Locally designed and made (of course!). Get 'em while you can at General 54 or at Jennifer Glasgow's online store.

(Hint: They are more affordable at the store.)

My job is to make your life easier.

Which is why I have put together a Google Map of Montreal boutiques to help you consume more consciously. The boutiques I have listed carry either some, mostly or all local fashions that are locally-designed, locally-made, Canadian-made or vintage & second hand. If I have left anything out, please let me know in the comments section!

Can't wait to use it? Why not start this weekend at Main Madness, where St Laurent Blvd is car-free and the stores and restaurants spill onto the street between Sherbrooke and Mt-Royal. I saw something about $25 ruffle mary janes at Lola & Emily during the street fair....?!

[I had to remove the embedded map as it took too long to load inside the post but here's the link!]

I feel like a celebrity...

I am honored to say that I am the first "creatrice" to be interviewed for Creacamp.org's new "3 Questions for..." feature!


The questions are in French but my answers are in English. I can't decide if I sound like a dork or frighteningly anal retentive and boring... You tell me!

You can ready the interview here: www.creacamp.org/content/3-questions-rachel-dhawan

Puces Pop!

So. Tired. Must. Prepare. More. Things. For. Puces. Pop...

So y'all better come see me and the other 99 talented montrill designers who are bustin' our butts to provide you with hot-to-trot bleeding edge fashions and findings.

For those who've been coveting the cast spruce and pinecones, I got a fresh new batch! They're only $45, which is a crazy good deal cause they are retailing for $70!


And for those yearning for more silver-covered truffles, there's a batch of those on the way as well - if I don't fall asleep while melting chocolate.

The Deets:
Saturday My 16th - Sunday May 17th
11am - 6pm
Ukranian Federation (yo - don't show up at the St Michel Church - it's not there this time!)
Corner of Hutchison and Fairmount (map)

That's a wrap!