From consultation to finished product, the Blo me dry experience is fun, fresh, fast and modern. I had the pleasure of checking out one of Calgary’s latest, hippest beauty phenoms, BLO me dry, blow dry bar, and had a blast.

I met with owner, Anna and had a chance to pick her brain about her pink, sexy baby,Blo me dry last week.  The energy of Anna and her staff is smiley, welcoming and kind.

Blo me dry bar is an a la carte hair styling phenomenon. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Blo has gone viral in North America and now spans all major city centers from Hollywood to Philadelphia, Blo epitomizes accessible beauty. Calgary is the latest addition to the Blo me dry family, offering a styling only salon at 1317 1st street SW.  Clients can book in or Blo can come to you.

Clients choose from a variety of styles from the Blo hair menu; such as,  boho braid, executive sweet,  and holly would to name a few.  I chose the boho braid, and it was so cute! I had killer hair for 3 days following my blowdry. Anna informed me that she has many clients that choose to come more than one time a week to have their hair styled.The Blo trained stylists follow a  Blo protocol to ensure that you have red carpet ready hair consistently, every time. Rhonia, my stylist was cute, fun, and thorough. I felt as if I had a new bestie when I left her chair.

Blo is convenient, economical and fun, truly simplifying having great hair. They are open from 7am to 9pm by appointment, 7 days a week, and at only $35 a blow out you can’t lose.  Streamlining styling your hair, regardless of it’s texture and weight. Blo is a dream come true and should be added to every fashionista’s speed dial. I have added them to mine !

]]> http://www.calgaryfashion.ca/2012/02/05/blo-me-dry/feed/ 0 http://www.calgaryfashion.ca/2012/02/01/new-local-online-boutique-strictly-diva/ http://www.calgaryfashion.ca/2012/02/01/new-local-online-boutique-strictly-diva/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:00:44 +0000 CKos http://www.calgaryfashion.ca/?p=14963

Strictly Diva is a brand new online jewelry boutique based in Calgary that specializes in statement pieces unique to the shop. And, they are very affordable. My personal favorites are their bold cuffs. Shop Strictly Diva.

Courtney Kos || Image via ‘Strictly Diva’ on Facebook

Presented by PARK, Gerry Thomas Gallery, and Sophia Models International, The Fashion Industry Mixer is an event that should not be missed by any media or fashion professional in Calgary. The event will highlight: Colin Way Photography, Lisa Turner Design, Fashion bloggers, Ania B and Lions Lace Lattes and tasting samples from three local restaurants via local food writer, Dan Clapson. 

Courtney Kos

Nicole Rita Tomney, designer of NRT Fashions, has earned a reputation at fashion weeks across the country that can be described as a very talented young designer to watch, with her innovative masterpieces and thrilling runway shows. On the evening of February 3rd, Tomney will be delivering NRT Fashions‘ Fall/Winter 2012 collection, titled DROP DEAD, at Sociale Bar and Grill.

Another collection from NRT Fashions isn’t the only thing to look forward to. This event coincides with the official launch of the NRT Fashions website and online store, which will have available all of the designer’s past collections alongside its present season. This means any piece from NRT Fashions you’ve ever fallen in love with can now be yours.

Tickets and table reservations for this event are available at 403-826-6454, or online at nrt.zoobis.com.

Courtney Kos (Blog Editor) 

I don’t know about you, but when I visit a salon to refresh my look, I walk out wondering how I am going to replicate the latest hair and make-up style I am sporting; I make sure to take photos to savour the moment as I don’t  know when I will be able to achieve the look on my own: expensive hair dryers, specialized hair combs and brushes, different products used to achieve body and shine, various make-up brushes and products. It all seems complicated and expensive which stops me from making the effort at times to be honest. Despite all this, there has to be a better way, right?

There is, i’ve found it in Maddpretty Makeover Studio professionals who transform your appearance and teach you simple hair along with make-up techniques on how to achieve the celebrity look by yourself. Best of all, you get to have a mini photo shoot afterward to remember your experience.

“In slang culture “madd” means in excess of something… Our mission here is to make you feel extremely pretty, pretty in a glamorous way,” says Jackie Johnson, director of Maddpretty Makeover Studio. Johnson has been an educator of make-up application at CBC teaching lessons to the nightly news anchors as well as to WestJet hostesses. Through her experiences, Johnson also picked up the art of styling hair.

The defining difference between this makeover studio compared to others? You learn the techniques on yourself. Johnson sheds more light on how the make-up session works: “We do one side and then the other person does the other side, so that they know they can do it. I teach with Q-tips, so there’s no special brushes and it’s [about] self contouring and highlighting. The success of the individual being able to do it on their own without having to take notes is very high. We see them after and they do an amazing job of their make-up; I hear great stories of women who have a heightened self-esteem just from adding something to their daily routine. They invest more time into themselves every day.”

If there is one product to have as part of your make-up routine, it is the Maddpretty Magic Stixx; it is a full coverage foundation made for HD (high definition) television that goes on smooth like butter and is light.

When it comes to hair, it is not as complicated as you think: “A lot of women don’t actually need to cut their hair. They think they need to do something drastic, but really it’s just about styling it differently.” Big trends for the year have been hair extensions, feathers, semi-permanent straightening treatments (the most popular being the Keratin Smoothing Treatment) and a braided perm which has an 80s feel to it.

- Daniela Codreanu

- Photos –  Jacqueline Elizabeth

“We are a young, sexy, fun, exciting brand and we are just really happy to be here,” says Jennifer Bayley, public relations manager for the clothing company Express. Canadians have been craving its arrival and their prayers have been answered: the popular American chain opened its doors at Chinook Centre and Southcentre this past Friday on Remembrance Day. The Market Mall location opens this week.

“I’ve been walking around downtown Calgary. People have style here, they really do and I think it was the perfect fit for us,” boasts Bayley.

Even Canadian celebrity, Shenae Grimes who plays Annie Wilson on the hit TV show 90210 has been a long time fan. Bayley tells the story: “[She] was just telling me in the backroom that she used to drive down to Buffalo to shop us, when she lived in Toronto and that’s what I love hearing.”

So what draws people in? Comfortable, classic clothing that does not go out of style.

“Well we are trend driven, we’re not trendy,” explains Bayley. It is not only women who can enjoy Express’s styles, but men as well. Two staples recommended by Bayley are the Editor Pant for women and the 1MX Shirt for men. The Editor Pant comes in various blends and colours while the 1MX Shirt comes in all the colours of the rainbow. Most importantly, though, they are said to both have a great fit!

Shenae Grimes has her favourite as well: “I’m going nuts over all the coats right now. I’m a coat fanatic. I have a whole closet dedicated to coats because you could have sweat pants on and NOBODY has to know and you still look cute because you got a cute coat on. I’m from Canada. We wear coats a lot over here.”

For the unconvinced men reading this story, Cale Hulse who is a former NHL player and currently on the Canadian TV show Battle of the Blades might be able to sway you. He mentions, “The jeans I am wearing right now, it’s like they are tailor made for me and I have always struggled to find jeans that fit”, and goes on to say, “I’m looking around already. I’ve got my eye on a few things I’m going to have to get before I leave. I’m a necessities guy right now, back to the basics: underwear, socks, maybe some t-shirts and maybe one of those cool backpacks to throw it in, so I can take it back home. But the sweaters are great too. I love the sweater I’m wearing now.”

Imagine only having to stop at one place for you and your lady. Perfect, right?

Words by Daniela Codreanu & Photography by Todd Korol

Typography: we see it everywhere and maybe we don’t even realize the impact it has. From road signs to store fronts to TV, this form of visual communication can set a mood and create a distinct identity, yet, it is often overlooked. Man vs. Mouse: A Typography Show brought letters into the spotlight at The Gallery on 17th Ave.

“Typography is quite prevalent in the design world,” said Aaron Ellard, owner of The Gallery and Understudy clothing stores. “You can build and entire identity around it.”

The twist with this show was how the artists created their piece. Four of them used their bare hands while the other three were armed with a computer mouse – hence the name of the show.“I was wanting to do a group show and looking at the roster of [local] artists, half were graphic designers and half were artists. I thought it would be a cool contrast,” Ellard said.

The show was varied and featured cleverly thought-out pieces from each artist. On the “man” side, Tiffany Wollman used wood to create an alphabetic typeface and plastic was used for a clever cutout of letter qualifications (MBA, Ph.D etc…)

James Deary really stepped up the complexity with his pieces. Each piece was done in fine-point black marker featuring a different arrangement of words. In one piece, he used leaves, logs and puffs of smoke to say ‘Peace, Love and High Fives.’ The digitally created art was just as varied.

Joey Camacho took a literal approach but with impact using a large ‘A’ ‘B’ and ‘C’ in different fonts. Done in grey, black and white, each font used was typed in a tiny font size at the bottom.

Graphic designer Ian MacFarlane had three distinctly different pieces. One was simply the letter ‘B’ but it was dressed up with jewel tones and sharp lines. Another piece featured a graffiti meets calligraphy style that read, “Insert cliché here.”

Each artist brought something different and showed the diversity and impact of typography. The work will remain up on the walls of The Gallery until November 24. Check it out at 113-1013 17 Ave SW, Calgary.

Words & Photography by Vanessa Conley

Fashion designer Lauren Bagliore delivers to Calgary an impressive resume that lists the designer alongside staple names of the fashion industry. The Art of Fashion debuted at the DaDe Art & Design Lab where guests were dazzled and entranced by Bagliore’s ready to wear line.

Now based in Calgary, Bagliore has just returned from a very succesful showing at LG Fashion Week in Toronto. The celebrated designer maintains consitency with the style and general look of her line, tying the collection together with elegant evening dresses and distinct outerwear jackets. Nothing is overdone. From the layering to the ruching and the cuts of dresses, Bagliore’s choice of fabric is right on the money, mixing tones and textures elegantly.

True stand out pieces were the long dresses that flowed to the ground with a train that could be held by  hand or slipped over the shoulder.

For the evening, Bagliore paired up with the charity organization Ratanak to raise awareness on human trafficking in Cambodia.

Photography © Eric Epie/Calgary Fashion 

WHO ARE

First impressions are long lasting making it essential to look sharp for occasions such as an interview; it tells your future employer you are serious about giving them your best work, in turn, adding to their already successful image. The organization Dress for Success provides disadvantaged women access to networking opportunities, tools to help develop their career and life as well as corporate wear. Naturalizer has teamed up with them to raise funds for their cause.

Here is where YOU come in… For every Naturalizer shoe and/or handbag purchase, $1 (up to $20,000) will be donated to Dress for Success. We want YOU to determine where the funds should go by voting for one program: Suiting Program, Professional Women’s Group and Success Summit.

By voting and placing a comment on this page about the program YOU chose (and why), enters YOU in to win a free pair of shoes from Naturalizer who daily give women the incredible combination of style and comfort letting YOU live your life and love your shoes! (Note: Click on either of the photos above to place your vote.)

As a thank you to our loyal readers, we would like to share a 30% off coupon to Naturalizer valid from September 29th – October 2, 2011. Please print off the image below and bring in to any Canadian Naturalizer location. (English on left and French on right)

Let’s make a difference!

Rules

Must be a resident of Canada to participate. The Naturalizer line Naya and boots are excluded from the giveaway.

Winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday, October 5, 2011.

To thank our supporters for all the LOVE this past weekend of our 4th birthday we are giving you a the opportunity to receive a Boobydoodle Glossy Red Heart Pendant Necklace and Red Heart Bangle duo. Accessorizing is a simple way to dress up any outfit!

Boopydoodle is an online jewelry boutique selling cute & funky jewelry. Amanda Quinn, designer of the line, was originally based in Ireland and has recently relocated to Calgary. Show your support by:

1. Signing up to receive the Calgary Fashion Newsletter at the following link:

http://eepurl.com/ct7R9

2. Liking Boopydoodle on Facebook & Following on Twitter

3. Liking us on Facebook & Following us on Twitter (Just incase you haven’t already!) 

4. Leaving us a comment telling us what your favourite accessory is!

Winner will be chosen at random and announced at Concept Lounge for Connect Saturdays this Saturday, October 1, 2011. Come support Calgary Fashion as our team heads to LG Fashion Week in Toronto! Get on the guest list by Facebooking or Tweeting us!