1uv Luxury Bags: Art on Your Arm

By: Saema Nasir

As the rain pounded down on the blustery, slippery streets of Toronto, some of its more fashionable inhabitants gathered at the Spoke Club to celebrate the launch of a new handbag line. Called 1uv the assortment of leather purses and clutches all feature original art from the talented Canadian artist, Kent Thomson. “It’s a way to get my art to a new audience. It’s an amazing new way to experience art,” said Thomson humbly, as he discreetly and quietly surveyed the crowd gathered to fete the handbag line and his art.

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The trendy and the artsy mingled with each other as soothing live music played in the background. Warm golden lighting served to accentuate the mossy, rose and purple hues of some of the artwork featured on the bags. “We really thought about what we could do together to bring art to the street,” said Sofia Thomson, vice-president of sales and marketing.

I couldn’t help but notice that this finely crafted handbag line, created in the old world tradition, each unique, was serving another very important purpose: that of promoting and supporting Canadian art. The luxury handbags are made from the finest leather and original acrylic paintings, which are one-of-a-kind wearable accessories. These handbags will turn their owners’ arms into mobile art galleries, showcasing the impressive art displayed on them to crowds who may not have the time or inclination to go to a Canadian art gallery. Not only are prospective customers buying a handbag, they are getting a piece of art – one that is uniquely Canadian. And that is worth having!

To find out more about 1uv, visit 1uv.ca, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

Sony Brings Superior Sound Technology to the Ford Explorer Platinum

The Ford Explorer is celebrating its 25th anniversary in style. To mark the auspicious occasion, Ford partnered with Sony to create an audio experience unlike any other in its 2016 Explorer Platinum. The same technology of superior high-end home theatre audio systems has been replicated by Sony and is now available in the iconic Ford SUV, which is an industry first. 

A group of automotive enthusiasts and lifestyle bloggers, including myself, were among the first to hear the 500-watt, 12-speaker Sony premium audio system with Clear Phase and Live Acousticstechnologies at the Sony Centre. The Clear Phase technology gives a crystal-clear sound the way that the artist intended. It's perfect for listening to your favourite rock bands and popular music. 

If you want to listen to Mozart's heavenly melodies, the Live Acoustics technology brings about an unparalleled concert-hall sound quality. It is as if you were sitting in Roy Thomson Hall and listening to a beautiful symphony. The audio experience was nicely complemented by the massaging seat, which was perfect for relaxing, as I had just finished work. I loved the hands-on experience, as we had the chance to listen to Bruno Mars, Vivaldi and everything in between! 

If your commute is quite cumbersome, imagine how serene it could be with an audio system that blocks out all outside noise to deliver a pleasant listening experience, all while relaxing your body in the massaging driver's seat. It's the details and everyday pleasures that can make your ordinary routine that much better and even extraordinary. 

The interactive presentation was followed by an exclusive concert from one of Sony Canada's best-selling recording artists, MAGIC! The band is known for the smash hit songs, Rude and Don't Kill the Magic

My friends and I enjoyed ourselves as we danced and sang along in the front row. The intimate show was fun and, forgive the pun, quite magical! 

I had a wonderful time learning about the harmonious partnership of Ford and Sony. Both companies are highly reputable and are leaders in the automotive and audio industries, respectively. The 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum is offered for sale starting at $50,305. To find out more about this versatile vehicle, visit: http://www.ford.com/suvs/explorer/trim/platinum/

Photos courtesy of Ford Canada.

The Rebirth of Toni & Guy in Toronto

By: Sari Colt & The Charming Modernist

I first learned about the hair salon, Toni & Guy during my university career. One day, I was walking along Charles Street in my neighbourhood of Yorkville when I could sense someone looking my way. A trendy girl grinned at me and I had to do a double-take, as the girl that I could not recognize was my housemate, Leslie. Her shoulder length brown hair was transformed to onyx black and cut asymmetrically. "You look like a rock star!" I exclaimed. Leslie said that she had just gotten her hair done at Toni & Guy and raved about her amazing experience at the salon.

A few months later, I visited Toni & Guy and had my hair layered. I was very happy with the results and went back. At that time, the salon was located on Bloor Street West and once it moved and changed its name to Industry, I had moved out of the neighbourhood and found another salon. 

                       MY MOTHER, BETTY COLT (Left) IS A LONG-TIME CLIENT OF TONI & GUY AND HER HAIR ALWAYS LOOKS STYLISH. 

                       MY MOTHER, BETTY COLT (Left) IS A LONG-TIME CLIENT OF TONI & GUY AND HER HAIR ALWAYS LOOKS STYLISH. 

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the salon is back in business in Yorkville. Toni & Guy recently celebrated its grand reopening in high style and we were invited to mark the occasion. Rob and Clarissa Pupo, owners of the Toronto location, were on hand to greet their guests, which included Toni & Guy's international creative director, Zak Mascolo. The salon is stark white and is very spacious and open. The team at Toni & Guy Toronto get along fabulously. Rob and Clarissa are both talented hairstylists. Clarissa has also won multiple awards for makeup artistry. 

Toni & Guy is a ubiquitous brand that has a long and illustrious history in the hair industry. Founded by the Mascolo brothers, Guiseppe, Gaetano, Bruno and Anthony in 1963 in England, Toni & Guy salons are now in 42 countries world-wide. The stylists are all trained in the Toni & Guy methodology, with on-trend haircutting and colouring. Bruno Mascolo and Zak Mascolo (Gaetano's son) are very hands on creatively and plan on further expanding the company. The TIGI line of hair products and cosmetics including their popular 'Bed Head ' line now has a pet line called 'Pet Head' for those who wish to spoil their pooches.

Toni & Guy Toronto is one salon worth paying a visit to for being pampered in style and getting the full cutting edge hair experience. 

To learn more about Toni & Guy, visit: toniguy.com/hair-salons/toronto-on/cumberland-street/

128 Cumberland Street, Toronto, ON M5R 1A6
416-920-7775

National Women's Show Promo Code

Congratulations to Laura R for winning two tickets to the National Women's Show! Thanks to all those who entered the contest.

To my readers who would still like to attend the show, you can buy tickets online using the promo code, CHARMING and get $3 off!

To purchase tickets, visit: https://secure.e-registernow.com/cgi-bin/mkpayment.cgi?state=1770

Enjoy the show and have a great girl's day out! :) 

Win a Pair of Tickets to the National Women's Show!

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Ladies, round up your girlfriends and get ready to attend the National Women's Show, which runs from October 16 - 19 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre! Indulge in the ultimate girl's day out by learning about the latest fashion trends, sampling sumptuous snacks and sweets, shopping until your drop and so much more!  

I am giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky reader. There are many ways to enter (see below). Good luck!

Open to Canadian residents only, 19+. 
Contest ends Wednesday, October 14. Winner will be contacted directly via email and announced on social media.