MAD ABOUT PLAID

TUESDAY TUNES - PS I Love You

2012-02-28T16:50:00.004-05:00

Toronto-based label, Paper Bag Records, is offering a free download of The Muster Sessions, a compilation of recorded radio-sets by Kingston, ON favorites, PS I Love You. Featuring the full Meet Me At The Muster Station and b-sides performed across North America, this showcases the nuances and growth of the twosome in an intimate setting.

Look forward to PS I Love You's sophomore album, Death Dreams, out May 8

Plaid Of The Day | Lunet Chair

2012-02-28T08:59:00.000-05:00

Photo from anthropologie.com

Covered in fabrics from Avignon, France, the Lunet Chair was inspired by a visit to an antique shop found in Sussex, England. Definitely a great contrast piece to liven up any place!

Plaid Of The Day | Peter Jensen

2012-02-24T18:30:00.001-05:00

Photo from style.com

Peter Jensen's F12 RTW Collection features classic silhouettes and lots of playful colours and prints inspired by style muses Thelma, of Thelma & Louise and Thelma Speirs, of the millinery label Bernstock Speirs.

We can't get over the styling of this presentation, we want every look! With that said, there's nothing better than excellent sound and style. Who doesn't love a little ear gear with their wardrobe?

Click here to catch-up with us this weekend!

Tuesday Tunes | Roxy Music

2012-02-21T12:18:00.001-05:00

There's nothing better than a band that sounds as good as they look - glam group turned smooth rockers Roxy Music went through their share of incarnations but never lost the ability to craft timeless tunes that still resonate.

Photo from Consequence of Sound

In January 2012 it was announced the group would release a retrospective of their work in celebration of their 40th anniversary. The eight cd/four dvd boxed set will feature songs from their whole career (Eno era included) and will turn on both old and new fans alike.

Lately the Roxy brand is all about remixes, and you can check out the new video by Ferry Gouw for the disco dub version of their classic track "Love Is The Drug" (done by Todd Terje) on our website!

Plaid Of The Day | NYFW Edition

2012-02-17T13:50:00.004-05:00

Now that it's wrapped, a look back at the shows from New York Fashion Week reveals a (mostly) understated direction for Fall's eventual arrival. Designers, as always, were mad for plaid!

Western & ombré at Band of Outsiders

Cheery & bright at Chris Benz

Head-to-toe at J. Crew

Menswear-influenced at Karen Walker

A plaid poncho at Marc by Marc Jacobs

Oversized & mixed at Marc Jacobs

The Uptown treatment at Oscar de la Renta

Subtle and super graphic at Proenza Schouler

Refreshingly retro at Anna Sui

Check out our coverage of the Canadian talent on display at NYFW by way of Istoica - and watch this space for our London plaid picks.

Best Dressed | NYFW

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Photo from style.com

As NYFW wraps up and with TFW to follow, not to mention all the craziness involved in putting together our upcoming S/S12 issue, it has definitely been a busy, but fun week in the world of fashion. With that said, we always enjoy a little bit of downtime on style.com to view all the amazing style captured on the streets - especially of those hopping from show-to-show!

This outfit is maj! From the insane statement necklace to the mash-up of colours, textures, and structure, this is why we love fashion!

Definitely fashion forward, mirroring the aqua colours presented by J. Crew and loud prints found on the runways of Marc by Marc Jacobs and Lyn Devon.

Plaid Of The Day | Lifetime

2012-02-14T14:51:00.001-05:00


Photo by Jeff Petry of NOBOSURA

We love a good necktie, and what better pattern to adorn one than plaid?

Today Plaid Online features an interview with Jude Feller, who joined the Lifetime Collective to create their latest women's collection. But what about our beloved boys?

Fear not - Lifetime will add some springtime spruce to any outfit with their "Alex" tie, shown here in three styles. Now, we may be biased, but our favourites are definitely the plaid patterns. How would you wear them?

Tuesday Tunes | Ladyhawke

2012-02-07T22:52:00.002-05:00

With a brand spankin' new album releasing later this March, we can't get enough of Ladyhawke's latest tune Black White & Blue and its ultra-cool 70's fashion shoot throwback!

Plaid Of The Day | Vanities

2012-02-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

Photo from parkandbond.com

After last week's S/S12 cover shoot, we still got amplified prints, textures, and colours in mind. It's all about making a statement. Although the colours of this Vanities' bow tie are far too warm for Resort and Spring seasons, mixing it up with a pair of citron chinos would make for a much brighter and quirky outfit. Lastly, their signature skull adds a little bit of edge to this very Brad Goreski look.

Plaid Of The Day | Vivienne Westwood

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Photos from style.com

Alright so, the makeover is not exactly complete - but hang tight because in just a couple more weeks, the Plaid Blog will be merged with Plaid's website. Exciting! With that said, let's get back into our daily style & culture grind.

Although we are in S/S12 mode, building our next print issue, we are still keeping up with all the Milan Men's Fashion Week buzz. Still completely inspired by the tailored sophistication and edginess of our Winter issue's men's editorial, End In Eternity, we can't help but squeal in excitement with all the fantastic pieces showcased on the runway. Not to mention, Vivienne Westwood's AW12 fashion show featuring lots of plaid!

Plaid is not all about going green in our juices, but being environmentally-conscious is important to us too. Vivienne explains that the "collection is in support of David Attenborough's documentary series Frozen Planet,...where he explains that we humans are responsible for the ice melt,' hence the icy beards.

New Year, New Editorial!

2012-01-04T14:26:00.000-05:00

Hello, dear readers!

In a few weeks the Plaid Blog will be merged with Plaid's website, but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun before then!

Our new online story, In The Mix, is super groovy - and the team even made this b-t-s video for us since we couldn't be there to see the magic happen.

behind the scenes - Plaid Magazine from Alan Chan on Vimeo.

Plaid Of The Day | J. Crew

2011-12-19T21:08:00.000-05:00

Photo from jcrew.com

Happy Monday!

How adorbs are these plaid flannel pajama bottoms by J. Crew? Absolutely perfect for vegging out in during the holidays!

Wish List | Lulu Frost

2011-12-14T21:49:00.001-05:00

Lulu Frost Heirloom Bracelet

Lulu Frost Victorian Cuff


Lulu Frost Victorian Bracelet (Photos from lulufrost.com)

What's the holidays without a little bit of bling?

We've all passed by those long line-ups at Tiffany & Co. and perhaps are standing in them ourselves -- but why not opt for something more unique this year, instead of that charm bracelet every girl has?

Founded in the Big Apple, Lulu Frost is a jewelry brand run by talented designer Lisa Salzer. Heavily influenced by her grandmother, Elizabeth Rock Frost, who was a jewelry designer herself, draws inspiration from antique, vintage, as well as modern designs, creating timeless classics women die over.

As shown above, her pieces are absolutely fantastic - perfect for layering with other pieces giving that true vintage-glam look. Go big or go home!

Versatile too, of course - how elegant would any of these pieces look with that little black dress?

Time's ticking! Get shopping and ordering!

Worried it won't arrive in time? Don't sweat it! Stop by J. Crew's flagship store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Lulu Frost is one of their many partnership brands and they have their limited time only jewelry collaboration pieces at their only location in Canada.

Outclass Holiday Pop-up Shop

2011-12-14T16:28:00.000-05:00

Everyone knows we're completely ob-sessed with Toronto-based label Outclass, especially this season's look book. And we are super excited for their upcoming holiday pop-up shop featuring pieces from their A/W 2011 collection and other exclusive sample pieces.

Outclass is all about the details - down to their choices in visual presentation, fabrics, and of course is all about exploring different styles. We definitely love us some classic men pieces and the local label has an amazing way of bringing the past into both contemporary fits and fashion/style.

To get the behind-the-scene scoop, catch-up with our Plaid Loves...Outclass piece posted last week!

Jonathan+Olivia Presents | Wish You Were Here: A Photographic Retrospective By 80's Casuals

2011-12-13T10:25:00.000-05:00

Wish You Were Here is a photographic retrospective of 80's dressers from Leeds, paying tribute to friends no longer with us. The exhibition started in Leeds, invaded Dumbo in NYC and graced Paris Fashion Week. Partner at Surface to Air and lifelong Leeds fan Nic Jones, who hosted the Paris event now brings it to Jonathan+Olivia in Toronto.

Check out the Jonathan+Olivia=Blog for a Wish You Were Here Slide Show teaser and for more info on the event!

Plaid Of The Day | LYONSTATE x Hitsman Plaid Outerwear Wool Bow Tie

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Photo from lyonstate.com

Alright boys, it's party season -- so let's get all those fabulous classic menswear pieces out and update your wardrobe with our favourite tartan!

We love us some great men's pieces and without a doubt -- would fall head-over-heels in love with any gentleman dolled up in one of these!

This Hitsman collaboration piece is made exclusively for the online men's shop LYONSTATE. This adorable bow tie is handmade in one of the best cities in the world, New York City, and is crafted from thick wool outerwear fabric.

complexgeometries + Jeremy Laing Sample Sale

2011-12-11T22:26:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it -- we're just wrapping up our second last shopping weekend before Christmas!

With that said, we've entered overload mode and we're totally going to keep you updated all week with the best sales in the city!

We definitely want your gifts to be personal, meaningful, and especially unique. That's why it is our pleasure to invite you to the Complex Geometries + Jeremy Laing End of Season and Sample Sale!

Mark that date!

Holiday Pop Up Shop | LOCO for LOCAL

2011-12-09T05:01:00.001-05:00

Come join the mutts and go L O C O for L O C A L this holiday season!

Muttonhead is making limited edition sweatshirts of their best selling styles. They are also bringing some new (and old) amigos to the fiesta. Marlena Zuber is bringing in her famous illustrated maps, which show a more artistic side of Toronto’s many neighbourhoods. The ole boys at Crown Shaving Co. will be catering to the gents and providing men's grooming products. Tote bags and kitty calendars have been by their friends at Fieldguided. As always they are bringing back their girl Woo of Cuchara and her jewels for both men and women. Reunion Island Coffee will be bundling a holiday gift package to sell. Their new amigo’s at ChocoSol Traders are providing artisan chocolates that are both stone ground and pedal powered. Earthly Paradise is bringing in organically grown and locally sourced soothing salves and lotions. Toronto local Lauren Pirie will have a selection of her prints and gift cards. Last but not least Muttonhead will be providing a selection of unisex apparel, hand-knit accessories and repurposed wood décor and one of a kind prints.

They have everything from hand-crafted accessories for your home and your body, to local and organic foods and lotions, and as always everything is made in the GTA. So swing by and go loco for local!

Join their mailing list (at www.muttonheadcollective.com and receive 10% off).

Wish List | Rachael Meckling Illustrations

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Photos from upcboutique.com

If you haven't checked out our Where To Go posted every Friday, you're totally missing out!

Not only is it a fun little article of some of our favourite people, but there's always something new and exciting for everyone to check out in the city.

With only two shopping weekends left, we are so happy that our recent Where To Go with our own Plaid Magazine Beauty Editor, Robert Weir, gave us some inspiration for this holiday season! He shares one of his favourite shops in Yorkville, UPC Boutique, where he manages to always find some interesting pieces. And as we've discovered, is totally true!

With that said, this week's Wish List Pick has been inspired by one of our own! These Rachael Meckling Illustrations are collaboration pieces featured on the UPC Boutique website and are absolutely fantastic!

Each illustration are only $75 and are perfect for anybody who loves art and fashion, not to mention who appreciates some unique decor for their home!

Click here to order yours today!

Shopgirls Gallery Boutique | Annual Balloon Pop!

2011-12-06T18:48:00.001-05:00

Happy 4 years to our friends at Shopgirls!

So thankful for everyone's amazing love and support over these past years, they're giving back and celebrating with their annual balloon pop!

Stop by their Queen Street West boutique any time from Friday, December 9th to Sunday, December 11th to pop a balloon and you can win 10%-50% off your entire purchase!

Get poppin' and we'll see you all there!

V By 69 Vintage + Ashley Rowe | The Holiday Pop Up Shop

2011-12-06T18:21:00.001-05:00

69 Vintage + Ashley Rowe are teaming up again, only this time to celebrate their first ever Holiday Pop Up Shop and their timing could not be more perfect! It's the holidays, one of the biggest party seasons of the year. With that said, there will be tons of goodies for you to choose from - all ranging from $25 - $100.

Whether you're looking for that perfect vintage treasure or that specially priced designer piece you've had your eyes on - we all need something fantastic to rock at all those end-of-the-year wrap-up parties, not to mention New Year's Eve!

Make some time! This exclusive Holiday Pop Up Shop only runs for three magical days!

Absolut Mode Launch Party

2011-12-05T10:00:00.001-05:00

From the closet of Jeanne Beker

Absolut Vodka Advertising, Manolo Blahnik

Circa 1980s, Dior

Circa 1980s, Chanel

Circa 1980s, Yves Saint Laurent

From the closet of Stacey Kimel, Alexander McQueen, worn at his memorial service

Circa 2010, Mikhael Kale

From the closet of Suzanne Rogers
(Look familiar?)

Photos by Courtney Wong

The exclusive one-night only exhibit curated by Canadian style icon and host of CTV's Fashion Television, Jeanne Beker, featured personal vintage and couture pieces from the closets of many Canadian fashion icons.

Plaid Of The Day | L.A.M.B.

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Photo from style.com

Creator/fashion designer of L.A.M.B. and singer-songwriter, Gwen Stefani, has always been known for her eccentric personality and style. With that said, she has definitely captured her flirty-rockstar essence throughout her Fall 2011 RTW Collection.

Photo from yournextcoat.com

Her "made with love" philosophy is reflected in this plaid mohair jacket, as the fashion beauty wears it herself showing that she really does create clothing that she truly wants to wear every day. We love how on the runway, the plaid mohair jacket has a boy-meets-girl kind of feel, while on Gwen it's more casual and classic.

Wish List | LomoKino Super 35 Movie Maker

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Photo from our friends at Lomography

Feeling completely inspired by last week's Where To Go with photographer and director, Javier Lovera, we thought this LomoKino Super 35 Movie Maker would be a fantastic gift for anyone who appreciates the art of film and photography and/or who simply enjoys capturing moments in a fun and trendy way.

This new 35mm movie maker brings you back to the old days when movies were first created. With this gadget, you can create short films and import them into common day applications like iMovie or Windows Movie Maker to animate them. The LomoKino operates using a crank wheel, which we love because it really gives you that authentic movie making experience.

Click here to become a filmmaker yourself, and of course, make a friend one too this holiday season!

diepo & robber Holiday Trunk Sale

2011-11-29T20:02:00.002-05:00

Come celebrate the holidays with Robber!

Kicking off their Holiday Trunk Sale with an opening party this Thursday night at their Queen Street West store, there are many reasons why everyone should pop by!

-Tons of deals on diepo FW11!

-Amazing holiday gift ideas such as a limited edition sleep set and items from other labels including (but not limited to) Lover, Filippa K, and Steven Alan!

-Woodblock gift prints from the very talented printmaker Ben Szoller!

And of course, lots of schmoozing! It's the holidays and who doesn't love all these amazing parties?

Robber will be featuring holiday music and serving drinks and delicious treats courtesy of Megan Wappel Designs.

Don't sweat it! If you can't make it this Thursday night, our friends at Robber have been so graciously kind to continue their sale all throughout the weekend (until December 4).

See you there!

Tuesday Tunes | Braids

2011-11-29T14:09:00.000-05:00

Check out our interview with Braids in our upcoming Winter print issue - but for now enjoy their amazing song, "Plath Heart" - perfectly warming for a cold, rainy day!

Plaid Of The Day | Etsy Find

2011-11-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Photo from etsy.com

Keeping in the eco-friendly spirit, this Coffee Cozy/Cup Sleeve is the perfect kind of tartan for this holiday season!

Thieves Boutique New Moon Party

2011-11-27T20:14:00.001-05:00

Meet Sonja den Elzen, owner of Thieves Boutique and contemporary designer for the made in Canada in-house line 'Thieves by Sonja den Elzen'.

Photos by Courtney Wong

The New Moon Party was a fantastic way to get familiar with some amazing designers focusing on sustainable design and eco-friendly fabrics such as organic wool, organic cotton, peace silk, tencel, hemp, and bamboo.

Be sure to check out our interview with Sonja den Elzen in our upcoming Winter Issue, launching very soon!

Click here to order your issue today!

Plaid Online | Weekly Roundup

2011-11-25T17:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday to one and all!

Looking for some ways to spend the weekend? Photographer and director Javier Lovera has a few suggestions in our latest installment of "Where to Go". A trip to Narwhal Art Projects to see their current show, Three Knocks (featuring the work of Plaid profiled artist, Adrienne Kammerer), should definitely be on the menu. And one of our favourite stores, Jonathan + Olivia has an amazing sale on (dangerous, we know).

For those heading to the east end of the city, a stop in at curiosity empire Holy Cow! will transport you from Toronto to lands far and wide.

If you're spending a little time indoors, check out our feature on handbag label Opelle, designed right here in Toronto by Amy Malcolm. And for those planning their holiday fun, make sure to include a pair of comfy denim courtesy of Hudson and iSKO.

We wish you good reading and a great weekend!

Plaid Picks | One of a Kind Christmas Show

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day of Toronto's One of a Kind Show.

Featuring 800 dazzling artisans from all over Canada, there are a trillion kinds of handmade holiday gifts for you to choose from. This is a great way to check out the works and designs of local talent, as well as gives you a chance to give something truly unique and special for the holidays.

Hosted in the Direct Energy Centre at the Exhibition Place, this Christmas show can easily become a hot mess. That is why we want your shopping experience to feel more like a stroll in a quaint little neighbourhood and less like an overwhelming maze.

With that said, here are a few of Plaid's Picks for the One of a Kind Christmas Show:

1. Biko Jewelry (As featured, the Modern Friendship Bracelet)

Biko is a ‘modern nostalgic’ jewellery brand. Each piece is hand-crafted in Toronto, with love by Designer Corrine Anestopoulos. Born in 2004, Biko draws inspiration from memories of the past and translates such ideas into wearable, contemporary silhouettes. Biko marries vintage inspiration with metals, charms and natural stones to create versatile pieces that tell a story. Biko invites its wearer to allow their imagination to run free.

2. Fine and Good (Assorted Stacking Rings)

Aimee makes jewelry with a fresh new take on classic themes, creating a body of work which is both fashionable and contemporary yet timeless. Combining traditional materials with unusual fabrication and finishing techniques, she strives for each piece to highlight the inherent qualities of the material and in some cases the fabrication techniques as well. Aimée changed her career focus to jewelry in 2003 and still uses her background in fine art (sculpture) and over 10 years in the graphic design and advertising industry to create innovative and wearable designs.

3. atelier b. (1151: high waisted skirts in two tones, with digital lace detail)

atelier b. is the creation of Catherine Métivier and Anne-Marie LaFlamme. These complementary roommates, who share almost everything, decided to join their creativity to build a project in their image...and their living room. The principal concept of atelier b. is to bring a fun and ethical attitude to the workshop. Their research and innovation make them want to work harder. Down with laissez-faire apathy, vive atelier b.!

ethical materials + social involvement + screenprinting + quality = atelier b.

4. Newfoundland Soft Rock Co. (Softwood Pillows)

Joel lives in St John's, Newfoundland and draws inspiration from his hikes along the East Coast Trail and all other things nature. He "also like[s] to make stuff that looks like other stuff... only softer."

5. Grob (Vest: Lily and Scarf: Liberty)

Owned by the clothing designer Guylaine Roberge, Montreal, Grob is a creative line of clothes for women entirely made in Quebec. Grob wants to be trendy, modern and feminine.

6. Eve Gravel Design

Given this young designer's uncommon talent and a broad vision, it is hardly surprising to note that Eve Gravel is now considered one of Québec's most promising fashion creators. Just 32 years old, she already heads Eve Gravel, the self-named label which for nine years now, has been attracting attention with a decidedly personal style characterized by freshness, daring and flawless cuts.

7. Crywolf (Dragon Wolfe T-shirt)

Crywolf is an independent clothing company from Toronto, comprised of longtime friends Rose Chang & Stephanie Drabik. The army of two design and print clothing and accessories. The designs and the process behind crywolf's products are what makes their products stand out from competitors. Each shirt is printed individually, by hand and eye, without the aid of any machines. This gives every piece of clothing an individual, and unique touch. Through their hand-printed process, they are able to ensure that all of their products uphold a high level of quality and craftsmanship comparable to (if not surpassing) the quality of other large scale brands. Due to this labour intensive process, each design is printed in a very limited edition. Aside from the clothing, the crywolf girls also design and create buttons, pocket mirrors, bags/totes and other accessories.

8. Caroline Yu (Tall Cozy Cup)

Caroline Yu is a Toronto craftsperson working primarily in ceramics. She has always had an interest in the arts, and went to school at OCAD University. There, she went through the Material Art and Design program, where she specialized in ceramics and learned a good deal in the fields of fibre and jewellery. Caroline's work often ranges in style from one body of work to the next. Growing up in Toronto, she has been exposed to a diverse set of stimuli, and draws inspiration from her life experiences, films, underwater life, and her interactions with ceramics. The unifying factor in her work is that it is made with love and care, oft meant to be used with love. Caroline's work celebrates the intimacy of craft, as well as the qualities and quirks of handmade objects.

9. Creepy Christine (Santa Voodoo Card)

Christine’s handmade cards, toys, books and paper oddities all include her artwork in some manner. Christine briefly attended art college, but for some crazy reason left and ended up with a degree in business. Her day job is in finance, but over the last several years she has been inspired her to put art back into her life. She works feverishly whenever she can in her home studio on her quirky, darkly humorous paper products.

10. Flakes Paperie (Snowy Bike Holiday Postcards - screen-printed by hand)

Photos & info from oneofakindshow.com/toronto/index.php

Acknowledging her paper + stationery addiction was the first step. Next Ashley realized she ought to turn her love affair with all things paper into something more and so, borrowing from her entrepreneurial roots of years past (hello lemonade stand) she created Flakes Paperie. Combining drawing and printmaking skills gained while acquiring her Fine Art degree, along with her interest in pattern, colour and typography, Ashley’s unique brand of stationery was born in 2006. Each piece is screen-printed by Ashley's two hands in her Cambridge, Ontario studio. The collection includes gift tags, all-occasion greeting cards, a limited edition wall calendar and custom wedding invitations. When she is not fussing over new designs in her over-stuffed studio, Ashley can be found drinking chai lattes, snapping photos, cooking (and let's be honest, eating), dreaming up trips with her husband and trying to scrub the ink out from under her nails.

SHOW HOURS

Weekdays 10am-9pm
Saturdays 10am-9pm
Sundays 10am-6pm

OPEN LATE
Thurs Dec 1 10am-11pm