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1. Keep it classy.
• Toronto summers can get pretty steamy, but that’s no excuse to show too much leg or too much cleavage.
• Even if your office is casual, make sure your toes aren’t exposed and your heels aren’t sky high. Client expectations can differ from those of your office.
• You always want to make a lasting impression, but don’t be known as the ‘perfume-bather’.

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2. Attention to detail.
• A manicure is a great way to appear ‘polished’ (pun intended!); but if you don’t have time, bare is better than chipped.
• Avoid that ‘just rolled out of bed’ look (even if it’s the case) show your locks some love: even a sleek bun will do!
• A tailor should your new best friend, there’s nothing worse than loose threads, rips or stains.

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3. Always be prepared.
• You never know what your day may entail, always be prepared for a last minute meeting by keeping sharp blazer at your desk.
• Make sure you’re always prepared with both flats and heels at your disposal.

4. Neutrals are your friend.
• Save the heavy eye shadow, fake eyelashes and sparkly blush for your night on the town with your friends. When it comes to makeup, natural is always best.
• Also, neutral doesn’t have to mean black and white. Colors can be fun, but keep it toned down. You’re not starring in a Broadway show!

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5. Let your personality shine! 
• Accessories are a great way to amplify any outfit. A statement necklace is a great way to take it to the next level.
• Demonstrate your attention to detail and pride in yourself through how you show up to work – it will leave a positive impression with coworkers and clients.

This week, we’d like to introduce you to Anum, the fashionable and witty woman behind the Toronto style & beauty blog, SummerxSkin

What’s your official job title, and where did you go to school?

I studied print journalism at Sheridan College. After graduating I worked as a contract and freelance reporter, but eventually made the shift online. I am now a digital marketing & social media manager.

Elevator pitch. Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or any shell for that matter).

Community manager by day, style & beauty blogger at night and fun conversationalist in general! I love to meet and interact with people. I’m a tad obsessed with red pandas and have recently discovered that I enjoy cooking when I have the time.

Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?

I have a keen interest in a few things: clothes, makeup, digital media and writing. I get to experiment and indulge in all of these things through my job and as a blogger. I never thought I’d actually be recognized for my work, but it’s a fantastic feeling.

What is the best part of your day-to-day?

Most people hate waking up early, but I really enjoy it! I have a pretty set routine of being up and out the door by 7 a.m. This way I get to conquer everything on my to-do list before going home to relax and sleep.

What’s the most challenging?

Finding a balance between work and spending time with family and friends. Sometimes I feel bad about scheduling everything in my life, but it’s the only way to get things done and still be able to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones.

If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for yourself?

I have an entrepreneurial spirit, so I hope to create something eventually on my own and perhaps doing it for a living. I’d also like to be a dedicated wife and mom one day. Not anytime soon though!

How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?

You have to distract yourself throughout the day in order to get back into focus. I tend to read, watch TV or a movie and sleep during my “down time”. It’s also good to get away from the computer and go to a coffee shop or restaurant.

What is the most memorable moment in your career?

There have been a lot of memorable moments but I have to say that it’s truly amazing being praised for my writing and content curation, whether it’s from a client or blog reader.

Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.

Still writing and over-accessorizing my outfits.

Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what would it be?

Oh man! I can narrow it down to 2; Twitter because I like to stay connected at all times and WhatsApp because I have all my close friends on it.

This week, we’d like to introduce you to Ryan, the fashionable and fabulous man behind the lifestyle blog, I’m Mr. Fabulous!

Ryan Massel (a.k.a. Mr. Fab) began www.immrfabulous.com nearly three years ago, and quickly achieved national recognition. Awarded “Best New Blog” (2011) and “Best Humour Blog” (2011 & 2012) in Canada, he continues to receive acclaim for his witty and unique perspective. Ryan travels the world covering lavish parties and events, always seeming to get the inside scoop. He engages readers with his charm and shares his belief that we all deserve a moment to feel fabulous.

What’s your official job title, and where did you go to school?

I went to school in Regina, Saskatchewan, and spent my summers on the farm. When my grade 12 English teacher Ms. Lewis gave me a mercy pass, I thanked my lucky stars, and decided formal education wasn’t for me.

Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?

Growing up, I saw my family fall into the expected. A firefighter, a government worker, a plumber; all very talented but not the direction I saw myself headed. I’ve always wanted to make people laugh, and share fun stories that might inspire people to choose the path less taken. Forge their own story in life and be who and whatever they want to be!

What is the best part of your day-to-day?

My emails are always the best part of my day. When I wake up and see a dozen sitting there, I open them like a stack of presents; anticipation and joy for whatever’s inside. An invite, a compliment, it’s always something new and it’s always exciting!

What’s the most challenging?

Every time I share a story, it’s a bit nerve-wracking. Will they like it? Is it well written? Who will read it?… Over 750 posts in the last 2.5 years and I still dread a flop.

If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for yourself?

I’ve always wanted to host my own tv show. Maybe it’s a game show, talk show or morning show. I would also reluctantly date a Kardashian just to get the camera on my face.

How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?

I live a life of not letting obstacles get in my way. No ticket? No problem!!  Heck, I’ve even worked at a catering company to get access to a party I wasn’t guest listed for. Where there’s a will, there’s a way – you’ve just got to get creative!

What is the most memorable moment in your career?

Every day new opportunities present themselves, and my most memorable moments grow. Being flagged over by Tom Moran, the lead designer for J.Crew, at his show in NYC so he could ask my opinion in his S/S14 collection made me pinch myself. Or there was the interview turned carnival-games competition with famed country music singer Paul Brandt. Anytime I meet a celebrity and we laugh through an impromptu selfie photo shoot I think about how amazing my life is. I know I’m a lucky guy and I feel grateful everyday.

Do you support any initiatives or charities?

If your charity involves giving the best life possible to children, sign me up! I’ve done charitable work supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, and for the good people at ivebeenbullied.ca. Our youth need mentors in their lives who motivate them and let them know that the world is their oyster!

Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.

Being 65 and fabulous, making the most of every opportunity!

Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what would it be?

1 app!? Since I’ve never been one to stick to rules, I have 4.

This week, we’d like to introduce you to talented founder of Cashmere & Camo, Brandy Faris!

What’s your official job title, and where did you go to school?

Admittedly I lead a bit of a double life, on my corporate side I’m the Vice President and owner of Boann Ventures Corp, the company manages water & environmental issues for Oil & Gas Producers out of Calgary, AB. I’m also the Founder/ Owner of the blog Cashmere & Camo and the associated online store that is being unveiled soon!  I attended the University of Alberta and graduated with a BSc in Environmental & Conservation Sciences.

Elevator pitch. Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or any shell for that matter).

On my blog, I describe myself as a bit of a conundrum with one foot in the concrete jungle while I’m at work and my heart set in the outdoors, hence the name, “Cashmere & Camo”… So I guess in a nutshell I’d describe myself as someone with an entrapreneual spirit and an adventurer’s heart. I love innovations and have a rebellious side to the word, “conventional”, so I always seem to be striving left of center.

Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?

By 2011 I had spent over 10 years in the oil & gas industry becoming somewhat of a technical specialist in my field.  As fulfilling as my career had been up to that point, I still felt that there was a creative side to myself that wasn’t being challenged. So at the urging of my brother, I started a blog “Cashmere & Camo” Jan 1^st as a New Year’s resolution. The goal was to document lifestyle pieces I found inspiring that fit both my city and country views on the world. And since then it’s been a fantastic experience and grown in ways I would have never imagined!

What is the best part of your day-to-day?

I love being my own boss and setting my own schedule. I’m an early riser I feel most creative in the mornings, which is when I do most of my writing.  The diversity of being able to work with my love of fashion and still appease my “science geek” side makes me feel extremely fortunate on a day to day basis.

What’s the most challenging?

Leading a double life as I like to call it can have an extreme of challenges day to day. One minute I’m discussion new legislative changes with a client, the next I’m doing an interview for a style piece.

My corporate background and learned expectations of how to function in a business environment can be on opposite ends from working with creative functions. Realizing that expectations on deliverables and urgency is very different industry to industry and so teaching myself not to impose those expectations and structure on others has been one of my biggest challenges.

If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for yourself?

It took me a long time to realize the legitimacy of the blog past the point of being a fluffy indulgence I just did in my personal time. I mean I was really having fun, and was passionate about the topics I was writing about. Surely work has to feel way more serious than that? So I’ve had to break out of my own personal boundaries or perception of what a “career” should look like.

Something in me has wanted to push it in a direction I guess I’ve always secretly desired. I’m always wanted to own a store that’s authentic to my own interests. People are always asking if I sell the clothing that I feature on the blog, so I figured why not take it a step further and offer that shopping experience to the readers. My rule is that everything is handpicked and a mix of unique artisan with affordable items and if I wouldn’t wear it or use it, then it doesn’t fit within the C&C lifestyle.

I’m really excited for the next chapter with the blog and to continue to build a sense of community. With my environmental background, I want to continue to support vendors and provide education to issues such as outdoor conservation, sustainability and stewardship on certain issues. As much as our readers enjoy the lighthearted fashion and lifestyle posts, they are proving to have a refined appetite to articles on hunting ethics, sustainable travel, environmental conservation- you name it.

How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?

Disruption in life is a given, I’ve learned that whether it’s a mere speed bump or total detour to take a step back and recognize it’s part of life (although sometimes that can be hard to see), face it head on and realize that not one person is superman. Sometimes the best you can do is just face the tasks or the day in front of you and always try and have gratitude for what you currently have and what you are going through. Recognizing what I’m grateful for always seems to be the most calming and energizing exercise for me.

I also have the benefit of having a 1300 lb “therapist”, as I call her in the form of my horse, Nameoka. I completely believe in the benefit of animals helping people with stress relief and achieving wellness.

What is the most memorable moment in your career?

From my corporate side, the first time I was key note speaker for conference and my dad had decided he was going to buy me a new suit for the address. Shopping with him was a great memory and I don’t think we’ve ever been clothes shopping since, but I still have that suit.

From the blog, I had the chance to chat with Tom Mora who is head of Women’s Design at J.Crew. Sitting there chatting with him about the fall line and inspiration leading to it, I sat back and thought, “Wow this is more than I ever thought C&C would be”

Do you support any initiatives or charities? 

I’m a big supporter of the Dress for Success Organization. They provide professional attire, support and career development tools to disadvantaged women.

http://www.dressforsuccess.org/

We also support various Canadian Cancer Foundations but one we want to do next year is the Ride to Conquer Cancer

http://www.conquercancer.ca/index.html

Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old.

65! Wow, ok let me see….

I hope that by 65 I’ve had a chance to realize my professional and personal goals to some degree. To have the ability to share some adventures with my loved ones and be in the position where I have the time and ability to help out with causes that are near and dear to my heart. To my 65 year old self, Connie Reeves is my inspiration. If I could live up to a fraction of what she had done I’d been very happy.

Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what would it be?

Hand’s down Instagram! Although I don’t think my daily pics are overly inspiring, I love the photo diary concept and the fact I can keep up with friends and family who are scattered all over the globe. It makes me feel like I’m part of their day to day.

This week, we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Desforges, lifestyle contributor for FASHIONIGHTS.com!

1. What’s your official job title, and where did you go to school?

I am the Lifestyle Contributor for FASHIONIGHTS.com which is one of Canada’s top 8 most influential Fashion & Lifestyle blogs as rated by Elle Canada.  I attended Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario and graduated in 2007 with my Honours Degree in Mass Communication.

2. Elevator pitch. Describe yourself in a nutshell (or sea shell, or any shell for that matter).

I try to not take life too seriously. I find joy in the simple things like food, wine, love and laughter. I like to think I can stay ahead of the trends in all those areas and enjoy exploring everything the great city of Toronto has to offer now that I have returned for good. Life is what you make it, and I try to make it the best I can each and every day.

3. Why did you pursue what you’re doing now? What was the inspiration?

Julio Reyes is the founder of FASHIONIGHTS and is one of the most successful people I have ever known. Originally he captured my heart when we became a couple, and shortly after he captured my attention as a contributor for all things food and lifestyle. You can say that my reason to write is the love I have for the topics which I cover including Daniel’s Dish, my new restaurant column. But my inspiration is and has always been my love for Julio and my admiration for him.

 4. What is the best part of your day-to-day?

I am so blessed to a part of a huge entity like FASHIONIGHTS and the best part of my day to day is the new faces and places I get to see as a part of the media. Some of the greatest friends I have are due largely in part to the events I attend on a daily basis and the people I get to interact with. I love my job! But I love the people more! It’s why I am inspired to write each and every post.

5. What’s the most challenging?

Dating the boss! Drawing the line between my relationship and my professional life with Julio can sometimes be challenging. Somehow we always manage to find the perfect balance between the two. I love working with him, but I don’t always love how harsh he can be when he edits my posts.

6. If you took a look in the cliché crystal ball, what do you see for yourself?

Five year plan? I am married, settled in New York (The Fashion Mecca of North America) with the man I love and the blog we have made into a global brand. But as long as I have love and I am inspired to keep writing, I will be happy no matter where we end up or what we end up doing.

 7. How do you embrace disruption in your work and personal life?

I do my best to maintain organization, but the fashion and food worlds are far from that! I’m constantly juggling my day and night, answering emails, tweeting, instagraming, facebooking and emailing some more. We are in high demand and that means chaos comes hand in hand.  But I excel under pressure and like to think I do it all with a smile on my face. I’d rather be busy then bored.

8. What is the most memorable moment in your career?

My very first event with Julio at the launch of Restaurant Buonanotte. That first flash of the camera in our face and hob knobbing with celebrities and the very best of the blogger world, I still remember thinking how glamorous my life had become. And I could just tell that my dreams were finally starting to come true.

9. Do you support any initiatives or charities?

I love supporting charity and believe that it is everyone’s duty to give back to causes that deserve attention. It is especially important when you are in the public eye and can use your influence over a large audience to do some good. Movember is my primary charity as I had a very serious prostate cancer scare and The Canadian Cancer Society. I always do what I can when I can for these charities.

10. Tell us what you see yourself doing at 65 years old. 

Sitting on a beach in Barcelona, Spain enjoying my retirement and the most beautiful city in the world.

11. Just for fun: if you had to pick one app in the whole APPVERSE, what would it be?

Instagram.  THAT is the app that I excel in and adore.  There is something so intriguing about the whole process and I love each and every one of my followers.  Plus I’ve been told I’m quite entertaining!  @DoTheDaniel, check it out!

Jennifer Lawrence for Miss Dior
With her recent Academy Award win and her upcoming sequel to The Hunger Games trilogy, Jennifer Lawrence has been killing it lately. The humble 20-year-old actress was announced to replace Mila Kunis as the new face of Dior’s Miss Dior handbag. When first shown images from the campaign, Jennifer told Access Hollywood, “That doesn’t look like me at all. I love Photoshop more than anything in the world. People don’t look like that.” (Source)

Beyonce for H&M
Beyonce flaunts her perfect post-baby beach bod in H&M’s latest “Beyonce as Mrs. Carter” campaign. Think Beyonce and bikinis, and this is what you get. Her glowing bronze skin and fearless posing though, may be too much for locals of the Lower East side of New York City. Residents have been ‘censoring’ a bus stop poster ad with a sheet of paper, covering the lower half of the shot. (Source)

Cara Delevingne for DKNY
From becoming every fashion designer’s must-have runway model to being Rihanna’s new bestie, Cara Delevingne is the new girl everyone wants to be friends with. Starring in DKNY’s spring 2013 campaign, Cara showcases their vibrant collection in the streets of New York City. (Source)

Coco Rocha for Longchamp
Coco Rocha returns for a third season campaign with Longchamp’s Spring 2013. This time around, she is rushing into an airport and uses the security check as her dance op. Busting a move on set is nothing out of the ordinary for the dancer-turned model, as she is famous for Irish-dancing down the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fall/Winter 2007 show. (Source)

Amanda Seyfried for Givenchy
Amanda Seyfried looks absolutely breathtaking in the new TV commercial for Givenchy’s “Very Irresistable” perfume. She is seen strutting into a small café – western style, before showing off her rosy pink lips and signature gold locks. (Source)

ADDITIONAL SOURCES:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2322274/Amanda-Seyfried-Very-Irr-sistible-new-Givenchy-perfume-advert.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

http://hypetrak.com/2013/04/beyonce-hm/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/29/dior-veil-jennifer-lawrence-ad_n_2980953.html

http://www.whosay.com/cocorocha/photos/304137

http://fashiongonerogue.com/see-amanda-seyfried-star-in-givenchy-very-irresistible-tv-spot/