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by The Backseat Stylers | September 17th, 2012 
Limited edition Tiffany & Co. x Yorkdale Shopping Centre bracelet at Tastemakers Lounge
And there goes TIFF for another year. After 10 days of failed Ryan Gosling/Joseph Gordon-Levitt/Zac Efron stalking and minimal actual film watching, all I have to show for my efforts is bags and bags of swag. #Firstworldproblems, right? Here’s a recap of my tour of the TIFF gifting lounges this year and some of my favourite swag items, not because I’m bragging but because I’m still in awe myself. TIFF was like Christmas in September for celebrities, VIPs of various sorts, and lucky media types like yours truly.
TASTEMAKERS LOUNGE
My first TIFF gifting lounge stop was at Tastemakers Lounge by rock-it promotions. “Keep calm and swag on” was the motto. Easier said than done; it’s hard to play it cool when surrounded by so much sweet swag. There were swanky Tiffany & Co. bracelets from Yorkdale Shopping Centre, cute bra and panty sets from La Senza, as well as Indeed Labs‘ full product range, including peptalash (longer, thicker and fuller lashes? yes please!). The team from John Allan’s men’s spa came out in full force providing complimentary services, while Demeter was on hand with its fun range of scents, including ‘Blueberry Muffin’ and ‘Laundromat’.
  
ESSENTIALS LOUNGE
Next up was the Essentials Lounge by Esther Garnick PR, where guests were treated to gluten-free food truck goodies by Gourmet Bitches, faux lashes by Winks Eyelash Boutique and even spray tanning sessions. We were also loaded up with 2 overflowing (and extremely heavy) swag bags, one titled “Survival” and the other “Recovery”. Inside were everything from a Flawless Complexion Makeup Kit by Benefit Cosmetics to The Socializer‘s Spotlight Exfoliator by Elizabeth Grant, all of which I can’t wait to try. A case of vitaminwater even showed up on my doorstep a few days later; as a Spark addict, I was overjoyed.
  
SWAROVSKI FASHION SUITE
My next stop was the Swarovski Fashion Suite at the brand new Shangri-La Hotel, where celebrities and their stylists visit to add the type of sparkle only Swarovski crystal can bring to their TIFF red carpet looks. There on display was the Kingdom of Jewels catwalk collection, as well as the Bond 50th anniversary and Skyfall (the next James Bond film) collections. As always, I was blown away by the ornate catwalk pieces and very tempted by the latest offerings for fall.
  
IT LOUNGE
NKPR‘s IT Lounge was the final stop on my TIFF gifting lounge tour this year. For the first time, the lounge featured a portrait studio where guests had their photos taken by the likes of world-renowned fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier. After a much-needed makeup touch-up by MAC Cosmetics, I had the pleasure of being snapped by photographer Norman Wong, and was rather pleased with the results. I also scored some jewelry by lia sophia and beauty tools by Tweezerman, got a nail polish change and eyebrow clean-up, and even fueled up at the Yogurty’s frozen yogurt station.
Blogger Anita Clarke getting touched up by MAC Cosmetics before her close-up with Norman Wong
 
C’est tout! Thanks to these incredible gifting lounges, I have just about enough beauty and hair samples to last me until TIFF 2013. And then we’ll do it all over again…
xx, S
Image Credits: Images #1, 3 and 4 courtesy of rock-it promo; all others by The Backseat Stylers
by The Backseat Stylers | February 8th, 2012 
With only 5 days remaining until Valentine’s Day and men all around the world scrambling to find the perfect gift for the loves of their lives or those in the making, we’ve decided to generously offer a helping hand. We’ve put together a gift guide filled with our 10 favourite shoes, bags and jewelry, all in the loveliest shades of red. Men – pay attention. Ladies – this post can very conveniently be sent, via email, to the men in your life, as a not-so-subtle hint. You’re welcome, all.
From left to right, top to bottom:
1. Valentino rubber bow flip flops ($243) – Slip in a pair of plane tickets to a hot, exotic locale for an extended Valentine’s Day celebration.
2. Ela Handbags MILCK clutch in red ($280) – This gorgeous clutch will charm the pants off the lucky recipient…figuratively speaking.
3. Tiffany & Co. ‘Kisses’ book ($55) – To write down all your sweetest nothings for her.
4. Michael Kors small rose gold-plated chronograph watch ($250) – For the trendy gal you’re trying to woo…or keep.
5. Swarovski ‘Intervalle’ red bangle ($180) – Crystals can be a girl’s best friend too, especially crimson Swarovski ones.
6. Thomas Sabo sterling silver heart pendant ($69) – A pretty pendant that will remind her that she’s the love of your life, all 365 days of the year.
7. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel silk-crepe collar ($70) – Not a conventional gift by any means, but for the whimsical gal in your life, it might just do the trick.
8. Tiffany reversible suede and metallic leather tote ($655) – 2 gorgeous bags in 1, for the chic and practical lady in your life.
9. Proenza Schouler PS11 classic iguana in lipstick ($6,825) – Money can’t buy you love, but it can buy you this incredible PS11 bag, which is sure to knock her socks off.
10. Charlotte Olympia Masako silk-satin pumps ($875) – Her very first pair of Charlotte Olympias? She’ll love you forever…or at least until next Valentine’s Day.
xx, T & S
Image Credits: As linked
by The Backseat Stylers | December 12th, 2011 
Usually talk of shoes takes up more than its fair share of the editorial calendar here at The Backseat Stylers (on account of me being a shoeaholic), but lately I’ve had jewelry on the brain quite a bit. Today, it’s Swarovski; I attended the preview for their Spring 2012 collection, ‘Swing, Sing & Shine’, recently and wanted to share some of the sparkle from that event with you all.
As usual, there was plenty of baubles perfect for brides-to-be planning for their nuptials next summer. Swarovski knows what they’re doing when it comes to wedding-ready pieces with just the right amount of shine. In fact, I chose to wear one of the brand’s chokers when I got married a few years back.
Those of us not on the market for bridal pieces needn’t feel left out though. The Spring collection includes everything from chic sunglasses to cute charms for the ladies and from edgy bracelets to skull paperweights for the men.
If you’re currently on the hunt for a sparkly holiday gift for a loved one, click on over to our post about the Fall 2011 preview, which features pieces that are in store right now…including a $10,000 bedazzled Hello Kitty!
   
xx, S
by The Backseat Stylers | October 10th, 2011 
Me, Kimberly Lyn, Nelia Belkova and Daniela DiStefano
During the Toronto International Film Festival this year, Swarovski hosted the Swarovski Fashion Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel. We attended a preview of the celebrity gifting lounge, where we had the opportunity to get a close-up look at the stunning Daniel Swarovski Catwalk Collection of clothing and accessories. Making their one and only appearance in Canada, the crystal statement jewelry and one-of-kind dresses took our breaths away.
For those of us non-celebrity types who don’t have access to the Swarovski archives, the Fall 2011 Wings of Fantasy collection was also on hand. Check out our post of the preview here, should you be interested in some new bling for Fall.
   
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by The Backseat Stylers | May 18th, 2011 
Last week I had the pleasure of attending a preview of Swarovski‘s Fall 2011 collection, “Wings of Fantasy”. The last time I was anywhere near a Swarovski piece was when I walked down the aisle in their Diamanta necklace a few years ago, so the event brought back fond memories of the day I married Mr. Backseat Styler.
Those who are also looking for that “something new” for their upcoming wedding day – or who are just that fabulous year-round – will find many lovely statement pieces in Swarovski boutiques this Fall. The Power clutch (a cool $1,000), the Palace necklace (holiday party, anyone?) and the Prism cuff (very Chanel-esque) were standouts, each bringing just the right amount of sparkle. For those who prefer their bling to be a bit more understated, like me, there were everyday pieces as well. I’d happily take one of each colour of the Nirvana rings, and I’d wear the reversible stitched heart Pepper necklace in a heart beat too.
Of course, I can’t write about the preview without mentioning the Hello Kitty collection and, in particular, the $10,000 crystal figurine of Hello Kitty herself that was in attendance. Fan or not, she was something to behold. If you’re a Hello Kitty devotee and have $10k to spare, act fast – only 88 of these limited edition figurines was made. I prefer the skull paperweight myself…what does that say about me?
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by The Backseat Stylers | December 8th, 2010 
Recently, I had the privilege of dining in my local Swarovski boutique during a black tie fundraiser. Throughout the evening, I was alternately stuffing my face and admiring the bling all around me. I made a mental note at the time to return to the store at a later date to pick out a piece that perhaps Mr. Backseat Styler could gift me for Christmas, but hadn’t made it back yet.
Change of plans. I will now be sending the Mister to our local ALDO Accessories store instead, since the ALDO x Swarovski Holiday 2010 capsule collection just hit stores – and it looks gorgeous! Carried at ALDO Accessories stores in limited quantities, the Winther Necklace and the Gudinas earrings retail for $180 and $60 respectively (via Nitrolicious). I’m all over the statement jewelry these days, and both pieces look perfect for the upcoming holiday season! I’m definitely going to stop by the store asap – word on the street is the collection is selling out fast!
UPDATE: I checked out the pieces in store and have decided they’re a no-go. I was intrigued by the necklace based on the stock photo, but in person it’s less substantial and regal looking – not worth the $180 price tag in my humble opinion. For those of you interested in nabbing a piece, quantities are even more limited than I thought – less than a handful per store. Good luck!
xx, S
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THE BACKSEAT STYLERS BY T & S
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