Fallen for Forge

Browsing through the newest collection from Forge (formally known as EG Forge). I can say I have officially fallen all over again for Forge!

Eric Goodwin's newest pieces are so on point with todays trends, but with a classic design that these pieces will become something you will still be carrying around in 10 years. Personally knowing Eric, the designer behind the brand, I know what kind of hard work is put into every one of his pieces. The quality and detail is always made with perfection. What I love even more is the professionalism he has always presented the brand with, from photos to videos, website, etc. Eric knows how to showcase his brand well and this will be one of the key factors for his continued success.

I have had the pleasure of hiking through the Kananaskis mountains with Eric and his brother (my apologies his name is escaping me at the moment) to shoot a video in the past. It was his hand made bags that carried all the gear we needed to hike through the canyons and find our way to just the right spot. It's an added bonus for Eric that his brother is such an amazing videographer, but together they create beautiful videos to draw you into his brand and inspire you to go beyond using his pieces for just some trendy street bag. Use it to the extreme!

A designer to watch, and collect. Classic, well made, and styles for any guy or girl. And of course, best of all... 100% Canadian Made right here in Calgary, Alberta, including the videos all filmed in our very own Albertan back yard. See his craftsmanship for yourself and visit him in his shop/retail space in the Devinish Building 908-17th Ave SW, Suite 202.

Here are a couple of bags from his latest collection:

All photos and videos by Forge (www.forgeapparel.com) 

House of Bloggers

For all you die hard fashion lovers, and those who love to follow all those fashion bloggers... now you have the chance to shop some of your favourite YYC Fashion Blogger's closets!

This Sunday on November 3rd from 12 - 5pm at Eau Claire Market. Some of Calgary's prominent fashion and lifestyle bloggers (i.e. The Girl With The Messy Hair, Karolinas Style, The Mavric, etc.) are cleaning out their closets for you to shop from! Not only is shopping for yourself always fun,  , but as I have said it before,  shopping for you and proceeds going to a local charity, Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta, makes the overall experience so much the better.


Have fun shopping from these bloggers closets and some local design talent selling their wears too. Including NRT Fashions, Bano eeMe, and more.

Can you imagine all those fantastic pieces that those bloggers receive from around the world and locally, are now up for grabs for you! If you are an aspiring fashion blogger yourself, here is where you can ramp up a collection of fashionable goodies, at extremely affordable prices, to then turn around and blog about on your blog with your own flare and personal style touch! TIP: Don't forget to tag who you bought your pieces from, because that will help increase your traffic and your RTs on twitter, etc. Use #HOBYYC

They are also giving some swag away hourlyto some lucky winners!

In this poster you will see all who is involved or visit their facebook event page to track all the details:  https://www.facebook.com/events/171630996366780/?previousaction=join&source=1

Enjoy Shopping! Please feel free to share what you bought with me, would love to see and hear about it.

The SOS Masquerade & Fashion Show

I always appreciate a fashion event that is there to raise money for charity. The work and effort that goes into an fashion event is of countless hours. So when I see the many people who come together to volunteer their time to help an event happen for the need of others, it's so great.

Such as this upcoming event The SOS Masquerade & Fashion Show. Not only do you get to have some fun and dress up for the occasion (because who doesn't love a masquerade party!) you also are giving back to a worthy cause.

This events choice of charity, SOS Children's Villages, an independent, non-governmental social developmental organization which has been active in the field of children's needs, concerns and rights since 1949. The SOS Children's Villages makes it possible for orphaned and abandoned children to be part of a family once again by providing homes and family-based care.

Seeing the names of Olga's Fabric Lane, Viola Designs, Ivy Rose Designs, Bronte Robertson, Cayley Rio Designs, Shae Barry, Couture Gown Studio, Fashion Calgary, Q-Haute Restaurant, and Sheer Image... all makes for a great line up too. Can't wait to see it.

Tickets are a really affordable price too! So with that being said, that gives you the opportunity to support  this organization even more in other ways possible. Their goal for this event is to raise $3500. Let's help them reach that goal! 

For Tickets $20:
Order Online @ http://sosmasquerade.eventbrite.ca/ or
email @ sostickets@kw-designs.ca or
call @ 403.629.1313

Your Fashion & Art Insider,

Sabrina May

PARKSHOW 2012

I have posted about this event in the past and I am going to repeat myself again today because it really is an event you need to get your ticket too. It was a vintage inspired style show last season, now PARKSHOW is back for spring 2012 and I am excited to see what hits the stage this season. 

PARKSHOW 2012 is PARK's annual fundraising fashion show and art exhibition with all profits going towards hosting future events for the community!

They not only have the local models strutting the runway in local designer duds, but some incredibly talented artists decorating the walls. Arrive early to browse through the Art Exhibition at 7pm. Don't forget to support our local art community and purchase some art. What may only be a few hundred today could be an investment to what could be worth thousands soon enough. Calgary truly is oozing with talented artists.  What's in your art collection today? 

Now back to fashion, this year sounds so intriguing to hear that they have two start times listed for their fashion shows. At 9pm they have a "Contemporary + Fashion and Textile Design" Fashion show and at 10pm a "Women's Fall 2012 RTW" Fashion Show. 

I could list off all the 12 emerging designers and the 20 emerging artists today.. but I could also suggest you just get your tickets and see them in person yourself next week! When it comes to Fashion and Art it's always better in person! 

This event happens next week on Saturday, March 10, 2012 @ Palliser South Tower, 140 - 10 Avenue SE

Pre-Sale Tickets:
General Admission: $15 - http://www.tickettrunk.com/event/buy/880
Guaranteed Seating: $25 - http://www.tickettrunk.com/event/buy/882
Entry subject to capacity after 8pm

Limited General Admission Tickets at the door: $20*
*This event has sold out every year so it is advised to purchase tickets in advance!

FASHIONSIGN Magazine Launch Party

(No better time than now to get back into my blogging.) 


This Saturday is going to be one amazing party. Not only am I biased because I am the Executive Director for this Magazine, but I truly believe in what it is representing. 


FASHIONSIGN Magazine is the next empowering and creative online/print magazine that provides amazing and unique details, information and images about fashion, art, design, and photography. Focusing only on Calgary it aims to build a strong awareness of the amazing variety of talents that we have in this city and it's creative industries. Showing our readers from all over the country that Calgary is more than just an Oil & Gas town.

When Tessa Lerbekmo established the idea of FASHIONSIGN, just under a year ago, to where it is now, there has been quit the stir of excitement for this magazine and it’s targeted direction. FASHIONSIGN’s team of contributors was easily built and is now made up of 13 contributors including stylists, photographers, makeup artists, and more. Each team member volunteers their own creative skill and unique eye to which makes for an incredibly creatively inspiring team and magazine.

Be apart of this Saturday's celebration and get your tickets online at fashionsignmag.zoobis.com 

15% of all ticket sales will be donated to "The Doorway"
http://www.thedoorway.ca/contact.php

Can't make the party? You won't fully miss out, you will just have to switch out your Monday morning newspaper to FASHIONSIGN Magazine online through www.fashionsignmagazine.com (official public launch Monday the 26th)

THE WATER PROJECT Charity Fashion Show

PHOTO BY NATHAN KHO
Provided by: Kaleigh Neidig 

The Water Project, Inc. is a non-profit organization that's bringing relief to communities around the world who suffer needlessly from a lack of access to clean water. And one way they are making efforts to do it... is a charity event that will be held at The Bank Nightclub on April 12th. 


Why am I posting a Water Project here on my fashion blog? Well because this event will be featuring some Calgary fashion designers, whom is to still be announced. And also just because this is all for a good cause.  


For this one event they are looking to raise at least $6500, which is enough to fund a well-project for an entire community. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by making a $20 donation online.  ALL proceeds from the event are going straight to this charity. And even if you can not make the event they have an opportunity for you to still contribute and make a donation of any amount online at: https://thewaterproject.org/donate.asp


 7pm on April 12th, 2011 
The Bank Nightclub

125 8 Avenue SW

PARK for Japan

This week a charity event Park has been organizing with Gerry Thomas Gallery to help raise funds for Japan is happening. Be sure to purchase your ticket to attend this event next Thursday and do your part in donating to help rebuild peoples lives.

If you have been to any of Park's & Gerry Thomas Gallery events in the past you know they know how to do it right and this event will be fabulous!

Support Japan, purchase some art (yes bring your cheque books because you will want to purchase some of the gorgeous art they have on their walls at this Gallery 10% of gallery art work sold will be donated to the Red Cross to aid victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami) AND check out Calgary designer Caitlin Power latest collection.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: PARK
Photo by Shea Kerwood and Jason EngModel - Ania B
Styling - Jennie Lyle
MUA - Julia D'Angelo
Hair - Kristin Page & Kate Gonzalez

I am a Fashion Billboard

That question the red carpet media is always asking...Who are you wearing? Well I just set myself up for LOOKBOOK.nu  to share and give credit to who and what I am wearing.

This website I believe was built for all those people who like to show off their fabulous fashion sense. And there are some incredible looks posted I might add. I however chose to sign up to share the love of passion for what I can find locally. Those who know me, know when I show up for an event I am sporting a local designer's piece and love to talk about it and the designer.

So, if my outfit is made from an emerging designer, photo will be posted and all credit will be given with details. Of course.

Not only am I going to share my ensembles from local designers, but if my outfit is bought from an independently run boutique, I will post it and share the boutique's info and where others can find that shop.

Over all, this won't be so much about my style, as it is about giving recognition to what you can find through out this city and support the local industry. I will admit and say that there will be the odd piece that snuck into an outfit that may have been bought from a mall, but the overall look will be from somewhere or someone local. Now when I say 'local' it will mostly be Calgary represented, although there will also be other locations through out Alberta and Canada sometimes represented as well.  I am not just Calgary proud, I am extremely supportive of the whole Canadian fashion industry.

So, slowly I will have some past looks posted on my LOOKBOOK profile. They only allow one photo post a day though, so it will take a few days to get past looks up. The past looks I will be sharing is because there are some great pieces that can't be forgotten about, they were provided by some incredible designers that deserve the credit on this website. But there will be plenty of new looks posted.

Now Photographers, of course all credit to your fabulous work will be given and link to your site too. So next time you see me at an event, make sure to get a full length fabulous shot of what ever outfit I am wearing in support of that designer or store and email it to me to get posted.

Designers and Boutique owners, let's talk if you are interested in part taking in getting some free promo. Contact me through www.sabrinamay.com

Calgary Fashion & Art Supporter: Eleven Eleven Boutique

Here we go, first blog post. I have been dying to get my blog up and running for over a year. But I am one to make sure things are done right. So here I am finally just diving in to make things happen. By this time 2011 I am hope to see hundreds of followers that I was able to touch and spread the word to. This blog will consist of many events, but also those industry insiders that I have the pleasure of working with so often.

Calgary is so rich in talent and I can't shout it from the roof top loud enough! (hence why I am in PR, ha ha.)

So first up to rave about is one adorable boutique, Eleven Eleven,  located in Kensington just across the street from the Old Ant Hill Fabric store, (which btw is where Market Collective hosts their fantastic markets that shine a light on locally talented artists and designers.) 233 - 10 Street NW. 

This fabulous little spot is not just any clothing store, it's a store that only carries Canadian designers. Yup Yup, you can shop for POUT Clothing, Cherry Chic Designs, Savage Grace Designs and so many more... (yes I was kinda biased just now and only mentioned Calgary designers there,  FTR lol)
There is also an art gallery, Resolution, upstairs.This place is full of art and fashion fun.

So with such a great spot to stroll into the next time you are in Kensington, shop local, shop Canadian.
You should also note there are some fabulous Art parties that occur at the Gallery, and now they have recently added to their schedule some fashion parties supporting the local clothing lines they carry in store.

Here are a few photos from their first fashion party:

Photos Provided by: Zev Abosh of PhotoArt4U

From the Top Left: 1. Makeup Artist, Kada Issa 2. Me, with Savage Grace Designs Jeweler, Lina Oprea & BF 

3. Some Random People 

Bottom from Left: 1. Belly Dancer, Donna Haris 2. Model, Nadia Bakurova, 3. Eleven Eleven Store Owner, Andrea Walker 4 & 5 More Random people 

 This party was on November 11th, 2010. The night Valrie Powell got to show off her newest collection for Cherry Chic Designs.

Designer Valrie Powell is new to Calgary (originally from Winnipeg), Powell embraced a little of our western tendencies and gave it a modern twist to it. With a capri jean that had a one leg chap design to it.
Powell was also understood that we are not so "cowtown" anymore, we are moving fashion forward and she showed us some sexy shinny leather tights paired with a great high collar fitted grey jacket that I wanna add to my closet!

Even though she may be new to us in Calgary, she has been in the industry in Manitoba for some time.  So be sure to keep an eye on her upcoming collections and start shopping at Eleven Eleven today for pieces of hers to add to your closet.

Photos Provided by: Zev Abosh of PhotoArt4U

Left: Model, Heather Brittany & Designer Valrie Powell, Center: Model, Via McCormick 

Now see, did you know about this party? You might not have, but you could have. Besides this little party that Eleven Eleven hosted there are many more to come, in particular on January 21st, 2011. 

Photo Provided by: Ruby Ellen Designs
Taken by: Jeremy Goertz  

Eleven Eleven is hosting a launch party for  Ruby Ellen Designs that is showcasing her spring collection, now being carried in the boutique.

You probably have seen this designer, Ruby Johnson, show her great bridal collections of Ruby Ellen Designs on the runway at Alberta Fashion Week for two seasons now. But many of you may not know she also spends many hours custom designing dresses afor customers out of her studio.

Now Johnson has a whole new RED collection that she will be sharing with us at this launch party. Will I be there? Of course... Ruby will be making me something fabulous to wear for the evening. Can't wait!

Question is, will you be?

Ruby Ellen Designs - Spring Launch Party 
January 21st, 2011  7:00pm - 10:00 pm
Eleven Elven Boutique
233 - 10 Street NW


Your Fashion Insider,
Sabrina May