The Power of Underwear

Nope this isn't a post about what pretty panties you should buy or what's the hottest trend in lingerie. This really isn't about #FirstWorldProblems at all. 

Did you know that underwear, while a luxury item or at least an un-thought-of item for us, is a shockingly effective rape prevention item in Africa? As well it has the potential to decrease the drop out rate of girls in school substantially by acting as an essential feminine hygiene product. 

On April 23rd MUSE Collective Agency and Celebrity Models from the cast of Bachelor Canada is hosting an event here in Calgary that will shine some light understanding this largely unmentioned topic. 

And what's an event with out showcasing a little fashion for your entertainment too...

Special Guests include:

CityTV Host and Producer: Jill Belland as MC 

Fashion Show directed by Premiere Stylist: Leah Van Loonwww.leahvanloon.com 

Artists Within Makeup Academy 
Headkandi

Chantelle H- Bachelor Canada is an ambassador for Transformation Textiles, the charity that will be benefiting from this Fashion Event. 

Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/muse-charity-fashion-event-tickets-10693306969?ref=estw

Dress for Success

You are all fashion lovers, that is why you  read this blog. So I know you have many items in your closet that just sit there and go unused. Now there is a consignment option, I do have big love for that option I can even list a couple of my fav spots for it. However that will be another blog post another day. Today, we are talking about an alternative way you can pass on those great pieces that can be reused by someone who would absolutely treasure them and make a difference in their life.

Dress for Success changes the lives of Canadian and New Canadian women by outfitting them with clothing for employment. They give each client an average of 5 outfits - 20 to 30 articles of clothing - including shoes and various accessories. The clothes and accessories are meant to provide the client with a complete quality wardrobe for interviews and ongoing employment. Their professionally trained Personal Stylists offer a 'by appointment only' one-on-one service, in which they work together to choose attire that will best fit the client's needs and individual style. This in turn is a win win for not only the client but for the Employment Agency as well!

Can you imagine how amazing you would feel if you had such an opportunity for such amazing support if something happened to you, and you needed a leg up to get your career on track! Take that feeling and give back to the so many women in need of these clothes. And I don't mean the ratty Tshirt you work out in the gym in. The items they are looking for are articles that are no more than 3 years old, so they are dressing these women with clothing that can last them another 3 years or more and also improve their confidence. You can't do that in the wrong '80s no no blazer.  

So ladies, I encourage you to go through your closets and donate some business attire that can help make a difference in another deserving woman's life. And don't think you need to fill a garbage bag. Even just a few pieces can go a long way. And FTR, coming from someone who used to manage a consignment shop, please don't roll it in a ball and through it in a bag. Help them out by bringing in on a hanger or something. 

For more info go to their website: http://www.dressforsuccess.org/calgary

Follow them on FB too: https://www.facebook.com/DressforSuccessCalgary

If you are interested in volunteering for them, there is a link on their facebook page too. 

Or you may even drop by their Dress for Success Calgary's BIG Grand Opening! event happening tonight at Southcentre Mall (in the center court) 

Your Fashion & Art Insider,

Sabrina May

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!

Walking in Sunshine

You heard about her when the city was buzzing that New York was requesting for Ruby Ellen Designs to join their Brooklyn Fashion Week. Boston called on her to join their fashion week as well. So she showed off her feminine fuchsia collection, and that Canada, let alone Alberta does have fashionable people here. And they loved her collection and her of course.


Now it's a new season, and she has created a whole new line. This time she is not only showing it off locally but raising funds for a great cause while doing so. 



Ruby Ellen Designs presents Walking in Sunshine, a fundraiser for Sonshine Community Services.  This fundraiser features two varying opportunities for guests to enjoy; High Tea, a wonder filled afternoon, commencing at 2PM until 5PM, including high tea, fashion, beauty and an opportunity for guests to interact with Designers one-on-one or Dinner, an evening of fine dining, commencing at 630PM until 11PM, including cocktails, live music, poetry and fashion.

Photo courtesy of Ruby Ellen Designs Facebook Photos 

This event, Walking in Sunshine, is an opportunity for women from all walks of life to assist women in need in the Calgary community. Proceeds from this event will fund Sonshine Community Services, a community organization which o!ers a full range of residential and community outreach programs, specializing in building respectful relationships and responding to the needs of those experiencing family violence and abuse. 



Enjoy a great day of fashion and so much more willing supporting a good cause.Tickets are available at www.rubyellendesigns.com or by visiting the studio at 233 10th Street SW upstairs.  

Photo by Brad Taylor from Lougheed House Website

Date: March 8th 2012

Location:  Lougheed House, 707 - 13 Avenue SW

Afternoon High Tea  2-5 pm, $55

Evening Dinner & Fashion Show, 6:30 - 11pm, $100

Hope to see you there.

Your Fashion & Art Insider,

Sabrina May

2012 Comeback

Okay, so last year really got to be a little too busy that I stopped posting blogs. And well every January always seem to bring out the rethink your life moments. my resolution this year is to make more time for me and get back to a few of the things I miss, like my blogs. I intend to really stay in touch with my blogs more often. Yes I say blogs cause if you don't know I also have thiscityhasart.blogspot.com too.

So to start this year off with bloggin again let's get into a party coming up. It may sound a little selfish, but it's my birthday party. However it is also Fashion/Wedding Photographer (and friend) Zev Abosh's Birthday, also Mr. Mike Addams', of the Live Cosmo site, birthday and my dear friend and amazing fashoin and wedding makeup artist Trena Olfert and her fab hubby's 5 year Anniversary. So many things to celebrate and we are all connected to the fashion industry we have decided to throw a good old fashion themed event. So below are the details and we invite anyone to join us because as you'll see in the details we are raising funds for a good cause too!

Setting the tone like a 1920s jazz bar we are bringing the 100 year old building Sociale Bar & Restaurant resides in back to the CLASSIC party scene on Friday, Janaury 27th. Don't know where to find the right outfit, Melean is outfitting our models for the evening so if in need of what to wear go with the modern-retro and shop Melean on 4th Street. Event Organizer: Sabrina May Public Relations & Events Decor Provided by: Basic Black Designs Makeup Provided by: Trena Laine Olfert & Kada Issa  Hair Provided by: Tru Elegance Salon We also ask that no gifts are given but donations to Youville, A Recovery Residence for Women be given instead. There will be ladies collecting that night. Youville’s mission is to operate residential recovery facilities for women who experience the co-occurring issues of addiction, mental health distress and a history of abuse. In a unique home-like setting, Youville promotes recovery by providing its clients with holistic counselling and programming services that strive to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual, occupational, and social needs of each client. For women who are mothers and who might otherwise avoid recovery for fear of being separated from their children, Youville additionally offers accommodations and programs that keep families intact and that allow mothers and their children to remain together during recovery.

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