DARE TO WEAR LOVE BE AWESOME

On Friday I was one of about 20 Canadian celebrities (yes me!) to walk the final show for Mastercard International Fashion Week, otherwise known as Toronto Fashion Week. This is my favourite shot. There’s gotta be one of me spinning in this beautiful, one of a kind African inspired dress by Kingi Carpenter of Peach Berserk. It’s my fav shot because it’s so natural, it’s me, being real, having fun. 

Dare To Wear Love - World MasterCard Fashion Week – The Tent at David Pecault Square – March 16, 2012

It felt really rad to be part of this show along with a heap of Canadian greats like Jeanne Becker, Dina from Breakfast Television, Trish Stratus, granddaughter of Bob Marley, Donisha Prendergast, Chef Jamie Kennedy and more all in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

This is the third fashion show I’ve been in in the last few months and lemme tell ya, I love being on the runway. I used to model heaps as a teenager in local shows around Waterloo region. I got my start after winning Miss Teen Cambridge 1996. Don’t laugh!

It’s been a really fun journey thus far and I’m insanely excited about the opportunities the next year will bring. 

Dare To Wear Love - World MasterCard Fashion Week – The Tent at David Pecault Square – March 16, 2012

My makeup was really crazy and it doesn’t look as cool on the runway as it did up close. My hair cut & colour are done by Redken stylist and friend Darren Kwik, he’s been doing my hair for about three years now. Shoes are from long time loved brand, Doc Martens.

Official information about Dare to Wear Love:

Dare To Wear Love – World MasterCard Fashion Week – The Tents at David Pecault Square – March 16, 2012

The Closing Night Gala of World MasterCard Fashion Week celebrates the fashion design community’s talents and commitment to social justice.

Dare To Wear Love is a high energy, massively entertaining show featuring gorgeous one of a kind fashions by Canadian designers, celebrity models, musicians and dancers.

Presented by Hoax Couture, BMO Financial Group and the FDCC, the event raises funds and awareness for the Stephen Lewis Foundation: Using The Power of Fashion for Good.

THE STEPHEN LEWIS FOUNDATION puts money directly into the hands of grassroots organizations in Africa that are turning the tide on the AIDS pandemic in ways that are innovative, sophisticated and impactful.

DARE TO WEAR LOVE is the creation of Hoax Couture designers and founders, Chris Tyrell and Jim Searle. Inspired by the resilience of African grandmothers raising children orphaned by AIDS, Jim and Chris invited twenty-five of Canada’s top fashion designers to take part in Dare To Wear Love by showcasing an outfit made with 6 yards of African fabric.

Photo credit Jason Hargrove on Flickr.

Have a beautiful day 🙂

I live in the clouds. It’s like a dream. I like it here.

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View from my balcony when I woke up. We got a huge blanket of fog this morning.

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I find the fog so beautiful, fascinating.

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I live in the clouds. It’s like a dream. I like it here. So pretty.

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In no time, the buildings on the west side were gone and so was the CN Tower.


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Welcome to Spring my friends 🙂

10:30am update, fog almost gone!

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MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY DAY

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Went for a cruise on Queen Street and biked through the park. Have an hour before my next work related call so I skipped down to the urban beach downtown Toronto to soak up some sunshine. It’s beautiful out. I’m so happy it’s not chilly anymore. There are so many people out, smiling, biking, walking etc. I didn’t do this enough last summer so I’m determined to make the very most of each day this year. One day I’ll be working in an office again and probably won’t be able to max out mid day like this, which is cool, but until then, company mandate to get as much vitamin D as possible.

With love from the beach,

XO CASIE <3

FREE AND HAPPY AND ALWAYS IN LOVE

It’s warm enough to work fromt he patio today. I’m catching up on emails and business etc.

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It’s crazy how I missed home near the end of SXSW and now that I’ve been back for all of two days, I can’ty wait to travel again. I’m off to Windsor for a press tour Thursday and Friday and might be in Montreal for a few days next week. I love that the weather here is warm already, I might go to the island this week and work on my tan.

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Caught a beauty sunrise this weekend. Now that we’re into spring I’m trying to get up earlier, exercise more and get off the computer and GO OUTSIDE. Even if it’s just for a little jaunt each day.

This weekend I brought out my ta[ shoes and put on a little show. It’a amazing how those skills never leave! I danced for 10 years as a kid going to competitions across Ontario and in New York & Myrtle Beach. I loved it so MUCH. This week I start rehearsals for a cabaret I’m in at the end of May.

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Think I’m gonna go see Grimes tonight at Horseshoe. She’s a young, punky, hipster babe from Montreal. This vid is rad cause she’s surrounded by all these jocks. I’m into it. Show is $10 and doors are at 8pm. If you wanna join me, you’re totally welcome.

Have an awesome day! Remember…

YOU ARE YOUNGER TODAY THAN YOU WILL EVER BE AGAIN, DO SOMETHING FUN!

BACKSTAGE @ DARE TO WEAR LOVE #TFW

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Runway was so fun. All pix from iPhone within last hour. Can’t wait to see all the pix tomorrow. Wearing a one of a kind dress designed by Kingi Carpenter, Peach Berserk and Doc Martens. We’re about to do finals now. Have an awesome night!

<3 CASIE

P.S. Cutest model of the night, six year old Danielle Brown!

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MIDDLE AMERICA

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We’re stopped darn on the highway betweek Arkansas & Tennessee nobody is moving AT ALL.

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Hopefully we can suss out why we’re stopped and get a move on.


#highwayparty #Arkansas #traffic #sx3b #REM #everybodyhurts

Mar 15, 2012 | Source: Keek.com

We’re not gonna run out of gas and we have wifi though. It’s super hot & sunny too. Could always be worse. I’m pinning things on Pinterest, perhaps you will find it interest(ing).

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We made some Keeks. You likely? Last one will be your new fav. Promise.


Video: This sucks ARKANSALLS!!! #TrafficJam #Sx3b

Mar 15, 2012 | Source: Keek.com


VIDEO: What way do we want it? #BSB

Mar 15, 2012 | Source: Keek.com

I want it THIS way. Have an awesome day 😉

At WordPress on WordPress, Blogger Blogging #SXSW

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CANADIAN BLAST SHOWCASE @ SXSW 2012

Canada Blast is a showcase of a heap of awesome Canadian bands from March 13-18th at SXSW in Austin. It kicked off yesterday with a BBQ at Brush Square.

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View of downtown Austin from the Hilton across from the convention centre. Some team Canada friends were stayin’ here. Crazy to see how busy the streets were. Parties EVERYWHERE.

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Dec 31, 1969 | Source: Keek.com

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If you are still at SXSW, the Canada House tent has bands all day every day until Sunday. GO!It’s open to everyone and right at the corner of 4th & Neches by the convention centre.

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This ones for you Mum! @thesheepdogs @ #sxsw @canadianblast

Mar 14, 2012 | Source: Keek.com

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Best beard goes to Ben Caplan.

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Sheepdoggy style, beards & mega long hair. Love it. Seen then a few times now (see here).

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Check out the full lineup for the week at canada canadianblast.com/sxsw2012.

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BYE AUSTIN

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We’re heading home to Toronto today. Weeeee. Longest drive ever 🙂

FADER FORT @ SXSW presented by CONVERSE

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Look at this guy. Omg. I’m in heaven. Last day here and it’s all bands and chilling. Drinking a Texas lemonade (whiskey!) and loving the hot sun. We leave tomorrow. More updates later from Canadian House stage.

Love from Austin xoxo CASIE

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