Great Reasons to Visit Stratford, Ontario

A couple weeks ago I went on an autumn adventure to Stratford, Ontario.  Home of Justin Bieber and the Stratford Festival, the city has lots to offer and is just a 2hr drive from downtown Toronto. We have so many great plces to visit within a 2hr drive of Toronto and it was so nice to visit Stratford again. I hadn’t been since I was a kid! I spent the day with Stratford Tourism and learned it’s quite the quaint destination for culture, food, shopping, and of course theatre. I was happy to find a few cute boutiques with vintage finds, local brands, unique jewellery, and beautiful housewares. Luckily I drove so I had room to fit my purchases in the boot!  What to Do: Stratford Ontario Here’s a few of the things I really loved about Stratford aside from catching a show. If theatre is your jam it’s definitely worth seeing one of the many nightly shows, we saw To Kill A Mockingbird which was great. (I did not know this story which is like whoaaa btw). The Stratford Festival is world renowned and for $29 you can get a bus to and from the theatre from Downtown Toronto. Upcoming shows include Billy Elliot, Othello, The Neverending Story and more. See the full list here. Shopping La Osa Vintage – This store is amazing. It’s on a side street from Market Square and FULL of vintage and new items from Canadian designers. They also carry heaps of unique jewellery. I could have really lit some $$$ on ??? in there! Wills & Prior – This spot in the heart of Market Square has heaps of beautiful items for your home. The owner used to live in TO and work in PR and she’s left the city for small-town life. I was kinda jealous hearing about her journey and the…

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One Year Older, One Year Bolder! ?

Yesterday was my birthday and thank you for all the warm wishes! ? Had a wonderful birthday eve and entire day. In the past I’ve blogged a whole bunch of activities and crazy party but this year was different. I wanted to relax, have a cake, and go to yoga. ??? Sometimes I get really weird around my birthday and want to hide away in my cave, not talking to anyone. I hate to planning anything and the whole idea of it gives me anxiety. I don’t need to go crazy on my birthday, I celebrate my damn self all year! So, when May 8th rolls around, all I really wanna to do for my birthday, is chill TF out. So, that’s exactly what I did! One of the best things of my day was Sean taking the day off to hang out and recharge his batteries too. It was so nice to go for a long walk in the neighbourhood, look at the houses, antique shops, and have lunch together. He did treat me to a little something from Jacobs the jeweller, my favourite, which was so lovely, but I would never expect gifts. This year I really didn’t care about getting things you buy in a store but moments, simple things, memories. 10 Great Things I Did on My Birthday Got a whole bunch of helium balloons and put them in the house! They’re still up! Morning drive in the sunshine listening to my a fav album (JAIN – full Zanaka album ??) Went for a walk with Sean around the ‘hood + got some new records Free birthday coffee at Starbucks ordered w/ the app so my name was spelled right Mexican food ? Laying on the couch scrolling in nap mode Fresh flowers + fresh sheets…

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Best Buy Life & Tech Show @ YD Square

Last week I went to two wearables events sponsored by Best Buy Canada. Fashion and tech are two of my fav things so being part of, and covering events like this is so much fun. On Wednesday night was the We Are Wearables event at MaRS where I took the runway as a model. Ya, me! Took me back to my teenage years!  The following night I attended the Best By Life & Tech event at Yonge Dundas Square. In this post, I’m sharing some of my fav tech and moments from the show. ???

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The Boxed Water #ReTree Project & Brands That Give Back

It doesn’t seem that long ago I was at WayHome North of Barrie. It was a lot more Coachella-ish this year with the huge ferris wheel. Aside from going to the festival, I spent a bunch of time in the lake at the cottage because it was SO HOT. I kept hydrated with Boxed Water and paired that with my TOMS sunnies & shoes for comfort & style, all while doing a bit of good for the world. ? ? I love when brands adopt a business model that gives back to an organization or cause. If you read my recent post on Skincare Stuff You’ll Find in My Summer Bag you’ll know that Boxed Water donates 2 trees for each mention of #ReTree on social. This summer alone, Boxed Water has planted 250,000 trees with the help of people like us. Their goal is to plant 1 million!  How is Boxed Water helping the environment? – 74% of packaging is made from trees, a renewable resource – They ship boxes flat to their filler, lowering our carbon footprint – They use a thin foil barrier for freshness and HDPE for the waterproof liner and cap – The entire carton is recyclable and 100% BPA free – Trees used in their boxes come from well-managed forests – As a member of 1% For The Planet, Boxed Water commits at least one percent of their total sales annually to reforestation The Biz Model of Giving Back I’ve gotten a few compliments on these shoes and glasses (above) and would you believe they’re TOMS? They’ve moved on from those canvas shoes we were all wearing a couple years ago to more fashion forward items that adopt their one-for-one model. It started with shoes and now the company provide glasses & sight surgery through eyewear, improved access to water, and more. TOMS paved the way for the buy-one give one model, inspiring others…

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This Is My Life | 2x Bestie Birthdays 

Last night was Lauren’s 30th and Maria’s 25th. We had so much fun. Lau’s BF planned a super fun birthday complete w/ masks of her face, bedazzling, photobooth, AND a glitter volcano. I took home the trophy for Busiest Beaver. ? Maria’s BF planned a surprise dinner w/ her besties at Mr. Flamingo.  The jewels from Lau’s BF were a hit at our final destination, dance party at The Libertine.        Cutest ever ❤️❤️❤️  Today’s plan includes maxing out in relaxing. Catching up on Scream Queens now and will probably get some takeout to go with my Netflix. Enjoy the weekend! ✌?️?    

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This is My Life | Brunch, Preloved 20th Anniversary, Drake

Oh hello! Started the day with a preview of Toronto designer/store Preloved at the Drake Hotel with April. We hung out and had a long brunch in the cafe downstairs after.  It won’t be long till these warm days are gone so savouring every last moment possible. It’s quite warm today!  Have gotten a few compliments on this dress the last couple weeks, it’s from Forever 21! Crystal pendant (you can hardly see) was hand made by my friend Jodi (NeNeLu Handmade), I’ve been wearing it so much lately. Preloved used to have a shop across from Trinity Bellwoods park on Queen Street, this year they celebrate 20 years. Clothes are all upcycled with vintage material along with new fabric. They’ve also done collabs w/ Roots, Holt Renfrew, The Bay. There were lots of cozy items there today. I love wool sweaters, warm mits, super long socks. Shop the 20th Anniversary collection here. Have you heard this yet? In other news, say hi to my mum and dad! I went to my hometown yesterday for a funeral, but on a positive note, got to hang out with these two awesome people and more. We were about to go our seperate ways when I had to stop-drop-selfie. They’re getting pretty good at it after all these years. LOVE YOU MUM AND DAD. Hope you’ve having a great week. Get some of that sunshine on your face! CASIE ☀️??✌️

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Thomas Sabo AW ’15 Press Cocktail: LoveBridge + #CharmClub10

Last week I went to a beautiful event at Malaparte in side the TIFF Bell Lightbox. It’s a great event space that’s bright, with a bar, and theatre screen. I was last there for the Nike Women NTC training sessions earlier this summer. Media and editors gathered to sip champagne and check out the latest Fall Collection for Thomas Sabo. You might remember a couple posts about Thomas Sabo and my trip to England with the brand a few years ago (see here!). The brand is originally from Germany and is planning to open 6 more stores in the GTA. I had an opportunity to meet the founder in England in 2012. The Canadian flagship is at Yorkdale Mall. Thanks Ryan Emberley for this snap. I’m wearing one of my favourite Ted Baker dresses. They gifted us all with a customized Love Bridge bracelet from the new line. Mine says CASIE. I’m kinda wishing I got something a little more creative or inspiring. Next time. Thanks Ryan for this snap too. Love it. I saw the balloon, looked at him, and he knew immediately what was about to happen. After the event I was invited to an intimate dinner with bloggers and editors. We each had little cakes at our table setting and an invite to join the Thomas Sabo Charm Club. Over the course of the dinner we picked out charms to add to our bracelets. Mine’s been ordered and I’m looking forward to it arriving. Mostly because it will be a huge surprise given I don’t remember what I picked! Doh. Thanks Faulhaber and Thomas Sabo teams for the invite and gifts. Find Thomas Sabo Canada on Twitter at @ThomasSaboCDN and see all charms and available jewellery at thomassabo.com. <3 CASIE * All photos except last 3 by Ryan Emberley. Check out some of his work…

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Hot Pop Factory’s New Laser Cutting Studio

Received a neat gift in the mail, a personalized pack of laser cut coasters from my friends at Hot Pop Factory.  You may recognize their name from previous posts about their 3D printing. jewellery, and courses (see posts here). I love their work! How neat are these! The glasses image is from a pair of sunnies I own that say ‘Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye’. Co-founder Biying Miao emailed to say she was sending me a little something to do with their new laser cut studio in Toronto but I didn’t know it would be so awesome! The team has opened the new laser cutting studio and mad ie super fast, professional, and to make your idea reality. Simply visit this link for info and email them with your design for a quote. How Get Something Laser Cut 1. Design or download a black and white image 2. Send your design to Hot Pop Factory’s Toronto laser cutting studio or local maker space. 3. Decide where you’d like to put that design, it could be on a wooden or leather coaster or even a mason jar or vintage leather belt (Image 03 Attached)   4. Your artwork can then be turned into a custom product by a laser cutting machine 5. Pick up or get your finished product in the mail when complete. Ta da! I reckon these would make a great gift for parents, friends, wedding, or to commemorate a special moment in your life. Big thanks to the Hot Pop Factory for thinking of me and sending such a lovely gift! <3 CASIE  

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The Kit: Toronto Street Style Feature

Yesterday I was featured on Canada’s leading fashion + beauty site, The Kit. Check it out here! Photos by the lovely Kayla Rocca. Inspired by the era of punk and print, today’s Toronto street style encounter mixes and matches pieces with a retro vibe to create a modern look. WEARING: Lucian Matis top, American Apparel dress, Rudsak moto jacket and handbag, Nasty Gal hat, Shellys London booties, YSL sunglasses, M.A.C lipstick in Lady Danger STYLE INSPIRATION: “My mom and her best friend had really great style growing up, lots of prints, patterns, sequins, and big jewelry in the ’80s. That’s where my love of clothes comes from!” Photographer: Kayla Rocca, kaylarocca.com.  

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Retro-Inspired Eyewear + New Glasses for You 

Oh hey, it’s me, these flowers are for you and if you scroll down I’ve got new glasses for you as well. Happy Friday! Over the last few years I’ve done a couple giveaways with Derek Cardigan glasses via ClearlyContacts.ca. The recently launched eyewear collection incorporates a subtle cat-eye, key-hole accents, that same retro inspired look we saw on the runway at NYFW. You’ll find burgundy, emerald and amethyst jewel colours with metallic gold accents in the new Gold Collection. As a lover of all things vintage, I’m into it. Scroll down and enter to win a pair of these lovely lilac glasses by Derek Cardigan for yourself. Contest is open to anyone in Canada (except Quebec) and closes Monday, March 9th. Good luck and thanks for reading! <3 CASIE a Rafflecopter giveaway A video posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Mar 6, 2015 at 5:06am PST

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Lookbook + Video: #JayuBlogged Fresh Collection SS15

A couple weeks ago I was on set at a Toronto studio w/ Canadian jewellery designer Sally Han of Shop for Jayu. Last summer Sally and I exchanged emails about their first look book and I wasn’t available to take part at the time but this round I was. We had heaps of fun on the full day shoot and I’m happy to share the final product! For my looks I went with, ‘Glamour Calling’, inspired by big hair and bright colours a là 1992, and ‘Vintage Traveller’ inspired by Twiggy & Pan Am Air in the ’60’s, with a bit of Edie Swgwick. The other bloggers featured are Jodi Blk in monochrome and Victoria Simpson from Haute Canada in with the pink balloons (and the legs!). Here’s a behind the scenes video by David Sztrimbley and a peek at the lookbook. See the whole thing here and check out the latest collection at shopforjayu.com. A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Feb 20, 2015 at 3:57pm PST

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Valentines Day Gift Guide for Your Love (or Yourself!)

I don’t usually do gift guides but I really like Valentines Day and it’s an excuse to treat yourself/someone you love. I know it’s a Hallmark holiday, but I don’t care! I adore all the hearts in store windows, the pink and red all around. I’m all about spreading the love! I love the idea of treating yourself (or your loved one). Even if the gifts are expensive (like the ones found at https://giftunicorn.com/1000-dollars/), it’s nice knowing that someone was happy to spend all that money on you and treat you to something really nice. All the things below make great gifts for you and/or someone you love. Ladies, send this post to your boyfriends. Ted Baker Accessories Ted Baker has a quite the sale on right now and there’s some great things for both men and ladies, especially accessories. If you’re in Toronto there’s locations at Yorkdale and Eaton Centre. I have the ARBA faux fur neck collar below in black. It’s super warm and goes with everything. Marble for Your Gadgets Now sure how I forgot to add this first round, anyhoo, updated the post to include a few more things. These Marble accessories for your gadgets are sure to warm the hearts of anyone attached to their phone/iPad/computer. You can get a soft skin for your iPad, laptop, Android, XBox, Kindle, or a hard case for your iPhone 6 (or 5!). Order online at nuvango.com/casiestewart and if you’re in Toronto use ‘GTAskins’ for a discount. Clarisonic and/or Amopé from Shoppers Drug Mart I have never in my adult life had softer, more clear skin than I do now that I’ve been using a Clarisonic. I was given one in November last year and have used it almost everyday since. It’s great for evening skin tone, brightening complexion,…

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On Day 2 There Were Wearables & Edibles + The #SelfieStickSpin

Day 2 of 2015 started and ended great. It was beautifully sunny when I got up. Made Embot some brekky and dropped her at school. With my reclaimed love for granola, stopped by to pick up a few groceries, came home made a nice brekky and got to work. Selfie stick put to use to capture the sunshine. I have a feeling it’s only a matter time before we see “no selfie stick” signs or theres an assault with a selfie stick. They’re really intrusive and super annoying when travelling. People on phones are already a bother, add in a metal rod with a phone on it and things get a lot more hairy. I admit I’m fully part of the problem here but for the record, I am a documentarian observing culture and selfies are part of my work. 🙂 Decided I missed violet hair and tinted it again. It’s a bit brighter than I expected, it’ll fade with each wash though. This photo makes it look almost neon. I must remember this for next time. Later in the evening I headed East to visit my sister. We went for fish n’ chips (or fush n cups as they say in NZ!) and laughed our heads off while casually watching hockey. Not because the hockey was funny but when us sisters get together we can’t help but have a hilarious time.  Yay Canada for the win. In 2015, fashion & food come together for the latest in wearable edibles. Onion ring jewellery! Ate these right off my arm bc they were burning. And delicious. Moderation is key when it comes to healthy eating. Nothing wrong with throwing down some greasy goodness here and there. I think there’s no real point in limiting the things I love in life. YOLO! I was showing…

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Fashion | Ted Baker London & Baker’s Arcade at The Eaton Centre

Friday marks the opening of the second Ted Baker London store on Toronto at the Eaton Centre. It was two years ago when the first store opened in Ontario at Yorkdale Mall and it’s been great fun working with the brand since. I’ve collected a bunch of beautifully designed pieces and had the opportunity to visit Ted Baker London shops in New York City and London, England. Scroll down for some of my fav Ted moments from the last two years and info on the new ‘Baker’s Arcade’ shop at the Eaton Centre (opens Friday). I’m getting a sneak peek at the media preview tonight! Look who did a little shopping at Ted Fifth Avenue… The always lovely @casiestewart! A photo posted by Ted Baker (@ted_baker) on Aug 8, 2013 at 12:09pm PDT   In love with my first @Ted_Baker dress. The Scuba, its neoprene! A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Nov 11, 2012 at 5:40pm PST I can’t wait to check out the new store tonight! The steel ceiling trussles are spray painted in neon pink and series of framed panels of wallpaper, fabric, leather and detailed collections of relevant props define each ‘shop’ area: Umbrella Shop, Watchmaker, Optician, Jeweler, Perfumery, as well as a Tea and Cake Shop. One of the most admirable things about Ted Baker London is the acute attention to detail in the design of stores, clothes, and accessories. My purses and wallet are lined with English Bulldogs,  my camel cape coat has funky orange ribbon lining. I love it! I’ll share some photos on the new shop after my visit tonight. Today I’m visiting the Shangri-La Spa and Evolve Hair Studio, before an audition at 4:30, then Ted’s baler’s Arcade event.  It’s gonna be a busy one! <3 CASIE

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