The StacieBlair Review: Toronto Shopping Guide

Toronto Shopping Guide

Being the largest city in Canada, and my hometown, Toronto is emerging as a hotspot to visit or live in. With restaurants of almost every international cuisine, a growing art and theatre scene, and five major sport teams, Toronto is living up to its standards as one of the top financial centers in the world. Additionally, it is also known as one of the top shopping destinations in North America.

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Whether you prefer shopping at high-end boutiques, department stores, or shopping malls, Toronto is a great city to explore new trends. Here are my top 5 favourite places to shop in TO:

1. Downtown: Yorkville/Bloor

Located a block away from each other, Yorkville Avenue and Bloor Street are popular hangout for celebrities and a great area to browse the streets, shop, and dine. On Yorkville Ave., most shops are designer or expensive boutiques, such as Betsey Johnson and Over the Rainbow. However, on Bloor there is a mix of upscale and inexpensive shops. Even though some stores may be pricey, it is always fun to spot celebrities and window shop.

2. Yorkdale Mall

With over 200 stores and services, Yorkdale is one of the top shopping destinations in Toronto. With Yorkdale’s recent expansion, many upscale shops have opened, enhancing the environment. However, the mall offers stores for every spender. If you looking for high-end trendy clothing, check out Holt Renfrew, Mendocino, and Aritzia.

3. Queen Street

Queen Streetis known as an area to find “hip, trendy, cool” shopping. It is compared to SoHo in New York City, which is a trendy shopping area. It is located on between Yonge Street and Bathurst Street. Some of the funky stores located on Queen are Psyche, Price Roman, Magic Pony, and Thrill of the Find.

4. Yonge Street (Between Lawrence Avenue and Eglinton Avenue)

Located in Midtown Toronto, the Yonge Street/Eglinton Avenue area is a trendy strip. This area features clothing boutiques carrying designer labels, sidewalk cafes, specialty food shops, a mall/theatre complex, and some of Toronto’s top restaurants. Some shops located here include Sporting Life, Lululemon, Gap, Club Monaco, and Carbon.

5. Kensington Market

Kensington Market is a distinctive multicultural neighbourhood in Toronto. It is a great place to find vintage clothing, which are sold in shops on the street. The market also sells a variety of meats, produce, and vegetables. It is located west of downtown Toronto, bordered by Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street, Bathurst Street and College Street.

The StacieBlair Review: Oscar's 2010

Oscar's Best Dressed

TOP PICK:

Sandra Bullock: Well-deserved oscar winner for lead role in The Blind Side, and stunning lace and metallic Marchesa sheath.

Runner Up:

Anna Kendrick: This nominee for best supporting actress wore a Elie Saab Couture off the shoulder blush gown. There was a trend at the awards for pale colors, but Anna's hair, dress, and clutch were the total package.

3rd Place:

Sarah Jessica Parker: Known for her fabulous style and outfits in Sex and the City, and offscreen, SJP wore a pale yellow Chanel couture gown. The silver jewelry and embroidery on the top of her gown added a nice touch.

4th Place:

Cameron Diaz: Looked dazzling in her strapless embellished Oscar De La Renta gown. Although she was not nominated, her dress is one of my top picks for the night.

5th Place:

Nicole Richie: Going for something a little different, Nicole wore a 60's glam beaded, backless, long-sleeved Reem Acra gown. This showed off her petite figure and turned heads on the red carpet.

6th Place:

Rachel McAdams: Supporting my fellow Canadian, Rachel wore a pastel-patterned Elie Saab Haute couture gown. Her dress brought a spring-vibe, with the many pretty colours in it.

The StacieBlair Review: Youth in Revolt

From Innocent to Rebel: Cera is a "Youth in Revolt"

When you think of a rebel, you think of characters like James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause, Matthew Broderick in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Judd Nelson in The Breakfast Club. All of these actors play characters who are young, tough, and “bad to the bone.”

And then there’s Michael Cera: a twenty-one year old actor who usually plays the outcast or nerd.

However, Cera plays a not-so-innocent character in Youth in Revolt. Directed by Miguel Arteta, Youth in Revolt is based on a novel by C.D. Payne, and is the story of Nick Twisp, an obedient teen who is the son of two idiotic divorcees. After meeting the love of his life Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday) on vacation, Nick is forced to leave his one chance at love (and sex) behind, and go back home. The only way they can be reunited is for Nick to rebel against his family, forcing his alter ego (Francois Dillinger) to give Nick lessons on how to be a badass.

Unlike Nick, Francois dresses well, sports a fancy mustache, has a deeper voice, and has no shame spilling out dirty words. He gets Nick to act out rebelliously against his family and society. Believe it or not, Michael Cera soon becomes a felon who is wanted by police across California.

The relationship between Sheeni and Nick is at first awkward and childlike. While Sheeni and Nick visit the beach, Sheeni asks Nick to apply sunscreen on her exposed areas. While he straddles Sheeni’s almost-naked body, she calls Nick out on getting aroused so easily.

Although the plot is fairly simple, the combination of the script and characters kept the audience laughing throughout the entire film. From Nick’s father’s strange neighbor (Fred Willard) who hides illegal immigrants in his basement to Nick dressing in women’s clothing and wig, the movie is extremely entertaining.

Michael Cera was born in Brampton, Canada and starred in many TV shows and movies as a child. His first acting job was in a Tim Hortons coffee commercial which led to a Pillsbury commercial. However, Cera is most notable for his roles in Arrested Development (2003-2006), Juno (2007), Superbad (2007), and Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008).

Although Cera usually plays the dweeb in most of his films, Youth in Revolt presents a slightly darker, mysterious Cera. This new persona is great, but his blond hair, charm, and goofy smile will win over my heart in any role.

I heart michael cera!

What did you think of the movie? Same typical Cera role or something interesting and new?

Also, this review will be up on College Magazine shortly.I am part of the daily content team for their website. Check it out!

The StacieBlair Review: The Proposal

I said YES to The Proposal
I know The Proposal was released into theaters a couple weeks ago, but I saw it this past weekend and adored it! Sandra Bullock is one of my favorite actresses and she was totally fab in the film. Accompanying her was the beautiful, Ryan Reynolds, who always does a great job at being the handsome hunk.

For anyone who hasn't seen it, (I promise I won't ruin anything) it is about a high-powered woman (Bullock) who is going to be deported to Canada (not a big deal, right?). The only way she can stay in the U.S. is if she gets married, which turns out to be with her assistant (Reynolds). They need to prove to everyone that they actually love each other in order for Bullock to keep her oh, so glorified job.

Sandra and Ryan were a great team together on screen and they kept me laughing throughout the film. Sandra looked stylish in all of her simple, yet sophisticated black outfits. Although it was a typical romantic comedy, it definitely entertained my friend and I.

What were your thoughts on the film? Love/hate it?