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The #FDrive Has Moved

Find more great content about what drives us here. 

[thefdrive]

#FEvents: Best Dressed at TFI New Labels 2014

TFI New Labels 2014 saw fashion insiders and VIPs come together in support of fashion and fundraising on May 5th at One King West for a fabulous runway show featuring four up-and-coming Canadian designers. AliceAzur by Miriam Baker wowed the judging panel and was named Most Promising New Label presented by Suzanne Rogers. Miriam went home with $25,000, an upcoming editorial feature in FLARE and a look book photo-shoot sponsored by CoverGirl and Pantene!

Congratulations to all of the competitors who showcased remarkable collections: AliceAzur, Christopher Paunil Designs, Laura Siegel and NOMAD of the SUN.

Now that we know who went home with the title of Most Promising New Label, let’s find out who we named best dressed of the night!

See below for our top five picks:

Susan Langdon (Executive Director of the Toronto Fashion Incubator) in Lida Baday

Suzanne Rogers (Philanthropist) in Greta Constantine

Jeanne Beker in David Dixon

Sylvia Mantella in Greta Constantine

Nicole Wilson (Dainty Girl) in Ted Baker London

See more fashion forward guests below! Who was your favourite from the night? Keep up with more on Canadian fashion and TFI news and events by following them on Twitter!

@TorontoFashion

#TFINewLabels

@SusanAtTFI

@AliceAzur

[thefdrive]

#FEvents: Luv Ya Mom at Over the Rainbow

She's our confidante, our inspiration and the woman we have to thank for just about everything. With all that moms do for us, they definitely deserve more than the usual box of chocolates and the freshly cut flowers we have all admittedly purchased before.

Why not do something different this year and opt for some quality time with mum?

On Saturday, May 10th, Over the Rainbow, along with other businesses in the Yorkville community, are joining forces to celebrate moms. With free mini cones from Summer's Ice Cream and onsite manicures and touch ups from Lux Spa, turn the day into a unique and special experience you and your mom will never forget. What's better? A portion of proceeds will be donated to The Interval House, Canada's first centre for abused women and children. A smile on mom's face calls for a smile on yours too!

[thefdrive]

#FridayFavourite: The Perfect Pair

At the end of each week, we showcase an extra special lifestyle find hand-picked by our team of culture vultures. Sourced everywhere from local Toronto workshops to glamorous European boutiques, be sure to check in each week for our staff-selected #FridayFavourite.

For people who are always on a mission, especially those who work in PR, it's essential to have a good pair of sneakers. Or more importantly, a polished pair — the kind that can get you from a meeting to a venue walk through to a lounge for some cocktails after work hours.

Introducing the sleekest of sleek when it comes to sneakers, Saint Laurent SL01. For this pair, Slimane went strikingly simple for the purist with an unparalleled eye for understated design. - Maddalen

[thefdrive]

#FFinds: Seven Festival Fashion Must-Haves

With the iconic Coachella kick-starting festival season, summertime is officially just around the corner.

While some lucky Canadians ventured south to Cali for two back-to-back weekends of music, palm trees and undercover celeb watching, there are a ton of accessible music festivals available for us to enjoy right here in Canada.

Although comfort is key for long days spent at festivals, looking good is just as important. Guaranteed to make you the shining festival style star, we've rounded up seven fashionable festival must-haves for the summer of 2014.

Fanny pack: Van-based company Herschel Supply Co. have us loving these practical hip packs that prove fanny packs are not just made for your mom.

Seventeen Hip Pack, $24.99, Herschel Supply Co.

Kendall & Kylie Jenner. Photo source: hollywoodlife.com (FameFlyNet)

Floral headpieces: A festival favourite for both celebs and us regular folks. We love this piece by Toronto gal Headmistress.

Sunny Flourish Floral Crown, $34, loveheadmistress.com 

Bella Thorne (right) & friend. Photo Source: WENN.com

Ray-Bans: The epitome of cool; a classic pair of shades that will never go out of style.

Printed Wayfarer sunnies, $200 USD, ray-ban.com

Ashley Greene & boyfriend Paul Khoury rocking Ray-Bans. Photo source: WENN.com

Motorcycle vest: One of our fav brands born out of Vancouver is Fidelity denim - airy and light denim that won’t weigh you down in the summer heat but will keep you warmer once the sun sets.

Slash vest in Chrome Wipeout, $188, shopfidelitydenim.com 

Maxi dress: The most versatile piece in any wardrobe, maxis can be dressed up or down depending on how you accessorize. Paired with a moto vest, it’s a match made in festival heaven.

ALEXXIS maxi dress, $425 CAD, Ted Baker London

Aaron Paul & his wife Lauren dance together at Coachella. Photo source: WENN.com

Layered jewellery: One of our favourite Toronto-based designers, Jenny Bird has rad jewelry that screams summer fling.

Endless Summer Necklace, $65 USD, jenny-bird.com

Sophia Bush knows how to wear a statement necklace. Photo source: Getty/John Sciulli 

Giant celebrity heads: What better way to make sure your friends can find you in the crowd then a giant celebrity head to pinpoint your location? Outkast, Oprah Winfrey and Zach Galifianakis were among some homemade Coachella creations. 

Photo source: Koury Angelo, Rolling Stone

Here are some Canadian music festivals that have our inner flower-child channeling Woodstock vibes:

Osheaga

Squamish Valley Music Festival

Shambhala

North by Northeast

Toronto Urban Roots Festival (TURF)

Find your fest at Music Festival Junkies for line-ups, ticket pricing, & more! 

[thefdrive]

#FEVENTS: TFI New Labels® 2014

On May 5th at One King West, the Toronto Fashion Incubator will host its annual (and always much-anticipated) TFI NEW LABELS® 2014. The SOLD OUT event celebrates Canadian design talent with a dynamic runway show and fashion competition. Emceed by none other than fav fashion icon Jeanne Beker, fashion VIPs and industry aficionados will gather in support of the TFI, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting in the success of fashion entrepreneurs.

Curious to know more about the final four? We have you covered! All Toronto locals, this year's finalists who will showcase their latest collections are:

AliceAzur by Miriam Baker

Christopher Paunil Designs

Laura Siegel

NOMAD of the SUN by Ashley Boutcher

TFI New Labels® has jump-started the careers of many Canadian designers since its inception in 1992 - including last year's winner Sarah Stevenson.

(Photo Credit: George Pimentel, Designer: Sarah Stevenson)

This year, TFI’s expert panel of judges, Arie Assaraf (TNT), Tiyana Grulovic (FLARE), David Dixon and Suzanne Rogers have the challenging task of selecting the winner, who will receive $25,000 for Most Promising New Label presented by Suzanne Rogers, a feature in FLARE and a lookbook photoshoot sponsored by CoverGirl and Pantene!

Show your support on Twitter and share which designer you’re rooting for!

@TorontoFashion

#TFINewLabels

@AliceAzur

@ChrisPaunil

@Laura_Siegel

@NOMAD_ofthe_SUN

[thefdrive]

#FridayFavourite: But First, Coffee

At the end of each week, we showcase an extra special lifestyle find hand-picked by our team of culture vultures. Sourced everywhere from local Toronto workshops to glamorous European boutiques, be sure to check in each week for our staff-selected #FridayFavourite.

There is one elementary thing that we simply couldn't live without, the elixir of life - a classic cup of Joe. It'll always be a mystery to us why coffee isn't number one on the super foods lists. A fresh brew is always a reliable companion; it has the ability to bring people together, warm our hearts and awaken our mind. The only time coffee can inspire negative emotions is when the pot is empty. Needless to say it’s a hot commodity here at the #FHQ.

While some swear their blood type is Starbucks, we've stumbled upon a new spot that has managed to make our coffee experience that much better. Impossible?  We thought the same until Sam James Coffee Bar opened their fourth location at the corner of Queen and Ossington. This unique and chic shop houses a beautiful wall paste by Jeremy Jansen that’s almost as stunning as the art that resides in our cup.

So whether you’re looking for a place to loaf on a lazy Sunday morning or a quick afternoon pick-me-up, Sam James will be your saving grace with a cup full of happiness. - Natasha

(Image Source: http://www.blogto.com/cafes/sam-james-ossington-toronto)

[thefdrive]

Happy Earth Day!

Celebrate the glorious globe and increase your environmental consciousness. 

Below we take a look at five Canadian companies that are setting a positive example, from locally sourced materials to reduced energy consumption. 

Earthy Ambience

Whether you’re looking for a unique spatial divider or a focal point for outdoor entertaining this summer, opt for an earthy yet elegant fire pit by Paloform.

Designed and manufactured in Toronto, Paloform's concrete products are made using 30% post-industrial recycled materials. Further, each of these products use high-volume fly ash, which not only results in better, stronger concrete but also reduces its energy footprint. 

Eco-chic Accessories

From a cork bowl to a stoneware herb pot, bring the outdoors in with natural products and home gardening pieces from EQ3. 

Sustainable Development Expert

Spearheading environmental initiatives like urban farm lots in downtown Toronto to developing condo buildings that exceed LEED standards, President and CEO of TAS, Mazyar Mortazavi, is committed to creating sustainable communities. Developments like DUKE Condos and Kingston&Co in Kingston Road Village feature green roofs, in-suite energy recovery ventilators and terraces lined with harvest planters for home gardening. TAS's headquarters also uses 100 per cent green electricity generated from regional wind and hydro facilities.

Green Furnishings

Made from only the finest organic and sustainable sources without pesticides or chemicals, Cisco, available at ELTE, offers style, comfort and sustainability. By using natural latex, organic wool, goose feathers and down and properly stained FSC woods, Cisco offers homeowners peace of mind. 

Eco-Friendly Fashion

Ethically produced and manufactured in Canada, local artisans and craftspeople handcraft BRAVE's leather goods and accessories. The material used is exclusively a by-product of the food industry.

[thefdrive]

#FFinds: Jetsetter Essentials

In the fast-paced world of public relations, it’s important to always be prepared — even when traveling to fabulous and exotic destinations.

Get an insider's peek at our vacation must-haves — finds that will keep you fresh and business-ready, because you never know who you'll meet on the beach.

Dermalogica Precleanse Wipes – For a fresh face at a moment’s notice, these wipes are perfect for a refresh on the plane or wipe down post-beach. They melt away layers of excess oil, sunscreen, waterproof make-up, and even environmental pollutants. 

Cell Phone Back-Up Battery – As PR pros always on-the-go, we operate around the clock. Never leave home without your favourite travel companion — an extra phone battery to keep your envy-inducing Instagrams coming all day long.

Oversized Sunnies – Protect yourself from the sun, or better yet, hide those tired eyes showing one-too-many of last night's mojitos. This season, we recommend a mod shape in a pastel hue for a pop of pretty. Our latest purchase is a pair of Illestevas from our friends at Queen West's ZANE.

Ted Baker London Scarf – In need of a bathing suit cover-up? Having a frizzy hair day? Use a tropical scarf as a wrap for a practical yet fun multi-use beach companion.

Tight'n'tiny Card Holder – Keep your room key and business cards at the tips of your fingers with a minimal APC card wallet.

essence cosmetics bronzer – Take your tan to the next level with a highlighting bronzer. Your sun-kissed cheekbones will be glowing, instantly.

AZURE Magazine – Who doesn't love good reading material? Stay up-to-date on the world of design and architecture's latest with this Canadian-made source for all things contemporary.

Brimmed Hat – Beat the heat in style with a versatile hat, perfect for a casual afternoon stroll.

Ted Baker London iPad case – Ideal for protecting your tablet from the sandy interior of your beach tote (we love this colour-blocked carry all from Marni!), so you can connect online whenever, wherever.  

Happy travelling!

[thefdrive]

Putting the “Work” in Workout: 5 Ways to Stay Fit at the Office

As PR professionals, we have mastered the art of multitasking, and with summer just around the corner, we thought we would share some of our favourite tips for staying fit while we work. From taking a few extra steps throughout the day to easy deskercises, here are Faulhaber’s top five fitness tips.

1. Best Foot Forward

Experts say that a sedentary lifestyle is detrimental to your health. Take a break from your chair and computer screen and get moving. In the morning, opt for the stairs instead of the elevator. If you’re feeling ambitious, take two stairs at a time every other flight for a real leg burn. At your lunch hour, take a walk around the block with a coworker. The fresh air will help clear and refresh your mind before you tackle the rest of the day. Taking the time to get up and move your body whenever you can is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and ensuring continuous blood circulation in your arms and legs.

2. Crunch Time

Spending eight or more hours sitting down can take a toll on your body, so try this silent and sneaky workout. Squeeze your core muscles tightly for five to 10 seconds and then release, repeating for 12-15 reps. Sitting up straight in your chair, with your feet flat on the ground also engages your abdominal muscles and promotes proper posture.

3. Skinny Dipping

Get strong and slender arms with simple tricep dips. These can be done almost anywhere, including your office. Using your desk or non-rolling chair, sit at the edge and place hands on either side of your body while gripping the chair for stability. With feet a few steps away from your body, bend your arms so that you dip down, hold and then straighten. 

4. Legs for Days

You can tighten your thighs with this easy move, all at the comfort of your desk. Work the core, quadriceps and hip flexors by sitting up tall in your seat, contracting your abs and lifting one foot off the floor about six inches, maintaining a 90-degree bend in the knee. Hold that position for 10 seconds and then lower before moving on to the other leg. 

5. The Sky’s the Limit

Last but not least, stretching is essential to maintaining a healthy mind and body. It can help de-stress and avoid stiffness and sore muscles. Pain in the shoulders and neck can affect productivity, so it’s important to take time to consciously elongate the back and neck. Every couple of hours stretch your arms up, interlock fingers and reach towards the back. Take a few seconds to breathe and clear your mind. 

[thefdrive]

#FridayFavourite: Concrete

At the end of each week, we'll be showcasing extra special lifestyle finds, hand-picked by our team of culture vultures. Sourced everywhere from local Toronto workshops to glamorous European boutiques, be sure to check in each week for our staff-selected #FridayFavourite.

Phaidon's Concrete explores the world’s most versatile and abundant building material. Often considered dull and cold, this coffee table topper highlights its range of spectacular potential.

Collating fascinating concrete buildings by some of the most celebrated architects of the last century, it features familiar projects from Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright, alongside work from some of the leading lights of contemporary architecture, including Zaha Hadid, Herzog & de Meuron. Organized into sections like Form, Expression, Light, Scale, and so on, the book juxtaposes images to create comparison and promote discussion.

Sit down and get ready for a thought-provoking, surprisingly beautiful chronicle of concrete's versatility.  - Jillian

Buy it here.

[thefdrive]

Celebrate Karma with THOMAS SABO

Calling all shoppers from the east to the west! To celebrate the launch of its new Karma Beads collection, THOMAS SABO will be hosting a series of events in all Canadian shops and we want YOU to be there!

We’ll be live on location at Vancouver’s Richmond Centre on April 24th and would love to meet you! If you’re in the surrounding area, we encourage you to swing by and experience the new collection with us. 

RSVP at http://shop.thomassabo.com/CA-en/events/start to secure your spot today!

Details for the Richmond Centre event and all other locations are listed below:

Place: THOMAS SABO Shop Vancouver

Richmond Centre | Unit 1530

6551 Number 3 Road | Richmond BC V6Y 2B6

Date: 24.04.2014

Time: 06:00 pm – 09:00 pm

Place: THOMAS SABO Shop Calgary

Chinook Centre | Suite 1221

6455 Macleod Trail SW | Calgary, AB T2H 0K8

Date: 26.04.2014

Time: 12:00 am - 09:00 pm

  Place: THOMAS SABO Shop Edmonton

West Edmonton Mall | 8882 170 Street NW

Ste 2356, Unit E-212 | Edmonton, AB T5T 3J7

Date: 26.04.2014

Time: 12:00 am - 09:00 pm

  Place: THOMAS SABO Shop Laval

Carrefour Laval | Shop No. R029 | 3035 Boul. Le Carrefour

Laval QC H7T 1C8

Date: 26.04.2014

Time: 09:00 am - 05:00 pm

  Place: THOMAS SABO Shop Metropolis

Metropolis at Metrotown | Unit 208

4820 Kingsway | Burnaby, BC V5H 4P1

Date: 26.04.2014

Time: 12:00 am - 09:00 pm

  Place: THOMAS SABO Shop Oakridge

Oakridge Centre | Unit 250

650 West 41st Ave | Vancouver, BC V5Z 2M9

Date: 26.04.2014

Time: 10:00 am - 07:00 pm

  Place: THOMAS SABO Shop Quebec

Place Rosemere | 401 Boulevard Curé-Labelle, Local M18

Rosemere, QC J7A 3T2

Date: 26.04.2014

Time: 09:00 am - 05:00 pm

  Place: THOMAS SABO Shop Toronto

Yorkdale Shopping Centre | Unit 221A

3401 Dufferin St | Toronto, ON M6A 3A1

Date: 26.04.2014

Time: 12:00 am – 09:00 pm

[thefdrive]

#FGoes: Family Fun Sunday at Design Exchange

Christine, Zoë, Jack and friends play at Design Exchange

Looking for weekend activities that the entire family will (actually) enjoy? Canada's Design Museum, Design Exchange has you covered.

With the last edition taking place this weekend, make DX's This Is Not A Toy Family Sundays your next group outing. Explore the larger-than-life show, featuring gigantic plush toys, intricately designed miniatures, and a rainbow vortex, no less, all the while enjoying kiddo-minded programming along the way.

Children can follow the exhibition activity book, create bespoke Kidrobot MUNNYs, dress up in fashion facemasks and personal accessories inspired by the designer toys on display, and get in line for a snazzy face paint by artists Sarah Febbraro and Elizabeth Underhill. 

Date: Sunday, April 13th

Time: 12pm to 4pm

Tickets: Free with museum admission. Alternatively, Family Passes can be purchased for $37 online here or at the door (valid for two adults and up to four children under 12).

www.dx.org

Jack buckles up for a custom design

Zoë enters the FriendsWithYou "Rainbow Vortex"

[thefdrive]

ALWAYS FRESH: Boxfresh

Boxfresh is one of the best-loved street-wear brands from over the pond and staple to the shoe-game of the freshest fellows in Canada. The brand has transfused young, creative style enthusiasts with their innovative passion for design and street culture. Keeping on the pulse has allowed Boxfresh to continue to be a trendsetter and creator for the urban and the original.

This year, the brand is celebrating its 25th anniversary and in honour of their quarter of a century mark, Boxfresh has released their freshest collection of men’s footwear for SS14. Sure to give sneaker aficionados a kick-start to spring, the line includes two limited edition shoes featuring the new #Katashi sole.

With the ‘always fresh’ reputation of creating innovative, sports-luxe styles, the Boxfresh Katashi sole is made from rubber, making it a tough and hardwearing shoe with genuinely cool style and design to boot.

So lace up your kicks and hit the nearest Browns to snag up your limited edition #Katashi collection. And go ahead, buy both styles. We won’t judge.

www.boxfresh.com

@boxfresh

[thefdrive]

FFinds: Elderflower Margarita

It finally feels like the beginning of spring and we can't wait to have our first sun inspired cocktail of the year. The Elderflower Margarita is a Faulhaber favourite from the bar at Parts & Labour!

Elderflower Margarita

1.5oz Tequila

.75 oz St Germain Elderflower liquor

.5 Agave Nectar

1 oz fresh lime juice

Shaken and served on ice.

Stay tuned for the new spring menu at P&L!

Hours:  Monday & Tuesday – Closed

Wednesday to Saturday – 6pm to 2am (Dinner – 6pm to 11pm)

Sunday – 11am to 2am (Brunch – 11am to 3pm; Dinner – 6pm to 11pm)

Address: 1566 Queen Street West, Toronto

Website: www.partsandlabour.ca

Twitter: @partsnlabour

Facebook: PartsandLabourTO

[thefdrive]

Behind-the-Back Pocket: Fidelity Jeans in the Making

Last week we jetted off to Los Angeles, and dropped in on celeb-fav Fidelity Denim.

Seen on the likes of Jessica Alba, Eva Mendes, Khloe Kardashian, and Emma Roberts, it’s no secret why these women love the Canadian-born luxury brand.

Each pair of Fidelitys are made by artisans in LA, so we decided to take a visit to the factory to find out exactly how our jeans go from sketches to the rack.

Creative Director Jason Trotzuk gave us a behind-the-scenes look as to how he designs the perfect pair of jeans. 

Every stitch, tear and wash is thoughtfully fabricated. Super-soft, Fidelitys are made of Italian denim, passing through over 20 pairs of artisan hands for expert finishing, a tailored fit and high-end touch.

Stretched and shaped to fit your body like a glove, brand new Fidelitys are comfier than your favourite pair of worn-in jeans (and even possibly pajamas!).

It’s all about the details: large-scale embroidery machines sew dozens of back pockets in unison. 

With a style and flattering fit for every body type, Fidelitys are a wardrobe staple. We are officially #DevotedToDenim. 

Follow @FidelityDenim and show us how you wear them.

[thefdrive]

Get Organized: It's Spring!

With the sun setting later and temperatures becoming milder, it’s starting to slowly feel like spring. No better time than this weekend to re-organize and refresh your home. We’ve chosen our favourite products to help you get a clean and clutter-free space this season.

Functional Closets

It’s no secret that Faulhaber loves fashion, but keeping our closets organized is a must. AyA Kitchens and Baths offers clever closet solutions with a wide range of finishes to suit your style. Smart storage features like titled shoe, belt and tie racks, jewelry drawers, built-in laundry hampers, and more make your mornings easier and space cleaner.

Jules Bookcase

This spring, it's time to do your favourite finds justice - display them the right way with Elte’s five-tiered Jules Bookcase. It can be incorporated into a bedroom, office or living room for added storage, and its polished brass frame and fretwork detailing make it as fashionable as it is functional.

Mosco File Unit

For maximum productivity, opt for a home office that is bright and free of clutter. EQ3’s Mosco File Unit tucks just beneath a desk and is ideal for mail, files, and stationary, otherwise left around the house. 

Tribeca Storage Divider

Once the snow (finally) subsides, you’ll want to take full advantage of your outdoor space. Look for multi-functional patio furniture like this storage piece from Andrew Richard Designs. Tuck your toss pillows and outdoor throws away to shelter them from the elements.