About last night: Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards 2016 Gala

Last night, I had the great privilege of attending the 24th annual Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards 2016 Gala. I vaguely knew about this event, and was always intrigued by the hype. I didn’t realize the significance of the prestige that comes with becoming a laureate. It’s essentially the highest honour that Canada gives to the performing arts community. That’s kind of a big deal.

Star studded evening
The ceremony was hosted by actor Colm Feore (a.k.a a younger looking version of Richard Jenkins) joined by other Canadian actors such as Paul Gross and Tom Jackson. Ottawa’s Amanda Rheaume open with our national anthem, and Chantal Kreviazuk concluded the show. We also sang Happy Birthday to the Honourable Gov. Gen. David Johnston, who was celebrating his 75th birthday this month! Now that was the best HB song I have ever heard. Choir, harmonies and everything!

The 2016 laureates of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards were:

  • Susan Aglukark- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award
  • Michael Bublé- National Arts Centre Award
  • Marie Chouinard- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award
  • Ben Heppner- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award
  • John D McKellar- Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts
  • Robert Lantos- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award
  • Suzanne Lebeau- Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award

The ceremony was very well executed, and told touching and inspiring stories about each award recipient. You can now watch the short films about each recipient too! Follow this tweet for more details.

From musical numbers, and play excerpts, the audience was able to have a taste for what each winner was being recognized for. What really stole the show, was the avant-garde dance performance produced by Marie Chouinard.

Although the NAC was in shambles amongst the construction rubble, next year, just in time for the 25th Awards ceremony and the 150th Canada celebration, the NAC will reveal it’s newly renovated facade! I can only hope to attend once again and see it for myself. The NAC will be gorgeous from the outside in!

2017 National Art Centre Ottawa

Fashion at the #GGAwards Gala

If fashion isn’t art, then… I don’t know! Fashion is art, ok! And it’s no wonder the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala places a significant importance on fashion and the red carpet scene. And of course, that’s where I come in!

Although I didn’t get to actually meet these folks, I saw some of Canada’s top fashion influencers including  Suzanne Rogers, Suzanne Boyd, Suzanne Timmins, Jessica Mulroney, and Liz Rodbell, president of Hudson’s Bay Co. and coincidentally, one of the featured sponsors of the evening.

My date was Catalina, photographer of MDRN Creative Group. She captured these lovely photos of me at the Gala! Big thanks to you, Cat!

MDRN Creative Group
Here I am, taking advantage of the fact that there is a red carpet and 2 footguards to welcome me!
MDRN Creative Group
Snapped a quick pic with Janet Wilson, from Ottawa Citizen and Ottawa Citizen Style.

MDRN Creative Group

MDRN Creative Group
Doing my social media thing…
MDRN Creative Group
Snapped a quick red carpet photo with fashion expert, Alexandra Gunn from Ottawa Life Magazine.

MDRN Creative Group

MDRN Creative Group
Wearing Ottawa’s own Cantas.

MDRN Creative Group

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Sunny Style: How to choose sunglasses for wide faces

Is it just me, or one of the best things about summer, is digging up your old sunglasses that have been collecting winter dust? Well, I like doing that. The only thing I find is that there seems to be an explosion of style this year. I need and want all the looks! Everything goes!

But, when you have a wider face (a.k.a moon face as my 1rst grade teacher would call me #true story), you need to be cognizant of that fact that not all styles are created equal. I worked with Ottawa’s newest Bailey Nelson store in Westboro who let me pull a few glasses to showcase for this post. I did not get to keep them (just one!), although my heart is pounding for the black cat eyes!! Must go back for more!

If you read my first post about Bailey Nelson glasses, you’ll see that they are assembled in Canada, made in small batches, they are all polarized and offer high UV protection (a.k.a healthy for your eyeballs). Oh ya,  all of this,  for a whopping $145! That’s incredible for high quality glasses. Get this, they also make prescription eye wear!

I am usually a sucker for tortoise shell, the brown compliments my skin tone and hair. Except, now I have a new favourite shade in tortoise shell, is BN’s signature Cherry Blossom. It has a kiss of pink and it’s bright and fresh. I’m so in love! You’ll see that I selected a lot of styles in that colour.

Ok, now that we know how much I adore this brand, we can move onto choosing a style that suits you.

Also, a HUGE thank you to my friend Catalina of MDRN Creative Group who took these amazing photos and made the hilarious gifs! Make sure you visit their Instagram (@mdrncreativegroup) account too!

Metal frames

Metal frames and aviator type glasses work well because they offer more flexibility.  Be warned that based on the angle of the downward slope on the lenses, some aviator styles may not suit all faces. These Airlie’s had a lovely shape, not too downwards sloping, which did not give me the “sad eyes” look (you know what I mean?). Both styles offer an oversized fit and work perfectly for wide faces.

Airlie http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/airlie-with-red-lenses
Archemedis / Cherry Blossom http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/archemedis-cherry-blossom

Cat eye glasses

I think cat eye glasses were made for really wide and large faces. Even though this style has come and gone, a few times around the fashion cycle, one thing remains the same: they will always look fabulous on a wide face! The sides of the glasses move up and create an illusion of a pulled back, more youthful look.

Audrey Lunette / Crystal Bubblegum http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/audrey-lunette-pink
Angelique / Black http://baileynelson.ca/collections/hello-summer/products/angelique-black

Key hole

Anything that creates more space between the eyes and bridge of the nose will be wider in nature. The keyhole look is not for everyone, and may not suit all noses! If your nose is very narrow, I would not recommend this look.

Darwin / Cherry Blossom http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/darwin-cherry-blossom
Darwin/ Black http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/darwin-black

Round
Typically, I wouldn’t recommend round glasses for a wide face, but these were too hard to pass up! If the lenses are big enough and the frame is wide enough, go for it! In this case, the bridge is wide enough in the Elodie model. Plus, reflective glasses are so hot right now, how could I pass up on this?

Elodie / Crystal with Blue lenses http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/elodie

Square

It’s hip to be square, when it comes to jumbo glasses! They are oversized and proportionate to any round or wide face shape. I also like how the Mim style offers a slight lift on the top outside corner. The is a similar illusion offered by the cat eye glasses.

Mim / Cherry Blossom http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/mim-sunglasses
Mim / Yellow Tort http://baileynelson.ca/collections/womens-sun/products/mim-yellow-tort

Do make sure you pop in the Bailey Nelson store, next time you’re in Westboro. The staff are lovely and will let you try on all the styles! They have a whole bunch more, so if that’s not an excuse… I don’t know what is!

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Style Profile: Nadine Jacob from Strictly Nadine

I met Nadine last year at a blogger event, and will admit that we connected instantly. Same jokes, same goals (i.e. where’s the free booze?) and same interests. Don’t let her sophisticated style intimidate you, Nadine is a sweet pie, my sister from another mister and most importantly, her blog is all the lols. A must read! I mostly love her use of gifs and memes which depict her tone and mood. Because I love her, and her style, I asked her a few questions.

What’s your passion for fashion?

I really like to have fun with my clothing. Fashion has always been a form of expression for me. It is a way for me to communicate my personality, creativity and mood all at once without having to say a word. All my outfits tell a story.

What XLusive tip can you share?

Get out of your comfort zone! I don’t believe that people should be limited to a specific style or look.. Spice it up a little! So if you ever spot a “cute but not so me” item… Try it on. You might surprised! Plus, it makes shopping at lot more fun and interesting 🙂

Stay social with Nadine!

Blog: www.strictlynadine.com
Instagram: @Strictlynadine
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NadineJacobb
Twitter: @Strictlynadine

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Ottawa Festival Fashion Season: Glowfair 2016

It’s June in Ottawa and that means Festival Season is in full swing! First up, is the third annual Glowfair 2016, happening on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18.

As usual there is a jam packed schedule complete with free street concerts, silent disco, DJ battles, larger than life art installations scattered throughout the blocks of Bank Street and live entertainment of all kinds.

Music Lineup at Glowfair 2016

For me, this is where it gets super exciting! Toronto trio Keys N Krates, who won the 2016 JUNO for Dance Recording of the Year, will headline on Glowfair’s Morguard Mainstage on Friday, June 17th. Dragonette (YASSSS!!!), who earned a JUNO in 2012, will take the mainstage on Saturday, June 18th. There are so many exciting bands coming this year, it’s insane! Most of all I am super excited to see, Halifax indie-rock genious, Rich Aucoin! I saw him almost 3 years ago at a Kos concert and fell hard!

The all-Canadian mainstage lineup also includes; Montreal’s dream popsters, Young Galaxy; The Balconies; Fevers; Montreal’s Caveboy and Vancouver’s Gang Signs. The DJ stage will feature this year’s JUNO nominee AutoErotique; Lissa Monet, KHAØS, Strange Future, DJ Grace, DJ Daisy & M. Caffrey, JUNO-nominated DJ Rise Ashen and Frayd.

Ottawa Bank Street Style Festival Fashion Blog Glowfair 2016 Music Lineup
Block themes at Glowfair

Block themes this year will include dazzling performances by Montreal performance artists, Black Mohawk; live DJing by JUMP-FM; and outdoor art gallery; a heritage-themed block; a truly bizarre bazaar; the popular Glowfit yoga; the Enchanted Forest; an expanded, two-block Kids’ Zone and screenings by the Ottawa International Animation Festival.

Glowfair 2016 Bank Street Ottawa Fashion Blog Festival Black Themes

For the complete lineup and more information, follow Glowfair Festival on Instagram and visit their website www.glowfairfestival.ca

Ottawa Fashion at Glowfair

And because this is a fashion blog, I am leaving you with a few gorgeous Ottawa Street Style Photos taken at last year’s Glowfair by the ever talented John-Finnigan Lin of FinnSquare.com.
John was the first photographer I officially worked with for my blog, and helped me get stunning photos to start the whole thing. I owe him everything!
Ottawa Bank Street Style Festival Fashion Blog Glowfair 2016 1 Ottawa Bank Street Style Festival Fashion Blog Glowfair 2016 2 Ottawa Bank Street Style Festival Fashion Blog Glowfair 2016 3 Ottawa Bank Street Style Festival Fashion Blog Glowfair 2016 4 Ottawa Bank Street Style Festival Fashion Blog Glowfair 2016 5 Ottawa Bank Street Style Festival Fashion Blog Glowfair 2016 6

Watch for Ottawa Instagram Ambassadors who will be at Glowfair to capture you in your very best festival fashion!

Ottawa Bank Street Style Festival Fashion Blog Glowfair 2016 Instagram Ambassadors

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