The Shoebox Project

When the women and children at Red Door Family Shelter in Toronto awoke last Christmas morning to find nearly 200 shoeboxes stuffed with thoughtful presents from local women, they were shocked. “It’s a real gift to see that the community cares about them and cares about the crises they’re going through,” says Bernnitta Hawkins, Red Door’s executive director. What stemmed from a generous gesture has become a national initiative to spread joy over the holiday season to those who need it most. “It’s not a huge thing, but I do believe in it,” says Caroline Mulroney Lapham, co-founder of The Shoebox Project.

After a conversation in mid-November 2011, Mulroney Lapham was inspired to help her sister-in-law Jessica Mulroney extend her mother’s philanthropic mission to the streets of Toronto. “Her mother would put together shoeboxes filled with small items that women really enjoyed — little splurges — and she would ask her friends to do the same and deliver them all to a local shelter in Montreal. Jessica said she wanted to bring it here and I thought it’s such a nice idea.” So they banded together with fellow sisters-in-law, Vanessa and Katy Mulroney, and sent an email out to family and friends inviting them to participate. “We were worried for a while that we wouldn’t even get 100 shoeboxes, and low and behold, we got almost 400 without any kind of marketing,” says Mulroney Lapham, who was delighted to be able to share the shoeboxes with other local shelters across the city.
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Makeup Artist Rita Stirpe: Jingle Belle

Tease the season for amped-up eyes and angelic complexions. Makeup artist Rita Stirpe shows us how.

1. Express your eyes with a seductive stare using Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner by L’Oréal

2. Kiss your cupid’s bow with a stroke of MAC’s Subculture lip liner

3. Blend Lise Watier’s Couleur Folle Mineral Loose Powder Eyeshadow in Folie D’or for a star-studded wink

4. Create a sultry smokescreen with the Black Pearl Eye Palette from Bobbi Brown
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A Night to Remember

Local figures reveal their favourite New Year’s Eve memories.

Brad Smith
Bachelor Canada, Citytv
‘‘I started a tradition about five years ago where I would always go back home to my parent’s place in Montreal for New Year’s Eve and cook them dinner. So every year since then I’ve spent it subsequently with my brother, my sister and the kids, and we’d just have everybody over to celebrate. The most memorable one was 2009. I made six pounds of mussels in a spicy tomato marinara sauce, Swiss chard and collard greens with diced bacon, and goat cheese smashed sweet potatoes. We also had about seven bottles of wine. Whenever I go back to Montreal I love doing the same thing, which is just trying to get my entire family under one roof because we’re just absolute crazies! This year I think Bianka and I are actually going to be in Mississauga for New Year’s. We’re going to my parent’s from December 21st to the 25th and then we’ll head to her parent’s for Christmas night probably through to New Year’s.”
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Changing Spots

Whether you’re standing under the mistletoe or the office glow, these outfits will ensure you’re always in the spotlight. One of the perks to imperfect weather is the plush, patterned fashion that tends to trend this time of the year. Add a little spice to your wardrobe with these haute holiday pieces.

1. Zippers, studs and houndstooth coats make the coldest winter months worth it.
www.soakedinluxury.com
2. This beaded miniskirt gives Tinseltown new meaning. An unexpected biker jacket kicks this look into full gear.
www.zara.com
3. Shake up the classic holiday ensemble by sporting a sequined, embroidered cardigan over an oriental print chiffon blouse. Slip into seamed jeans and go get your jollies.
www.zara.com
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15th Annual Mane Event

Solo Bace Salon, April Maloney Salon, Lift Salon and Bob and Paige Salon hosted this year’s Annual Mane Event fundraiser. Proceeds from hair care services, a raffle, silent auction and direct donations raised $32,000 for The Teresa Group, a community-based charitable organization serving children and their families affected by HIV or AIDS. Steve Roy, founder of the Mane Event and stylist at Solo Bace Salon, explains that the well-being of innocent children fuels his passion for the cause. “It’s for the kids,” he says.

www.teresagroup.ca

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Michael Luisi Couture Fashion Show

On Nov. 18, 2012, more than 400 people filled Montecassino Banquet and Event Venue in Woodbridge for the Michael Luisi Fashion for a Cause on the Runway. Haute couture, live music and refreshing fare made the joys of giving back even more enjoyable. Hosted by Michael Luisi Couture, the event raised funds and awareness for the Children’s Wish Foundation of Cananda.

www.michaelluisi.com

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The Joy Of Aging 2012

With over 350 attendees, The Joy of Aging 2012 raised funds for Mackenzie Health Foundation. Tina Tehranchian and Janine Purves were the co-chairs. Erin Davis was the master of ceremonies and Rona Maynard was the keynote speaker.

www.thejoyofaging.ca

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City Vibe

Find your cool from this list of hot destinations and must-haves.

1. HAVE A BALL Bowl, dine and celebrate at The Ballroom, Toronto’s entertaining social hub. www.theballroom.ca

2. PETITE ITALY Primo & Secondo brings a zap of art, culture and superb cuisine to Montreal’s Little Italy. www.primoesecondo.ca

3. PUMPED-UP KICKS Add a splash of colour to your step with these brilliant Converse sneakers. www.shopcaster.com

4. A PEEK IN THE PAST This Baroque-style mirror adds a touch of rustic charm to any décor scheme. www.shopcaster.com

5. TIME TRAVEL Add some funk to your morning wake-up call with Read more

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Bursting with fresh colours, bold patterns and striking attitude, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York rocked the runways and wowed fashion lovers. Vera Wang, Carlos Miele and Naeem Khan brought a flush of culture and colour with Indian-inspired masterpieces; fairy tale couture is making a comeback thanks to designers Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera; and a barrel of hot trends can be chalked up to Betsey Johnson, the queen of fun. The coming months will see a rush of brilliant colours, and fashionistas will play a little truth-or-dare with the upcoming leather and cut-out trends. This trend report promises a season stuffed with fun ways to twist the classics and add personal touches. Here is your chance to glimpse your year’s shopping list! Read more

Every sense is sparked with this eclectic collection of must-haves

Johnny Yiu Handmade in Canada, Johnny Yiu jackets are filled with goose down to withstand harsh weather. Available in an array of cuts and colours, this fall/winter must-have is cinched with style. www.johnnyyiu.com

Anthropologie Bracelet Designed by Athens-based designer Dimitriadis and handcrafted in Greece, this canary yellow bracelet sparkles with porcelain roses and Swarovski crystals. www.anthropologie.com

Cottonfield From Cottonfield’s autumn 2012 collection, this navy blue sweater is a great addition to a fall wardrobe. Wear a plaid shirt underneath to give your look a touch of sophistication. www.iccompanys.com Read more

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