Je Suis Prest's Holiday Party

In previous years, Je Suis Prest Boutique has always gone for the big wow factor when it came to showing off their new holiday wears. (To see what I'm talking about- just check out my blog post from their Urban Glam Party they hosted last year with The Urban Shoe Myth.) I was excited when they announced their annual event on Facebook:

Screen shot from my computer screen (click to go to the event page as seen above)

While in Brunswick Square grabbing a coffee from Starbucks, I had chance to pop into the store yesterday and chat with Kiera for the scoop on the event. If you're wondering about ticket prices, attire, and the effort to round up your friends- don't fret! This year they've taken this event back to home base right within the store and created a shopping party. And really, I think this is a smart move. Kiera pointed out that when it gets close to the holidays, there's so much going on. We all know it can be difficult to divide your time and money accordingly, and still do everything this time of year. This is one store owner that really listens to her customers (and that's one of the many reasons I love her!)

Where everyone's life is so busy, sometimes it's nice to be able to do something on the fly and be able to attend an event where you don't have to worry about changing out of your work clothes or slouchy jeans. Forget about wasting your time making sure every hair is perfectly in place.  

Don't worry about ticket to this event, you can just drop by Je Suis Prest Boutique (on the 2nd level of Brunswick Square) this evening (Thursday, November 22) between 6pm and 9pm and spend your hard-earned money directly on brand new merchandise that is being released tonight. Everything might not be packaged into a fashion show this year, but the glam factor will still be present, directly on the racks. The store is already beautifully decorated for the holiday season:

An Instagram photo I took yesterday: check out the cute Free People socks hanging from the tree!

Pssst....I also heard directly from the source, that there will be some mark downs on [some of the] current merchandise. 

Oh, and just for fun (and a trip down memory lane), check out my blog posts from Je Suis Prest's previous holiday parties:

• Urban Glam Party: Saint John Theatre Company, November 2011
• Holiday Fashion Show: The Canterbury Lounge, November 2010

Coming up: Tonight I'm going to pull together my list my sales and savings for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so be sure to stop by again tomorrow for that scoop!

Saint John Cut 3: Catherine, Maryanne & Apryll

Continuing where I left off last week, here some of the shots I took of the remaining lovely ladies I had the pleasure of photographing at Saint John Cut, version 3.0.

Catherine

Dress: Free People from Je Suis Prest Boutique 

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Maryanne

Shirt: Kensie from Je Suis Prest Boutique

Skirt: Kensie from Je Suis Prest Boutique

Coat: from Je Suis Prest Boutique

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Apryll

Dress: Kersh from Silver Daisy Designs

Necklace: Silver Daisy Designs

Shoes: Manchester Shoe Salon

For all the models:

Hair: Adam Donnelly

Make-up: Carrie McGrath & Taylor MacDougall

Social Media Links: Adam Donnelly (Twitter/Blog) | Carrie McGrath (Twitter/Facebook/Website) | Taylor MacDougall (Twitter) | Je Suis Prest Boutique (Twitter/Facebook/Website) | Silver Daisy Designs (Twitter/Facebook/Website) | Manchester Shoe Salon (Twitter/Facebook/Website)

Saint John Cut 3: Kate, Julia & Kayla

As I mentioned in my last post, I had opportunity to play fashion photographer (amongst some really and truly talented photographers!) earlier this week at Saint John Cut 3.

I've really appreciated the opportunity to be included since the first event, always having a blast but switching up my role at each session. Initially, being a style blogger who documents her outfits from time to time, I dressed up and had my make-up done along side the models and fellow blogger pal Kate of O My Heart in March 2011. At version 2.0, I decided to step behind the scenes and help dress and style the models, look after wardrobe on set, and shoot a few pictures of all that was happening in November 2011. This time around, I decided to try my hand at actually photographing the models up front, using a little creativity, and getting a better handle on my DSLR.

I kept my equipment fairly basic and stuck to my 18-55mm lens so I could simply the process: concentrating a bit more on the subject, the background, and learning to use my friend Allie's external flash that I borrowed.

My first model was Kate Lordon, owner of Silver Daisy Designs. The theme for this event was Into the Wild, also known as the project name for the construction of the uber modern home of Judith Mackin and Robert Moore- which was our set location. I saw the into the wild pillow sitting next to Kate on the couch and thought it was only suiting that I get a few shots with the project title.

Kate

Dress: Press from Silver Daisy Designs

Earrings: from Silver Daisy Designs

Shoes: Guess from Manchester Shoe Salon

Hair: Adam Donnelly

Make-up: Carrie McGrath & Taylor MacDougall

Next up, I photographed Julia Hurst, blogger of Fortunate Fool.

Julia

Dress: Mink Pink from Silver Daisy Designs

Shoes: Vince Camuto from Manchester Shoes

Hair: Adam Donnelly

Make-up: Carrie McGrath & Taylor MacDougall

Later that day, these eye-catching Eames for Herman Miller chairs were just asking to be photographed. Kayla Cormier, who works at Silver Daisy, sat down next to Julia.

Kayla

Dress slip: OXMO from Silver Daisy Designs

Sweater: Press from Silver Daisy Designs

Shoes: Manchester Shoes

Hair: Adam Donnelly

Make-up: Carrie McGrath & Taylor MacDougall

I've got more photos coming up this week, plus I'll eventually wrap up my Saint John Cut 3 posts with a Behind the Scenes look, plus deliver all the deets on the who was involved!

Social Media Links: Adam Donnelly (Twitter/Blog) | Carrie McGrath (Twitter/Facebook/Website) | Taylor MacDougall (Twitter) | Silver Daisy Designs (Twitter/Facebook/Website) | Manchester Shoe Salon (Twitter/Facebook/Website) | Judith Mackin (Twitter/Website)

The Twitter Tale of #SaintJohnCut3

First, you might be wondering what precisely is Saint John Cut?

Essentially it's a creative collaboration that consists of multiple photo shoots taking place all in one intriguing location. Typically it's brought together fashion boutique owners, hair stylists, make-up artist, photographers, models and other creative types, all from Saint John.

In early March 2011, Saint John Cut 1 took place in the glamorous White Room on Prince William Street. The scenery for Saint John Cut 2 in November 2011 was set in an historic building Uptown that was completely gutted, dimly lit and under major construction. Yesterday, Saint John Cut 3 was hosted at the gorgeous home of Judith Mackin and Robert Moore.

Yes! #SaintJohnCut3 is today! Expect too many tweets with Instagram photos attached!!
— Barb C (@barbbarbbarb) November 4, 2012

Today is the day! SO pumped for #SaintJohnCut3!
— Chelsea Donaldson (@atlanticstyle) November 4, 2012

Ready for #SaintJohnCut3
— Emily Fraser (@canadianbetch1) November 4, 2012

@hurstjulia getting her makeup done by personabella and @taylormdougall #sjcut3 instagr.am/p/RnFpLaLSi5/
— Silver Daisy(@silverdaisyd) November 4, 2012

Checking out the scene for #SaintJohnCut3! twitter.com/atlanticstyle/…
— Chelsea Donaldson (@atlanticstyle) November 4, 2012

Hairdos and outfits with @adamdstyle and @silverdaisyd #saintjohncut3@ Je Suis Prest Boutique instagr.am/p/Rm_ZN_gx_a/
— Barb C (@barbbarbbarb) November 4, 2012

And it was! RT @atlanticstyle: Momentarily this space will be invaded by models & photographers. #SaintJohnCut3 twitter.com/atlanticstyle/…
— kellylawson (@kellylawson) November 4, 2012

#saintjohncut3 organizer extraordinaire barbbarbbarb with @gilliangoldie and Sam! Fun sunday afternoon. instagr.am/p/RnWe0Fw5Lj/
— Judith Mackin (@judithmackin) November 4, 2012

Thanks to @manchestershoes for loaning shoes for #SaintJohnCut3- helping @gilliangoldie line these babies up! twitter.com/atlanticstyle/…
— Chelsea Donaldson (@atlanticstyle) November 4, 2012

Sisterly love at #saintjohncut3 instagr.am/p/Rng3BsGB1o/
— Kiera (@JeSuisPrest) November 4, 2012

@mcgraths hard at work #intothewild #saintjohncut3 instagr.am/p/RnbkaTA7em/
— Adam T. Donnelly (@adamdstyle) November 4, 2012

Fun! RT @jeffroach @judithmackin taking depth of field notes from @kellylawson #saintjohncut3 #intothewild @tuckstudio instagr.am/p/RnxaTyAaG5/
— Judith Mackin (@judithmackin) November 4, 2012

Sean McGrath Photography!! #saintjohncut3 @mcgraths instagr.am/p/RnmA7IEJVw/
— Taylor MacDougall (@taylormdougall) November 4, 2012

@jesuisprest #GlenMclean #saintjohncut3 #intothewild instagr.am/p/RnfmnDA7St/
— Adam T. Donnelly (@adamdstyle) November 4, 2012

#SaintJohnCut3 instagr.am/p/RnXOiuR1nx/
— Julia Hurst (@hurstjulia) November 4, 2012

@thesamuellewis #saintjohncut3 #intothewild instagr.am/p/Rnbx7WA7fA/
— Adam T. Donnelly (@adamdstyle) November 4, 2012

@morganlanigan @markhemmings setting up for #saintjohncut3 #philippestark #corten instagr.am/p/RnUAmEw5Ja/
— Judith Mackin (@judithmackin) November 4, 2012

@markhemmings and @usjfifteen #saintjohncut3 #intothewild @ 'Into The Wild' instagr.am/p/RnXgccAx0q/
— Barb C (@barbbarbbarb) November 4, 2012

One from #saintjohncut3 today. on.fb.me/PPOTrR
— Sean McGrath (@mcgraths) November 4, 2012

Another Polaroid by @mcgraths #saintjohncut3 instagr.am/p/RnsBdzLSpb/
— Silver Daisy(@silverdaisyd) November 4, 2012

iPhone shot from the #SaintJohnCut fashion shoot today twitter.com/ab_photography…
— AB Photography(@ab_photography_) November 4, 2012

#SaintJohnCut3 is the most extraordinary collaboration of talent. It rivals any event held in a large city. SJ, you should be so proud.
— Dominique (@DominiqueOzelie) November 4, 2012

End of the Day. #saintjohncut3 @ 'Into The Wild' instagr.am/p/RnmAhFRoZl/
— G. Stewart-Robertson (@graeme_sr) November 4, 2012

Kitchen party! It's a wrap! #saintjohncut3 #intothewild great job barbbarbbarb instagr.am/p/Rnh0Ejw5G3/
— Judith Mackin (@judithmackin) November 4, 2012

Had such a lovely time today at #saintjohncut3. Thank you to @barbbarbbarb, @gilliangoldie, @judithmackin and all of the beautiful models!<3
— Kiera (@JeSuisPrest) November 4, 2012

#saintjohncut3 refreshed my love for the amazing people we have in our city of #SaintJohn | cc/@barbbarbbarb @judithmackin #intothewild
— Adam T. Donnelly (@adamdstyle) November 5, 2012

#saintjohncut3 was a success,we are so glad to have been a part of it! ❤ Thanks @judithmackin, @barbbarbbarb and everyone else involved! Xo
— Silver Daisy(@silverdaisyd) November 5, 2012

Uploading my 897 photos from this afternoon's #SaintJohnCut3! I wish I could dig into editing right away, but I have work to finish up 1st..
— Chelsea Donaldson (@atlanticstyle) November 4, 2012

Stay tuned: I have more #SaintJohnCut3 blog posts coming up this week!

Don't Miss: Saint Strut

If you live in Saint John, you might have heard mentionings of Saint Stut....whether it's been the Facebook page, the elevator doors in Brunswick Square, tweets on Twitter...there's been quiet, but building, rumble about this event.

Slowly the details started to pour, and I realized it was Brunswick Square's annual fall fashion show, only with a new face, new presentation. It was when I heard the names behind the project that I decided I wanted to attend. That, and the fact that local health care would benefit from the proceeds, motivated me to purchase a ticket and attend this new approach to displaying fashion in Saint John.

Brunswick Square's annual event has been revamped and restyled under the artistic direction of Judith Mackin. From what I've gathered, video and photography from Sean McGrath will serve as large backdrops- check out this sneak peek Sean posted a few days ago:



Saint Strut - Teaser from Sean McGrath on Vimeo.


It's also been announced that Saint John's mayor, Mel Norton, and his wife, will serve as the event's hosts and emcees. Benefiting from this fundraiser will be the Babies in Utero project of the Saint John Regional Hospital (click here for more info).

Thanks to the IODE and the organizers of Saint Strut for raising funds that will benefit Babes in Utero! fb.me/15MlN0I2B
— SJRHFoundation (@SJRHFoundation) October 6, 2012

If their resumes and past works are any indication, hearing Judith's and Sean's names attached to this project was enough to have me convinced that this was an event I didn't want to miss.

Other perks that event-goers will enjoy: a silent auction, a glass of wine, food, and amazing giveaways. I'd guessing, in advance, that Brunswick Square definitely one-uped themselves from previous events they've hosted! Check out the Facebook event for more details.

Nine of the shopping centre's stores will be featuring their fall fashions on NWH models, with make-up being done by Perfumes Plus and hair by Hairacy's.

So I've got my ticket already- hurry up and get yours before they sell out- I've heard the numbers are dwindling (there was only 30 left as of Friday) and there's only 2 days until the event!

Only a handful of @saintstrut tickets left. Phone the Admin Office tomorrow if you're a fashion lover hoping to attend!658-1000
— Brunswick Square (@BSQCentre) October 8, 2012

When: Wednesday, October 10 @ 7pm

Where: Delta Brunswick's ballroom

Tickets: Purchase from participating stores or the Brunswick Square administration office (level 6) 

How much: $40

Will you be there?

Get ready for...Fashion Forward!

Yesterday afternoon, I joined Barb (blogger behind Barbbarbbarb) and Adam (hair stylist at Hairacy's) to chat about the 3rd kick-off of mega uptown Saint John shopping affair, Fashion Forward:

Video source: Uptown Saint John Although we weren't one-take wonders, we managed to get it all in there on the 3rd take with Craig manning the camera!  Sadly, I won't be able to make it to the event itself tonight (I have to be in Moncton today and tomorrow for an autism conference) but please do take lots of pictures so I  can pretend I got to share in the fun! I've always had a great time at the previous versions, so I anticipate this event will only get better!  Remember to get there early (before 5pm!) so you can get your hands on a swag bag!

#ECFBUnleashed!

Last weekend I headed to Halifax with a few other of my Saint John blogging pals for an east coast fashion bloggers' meet-up. Back in February, we all came together via twitter and then created a Facebook group to carry on the conversation about planning the 1st ever conference for fashion bloggers in Atlantic Canada- and for the 1st time we got to see just how many of us there were! I can't thank the lovely ladies Kayla (Short Presents), Jessica and Erin (Haute Halifax), and Sorren (Classic Noise) enough for how great a job they did planning and hosting the meet-up last weekend.

All graphics for the event, including the promo above

were designed and created by the talented Sorren.

Friday evening Candice (Brilliant Sugar), Barb (barbbarbbarb) and I packed my trunk full for a 24 hour whirl-wind trip to Halifax! I'm typically the crazy over-packer that brings a wheeled suitcase when everyone else can fit it all into a small overnight bag. I was happy to see I wasn't alone when I saw the girls stepped outside with their little suitcases on wheels too!

We were a little late (but still excited!) getting to Halifax, checking into the hotel and then grabbing a cab over to meet up for the first event of the weekend- a good 'ol wine and cheese party!

The following photos (from my Nikon and my Blackberry) document our little trip:

Here's what I wore to the wine and cheese party hosted at Jessica's place. 

This photo was taken with my phone because I didn't realize until it was too late

that my little digi cam was sans memory card and was, in fact, still in my DSLR upstairs!

As we pulled up in the cab, we could see the party in full swing through the front window! 

We also heard "Saint John's here!" as we closed the cab doors.

It's strange but wonderful to walk into a room of people you've never met 

but feel like you're in a room of old friends.

Barb had gotten a card from the Fashion East girls 

who we shared a cab with at the end of the night. 

It was wonderful to meet Meghan and Krista- 

major contributors to this Halifax street-style blog- 

who are both talented photographers as well!

They were such easy to talk to gals that gave some pretty great camera advice!

Back at the hotel, Barb reviewing her Instagram photos from the party.

Candace must have been reading my mind 

when she mentioned pizza in the elevator at the end of the night- 

I couldn't help but exclaim, "ME TOO!!"

Barb suggested this amazing veggie pizza from Alexandra's and 

I think it might be the best thing I've ever tasted!

After our late night snack, it was time for bed!

Random assortment of my purse contents, jewellery selection, and hair products 

sprawled out while getting ready the next morning.

You can see the fancy event schedule just down in the corner of the photo!

The Middle Spoon was so kind to open their doors earlier than usual 

to host our private function!

First thing was first: I needed my caffeine!

Mimosas! (With blackberries for a fancy touch!)

There was an assortment of complementary beverages and treats on hand- 

this adorable desserterie (and bar) was incredibly awesome 

for hosting our discussion & workshop!

Planners Sorren, Kayla, and Jessica review the give-away prizes from our sponsors!

The delicious spread

Can't resist the allure of a cake pop!

Typical bloggers, tweeting up a storm

(L to R): Jessica, Kayla, Sorren, Candace, Barb

(Right) Sneak peak at the goodies from sponsors!

(Left) In Barb's hand- the gift certificate we all received to Pretty Things 

along with the gift certificate to La Quaintrelle that she won.

Key items on hand: coffee (& refills!), my new Rebecca Minkoff purse, 

my Blackberry (although I have total iphone envy!) and my zip package 

I always have on hand when I have multiple papers and materials 

that won't fit in my purse.

Candace posing with the middle  spoon. :)

Close-up of Candace's beautiful gold bracelets and mint green nails.

I kept switching from Blackberry (to tweet photos!) and my Nikon.

Jessica & Kayla (with Meghan's hat) drawing the first prize winner!

(Left): Kate (O My Heart!) who did a great job as our key speaker 

& Barb wearing her fantastic Spike the Punch necklace

(Right): Mimosa close-up

Kayla displaying the goods before picking the winner 

Erin's excitement when her name comes out of the hat!

(L to R): Mo (Curvy Geekery), Erin, Sorren

Krista snaps a photo of our wonderful event planners!

(L to R): Sorren, Erin, Jessica, Kayla

The gals behind the 1st ECFB Unleashed meet-up!

Mo & Tosen (For the Love of Prints)

A blogger never goes anywhere without her camera!

I loved Erin's spike bracelet (and her heart t-shirt too)!

My outfit: 

Dress- BB Dakota ( Je Suis Prest Boutique) | Cardigan- Old Navy |  Necklace- Aldo

Flats- Corso Como (Urban Shoe Myth) | Belt- Je Suis Prest Boutique | Watch- Fossil

Leather cuff- ESquared Designs

Details shots!

Candace snapping an instagram of Kristin's (Doll Parade) beautiful shoes!

Comfy flats to get me through shopping later!

Shoes! 

(L to R): Jessica (far corner), Erin, Sorren, Kristin, Candace, Barb

A room full of beautifully-accessorized ladies!

(Left): Kate's gold arm jewellery

(Right): Barb's Spike the Punch necklace (top), Candace's pretty baubles (bottom)

A very late brunch at Le Coq with Sorren, Kate, Candace & Barb

Followed by shopping Biscuit's buy one get one 60%

(it was 70% for bloggers!)

off sale for their 16th birthday!

Unfortunately after a little downtown Halifax shopping and then a peruse of H&M, 

Candace, Barb and I had to jet set it back to Saint John- 

Otherwise we would have loved to stay for the rest of the weekend's events!

Photo Source: ECFB Tumblr

Blogger group photo at The Middle Spoon!

Front row (L to R): Barb, Meghan, Krista

Back row (L to R): Ashley, Tosen, Mo, Jessica, Erin, Kayla, me, Sorren, Kate, Kristin, Candace

Next week I'll share a little more behind about the ECFB event!