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Wednesday, September 3, 2014

TIFF Inspirations: Ripple

Ripple*
Opening Night Gala Presentation
UK, 2014
English
World Premiere
104 minutes - Colour
Cast: Alyssa Capriotti



Ever since she lost her husband and infant daughter in a fatal car crash, Heather Chilton has been binge drinking to alleviate her pain and suffering; however, the hard liquor and one night stands aren't enough to save her from the reality of her lonely existence.

After she's confronted by her family to seek help, she reluctantly sees a therapist who calms her nerves using hypnosis. Each night thereafter, the alternative therapy inexplicably causes Heather to dream the first 10 minutes of meeting her husband on a park bench. But is it really a dream? The new scar on her arm suggests otherwise. Somehow Heather is caught in a ripple time effect, causing her to actually relive the first time she ever met her husband.

Can Heather use her newly acquired power to bring her family back from the dead? Only time will tell and unfortunately for Heather, she doesn't have much of it, as the ripple progressively closes.

Ripple is an inspiring tale of hope and healing that is sure to win the hearts of audiences.


* This is my tribute to the Toronto International Film Festival. It is not a real film.

Click here to see last year's TIFF Inspirations.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

TIFF Begins!

The Toronto International Film Festival is here and beginning tomorrow TorontoVerve will be honouring it with TIFF-inspired creative shoots and stories to get you all excited for the event. 


If you're a lover of all film genres like me, then you'll enjoy what we have in store for you. During the festival, we will be featuring stories of romance, science-fiction, thrillers, dramas and comedies accompanied with cinematic photographs, starring the fashionable street stylers we've profiled over the years.


In addition, we'll have film reviews, celebrity photographs -- not to mention, the amazing street style of festival-goers.


Before we begin our TIFF tribute, I want to thank all our stylish and artistic participants who helped us bring our original film stories to life. We greatly appreciate your time and generosity.


If you missed last year's inaugural TIFF tribute, you can check it out here.



The 39th Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 4th to 14th. 

See you at the movies!


* * *

Monday, September 1, 2014

James


James: "I would describe my style as mid to late 60's retro mod. Pink Floyd's Syd Barrett inspires me. He was a really interesting guy with great dress and style. Good music -- he was the innovator of psychedelic rock and the whole LSD movement."

TorontoVerve: "What is your biggest regret in life and why?"

James: "I don't really have any regrets necessarily, but I guess a break-up with my last girlfriend."

TorontoVerve: "Why are you regretting your break-up now?"

James: "Just because things were pretty good and I love her a lot, but things have a funny way of working themselves out."

James is the drummer of the psychedelic band, the Magic Shop. "It's hard to describe our music," he says. "It kinda puts you in a trance and it's heavy with a lot of grainy distortion."


Sunday, August 31, 2014

Thea


Thea: "My style today is inspired by the comic book movie Tank Girl."

TorontoVerve: "That's right -- with Lori Petty. Is there something about that movie that you can relate to?"

Thea: "Her (laughs). I love her funky style and tough attitude."


TorontoVerve: "Can you share what your tattoos represent?"

Thea: "My left arm is just black. There's no colour. It's almost tribal. This is the Japanese symbol for woman. I always feel like a strong and powerful woman. And just below it is a wampum belt used to symbolize a great birth or great death. My uncle was Mohawk and when he died I had it done. And on my wrist, I have 3 lines because I was born on the third day of the third month."


Thea: "My right arm is very colourful, fun and happy. These characters were a design on a toothbrush cup and they made me happy every day when I saw them. This arm has all the things that I love: bunnies, vegetables and milk bottles. Every character has a personality."

TorontoVerve previously captured Thea's cool street style earlier this summer in Kensington Market.

Thea is DJ Sausy Miso and hosts an internet radio show Wednesday nights from 7pm to 10pm EST on Eve-Radio.com. "I play everything: industrial, noise, witch house and techno."

Follow Thea on Instagram and Twitter.

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Zai


"Trendsetting is very important to me, so that was part of my mindset when I got dressed up today. I was always afraid to take my style outside of the box. So when I put my clothing together I felt pink was a nice risky colour. Then I saw the bow-tie, which I had for a year, but never worn because I wasn't comfortable with it. I bought it because I thought I needed to own it. I still have fears when dressing and tackling my comfort zone, but I'm always up for the challenge. I didn't grow up with much money. I grew up in foster care, which was an amazing experience and benefitted my character because I was able to experience so many different cultures in every regard: music, food and fashion. My upbringing has helped mesh it all together."

TorontoVerve recently featured Zai's dapper street style at the Brickworks.

TorontoVerve made #8 on Street Style News Daily Most Popular: http://www.streetstylenews.com/most-popular-august-31-2014/


Friday, August 29, 2014

Steven


Steven: "This is my casual Friday dinner jacket look -- nothing too over the top."

TorontoVerve: "The last time I shot your street style, you said that your look was inspired by James Bond. Is the Bond thing happening today or is it someone else?"

Steven: "I would say it's George Clooney. He's very suave. He doesn't need to show off. He's ok with being on his own. He's the ultimate bachelor. I know he's getting married now, but he's still the ultimate bachelor and I like to look to him for fashion."

TorontoVerve: "Like Clooney, do you want to live the ultimate bachelor lifestyle?"

Steven: "When I heard he was getting married, he kinda let me down (laughs). But it shows that you can get married even later in life. Love conquers all."

Check out Steven's Instagram to see his life in pictures.


Thursday, August 28, 2014

Sebastian


Sebastian: "My inspiration today is a 60's throwback. The chunky low secretary heels, the black tights and baggy top. It's the shapeless geometric boyish look."

TorontoVerve: "If a celebrity could play you in a movie about your life, who would it be and why?'

Sebastian: "Socialite Edie Sedgwick. I love her style. If she were alive, I'd feel like I can relate to her on an artistic perspective. Our styles are similar and I feel that we have the same body-type. She would definitely suit my character."


We previously featured Sebastian's chic street style earlier this summer.

Follow Sebastian on Instagram.


Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Michelle Jobin


Michelle: "Summer is when I am in my element and when I am happiest, so I think my style reflects that. Fun, optimistic and unfussy. That doesn’t mean there is no room for sophistication in the warmer months, but it’s a time to be a little relaxed and even a bit more whimsical. I also find in the past couple of years I have been a little more drawn to prints in the summer, which I used to not love as much. Style should be something that makes you happy -- especially in the summer."

TorontoVerve: "Who inspires your fashion?"

Michelle: "So many people inspire my style. I am lucky to have friends and colleagues that are not only wonderful people, but have a strong sense of individual style. Music, film and of course travel inspire me as well. I feel like street style is such a key element of learning about the destinations I visit. I bring pieces back home with me not only because they’re unique, but to serve as memories of a trip. I picked up this hat in Spain last year, and I can’t wear it without thinking about being on the beach there. Other than that, there are a few websites like WhoWhatWear that can be pretty great for inspiration. Sidewalk Hustle is a really good Toronto-based blog for fashion, music, tech and more."

Michelle Jobin is a Weather Specialist for Global News Toronto and has been featured on TorontoVerve this past winter.

Follow Michelle on Twitter and Instagram.

Hat: Oysho
Top: Topshop
Shorts: Aritzia
Shoes: Heel Boy

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Gaye


"My style is eccentric and out-going. I like haute couture and do my own take on it. I look through magazines to see what's in as far as colours and lines -- then I just take it from there. If you think of Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj, you can also think of me because I recreate myself like them every day."

Gaye is an author and writes about empowerment and staying young.

Check out her website here for all the details.


Sunday, August 24, 2014

Valerie


"My style is classic, clean and modern."

Follow Valerie's Instagram @VallThomas.


Saturday, August 23, 2014

Alexandra


"I'm feeling a bit smug today -- perhaps it's inspiration due to the Miley Cyrus concert. I'm totally repping her tonight. Her confidence and arrogance are quite fun."

Alexandra's street style previously appeared on TorontoVerve earlier this summer and last winter.


Friday, August 22, 2014

Asia


Asia: "My style is geometrical and fancy. On the bloggersphere, there's this girl named Oroma Elewa. She's from Nigeria and is the coolest. She puts out this magazine called Pop’Africana. She's like my style icon right now. She's so honest about her style and so cool without even trying. And so original without even forcing it."

TorontoVerve: "What's your biggest regret in life?"

Asia: "Not learning French in school. If I knew French, I'd probably find a better paying job. Jewelry is my number one and my day job is number two. I have a lot of goals in life and learning French is one of them."

Asia Clarke is a jewelry designer and you can check out her cool designs on her website Wild Moon Jewelry.


Thursday, August 21, 2014

James & Yan



James: "My style is whatever's around. I do a lot of thrifting lately. Whatever catches my eye."

TorontoVerve: "What is your favourite memory in life?"

James: "Favourite memory? Would have to be the time when I was in Laos. I was drinking beers with a buddy of mine while watching rock faces."

TorontoVerve: "And what did you get from that experience?"

James: "Well, I talk a lot and it was the one time in my life when I couldn't say anything for 45 minutes because it was so perfect."


Yan: "I really like Alexander McQueen, men's tailoring and leather. I like simple silhouettes with good architecture."

TorontoVerve: "What is your favourite memory in life?"

Yan: "I recently got selected to model for Fashion Week. For a very short girl, I was happy."

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Alyssa Capriotti


Alyssa: "I really like floral prints in the summer so I'm wearing this cute little skater skirt and this cropped top, showing a little bit of skin but not too much. I get a lot of inspiration from People Style Watch Magazine. Their fashion is super casual -- there are things in there that you can wear everyday. And you don't have to buy new pieces. They show you how to incorporate something that you already have in your wardrobe."

TorontoVerve: "If there was a celebrity who could play you in a movie about your life, who would it be and why?"

Alyssa: "The only person who I can think of at the moment is Freida Pinto just because a lot of people say that I look like her and I think she's really pretty and a great actress. She's also super classy, but can play all the risqué roles as well."

Capriotti is an actress and has recently starred in the Canadian camp-thriller Solo. TorontoVerve previously featured her street style last winter.


Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Natasha

It was a year ago today when we first featured Natasha's street style in Yorkville so it was only fitting that we meet again for Round 2.


Natasha: "My style is influenced a lot by Coco Chanel -- her style was simple and sophisticated. At night, you'll often find me wearing a little black dress, inspired by her 1920's designs, and by day, I prefer wearing short colourful dresses that show off my toned legs."


Natasha is a fitness enthusiast and will soon begin a rigorous training session to further strengthen her body. "I love working-out," she says. "It's always important to set goals for yourself and working-out gives me that sense of accomplishment.  I feel stronger, which makes me feel more confident and sexy."



Natasha believes in living life to fullest and patterns her lifestyle according to the film Eat, Pray, Love, based on Elizabeth Gilbert's novel about a woman who travels across Italy, India and Indonesia to find herself. "The film made me do a lot of self-reflection," Natasha explains. "We shouldn't always live by the rules. Sometimes we have to follow our passion. That's why I'm committed to fitness. It's been a passion of mine since I was a little girl."


Follow Natasha's Instagram and Facebook to see her fitness journey.

Dress: Ted Baker (London)
Purse: Celine
Shoes: Gucci


* Special thanks to Bernd Tragert and Rob Tadeson of the historic P312 Fire Station for accommodating our Verve shoot.


* * *

Monday, August 18, 2014

Zai


Zai: "My style is an infusion of my thoughts. I like to switch it up. I like to buy little bits of everything and put them together. Like right now I'm wearing Ted Baker, RW and Co., American Eagle and Kenneth Cole. My glasses are from Rapp Optical."

Zai is the Creative Director for the Toronto-based video production company Behind the Seen. "We film and photograph [events] and package the footage together so you can use it for promotional material to show potential clients."

Follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.


Sunday, August 17, 2014

Kara Granger


"My style depends on the season. On Sundays, I always try to wear something pretty and bright because I like to go to a lot of festivals. I like wearing long gowns and getting dressed up as much as I possibly can. Designer Michael Costello inspires me. I love his gowns and I design my own as well."

Check out Kara Granger's website for updates on charities, business, travel and style.

Follow Kara on Instagram.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Annika


Annika: "My style is urban, colourful, floral and reflects my feminine personality."

TorontoVerve: "If there was a celebrity who could play you in a movie about your life, who would it be and why?"

Annika: "It would either be Penelope Cruz or Salma Hayek because they are feminine, happy and have a good vibe."


Thursday, August 14, 2014

Jennifer


Jennifer: "My style is bohemian-vintage. Today's outfit is inspired by the flower child look: a long dress I converted into a shirt, high-waisted jean shorts and wedges."

TorontoVerve: If there was a celebrity who could play you in a movie about your life, who would it be and why?"

Jennifer: "Kate Hudson would play me well because she is known for her bubbly, optimistic and happy personality. She always looks as though she was kissed by the sunshine with her golden locks and bronzed skin. I consider myself a 'summer girl' after living in Australia for 2 years and I adopted a lot of their fashion sense. I think summer is my favourite season when it comes to my beachy-boho fashion choices."

TorontoVerve: "I love your vintage bike. Where did you find it?"

Jennifer: "It's from the 1940’s. I found it at the St. Lawrence Antique Market a few years ago for 40 dollars. I added the white-wash tires and basket. I love it."

Follow Jennifer on Twitter, and Instagram.


Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Steven


Steven: "My style is the 1950's mixed with modern business-casual. I'm British so the old James Bond movies inspire me."

TorontoVerve: "And who's your favourite Bond?"

Steven: "Now it's Daniel Craig, but for the vintage style, you can't beat Sean Connery and Roger Moore."

TorontoVerve: "Unfortunately, Roger Moore had the misfortune of wearing 70's fashion, which doesn't hold up much today (laughs)."

Steven: "(laughs) Yeah, but he still rocked it pretty well. He was suave, casual and cool."

TorontoVerve: "Yes, he was. If there was a celebrity who could play you in a movie about your life, who would it be and why?"

Steven: "Probably Tom Cruise. He's weird, but at the same time normal. I can't explain it, but I like the way he responds to different emotions. It's the same way that I react when I get excited or upset."

TorontoVerve: "What's your quintessential Tom Cruise movie?"

Steven: "Vanilla Sky. It's trippy, weird and romantic. I love it."

Check out Steven's Instagram to see his life in pictures.