Calgary Fashion and Modern Lifestyle PR

Lauren Lane Decor Celebrates Grand Opening

2011-11-14T11:56:00.000-08:00

Tara Jamieson Turns Love of DIY into Full-Service Furniture Restoration Business

Leaving a comfortable full-time job in Calgary’s oil & gas industry in a turbulent economy is not an easy thing to do but Tara Jamieson has done just that by trading in her power suits for a pair of coveralls. Jamieson has turned her love of do-it-yourself furniture repurposing into a full-time job by opening Lauren Lane Décor, creating custom furniture pieces, teaching DIY classes and exclusively selling Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

“I’ve always been a bargain hunter, scouring garage sales on the weekends for unique finds and breathing new life into them in my spare time,” says Jamieson who began selling her repurposed furniture online just over a year ago. “Before I knew it I was receiving hundreds of emails from people who wanted to buy the furniture and learn how I do it.”

The overwhelming response led to the opening of Lauren Lane Décor, a 2,500 square foot multi-purpose studio space in Calgary’s SE light industrial (just off Ogden Road SE). Customers can browse the mountains of unfinished furniture and have them finished to their liking or hire Lauren Lane to refinish pieces that they bring to the studio.

Lauren Lane Décor works exclusively with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and her own line of brushes, the ultimate tools for covering old furniture with ease. Each week Jamieson also hosts a number of classes on how to use the products and tips on refinishing techniques.

To celebrate the grand opening of Lauren Lane Décor, Jamieson is hosting a cocktail party to show off the new space, give guests a look at her work and try out the highly sought-after line of paint.

Grand Opening Event Date: Thursday November 17, 2011

Time: 6pm-9pm

Location: 4020-15A Street SE, Calgary (take Ogden Road South and a left/North on 15A St.)

RSVP to: rsvp@lldecor.ca

For More Information visit www.lldecor.ca

OR Check out Lauren Lane Decor in the Calgary Herald!

TASTE-ing

2011-03-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

As someone who worked their way through school in restaurants, I know that this is a business that requires a lot of hard work, consistent food and positive PR. Fortunately, my good friends at Taste get it and brought me on board to assist with a media TASTE-ing of their revised menu. We were able to bring in all the foodies, reviewers, bloggers, television producers and other media with treats by Chef Shawn Greenwood and wine pairings by Brad Royale. Here are a few pictures from the event. Check them out: www.taste-restaurant.com

Am I making you hungry?

A little bit of a dark shot but we had 25 food authorities turn up to our new menu TASTE-ing

Bill, Quintina and Brendan of Taste

Wine Director Brad Royale and GM Brendan Bankowski

Chef Shawn Greenwood and his crew of culinary rock stars

Crack n' Cheese

Tomato salad with basil mascarpone

Duck fat popcorn (seriously, try it)

Taste's award-winning Beef Tataki Tacos

Always a crowd favourite: Tuna Tartare

*Thanks to Malwina Gudowska from Vitamin Daily for the extra food shots!

Fashionata at Holt Renfrew

2011-03-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

Last week, my good friend Bill Brooks invited me to his newest fundraising event: Fashionata. Supporting the Safe Haven Foundation, Calgary's most fashionable were in attendance to eat, drink and enjoy a sexy spring fashion show by Holt Renfew & Sophia Models. The event raised close to $100,000 and a lot of eyebrows about what's coming for Spring in Calgary.

Alykhan Velji, Bill Brooks, Zoe Theodorou and I on the red carpet

Shaw TV's Erin Strate and Cory Edel along with Calgary Herald Fashion Writer Theresa Tayler

Calgary Men's Stylist BR Pirri and iModel Management's Len Mastaler

Photos from the catwalk... well... escalator

Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Gala

2011-01-26T08:29:00.000-08:00

Friday night marked the 13th annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Gala at Hotel Arts. This is an event near and dear to my heart, as I've been fortunate enough to be on the committee for the event for the last six years. This year's "Tie One On" event was a record breaker, raising $1.1 million in a single night, with the silent auction (where I spend most of my time) raising $69,000.

Mister Brooks himself

The decor this year was the best yet with statement chandeliers, sheer draping and bold blue lighting throughout

The candy buffet hosted by Canada Safeway was huge hit. In fact by the end of the night it was cleaned out

Special Fighting to Win Chocolates. This is how I support a good cause

Just a taste of the amazing items up for grabs at the best silent auction in town

My date, the lovely BR Pirri of BRio Style and I enjoying a drink while we support a great cause

Len from iModel Management, fellow committee member David Crosson and BR Pirri

Perry Mah and partner along with interior designer Ed Tsang

The Mocking Shadows, always a hit when they make it to the party

Church, my Style

2011-01-10T15:48:00.001-08:00

The weather outside may still be frightful but Spring isn't far off. If you need something to look forward to, Jason Krell Communications has teamed up with Kim Flanagan to help produce Church, my Style:

April 17, 2011.

This unique fashion event will take place at Hotel Arts and will include a champagne brunch, spring runway show and presentation by Vancouver's Danielle LaPorte, the outspoken creator of WhiteHotTruth.com, which has been called "the best place on-line for kick-ass spirituality." LaPorte is the author of The Fire Starter Sessions: A Digital Experience for Entrepreneurs, and works 1-on-1 with entrepreneurs who want to rock their career while making a difference in the world.

Mark your calendar! Tickets will be available at www.kimflanagan.com in the coming weeks.

Diamond Boutique Featured in SweetLife

2011-01-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

Diamond Boutique Featured in Calgary Herald

2010-12-14T13:47:00.000-08:00

Check out the amazing spread in the Calgary Herald on custom jewelry. My new clients (and friends) Dror and Efrat Lahav are finding great success for Diamond Boutique in their new location in Mount Royal Village.

Louis Vuitton Maison Launch

2010-12-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

Last week, Alykhan Velji and I were invited to the grand opening of the new Louis Vuitton Maison launch party in Vancouver. The redesigned, 10,000 square foot, two level store in Hotel Vancouver is the fourth of its kind in North America. The party was easily one of the finest we have ever attended and is rumoured to have cost LV over a $1 million. We say--worth it!

Aly and I checking out the goods at LV

Gorgeous loafers... perfect stocking stuffers I'd say

Classic LV trunk, perfect for your next overseas adventure or road trip

A crowd of 500 media, shoppers and VIPs attended the lavish event

Pick a bag, any bag. The new store is complete with a 'bag bar.'

Party-goers were next whisked off on a vintage train to the secret location

Aly disembarking the train and entering the 'Parisian Train Station' themed soiree.

More champers...

Oh, hello Gabriel Aubry. Halle Berry's baby-daddy and LV model.

David Adjey Featured in the Calgary Herald

2010-10-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

Ever dream of opening your own restaurant? Well, maybe check out David Adjey's Food Network Series "The Opener." In case you've missed it, Chef Adjey schools wannabe restauranteurs in what it takes to create a successful restaurant and not lose your money and your wife in the process.

Check out Gwendolyn Richards' article in the Calgary Herald from Sunday October 11th and tune into "The Opener" on Food Network Canada.

"Style Guys" Feature in Calgary Herald

2010-10-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

In yesterday's Calgary Herald, Alykhan Velji and I were featured by Theresa Tayler as "The Style Guys." Aly and I have been hosting regular "Style Guys" segments on Virgin Radio for quite some time and starting tonight will be on Cosmo TV's new series "Styleography."

Styleography takes a look at celebrity style and gives us the opportunity to critique their red carpet and street styles, then show Canadian women how they too can achieve red carpet looks. The great thing about the show: we're able to be totally honest and 100% ourselves. Make sure you tune into Cosmo!

For a look at the entire article click here.

Ty Pennington Visits the Calgary Home + Interior Design Show

2010-09-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of years I've worked with the lovely team at Tara Parker Tait PR on the Calgary Home + Interior Design Show. The show is always a big success and a lot of fun but this year we had an extra special guest join us at the show, Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition's Ty Pennington.

Alykhan Velji got the opportunity to interview Ty at a special VIP event following his stage presentation and the crowd was thrilled. Standby for more images and video of this special presentation!

"The Opener" Starring David Adjey

2010-09-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

If you're anything like me the Food Network is on the television almost every day. A mediocre chef myself, I keep believing that if I watch long enough I will learn to be a better cook. So far no luck but I am proud to now name the Food Network as a PR client!

This September I worked with the amazing team at Food Network to host a day of press for Chef Adjey in Calgary to promote his new show "The Opener." In case you've missed it, each Tuesday at 7:00 (MST) Chef Adjey brings his "Unique know how, tough love and unorthodox methods to the task-stopping at nothing to get the job done."

Hits from our one day of press together include:

- CBC Radio

- Virgin Radio

- CJAY92

- MY96

- Shaw TV

- Breakfast Television (CityTV)

- Global Newshour

- The Calgary Herald

- VitaminDaily.com

and more...

Fairy Tales

2010-07-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

The 12th Annual Fairy Tales Film Festival just wrapped and it was a HUGE success. Jason Krell Communications worked closely with Fairy Tales to make sure that the media covered the festival and ensured a record-setting turnout. Check out the links to the awesome coverage we achieved!

FFWD Weekly Festival Highlights and Wrap Party

660 News Calgary Police Team up with Fairy Tales on Trans Issues

OMNI News Features of the Festival

Where Magazine Calgary's Hot Date

FFWD Weekly "Fairy Tales Provides Catalyst for Discussion"

The Calgary Herald PDF "Fairy Tales Aims for Accessibility with Right Film Mix"

The Calgary Herald PDF Profile of Keith Murray "Surreal Statement"

The Calgary Sun "Fairy Tales Film Fest Fights Homophobia"

The Reflector "The Bold and the Beautiful"

The Calgary Heral d "Five Facts About Fairy Tales Queer Film Fest"

CityTV's Breakfast Television

Vitamin Daily.com "Film Facts"

Mike's Bloggity Blog "Things You Should Do: Fairy Tales Film Fest"

Essential Renovations

2010-07-06T11:29:00.001-07:00

Essential Renovations came to me with a unique task: How can we better position ourselves to the Calgary GLBT community? They love their diverse clients, modern design and thinking outside the box!

We've had great success in the last year. We've worked a new website, a newsletter, participation in Pride Calgary and fantastic press to follow. Take a look at a taste of the fabulous press they've got! Coming up, more work with Pride Calgary, a regular column in Outlooks Magazine and massive social networking campaign.

Need a good contractor in Calgary? Check out www.essentialrenos.ca

IndiDenim Comes to Canada

2010-04-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

IndiDenim is an incredible line of custom jeans to make its way to Calgary. Yours truly and Karen Judge from Studio Gorgeous have taken on this venture and introduced the country to our new concept: the Denim Clinics. Watch for one coming near you, we won't rest until everyone in Canada is in great looking jeans. We think it's pretty cool, the Calgary Herald did too... then the Edmonton Journal picked this up and the Vancouver Sun!

Check out www.denimclinics.com & www.indidenim.com

Fleur Feminine Featured In Avenue Magazine

2010-04-05T13:57:00.001-07:00

Adejoke Taiwo Featured in FASHION

2010-04-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

Check out Adejoke Taiwo's feature in FASHION Magazine April 2010.

Aly Velji HUGE Feature in the Herald!

2010-03-13T16:51:00.000-08:00

Hot off the success of another Calgary Home & Garden Show, Alykhan Velji had a great spread in the Calgary Herald. Topic: Sprucing up your condo.

Every Woman Competition

2010-02-21T15:56:00.000-08:00

Calgary's first ever Fashion Has No Borders fashion & accessories expose will be taking place on March 20, 2010 at the BMO Centre (Stampede Park). This exciting event will include amazing fashion, health and beauty products, fashion shows and the Every Woman Competition.

Part one of the Every Woman competition took place on Saturday February 20th at Crossiron Mills to help narrow down the contestants from 30 to only 10! We were on hand to help Sharon and the team from Fashion Has No Borders by blogging about the event, tweeting and working on their Facebook fan page.

I love the way clients like Fashion Has No Borders are reaching out to their audiences with social media. The possibilities are endless and they know that keeping their audience engaged is key to running a successful event. Watch their twitter page: www.twitter.com/FHNB for upcoming giveaways of fashion gift certificates and images from the big event on March 20.

Check out their site: www.fashionhasnoborders.com

2 Hot 2 Handle

2010-01-12T08:51:00.000-08:00

Here's an opportunity to see a fabulous Canadian artist/video pioneer on January 28th. Not your average presentation, Paul Wong has been featured at the National Gallery of Canada and at MoMA in New York. Read the details below, tickets are only $10 and include a the danceparty to follow at Mango Shiva.

Fairy Tales Presentation Society & The Glenbow Museum Present:
2 Hot 2 Handle, A night with Canadian Video Pioneer Paul Wong

Fairy Tales Presentation Society, Calgary’s annual GLBT film festival, is proud to present an evening with Vancouver-based multimedia artist, Paul Wong on Thursday January 28^th at the Glenbow Museum. The evening will include a presentation by Wong, a screening of his recent works, and a look at his new Glenbow installation, 2 Hot 2 Handle.

An award-winning artist and curator since the 1970s, Wong’s work varies from conceptual performances to narratives, meshing video, photography, installation and performance. Wong’s latest exhibit, 2 Hot 2 Handle, was inspired the Glenbow’s existing collection of bronze sculptures and his visit to the 2009 Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo.

Jessica Dollard, Director of Fairy Tales Presentation Society says, “Paul Wong is one of Canada’s most exciting multimedia artist. Fairy Tales is thrilled to partner with Glenbow Museum to celebrate his work. We are planning a number of events in 2010 bringing together Calgary’s GLBTQ community and celebrating the arts.”

Wong has received several awards in his career including the Bell Canada Award in Video Art in 2002 and a Governor General’s Award in 2005. His video installation work has been featured in exhibitions around the world, including an extensive screening at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and a solo exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada.

2 Hot 2 Handle is on January 28^th and will include video screenings of: “Perfect Day,” a self-portrait of the artist indulging in drugs; “EastVan John,” about a man displaced by gentrification; “Sally,” shot at the China Club in Beijing; and the sexually charged “Chelsea Hotel.”

DATE: Thursday January 28, 2010
SCREENING & PRESENTATION BY PAUL WONG: 7:00
LOCATION: ConocoPhillips Theatre, Glenbow Museum, 130 9^th Avenue SE, Calgary
DANCE PARTY TO FOLLOW FEATURING DJ MOLLYFI & DJ KRISSDOLL:
Mango Shiva, 218 8^th Avenue SW, Calgary (including a complimentary drink and snacks)
TICKETS: $10.00 both events, available at the door

Aly Velji Featured in Avenue Magazine

2010-01-05T14:51:00.001-08:00

Check out more of Alykhan Velji's work in this month's Avenue Magazine.

Calgary just can't get enough of this guy!

http://www.avenuecalgary.com/articles/page/item/suburban-with-style

Where Magazine: Jan- Feb 2010

2010-01-05T14:44:00.000-08:00

Alykhan Velji and I were asked to be guest stylists for this month's issue of Where Magazine Calgary. We were asked to source this winter's hottest trends in boots. Now, some may say that above the knee boots are meant only for street walkers, we say - NO WAY!

Included in the article were ladies boots from Mark's Work Wearhouse, Holt Renfew, Brown's and a men's boot from Calgary designer Haithem Elkadiki. His new line of footwear will be available later in 2010!

Fleur Feminine's Love Collection

2009-12-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

Curvy, professional women have a new option in finding fashion forward, comfortable, high quality clothes with the launch of Fleur Féminine’s Love Collection. The new line by Colleen Pound was officially be launched (with the help of Jason Krell Communications) in Calgary, Friday November 13, 2009 at NAKED Clothing. The first of its kind in Canada, The Love Collection is a bridge designer collection for women sized 12-24, who appreciate sophisticated design, high quality fabrics and impeccable fit.

“Like many women, I struggle to find stylish, well made clothes in Canada,” says Pound, who sees a huge gap in the market for dressing women over size 10. “The Love Collection is for those women who love their curves and love fashion but are left behind by most brands.”

Visit www.fleur-f.com

Colleen Pound, designer of Fleur Feminine

A terrific turnout for the launch at Naked Clothing

Superstar Calgary Interior Designer Alykhan Velji, Kelly Doody (Page Six Calgary Sun)

and Calgary Fashion Collective's Kimberley Jev

Calgary's Cool Hunter, Rita Sirignano and Stylist Leah Van Loon

Colleen Pound with models Cory (who also treated us to a little standup comedy) and Salimah

Introducing Colleen Pound!

Grand Opening Holt Renfrew

2009-12-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

Oh what a night! The grand opening of the new Calgary flagship Holt Renfrew Store took place in November and if you needed any more convincing that Calgary has style check out these photos.

They were all there: media, stylists and fashionistas along with visiting superstar DJ Samantha Ronson, actor Jeremy Piven, supermodel Heather Marks and many others. It was a Thursday night to remember and a Friday morning most of us would rather forget.

Kim Flanagan (Mommyweardaily.com) and Calgary Sun's Page Six IT Girl Kelly Doody

Calgary Herald's Michelle Magnan, Miss Studio Gorgeous herself, Karen Judge and Calgary Herald's Lisa Kadane

Your truly and Nancy Taipale (asknancy.ca)

"Pink" carpet poses with Adejoke Taiwo

Stylistas Extraordinaire Karen Judge & Kim Flanagan

A little snuggle with Kelly

Jeremy Piven takes the stage

Adejoke Taiwo On Breakfast Television

2009-12-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

The lovely and talented Adejoke Taiwo presented her holiday dress collection on Breakfast Television on this fall after a hugely successful launch at Alberta Fashion Week. Adejoke, you might remember from Project Runway Canada. Well, she's Calgarian and making a big splash in the fashion scene across Canada.

Her Spring collection will be available at Mealan in Calgary and boutiques across Canada in early 2010!

To see more of Adejoke's amazing collections visit www.adejoke.com