4.14.2010

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard..."


After 6 years of managing Fashion Crimes, it is time for me to acknowledge time for growth in a new direction. Last Sunday the Staff threw a going away party for me. It was so lovely, and meant so much to share multiple bottles of bubbly, farewell cupcakes, and memories of time spent working together...

Pam's gift to me! The "Skeleton" clutch that I dreamed about... made specially with Lucite Beads on the Zipper pull. Inside was a vintage limited edition FC t-shirt from the '80's!



We devoured the most indulgent "bye!" cupcakes, then it was time for my toast:


Fashion Crimes is the biggest thing - and the biggest honour - that has happened to me in my life. Over the past 7 years I was given the opportunity to apply all that I could offer, to ignite imaginative ideas and to have REAL responsibility in every aspect of my career. I have discovered my personal strengths, met best friends, and have been introduced to the man I will soon call my husband through this place that has been the center of my universe.


The environment at FC is like therapy. It is stunning, magical and so special. Day after day, year after year I have witnessed customers & staff walk into the store in awe. Being surrounded by the art that Pam has created in her “museum” of sorts took away any thoughts of stress or discouragement, heartbreak or sadness that we sometimes all encounter in life.


Being the “mother-hen” of this setting has literally been a dream come true. I have discovered that I LOVE working with people, helping people, and love to be the one who has to keep it all together until the next question or challenge arises. Challenges LIKE:

- Having irate customers throw objects (phones, wallets, hangers etc) at you

- Cleaning bodily excrement from changeroom curtains

- Admiring and attempting to contain Pam’s merchandising explosions

- Dealing with drunk staff members on saturday mornings

- Accidentally hiring someone when I WAS under the influence...

- Working with BFF’s

- Dealing with personal growing pains outside of work; and through these hard times trying to maintain the devotion it takes to be a strong leader


Obviously there is a contrasting list, the list of the things that I haven’t quite figured out how I am going to live without:

- Professionally interacting with Pam's brilliance every day

- Being a part of our client's special life experiences, and the fullfillment of helping them find the perfect dress

- Working with BFF’s

- The smiles, enthusiasm and PASSION exuding from the women (and man) around me:

Kat’s VOICE! STYLING TALENTS! & vast, quirky imagination & of course, accent

Carrie’s effortless talent to put words together in the perfect phrase or sentence.


Melissa’s utterly selfless character and what it means to share appreciation of Joni Mitchell

Carly’s ability to contrast such lovely “cuteness” with such vulgar & dark humour

Cha-Cha’s determination. and morbid laugh in which it sounds like she’s drowning


Carolyn’s grace and inconceivable optimism


Logan’s sparkling flow of ideas, creativity and obvious drive to achieve life goals. (Also, thanks for teaching me what it’s like to work with something other than estrogen!)


Bee’s comforting nature, and major grounding elements.


Lindsay’s stone-cold honest approach to life and capacity to inspiring those around you only to exude fabulousness everyday!


Hilary’s capability to look perfectly put together as though she stepped out of a magazine everyday


Sarah’s confidence and poise are truly exquisite


Laura - Only having worked one shift with you - I’m sorry that we wont be spending more time at FC! From what I can see your quirkiness and OBVIOUS love of glamour will fit perfectly with this incredible team.


Pam - Over 7 years ago before my career at FC I caught a glimpse of you and was like a deer caught in the headlights! You are an inventor, an innovator and a true creative. Through getting to know you as a friend in addition to my boss I believe this to be true. The fact that I got to be mentored and inspired by you every day is something that I will be forever thankful for.


I read an essay today by JK Rowling (roaring laughter by Carolyn inserted here), she spoke of the importance of “taking risks, living creatively, and learning from failure rather than fearing it”. I can’t relate to this more after my years at FC. I have learned to live by these qualities... and I hope that we all will hold these insights close to our hearts as we embark on many big things in the future...








Everyone signed my amazing t-shirt...











A part of the oldschool gang! (L-R, Kat, Rosemary, Cynthia, myself, Marina & Aletha)


Photography by the talented Peter Tucker
Title Quote: Carol Sobieski and Thomas Meehan, Annie

4.13.2010

Sharron Matthews: World Domination Tour

Can't wait for the week-end, all of us will be attending Sharron's highly anticipated event!
This Diva is back with a vengeance for whole new gig: WORLD DOMINATION TOUR



4.09.2010

Perfect Prom Tiaras

Just in time for the week-end we have the sweetest tiaras by Bel Ami.


There is a limited quantity in stock - so our suggestion is to come and try one on ASAP!

Pam Chorley, reunites with Glen Hanson



Fashion Crimes recently teamed up with the imaginative Glen Hanson once again, to create the limited edition prints for a retrospective party hosted by The Drake Hotel. Pam and Glenn go way back, back to the beginning in fact. He stylized some of the original artwork for the store, and so it was just the perfect idea to bring him on board to help celebrate 27 years of Fashion and Fabulousness. Glen was a presence himself, wearing leather pants, and an open blazer, sporting chains and edgy hardware on his wrists. The amazing artists creativity went beyond pen and paper.

It was the perfect way to end Toronto Fashion Week. The crew from Fashion Crimes and many guests sipped on cocktails named after dresses at the store, while they got to peak at some of Pam's designs from past to present.

The excitement was up in room 222, where you could have your hair and make-up styled by two of the lovely ladies from Parlour Salon, who of course wore two of our favorite designs. After hair and make-up, our very special guests could then peruse an accessory bar to gear up with the latest and greatest from our selection. Once fully made up, and sparkling in rhinestones, we sent them of to face the camera, where Peter Tucker snapped happy, and captured some unforgettable moments!

Pictures of the Drake Event will be available to view shortly - a link will be posted on our Facebook group, as well as on our online scrapbook!

Cheers, to 27 years! And more to come!

A Dragged out Affair

Olga Barsky is an awesome stylist from She Does The City who is running a fundraiser event for her kick-ass upcoming production, perfectly titled; A Dragged Out Affair.


We will all be there, and have even contributed a cute frock to be raffled off!



4.01.2010

Ashleigh McIvor - METRO Cover



Ski Cross Gold Medallist, Ashleigh McIvor, graces the cover of the METRO today decked out in Fashion Crimes for the incredible Heart Truth Show. She was freaked out about walking in heels - but apparently she's just as talented on the runway as she is on the hill.

Next step after Olympic Gold Medal: Top Model?