C'est L'Halloween!!

My personal favourite time of the year is upon us, finally!!  Most of you will probably be donning various costumes this weekend in celebration of Halloween, and if you're still drawing a blank on a costume, Fashion Crimes is here to help!  We are currently in the mist of a Halloween Blow Out Sale, with the majority of our ghoulish accessories marked down to $5!

Here is Fashion Crimes manager Kanchana and stylist Mary all set for Halloween without breaking the bank!  Both dresses are a sample of what you can find on our BUY 1 GET 1 FREE rack, and the fun Devil and Nun costume sets you see are only $5!  Other things you can find at Fashion Crimes for $5:  Angel set, Bunny Set, Playboy Bunny velvet leotard and ears, feathered Witch brooms, kooky wedding veils, assortment of Wings, Vampire fangs, satin evening gloves, and the list goes on!  If that's not enough to get your inspired, here's more good news: all wigs are 50% off (as low as $5), complete Lady Gaga costumes are down from $99 to $25, and glitter make up are 4 for $1.  Those are some pretty great reasons to make a trip to Fashion Crimes and celebrate Halloween in style!!

Movember Is Approaching!

It will soon be that time when men of all ages grow out their upper lip hair making it incredibly hard for us women to determine whether these lads are poseur hipsters or ex-porn stars.  All you have to do is check your calendar to know these men are actually raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer.  Does that mean us ladies can't participate?  Of course not!

Fashion Crimes is here to help you join in on the fun. Starting NOW you can purchase your very own moustache necklace and 25% of the proceeds will be donated to the Movember cause.  Currently we are in the process of setting up our Movember account online, but in the meantime we have a donation box at our cash counter...settled right next to our moustache necklaces!

Our fabulous manager, Kanchana, is sporting our black moustache necklace (also available in white and red), along with a Fashion Crimes Holly Skirt in amazing deer print fabric and a pair of faux black rimmed glasses.  These glasses are great for completely transforming any look while still looking super sexy. With Halloween just around the corner, why not use them in a costume?  Think Judah Friedlander from 30 Rock or maybe Janine from Ghost Busters!

Fashion Crimes has so mucho Halloween-o merchandise for you to pick through, and it's all on SALE!!  What are you waiting for?  Let's play dress up!

Rally For Kids With Cancer

Last weekend, members of the Fashion Crimes team had the privilege of joining the good hearted people participating in the Rally For Kids With Cancer gala.  The event was packed with celebrities and various companies who raised money for the cause.  

Pictured above is Pam Chorley, founder and designer for Fashion Crimes, standing alongside Playboy cover model Priscilla Caripan.  Pam sported a Vamp Halter dress (a Fashion Crimes original) in peacock printed silk, accessorized with uber long chain earrings and a crystal fringe cuff.  Priscilla wore a Fashion Crimes Tied Up dress in bronze lace and looked fabulous while doing so.  Love these dresses?  Of course you do!  Keep in mind they are both available in a wide variety of fabrics and colours, and can only be found at Fashion Crimes on Queen Street West!

This picture is clearly not the best quality, but that is definitely our very own Cha Cha with Billy Baldwin! When he's not running around raising awareness for amazing charities, you can catch Mr. Baldwin on the hit TV shows Gossip Girl, and Parenthood.  Hopefully when the press pictures are released, you will all get a good look at what the rest of the Fashion Crimes gals were wearing at the event....stay tuned!!

Remembering TIFF

We promised there would be more pictures, and now they are finally here (if you need a refresher of this amazing night click HERE!). Fashion Crimes was the official clothing sponsor of the Art of Sound TIFF reception, dressing all of the beautiful ladies of WIFT.

Hotness overload! All the dresses you see above are from the one and only Fashion Crimes. From left; a Hepbourne dress in stretch python fabric, a fern bee Jezebel Tivoli, a gold lace Demure Sleeve dress, the Jezebel Micro Mini in amazing claw sequin fabric, a black satin Audrey Sheath, a black velvet Knotty dress, an Oscar dress in black taffeta, a metallic floral print strapless dress (it has pockets!!), and finally a black Dream Girl dress. Phew! That's a whole lot of pretty in a row, and also note that all the accessories shown are from Fashion Crimes.

Here we are with the babes of Magneta Lane; Fashion Crimes friends who make awesome music (and if you haven't heard their sound, you simply must. Click HERE for a taste!). From left; Tiffany in a black Tivoli Gown paired with a baroque Waist Cincher, myself (Melissa) in a black sequin Tied Up Mini, Kat rocking a jet sequin Demure Sleeve dress, Nadia (who gets my vote for the cutest drummer in the history of rock and roll) in the Madonna dress, the incredibly stylish Kevin (loving that fedora!), lead singer Lexi looking like a babe in a sheer sleeve tunic style dress (which we like to call the Stevie Nicks dress, and is also available in beige), and the always beautiful French who is the bass player for Magneta Lane.

One last shot of the Fashion Crimes management team! Thanks once again to WIFT for having us. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it!

DJ Rashida In Fashion Crimes At Prince After Party!

Last week we gave you a preview of the impromptu photo shoot Cha Cha had with the ever so lovely DJ Rashida, who was currently in town touring with Prince (yes that's right, the Prince!!). Much celebrating was in order, as both shows received rave reviews, so of course there was a lavish after party. It warms our heart to no extent to see DJ Rashida looking stunning in a Fashion Crimes 6 way dress tied in a one shoulder Grecian style, with one of our many jewelled hair pieces to top off the look. Positively gorgeous!

This dress is a staple for the entire Fashion Crimes family. It comes in over 10 different colours, and you can tie it in dozens of ways (don't let the 6-way name limit you!). Not only does it look fabulous on any body shape, it is probably one of the most comfortable dresses you will ever wear! Why not come in and get a private tutor session with one of our amazing stylists? It's fun and easy!!

Celebrity Human Race Fundraiser 2011

Back in September, Musik nightclub held the celebrity draft for the Human Race fundraiser, where teams picked their favourite star to join them on a scavenger hunt across the city to raise money for the North York General Hospital Foundation. The night was filled with amazing food, music (including a performance by JRDN), and head turning fashion, so naturally Fashion Crimes was present.

From left; Canadian R&B/hip-hop artist Jordan Croucher (aka, JRDN), Cha Cha wearing a Demure Sleeve dress in tulip print silk, Pam Chorley in a cafe passemeterie Demure Sleeve dress, and Manny, JRDN's manager.

Kat is sitting with Pam in a jet sequin Demure Sleeve dress, a gold plated Brooklyn Bridge ring, and beautiful orange feather hair extensions. Of course, all the accessories you see on Pam is available at Fashion Crimes as well.

Here I am (Melissa) sandwiched between two of my favourite gals wearing one of my newest dresses from the Fashion Crimes collection; the Jezebel Wiggle in stripe suiting fabric. It was an incredible night, and so much money was raised for such a great cause!

Flapper Ladies & Gangsta Gals

Why not take a trip to the 1920's this Halloween? Last weekend, the Fashion Crimes team went all out; rocking our beautiful flapper dress (available in red, black, and white) paired with long pearl necklaces, headbands, and of course the signature single feather hair comb. Take a look at what Tiffany, Cha and Kat came up with.

Watch out for these shady ladies! The always awesome Emily and Jessica created a gangster costume by using one of the many styles of Fashion Crimes jackets paired with a pencil skirt, and either a fascinator or sideways fedora. Great job gals! And if you like what you see, we can easily put these and many other costume ideas together for you!

As of today, most of our Halloween merchandise (including devil, cat, angel, and bunny sets; capes, vampire fangs, sequin eye patches, etc) are reduced to 50% off! Hurry before it is all picked over!!

Halloween Costume Contest at Fashion Crimes

Cha as Lady Gaga.

While our Fashion Crimes team tends to encourage home made costumes, we do have a selection of Lady Gaga costumes to make your life a little easier this Halloween season! Cha transforms herself into the icon with this asymmetrical black and silver sequin dress, which comes with a matching mask. To complete the look, she went with a glitter microphone (we also have headset microphones too, in case you wanted to go as 90's Britney Spears!) that sparkles as much as the dress. Awesome job, now sing us a song Cha!!

Lauren as Christina Aguilera.

The beautiful Lauren got creative when recreating pop star Christina Aguilera. She chose a Fashion Crimes Hepbourne dress in stretch python fabric, and a chain link cinch belt. To summon here inner Xtina, she added temporary pink streaks to her gorgeous blonde hair. And yes, all that hair is Lauren's very own. Jealous.



Emaan as Adele.

To replicate R&B sensation Adele, Emaan opted for a classic, sophisticated look. She is wearing a black satin Holly Boat Sleeve dress (which has pockets!), two gold cuffs, a skinny gold belt, and an auburn wig. This outfit looks good year round; Emaan looks fabulous!



Tiffany as Cher.

We all know Cher has sported many different styles over the years, but Tiffany decided 60's Cher is definitely more recognizable than the rest, and more appropriate (do we remember what she wore to the Oscars? Yikes!). To imitate the legend, Tiffany wore a Demure dress in beadshag fabric, accessorized with lots of feather hair extensions, and a long dark brown wig (which, as mentioned before, can be styled like real hair). One thing is for sure, Tiffany's got you, babe!



Emily as Katy Perry.

Last year it was blue hair. This year it's pink. While we do carry the perfect pink Katy Perry wig, Emily decided the au naturel look would do her costume justice. And it does! A Jezebel Micro Mini dress in adorable cherry print fabric paired with a simple black bob wig will have people wondering if you're the pop sensation in the flesh. Of course, how can you pose as a musician without a glittery microphone? Whatever your Halloween needs are, Fashion Crimes is prepared for you! Come on down to Queen West and get yourself inspired!

Villains VS Superheroes

How we all LOVE Halloween here at Fashion Crimes! Did you know we have tons of amazing costumes and accessories to make you look both ghoulish and fashionable on the spookiest of all nights? We have it all! In fact, each Saturday leading up to the 31st all of our stylists dress up according to a theme. Last Saturday's theme was villains and superheroes; take a peek at what the lovely ladies of Fashion Crimes came up with!

Jessica as Harley Quinn (aka: the Joker's girlfriend).

All you need is a little creativity to create such a stylish rendition of this terrifying character. Jessica is wearing a red lace Tiedup dress and black satin waist cincher with fishnet tights. To create a jester appeal, she chose to wear two black and red feather hair extensions behind each ear, with an elaborate fascinator to top off the look. This ensemble is so fabulous, you don't need an occasion like Halloween to rock this outfit!



























Cha Cha as Poison Ivy.

Another Gotham City inspired costume (where's the Batman spotlight when you need it?) with everything you see found at Fashion Crimes! Cha is wearing a Jezebel Tivoli dress in green scale fabric, with emerald satin gloves and a taffeta sash. She donned a long red wig, and used one of our new velvet leaf headbands creating a look that Uma Thurman herself would be jealous of. Great job Cha Cha!!


























Emily as Storm.

Our student intern turned stylist brought this X-Men hero to life by putting together a Knotty dress in purple lightning silk with silver satin gloves and a white wig. Fashion Crimes even carries a two finger lightning bolt ring that would be the perfect accessory for this costume! Now if only Emily could summon the power of climate and bring Summer back...




























Tiffany as Wonder Woman.

This completely proves that you do not need to spend money on a pre-packaged costume that you are only going to wear once. Tiffany combines a royal blue satin dress with a yellow sash, red tights (which are on sale for 50% off), red satin evening gloves, and a gold metallic cuff on each wrist. Also, she is wearing a 'salon quality' black wig, which can be combed and styled with ease (ie: a wig that will last). Great idea Tiff!

What will tomorrow bring us? Stay tuned, I will be announcing the theme and special contest soon!!

"Dressed to Kill" Cancer with Gene Simmons

The "Rally for Kids" fundraising initiative for the Sick Kids Foundation took place September 16th and 17th at Muzik nightclub in downtown Toronto hosted by KISS front man Gene Simmons and wife, Shannon Tweed. Various corporations and kind hearted people had the opportunity to draft their favourite celebrity driver based on how much money they were able to acquire for the cause. This event was absolutely one of my favourites during TIFF weekend because of it's exceptional interior designs, the beautiful exotic cars, and all the high-profile celebrities that came out to support the fundraiser.




Here is designer and owner of Fashion Crimes, Pam Chorley walking the red carpet in a Tied Up metallic brocade dress.



Amongst the fabulous chaos, I was able to get some quick shots of Pam with the following gorgeous men: celebrity chef, David Rocco (pictured above) and Dragon Den's star and business guru, Robert Herjavec (pictured below).

I am normally NOT the type to get star struck, but when you have been standing behind Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed for 30 minutes while they wait to go on stage , you turn into a "Creature of the Night" and begin ravenously finding an opportunity to take a photo with the two "Family Jewels." I must say, it was a successful attempt.

As the night begins to wind down and my adrenaline rush turns into fatigue, it is only fitting that before we leave this AMAZING event, the very last photo belongs to the Fashion Crimes team.

From left; Kat wearing the yellow Drew dress with black lace, Pam in the Metallic Brocade Tied Up dress, Tiffany in the black lace Holly Boatneck, and finally me, Cha Cha, in a Bullet Halter in a silk bird print fabric aptly name Tweety. I thought it was only fitting that I wore something that sounded like "Tweed."

Fashion Crimes Teams Up With WIFT

The Fashion Crimes management team had a blast last night at the WIFT (women in film and television) "The Art of Sound" TIFF event at Pinewood Toronto Studios. WIFT is a not-for-profit organization that supports women in film, television, and digital media to build and sustain their careers both nationally and internationally. We had the pleasure of styling the hardworking ladies of the foundation, as well as the lovely gals of the musical group Magneta Lane. Pictures are coming, so for now feast your eyes on us!

From left; Melissa (your friendly neighbourhood blogger) wearing a black sequin Tied Up dress accessorized with a one of a kind crystal fringe necklace (designed by the awesome Brienna Delorey), and a honkin' rhinestone ring, Tiffany could barely go 5 seconds without getting a compliment on her Tivoli gown in black magic fabric paired with a baroque Waist Cincher (yes that is separate from the dress), Austrian crystal hoop earrings, 3 finger gem ring, and hard case clutch (which by the way is on sale for 50% off!), Kat was a knock out in the black sequin Demure Sleeve dress, crystal grapevine earrings and silver octopus ring, and finally Cha rocked a black eclipse Vavoom dress with rhinestone cummerbund style belt and giant rose ring.

Stay tuned for more pictures from the fantastic night, and thanks again to WIFT for inviting us!

Mermaid Dress Success!

One day Alexis Taylor came to Fashion Crimes to find a fabulous dress to wear to a wedding. She found a gorgeous apple print chiffon Mermaid dress on sale, but unfortunately was a size too big for her. She left the boutique empty handed, but the dress must have haunted her dreams because on the day of the wedding she paid us yet another visit. This time Alexis came rushing through, hair in curlers, in the hopes her dress had not been purchased. Luckily, the dress was still here, so the pretty lady hurled herself into our change room while the lovely Cha Cha quickly helped pin the dress to her size. On the 30 minute train ride to Oakville, Alexis managed to alter the dress by hand! And judging by the pictures, she did an amazing job! Wow woman, you look stunning; we can all learn from your determination and creativity!

Ladies (and gents)! Alexis was lucky in this case, but in many instances we see women coming back to the store to claim the garment they had left behind, only to discover it has been sold. We hate seeing disappointed faces, so if you find a dress you love make sure you take it home with you that day!

Pick of the Day!

Today's pick is a hand-made headband that hails from Montreal modeled by the stunning Kanchana! This headpiece has 3 graduated flowers that are covered in beautiful crystals; and it is perfect for transitioning a day look to night. This is one of many headpieces and fascinators Fashion Crimes has to offer; you are just going to have to come to the store to see the rest!

Pick of the Day!

Today's pick is modeled by stylist Kanchana!! She is wearing a fabulous fuscia Oscar dress; this corseted dress also comes in black, navy, plum, yellow, teal, turquoise, red, and white.

We absolutely adore this feathered hair piece; they come in many different varieties of colors, and in peacock feathers too. This amazing hot pink color goes perfectly with the Oscar dress. And do you see those fantastic drop crystal earrings? They are part of a wonderful collection of Canadian-made jewellry; those earrings come in a smokey tone, as well as a gold color!

Yes, that is a four-fingered ring clutch! This is definitely a staff favorite; it has the perfect combination of elegance and edge. Also, the bracelet pictured hails from the same line as the earrings mentioned previously; beautiful Austrian crystals formed into tiny flowers all made locally!

Where to find this dynamite ensemble? Fashion Crimes on Queen Street West! Come visit us; we would love to talk fashion with you.