There Was A Ghost On Halloween...

How was everyone's Halloween Weekend?  Has it got you pumped for Wednesday?  I saw some terrific costumes on Friday and Saturday night.  Here's a sample of a few costumes that got those finishing touches from Fashion Crimes:

It is I, Melissa, as Betty Boop!  This entire costume was found in my closet, thanks to an ongoing Fashion Crimes wardrobe collection.  The black corset, crini (yes, those are 2 separate pieces but everyone thought it was a dress!), striped thigh-high hose, lace gloves, and pearls are all from Fashion Crimes.  The finishing touch: a Betty Boop wig; I found it in our sale wig bin for $5!!  

 Here is Kat, the lady responsible for our incredible window displays, as Frida Kahlo! She is wearing a Fashion Crimes Holly Boat dress in red impressionist silk, with a gorgeous gold and lucite bangle.  Her finishing touch?  A sexy unibrow!  Only Kat can rock the extra unwanted hair and still look like a babe!

And last but not least, Peter as his dog Fridge!  All Peter had to do to finish off his costume was to pop by Fashion Crimes and pick up a Cat costume set for only $5!!

People!  There's still time before All Hallows Eve, and still lots of great costume deals!  Come and get it!

Christmas 2011 Window

The one thing you can always count on when the Fashion Crimes window goes up is that it will be unique and wonderfully unconventional. Instead of sticking with the typical red and green colour scheme, Kat McEwen (our lovely/brilliant Creative Director) created a "Canadiana" Christmas. This display is packed with elaborate fascinators, stunning dresses (including a Jezebel Micro Mini in deer print fabric!), and beautiful furs. In order to appreciate the awesomeness that is this window display, you simply have to come by and see for yourself......and you can enjoy some fabulous SALES while you're here!

Taxidermy donated by Jessica Lindsay Phillips from the Billy Jamieson Collection, click HERE to learn more.

Photography by Peter Tucker Photography.

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!

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!

Happy Halloween!

It's finally here! We thought the best way to celebrate is to put our Halloween merchandise on sale!! Remember, it's not too late to whip together a costume; take a look at some of the ideas our staff came up with.

Kat McEwen dressed as a doll last Friday; wearing a black crinoline, mini top hat, and amazing spotted feather eyelashes (also available in pink, orange, blue, and green). We have a simple feather false eyelash as well, and both styles are now only $5!!

Why not go as the classic bunny this year? This set come with a strapless velvet bodysuit, bunny ears, and is currently on sale for 50% off!

Introducing the Fashion Crimes version of the peacock. Jessica is wearing a peacock feather mini skirt layered over a peacock silk print Tied Up dress, and completed the outfit with a gigantic feather headpiece that we tucked in her waistband to create the perfect fan.

And what did our fearless leader dress as this past Halloween weekend? Founder and designer, Pam Chorley, donned the cat woman mask with a sexy black dress to create the feline villain. Looking good!!

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 Window!!

Leave it to Fashion Crimes to have a unique storefront window for one of the best times of the year....Halloween! This year's theme is Villains vs Heroes, with one half of the window dedicated to the wicked, and the other half to those that protect us from the dark side.

Our fearless protectors are styled in bright, juicy colours, each with a silver masquerade mask, giving a superhero feel. I immediately thought 'Sailor Moon' when I first saw the mannequin in the pink strapless dress! Perhaps this is the superhero style of the future....

The mischievous women to the left are wearing a variation of the same mask in black, and are styled in combinations of black feathers, fringe, and fur. While these heinous creatures are slightly terrifying (there is one posing as Medusa), at least they look fabulous!!

Thanks to creative director Kat McEwen for creating such a stunning spectacle once again. To view more close ups of the Fashion Crimes storefront window click HERE. These masks, as well as a ton of other Halloween costumes and accessories, are all available at our boutique on 322 1/2 Queen Street West. Hurry! Time is creeping by, October 31st is approaching fast!

"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!

TIFF Window!!

To honour the Toronto International Film Festival, the new Fashion Crimes store front window pays tribute to old Hollywood. Creative genius Kat McEwen did a remarkable job in creating such a vision, showcasing our vast selection of red carpet looks. The window is packed with fringe, fur, wildly colourful fascintaors, and copious amounts of shimmery accessories; all that one would expect to see at a glitzy celebrity event. With the legendary Sophia Loren as the backdrop, this window could not be more glamourous. Come in and feel like a movie star! Who knows you might even see one while you're here....

Photography courtesy of Peter Tucker Photography

Can't Dogs Wear Fashion Crimes Too?

Modelling the Fashion Crimes pick of the day is Kat McEwen's beloved Fridge, an adorable Boston Terrier that we all want to take home with us! Fridge is sporting a fur ermine necklace, which can also be worn as a bracelet. Like all of our furs, it is Canadian sourced (click HERE for more info on the Canadian fur trade), thus supporting our economy and independent fur traders. We have a wide variety of fur (and faux fur) hats,stoles, and key chains. Come on in and take a peek!

Pick of the Day!

This just in: feather hair extensions!! These wonderful hair accessories are great for making an ordinary hair-do just a little more dramatic. They are easy to work with, as they have a little clip at the end so you can attach it anywhere in your hair; clip it behind your ear or add it to your pony tail. Either way, you are sure to look fabulous! And where does one find such a staple piece? You guessed it! Fashion Crimes!!

Ef Magazine Chats with Fashion Crimes

Ef Magazine, an online guide to sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, interviewed Kat McEwen during Frugal Fashion Week about the ins and outs of Fashion Crimes. Click HERE to read the article!

Pick of the Day!

Our pick of the day is the Masquerade Mask, as modeled by Manager Kat McEwen! We love this piece because you wear them like glasses, providing extra comfort (no elastic bands here!). It is perfect for any masquerade themed event, and as you can see, it is both sexy and mysterious. It also comes in silver, and can be found at the one and only Fashion Crimes!

Pick of the Day!

Today's pick: fantastic straw fedoras as modeled by store manager Kat McEwen! This must have hat is asymmetrical, so it dips a little lower on one side creating a casual yet classic look. Are you going to the cottage this weekend? Or maybe heading to Toronto Island to relax on the beach? This hat is the perfect accessory to add to your summer look and you can find it at Fashion Crimes!

Notice Kat's dress? It's a Wrapper dress in black velvet stripe fabric, found only at Fashion Crimes.

PROM WINDOW #2!!

A few weeks ago Fashion Crimes store manager, Kat McEwen, dedicated both her day and night to creating yet another traffic stopping visual. This window depicts a group of young ladies getting ready for prom, complete with hairspray and nail polish. Indeed prom is in full gear and we are waiting for you! Did you know we register your prom dress so that no one else from your school purchases the same dress? With new dresses and accessories arriving daily, you are sure to find everything you need for your very special day!

Fashion Crimes Prom Segment on Breakfast Television

This morning Fashion Crimes store manager Kat McEwen awoke with the birds to appear on Breakfast Television to talk about something other than the Royal Wedding....PROM! A very special thanks goes to the 5 students who did a fantastic job modeling the different looks. Olga, Nicole, Anna, Martha, Emily (our wicked intern), and Victoria: you gals rocked!! Here's the clip you've been waiting for; our segment starts at the 30:15 mark (towards the end). Click HERE to view; enjoy!!

Hello! Canada and The Spoke Club Love Toronto

Last February, the Spoke Club held the annual HELLO! Canada Love Toronto event where Fashion Crimes had the joy of dressing all the lady employees of the Spoke Club in fabulous red dresses. The event was so much fun; it even had a green screen photo booth that boasted the amazing Toronto skyline. Check out the photo taken of Kat and I dressed from head to hose in, of course, Fashion Crimes!
From Left; Kat wearing a yellow and black lace Drew dress, and Melissa wearing a strapless cream pleated dress. Love the accessories? Well, you can find them at Fashion Crimes too!

PROM WINDOW #1!

It's here, it's here! Can you believe how quickly time passes? Many high school proms will be taking place in a few months, and Fashion Crimes is ready for you! Our window this year is once again stopping traffic, thanks to the dedication and beautiful mind of Fashion Crimes manager Kat McEwen. This time, our showcase is displaying six of our Jezebel Tivoli dress in bold, bright silks. Of course, this is a mere fraction of the designs and colors we have to offer; you'll have to come visit us to gain the full experience!Image courtesy of Peter Tucker Photography

Each Jezebel Tivoli can be paired with different accessories, such as corsets, sashes, belts, and brooches to create multiple unique, fashionable looks. Love the silk rosette headpieces? They are currently on SALE for 35% off! We're pumped and ready to find your perfect prom dress! Come in and let's have some fun!

WE ARE OPEN FAMILY DAY FROM 12PM - 5PM

Winner of Best Window on Queen Street from Simcoe to Spadina!

In a Holiday Window Contest initiated by the Queen West BIA, businesses in the area were prompted to vote for their favourite window display, and Fashion Crimes placed 1st in the Simcoe to Spadina region!! Fashion Crimes would like to thank all those who recognized the undeniable talent of store manager Kat McEwen, who stayed up all night creating this stunning visual:Image courtesy of Peter Tucker Photography

We are so excited here at Fashion Crimes! And do you know what is even more exciting? New Year's Eve!! Make sure you get here soon before the dress of your dreams goes home with someone else! There are so many deals to take advantage of, with many styles on sale for 50% off! Shopping for New Year's Eve has never been this much fun, see you soon!

Need a fun, inexpensive, venue to bring in the new year with live music? Rancho Relaxo on College is the answer, with music by Fashion Crime's friends Dream Jefferson!