New Store Hours For Fall Season

Attention fellow fashionistas!  Starting Monday, October 1st Fashion Crimes will have new store hours:

Monday - Thursday:  11am - 7pm

Friday:  11am - 8pm

Saturday: 10am - 7pm

Sunday:  12pm - 6pm

Photograph by Peter Tucker Photography
Have you checked out our latest window display?  It was dedicated to the Toronto International Film Festival, and it's filled with red carpet worthy ensembles.  Come on down to 322 1/2 Queen Street West and see it up close!

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!

Caitlin Cronenberg In Fashion Crimes at TIFF

Legendary director David Cronenberg's (The Fly, History of Violence, Eastern Promises...) much anticipated film A Dangerous Method, starring Viggo Mortensen, Keira Knightley, and Michael Fassbender, screened at TIFF. Who was his date? His beautiful daughter Caitlin; a talented photographer who just last year released the book Poser (you must check it out). The Fashion Crimes team was ecstatic when she approached us for a gown to grace upon the red carpet at the premiere. She is above pictured with her dad wearing a Mermaid gown in riptide fabric, which is part of Pam's couture line. Our stylists loved working with Caitlin, and that dress was meant for her body! Congratulations to Mr. Cronenberg; he is one of the reasons why Canada rocks!

"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."

Katsuhito Ishii's Smuggler Premieres at TIFF

Midnight Madness at TIFF last Friday was exactly that; even with the film delayed 45 minutes due to technical difficulties the 1100 people in attendance were in high spirits, anxiously awaiting the premiere of Smuggler, a Japanese film directed by genius Katsuhito Ishii. Beach balls were hurled across the crowd (literally), actor/director Bobcat Goldthwait randomly appeared on stage to do a hilarious 15min stand up comedy set, and Mr. Ishii himself said a few words before the film finally started in the wee hours of the morning. Personally, I felt like a little kid at Christmas....I was "pee your pants" excited.

The film did not leave me disappointed; it was packed with humour, action, incredibly intense violent scenes (I had to force myself to not close my eyes at some points), and all the while relaying an important message that everyone can relate to. Oh, and did I mention the fashion? I spotted a mini top hat and horned glasses combination on a yakuza fashionista and thought to myself, that is so Fashion Crimes!

The lovely Tiffany humoured me, and sported the mini feather top hat and faux glasses that we carry here in the boutique (pictured below). This is a fun, sexy look that anyone can rock, and it won't break the bank! With TIFF behind us for another year and the dust starting to settle, remember Fashion Crimes is red carpet worthy year round. Come in and feel like a movie star!

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!

Kaitlyn Regehr Turns Heads at TIFF!

Kaitlyn Regehr (co-host and burlesque choreographer for the series Re-Vamped, woman's empowerment expert, straight up babe, and Fashion Crimes friend) attended the TIFF premiere of Teenage Paparazzo (a documentary directed by Adrian Grenier) wearing a gorgeous ensemble from our beloved boutique. She is pictured below in a Fashion Crimes Jezebel Micro Mini in baroque fabric, accessorized with a black and gold acorn necklace and an out of this world four finger clutch. It is obvious to all of us that Kaitlyn was born to wear Pam Chorley's designs; she looks hawt!!

"Oh La La," Those Dresses are FIERCE!!!

As we, citizens of Toronto, are in the week of INTENSE media coverage because of all the cool TIFF events happening in our beloved city, you didn't really expect Fashion Crimes to stay out of the limelight did you? Of course you didn't!!!! We love all things dramatic and what better way to usher in any premier event then to stage a theatrical grand entrance Fashion Crimes style. We recently teamed up with "Oh La La Cosmetics" to sponsor their three day events where they handed out samples from their cosmetic collection at various TIFF events in the downtown core. How can you say no to GORGEOUS models channeling a bit of Japanese fashion by rocking the pink Jezebel Pom dress with our blonde May wigs?

And why don't you all test out the "blondes have more fun" theory by picking one up at the store for Halloween!!!!! It is just around the corner after all and for all you Femme Fatales out there, we sell them in an intense black colour as well!!!! I think all these girls look beautiful and I wasn't the only one. Guess who they ran into during one of their Yorkville events? I'll give you a hint: he has a "Notebook" full of charming one liners.

That's right! The ladies ran into Ryan Gosling and he absolutely loved the dresses. I think that's worthy of a tear or two don't you think?

And The Oscar Goes To (Insert Your Name Here)

You don't have to be an actress to be eligible for this prize; YOU can have an Oscar of your own!!!! It may not be the golden statue but YOUR body in a Fashion Crimes Oscar dress would still be worthy of a HUGE paparazzi following. In honour of TIFF, we have decided to put the Oscar dress on promotion, $50 off when you present the above flyer! This offer premieres during the Queen St. West BIA Sidewalk Sale (September 10th) and has it's closing night on the very last day of the month. So hurry in with a print out of the image above and you can get access to this AMAZING "gifting lounge" offer.

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

ET Canada T.I.F.F Party!

Fashion Crimes and Kaitlyn Regehr meet again!

The last time we saw Kaitlyn was when the sassy vixen and the design house joined forces to promote awareness for breast cancer with the Pink Ribbon Pin-Up's Calendar, in association with the Breast Cancer Foundation of Canada.

This time around we styled the petite bombshell for an event that we knew she would dazzle at!

Have a look at what Kaitlyn wore to the Entertainment Tonight TIFF party,

(photo credit Central Image Agency)

You can catch the premier of the NEW season of Re-Vamped on Slice, Monday, October 11 at 10pm.

FAME Premiere Afterparty

We had so much fun at the MGM Premiere of FAME After-Party at the Randolph Academy... here are a few of the highlights and images of Fashion Crimes gracing the Purple Carpet!

Actress Kerry Laifatt
Photographer: Paul Baik

Pam Chorley looking amazing!
(The glamorous life of a fashion designer - after a full day that started at 8am for meetings
with fabric suppliers & accessory reps,
creating cutting sheets, responding to client e-mails, a full STAFF MEETING and then to the FAME event at 10pm!)

The Style Box's Amanda Brugel and Actor Sarain Boylan looking SO fierce.

Photographer: Paul Baik


So You Think You Can Dance Finalist Tamina Paris-Pollack
Photographer: Paul Baik


The Fashion Crimes' crew (L-R: Logan, Crystal, Kat, Pam, & Kanchana) with the famously chic Anita Clarke, editor in cheif of I want- I got.

TIFF '09 Red Carpet Roster

Gorgeous garments and glitz were all over the red carpet for TIFF earlier this month, and we are so happy to see that many of the designs were from here at home in Toronto!

Some of the FC features include:

Actress Monika Schnarre attends ET Canada Presents "Glorious 39" Gala at 144 Cumberland Street on September 14, 2009.

Photographer - A. Moore

Actress Tara Spencer-Nairn and dancer Jean Marc Genereux attend the Holt Renfrew launch of Vignettes with Alexa Chung, Coco Rocha and The Stills held at the Burroughes Building on September 12, 2009.

Ainsley Kerr attends the "Steve Nash Shoot For The Stars" at Harry Rosen, as well as the "Antichrist" North American Premiere After Party held at W Studio
on September 10, 2009.

Photographer - George Pimentel

Liz West was reporting live from the red carpet all festival long for CP24. Her wardrobe choices for all of the events were exclusively Fashion Crimes.

Co-founders of the Style Box, Amanda Brugel (at the Holt Renfrew launch) and Gail McInnes (at the "Steve Nash Shoot For The Stars" gala), both shot by photographer G.Pimentel


...and a little peek at what happens behind the scenes when dressing the stars, courtesy of The Style Box for FASHION MAGAZINE:

The TIFF '09 Window Display

Our ‘09 TIFF inspired window concept had to be REALLY amazing to even come close to matching the wow-factor of the ‘08 window, which turned out to be one of our favourite displays of all time.

Last year’s TIFF tribute featured glam gowns worn by extravagantly made-up beauties strolling the red carpet, one of which who was “walking” a 7 ft. ostrich by a gem-encrusted leash. The other was being observed by 6 monkeys (taxidermy monkeys, to be exact!) who were eating popcorn.

SO, this year, needless to say, we were feeling the pressure. Upon putting our heads together, we came up with a fun concept in hopes to keep on par with the Film Festival window installations of the past.

Here is how the Brainstorm began:


For the styling we planned to dress the likes of Debbie Harry, Gwyn Stefani, Karen O, Alison Mosshart, Grace Slick, Diana Ross and Winehouse, of course. And because FALL makes for a huge stockpile of new accessories we set out to jam-pack the display with an overwhelming abundance of lavish pieces. Fall trends would be thoroughly represented with patent handbags, bulky accessories, punches of colour, a few plaid dresses (EVEN THOUGH Pam is allergic to plaid), structured silhouettes, leather gloves, shawls, cuff bracelets and pleatherette leggings.



Throughout the 19 hour production stint, Kat and Robyn (the fab production team) drank a total of 9 Red Bulls. At one point at around 1a.m., Kat mentioned feeling “very inspired towards a night of debauchery...” (Partying is infectious when you are surrounded by rock-goddesses).


From concept to creation – we were thrilled at what magically turned out by the next morning. Passers by were stopped in their tracks. Even all of our staff had to peruse the masterpiece, each for about 10 minutes.


This installation more than ever represents the designs of Fashion Crimes from over the years at its best… interpreted in a current way, just in time for the festival.

TIFF is upon us!

Once again- Fashion Crimes is paying tribute to the elite of the film industry for the Toronto International Film Festival!
This year, FC designs will mingle & schmooze amongst the stars & VIP's for multiple premiers, parties & events.
here's a sneak peek of our annual Festival themed window display:

Taxidermy monkeys predate 1870,
which are from the collection of William Jamieson.
All pieces were originally collected by
Thomas Barnett for the Niagra Falls Museum.
The stunning 6 foot ostrich is also from the collection of
William Jamieson, by Toronto artist Ryan McCullough.
Window design/concept/ production: Pam Chorley, Cynthia Rea
& Crystal Rickard
Photography: Geoffrey Knott