Sep
16
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- Ryan Gosling & Michelle Williams at TIFF
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- Ryan Reynolds at TIFF
For some there are two season: winter and TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival). I admittedly fall in this camp as soon as Labour Day hits. As we’re approaching the climax of our own indie-darling-turned-blockbuster (yes, TIFF!), it’s time to take a breather and get some expert advice on the must-see movies from the festival.
The other day I was treated like an A-list celeb courtesy of NKPR, sipping the same Skyy vodka cocktails that would be served to celebs at some of the top parties. Plus, we were treated to a fashion show curated by designer-stylist, Rita Liefhebber, demonstrating the best day time to red carpet outfits.
Film critic Richard Crouse (you know the dapper dude who always sports a suit, thick-rimmed glasses and a Snooki-inspired bump) gives us his top 5 must-see movies at TIFF:
1. Buried
Ryan Reynolds plays a truck driver living in Iraq and who is stuck in a box – from opening credit to the end. ‘Nuff said.
2. You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
Directed by Woody Allen, this comedy-romance features an ensemble cast (Josh Brolin, Naomi Watts, Frieda Pinto and Anthony Hopkins) who make get tangled up in a web of interrelated relationships and issues.
3. Fubar 2
Terry and Dean are back to give’r in the northern oil sands of Alberta.
4. Blue Valentine
Watch as Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams’ relationship slowly unravels from their early romantic courtship to a young, married couple.
5. Let Me In
Based on the critically acclaimed Swedish film, this vampire thriller follows two teen outsiders (a boy and a girl) who form a special friendship.
If you missed these films at the festival, not to fret because you can fill up your fall movie card and catch them at a theatre near you soon.
And, let us know if you saw some great (or not) movies at TIFF this year.
Sep
10
Of few of us from the Chatelaine team hit the TIFF party circuit last night to do some celeb-spotting. The highlight of the night? The Absolut St.Art party held atop a parking lot roof accessible by golf cart. We were wowed by an amazing performance by Canadian hip-hop sensation SHAD, then spent the rest of the night ogling the celebs in attendance – everyone from FeFe Dobson and Callum Keith Rennie to Craig from Bachelor Pad (remember that guy?).
Here I am with fellow Chatelaine staffers Laurie Jennings and P.J. Tarasuk.
–Jen O’Brien
Sep
09
To mark the beginning of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) I went to scope out one of the fest’s hottest swag suites: The IT Lounge. Visited last year by everyone from Ed Norton to Jennifer Garner, I couldn’t wait to see what Hollywood would be heading home with this year.
Fur (faux fur that is) has become a fall obsession of mine so I’m absolutely loving this brown woven leather bag with fur accent from Esprit (pictured below far right).
Another celeb swag crush: Kobo’s eReader. This adorable lightweight library is perfectly portable and comes pre-loaded with 100 free eBooks.
Celebrities visiting the IT Lounge will also be walking away with some amazing beauty products from Moroccan Oil (like their oil treatment for repairing over-styled hair), Stila (such as their One-Step makeup (ideal for high-profile ladies with limited makeup bag real estate), and Diane Lai (her new Rejuvenate lavendar-scented all natural skin cream is destined to become an A-list must-have).
Goody was also gifting celebs with instant-style solutions like their Modern Updo pin, which transforms a bun into a chic French twist in a matter of seconds.
Sharpie was also on site this year. Celebs were encouraged to select their favourite colours from a rainbow of markers while a caricature artist speedily sketched their portrait (mine’s below…I requested that my nose and three chins NOT be emphasized).
Stay tuned for more news from the festival tomorrow.
–Jen O’Brien
Aug
31
The buzz in the Big Smoke right now is about the Toronto International Film Fest. In the lead up to the fest everyone is talking about who will be where and, more importantly, who will be wearing what.
With all this speculation I began to wonder what the heck I’d be wearing to the various screenings, media previews and late-night soirees happening next week during TIFF. The only thing I was sure of was that I definitely wouldn’t have time to do laundry.
With that in mind I headed to RW&CO today to begin stocking my wardrobe with fall film festival essentials. Here are my picks.
I instantly gravitated to the tailored black leggings ($48) in this first look. They’re undeniably chic, but they still have the elastic waistband necessary for countless hours of stationary popcorn consumption.
This second look is perfect for the days when I’ll need to go directly from the office to a cocktail party. I’ll pair the dress ($78) with a blazer and pumps during the day, then remove the blazer and add some chunky jewelry at night.
– Jen O’Brien
Sep
28
If you covet the look of starlet Drew Barrymore (sans weirdly dyed black tips) we’re here to help.
I spoke with CoverGirl makeup pro celebrity makeup artist Greg Wencel who got the chance to meet Drew in the media room to get all the details on how to get the star’s look at TIFF this year.
Drew Barrymore and Greg Wencel.
He told me how he would do Drew’s makeup to achieve a similar look. Because the 80’s are so in this year, Wencel suggests going with a tough chic makeup look with a bit of rock ‘n’ roll. You don’t want to look too retro – it’s supposed to look a bit made up but not garish.
Get Drew’s look:
Eyes: Wencel said to try smudging on a kohl black liner, rimming the entire eye and of course, always curl eyelash to open up the eyes. Then apply a bronze colour with a brush on the entire lid and sweep it underneath to smudge and blend the liner. Add depth to the outer corner of the eye with a deeper warm brown and fade it out into the temple. He recommends using a brush over your fingers for a more air-brushed look. Finish up with CoverGirl’s LashBlash Mascara to create a dramatic top and bottom lash. (In Drew’s new movie Whip It! the characters also used the new LashBlast Length on Ellen Page. “You can never have too much eyeliner, or mascara.”)
Face and Cheeks: Wencel recommended using a bronzer to contour – try sweeping it up into the temples for a modern 80’s look.You want to put it right in the hollow of the cheek and wrap it around into the temple. Just don’t drag your bronzer too far down into the jawline or it will create a jowl-like look. Then apply a lighter peach blush on the apples of the cheeks as highlighter.
Lips: Try CoverGirl’s Wetslicks Amazemint shade in No Care Bare sans lipliner. If you want it to last longer than a press conference, put one of the lipstains underneath and then the gloss on top. As the gloss wears off you’ll see a hint of colour still on the lips.
Not walking the red carpet anytime soon?
Even if you’re just going to a big event Wencel says you want to look well-rested and hydrated so you can try a moisturizing foundation, and of course, remember to smile for the cameras.
–Kate Daley
