Evening Gowns – Street Chic Canada

Streetchic Alice Li - Miss Ontario World 2018

Fashion Lookbook with Alice Li, Miss Ontario World 2018

July 18, 2018/0 Comments/in Designer, Evening Gowns, Fashion Designer, Girls Fashion, Ladies Fashion, Toronto /by Rob Campbell

Alice Li is Miss Ontario World 2018

Miss World Ontario 2018 Alice Li is no stranger to the world of fashion. She has walked Toronto Women’s Fashion Week twice and also designs her own line of couture gowns. Alice Li’s Instagram feed is filled with the latest styles and it’s full of color. Want to know where she gets everything? Today, she will take us through a few of her iconic looks during her reign as Miss Ontario!

Alice Li at BMO field and CanEggs photo shoot
Every girl needs a little black dress, right? It’s one of those basic essentials that your wardrobe always starts out with. Alice went to a VIP balcony viewing party for the Toronto Wolfpack Rugby League in a versatile black dress that suits many different occasions. The Wolfpacks were playing against the London Broncos at the Toronto Allan A. Lamport Stadium which was within perfect view from the 19th floor balcony. If you ever visit Toronto, you’ve got to check out at least one sports game! Aside from the game on this busy day, Alice wore this dress as a master smoothie maker for CanEggs egg white powder and as a makeup model for Modern Makeup Canada. You can’t go wrong with this outfit from Winners! She styled the plain black dress with shoes from Sirens that finished the look with a pop of colour. That’s always an advantage of wearing solid colors – you can get creative with how you style everything else without being too much!
Alice Li - Miss Ontario World 2018, evening gown
Now here is another one of Alice’s favourite looks… from Hudson’s Bay! This asymmetrical shoulder gives the dress just the right amount of style, without overpowering its simplicity of pure red. The silhouette gives it a very classic and polished look, perfect for a day or night out. She decided to match the dress with a pair of Mirelivia shoes from Call It Spring to give it some summer vibes! In the photo above, Alice is also styled with merchandise from the official TTC Shop – notice the umbrella is a map of the Toronto subway system. Given that this photo was taken in the heart of downtown Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square, you can’t get anymore Toronto than this!

Miss Ontario World 2018 - Alice Li, street fashion Toronto
This is an outfit that gets people talking and heads turning! Alice fell in love with this dress as soon as she saw it at Marla’s and here she is standing in front of the University of Toronto’s historic Hart House. Hart House is known to be Hogwarts-esque with its architecture and interior design, for all the Harry Potter fans out there! Gold and red is such an uncommon color combination but for this dress, it works! Alice is pairing it with shoes from Nine West and a timeless pink purse from Guess. This whole look is elegant but cute at the same time! Would you head to school in this outfit? At the University of Toronto, fashion is our passion!

Calgary Girls fashion story skateboarder

Skater Girl Fashion in Calgary

July 17, 2018/0 Comments/in Calgary Fashion, Evening Gowns, Girls Fashion, Ladies Fashion /by Rob Campbell

by Kansas King, Miss Calgary World 2018

When you have a longboard, you never know where the trail is going to take you.

Shaw Millennium Park is the largest skatepark in North America. Skaters from all over the world come to this Calgary hot spot. It has ramps, bowls, tunnels, anything your adrenaline junkie heart desires.

There isn’t just skate equipment here though. There are over 60 unique murals around the city, which bring a modern vibe to a seasoned town.

Your wardrobe should reflect your interests. Skating downtown brings casual and sporty together.

The board you choose describes your personality, so rock it. Landyachtz is the Canadian company that you will see a majority of Calgarians riding.

Wear your favorite band tee and snapback, show off that skater side. Oh, and you see those poles in the background? Those were lasers made in 1999 when the park was first built. Unfortunately, they had to be permanently shut down because they distracted airplanes. The more you know…

July just creeps in, and all of a sudden it’s Stampede. It’s time to kick off your Converse, grab your cowboy boots (that you bought last minute) and go downtown!

The Calgary tower may no longer be the tallest tower in the city, but it still stands out amongst the rest. The days are longer and the days are hotter, soak it in, because it won’t last long!

Girls, put on that cute dress you bought from The Store Upstairs boutique in Airdrie, and eat all the mini donuts you want, because The Calgary Stampede is only two weeks of the year.

In the background you can see Bloom, a winning art project created in 2013. The sun is setting on The Calgary Stampede. The horse trotting, country music, and carnival games ring in your head. Can’t wait to see what next year brings.

Calgary is full of amazing paths throughout the city. Riverwalk is one of the most popular pathways. During the day, it is a little piece of heaven for lovers of the outdoors. It’s a great place to longboard. Gliding across bridges, inhaling fresh air, hearing the flow of the water under you, and seeing smiling faces as you drift by. Not only does this pathway decrease the amount of cars on the road, but it gives a calm and safe getaway from a busy life.

Romantic Hot Spots in Calgary at Night

St. Patrick’s Island pedestrian bridge is a popular spot when the sun starts to go down.

Now boys, if you are planning a date with that cute girl you met at Stampede, this might just be the place for a romantic walk. Take her for a nice dinner at Booker’s BBQ Grill and Crab Shack, listen to some Blues music, then watch the sunset over the water.

The night isn’t over quite yet, there is more to see when the lights go down. The Scotiabank Saddledome takes the spotlight up on Scotsman Hill. You can hear the C of Red, as they cheer when the Calgary Flames score a goal.

The night ends with bright stars in the sky and great memories in mind.

Alice Li Crowned Miss World Ontario 2018

February 3, 2018/0 Comments/in Evening Gowns, Fashion Event, Ladies Fashion, Toronto /by Rob Campbell

On Sunday, January 21, 2018, after two days of competition and at the end of three hour show, Alice Li was crowned the new winner of Miss World Ontario 2018.

Miss World Ontario is the provincial qualifier to Miss World Canada, the official preliminary to Miss World. Fifty contestants from all across the province were judged on a wide range of criteria including interviews, charity work, evening gown, swimsuit, and photogenic. Alice Li, the winner of the competition is a 24 year-old graduate from the University of Toronto who studied business for her undergraduate and graduate programs.

What does it take to win a beauty pageant? We sat her down our new Provincial queen to ask her some questions.

Photo: Joshua Best Photography

Why did you decide to compete in a beauty pageant?

From what I can see, beauty queens are jacks of all trades, but masters of none. What I mean is, the winner is always someone who is well-rounded, but doesn’t necessarily need to score highest in every single category. That’s exactly what I do. I know a little bit of everything, but I don’t consider myself an expert in any one particular thing.

Did you think you had a chance at winning?I believe that healthy sportsmanship means going into a competition aiming for your personal best. You have to set yourself realistic goals and define your own meaning of success. Success could be finding the courage to walk up on that stage, or finding confidence in a swimsuit, etc.

My personal goal was to place in the Top 3. With over six years of experience competing in beauty pageants I obviously believe I have what it takes. To me, finishing Top 3 would be a personal win, but look what happened. I did not expect to place first! That’s also why half of my crowning moment photos did not turn out well because I was so in shock, I suddenly didn’t know what to do or where to stand.

At Street Chic, we are all about fashion. Tell us more about your wardrobe for the competition!

This year I went with more of a pink theme. There were fifty contestants there so and anything that makes you standout is worth the effort.

In the morning, showed up to rehearsals in this super adorable Ted Baker dress. Although there is no dress code for rehearsals, I still like to put a bit of effort and feel like myself. After all, fashion is a way to express your personality and I thought this dress was so “me”.

My interview outfit was also pink and I went with a fitted, sleeveless Calvin Klein classic. You can’t go wrong with Calvin Klein for a modern, elegant look.

I went simple with the accessories and wore these gorgeous pearl earrings from The Modern Princess. So my approach to the beauty pageant and the classic dilemma of ‘What should I wear to the interview?’, was to dress business casual with a pop of style.

For my evening gown, I took a risk and wore a pink tulle ballgown from Mac Duggal. In beauty pageants, big ballgowns are typically not as popular as sexier styles. The top bodice is embellished in rhinestones and features a low waist. It was an interesting silhouette because the accentuation was on my hips instead of my waist. I’ve never competed in a ballgown before but it was fun to feel like a princess on stage! I guess it all worked out in the end, and perhaps that means pink is my best color.

Photo Credit: Charlie Lam Photography

We heard it was also your birthday? Happy birthday!

The competition date this year actually fell on my 24th birthday. Out of fifty girls, I was the 24th contestant, with a last name starting with “L.” I didn’t plan any birthday celebrations because my mind was completely focused on the competition. However, all the girls were so supportive throughout the weekend and after my crowning onstage, everyone actually started singing Happy Birthday. I could not have imagined a better way to celebrate.

What was the hardest part about the competition?

One of hardest part about the competition is staying focused because so many different thoughts run through your head at the same time. For example, when walking onto stage for evening gown, you’re trying to walk up the stairs elegantly without tripping over your dress. At the same time, you’re smiling and making eye contact with the judges. In your head, you’re reminding yourself of the choreography so that you don’t walk the wrong way. Cameras are flashing from all directions while you’re blinded by the stage lights. But to showcase your true personality, you’ve just got to take a deep breath and let everything flow naturally.

Photo Credit: Charlie Lam Photography

As the ambassador for Ontario, what is your goal this year?

I believe that the most valuable asset we own is time. You cannot buy time or trade it with others. That is why I want to dedicate my time volunteering within my community. I have many charities and nonprofit organizations that I will be working with this year, including the Good Shepherd Ministries and Children’s Wish Foundation. Such an amazing start to 2018 and I look forward to this new journey!

Photo credit: Joshua Best Photography

top ten evening gowns at Miss World Canada 2017

Best Evening Gowns at 2017 Miss World Canada

August 18, 2017/0 Comments/in Evening Gowns, Fashion Event, Ladies Fashion /by Rob Campbell

Miss World Canada 2017 Grande Finale on Saturday July 22, 2017 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre had a huge live audience and tens of thousands more people watched the web broadcast. One of the most heavily scrutinized videos afterwards is the evening gowns portion of the show, where the top twenty delegates display their heavenly creations. Below is a video courtesy of nicevisions

Although fifty seven contestants from across the country graced the stage that night, only twenty were invited to showcase their designer dresses on stage. The Top 20 Finalists modeled their gowns to the world at the show, and one of the young women you can see in the videos and in the photos below is Cynthia Menard who won the crown that evening. Sharing Toronto wrote an inside story about 2017 Miss World Canada pageant; the author followed the girls throughout the week and right up until the night of the competition.

Torontonicity author Lori Bosworth published an account by Alice Li of the Top 10 Evening Gowns at 2017 Miss World Canada. Below is an excerpt from that piece for Street Chic.

Evening Gowns add substance to the show

The Evening Gown portion of any beauty pageant is one of the most anticipated and most scrutinized sections of the show. It’s an opportunity for each contestant to show her elegance, personality and style. Below is a candid capture this author secured backstage at the 2017 Search for Miss World Canada as the delegates were queuing up to go on stage.

ecvening gwons at miss world canada

On Saturday July 22nd the evening gown score was worth 20% of the contestants’ total and as such, it’s the highest-weighted category. Other segments include swimsuit, runway, interviews, charity fundraising, and social media. Just getting to this point in the award show is a real achievement!

Here are the top six dresses in this author’s opinion. For more details please do read Torontonicity’s Top Ten Evening Gowns at 2017 Miss World Canada where there is much more narrative description surrounded these designer creations and the ladies that wore them that night.

Name: Maleeka Singh
Title: Miss Southcentral Ontario World 2017
Gown: Sponsored by Jasz Couture

Jasz Couture is a famous evening gown and prom dress store in the USA. Maleeka choose this piece from their 2017 catalogue. They are famous for styling dressy short pants and shimmering dresses including their signature sexy cut-outs. Jasz Couture continues to be innovative and fashion forward, bringing the hottest looks for prom.

Name: Lia Fallah
Title: Miss Vancouver World 2017
Gown: From Jonathan’s in New Westminister

Lia bought her dress at Jonathon’s Proms and Evening gowns in New Westminster, Vancouver BC. They offer the latest styles in bridal gowns, bridesmaid, prom, grad dresses, and flower girl dresses. This dress is exceptional. It really is one of those gowns that makes you look twice! It is actually full of flower details, from the waistline all the way down to the skirt ruffles. The dress reminded her of the traditional Persian Toranj style evening wear and that’s close to her heart and country of origin.

Name: Joana Szeen
Title: Miss Southwestern Ontario World 2017
Gown: Designed by Joana Szeen, made by Edith Lichtherte

Draped in the most vibrant shade of red, Joana Szeen designed most of this dress herself, including choosing the fabric.

Working with Edith Lichtherte, a designer from Windsor Ontario, Joana sketched the out elements herself and even included some delightful finishing touches, like roses on the back.

Avigail Aaron at Miss World Canada 2017

Name: Avigail Aaron
Title: Miss Thornhill World 2017

Although purple is not a popular colour for pageant gowns, Avigail displayed incredible showmanship and flare with this unusually beautiful creation. The dress has nude mesh to hold it together at the sides and back and it exposes some of the natural curves of her body.

Avigail also matched her shade of lipstick and mascara to her gown to really focus her appearance. It worked. Her purple gown was one of the highlights of the show.

Terin Rothernel at Miss World Canada 2017

Name: Terin Rothernel
Title: Miss Perth County World 2017
Gown Designer: Tony Bowls Paris, sponsored by Jacalyn Flood from Arbonne.

Terin’s bright red dress drips confidence from every angle! Simple yet sophisticated, this Tony Bowls original design is timeless. Tony Bowls evening wear designs have a reputation in the pageant world where numerous Miss America, Miss USA and Miss Universe contestants have worn his dresses. Tony is the Official Designer for the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant and was the 2014 Official Miss America Evening Gown Designer. This strapless mermaid gown is made from double jersey and features side peplum accents.

Olivera Paripovic at Miss World Canada 2017

Name: Olivera Paripovic
Title: Miss Quebec World 2017
Gown: Mackenzie Lace Gown by Marciano

Olivera made quite an entrance wearing this luxurious scuba-knit gown. With a stunning lace design, sexy plunging neckline and head-turning train, it’s the ultimate occasion statement piece. Alice described this dress as a perfect example of “less is more.” The gown is from Loue1Robe in Montreal, which is a unique dress rental store. The dress’s exterior shell is made of 95% Polyester, and 5% Spandex. The dress is lined (100% polyester) with a zipper for closure at the back.

Name: Katie Seto
Title: Miss Durham Region World 2017
Gown: From Sharleez Bridal

Katie’s stunning ball gown was a risky move that worked – it caught everyone’s attention and she really pulled it off! Katie’s styled her hair to match and her big natural smile finished the look perfectly.

One thing that judges look for is how comfortable the contestant looks onstage, and in the pictures here you can really tell that Katie loves her dress and is feeling very confident about it. Finding a dress that gives you confidence is necessary for winning the crown.

In the end, perhaps its worth reflecting that it really doesn’t matter how much each delegate’s gown costs, or where it’s from, as long as the delegate feels comfortable and confident enough to let their true spirit shine forth on stage.

Save

Beach Fashion, Ballgowns and Bling on Brant St in Burlington

August 6, 2017/2 Comments/in Beach Fashion, Evening Gowns, Girls Fashion, Ladies Fashion /by Rob Campbell

By Lydia, Miss Teen Halton Region 2017

I see fashion as a strong form of expression. Your choice in what you wear each day is what you’re presenting to the world, and what you’re allowing pre-judgements of you to be based on. Variety in the fashion industry introduces individuality and ensures everyone gets to choose what they want others to see of themselves. From fancy gowns to ripped jeans to boho skirts, there is something out there for everyone. Having the freedom to express yourself through fashion is perhaps the richest opportunity out there, because it is entirely up to you what you want to portray yourself as on any given day. It is a lot of fun being able to step into a different life through different trends and styles, and I got to do just that with my sister and a friend on Brant Street in Downtown Burlington, Ontario.

Brant Street shopping district stretches from the heart of Burlington all the way to the pier by the edge of Lake Ontario. It is home to coffee shops, restaurants, banks, Tim Hortons (Canadian, eh?), fashion designers, tattoo parlours, and even a mini movie theatre! All the business owners I have approached on Brant Street have a love for the Burlington community and have shown me endless support through my journey to Miss Teenage Canada. On Wednesday afternoon, my two gorgeous models and I visited two stores on this scenic street, Forever Summer and Mirella’s Ladies Boutique, to showcase Burlington fashion.

Forever Summer sponsored me with a gorgeous two-piece swimsuit, supplied by a New Zealand brand, Piha, for Miss Teenage Ontario. Forever Summer truly captures the essence of the “beach life”, and every time I walk into the store I feel like it’s time for sun, sand and surf — never mind the actual weather outside. The owner, Valerie Dow, always goes out of her way to pursue the perfect summer look for anyone searching.

My sister Hester, the first model of the day, is 18 years old. She grew up in New Zealand living by the beach, so beach wear is very familiar to her. Hester in swimwear in Burlington Ontario Hester is an expert when it comes to “slaying” on the beach! Her look consists of a woven bag — perfect to carry all your beach gear — a thin cover-up, a wide brimmed white hat, and a gorgeous striped bikini from Seafolly Australia.

Natasha, the next model of the day, is 18 years old and grew up in Dubai. She is fun, compassionate, and beautiful inside and out. ready for the beach, swim wear fashion in Burlington Ontario Check out her look! She has a nice mini woven clutch, super chic round sunglasses, a black and white striped bikini and stylish black lace pants. Natasha was so excited to be wearing the outfit she picked. It made her feel confident and fierce. Fashion is powerful!

Lydia modeling swimwear at sponsor business, Forever Summer, in Burlington Ontario

When I put on my chosen beach outfit, I felt as if I was instantly transformed into one of the beach models featured in magazines. It was so much fun to pose for pictures in the elegant and sleek black romper from Rapz and broad pink hat.

Mirella’s Ladies Boutique on Brant Street, was the second destination of our modeling trip. And just like, in seconds we were transported from the beach to an evening gown extravaganza. Mirella herself was there to greet us and was excited to hear about the upcoming pageant. Mirella’s boutique sponsored me with my evening gown, cocktail dress and interview wear for the Miss Teenage Ontario pageant, and for that I am truly grateful. Mirella’s customer service is absolutely exceptional and she never lets anyone leave the store without going out of her way to help them find what they’re looking for.

Natasha and Hester both found the perfect dresses they wished they had known about at prom! Hester modeled a gorgeous, slim bright red gown and Natasha posed in a black and white evening gown. They loved the dresses so much that they couldn’t resist taking a selfie for Snapchat!

nude body gown at dress shop in Burlington Ontario I wore a nude body tight gown by J S Collections, the same brand as my white evening gown from Miss Teenage Ontario. The gown was exquisite, perfect for a gala or fancy dinner event.

Our trip to Brant Street was exciting, adventurous and extremely fulfilling, but the fun didn’t end there. We made our way to one final destination, Glamjulz where Monica, the owner of this unique jewellery shop is the most positive and outgoing person you could hope to meet. juice bar matron on Brant St in Burlington Ontario Her whole business runs off her bright aura! She never fails to wow Canada with her julz. She is providing me with all the jewelry for my entire week in Toronto for Miss Teenage Canada! Her jewelry takes any outfit to the next level, and the best part is she makes custom designs! She is modeling one of her amazing looks.

Our Wednesday fashion excursion underscored how strong of a personal expression fashion really is and how much an outfit can speak to others. The girls and I went from beach girls, to princesses, to bling divas, all in one afternoon on Brant St in Burlington.

Save