EterKnity

Susan's Got Talent and Style

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:11:00 +0000

I am one of the millions of people who watched Susan Boyle's Britain's Got Talent debut - over and over and over again. I Dreamed a Dream - such a powerful and moving song and Susan's amazing singing - it was heavenly. Now Susan's first CD, called (of course) "I Dreamed a Dream" has just been released - after setting a record as the biggest CD pre-order sales in the history of global online retailer Amazon.com. Proof that dreams do come true, and it couldn't have happened to a nicer lady.

Susan endured a lot of criticism for her looks and her style - but looks who's laughing now! Susan looks absolutely stunning in these photos - check out Harper's Bazaar for details of Susan's outfits. So Merry Christmas to Susan and I wish her continued success, happiness and good health in the years to come. I can't wait for my copy of the CD ... it's on my Christmas list!

Source: Harper's Bazaar Interview with Susan Boyle

The Perfect Evening Dress

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:24:00 +0000

I found this amazing collection of 125 evening dresses from the Fall 2009 season - just in time for you to select that special dress for the upcoming Christmas celebrations. Check out all of the dresses on Couture.com. You are sure to find the dress of your dreams, whether you are looking for simplicity or drama - it's all there. And the colours are amazing. If I had loads of money, I would choose from one of my favourites below - can you guess which one would be my top pick? What's your favourite?

Gorgeous and timeless from Luca Luca

Romantic from Zac Posen - LOVE the Red!

Sophisiticated and Stunning from Badgley Mischka

Feminine and Fabulous Dresses from Ralph Lauren - the Master!

Knitwear with Attitude

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:57:00 +0000

The runways are full of beautiful fashion for 2010 and there are lots of blogs about the fashion trends for Spring/Summer. I have seen lots that I want to post here. But, I am finding it hard to think about that too much at the moment, I am concentrating on getting through the Winter. And for me - that means lots of knitwear. I found these great knits on fashionising.com

Of course, I can't let you go without showing you some of EterKnity's great knits - below. Helping you stay warm and stylish.

From the Runway to your Closet

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:56:00 +0000

British designer, Alexander McQueen’s menswear and womenswear is now available in the U.S. through McQueen’s online store, Alexander McQueen.com. From the runway to your closet is now only a click away - if you live in the United States. I'm sure it will expand to the rest of the world - it's only a matter of time.

It's hard to beat the absolute fantasy of McQueen's fashion shows - click here to see McQueens Women's Fall/Winter 09 runway show "The Horn of Plenty" - amazing! I simply adore the black and white hounds tooth checks - but I love all things black and white. However, look behind the drama and there is something for everyone. Here are my picks from the online store:

100 Years of Beauty

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:45:00 +0000

LG Fashion Week in Toronto had an amazing opening night gala based on the theme of 100 Years of Beauty. From 1910 to the present day, each era was beautifully represented. I made this collage from photos of the Opening Gala that I found on blogto.com . As you can see, even the men took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, although the Amadeus look broke the 100 year rule. Now, I am off to raid my great-grandmother's closet - again!

The official LGFashionWeek website has amazing videos and photos that will give you a real sense of the drama.

My favourite designer of the week is definitely Ramona Keveza. Based in New York, Keveza was born in London, Ontario and still manufactures clothes in Canada. A leader in the bridal industry, Keveza is now successfully tapping into the eveningwear market. Here are three of my favourites from the show.

Photos: Brett Gundlock, National Post

p.s. What's your favourite look from the past? Mine is the 1940's - the clothes, the shoes, the hair - there is just something about that unique style that is timeless.

Free Ugg Giveaway from Whooga

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:58:00 +0000

What better way to stay warm and comfortable when walking that with a pair of these amazing Whooga Ugg Boots - the world's most comfortable ugg boots. Click here for details on how to enter for a chance to win a pair - Wooga gives a pair away every month!

Difficult Decisions

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:54:00 +0000

New York has just wrapped up its annual Fashion Week. I eagerly followed it all from the Front Row; i.e. my laptop. Then I had to make the difficult decision as to what to post here on my blog. I was looking for something different, but I can't help it - I keep going back to beaufitul gowns and dresses - maybe it's because I have never actually owned one. It's the Cinderella in me.

My favourites were by designer George Chakra . Mainly because of the range of wonderful colours from turquoise to lime green and the beautiful fabrics that makes everything so fabulously feminine.

And, no surprise, I absolutely love the black and white and black and gold.

Last but not least - here is your front row seat to see the GEORGES CHAKRA Spring 2010 runway show. Enjoy ...

Images courtesy of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

I Could Wear That!

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:39:00 +0000

I often visit this amazing site Fashionising.com, and today I came across this stunning Ralph Lauren collection, and I just had to share it with you.

I absolutely love everything here - from the evening gowns to the winter coats. Here are some of my favouries, in no particular order. But, I did want to highlight this first dress - I want one of those dresses. It is simply sophisticated - and it looks so wearable - even I could wear that!

The Perfect Dress

Heading out to have lunch with the girls

Meeting someone important after work

Gala Night

Hit the link below to view the entire collection - you will not be disappointed! Ralph Lauren Autumn(Fall)/Winter 2009-2010 Women's Collection

Source: Fashionising.com

Hats off to Ireland

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:58:00 +0000

Every summer Ireland welcomes visitors from all over the world to the Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show. With five full days of international competition and events, there is something for everyone - including the ladies.

This year, Blossom Hill Ladies Day gave them an opportunity to show off their outfits and win some wonderful prizes. Emir O’Shea's winning outfit was stunning - a silver gold linen bustier jumpsuit and oversized dramatic hat. Her prize included a weekend shopping trip to Milan as well as a trip to South Africa. I think I will start making my outfit and enter the Ladies Day competition next year! Any excuse to visit Ireland.

Source: Click here for more details and photos.

And the Winner is......Emir O’Shea

Julie Caulfield has Money on her MindTara Doyle - love this regal look

Aine O'Gorman - great choice of colours

Short Skirts, Thigh-High Boots and Shoulder Pads - Oh My!

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:42:00 +0000

Fashion comes and goes and every trend comes around better than before - well most of them. I adore the short jackets, thigh-high boots and micro dresses with belts. Necklaces are bigger and bolder than ever - all very very dramatic.

(from left) thigh high boots at Vivienne Westwood a/w 2010; big necklaces at Lanvin a/w 2010; biker jackets at Stella McCartney a/w 2010 Photo: OLIVIER CLAISSE

I am definitely not crazy about the return of shoulder pads though! They have been renamed Bold Shoulders and Power Shoulders - but they are still shoulder pads. They were in fashion back in the eighties and even into the nineties (and a few times in between) - and I was hoping that they would stay there - faded and forgotten - except for the occasional Eighties Theme Party.

click here for more photos and information on these Power Shoulders .

Although this jacket and dress are beautifully made, I am still not a fan of shoulder pads - they bring back memories of poodle perms!

Telegrah Article Link

Flight Delayed - Stranded in Paris

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:15:00 +0000

It seems my flight (of fantasy) has been delayed - and I am still stranded in Paris - long after the show is over. But, before I wake up to the realities of my suburban surroundings, I want to bring you more from the Paris Haute Couture Week (via the telegraph U.K.) There is so much more to see including Valentino and Chanel. Chanel wins the toss; only because I absolutely adore the classic Chanel suit. So here are some creations from the stunning Chanel autumn/winter 2009/10 Paris Haute Couture collection.

Models wear creations from the Chanel autumn/winter 2009/10 Haute Couture collection

Picture: GETTY IMAGES/ REUTERS

Models at the finale of the Chanel show

Picture: AP

Models wear creations from the Chanel autumn/winter 2009/10 Haute Couture collection

Picture: AP/ GETTY IMAGES/ REUTERS

Paris Style

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 22:51:00 +0000

When you think of style, do you automatically think of Paris? Probably the answer is yes, and you are definitely not alone. Of course, there are good reasons for that - and here's one of them. This Christian Dior autumn/winter 2009/10 Paris Haute Couture collection is stunning. From the hats to the gowns, and everything in between. A feast for the eyes. Here's a 'revealing' look at some of my favourites. Can you imagine owning/wearing some of these creations? Enjoy!

I AM going to the Ball!
Picture: AP/ REUTERS

Models with designer John Galliano, centre
Picture: AFP

A model wears a creation from Christian Dior with a hat by Stephen Jones
Picture: AP/ REUTERS

!! My Favourites !!
Picture: AP/ REUTERS

You can see what?
Picture: AP/ REUTERS

Let's Hear it for the Boys

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:23:00 +0000

I wanted to show you some of the Fall 2009 Versace Men 's Collection - mainly because of these amazing sweaters. I don't think I have blogged about men's fashion before, but who could resist these beauties - the sweaters that is :-)

Of course Donatella looked spectacular in the perfect black dress.

Donatella Versace

Source: http://www.men.sty.e.com/

Photos: Marcio Madeira

Summer Glamour

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:30:00 +0000

Here is a look at what was predicted to be the fashion trends for Spring and Summer 2009. Did any of these make it into your wardrobe this year?

From London Fashion Week Spring 2009 Trends, these Fabulous Flourescent and Glamorous Gold outfits were my favourites.

LF Markey, Josh Goot, Richard Nicoll and Sinha Stanic

Armand Basi One, Issa, Ossie Clark and Vivienne Westwood Red Label

Photos Source: girldir.com

Happy Canada Day

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:44:00 +0000

Today is Canada's 142nd birthday!!

Canada has lots of recognizable celebrities in Movies, Music, TV, Fashion and Sports, but there are "numerous Canadian researchers who have made significant contributions to the world in regard to scientific breakthroughs and to the progress of technology" (Canada-Heros):

Click here for more details on Frederick Banting

Banting and another researcher, C.H. Best, conducted experiments leading to the life-changing discovery of insulin. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1923, along with J.J.R. MacLeod. Insulin has made a difference in the lives of so many Canadians and people around the world - making Frederick Banting a true Canadian hero.

Click here for more details on Maude Abbott

Despite not being allowed into the medical program of her choice, because she was a woman, Maude Abbott overcame all obstacles to be recogized as a leading authority on congenital heart disease.

Come with me on a Trip across Canada - Enjoy. And Happy Canada Day!!

Hats off to Fashion

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:27:00 +0000

One of these days, when I can afford a hat, I am going to go to the horse races at Ascot or Churchill Downs. I will bet on a 100/1 winner, drink champagne to celebrate my win and auction off my hat for charity.

These are some of the 'sweetest' hats on display at Ascot this year. Ascot, like Churchill Downs, is just about as famous for its fashion and hats as it is for the horses - and here are some of the reasons why. It could also explain why the horses have to wear blinkers.

Candy Hats. photo: Adrian Dennis / AFP/Getty Images

Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Photo via dailymail.co.uk

Ice cream anyone ?

Thursday is always Ladies Day during the Ascot races. That's the day when the Gold Cup race takes place. This years winning horse - Yeats - set a record by winning the Gold Cup for the fourth consecutive time. Wonder if anyone noticed....

Looking forward to Fall

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Fri, 22 May 2009 01:47:00 +0000

Alice Palmer is an amazing knitwear designer who learned to knit when she was six years old. Both of her grandmothers were fashion designers. So, knitting and fashion are in her genes.

Alice previously sold designs to Donna Karen, Etro and Louis Vuitton, and worked freelance for Diane Von Furstenberg. After working on her own label she launched her first collection, Spring Summer 2009, at NY Profile during New York Fashion Week. Alice Palmer picked up the ‘Best Womenswear Designer’ award - no surprise there!

I have a passion for black and grey - especially if it is knitwear. So, join me as I browse through these amazing grey and black pieces - makes me wish Fall was here already. I am really looking forward to Alice's next collection.

Photography: Christopher Dadey

To learn more about Alice Palmer and see more photos, read her full interview with Rebekah Roy.

Twitter Blog Twitter Blog Twitter Blog

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:54:00 +0000

Well here I am, working on a blog about Twitter - shortly after twittering about my blog.

It's a never ending circle and if you let it, it will take over your life. And, now that I have 230,000 new friends, my life is very busy indeed. For example, I have at least 600 e-greetings to send out every day!! I like to remember all my friends on their birthdays, and I wouldn't want to leave anyone out - they might twitter about it. I did start out baking cupcakes for them on their birthdays, but I ate them all while twittering. My new friends are now encouraging me (via their contacts) to lose weight and get healthy - all at a reduced price. They know everyone!!

Then there are all the other wonderful new products and services that my new friends remind me about every day - because they have my best interests at heart. They want to see me succeed and be the best I can be; all the while twittering about them on my new, free laptop. Well, I haven't received it yet, but my twitter friend GEO289700000 from 'Out There' has assured me that it is on its way.

I have signed up for an on-line course, recommended by NONIEU987563. The course was free, can you believe it! I only paid the $980,0000 administration fee. At the end of the 8 weeks I should be fluent on Twitterese and know the meaning of words like Twubs and Meta Hashtag - all guaranteed to increase my followers (aka friends) by at least ten fold. I am also learning how to write code for a script that will automatically take care of the additional e-cards for me - I want to make them all feel loved.

On another positive note, twittering is a great way to save money. When twittering you forget to do all those things that you once thought were essential; eating, laundry and cleaning the house. It cuts your grocery and cleaning bills in half. And, you don't need all those fancy clothes for the office - heck you can just wear your pj's all day long. Don't you see the dollars mounting up and earning you all that interest. WOW - my twitter friends are right - the twitterverse is no place for losers.

Check out Andrew Spoeth's Presentations for a sample of twitter words and start twittering. Follow me on http://twitter.com/EterKnity and I will follow you back. My goal is to make the twitterati list - one million followers here I come. My other goal is to get traffic to one of my on-line shops so I can make some sales. Tacky, I know, but- that's life in Twitterville.

Oh, and by the way, I have made some wonderful friends on Twitter - and that is priceless. If/when you read this, I know you will understand. p.s. Hope you liked your birthday card and remember, don't ever Drink and Tweet :-)

Happy Etsy Day

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:03:00 +0000

April 24th 2009 is the first official Etsy Day - it's a day for Etsy Sellers to promote Etsy - not just their own shops.

Check our Etsy shop for details on our Etsy Day Giveaway - FREE white cashmere blend fingerless gloves with any purchase on April 24th 2009.

Etsy allows you to shop from the comfort of your own home, with thousands of world class shops just a click away. Browsing is easy and fun for buyers. You can find a wide range of items, ask questions from the sellers, check the feedback from other buyers, and follow the easy check out procedure. Then sit back and wait for your treasure to be delivered to your home. What could be easier?

Just click the links below to see the wide range of items available from all around the world.

Canada - Gingham Skies
Israel - EcoHead
Australia - Inretrospect
Isle of Wight - Vintage Vacations
USA - Smashgirl
Ireland - Bluewaveart
Spain - Masaoms

Or, browse through the amazing treasuries where sellers showcase their favorite items. So, what better way to promote Etsy than to showcase some of the treasuries that we have put together in the past. There just isn't enough room to show all of them!

And - see below for one of the many amazing treasuries where our knitwear has been featured. We are always thrilled when we are featured, there is something special about being acknowledged by your fellow Etsians.

Happy Earth Day!

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:04:00 +0000

Happy Earth Day!! One day doesn't seem to be enough to save our planet. We need everyday to be Earth Day so that future generations can enjoy the beauty that we take for granted.

Take a few moments and think about how you can make a difference, however small. Click here to find 10 things you can do right now to help save the environment and easy to follow EcoAction Tips.

Before the sun sets on this Earth Day make a commitment to yourself and your family to work for a clean earth. Go GREEN!!

Sunny the Great

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:23:00 +0000

The winner of Project Runway Canada Season 2 was announced last night. My pick, Sunny Fong, took the prize. His collection was bold, beautiful and impeccably made! He based his collection on Alexander the Great and certainly gave his all for the final battle. His beautiful designs stood out week after week and he was a favourite of mine from the start.

The prize included a cover and feature spread in ELLE Canada, a professional portfolio photo shoot courtesy of L'OrDeal Paris, a 'Runway to Retail' business mentorship with Winners, and $100,000 to start his own fashion line.

Congratulations also go out to Jessica Biffi who created a funky, hip collection. You can purchase the Jessica Biffi dress that she designed in Episode 6 at select Winners stores.

Knitting makes you Smart(er)!

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:47:00 +0000

Here at EterKnity we just love to knit. In fact, there isn’t a day that goes by that we’re not knitting. So, we were pleasantly (but not totally) surprised to find out the following “Tip” courtesy of Brain Age²:

Did you know that knitting can activate your prefrontal cortex?

Using both hands to create something can be a stimulating brain activity. Isn’t that something!!

The Knitted Brain by Dr. Karen Norberg

I decided to go looking for some info about the brain and knitting and I came across this incredible knitted brain. Dr. Karen Norberg, a psychiatrist at the National Bureau of Economic Research in Cambridge, knit this anatomically correct replica of the human brain. This amazing piece of work took her a year to complete.

“It was a labour of love.”

"For me, there were two humorous aspects. One was simply to undertake such a ridiculously complex, time consuming project for no practical reason."

"The second was the idea of making a somewhat mysterious and difficult object - a brain - out of a 'cuddly', cheerfully coloured, familiar material like cotton yarn."

What I really love about this brain is the zipper that separates the two hemispheres. What a brilliant idea. The woolly brain is now on display at the Museum of Science in Boston.

The knitted brain all zipped up

Here’s something else I found: Our Brains Love the Work. According to Professor Kelly G. Lambert of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA, the brain is programmed to derive pleasure and satisfaction when efforts produce something “tangible, visible, and—this is extremely important—meaningful in gaining the resources necessary for survival.”

“A lot of our brain is devoted to movement,” she says. “So hobbies and activities that use our hands are engaging in more of our brain’s real estate. Gardening, building model airplanes, and knitting could be the key to mental health because they activate a lot of our brain.”

So, there you have it - scientific proof that knitting is good for you - just like your mother and grandmother always told you!! Don't waste any more time get those knitting needles out and activate that brain of yours! The more you knit the smarter you will become. Nobel Prize here we come!!

Project Wedding - Etsy

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:20:00 +0000

For those of you still struggling with Spring ice and snow here in the northern hemisphere, do not despair - Spring weather is on its way. Here in South Western Ontario we had a preview of Spring weather on the weekend - wonderful sunshine and blue skies. Of course, thoughts of Spring are accompanied by visions of daffodils, snowdrops and brides! Yes, Spring wedding fever is here and I couldn't resist a peek at the bridal wear available on Etsy. Here are a couple of my favorites.

Available on Etsy from: Joan Shum Brides

The White Dahlia gown combines the classic and contemporary influences that inspire the designer Joan Shum. It's not hard to imagine this stunning wedding dress as a choice for the modern bride who still wants to retain the essence of romance.

Available on Etsy from : Isadora CLothing Etsy Shop

This amazing Eco Chameleon Wedding Gown by Isadora Clothing is perfect for today's eco-consciouos bride. Made from organic cotton/bamboo jersey or oragnic cotton/soy jersey this dress can be worn in many different ways - so the bride can change her mind at the last minute, or change her look throughout the day.

And of course, we can't forget the all-important Flower Girl.

Available on Etsy from: Richelle Leanne

Your flower girl will look and feel like a princess in this adorable dress - available from richelleleanne in lots of different colors.

The groom can add a dash of his own style by wearing a Dupioni Silk Cravat.

Available on Etsy from: Gentlemans Jabot

This Lavender Plum formal long Ascot cravat will ensure that everyone notices the groom as well! Lavender Plum not for you - don't worry because Gentlemans Jabot has an amazing range of colors so every groom is sure to find what he wants.

Project Runway Etsy

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:13:00 +0000

There's no doubt that there is enough talent on Etsy to put on an international fashion show. The talent out there is amazing and thanks to Etsy all of these designers are just a click away. If I could put on an Etsy fashion show, these dresses would be on my list of runway choices. The theme is very simple - I love everything here!

This eye-catching Spring Fling Yellow Chiffon Dress from Stephanie Madesh Designs captures the look and feel of Spring and is perfect for those Spring weddings or garden parties, or for an evening out.

This halter neck party dress by Decadent Designs will look great on any runway. It's sexy, feminine and elegant. Check out Decadent Designs Etsy store to drool over more amazing designs!

This spagetti strap summer dress is both classic and stylish. Available on Etsy from Pavlina Dadakova. I love their clothing line - "designed for women by women".

That's all for this update. Check back often for more Etsy runway updates!

Project Runway Canada

info@eterknity.com (EterKnity) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:04:00 +0000

I've been watching Project Runway Canada Season 2 and from the get go I had picked out my favourite designer. I think that Sunny is definitely the front runner followed closely by Jessica. Episode 8 saw the Return of the Supermodel and the designers had to create a dress for Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha to wear during New York Fashion Week.

Sunny created the winning design with a long black flowing dress fit for any supermodel. He stepped outside of his comfort zone and stayed away from making the corset top which he has used in his previous designs. The judges loved it and so did Coco!

Last weeks episode, Stick To It, is well worth mentioning too! The challenge was to create an evening gown with Post It Notes! Each designer was paired with a breast cancer survivor and the creations were auctioned off to raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Jessica won this challenge with a spectacular dress. She rolled the Post-It notes into cones to make the bottom of the dress and added a fabulous flower creation that was the icing on the cake. Sunny's creation was also spectacular. The skirt moved like material and the gold corset top and necklace were stunning. I loved Genevieve's dress too because she used different techniques for the skirt and the top. She used origami for the top which added so much texture and interest and the skirt was made using paper mache.

On a sad note, Jason Meyers model Janice Bourgon, passed away on Dec 18th 2008.