Lipstick Lifestyle

Celebrity swag and gifting lounges were out in full force at TIFF this season, with a ménage of VIPs, actors, directors, models and singers being taken from lounge to lounge and presented with some of the hottest merchandise around.

The IT Lounge gifting suite opened its doors on September 4th (until September 10th) at the luxurious Windsor Arms Hotel and provided celebs with a plethora of delights: Fila’s limited edition “F-Word Collection” of organic tees; The Right Hand Gal’s “You Are My Hero” necklace; cool sport sandals from Teva and The No Crave Diet book by Dr. Penny Kendall-Reed – to name only a few of the products available to celebs.

“After years of film festivals, we’ve seen celebrities go through a grueling schedule and we are thrilled to bring together this special collection of conveniences,” says Natasha Koifman, NKPR president and IT Lounge founder.

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For hardcore Festival movers and shakers, the search is on for the perfect TIFF wardrobe. The question is: how to look a million bucks without spending it?

Lipstick Lifestyle met up with eBay celebrity stylist Sandra Graham to learn how to achieve A-list style for less. Graham has been responsible for placing some of the world’s most stunning jewelry and dresses on actresses such as Jennifer Lopez, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon, and Beyonce Knowles.

Dresses are a must-have for your TIFF wardrobe. Our pick is a sassy one-shoulder dress. You’ll look sexy showing off that glowing summer skin. Celebs and movie-goers alike know that basic black will never go out of style but the colour red always stands out and will certainly make you a paparazzi darling. Whether you pick red, black or another hue, you can add a little sparkle to your outfit with a metallic clutch or strappy sandal.

Search the web and find out what your favourite celebs have donned at their star-studded events. After you’ve collected some preferred looks, visit eBay and search for those designers/brands. You never know what you might find on eBay: Graham purchased what might be the actual Marc Jacobs dress Anne Hathaway wore to the Golden Globe Awards. And she paid a fraction of the cost.

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The drink of choice for celebrating the good life, Champagne is a prerequisite during TIFF. Created in 1700, Champagne was chosen by the French kings as the gold standard of luxury and power. In 1866, French entertainer George Leybourne was hired by Champagne-maker Moet to promote its brand. A triumph of marketing, Leybourne’s efforts have cemented Champagne as the drink of choice as well as its elite status and celebratory personality. Made from chardonnay, pinot noir or pinot meunier grapes, Champagne is generally light in colour and should be served chilled (7C-9C or 43F-48F) in a tall flute glass to prevent the bubbles from escaping too quickly. So, how to choose? Cristal? Krug? Dom Perignon? Taittinger? Perrier-Jouet? Veuve Cliquot? Moet & Chandon? Most girls will answer “yes, please” to any of these offerings, but for those with a more discerning palette, choose sec, demi-sec or doux for a sweeter bubble. Those who want less sugar should select brut, extra brut or brut naturale.

At this year’s TIFF parties, Moet & Chandon will be the drink of choice for A-listers Matt Damon, Renee Zellwegger, Ed Harris and Jeremy Irons. Meanwhile, celebs at the Luxury Lounge in Lobby will indulge in Perrier-Jouet and guests attending VIP events at Hazel Boutique will be sipping Veuve Cliquot.

www.champagne.com

This year’s “Vision|Co. Wardrobe Lounge” (WL), created by style-maker Nicholas Mellamphy and Vision|Co., provides a delectable mix of eye-catching evening wear featuring Canadian designers such as Greta Constantine, Lucullen, Mikhael Kale and Nada Design alongside international labels Kenneth Cole, Ben Sherman and Police Eyewear. WL drinkables and edibles include products by Perrier-Jouet; Vitamin Water; The 1 litre Water Company; Lindt and Ace Bakery.

Located in a discreet second floor perch above Yorkville resto-club Lobby (home of the ultra-exclusive Luxury Lounge), the WL’s distinct white and purple décor follows the autumn trend of jewel tones. Celebs will discover rich red and purple gowns as well as the ever-classic black, white and charcoal red carpet “must-haves.” Other finds include: sleek daywear options; patent oversized handbags; tweed and wool chapeaux; bold jewellery from Davidson Design and stylish rain gear in red patent or gold from London Fog.

In previous years, the WL has been visited by Mena Suvari, Scott Speedman, Rachel Leigh Cook, Andre 3000 and Uma Thurman. Rumour has it TIFF media will be interviewing Hugh Grant (Lost for Words) and Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married) at the WL this week, while party faves Kate Hudson and Sir Richard Branson may be discovered perusing its racks.

Located in the heart of Toronto’s fashionable Yorkville district are several of the city’s most luxurious hotels. These are where A-list actors can be found catching a couple hours of shut-eye between attending film screenings, parties and the oh-so-fabulously decadent gift lounges.

Situated at 18 St. Thomas Street is a charming boutique hotel named the Windsor Arms Hotel. Many visiting film celebs, big-ticket musicians, and prestigious jet-setters call this property home when they are in town. And during TIFF, it plays host to the annual In Style party.

Built in 1927 and completely reconstructed in 1999; The Windsor Arms Hotel offers 28 luxury suites with 24-hour butler service, a highly rated full service spa and Lipstick Lifestyle’s favourite spot for high tea in Toronto. It is also just steps away from a glittering array of top designer boutiques like of Hermès, Tiffany & Co., Chanel and Prada.

“There’s nothing we can’t do,” says George Friedmann, Owner of Windsor Arms Hotel. “I once had a guest who frequented the hotel, and before one of his arrivals he called us up to fill his tub with JELL-O. That’s right — JELL-O. You know how our concierge responded? He asked, ‘what flavour?’”

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