Event Review: MASHUPAFFAIR2012

Last week, while most people were heading back home after a hard day’s work, I joined Ana Caracaleanu (owner of Acara Fashion Boutique and founder of Luevo) at MASHUPAFFAIR2012, an event thrown by Homegrown Boutique & ItsMusicFashionLife.com.

This fabulous networking event was held in the beautiful Homegrown Boutique, a small store located in the heart of Yorkville, Toronto’s fashion high end fashion district. Welcoming visitors with a glass of bubbly and tantalizing hors d’oeuvres (not to mention take-away containers prepped for sweets), the boutique offered designers and fashion experts from Toronto a chance to sneak a peek at some of the latest, and trendiest, items to hit the shelves including this beautiful dress, pictured right, accessorized with a classic pocket watch adorned with the signs of the zodiac; stunning.

After having a chance to roam the goodies, on, and off, the shelf, the owners welcomed make-up artists from Inspire Cosmetics, who shared  industry knowledge and offered free makeovers to all in attendance. While Ana enjoyed a relaxing makeover, I had a chance to speak with a few attendees who were really pleased with the event and advocated what the boutique stands for, particularly midst such a competitive industry.

So, what is the message? Apart from their exquisite taste in finger food, Homegrown Boutique’s major selling point is that it specializes in Canadian designer clothing and accessories.  As per their website, fashion items featured at the boutique are targeted for the “independent woman who loves to flirt with fashion”.  All collections are designed in Canada, and many are at least partially produced right in Toronto. In addition to producing beautiful pieces and throwing  top-notch get togethers, Homegrown Boutique is doing a great job helping local talent, find a home.