S@M'S SIGHTINGS

behind the scenes at Daytime Toronto!

2011-11-04T11:58:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday November 1st, I had my third appearance on the Toronto morning talk show Daytime Toronto! It was an incredible experience, and I luckily had my interview with the incredible Glenn Dixon!

I debuted 6 pieces from my Fall 2011 collection! That is available exclusively at the local boutique Fresh Collective on Queen street in downtown Toronto

Here is my 3 beautiful models! Fabulous models, who showcased the clothing amazingly!

Again, the models and I were decked out in unique nickel free sterling silver pieces from my friend Danielle and her line Zippan Designs.

sorting through all the amazing pieces with the talented Danielle!

Getting Mic'd!

and the show starts! a whole 8 minute segment flew by so quickly!

my models and I decked out in SS FALL 2011

Thanks everyone! another great show!!

Library Dresses are back!

2011-10-31T05:36:00.000-07:00

Available exclusively at Fresh Collective, these ruffly wonders are back! Available with two new styles including the new V-Neck Lady library !

All dresses retail for $142, and come in a variety of colors!

Also introducing the Library Wrap Hoody!

Available in deep gem colors, perfect for Fall!

V-Neck Lady library dresses in red and blue winter knits!

NEW WEBSITE!

2011-03-08T07:36:00.000-08:00

Hello folks,
well my website is "growing up", I am days away from launching my new website and saying goodbye to this one!! It will still be an exciting and easy to navigate site..However it will have a more grown- up feel to it! I will continue with the blog as well, to keep you up to date on all my exciting adventures, in depth!
Stay Tuned!

S@m

Spring Clothes are here!

2011-02-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

Along with many lady library dresses in bright color blends, I have a new addition to the crop of Spring Dresses! including a new "Library Scoop" dress and again the long beach dress in a super comfy stretch!
I know, I know it might seem a bit too FREEZING for this long summery dress, however it is a teaser to get you excited for the WARM WEATHER AHEAD!! The long dress retails for $115, and is made from a super soft stretch, and is currently available in a bright turquoise, and your basic black. This practical piece is available in 3 sizes and will be available in more colors as the summer begins!

Hope you had a romantic Valentines! Below is the window at Fresh Collective Queen St. W, and smack in the middle is one of my dresses! This dress is no longer available in the store, and I only have one left in a size Small. Please feel free to email me if you are interested!

The dress has a soft stretchy velvet bodice with a hot pink organza bottom and stretchy purple waist piece. The dress is currently 40% off! Message me for details!

More Holiday Happenings!

2010-12-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

Saturday we spent the day at the ShopSocials event: Gifted& Glam, it was a long day but filled with much fun!
Heres Alexa manning our station! The event took place at the very beautiful and historic Great Hall on Queen st. W

These are my beautiful holiday gift bags~! At the event I debuted my new sparkly NYE top, that is super comfy and looks great! Sold one in the first couple of minutes to an eager gal in love with purple sparkles!!

Our very friendly and successful neighbor DaLish Cosmetics was the perfect addition to a long afternoon!!! Of course I had to get the amazzzing Day to Night lip gloss, and the 2 in 1, liquid eye liner and mascara! Her products are all made in Toronto, and from locally sourced products!!

Ladies winding up for some serious shopping!!

New at Fresh Collective!

This weekend, the Sparky NYE tops debuted in the shop as well as a couple more Lady Library dresses. Perfect for those last minute holiday purchases and party season!

Holiday season is here!

2010-12-10T06:54:00.000-08:00

Come on out to a fabulous Shop Socials event taking place this weekend!! I will only be there Saturday with my dresses and some truly amazing prices!! So come shop the vendors and make sure to stop by and say Hi!!!!! plus hot cocoa bar?? helllllllooooooo amazing!!

National Post???

The amazing designer and entrepreneur Laura-Jean of Fresh Baked Goods was featured in the National Post last week, and I was lucky to be brought along!! It was a great article, and incredible exposure + great shots of our dresses! Click here to read the full article!

Here are some more beautiful shots of the Fall Winter Collection

this dress is SOLD OUT! However, if you are interested in a custom, please contact me! It is available at Fresh Collective Queen st W. in an entirely purple look!(purple bottom) $270
Library Dress galore, + Lady Library dresses! Will be 2 for $200 until the end of January!! I will have a WHOLE bunch of them this Saturday at the Gifted and Glam event!These little mini fire ball print dresses are still available at Fresh Collective Queen St. W, The Purple Thumb Queen st E, and JTrove in Port Credit!

Cya this weekend! Happy shopping!

Guelph Humber - Exclusive Event

2010-10-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

The University of Guelph Humber fourth year Business students enrolled in the Events Management course decided to put together a fashion exhibition on campus which took place on October 28th. The name of the event was Exclusive, and focused on Canadian fashion and designs!The proceeds from this Fashion Show went to YMCA Women s Shelter, an organization that provides safety and shelter for women and their children who are escaping violence. The shelter also provides food and clothing for these individuals, as well as medical and legal assistance.

At this event were many great designers, and lots of beautiful clothes!! I participated as much as I could by having a display with my dresses and information! This event was a fabulous little party for a great cause, and the students did a phenomenal job!!

me and Alexa, enjoying the beautiful set up of my work!

Thank you esp. Caroline and Team!

Thank you to the students! Congrats you guys did a great job! The Fashion display will be up for one more week in the Guelph Humber Art Gallery

The Fall Clothing Show

2010-09-28T18:11:00.001-07:00

The Fall Clothing Show, is now OVER and DONE WITH! What a great weekend, and what a sleep I had last night finally, once the chaos was over!! Thank you to all my friends(STAFF), new customers, Clothing Show peeps, and family for helping me out with EVERYTHING!!
This was my second time, having my OWN booth! Which is great, however creates a BIT more stress, and much needed preparation. AS you can see above, that is what my table and MIND looked like 24 hours before the show begun!
Thanks to doing more and more events like this I find myself getting into a rhythm with these types of things... I was actually able to have a bit of a relaxing evening on Thursday. Basically had to finalize a couple simple silk screen things and luckily watched some TV. Thanks to Mr. E for the help as well as Dugan for theee cutest company :)

Boom, FRIDAY EARLY MORNING! Alexa and I begin with the blank space to the upper left! And after some breakfast and a walk, and 5 hours later, BOOTH 533 was ready to party!

Since I have been having camera trouble, I wasn't able to capture ALL the moments this past weekend, however am quite happy with the selection I have. As you can see above, happy with my booth too!(and my dresses on the cover flyer)

This was a photo I tweeted out of my final booth all ready for some action on Friday afternoon! Please note my GENIUS change room! It worked so well, and is SO stylish ;)

Follow moi on twitter - @SeamstressSam !!

Yes, as if I don't design and have fashion on the brain enough... Lately I have been sewing hairbands for myself...In my spare time...hahahaha

My lovely Sunday help, Wiese. She was very excited about her VINTAGE Glamour magazine purchase... We had a lot of fun going through it and looking at the old adds... As seen to the upper right is a lovely gal in the Library dress that was basically designed just for her!! Don't ya think??

It was quite a relief to see pieces from my older collections happily go into the arms of deserving customers!!

and the Fall 2010 collection!

Here we have some more booth shots. IF you didn't sign up for the NEWSLETTER list, please submit your email address here. Next one comes out October 1st!

Some more happy customers! These two girls were so cute, bought matching dresses to trade back and forth as one of them moves to Brazil !! The beach dress from this past Summer, is definitely a staple for moving to Brazil

and my dresses participated in the RUNWAY show once again.. Was great to have some sparkly pieces be well received from the crowds !!

Photos are popping up everywhere! Please send them in and I would love to post them on my blog!!
Beautiful photos from Raymond Chow of CanadaWears.ca are available here!

Thanks again to everyone for a great weekend!!

2010-09-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

Fall 2010 Runway Schedule:

Friday September 24, 2010

6:30pm show

Harobed
Love Poetry Corsets
Meshia's Closet
Hibebe
Henkaa
Anu Raine

7:00pm show

Espiritu Folk
The Jewelry Movement
Olio Studio
Shiney Bits
Vintage Nouveau
Fairies Pyjamas

7:30pm show

Flora and Fauna
Diane Kroe
Samantha Stoncius
P!xy
Melissa Arruda
Stephanie Connell

Saturday September 25, 2010

1:00pm and 5:00pm shows

Harobed
Love Poetry Corsets
Meshia's Closet
Hibebe
Henkaa
Anu Raine

2:00pm and 6:00pm shows

Espiritu Folk
The Jewelry Movement
Olio Studio
Shiney Bits
Vintage Nouveau
Fairies Pyjamas

3:00pm and 7:00pm shows

Flora and Fauna
Diane Kroe
Samantha Stoncius
P!xy
Melissa Arruda
Stephanie Connell

See you then!

ONE WEEK!

2010-09-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

The Toronto Clothing Show is happening one week today!!!!!!! Man, do I have a LOT TO DO! Their website carries all the important information you need to know! Be sure to go online and check out the other vendors, directions, and DISCOUNTED TICKETS! Tickets can be bought online at a discounted price until September 24th at 3pm. Tickets are $10 at the door

Like always, I will be showcasing designs on the Runway! RUNWAY show times are not available yet, however be sure to catch one Friday night and through out the day on Saturday. The Fashion shows do not happen on Sunday, however I will be there at my booth so still come out! Once I get the schedule I will post it up here.. Above and below are the winning photos from last seasons photography contest! Beautiful shots, and winning photos for sure! Its great to see my dresses dominate both photos :)

First place winning shot and cover of Clothing Show posters seen around the city!

Friday
Saturday
Sunday

3pm - 9pm
11am - 8pm
11am- 6pm

Better Living Center, Exhibtion Place Toronto

See you next week! I will be at booth 533

a morning at DAYTIME TORONTO

2010-09-10T11:37:00.001-07:00

Well on Wednesday EARLY morning, we woke up and drove ourselves way out to the Rogers TV studios in the North/East end.. and got ready for a completely abnormal morning. I found out the exciting news a while ago that I was booked to do a fashion segment on Wednesday September 8th on Daytime Toronto (and have been nauseous ever since). I lovvve TV, and love entertainment, I was just really nervous to appear on TV but mainlyy SUPER EXCITED!!

So here we all are in the backstage area where me and my entourage got to hang and wait! A lot of hurry up and waiting I found... :) Erik, Alexa my models, as well as fellow friend Kelly from the jewellery line Electric Lollipop and I chatted and got everything ready for my big debut!! It was so great to be surrounded by friends because we just laughed our way through my anxiety :) THANKS GALS& E!!

Here I am viciously working away on my cue cards...THAT I didn't even end up using in the segment!!haha

and here is the table filllllllled with the lovely pieces from Electric lollipop, ready to be worn and dazzled on camera!

YAY I am finally all make upd, and sportin some beautiful Electric Lollipop drop earrings that were my inspiration for the purple dress that I made the night before..! Beside, we have Kelly and my last minute SUPER model, Ann.. Who took one for the team and became a model for this exciting morning!!

Kelly getting Kaycee all jewelled up!!

Getting super nervous at this point... The friendly RogersTV staff putting a mic on me! That was exciting, however I watched what I said for the next 15 minutes before I went on camera(worried they were listening haha).. The poor intern girl was so confused as to how to put the mic pack on me with my Signature SAMANTHA lace up back causing a predicament.

Kelly watching over carefully, making me laugh to ease my nerves before we go on!!!

YAY! come shop at Fresh Collective!!!!!

and once I am gone, here is Alexa running the backstage ship! 3 girls, 6 looks! holy cow, happy I wasn't back there!!!

Erik is snapping some paparazzi shots of me through the hall way!! Me and host Alana chatting, before the BRIGHT lights came on and my HEART started racing... Man those lights are bright!

Erik backstage snapping shots of me on camera!!! Thanks E!!!

Samantha Stoncius.... Quite scary to see my name up there on the TV!!

More backstage snap shots! Thank you to Alexa for getting those girls out there as quick as possible in their outfits!

YAY I AM DONE! no longer need to keep my eyes open.... hahaha

and here is all the TEAM! minus Erik, no photos of me and my handsome photog...he was too busy capturing the great moments. Thanks again to all those who sent your warm wishes and compliments!!! IT was a fabulous morning, and I cant wait to do it again, I feel I learned so much and will be sure to get the video up here some how for all those who missed out!

New at The Purple Thumb

2010-08-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

Way in the lovely beaches is The Purple Thumb! This store was my very first shop in Toronto that I was available in, and it is so great to still be a part of!

My fall collection is now available! at their Beaches location. They have opened up another shop on Queen st West, September 1st!

For more information please visit their website!

and thats how you do 5 deliveries in 5 days!

2010-08-27T15:10:00.001-07:00

This was my usually not THIS messy table for the last couple of days... Filled with new product, old product, labels, tags, ribbons, safety pins, TEA! However I am happy to say that this is no more! I have successfully finished all of my FALL deliveries!

The last piles of dresses ready to hit the racks!!

My mom and I headed out to the east end today, braved the C.N.E traffic, almost did a bit of shopping and had some yummy thai for lunch! We stopped in at the lovely Nathalie-Roze & co boutique in Lesleyville to drop off some FALL pieces.

Nathalie-Roze & Co has housed the SAMANTHA line for now almost2 years! It has been a great experience and am happy to be a part of this lovely little shop! They have some amazing workshops coming up so I thought I would post here whats going on for September! I think I want to attend the Clothing Swap... I definitely could get rid of some stuff!! All information is regularly updated in their FACEBOOK GROUP!

SEPTEMBER/October Happenings...

Thurs. September 16th, 4pm - 9pm
Manicure Night (2)
w/Queen of the Castle
---

Thurs. September 23rd, 5pm - 9pm
The Uber-SWAP (clothing & accessories party)
Details soon...
---

Organic SOAP-Making Workshop
Sunday September 19th, 11am - 2pm
+
Saturday October 2nd, 11am - 2pm
Call to book: 416-792-1699

and here below is Nathalie-Roze staffer Laura, who tried on one of my new pieces the second it came through the door! What a beautiful model! :) Laura is happily wearing the Fireball trapeze dress which retails for $130

Fall FUN at Fresh Collective!

2010-08-25T20:36:00.001-07:00

Here is our lovely fall window display seen from the amazing Queen W. Fall items are coming in, and there is many fabulous new stuff to be purchased!!!

My fall collection is now up! and seen at the front door of FC, is my 80s inspired little one piece jersey suit! It looks like your typical box suit, however no shoulder pads and no harsh and rigid material! There is two different prints, and 3 different versions! They retail for $140

Of course library dresses are available too, along with the Fireball trapezoid dress!

You can see here the two different, but quite similar knits! The jersey knit is so soft and makes for a very comfy outfit that again, can be dressed up for the office or down for dinner! and going with this Falls theme of purple accents** note the BIG bright purple buttons!

and last night we had our monthly University course by creator of all things Fresh Collective, Laura-Jean of Fresh Baked. She is teaching a course each month to all of us designers in the collective. Not only has it been quite informing for many of us, even business altering... it is great occasion for us all to get together and chat! I know for myself, I have learned a lot and am definitely enjoying being able to put my new lessons to work each week at the Collective and my other stores.

Here are two of the designers I often work with on my Sunday shifts!

Charmaine on the left is from INTEGRITY Designs, all of her pieces are made with integrity!
My fave bag of hers is definitely the David Suzuki bag!!
and on the right is Super sales woman KELLY! the first day I worked with Kelly I left the shop with one of her BEAUTIFUL rings! and haven't stopped ooogeling her jewelery **Brides, this is a must see!

and more of us from the Sunday crew below~! Danielle is on the left, and her very chic jewelery line is Zippan Designs.. and of course, I already have a custom piece from her! Danielle fulfilled my dream of "S-A-M" earrings!!

Jenn is from Paper People Clothing, which is available all across Canada!! Her clothes are all made and remastered from recycled clothing! A popular buy for sure at FC!

Stephany on the left makes super comfy clothes from Hemp, organic cotton and organic soy fabrics! Her dresses are very cute! and so is she!Check out her line at www.whirlgirl.ca. Moira on the right is my new TTC buddy, since she lives in Mimico too. Its nice to have someone to head back to the way west end with! Moira Coughlan bags are functional and fashionable!! I really like the new denim bags she has for fall!

alrighty onto reading Chapter 3!

SALES! yes we all want more of them!

There are many, many more great Toronto designers at Fresh Collective! You really have to come down to the store to see!

Library Dresses at The RAGE!

2010-08-25T20:04:00.000-07:00

Well its that time of year again, and my fall library dresses are READY for YOUU!!! Above is a tribute to last years MANY library dresses... If you haven't gotten one yet! They are not to be missed. Made from a variety of jersey knit materials they are comfy and classy, whether you dress it UP or down :) They are available at all my stores this fall, and for thee most funky and one of a kind combos please be sure to visit The RAGE in Kensington!
Library Dresses retail for $130 - $150

Above is owner of The RAGE: Sara!! and she is proudly holding a fresh batch of Fall Library dresses that were delivered yesterday!! As you can tell she is QUITE EXCITED !!! The dresses are available in 3 different sizes, its best to try each one on because the stretch varys from each material!!

and from outside here is the super funky shop, right in the heart of Kensington Market!

Oooh as you can see! There are just three of the long jersey beach dresses left at The RAGE! Note: They are now 50% off!!! Woowwzas!

I just wanted to show a teaser of one of the beautiful FALL Prints that the Library dresses will be made from..it truly fits in with my purple mood for this fall collection.. For more information please feel free to contact me!

Ooh one more thing! My ETSY shop was featured on the Etsy Blog this week! Featured in a Canadian Hospitality edition: 1 of 60 shops from all across CANADA! pretty sweet! Click here to see the article! You'll notice the first item right away

The Toronto Clothing Show

2010-08-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

ALRIGHTY! its almost that time of year again, for the FALL Clothing Show!! The Spring one feels like it JUST happened...

Below are some fabulous professional photos from a whole slew of Toronto Photographers! This is actually just the teaser... For a whole section of them be sure to visit the Fashion Show section. Where photos from Runway events are! (Including the super fun Divalicious2!!)

Enjoy!!
and thank you to the amazing photographers!

Click here to see more!
See you for the Fall Clothing Show, Sept 24, 25 & 26th!

Now Avail, in Port Credit!

2010-08-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

My Fall collection is now available at a very cute little boutique on Lakeshore Road East, however in the WAY WEST end!!...Mississauga to be exact! This is a NEW store for me and I am quite excited. The store has been around since March, and is definitely a stand out to the boutique filled Port Credit area!! You can walk for hours there! so many great shops, restaurants, bars and street festivals! The area is right on the water too, so its quite beautiful in the evenings.

Juliana the owner has really done a great job of bringing a bit of everything fashionable to this store. There are many great designers including jewelry, childrens wear, beauty products and clothes all made by local artists!

The view from the massive front window is spectacular! They have Tutus available too, and they are quite reasonably priced!! I think I might have to get me one! such amazing colors!!

So this isn't the final set up of my section however I was quick to snap a couple shots! They are located in the back clothing section next to some great pieces by other designers like DillyDaisy! My fall line is available and for fun I brought a couple of the Summer beach dresses that are the last ones I have! (and are on SALE)

A great view from the street! so much walking traffic

The little fire ball trapeze dress is available at JTrove and comes in 3 sizes! This dress is great to be dressed up or down, quite fun to match with the chunky metal zipper in the back! I actually wore it jazzed up to a wedding this past weekend! The dress retails for $130

**if you haven't seen the FALL photo shoot! Check out the COLLECTION SECTION and check the behind the scenes blog post!! :)

Behind the scenes at Divalicious2

2010-08-10T09:07:00.001-07:00

On the eve, of Thursday August 5th divas united to shop, dance, drink and indulge in a fabulous event hosted by ShopSocials and DivaGirl Inc. With me, I brought a variety of Summer sale pieces that are left as well as a sneak peek at my FALL 2010 collection! Which I am happy to say was very well reviewed :)

Thankfully, I did have some amazing helpers at this event! My fabulous help Alexa is off touring Europe right now, so it was great to have my bestfriends there for moi!

This was the set up period for the event. The Roosevelt Room, was a great location and truly had the perfect atmosphere for this party! The decoraters did a great job!

Finally, here is my section all set up for the divas to browse!

It was great to chat with some new customers, and fashion contacts! Five Frilly Facts was a big hit! For more information please check out the website:

www.fivefrillyfacts.com

At the event was a featured $5 Diva martini.. Man it was good! However me and Christina quickly progressed onto some wine at our booth...

It was quite the event, and lets just say we had A LOT of fun :)

To end the night was a fashion show! I had 6 models showcase new and one of a kind runway pieces! For more information on these dresses, please feel free to contact me. The FALL2010 holiday dresses will be in shop mid October just in time for the holidays!!

Runway snap shots will be featured in my FASHION SHOW section this week. Stay Tuned!

For more information, and reviews on this event please visit any of the links below :

Goldie Glam Photography
Stiletto Twins
I'm Charming You
The Hip & Urban Girl's Guide

Fall Photo Fun!

2010-08-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

Well the FALL collection is pretty much done production, and is now sitting in my basement anxiously waiting its arrival to the shops and into your closets!! At the SAMANTHA headquarters we regularly have a photo shoot for each collection each time more work and more fun! This photo shoot took place on a very very HOT summery evening! It was a tad difficult trying to portray a fall feeling however, I feel we pulled it off!

To start the night off, I had my lovely photographer Erik spray painting my shoes... We are creative, crafty and high class at the SAMANTHA corp. The shoes I bought for the shoot, just didn't seem right until we got out a big can of black spray paint!! haha

Earlier in the day, we had scoped out the perfect spot! This mood and location was in our minds for a while and seemed the perfect spot for the Fall 2010 spread!

Dont I look happy...haha

Last minute makeup applications, and styling were done on a whim before the big hike down the hill to our location. Man, my calves were hurting the next day from the trek up and down that hill in 6 inch heels! This time around with my wig, I chose bright navy blue long locks! I was really happy with it, and it is quite popular these days for some reason.. Katy Perry..Fall spread in Elle... Blue length it was!!

ok so I did bring a pair of flip flops, for moving myself up and down the hill.. However once I was strapped into those shoes, I hardly took them off until the end! It was fun being 6feet tall!!

The finished product can be seen in my FALL 2010 collection section! A new store list will be posted as well very soon, with some amazing new locations!

Don't forget, DIVALICIOUS2 takes place tomorrow night! I will be at the Roosevelt room with my rolling rack of clothes! Lots of spring sale pieces, as well as a great discount on the NEW FALL collection! The link below has all information for this GREAT event!!

Thursday August 5th at 6pm

2010-07-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

I will be at Divalicious2 with my dresses! Come on out for a very exciting night filled with shopping, makeup, martinis, jewelery, and much, much more!!

On July 23, 2009, DivaGirl Inc. launched Divalicious - the official DivaGirl Fitness Launch Party at Cheval Bar. The night was a smashing success that dazzled 200 Divas and featured 45 fabulous Sponsors. The positive response was overwhelming so we’ve decided to make it an annual affair. This year’s sequel features a fashion-forward twist courtesy of Shop Socials. Get ready for the most fabulous ladies night out this summer!

Website Event Page: http://divagirlfitness.com/divagirls-talk/divalicious2

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=123658874329921

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, August 5th, 2010
Location: The Roosevelt Room- www.therooseveltroom.ca
2 Drummond Street, Toronto, ON
Time: Doors open 6PM
Dress code: Divalicious!
Policies: Females only. ID required. Limited tickets available at the door.

Tickets:
• $20/ticket before July 20th
• Groups of 4+ Divas: $15/ticket. Group tickets must be purchased together
and by July 20th.
• $5/ticket for DivaGirl Members or Licensees (discount code required)
• $25/ticket after July 20th. $30/ticket at the door
• *Tickets can be purchased online- http://divalicious2.eventsbot.com/
**First 60 Divas who arrive at the event will receive the fabulous
Divalicious swag bag! VALUED at $80!**
Stay tuned for more details on the goods!

About the Divalicious Experience:
• $8 featured Divalicious Martinis
• FREE Diva Services:
o Make-up applications
o Hair touch-ups
o Mini manicures
o Nail gem art
o Mini massages
o Reflexology sessions
• Shop fabulous local designers and diva-fied brands in the Shop Socials
fashion closet
• Live fashion show, hosted by Shop Socials
• Free giveaways and door prizes from numerous DivaGirl Sponsors
• Free dance demos and chair lap-dancing workshop throughout the evening
• Live dance entertainment from DivaGirl Entertainment
• Live DJ music, food, sweets & treats
• Opportunity to mingle with 200 other Divas!

*******************************************************************************
My latest newsletter was sent! If you would like to recieve this monthly newsletter about my latest happenings and struggles.. :) Please submit your email address HERE

New Adventures!

2010-07-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

I have recently became a member of the Designer Collective on Queen West run by the super awesome Laura-Jean of Fresh Baked Clothing. SAMANTHA clothing is now available in her shop, Fresh Collective! As well I am in store on most Sundays working the floor and mingling with new customers! This has been a very exciting experience for my label, as I learn more and more about my customers needs and wants! As well experience great mentoring from Laura-Jean through her very informative course offered to us designers!! I will keep you posted on my progress there :)It seems I joined the collective right in time, as this shop has been on Queen st W for many years, and has a sister store in Kensignton Market. The shop is undergoing a new transformation inside and out, and I am very excited to be a part of this growth!

Each day of the week you can stop by, and the shop is most often staffed by the Designers themselves, which makes for a great environment for shopping~!

Lots of amazing jewelery! Some of the gals I have gotten to know are extremely talented, and you should definitely come check out their beautiful pieces. I find it quite hard not spending money when surrounded by such great locally made stuff!!

aaaaannnd if you venture to the back of the store :) You can find my little section! I am one of the newest clothing designers and am starting to learn the ropes. I am still playing with my section however am enjoying the positive response.

A new style to this summer line, is the mixed blue beach dress! It is available only at Fresh Collective. It retails for $140, and is available in sizes XS through L.

However right now at Fresh, ALL my long beach dresses are 20% off!! wooo!

Another one of my great stores is the RAGE in kensington, popped by the other very sunny day to check in on my stuff! Some of my little one strap wonders are still available! Be sure to check them out!One strap wonders are available in stores and on Etsy! They retail for $120 - $130

Runway Shots!

2010-07-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

These are some of the lovely runway shots from last months Toronto Clothing Show! These amazing photos are taken by Raymond Chow, and are available on Canada Wears. ca website under Samantha Stoncius! click here for the link to some more of the outfits!! Please be aware that the third photo down on the WEBSITE is NOT a SAMANTHA design !!! :)

FIVE FRILLY FACTS

2010-06-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

Alrighty so Five Frilly Facts, has been a side project of mine ever since my friends and customers started getting married and asking me about bridesmaid dresses!! This was a certain topic that I was very confused on because I am a DESIGNER! not a seamstress...(allllll the time)... :)

I really wanted people to choose me as their producer of the bridesmaid dresses because of my DESIGN! Now I know brides have been dreaming of the day ever since they were little and have a certain vision of how they expect the whole package to look! So I have taken this into consideration!

All of this information is available on

W W W . F I V E F R I LL Y F A C T S . C O M

Now, nobody wants to be told to go to bla bla bla store and pick out this yellow dress in your size and see you at the alter! (...maybe some do! if so, you can stop reading now!!) So for all my fashionable brides out there, I wanted you to work with me, take some time and give me your FIVE FRILLY FACTS!

This is a way that the bride can tell me 5 simple or elaborate facts that she envisions of how her bridesmaids are to look! Some brides have said: purple, strapless, floor length, silk, and elegant. Some gold & pink, vintage, grace kelly, Deep V straps, knee length.

These 5 (can be frilly!!!)facts along with your BUDGET are very important in the development of my designing. Once you have submitted your FFF to me I will take them all in and design just for you and your ladies 5 dresses.

one clients sketches! they chose the middle design!

This for me is a FABULOUS way to design, I am able to take the most important parts and then add my own flare to them! The 5 sketches are presented at a TEA PARTY(naughty or nice?) hosted by ME and catered by some of my faves! at a specific location in which all ladies can be present. Together after my presentation we can discuss each dress and decide on final option!

Me giving the scoop on each dress!

Suggestions at this time are totally open, and its a great way to voice your opinion and I can work as a liaison between the girls and the bride!

happy customers indulging in some bubbly and sweets! with our excellent and handsome server!

At the tea party not only is eating and drinking recommended but also accessory and hair suggestions!! as well as each bridesmaid is guaranteed one on one time with me to take measurements and discuss any certain issues! For example: I had one bridesmaid once tell me that she had a massive tattoo on the back of her neck, so that deep V in the back would NOT be appropriate! so for her dress it was customized to cover a little more! ;)

important photos of fittings and the dresses coming to life!

After the Tea party, the regular formality's of a custom dress take place including fittings and more fittings! If a fabric wasn't decided on at the Tea Party I def recommend coming on a shopping trip with me to hunt down the perfect material! Plus I am known for getting a great bargain!! :)
And finally the bride and bridesmaids are sent photo email updates on the progress of their dresses!

If this is something that seems right for you! Please feel free to contact me with your questions

Please be aware that this program is PERFECT for women of any age and bridal parties of many sizes!! I am also willing to do this program for women getting dresses in groups, proms etc!

Happy Customers!

Please feel free to contact me for more info!

Behind the scenes the Clothing Show

2010-05-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Its now Monday! What a great weekend at The Clothing Show!! I am exhausted but very pleased with the turn out and success of the weekend~! Below is a bit of glimpse of behind the scenes!

Early, early Friday morning Alexa and I loaded everything in and then got to work right away! Besides waiting for our change room for a very long time, and the building being FREEZING cold it was an exciting Friday. The Show was open to the public at 3, and we were busy right away! The runway show Friday night was a hit! and I had swarms of girls to the booth afterward s interested in the runway pieces! (Some are still available contact me with your questions!)

The booth being set up!

each day we changed the look of the booth, but definitely were happy with the space and set up!

Here are some shots I snapped from the runway shows Friday and Saturday! SAMANTHA dresses were a big hit and I would say stood out with their cute colors!

Huge turn out of photographers/tv, I was actually interview by Inside Fashion! Cant wait for it to be up! Unfortunately I was caught off guard and was dressed in my yoga pants because the building Friday was just tooo cold for my planned cute dress..

This dress looked great on the runway! Cant wait to see the photos! **Photographers please send me your shots!! :) **

Here is the NEW MERCH displayed! The one strap wonder dresses were a big hit! Especially in the floral and mixed blues!!

I had on display each runway item with its story! My booth was decorated with many photos of me..somewhat eerie to spend my whole day in a shrine of myself...however SAMANTHA clothes are made for real people like me!

Here are some photos of my happy customers and their purchases! Taylor above in the peach and coral sequin dress, is all ready for her prom!! This little dress is for sure going to make her stand out at the prom next week!!

and of course my weekend wouldnt be possible with out my AMAZING volunteers!!! Thank you to Wiese, and Liz as well as a super thanks to my intern ALEXA! :)

Heres my booth on the last day!

The beautiful Gerbra looked so nice in the booth! Thanks Mom! And lovely Liz taking a break from all our standing around on Saturday!

Here is some more happy customers! These two girls were so much fun! They were big fans of the signature lace up back!

More photos to come very soon!! Thanks again for the support!

May 14- 16

2010-05-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

If you are in the area, and in the mood to SHOP! Come to the Clothing Show~! I know I'll definitely be on the hunt for jewelery and hats! A common theme each year in my purchases!! and if your looking for some fabulous dresses or a chat! come by booth 533!!!!

Once again here is all the information!

Friday May 14, Saturday May 15 & Sunday May 16
Friday 3pm - 9pm
Saturday 11am - 8pm
Sunday 11am - 6pm

Where: The Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place
195 Princess Blvd, Toronto

RUNWAY UPDATE! SAMANTHA will be showcasing 10 pieces, some new, some old(all FAVES!)! They will ALL be available for purchase at the booth and each piece comes with FREE ALTERATIONS!
Any dress purchased off the runway will come with free alterations all weekend exclusively at The Clothing Show! Please note, alterations with in moderation, there is only soo many things that can be done to get a dress to fit! :)

Shopping Spree!

The Clothing Show will be having a $1000 shopping spree! Be sure to enter because I have donated a rather generous gift certificate!! For more information click here!

To get your discounted tickets online AND avoid line ups click here!

If you have any more questions please feel free to contact me!

I will post the runway schedule NEXT week!
Thanks! See you then!

on the RUNWAY at The Clothing show!

2010-04-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

These are some photos from last seasons Clothing Show Runway event!!

The fashion shows run a couple times over the weekend and are an event not to be missed! I will post the runway schedule when I get it, but be sure to catch one of them on the Friday night and during the day only on Saturday!

Come visit me at booth 533!!

I am deep into preparation for this exciting event, and I am happy to finally have my own booth! alright must get back to sewing in the basement!

See you at The Clothing Show!

I will be posting more info early next week!
for now feel free to get all your important info as well as discounted tickets at
The Clothing Show website!

more spring in stores!

2010-04-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

I am almost done my spring deliveries and am quite excited for this season!! whats not to love? warm weather? bright colorful dresses? sounds good to me! !
New this week at The RAGE in lovely Kensington market is a crop of SAMANTHA dresses! BE sure to check them out! (of course they will be found on hangers..!)
Let me know your thoughts on my new hang tags! I am quite happy with them and I do feel they still have the signature SAMANTHA look!
The RAGE is located in right on Kensington ave, # 2! The dresses available retail for $115-$120!

There are some unique prints available, most dresses this season are two of a kind...some 4... With me you never know! I love the interesting jerseys that you can only find once~! Maybe one day I will stick to one pattern...for now! enjoy being two of a kind!!! :)

NEW SAM SIGHTING! - I was interviewed by the lovely Danielle Williams for her new fashion blog! This co owned blog is filled with great photos and amazing fashion! Be sure to check it out, and read the article!

Don't forget Toronto Clothing Show May 14, 15 & 16! see you then!

Spring Dress Delivery by BIKE

2010-04-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

With this amazing weather comin in FAST! I decided it was definitely time to put the first batch of spring summer dresses into the stores! and at the SAMANTHA label we try to help the environment as much as we can.

So instead of hopping in the car and heading to the east end, or hopping on the ttc for a fabulous LONG ride I decided to get on my bike and haull my butt over to the lovely Nathalie-Roze & Co in Leslieville!
Here are some of the dresses the night before ready to be transported to the shop and into the homes of fashionable women

This is my riding buddy/web designer/very talented super friend Erik tuning up the bikes before we head out on our adventure(16km to get there!)!

I do look a tad nervous, it was my first ride of the season, and quite the ride for the first one..!

*Please note it is not always about how you look - when being a glamorous fashionista haha

here in this tiny knapsack is this seasons BEACH DRESS! It really is a true testament to being a "great traveling dress". I simply rolled each one up carefully and stacked them on top of each other and once at the boutique they unrolled fabulously! Gotta love jersey!

and here we are off the bike path finally (Bathurst ish) and ready to ride the rest along queens quay and weave our way over to Nathalie-Rozes' boutique at Queen st East and Pape. WHAT A gorg day!!

SUCCESS! here are some of the dresses hanging in her shop! Ready to be placed on the racks for eager spring shoppers!

Nathalie-Roze has the store filled with amazing new Spring Summer items and it seems there are more to come!

SUCCESS!!

Now after some lunch, we were headed all the way back to the west-end! For more details on the ride you can check my twitter!

The beach dresses are available at Nathalie-Roze & Co, The Purple Thumb and tomorrow at The Rage

They retail from $115 - $125 and come in a variety of colors and sizes! They have the signature SAMANTHA back lace up and are perfect for this hot weather to come!!

Updated Etsy

2010-02-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

I have taken a little time to re vamp my ETSY store! It is something I have wanted to do for a longggg time, and finally It is pretty much complete! You can see my shop at www.etsy.com by searching for SamanthaStoncius - one word! or just click on the link below

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SamanthaStoncius

All that I am putting up in the shop for now is my lovely Library Dresses! They will be available in three different sizes so feel free to take a look at whats available!

Heres a sneak peak of the selection available!

behind the scenes @ Guilty Pleasures

2010-02-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

thank you to all who came out this weekend at the Guilty Pleasures Show at the Drake Hotel! It was a busy Saturday and I definitely had a blast! Thanks to all who came over and said Hi ! and to all those who helped me out! It was exciting to meet some new customers and learn more about my craft.

The night before the show, went quite smoothly! I wasn't in too much of a panic, because everything was pretty much ready to go.. All that was in order was the final pressing of the dresses, tagging them with my NEW TAGS and PIZZA!!! wooo

This was my outfit for the day!! This custom coloring Library dress is one of a kind, and my fave! I really feel being my number one customer, helps to show that these dresses are made for real people!! :) (believe me the Library Dress is incredibly comfy! )

This was the morning, final set ups and waiting for the waves of customers... Got quite full at times! We managed being one of a few clothing racks in the basement... Was quite fun taking turns shuttling women off to the bathroom to try the pieces on!

During the 4 Winterlicious brunch seating's, there was a mini fashion show with one outfit from each participant.. The Lovely M did a great job strutting her stuff and handing out almost 300 business cards!! BTW wow did that BRUNCH ever smell good!

and here is my clothing rack all ready for the ladies who brunch!! Be sure to find New Library dresses at some of my stores this month.. AND SPRING 2010 will hit the stores Early April! Cannot wait!

Overall a succesful and FUN day! Thanks again!!

-S@M

See you this SATURDAY!

2010-02-04T06:50:00.000-08:00

The date is already here and I cannot believe it!
I will be bringing a small capsule collection of my SPRING 2010 line and all pieces will be 50% off for this one event only!

LOCATION: The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen Street West, Toronto
DATE: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010

9:00 - 4:00pm ONE DAY ONLY

At Guilty Pleasures, TFI accessory and apparel designers put their wares on sale at The Drake Hotel. This popular sale, open to the public from 9:00am to 4:00pm, also features a silent auction featuring over 20 FABULOUS GIFTS to be won!

DON'T MISS OUT! DROP BY and Place your bid for a chance to win:

$800 value - MICALLA has donated a gorgeous Swarovski crystal necklace
$500 value - Conair Consumer Products donated a Conair Beauty & styling pack
$400 value - Triumph International Canada sent a matching corset, bra, panty & thong
$350 value - Elizabeth Grant donated a wonderful tote full of Elizabeth Grant Skin Care products
$300 value - Benefit Cosmetics, known for irreverent beauty products, donated a Benefit Babe Beauty Basket filled with the latest & greatest including a complete set of the Crescent Row fragrance collection
$300 value - Bijouxbead donated a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind, handmade necklace
$250 gift certificate - Magnolia boutique, one of Toronto's most stylish boutiques donated a generous gift certificate
$250 value - Prettysweet Custom Cake Creations donated a great gift certificate for your next party!
$240 value - The Drake Hotel is offering one night's stay at The Drake Hotel and a $100 food + drink voucher. This is surely to be a popular item so be sure to drop by our event at The Drake on February 6th, from 9 - 4pm, to place your bid.
$225 value - Midence Oliu Millinery donated a modern and chic one-of-a-kind couture hat
$200 value - Jamieson Laboratories donated a Women's healthy living gift basket filled with lotion, cream & vitamins
$200 gift certificate - Jennifer Borgh Events - Wedding & Honeymoon Planning. Two hour consultation by certified wedding and events planner, Jennifer Borgh. Ask anything about your special event including ideas, venues, etiquette and more.
$200 value - Sassoon Salon donated a $100 gift certificate & a gift basket featuring Wella hair products
$200 gift certificate - Retail store Spanner has donated a fantastic gift certificate that can be used for women's clothes for all seasons and styles
$175 value - Feathered by Blair Nadeau donated a highly coveted, black sequined, Lady Victoria cocktail hat featuring a pleated raw edged ruffle, black zippered rose embellishment with Swarovski crystals
$160 value - Joe Fresh Style sent a lovely gift bag of Joe Fresh Beauty cosmetics including body spray, eyeliners, cheek tints, lipsticks, lip liners, eyebrow liners & lip glosses
$159 value - Katherine Song Originals donated a LUXE Swarovski crystal necklace
$150 value - Frank T. Ross & Sons donated a Nature Clean gift basket featuring non-toxic, natural & enviro-friendly products
$150 value - Airplus gift basket donated by Ashworth Associates includes new products from Airplus by Implus Footcare LLC, innovative footcare solutions
$150 value - Alberta Culver Canada donated a gift basket full of Nexxus haircare products
$150 value - Centura Brands Inc. donated a gift basket filled with an assortment of LaCoupe haircare products
$150 value - Secret Hosiery gift basket donated by Ashworth Associates is filled with flirty, fun styles & bold colours that are perfect for every occasion and mood
$150 gift certificate - Spynga Yoga the Yoga and Cycling Studio donated a gift certificate for ten cycling, yoga, spynga or bootcamp classes
$150 value - Linda McInnes donated a gift basket from Steeped Fine Loose Teas and Accessories which is full of tea accessories including a tea pot, assortment of flavours and blends of tea, tea cups, saucers & spoons
$150 value - Three's Company Jewellery donated a semi-precious amethyst stone ring on a sterling silver setting & a large, grey popcorn-style knitted purse

Saturday February 6th!

2010-01-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

Guilty Pleasures Event

Date & Time: Sat, Feb 6^th from 9am to 4pm

Guilty Pleasures is a fabulous fashion + food one-day, annual event that takes place during the City of Toronto's Winterlicious Festival at The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St. W.). The Drake offers brunch to 350 fashion & beauty-minded patrons who enjoy an exclusive consumer sale featuring locally designed products from TFI accessory and apparel designers. The silent auction component that we introduced last year was highly successful, 100% proceeds went to community programming offered by the Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI), our non-profit organization. This year’s event continues to include the DaLish Beauty Bar where attendees can receive mini-makeovers and beauty touch-ups, mini informal fashion shows and door prizes (for brunch patrons only). What’s new is that the designer sale & silent auction are open to the public all day from 9am to 4pm

I am very excited for this event and plan to have a variety of library dresses as well as a sneak peak at my SPRING 2010 collection( that will be available at a early bird price!)

See you there!!!

For more info visit
Toronto Fashion Incubator

back to work!

2010-01-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

I was definitely a bit fashionable over the holidays...however I did indulge and RELAX for a couple days! Between trips to Reposados tequila bar and Hibiscus cafe in Kensington for some amazing gluten free delights, I managed to get some sewing accomplished! First up was a jacket for my Mociute (Lithuanian Gramma!) She was a seamstress for many years and I like to take time to sew her presents at Christmas! Below is a photo from LAST years Kucius (Christmas eve) - I didn't grab one this year, however the jacket seen on her last year, and the one I gave her this year are quite similar(she loves the fit!)! This year I did it in my favorite way - a mix of blue and black plaids!

...and of course I tried to squeeze in a couple summer dresses, quantity is building up and I'll be bringing a couple Summer Dresses to the Guilty Pleasures Sale the first weekend in Feb!

I just had to show the photo below, it was my finest wrapping job ever!! It was for my cousin Melissa's soon to be husband!.... A little feminine I know... but I just had to get rid of that material!!!
This year I didn't create a NYE dress, because we took it easy back at the house.. but I did make a little shiny red dress that I love! The dress is made from raw silk and it is fab! I don't typically enjoy wearing strapless dresses, however I had these pink pearls from my Dad from his last trip to HongKong. I kinda designed the whole outfit around them... I know pink and red isn't too great but, done just right, I love it! Here is a link to my twitter where I posted a photo of the pearl/dress combo

and here the dress begins! such a difficult process with all the rouching on the bust! However lots of fun!

The unfinished insides!!ready to be hand stitched and pressed! The back of the dress was done in the same raw black silk!

and here is the finale! Quite the little dress and I wore it with solid black tights! I don't have any professional photos of the dress in action...Will have to take some soon!

Back to work everyone!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2009-12-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I am still sewing away summer 2010 dresses, so it really doesn't feel like the holidays yet... lack of snow doesn't help either! Anywhoo! I will be working (at a slower pace, haha) right through the holidays and will be sure to blog about my KUCIUS (Christmas Eve) and NYE dress...That I am sure will be made festively the night before... :)

Seen above is another SNEEK PEEK at my SPRING 2010 Collection that will be available all over Toronto starting in APRIL!

Have a happy and safe Holidays everyone!

My TFI New Labels application adventure!

2009-12-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

About a month after joining the amazing Toronto Fashion Incubator, I started to hear news of the prestigious TFI New Labels competition...So I immediately found out information and attended their seminar on all the details of the application! I am very happy to have attended this seminar hosted by TFI Director Susan, because there was A LOT of work involved! Unfortunately I was not selected, however it was a great experience and I am excited for next years! Thank you to all those that helped out and supported me! For those who know how many times I failed my drivers license(before passing!)...you know my determination..so I am excited to keep working hard and aiming for success at the next competition!

When I was in school I realized that I was terrrrrrrrrible at drawing...I am still not someone who is able to do a beautiful quick flawless sketch... HOWEVER school was a great introduction into the different ways to illustrate my thoughts. Throughout the 3 years of practice I really found my groove and through much computer work I can now say that I produce great sketches that truly depict my style!!
I do start with my own black and white sketches(so ugly!haha)... then scan them into the computer and 3 weeks later I have beautiful sketches!! I use a LOT of Photoshop and Illustrator...but its great because, I can always keep changing and nothing is set in stone...till printed! I have a WACOM tablet which is amazing because I can do free hand sketching on the screen..makes it all look more natural!

seen above is one of my "quick flawless sketches" hahaha

For this collection I was really inspired by the photo above! It is from one of my favorite magazines PURPLE. This photo helped me depict my theme...The theme being somewhat of a more mature girl who finds herself growing up howeevver still has that inner crazy fun girl who wears little black minis covered in glitter!(never want to lose that girl :) )!

below my office assistant who lay at my feet for days while I sat on my butt and photochopped! I don't look too happy above, however I really do enjoy working with graphics and making colorful pretty illustrations...

cutest pup in the world!(laying on his very fashionable faux fur carpet)

This was one of my first times putting together such a LARGE collection(since school), 15 pieces is quite a bit and I really struggled with cohesion... I had so many ideas and wanted to show them all..I really cut back the fabric samples from which I started (as you can see in the pile above) haha However I really think I could have gotten rid of a few more!! My collections are all quite small and so it was fun to create a 15 piece look, but a lot of work to make sure they fit together smoothly!

Thanks very much to my lovely intern Alexa, who helped me out with many of the final tasks! Putting everything together in the end was much fun and chaos! Alexa had to put up with the other pesky and furry worker Biscuit who was insistent on being close by to my swatches at all times!

I had to spend many hours at the computer working on technical sketches of each garment...which is not as much fun as doing the colorful illustrations!! :)

Thanks to Erik for helping me cut out everything and holding me back from Staples copy center employees! :)

Cutting is not my forte, when it comes to accuracy with scissors and paper(fabric is another thing..) it is very hard for me to cut a straight line...Erik has great skill at this and seems to enjoy sitting and cutting while watching Seinfeld..or Family Guy.. THANKS ERIK! :)

here are some shots of the final presentations that were mounted on art boards.. There were four in total, three for the collection and one with the BARBIE inspired little black dresses! Designing dresses for BARBIE was a breeze, it was such a great opportunity to come up with some uber glam and sassy dresses! BARBIE truly was my first customer, so I was very excited to go all out!

anddddd here was the final application bagged and tagged ready for drop off at
The Toronto Fashion Incubator!

Even though the outcome wasn't what I hoped for, I now see where I can improve and cant wait for the next great opportunity for my business! The application was reviewed by some amazing people in the industry, it makes me excited just to know that David Dixon and Rita Silvan saw my work!!! I am focused deep into production right now for Spring 2010, and am exploring new opportunities for the FALL 2010, SPRING 2011..

Ill keep ya posted!
Thanks again everyone!!

Private Shopping!

2009-11-16T11:35:00.000-08:00

Friday November 20th from 6:30pm till 9:00pm
come on by The Purple Thumb in the Beaches!

The Purple Thumb is hosting a in store event featuring four of their designers. All designers will be present (including meee) so come on out and have a chat or try on some of my dresses! All customers will be receiving a staff discount on any purchased items!
Here is some of my pieces currently available at The Purple Thumb!

Please note this is a private event, so please RSVP to me in the contact section!

Wine and Snacks will be served!
visit
www.purplethumb.net
to find out more about the other great designers being featured Friday!

See you there!!

news for n o v e m b e r

2009-11-03T06:16:00.000-08:00

If you wish to receive my monthly newsletter on my latest happenings... please send your email address and your full mailing address to my contact section! I regularly Mail invites as well :)

Send me your info!!!

Ch ch ch changes!

2009-10-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

NEW to my lovely work room is this HUGE table space! THANK YOU to my Dad for setting this up for me! Our great big pool table now has boards over it that I can cut bolts of material on and really spreaddd out! I was actually thinking of laying across the table to pose for the photo, just to show you how big the table actually is..However! I didn't think that was entirely appropriate!

Alrighty, so I know the table doesn't look as clean as it does in the previous photo, however it is all part of the many great changes at SAMANTHA headquarters. My new intern Alexa and I tackled the huge project of filing away my old clothes, patterns, and previous collection leftovers. It was really important for me to keep my dresses/outfits/tubetops (haha) that I've made since I was 15...Just because I really do enjoy the styles and can definitly see myself re creating them properly in the future!

Voila! 3 hours later, The finished product! Everything bagged and tagged! Very organized!

Its funny to think that I have a "Vintage SAMANTHA" rack...Being a relatively new business it is exciting to have a vintage archive. I know all my dresses that I made when I was younger will definitly be sources of inspiration in the future!!

"Vintage SAMANTHA"

I dug up a few old photos of dresses that are infact "being preserved in the vintage archive"!!! haha

First is a dress I made for Easter...Probably in grade 10.... and the Second photo is my PROM DRESS! That I made a couple nights before prom with this stretchy tan lace that was 50cents a metre!!! and the last photo is one of my favorite dresses : It is made from probably 10 different vintage t shirts, that I patched together to make a very fun party dress...I loved how the front had the "be cool" t shirt!

Anywhoo these dresses are all filed away in my archive for a rainy day!

my trip to the lovely East end!

2009-10-21T06:08:00.000-07:00

On a lovely fall day I trekked out to the ever exciting east end to do some store visits and take care of some business!! :) Fortunately this time around the trip was a lot quicker because I didn't have to ride the good ol' ttc!! aaand I had a tall, red headed and handsome chauffeur to join me for the trip
Here's my first stop at The Purple Thumb! Check out my library dress in the front window! Seeing my pieces in the front window is always exciting!

So available at The Purple Thumb is a variety of Library dresses and some summer jersey dresses left over from the Clothing Show! These dresses are at a great price! I am still wearing some of my summer dresses with black wool stockings and a t-shirt or cardigan!

There are some very cute color/print combos available!

The Purple Thumb is also the only place that I am selling some fall coats, so feel free to check out the mix matched plaid jackets. These jackets are comfy with a shawl collar hood, front patch pockets and a veryy flowy bottom!

My next stop was to the Nathalie-Roze boutique!

Her window is decorated with some really awesome fall dresses and jackets by local designers!

Available for this Fall at Nathalie-Roze is some library dresses in a couple different styles! For more info and store hours check out her website.

This brown and pink polka dot print with electric blue ruffles is available at Nathalie-Roze boutique and The Rage in kensington market! This style is truly my favorite and there is only very few of them!

Be sure to check out the runway photos from The Clothing Show! at my FASHION SHOW section!

Thanks!

Check out the clothes!

2009-10-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

Alrighty so finally I have some fabulous photos from the FALL 2009 clothing Show! These photos shown here are from after the shows! The models were a big hit in their SAMANTHA dresses!

Please visit the FASHION SHOW section of my website to see ALL photos from my 20 piece extravaganza!

For inquiries on any of the runway dresses please feel free to contact me!

ENJOY THE PHOTOS!

Etsy and Sai Kit!

2009-10-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

...Not as graceful of a model as the photo seen below, HOWEVER library dresses are NOW available at my ETSY store. I have re vamped the store and am excited to hear your feed back. I will be updating the store with new color and print combo library dresses throughout this season.

My runway section has not been updated yet, SORRY :)
Many things on the go at SAMANTHA head office (aka the mess in my basement!!)

However these beeeeeautiful photos are from the Toronto Photographer Sai Kit! check out his website for lots of great photos
www.saikit.ca

The Clothing Show was a great start to the FALL! and I am already excited for the next one! The next Toronto Clothing Show will take place in May and the plans are for my very own SAMANTHA booth!

Go visit my re vamped etsy store!!

OCTOBER newsletter

2009-10-02T08:05:00.001-07:00

CLICK ON IT to read information :)

To receive the newsletter via email,
please send me your email address
in the CONTACT section!

behind the scenes @ The Fall Clothing Show!

2009-09-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

Well this time around, I was asked to put on my OWN RUNWAY SHOW! This was a very exciting opportunity and thankfully it was all a success! This involved me putting together a 20 piece extravaganza! Quite the ordeal for me because there is a lot involved in putting together 20 cohesive pieces! Thankfully I designed a collection that was well fitted together, lots of great fall colors including mustards, browns and deep reds! mix in a bunch of plaid and sequins! and we are set for the runway! Major thanks to everyone that helped! Including Michelle and her amazing eye for organizing the sequence of runway looks!!!

So after little sleep...Here are the 20 pieces ready to go the morning of the Clothing Show!!

And here is the tub of goodies to be sold at The Purple Thumb booth!

Along with the runway looks were of course my detailed instructions~! I am very picky when it comes to the looks! Absolutely no plastic bra straps!!!

Here we leave 10 minutes early..but almost half way there I realize I forgot the hangers......ahhhh We were really destined to just leave on time...I knew leaving 10 minutes early was too good to be true!! :)

The Friday night show was a success! I really enjoyed the show and the models were amazing! These are some photos taken at the afternoon show, what a crowd!!

It was exciting to have my own show! All these spectators there to see what I can do!

Here are some of my models posing for the cameras post show! Professional photos will be available online very soon! Thanks to my trusty photographers Erik Norris and Don Gauthier!

Overall the show was a success! Thanks to all those who came out, and please feel free to contact me with your questions and concerns!

Photos will be posted soon!

Clothing Show Sept 25, 26 &27

2009-09-20T07:22:00.000-07:00

The SAMANTHA line will be featured in its OWN fashion show this year at The Clothing Show! This is a very exciting opportunity and it will for sure be filled with one of a kind new pieces!

RUNWAY TIMES:

Friday September 25th @ 7pm

Saturday September 26th @ 2pm and 6pm

For purchase inquiries at the Show please visit
The Purple Thumb booth!
It will be listed in the program brochure!!
New fall pieces as well as summer sale items will be available at the booth!
photo from last seasons runway show!

Be sure to come say Hi! I will be available at all of the shows for chats and inquiries!

Be sure to get your discounted ticket online before September 25th!

Frantic Wednesday Night!!

2009-09-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Thursday Night was the TIFF Premiere of the new Coco Chanel movie! aaannd I just happen to get tickets to the premiere thanks to someone very special :)
However due to the very busy schedule of September I was left with Wednesday night to make my dress!!! So about 8:30pm on Wednesday night was the beginning of my rushed and hopefully beautiful adventure! Above is the pile of black and red chiffon that I started with! I decided this time around to use black...Not my usual exciting colors...however black can be a lot of fun!!

Sorry these photos are taken with my blackberry so not theee greatest quality!
For the dress I envisioned a fitted plunging neckline...My fave! and of course a signature lace up back!

please excuse my high fashion sweat pants!! hahah
I am not exact on the time line but I believe this was around 10 pm...Making sure the fit of the bust was just perfect! Didn't want to have a "too revealing" moment at the premiere!

by this time I had to get to bed, needed my beauty sleep so that I wouldn't have bags under my eyes...Sooo the dress was almost finished and decided that I would find time tomorrow to get it hemmed!!

Here I am finally done the dress, waiting for our luxurious ride down to the Roy Thomspon Hall... and by luxurious I mean the good ol street car! The movie was a lot of fun and I was very excited to see some of my great Canadian Fashion Heros!!

its SEPTEMBER!

2009-09-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

After much needed holidays I am back!

SUMMER SAMANTHA dresses are still available at
The Purple Thumb
The Rage
Freedom Clothing Collective
Nathalie-Roze & Co
dresses above @ The Rage & below at Freedom Clothing Collective

You will even find many pieces on sale! So get them before the cold fall weather begins!

Speaking of FALL! Next week there will be new fall pieces available at THE RAGE in Kensington Market! The library dress will be available in a variety of mixed up colors and prints!

and for even bigger fall shopping the Toronto Clothing Show will be happening September 25, 26 & 27! Be sure to catch one of the many runway shows to see SAMANTHA fall pieces strut their stuff!
Show times will be listed closer to the event!
Pieces will be available once again at The Purple Thumb Boutique booth! So in your Clothing Show program be sure to look for the PURPLE THUMB BOUTIQUE booth to take a look at SAMANTHA pieces!
Fresh fall pieces and SPRING SUMMER sales will be available!

For this fall I will be only selling a small collection because I am in deep preparation for Spring 2010! Being a Fashion Designer, I have learned that I need to be way ahead of the game! Therefore I am using most of the Fall for preparation for Spring 2010 and Fall 2010.

Annnnnnd here is a sneak peek at the SPRING 2010 Collection!

See you at The Clothing Show!

SAMANTHA sighted!

2009-09-01T12:48:00.001-07:00

Early this summer, dresses by SAMANTHA strut the runway for Sick Kids at "This Is London"
100% of the profits raised by this Hair Show entitled "Amore" went to the Sick Kids Foundation.

Clothing were just the accents while the fabulous hair-do's took center stage!

SAMANTHA clothing was worn by models with hair styled by the amazing JC Salons
I was proud to represent a salon so close to home

More photos from this awesome event will be featured in the FASHION SHOW section later this month!

Thank you to Toronto based Wisam Yousif Photography for the great shots on and off the runway! as well as Ulia Koles for styling the outfits by JC Salon, they accessory's were spot on and made the dresses pop!

Sneak Peak @ FALL 2009

2009-07-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

Alrighty, sad to say that I am already talking about FALL, when we are just starting to experience some summer weather, HOWEVER...For fall its not all dark and gloomy...I am definitely envisioning some wicked assortments of plaid and sequins! Be sure to stay tuned for some more photos! I always love to mix and match plaid, so watch out for some hardy fall dresses with some bold colors and sparkly sparkles!!

Beautiful model Alexis Gross

Finally the photos for SPRING 2009 are available in the COLLECTIONS section of the site!
be sure to check out the fabulous work of photographer Kirsten White

thanks again to Chanel Rogers, Dyanne Campbell & Erik Norris

For behind the scenes photos from this shoot please click here! To see the magic happen!

Busy Busy! But heres some new stuff!

2009-06-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

More photos from the past Clothing Show!
It was awesome how they incorporated the amazing live art and fashions!

****************************************************************************

Last Sunday June 14th SAMANTHA dresses participated in the hair show, AMORE. An annual celebration of hairstyling creativity that took place at Toronto’s This is London nightclub. Proceeds from this event went to the Hospital for Sick Children Foundation. The AMORE Show 2009 was a feel good hair experience showcasing the work of some of Ontario’s most talented salons.

Salon 52 Hairstyle magazine has an article on the event with tons of great photos.(plus amazing hair styles for those looking for a new do!)

My clothes were on the JC Salon models and more photos will be shown sooN!

Busy Weekend!

2009-06-16T14:12:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday my colorful and creative strut thee most beautiful runway at the Toronto Hart House for YETI Charity. Youth Education and Training Initiatives (YETI) Canada...Based in Toronto, YETI is dedicated to supporting education and training for underprivileged youth globally.
The runway was beautiful and with the show starting just as the sun went down it made for a wicked atmosphere! The photos were taken by Erik Norris and the show was covered by a variety of local papers. These are some of my behind the scenes madness photos right up till the models walked the runway!

BACKSTAGE: where the lovely models were makeup'd and dressed to the nines to strut their stuff for Charity! I had 10 beautiful models that were able to capture the audience with my bold color summer dresses! The actual runway photos will be posted online in the FASHION show section this week. Stayyyyy tuned for the super fabulous runway shots!

Here are my models lined up outside ready to get on the scenic hardwood runway! Being back stage is always a bit chaotic but I find that I thrive in those types of situations..It always helps when you have great models who understand whats going on and the importance of cooperating!

And for some other news, New crop at the Freedom Clothing Collective!
here are the lovely dresses being transported via good ol' TTC
:)

Such fancy garment bags seen above... One day when I have the time, I cant wait to sew up some spiffy SAMANTHA bags!!!

Here is a sneek peek of the colorful frocks at the Collective, there are a variety of different prints and colors ranging from $70-$100! These little dresses all have the signature lace up back that ensure comfort and a hot fit!!

Saturday June 13th!!

2009-06-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

My creative and colorful are strutting the runway for a good cause this June!

A collaboration of at least 15 designers and artists, including myself, are bringing their best earth-themed stuff to auction and sell, and the proceeds will go to the Youth Education and Training Initiative.

To find out more about this organization please visit their site!

Due to the participation in many amazing events this Spring Summah, I have created a couple of pieces just for this night! as it will be the last show I participate in for a while, as I prepare for a very exciting and challenging new step for the SAMANTHA label!!

Check out the new boutique I am in this week as it is my fourth store in my home town Toronto! Here is a sneak peak of some of the new pieces that will be available at the END of this week.

The lovely boutique is Freedom Clothing Collective

Lastly, I have uploaded some new stuff to my online Etsy store! Be sure to check my online store for custom adventures!!

See you Saturday June 13th!

Fashion Designer trying TO make it! pt.2

2009-05-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my trusty web designer, the SAMANTHA site was uploaded with tons of information this week. The photos from the last two runway shows were designated to the FASHION show section! All information on the great charity's and organizations that hosted these shows are available as well. The Clothing Show team is such a great team! They are so organized and I look forward to working with them in the Fall for a third time!! The beautiful photos are from professional photographer Don Gauthier and Erik Norris

Just click the FASHION SHOW button above to preview the shows!

FREEDOM CLOTHING COLLECTIVE!

new store! Thanks to the buzz at the Clothing Show, I was contacted by a great little new store at Bloor and Ossington. The cute boutique is called Freedom Clothing Collective, and it sells many designers as well as jewelery, and vintage! I do not have a map linked in yet for this new store or The Purple Thumb, however It will be updated this week.

The Collective has been there for five years and has a great website!

More SAMANTHA clothing will be available the first week of June at the store, so be sure to check it out!

SAMANTHA clothing riding in style!!

So, I hope one day my garments are carried around in shiny limos or something! For now, the clothing love the streetcar ride, as do i!

Yesterday I had some un wanted help, these two new interns are super cute and cuddly however are not really hard workers... All they do is sleep and eat, they do not add anything productive to the SAMANTHA studio, except for being cute! One of them manages to sit on any available pattern or piece of material that is most needed at the moment or unravel a whole spool of thread...The other one has bad dreams that make a lot of noise as if he is chasing bunnys! However, entertaining I had to fire the two at the end of the day, but I am sure they will be back :)

Stay tuned as I try TO make it!

New on Etsy!

2009-05-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

New on ETSY!

all you prom go-ers and women looking for the perfect spring dress for a bbq or wedding!

Check out my online store @ Etsy!

All of these pieces are from right off the runway!

Bridesmaids! I think this is the perfect dress for a sunny summery wedding!

Check out one of my dresses featured in today's treasury on Etsy! All of the items featured are super girly and I definitely want all of them!! For more information on prices visit my etsy store! Or be sure to contact me through the site! I will be sure to answer all questions and concerns.

Part two of Fashion Designer Trying TO make it! Will be posted this week!

Fashion Designer trying TO make it!

2009-05-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

please note: Dress I am wearing is my Grade 8 Graduation dress! from Le Chateau...hahaha
will find grad photos soon to post!!

Today I set out at 11:45am for the beaches! I had a meeting with the first store that I ever sold at in Toronto, The Purple Thumb. Since it was a beautiful day, and the Toronto streetcar ride is soo beautiful I decided to take the commute via the awesome streetcar! The trip started off very exciting with my ipod and a man being kicked off the car by the TTC control tower. The
driver didn't even see the man harassing people for change! People really are watching those video cameras from the ttc head office...

My trip started wayyyy in the West end...
I hope to always have time to ride the streetcar, when I make it! Here is the amazing Spadina/Queen area, I would love to one day be able to sell in one of the stores or have an office. Its such a great intersection for Fashion!! I was basically going right across the cityy, and assumed it would take me a couple of hours, Toronto is huge!

Wooo the clothing Show! Always lots of fun! Professional photos by my pal Don Gauthier coming soon to the Fashion Show section!I just need to finalize my fave shots!

There is the super cute Nathalie-Roze boutique! Nathalie-Roze is the only location to carry the Zebra print long beach dresses!! They retail @ $100 and are still available for purchase! Nathalie-Roze is situated at Pape & Queen! Check my site for exact location! Man was I happy to see her store, because it meant I was finally in the East end, almost at Woodbine!

Out the window is the lovely Don River, a place where I would love to one day bike! However I am not that great yet...I usually prefer to sew, however I will conquer it one day! Turns out I had to get off the TTC @ some street a couple of blocks west of Woodbine... So I decided to walk the rest of the way to my final destination The Purple Thumb!

Finally there!! There are my clothes ready to hit the racks at the front of the store!

I am quite excited to be back at The Purple Thumb! Their location is great and the new store is very nice inside. At their new location they have tons of great jewellery and I look forward to seeing how I do there once again!
So if your ever in the Beaches! Or feel like taking a hour trip out there, it is definitely worth it! Not only to support ME! but to pick up a couple unique pieces from their store. Their location will be uploaded into my stores section, as soon as my Web designer gets on it!! ;)
Today was a great day out of the messy studio, as much as I love to sew, drink tea and create! Being in this business includes a lot of getting out and meeting people and promoting your talents! I am just so happy that almost a year out of school, I am now going to be available online, in 3, maybe 4 stores in my home town Toronto! Its all very exciting, especially when hard work pays off!

STAY TUNED! as I try TO make it

Sneak Peek @ Mt. Sinai Fashion Fundraiser

2009-05-14T07:27:00.001-07:00

On the evening of Tuesday May 12th, the Mount Sinai Fashion fundraiser took place, and through all the chaos I truly believe the SAMANTHA pieces stood out! I wanted to THANK all my family and friends that came out to the event, thank you for your patience and being able to keep me calm through out the night!

The long beach dresses stood out in bright colors along with a few new patterns!

The venue was the beautiful Berkeley Church Event hall, and it really set the tone for the show!

These are my last two coat samples for this season, I am only making them on custom order till next season! Contact me if your interested! (regular price in store is $300-$380)

These specific coats seen above retail at:
Spring Style Turquoise with yellow waist piece and black tie. No lining, finished inside: $195
Fall Style Brown and burnt orange linen with silk lining : $255

Check out designer and model both strutting in SAMANTHA creations!

These fabulous crowd shots were taken by the talented Erik Norris! The professional photos were captured by the amazing Don Gauthier, and they will be posted with in the next week or so! The Fashion Show section of my site, will be loaded with the Clothing Show & Mt. Sinai show in the near future! Stay tuned!

Photos coming soon!

2009-05-06T06:39:00.000-07:00

Clothing Show Runway Photos coming soon!
Thank you too all who came out and supported!
Feel free to enter the FREE CUSTOM SAMANTHA dress contest!!

See you next Tuesday at the Mt. Sinai Fashion Benefit!!
Get your tickets here!

see ya soon!