Bringing some of the world’s best designers home, the warmly romantic boutique offers rare collections for a unique and beautiful approach to modern elegance and traditional affection in bridal wear. Amidst tufts of tulle and delicate silk duchess rises a Studio Sposa bride – a woman who fittingly swathes her silhouette in fine beauty, expert craftsmanship and handmade couture. “We always thought that if we were to do something, how would it be different. We then started doing research on wedding dresses and designers,” says Mariangela Muia, who met Mary D’Aversa while both worked in the financial sector.

The duo waited a year before they opened the doors of their boutique in the intimate village of Kleinburg, a treasured photo shoot location for newlyweds. During this time, Muia and D’Aversa carefully selected renowned bridal houses that design one-of-a-kind semi-custom dresses by hand. What soon filled their showroom were the accoutrements of David Fielden’s simple prettiness; the ethereal romance of Katerina Bocci; Claire Pettibone’s delicate vintage looks, and more. “The designer that really inspired us the most was Atelier Aimée,” says Muia. “Through our visions of what we saw in regular bridal, this was above and beyond what bridal was.” The whimsical, enchanting creations of this European brand sparkle with Swarovski crystals, the finest French lace, hand-sewn rosebuds and flowers. A Grace Kelly inspired dress by Atelier Aimée rivals the intricacy of Sara Burton at Alexander McQueen’s wedding dress for the Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middelton). Your first steps into Studio Sposa are the prologue to your own personal fairy tale.

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With the class of a horse-drawn carriage and the shine of a jewelled tiara, Studio Sposa provides all brides-to-be with the royal treatment. “Elegance is indicative of what we do here. You’re not just getting a couture gown; you’re getting that service, that reliability,” says D’Aversa. At Studio Sposa, relaxing sit-down consultations reveal multiple layers of a bride’s personality, even before dresses – which come equipped with authentic warranty tags – are shown. This materializes the gown that will suit personality and silhouette while stirring orchestral awe. “The gown chooses the bride, it’s not the bride that chooses the gown,” says Muia. Refreshingly, the prevention of bride doppelgängers is ensured at Studio Sposa, where a dress is never shown to multiple brides living in the same community. What’s more, the boutique offers designer trunk shows starting in January, where brides get to meet the designers of their dress and inquire about additions such as crystals, flowers and rosebuds to their dress. A bride also has the option to ask for cost-effective solutions, such as switching a higher-priced material with one that costs less yet boasts valuable quality. “When brides walk out of our boutique with their dress, we say, ‘Wow, that’s her,’” says Muia.  Unveil yourself as you walk down the aisle as a Studio Sposa bride.

By personal, one-on-one appointment
www.studiosposa.ca
905.893.8100

The Solmar Design Team is bursting with excitement as it selects rich colour schemes, elegant décor and elaborate furnishings that will sweep through the polished interiors of Tower 3. Form and function unite with classic details and the highest quality of appliances found in every stylish suite. Relics of fine art and contemporary accents complement each other as newlyweds, young professionals and empty nesters alike get set to live in the charm of a European-style abode.

Rising with grandeur by 2012, the 17-storey Tower 3 will feature the elegance and luxury of its sibling towers, with the exciting addition of a sumptuous two-storey lobby for a five-star resort look. European styling is at its best with a romantic fireplace, Grecian columns and antique lanterns for an elite ambiance.

Residents will wake up to sophistication and opulence as marble, granite, gleaming chandeliers and artistic expressions of the Renaissance era sweep through the establishment. From the minute you walk into the boutique hotel-inspired lobby to the moment you unlock the doors to your swanky suite, friendly neighbours and an expert concierge will make your home at Bellaria’s Tower 3 a supreme, comforting experience.

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Since the beginning, Solmar has positioned itself into another realm from competitors, offering the best option for those who want to live life in a hassle-free, luxurious setting. With condos selling at a rapid pace, Tower 3 completes a trifecta of excellence for Solmar Development. www.solmar.ca

THE SUITE LIFE
▶ A Royal Collection: Elegant one-bedroom, two-bedroom-plus-den suites with a range of quality luxury features make upgrades a thing of the past
▶ Limited Penthouse Collection suites with terraces and lavish facets
▶ Suites boast nine-foot ceilings, while penthouses and ground floor suites soar with 10’ ceilings
▶ Granite or marble countertops, stainless steel appliance
▶ European-style vanity and soaker bathtub

C’EST LA VIE
▶ VIVA Club, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and spa with yoga, massage and steam rooms
▶ Social and entertainment excellence with Billiard Room, Card Room, TV Room, Reading Room, Theatre Room, Lounge and Party Room, great for hosting any celebration
▶ Panoramic views of landscaped paths, gazebos and a branch of the Don River flowing through 20 acres of property

A NEW HEIGHT OF LUXURY
▶ A  sumptuous two-storey lobby sets the bar in the luxury condo market
▶ An exterior of gilded domes, pre-cast walls and bronzed glass for a regal experience
▶ Guest suite on ground floor offers a hotel-like experience for visitors

CLOSE CONNECTIONS
▶ Steps away from Vaughan Mills Mall
▶ A short drive to Canada’s Wonderland for family fun
▶ Close to golf courses, parks and recreational facilities
▶ Minutes from Highways 400, 7 and 401

PRIVATE MATTERS
▶ Exclusive gated community with high level of security
▶ 24-hour gatehouse provides exclusivity of a resort
▶ Two-way audiovisual communication with Concierge Desk
▶ Personally encoded suite intrusion alarm with suite door contact and keyboard
▶ In-suite speakers for fire alarm alerts
▶ Private underground parking garage

Designer Kids Wear is a boutique that’s filled with a range of fun and formal outfits for babies, toddlers and even teens. As one of the few places in the city that centralizes its fashion on high-end goods for younger age groups, Designer Kids Wear has become a recognized destination for consumers seeking quality clothing that will stand the test of time.

Angela opened the doors of Designer Kids Wear in Vaughan in 1997, after carrying out a bustling career as a chartered accountant. With her third child on the way, she decided to take her business knowledge and use it to finally pursue her zeal for retail. “If you enjoy what you’re doing and you have a passion for it, you can overcome any situation, no matter how many obstacles are in your way,” says the impassioned owner.

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Designer Kids Wear’s success speaks for itself. “Our growth over the years has just been astounding.” said co-owner Anthony. With a degree in Business, he has taken over the finance and administration aspect of Designer Kids since 2006. “We are very grateful. We have a loyal clientele and have surrounded ourselves with an exceptional staff. We have a team of polite, genuinely caring and knowledgeable individuals who share our passion for providing a great shopping experience.”

The debate to choose quality or quantity is one that often arises in a society that can sometimes appear to be driven by consumption. When deciding what to purchase, you may want to consider buying your child a few high-end pieces over several lower-end pieces. “A child really doesn’t need a large wardrobe at any given time. So if they have a few quality pieces it’s just that much more special.” Choosing quality over quantity doesn’t necessarily mean spending more. It can simply mean buying select items that last longer and reflect your little one’s personal style.

Designer Kids Wear also offers a great selection of gifts that range in price, brand and looks. To make your shopping experience easier, they offer gift cards, gift receipts and will even package your purchase. “At the end of the day we really just want to make our clients enjoy coming in to our boutique, whether its just to browse or purchase that special item.”

www.designerkidswear.ca
905.264.7228

PHOTO: Dr. Sol Weiss Cosmetic Dentistry at Elements.

Like most things Italian, it’s a tradition of savouring food that has been handed down to the skilled baker.

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“As a kid I remember having homemade sagnetti, which is a type of pasta, and handmade sweets afterward,” Sarracini says. “This is a hobby and passion of mine. I love making crostatas, pies, and frappe, which are little bowties with icing sugar.”  Taking his inspiration from his mother and his wife, Sarracini also offers traditional cookies once made by older generations. On its busiest days, Dolce Bombe hand-creates over 1,500 of its authentic bombe, satisfying loyal customers with the divine dessert, time and time again.

905.265.7841
7611 Pine Valley Dr. Unit #4
Woodbridge, Ont.
(Directly behind TD bank)

This season, Nadya Toto celebrates women in all their joie de vivre. Inspired by the sweet coastal perfume, Nadya Toto’s cheerful but elegant collection is evocative of freedom, sometimes reminiscent of a young Sophia Loren basking in the sun of a Capri afternoon. You’ll be mesmerized by silk chiffons printed or embroidered with gold sequins, voluptuous taffetas and knitted jersey crochets, each revealing their fabulous glossy feel; soft to the touch and light as a warm spring breeze.

Shapes and silhouettes of the season are all about volume at the hems, softly tickling ankles or wrists. The fit and flare silhouette is also redefined in its empire version for a delicious romantic feel.

Detailing is omnipresent in this collection. Whether it’s origami-like burned cutouts, patchwork, beading, lacy details, or fabrics richly draped into the shape of the skirts, uniqueness in workmanship is the key.

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You can see Nadya’s entire collection at her signature Montreal boutique, or look for it at better boutiques
across Canada.

www.nadyatoto.com