There was no sign on the door that implied the party was for women only, but one peek inside said it all. It was the "I Am a Shopaholic" cocktail party (inspired by the release of the film Confessions of a Shopaholic on Friday), and for this one night, a select group of Toronto women shopped like Rebecca Bloomwood, the film's protagonist—presumably without running up thousands of dollars in debt.
Event designer Yvonne Kai welcomed about 400 women to the event at the Fifth Social Club on Thursday. The shopping party featured various products and services provided by local businesswomen. "I plan parties the way I would want it to be if I attended them," said Kai, who made a name for herself after throwing a Sex and the City-themed fund-raiser in support of StepStones for Youth last May. "As much as it's a fun party, I do want to inspire people."
Kai said she wanted to bring women together to socialize, but also to network and learn about local businesses started by passionate young women. Almost every business Kai approached wanted to get involved, so in addition to having some attend the party, she collected coupons and assorted giveaways from others to create gift bags for guests.
Around the perimeter of the room, clothing designers, makeup artists, and cosmetic companies set up displays like storefronts. Guests had their makeup applied by Make Up For Ever artists, posed for Flash Velvet photographers on a mock photo shoot, and received free manicures from Buff Nails.
Ladies sampled Balmshell lip gloss—created by Toronto-born twin sisters Jennifer and Fiona Lees—and tried tea-tinis created by David's Tea. Chick-lit books, jewelry by Josie Tecson, and desserts from Pretty Sweet were raffled off, and a runway fashion show by the Queen Street West shop Brazen Hussy was held just after midnight to music by DJ Lissa Monet.
All of the marketing and promotion for the event was done through Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and by word of mouth. The $35 tickets for the event were designed to look like credit cards, but attendees had to use their own plastic to make purchases.
