Champagne Shopping with the Upside

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How do you launch a luxury shopping website? Obviously, you throw a party. For the Calgary-based Upside, it only made sense to have it in an upscale Mount Royal home — with some of the most beautiful walk-in closets you have ever seen.The Upside is Canada’s largest online luxury consignment retailer offering authenticated designer goods. Yes, that means they’re second-hand. It also means prices are in Canadian dollars. With no obscene shipping duties.Normally, buying used items online would make me nervous. But after getting the chance to see the merch myself, I can confidently say they are more pre-ignored than pre-loved. Dirt-free. Unscuffed. Some items still have their tags.I wasn’t the only one who was intrigued. The party was packed with power shoppers, like philanthropist and political campaign manager Cynthia Moore, who take their clothes seriously. With a capital ‘S.’Unforch for the male guests, the curated inventory – comprising 250 + designers – only caters to women. But the soiree offered a chance to peak inside an abode that may have been home to Leonardo DiCaprio when he was filming The Revenant in Alberta. I couldn’t quite confirm that, but the good news is that luxury realtor Gordon Ross will be happy to assist you in acquiring it for yourself — it’s for sale.Downstairs, in the living room, while watching Upside founder Lauryn Zhukrovsky on the mic, I got the distinct impression that partygoers were being encouraged to tweet about it. Meanwhile, like all good parties, everyone ended up in the kitchen.

Wishing you’d been there? There’s another chance to get up close and personal with the Upside’s high-end goodies with the Black Weekend Pop-Up Sale, November 27-28. A selection of retailers will be under one roof in the former Domicile space on 11th Avenue S.W. Meanwhile, you can shop til you drop online — 20% off everything tomorrow.

#OMGP with Brett Wilson

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When uber-philanthropist and former Dragon Brett Wilson throws a party, it’s big. 1200 guests big. The dress code called for colorful, so I went with Betsey Johnson. Brett channeled Garden Gnome.

This year, Brett’s soiree had a hashtag instead of a title: #OMGP, which officially stood for Oh My Garden Party, but Tweeters not in the know got into a social media lather over potential inspirations for the acronym . A favorite annual event amongst Calgary’s social set, the Mount Royal garden party happens rain or shine — under a massive, 40×80 foot tent that works for any weather. Stunt rider and provider of many an animal for the film industry, John Scott is pictured alongside the lovely Elaine Duncan of The Eagle 100.9 FM. Nice to see the man who taught Brad Pitt how to ride taking time out for a little R&R. Which could be a cool brand — on a horse, not an advertising campaign. Not for John’s horses though. His steeds in today’s Stampede parade were working, not relaxing.As is appropriate for the city currently hosting the richest rodeo on earth, #OMGP was chock full of cowboys. Brian Hanson, Vice President of Smithbilt Hats, attended with Makenzie Martinson, Seismic Technologist.Country crooner Corb Lund rounded out the cowboy lineup. Stalking the stage, David Gray of CBC’s The Eyeopener told me, “I’m a major Corb Lund fan!”When Brett Wilson talks, people listen. Especially when it’s about his charities of choice, supporting adolescent mental health. Guests were asked to pony up (cash or cheque at the door!) for CMHA Calgary, the Juno Foundation, the Calgary Counselling Centre and Wood’s Homes/Aboriginal Youth.In another section of the gargantuan garden, anyone who didn’t heed Brett’s speech over the speakers shushed instantly at the sound of realtor extraordinaire Gordon Ross’ whistle (old school, with classic finger-in-mouth technique). Seen here in the sharp blue blazer with partner Richard Cote (left).Quirky accents abounded…… including Don Cherry impersonator, Clark Robertson, with Chantelle Harris. Blurry photos courtesy of my memory-full iPhone 5.After raising four hundred thousand (and still counting) for deserving charities, revelers two-stepped into the wee hours. Oh My! Great Party!

Fearless Abstract at The Heather Co

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Tucked away in Mount Royal, along the 14th Street SW corridor, you’ll find The Heather Company for design and decor. The boutique features hard-to-find bedding, drapery, cushions and fabric.On this particular day, founder and creative director Heather Draper is too busy being hostess with the mostess to take time out for a posey pic. Keeping her clients’ flutes topped with champagne takes priority as she celebrates her latest creative collaboration.The interior designer prides herself on keeping the catalog status quo out of her store. Now, to compliment her own bedding line, The Heather Company Collection, and a curated selection of furniture pieces, she’s found the perfect paintings: abstract acrylics and mixed media on canvas, by a local artist.Glamazon fashionista Samantha Da Silva is that local artist. Originally from Brazil, Samantha now calls Calgary home. Her fearless approach to fashion is a sartorial indication of the art education she also provides, in a course called Fearless Abstract — which is not only a fabulous fit, but also the opportunity for a double entendre.There’s original art in every nook and cranny of The Heather Company. I spotted these glass bowls by another Calgary artist, Michelle Atkinson. They’re part of her Jewel Notes glassware and sculptural pieces collection.In case you’re wondering, all the art at The Heather Company is available for purchase. Except for the painting that sold during the party!