#and also post benson art I have a ton I just never post rip

[shall0wgravy]

I'm gonna try posting more stuff here because twitter sucks and is broken on my end half the time

#bugs speaks #i'm gonna be deranged and monarch post a lot because he's consumed my thoughts #and also post benson art I have a ton I just never post rip

[laurazabel]

Capital Campaign Year 1: What I’ve Learned

(artist-design donor recognition wall by Zabel Acres at SpringBOX - don’t you want to see your name up there?!)

When we were at the very beginning of this project, I reached out to a lot of people for advice, resources and counsel (including these super helpful posts by Nina Simon about the MAH’s capital campaign and project, which I read multiple times.) I’ve carried a lot of that advice, and other great advice from colleagues and friends with me during this project. Now we are about two years into this project to turn a vacant used car dealership and parking lot into an amazing community centered creative space and a year into the capital campaign to raise the money to make that project possible. We’ve raised $3.5M of our total $5.75M goal, 6,000 people have already used the space and we’re ready to start construction on the renovation. And I’ve learned A LOT. In the hopes that this will be useful to other folks tackling building projects, capital campaigns and other big visions, I’ve tried to document some of what I’ve learned so far.

Money is complicated

People have a lot of feelings about money—feelings that are cultural, rooted in family, privilege and emotion. WE NEVER TALK ABOUT THESE FEELINGS, so most of us assume the way we feel about money is how everyone feels, or that it is how everyone should feel. Sometimes people have a very specific way they want to be asked (or not asked) for money. This campaign has challenged me to examine some of my feelings about money and taught me never to assume that I know how someone else feels. All the things that are complicated about fundraising on a normal day (power dynamics, inequitable systems…capitalism) are amplified by a capital campaign.

You need help

You’re going to have to ask for help. The only way to get from zero to a big campaign goal, or a vacant building to a new space is with a lot of people helping. Sure, you need money and you’re going to have actually ask people to give it to you. Honestly, I still kind of want to run away at the end of the tour so I don’t have to talk about money (see feelings about money above.) But you also need a lot of other things – connectors, advocates, cheerleaders, and strategizers. You also really need people who believe in the project. Make a list of your favorite people and ask them for help. So many people stepped up and in this year to help make this project happen in so many ways and I am so grateful.

Buildings are tangible

After 14 years of raising money for something that doesn’t fit perfectly into anyone’s box, I’m used to doing a lot explaining and framing. So it’s been a fun surprise that this project is really legible and doesn’t take a lot of explanation. There’s something really powerful about being able to say, “Imagine if this parking lot was green space or an ice skating rink” or “Imagine if this garage was an artists market” Being a part of building something tangible and permanent is really exciting.

Trust is joyful

The best thing about buying a building that was useable is that we could use it – and so could other people. Opening up this unloved car dealership to 200 community groups and over 6,000 people over the last year taught us so much. It taught us that the “door to nowhere” was actually a great DJ booth, that our community urgently needs open, flexible space, and that organizers, artists, activists, and leaders can gain a lot by sharing space and ideas. It also demonstrated that we can and should trust our community. These 200 groups mostly let themselves in, cleaned up afterwards and tended the space with patience, creativity and joy. This constant flow of people provided the fuel for the last year – for the campaign, for planning the project and for me, personally, to keep going. Whenever I was tired, or anxious, I could visit the space, or even just look at the booking calendar and see an amazing array of beautiful work happening in the building and it gave me the push to keep going.

Urgency is powerful

Whoo boy. We financed the building purchase, which means we took out two big loans. We used our entire R&D fund to create a pool of money that would cover the mortgage payments on these loans for 18 months. (Ask me more about the very cool details of the way this worked at a cocktail party – I’m super fun!) The huge advantage of this structure is that it ensured that the loans wouldn’t impact Springboard’s operations and programming budget. The adrenaline creating part of this structure is that when we signed the closing documents we essentially set a race clock for 18 months. In order to not to incur longterm debt (which we are determined not to do) and keep the project on time, we had exactly 18 months to raise $3.5M. Someone recently compared this to creating a capital campaign version of the movie ‘Speed’, and that feels pretty accurate. There was no “quiet phase”, there was just pedal to the floor. And a lot of waking up in the night worrying. Thanks to my friends, family and colleagues for talking me through a lot of anxious moments.

Have a well researched plan and then let it go

We started with a good solid budget for the building purchase, the renovation, the new programming and the longer term maintenance and capitalization of Springboard’s work. That budget is our campaign goal of about $5.75M. We did a ton of planning and research -- scenarios, cash flows, prospect lists – both for our own use and to show the banks we could do this. A year in, I’m surprised that the budget is pretty much the same. And the $3.5M we’ve raised to date has been about half exactly what we planned and half surprises (funders who didn’t give what we thought they might, new prospects that worked out, individuals that stepped up in incredible ways.)

Celebrate the milestones

I’m learning that a capital campaign is a marathon, so stopping to celebrate the wins along the way is important. Also, take a break every once in a while. I’m learning that I need to give myself some down time. As much as I love this project, I need to step away sometimes. The high stakes of a building project can easily create the illusion that you can’t take a break, but you can…and you should. I’ve been working on creating more ease this summer.

Make sure you are in love

The thought I have had the most this year is: I can’t imagine doing this for a project I didn’t believe in 100%. I love this project. I love all the people who are working on it. I love the ugly parking lot, I love the old sign, I love the dumb fence, I love the leaky roof, I love the “rustic” bathrooms, I love eating the weird leftovers from events in the fridge, and I have loved showing this space and talking about the possibilities for its future with hundreds of people this year. I love what this building and this lot are becoming.

A year from now we’ll be celebrating the opening of this new community asset: a space for Springboard, spaces of wild possibility for our many communities to use, a market and art space, the Vickie Benson Artists Resource Lab, a public roof deck, a beautiful green space in the summer and a winter skating pond, new public art and many improvements that will make this site gentler on the environment. Between now and then we’ve got a lot to do and I’ve got a lot more to learn. I can’t wait.

(this is a path I shoveled to give the first tour of the building before we even closed. I ripped the seam out of the behind of my business dress and had to wear my coat for the whole tour...so much learning!)

[jessicakehoe]

18 Canadian Influencers to Get on Your Feed (If They’re Not Already)

From singers to makeup artists to entrepreneurs, Canada is home to some major talent — and it’s no different in the realm of social media. We’ve rounded up a list of seriously talented Canadian influencers that are making their mark on all things fashion, lifestyle and wellness. Savour their carefully crafted Insta grids and get inspired by Canada’s very own.

View this post on Instagram

🐰WEEKEND🐰we’re getting an early start at @mountengadine checking out their brand new #glamping set up and let me just say winter glamping is totally where it’s at! watch stories for more 🛷 #ANIABSKI #mountendgadine #skibunny #ski #mountainlodge #lodgelife #lodge #cabin #cabininthewoods #winter #girlmeetsworld #aniatylertravel #perfectmoment #skilook #outfit #sportyspice #rossignol #styleblogger #fashion #tgif #friday #winteroutfit #thecabinchronicles #roamtheplanet #getoutside #adventure #exploremore #cabincrew

A post shared by ania boniecka (@aniab) on Jan 11, 2019 at 10:42am PST

Ania Boniecka @aniab

This stylish influencer posts editorial-like shots with jaw-dropping backdrops from her travels to dreamy locations such as Florence and Barcelona. Boniecka’s style is that of a Parisian It-Girl but she’s also serious #girlboss, having been nominated as Digital Influencer Of The Year at the 2017 Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards. Living in wintry Calgary, she manages to keep warm in super stylish winter outfits while posing in the cosiest mountain-lodge locations, putting the Rockies at the top of our bucket list. Pro-tip: Boniecka references all of her outfits on her feed and on her blog, Ania.B, making shopping for your next Insta-worthy look that much easier.

View this post on Instagram

Hey @google, play “9 to 5” by @dollyparton.

A post shared by LAUREN CHAN (@lcchan) on Jan 12, 2019 at 7:41am PST

Lauren Chan @lcchan

This NYC-based Canadian is a woman of many talents. She’s gone from playing varsity basketball at Western University to plus-sized model to fashion editor at Glamour to founder of her own lifestyle brand, Henning. As a fashion editor, she used her voice to spread awareness about the serious lack of size-inclusivity in the industry and won the 2018 American Society of Magazine Editors Next Award, and has appeared on Good Morning America and the Today Show.  On her Insta you’ll see that her beauty game is strong; while she’s clearly mastered the bold red lip, it’s her make-up free selfies that will have you begging for her skincare routine.

View this post on Instagram

Me for @americanapparel by @yudnguyen #AmericanApparel

A post shared by 𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕒 ♓︎ 𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕠 (@vanessacesario_) on Nov 12, 2018 at 2:04pm PST

Vanessa Cesario @vanessacesario_

Cue the influx of flame emojis because this Toronto-based influencer’s style is #fire. As the creative director of Toronto-based swimwear brand Unika Swim, you’ll find Cesario sporting neon pink and green bikinis on her Insta all year long—despite Toronto’s six-month long winter. She also owns pretty much every single sneaker of the moment, from Yeezy Wave Runners to Adidas’ Yung-1 in Hi-Res Orange, making her the ultimate hype beast.

  View this post on Instagram

Classics @newbalancecanada

A post shared by RUBY (@ragsxruby) on Dec 15, 2018 at 1:58pm PST

Ruby Benson @ragxruby

Toronto-based influencer Benson has been killing the social media game since she graduated from Western University in 2013. Right out of school, she copped the position of Canadian brand manager position at The Kooples, and interned at Complex Magazine. Currently, she stays busy with freelance stylist and model gigs as well as influencer projects with major brands like Chanel, Gucci and Adidas. Plus she somehow manages to make athleisure chic, pulling off everything from bike shorts to Off-White Converse to vintage sweat suits. Even Virgil Abloh follows her—need we say more?

View this post on Instagram

meetings on meetings on meetings on meetings

A post shared by Allegra Shaw (@allegrashaw) on Nov 20, 2018 at 9:23am PST

Allegra Shaw @allegrashaw

This down-to-earth city girl is always giving savvy tips and tricks on style, fitness and beauty on her Youtube channel that boasts over 856K subscribers. Besides blessing us with two videos each week, she co-owns sustainable brand Uncle Studios, where she designs simple yet refined garments that are all made in Canada. She’s also a pro at using high-end accessories to elevate her classic looks; we love how she pairs a cozy Aritzia sweater dress with Chloe thigh-high boots or a Chanel chain belt with light-wash vintage Levi’s.

View this post on Instagram

// happy Thursday! #tbt to dungarees and luxe faux fur! //

A post shared by Musemo Handahu (@misslionhunter) on Nov 8, 2018 at 6:21am PST

Musemo Handahu @misslionhunter

A bold lip and colourful backdrops are the hallmarks of Halifax-based Handahu’s artsy Insta, where she showcases her creative talents as an influencer and stylist. She not only curates creative content for major brands like Forever21, Samsung and Makeup Forever, she’s been commissioned by Etsy to teach workshops like Building An Online Presence. By matching bright hues with fun patterns like florals or stripes, Handahu inspires us to be fearless when it comes to style.

View this post on Instagram

If you watched my stories last week, you know that I had a blast in #NYC with @sorelfootwear shooting a ton of #sorelstyle Fall/Winter inspired looks! Here is the first of many looks we shot. Can't wait to show you more in the coming weeks! #ad

A post shared by Tee (@thatsotee) on Oct 3, 2018 at 6:29pm PDT

Tee Go @thatsotee

Vivid, high-contrast pics on the streets of Toronto or whichever new city she happens to be visiting, Go’s personal style is fresh and on-trend. From Golden Goose sneakers with ripped denim to a fuchsia silk slip dress by LPA, her wardrobe is total #goals. Plus, whether she’s at the lavish Wapa Di Ume Resort & Spa in Bali or flying a hot air balloon high above Napa Valley, CA you can also count on her for detailed travel guides to these spots when she returns home.

View this post on Instagram

Neutral classics @topshopcanada #topshopstyle #ad

A post shared by Chloe Zhang (@chloezhaang) on Dec 18, 2018 at 8:34pm PST

Chloe Zhang @chloezhaang

This Toronto-based beauty has an impressive designer handbag collection; eagle eyes are sure to note the Gucci Dionysus, the Louis Vuitton mini backpack and the Chanel Boy bag that she favours often. Zhang tends to stick to neutrals like cream, camel and oatmeal, making her Insta grid especially soothing to scroll through. Thankfully, she shares her styling tips on her blog, where she also reviews skincare and makeup from high-end brands like Nars and YSL.

View this post on Instagram

Buenos días. 💃🏽

A post shared by KAYLA SEAH (@notyourstandard) on Jan 6, 2019 at 7:22am PST

Kayla Seah @notyourstandard

Seah is the Toronto-based editor of Not Your Standard, a blog covering fashion, food, décor, travel and beauty. It even has a Shop section, which is basically Seah’s curated boutique that links you to various online stores so you can buy her fave fashion picks. According to her blog, she’s a lover of all things design, so it’s no surprise that her Insta is flawless. She also loves to pull ideas from different cultures and her life experiences, having lived in NYC and Berlin.

View this post on Instagram

Hair tutorial live on le youtube sweet fam, check eet aaaoouuutttt 😘💇🏼‍♀️

A post shared by Allana Davison (@allanaramaa) on Nov 18, 2018 at 9:55pm PST

Allana Davison @allanaramaa

Content from this self-proclaimed “Blogger, Vlogger, Anything-ogger” spans everything from home workout videos to travel guides. On her Insta and YouTube accounts, Davison gets up close and personal with her audience through detailed makeup reviews, hashtagged #FullFaceFriday. Her quirky personality and honest reviews have inspired subscribers to declare that “[They] won’t buy anything without [her] recommendation.”

View this post on Instagram

Bundled up 🧣

A post shared by Rebecca Ramsdale (@rebeccaramsdale) on Dec 10, 2018 at 4:25pm PST

Rebecca Ramsdale @rebeccaramsdale

Changing her hair colour almost as often as she changes outfits, Ramsdale is the ultimate West End cool kid from Toronto. An avid thrifter, she’s able to curate the perfect grunge aesthetic with affordable pieces culled from local thrift shops. Think old-school Chucks paired with denim Bermuda shorts and a classic Play by Comme Des Garcons heart tee. Her Youtube channel boasts travel vlogs and beauty routines but keep an eye out for her impressive thrift hauls.

View this post on Instagram

A few cuddles before my workout. This girl right here, she motivates me and pushes me every single day. I’m still in the middle of an awful flare up and my body feels like shit but I’m going to dig deep and get my body moving for 45 minutes because sometimes a little sweat plus a lot of endorphins is a better cure than any medicine #girlmom #momlifeisthebestlife #imoveme

A post shared by SoSasha (@sashaexeter) on Nov 14, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

Sasha Exeter @sashaexeter

Need some serious fitspo to get moving on your New Year’s resolutions? Look no further than Exeter, Canada’s fitness queen. Even though she’s a super busy mom and successful businesswoman, she’s always on her fitness A-game. She started her blog, So Sasha, in 2012 to share her thoughts on fashion, travel and wellness and now has over 30K followers. She’s also a huge inspiration for other moms, particularly because she never fails to keep it #relatable. She speaks openly about her pregnancy and what helped her get back on track after giving birth, maintaining that it’s not all about crazy HITT workouts, but about small and consistent steps that help you build strength both mentally and physically.

View this post on Instagram

Is it Friday yet? 🕶

A post shared by CAT WILLIAMS (@thecatwilliams) on Jan 8, 2019 at 4:01pm PST

Cat Williams @thecatwilliams

Williams is an avid globetrotter, having visited more than 26 cities just last year. When she’s not catching a flight to London, Barcelona or LA, she’s curating content for her blog in Toronto and slaying it as ET Canada’s digital producer. With a busy schedule that has her constantly on the move, you’d think flats would be the only plausible option but Williams is fiercely dedicated to heels, documenting her enviable collection on her Instagram feed as she heads from one exciting locale to the next.

View this post on Instagram

Hope everyone had a merry Christmas!🎄 Today on the blog I'm sharing 10 must-read books for creative entrepreneurs! I actually listen to all of my books rather than reading them using the @audible_ca app, which has been a total game changer for me! (and also happens to be my #1 productivity hack) SO excited to share these books with you! let me know in the comments if you've read any of them😊 Post linked in my bio. #yougottahearthis #sponsored ⠀ https://choosingchia.com/10-must-read-books-for-creative-entrepreneurs/

A post shared by Jess-food Blogger (@choosingchia) on Dec 26, 2018 at 11:11am PST

Jess Hoffman @choosingchia

This Montreal yogi is making us rethink the pizza we were planning to order tonight. From the fluffiest blueberry pancakes to rich mocha donuts to the most decadent dragonfruit cheesecake, Hoffman’s Insta has us drooling. And the best part it, it’s all plant-based. The kitchen whiz turns chia pudding into a dream dessert, whips lemon meringue into fluffy egg-free clouds. We’d be jealous if we weren’t so darn grateful for her recipes.

View this post on Instagram

Somebody pinch me…I can not believe it’s 2019! When I moved to Vancouver 5 years I made so many plans/resolutions/goals for where I would be in 5 years time! Hah! Never would have thought I’d be back in Toronto! Makes me wonder where I’ll be and what I’ll be doing 5 years from now! ______________________________________________________________ #throwitback #yearinreview #whowhatwearing #wearitloveit #revolveme

A post shared by Dorrington Reid 📍Toronto (@dorringtonr) on Jan 3, 2019 at 7:22am PST

Dorrington Reid @dorringtonr

Warning: you might just want to live inside this photographer’s Insta feed. Cozy cafes, table-top shots of elaborate meals, and quirky boutiques—all of which are shot on an iPhone!—are what you’ll find as you scroll through Reid’s envy-inducing account. Since he just moved back to Toronto from Vancouver, expect to see tons of snapshots of both cities, with the occasional NYC ‘gram thrown in.

View this post on Instagram

an unexpected appearance on here because it’s been a hot minute. 👋🏽 // missing stress-free mornings in paris 🇫🇷, getting lost in unknown neighbourhoods 🚶🏽‍♂️, drinking one too many cups of coffees ☕️, carb-loading 🥐 and doing all of that while trying to not get pick-pocketed 🤞🏽(almost happened). cheers to the weekend! 🕺🏽✨ #thebrokenarmcafe ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #byfolk #livelittlethings #flashesofdelight #littlestoriesofmylife #suitcasetravels #topparisphoto #facadelovers #theprettycities #mytinyatlas #abmlifeiscolorful #momentslikethese #menandcoffee #pursuepretty #coffeeshopcorners #abmlifeiscolorful #seemyparis #caffeinecouture #momentsofmine #inspiremyinstagram #passionpassport #coffeenclothes #igersparis #postitfortheaesthetic #thehappynow #todaysoutfit #thisisparis #agameoftones #chasinglight #streetsofparis #ootdmen

A post shared by Abhishek Dekate (@abhishekdekate) on Dec 8, 2018 at 8:37am PST

Abhishek Dekate @abhishekdekate

There’s a dreamy, moody quality to this content creator’s Instagram presence, which is full of decadent café bites as well as exquisite historic architecture and home decor. Follow him if you like knowing about all the highly Instagrammable brunch spots in Toronto, where he’s based, or if you just love looking at beautiful pictures of food and cozy cafes. Who doesn’t?

View this post on Instagram

So excited to wear this beautiful and highly versatile piece by @vettacapsule! I’ve had my eyes on this brand for a longgg time and finally decided to invest in a piece from them after winning a gift card to shop from @allyctran’s ethical fashion guide. Be sure to check out her guide on her blog! And don’t forget to swipe to see the back of this shirt. I’m actually wearing it backwards and I layered a turtleneck underneath for extra warmth…cause Canada. 😂 . . . Tap for details 👆🏼

A post shared by Candice Tay (Mok) (@candicemtay) on Nov 5, 2018 at 3:04pm PST

Candice Tay @candicemtay

Tay is a Toronto-based influencer sharing her journey of practicing mindfulness day-to-day. Aware of the harmful impacts of the fashion industry, she decided to become a more conscious consumer which led to her sharing her slow fashion journey on her blog, Candice Tay. Her style is minimalist and clean, consisting of neutrals and basics from sustainable brands like Everlane, Vetta and Encircled. She also only works with brands that share her values, maintaining the importance of making mindful purchases.

View this post on Instagram

Celebrating all 50 000 of you with my very first Instagram carousel! ✨😄 I thought my new favourite vintage items deserved the attention 😏 — #whatiwore #vintagefashion

A post shared by Audrey Rivet (@audreyrivet) on Dec 27, 2018 at 9:01am PST

Audrey Rivet @audreyrivet

Rivet is a Montreal-based freelance graphic designer who helps develop brand identities for startups like Oatbox and Thesez-Vous. So it should come as no surprise that she’s also built a strong personal brand of her own via Instagram. Rivet’s feed has a bit of a vintage feel to it and she often shares photos of her covetable home decor as well as cute local cafes. But her main focus is her carefully curated wardrobe—you’d never guess that it’s made up of totally affordable thrifted finds.

The post 18 Canadian Influencers to Get on Your Feed (If They’re Not Already) appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

18 Canadian Influencers to Get on Your Feed (If They’re Not Already) published first on https://borboletabags.tumblr.com/

[lindyhunt]

18 Canadian Influencers to Get on Your Feed (If They’re Not Already)

From singers to makeup artists to entrepreneurs, Canada is home to some major talent — and it’s no different in the realm of social media. We’ve rounded up a list of seriously talented Canadian influencers that are making their mark on all things fashion, lifestyle and wellness. Savour their carefully crafted Insta grids and get inspired by Canada’s very own.

View this post on Instagram

🐰WEEKEND🐰we’re getting an early start at @mountengadine checking out their brand new #glamping set up and let me just say winter glamping is totally where it’s at! watch stories for more 🛷 #ANIABSKI #mountendgadine #skibunny #ski #mountainlodge #lodgelife #lodge #cabin #cabininthewoods #winter #girlmeetsworld #aniatylertravel #perfectmoment #skilook #outfit #sportyspice #rossignol #styleblogger #fashion #tgif #friday #winteroutfit #thecabinchronicles #roamtheplanet #getoutside #adventure #exploremore #cabincrew

A post shared by ania boniecka (@aniab) on Jan 11, 2019 at 10:42am PST

Ania Boniecka @aniab

This stylish influencer posts editorial-like shots with jaw-dropping backdrops from her travels to dreamy locations such as Florence and Barcelona. Boniecka’s style is that of a Parisian It-Girl but she’s also serious #girlboss, having been nominated as Digital Influencer Of The Year at the 2017 Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards. Living in wintry Calgary, she manages to keep warm in super stylish winter outfits while posing in the cosiest mountain-lodge locations, putting the Rockies at the top of our bucket list. Pro-tip: Boniecka references all of her outfits on her feed and on her blog, Ania.B, making shopping for your next Insta-worthy look that much easier.

View this post on Instagram

Hey @google, play “9 to 5” by @dollyparton.

A post shared by LAUREN CHAN (@lcchan) on Jan 12, 2019 at 7:41am PST

Lauren Chan @lcchan

This NYC-based Canadian is a woman of many talents. She’s gone from playing varsity basketball at Western University to plus-sized model to fashion editor at Glamour to founder of her own lifestyle brand, Henning. As a fashion editor, she used her voice to spread awareness about the serious lack of size-inclusivity in the industry and won the 2018 American Society of Magazine Editors Next Award, and has appeared on Good Morning America and the Today Show.  On her Insta you’ll see that her beauty game is strong; while she’s clearly mastered the bold red lip, it’s her make-up free selfies that will have you begging for her skincare routine.

View this post on Instagram

Me for @americanapparel by @yudnguyen #AmericanApparel

A post shared by 𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕒 ♓︎ 𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕠 (@vanessacesario_) on Nov 12, 2018 at 2:04pm PST

Vanessa Cesario @vanessacesario_

Cue the influx of flame emojis because this Toronto-based influencer’s style is #fire. As the creative director of Toronto-based swimwear brand Unika Swim, you’ll find Cesario sporting neon pink and green bikinis on her Insta all year long—despite Toronto’s six-month long winter. She also owns pretty much every single sneaker of the moment, from Yeezy Wave Runners to Adidas’ Yung-1 in Hi-Res Orange, making her the ultimate hype beast.

  View this post on Instagram

Classics @newbalancecanada

A post shared by RUBY (@ragsxruby) on Dec 15, 2018 at 1:58pm PST

Ruby Benson @ragxruby

Toronto-based influencer Benson has been killing the social media game since she graduated from Western University in 2013. Right out of school, she copped the position of Canadian brand manager position at The Kooples, and interned at Complex Magazine. Currently, she stays busy with freelance stylist and model gigs as well as influencer projects with major brands like Chanel, Gucci and Adidas. Plus she somehow manages to make athleisure chic, pulling off everything from bike shorts to Off-White Converse to vintage sweat suits. Even Virgil Abloh follows her—need we say more?

View this post on Instagram

meetings on meetings on meetings on meetings

A post shared by Allegra Shaw (@allegrashaw) on Nov 20, 2018 at 9:23am PST

Allegra Shaw @allegrashaw

This down-to-earth city girl is always giving savvy tips and tricks on style, fitness and beauty on her Youtube channel that boasts over 856K subscribers. Besides blessing us with two videos each week, she co-owns sustainable brand Uncle Studios, where she designs simple yet refined garments that are all made in Canada. She’s also a pro at using high-end accessories to elevate her classic looks; we love how she pairs a cozy Aritzia sweater dress with Chloe thigh-high boots or a Chanel chain belt with light-wash vintage Levi’s.

View this post on Instagram

// happy Thursday! #tbt to dungarees and luxe faux fur! //

A post shared by Musemo Handahu (@misslionhunter) on Nov 8, 2018 at 6:21am PST

Musemo Handahu @misslionhunter

A bold lip and colourful backdrops are the hallmarks of Halifax-based Handahu’s artsy Insta, where she showcases her creative talents as an influencer and stylist. She not only curates creative content for major brands like Forever21, Samsung and Makeup Forever, she’s been commissioned by Etsy to teach workshops like Building An Online Presence. By matching bright hues with fun patterns like florals or stripes, Handahu inspires us to be fearless when it comes to style.

View this post on Instagram

If you watched my stories last week, you know that I had a blast in #NYC with @sorelfootwear shooting a ton of #sorelstyle Fall/Winter inspired looks! Here is the first of many looks we shot. Can't wait to show you more in the coming weeks! #ad

A post shared by Tee (@thatsotee) on Oct 3, 2018 at 6:29pm PDT

Tee Go @thatsotee

Vivid, high-contrast pics on the streets of Toronto or whichever new city she happens to be visiting, Go’s personal style is fresh and on-trend. From Golden Goose sneakers with ripped denim to a fuchsia silk slip dress by LPA, her wardrobe is total #goals. Plus, whether she’s at the lavish Wapa Di Ume Resort & Spa in Bali or flying a hot air balloon high above Napa Valley, CA you can also count on her for detailed travel guides to these spots when she returns home.

View this post on Instagram

Neutral classics @topshopcanada #topshopstyle #ad

A post shared by Chloe Zhang (@chloezhaang) on Dec 18, 2018 at 8:34pm PST

Chloe Zhang @chloezhaang

This Toronto-based beauty has an impressive designer handbag collection; eagle eyes are sure to note the Gucci Dionysus, the Louis Vuitton mini backpack and the Chanel Boy bag that she favours often. Zhang tends to stick to neutrals like cream, camel and oatmeal, making her Insta grid especially soothing to scroll through. Thankfully, she shares her styling tips on her blog, where she also reviews skincare and makeup from high-end brands like Nars and YSL.

View this post on Instagram

Buenos días. 💃🏽

A post shared by KAYLA SEAH (@notyourstandard) on Jan 6, 2019 at 7:22am PST

Kayla Seah @notyourstandard

Seah is the Toronto-based editor of Not Your Standard, a blog covering fashion, food, décor, travel and beauty. It even has a Shop section, which is basically Seah’s curated boutique that links you to various online stores so you can buy her fave fashion picks. According to her blog, she’s a lover of all things design, so it’s no surprise that her Insta is flawless. She also loves to pull ideas from different cultures and her life experiences, having lived in NYC and Berlin.

View this post on Instagram

Hair tutorial live on le youtube sweet fam, check eet aaaoouuutttt 😘💇🏼‍♀️

A post shared by Allana Davison (@allanaramaa) on Nov 18, 2018 at 9:55pm PST

Allana Davison @allanaramaa

Content from this self-proclaimed “Blogger, Vlogger, Anything-ogger” spans everything from home workout videos to travel guides. On her Insta and YouTube accounts, Davison gets up close and personal with her audience through detailed makeup reviews, hashtagged #FullFaceFriday. Her quirky personality and honest reviews have inspired subscribers to declare that “[They] won’t buy anything without [her] recommendation.”

View this post on Instagram

Bundled up 🧣

A post shared by Rebecca Ramsdale (@rebeccaramsdale) on Dec 10, 2018 at 4:25pm PST

Rebecca Ramsdale @rebeccaramsdale

Changing her hair colour almost as often as she changes outfits, Ramsdale is the ultimate West End cool kid from Toronto. An avid thrifter, she’s able to curate the perfect grunge aesthetic with affordable pieces culled from local thrift shops. Think old-school Chucks paired with denim Bermuda shorts and a classic Play by Comme Des Garcons heart tee. Her Youtube channel boasts travel vlogs and beauty routines but keep an eye out for her impressive thrift hauls.

View this post on Instagram

A few cuddles before my workout. This girl right here, she motivates me and pushes me every single day. I’m still in the middle of an awful flare up and my body feels like shit but I’m going to dig deep and get my body moving for 45 minutes because sometimes a little sweat plus a lot of endorphins is a better cure than any medicine #girlmom #momlifeisthebestlife #imoveme

A post shared by SoSasha (@sashaexeter) on Nov 14, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

Sasha Exeter @sashaexeter

Need some serious fitspo to get moving on your New Year’s resolutions? Look no further than Exeter, Canada’s fitness queen. Even though she’s a super busy mom and successful businesswoman, she’s always on her fitness A-game. She started her blog, So Sasha, in 2012 to share her thoughts on fashion, travel and wellness and now has over 30K followers. She’s also a huge inspiration for other moms, particularly because she never fails to keep it #relatable. She speaks openly about her pregnancy and what helped her get back on track after giving birth, maintaining that it’s not all about crazy HITT workouts, but about small and consistent steps that help you build strength both mentally and physically.

View this post on Instagram

Is it Friday yet? 🕶

A post shared by CAT WILLIAMS (@thecatwilliams) on Jan 8, 2019 at 4:01pm PST

Cat Williams @thecatwilliams

Williams is an avid globetrotter, having visited more than 26 cities just last year. When she’s not catching a flight to London, Barcelona or LA, she’s curating content for her blog in Toronto and slaying it as ET Canada’s digital producer. With a busy schedule that has her constantly on the move, you’d think flats would be the only plausible option but Williams is fiercely dedicated to heels, documenting her enviable collection on her Instagram feed as she heads from one exciting locale to the next.

View this post on Instagram

Hope everyone had a merry Christmas!🎄 Today on the blog I'm sharing 10 must-read books for creative entrepreneurs! I actually listen to all of my books rather than reading them using the @audible_ca app, which has been a total game changer for me! (and also happens to be my #1 productivity hack) SO excited to share these books with you! let me know in the comments if you've read any of them😊 Post linked in my bio. #yougottahearthis #sponsored ⠀ https://choosingchia.com/10-must-read-books-for-creative-entrepreneurs/

A post shared by Jess-food Blogger (@choosingchia) on Dec 26, 2018 at 11:11am PST

Jess Hoffman @choosingchia

This Montreal yogi is making us rethink the pizza we were planning to order tonight. From the fluffiest blueberry pancakes to rich mocha donuts to the most decadent dragonfruit cheesecake, Hoffman’s Insta has us drooling. And the best part it, it’s all plant-based. The kitchen whiz turns chia pudding into a dream dessert, whips lemon meringue into fluffy egg-free clouds. We’d be jealous if we weren’t so darn grateful for her recipes.

View this post on Instagram

Somebody pinch me…I can not believe it’s 2019! When I moved to Vancouver 5 years I made so many plans/resolutions/goals for where I would be in 5 years time! Hah! Never would have thought I’d be back in Toronto! Makes me wonder where I’ll be and what I’ll be doing 5 years from now! ______________________________________________________________ #throwitback #yearinreview #whowhatwearing #wearitloveit #revolveme

A post shared by Dorrington Reid 📍Toronto (@dorringtonr) on Jan 3, 2019 at 7:22am PST

Dorrington Reid @dorringtonr

Warning: you might just want to live inside this photographer’s Insta feed. Cozy cafes, table-top shots of elaborate meals, and quirky boutiques—all of which are shot on an iPhone!—are what you’ll find as you scroll through Reid’s envy-inducing account. Since he just moved back to Toronto from Vancouver, expect to see tons of snapshots of both cities, with the occasional NYC ‘gram thrown in.

View this post on Instagram

an unexpected appearance on here because it’s been a hot minute. 👋🏽 // missing stress-free mornings in paris 🇫🇷, getting lost in unknown neighbourhoods 🚶🏽‍♂️, drinking one too many cups of coffees ☕️, carb-loading 🥐 and doing all of that while trying to not get pick-pocketed 🤞🏽(almost happened). cheers to the weekend! 🕺🏽✨ #thebrokenarmcafe ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #byfolk #livelittlethings #flashesofdelight #littlestoriesofmylife #suitcasetravels #topparisphoto #facadelovers #theprettycities #mytinyatlas #abmlifeiscolorful #momentslikethese #menandcoffee #pursuepretty #coffeeshopcorners #abmlifeiscolorful #seemyparis #caffeinecouture #momentsofmine #inspiremyinstagram #passionpassport #coffeenclothes #igersparis #postitfortheaesthetic #thehappynow #todaysoutfit #thisisparis #agameoftones #chasinglight #streetsofparis #ootdmen

A post shared by Abhishek Dekate (@abhishekdekate) on Dec 8, 2018 at 8:37am PST

Abhishek Dekate @abhishekdekate

There’s a dreamy, moody quality to this content creator’s Instagram presence, which is full of decadent café bites as well as exquisite historic architecture and home decor. Follow him if you like knowing about all the highly Instagrammable brunch spots in Toronto, where he’s based, or if you just love looking at beautiful pictures of food and cozy cafes. Who doesn’t?

View this post on Instagram

So excited to wear this beautiful and highly versatile piece by @vettacapsule! I’ve had my eyes on this brand for a longgg time and finally decided to invest in a piece from them after winning a gift card to shop from @allyctran’s ethical fashion guide. Be sure to check out her guide on her blog! And don’t forget to swipe to see the back of this shirt. I’m actually wearing it backwards and I layered a turtleneck underneath for extra warmth…cause Canada. 😂 . . . Tap for details 👆🏼

A post shared by Candice Tay (Mok) (@candicemtay) on Nov 5, 2018 at 3:04pm PST

Candice Tay @candicemtay

Tay is a Toronto-based influencer sharing her journey of practicing mindfulness day-to-day. Aware of the harmful impacts of the fashion industry, she decided to become a more conscious consumer which led to her sharing her slow fashion journey on her blog, Candice Tay. Her style is minimalist and clean, consisting of neutrals and basics from sustainable brands like Everlane, Vetta and Encircled. She also only works with brands that share her values, maintaining the importance of making mindful purchases.

View this post on Instagram

Celebrating all 50 000 of you with my very first Instagram carousel! ✨😄 I thought my new favourite vintage items deserved the attention 😏 — #whatiwore #vintagefashion

A post shared by Audrey Rivet (@audreyrivet) on Dec 27, 2018 at 9:01am PST

Audrey Rivet @audreyrivet

Rivet is a Montreal-based freelance graphic designer who helps develop brand identities for startups like Oatbox and Thesez-Vous. So it should come as no surprise that she’s also built a strong personal brand of her own via Instagram. Rivet’s feed has a bit of a vintage feel to it and she often shares photos of her covetable home decor as well as cute local cafes. But her main focus is her carefully curated wardrobe—you’d never guess that it’s made up of totally affordable thrifted finds.