From Backstreet boy Howie D. to Toronto Blue Jays Brett Lawrie and JP Arencibia, celebs who visited the IT Lounge during the opening weekend of the film festival ate, drank and even danced inside the laidback lounge, all in support of official charities Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) and Camp Oochigeas.

Arriving in style courtesy of car partner Mercedes-Benz, Academy Award-winning director Paul Haggis stopped by the IT Lounge for a second time on Sunday afternoon, bringing along DJ Tony Okungbowa (The Ellen Degeneres Show). Haggis chilled in the Great Gatsby-inspired lounge area created by Sealy Design Inc. DJ Tony was in town to support Artists for Peace and Justice, the charity founded by Haggis. He also spun at both TORO After Dark Benefiting APJ on Friday night, and the Academy for Peace and Justice Garden Lunch fundraiser on Saturday afternoon. Fans of DJ Tony’s turntable talent, House of Marley gifted the DJ with a one-of-a-kind pair of their eco-friendly headphones.

From Backstreet to Baker Street, Howie D. indulged his sweet tooth on Crème Brûlée cheesecake and Red Velvet torte before leaving with a selection of mini handcrafted pies.

After winning their afternoon game against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, Toronto Blue Jays players Brett Lawrie and JP Arencibia traded in their uniforms to hit a home run in the style department, thanks to RW&CO.’s fall collection for men. Lawrie was all about accessories – and left wearing a tartan-print skinny tie and charcoal grey newsboy cap. Arencibia opted for a classic black suit and paired it with slim fitting shirt.

Actor Dean McDermott (Tori & Dean, Ecstasy) couldn’t stop admiring his handsome mug in the mirror after sampling G.M. Collin’s new Phyto Stem Cell+ advanced anti-aging serum, saying his skin felt really smooth.

Being Erica star Erin Karpluk stocked up on Ardell Lashes before hitting Hello! Canada’s 5^th anniversary red carpet and gala on Saturday night.

Always glam popstar Keshia Chanté proclaimed “Stila is the only makeup I wear!” before sitting down to have her gorgeous lips touched up by a Stila pro makeup artist. She later planted her pucker (and her autograph) on a canvas for Stila’s “Kiss for A Cause” campaign. For every celebrity who visits the IT Lounge and participates, the beauty brand is donating to Camp Oochigeas, a local camp for children with cancer.

Lauren Collins (Degrassi: The Next Generation) sniffed out an edgy, graphic tee from ConScent. The scent-infused luxury shirts come in a variety of styles and Collins fell for an off-the-shoulder, orange creamsicle-scented white tee printed with Je suis un tee-shirt parfumé. Ooh la la!

Touring the IT Lounge with his mom, actor Daniel DeSanto (Breakaway) showed off his Italian heritage in a vintage-inspired Fila jacket. Fila is also donating apparel and sports equipment to Camp Oochigeas for every IT Lounge celebrity who tweets using #filagivesback during their visit.

Brunette beauty Gabrielle Miller (Corner Gas, Brothers & Sisters) tried on a few luxury handbags from Coccinelle before deciding on a classic black tote with gold hardware. The brand is making its Canadian debut at the IT Lounge.

Check out more photos from the weekend on Flickr!

Tomorrow’s expected IT Lounge visitors? Adrian Grenier, Emily Blunt, Elizabeth Olsen, Danny Fernandes, JRDN, Tygh Runyan, Brad Dryborough and many more!

The IT Lounge continued to buzz with film festival fun on the second day of its weeklong run!

Academy Award-winning writer/director Paul Haggis (Crash, Million Dollar Baby, The Next Three Days) checked out the IT Lounge brands supporting his charity Artists for Peace and Justice, an organization that’s changing the lives of the children of Haiti by providing them with food, clean water, medical care and free education. Paul enjoyed all of the brands and took special interest in the latest touchscreen eReader from Kobo, a brand that’s donating funds to APJ for every celebrity who signs up for their Trillion Minute Challenge.

Though So You Think You Can Dance Canada judges Jean Marc Généreux and Blake McGrath didn’t take advantage of hair stylist Brennen Demelo’s styling skills with Goody’s Simply Styles tools, they did ham it up in the brand’s photobooth. Goody is making a donation to IT Lounge official charity Camp Oochigeas for every celebrity who takes a photo.

Former NHL Goalie and Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster Kevin Weekes puckered up in Stila Long Wear Lip Color to make a truly beautiful contribution to the brand’s Kiss For A Cause initiative. They’re also making a donation to Camp Oochigeas on behalf of every celebrity who smooches and signs their IT Lounge canvas. (And the colour? It could only be “Outrageous”!)

Dewy-skinned Canadian songstress Sarah Slean stocked up on G.M. Collin’s new Phyto Stem Cell+ line, and swooned for super soft leather handbags from new-to-Canada brand Coccinelle.

Sarah later met up with crooner Royal Wood and House of Marley’s line of eco-friendly headphones was music to their ears.

Toronto Maple Leafs Clarke MacArthur and Joffrey Lupul checked out Fila Skeletoes in the brand’s private suite. Maybe they’ll be put to use during training sessions for the upcoming season!

So You Think You Can Dance judge Mary Murphy looked like a hot tamale in the chic Simply You jewellery she picked up.

Check out more photos from Day 2 on Flickr!

Tomorrow’s expected IT Lounge visitors? Colin Farrell, Morgan Spurlock, John Lydon, Camille Sullivan, Erin Karpluk, Lauren Collins, Gabrielle Miller and more! 

Today we kicked off the start of the Toronto film festival today with the IT Lounge! Held September 8 to 14, NKPR headquarters has been transformed into a pop-up boutique loaded with star-worthy finds that all give back. Designer Karen Sealy, owner of Sealy Design Inc., created a garden-like media centre inspired by the Great Gatsby and the silver screen era.

IT Lounge doesn’t overlook those who in need, with celebrities and participating brands helping to raise awareness and funds for both global and local causes. Official charities of the IT Lounge include Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ), an organization that’s providing the Haiti’s poorest children with clean water, food, medical care and free education, and Camp Oochigeas, a privately funded, volunteer-based organization that provides kids with cancer and kids affected by childhood cancer with a unique opportunity for growth through challenging, fun, enriching and magical experiences.

The Sitting lounge by Sealy Design

Opening day at the IT Lounge has always celebrated and welcomed Canadian talent. Here’s who stopped by today!

Pregnancy never looked so glam as Tara Spencer-Nairn (The Listener, Corner Gas) batting her Ardell lashes for the camera. G.M. Collin’s new Phyto Stem Cell+ skin care line will help her keep her pregnancy glow once the little one arrives.

Breakaway star Lee Rumohr and his fiancée got their feet in a pair of Fila’s coveted Skele-toes (which should make for a fun game of playing footsy!)

Lee Rumohr picks out a new Fila hoodie

Though she didn’t need any help in the beauty department, Stila Cosmetics touched up gorgeous singer Mia Martina, who planted her pucker on a canvas in support of Camp Oochigeas.

Photographer Caitlin Cronenberg tried on multiple little black RW&CO. dresses in their private suite.

Caitlin Cronenberg leaves the lounge, whisked away by a Mercedes-Benz

YouTube musical sensation Alyssa Reid got a red carpet coif courtesy of Goody’s new Simply Styles Trendy Twist and stylist Brennen Demelo.

Supermodel-turned-entrepreneur Monika Schnarre layered on glamorous Simply You jewellery.

Tech-savvy Lyriq Bent (Four Brothers, Rookie Blue) got his groove on thanks to House of Marley’s eco-friendly headphones, and couldn’t put down Kobo’s newest touch-screen eReader.

Tonya Lee Williams (The Young and the Restless) picked up Stratusphere Living weighted Fitgloves to amp up her workout.

Tonya Lee Williams, loving House of Marley headphones

Raymond Alblack, Luke Bilyk and Alicia Josipovic (Degrassi: The Next Generation) followed their noses straight to ConScent, a new line of scented t-shirts in fun, retro prints.

The Property Brothers, Drew Scott and Jonathan Scott enjoyed a breakfast of champions – Baker Street cupcakes – before car sponsor Mercedes-Benz partner them to their next destination.

The Property Brothers in the Goody photobooth

While visiting the IT Lounge, Toronto Maple Leafs players Colby Armstrong and Tyler Bozak kept their cool with FIJI Water, Hollywood’s (and maybe hockey’s?) favourite water.

Jazz musician Matt Dusk wet his whistle with SKYY Vodka specialty cocktails created just for the film festival.

Colin Mochrie (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) and wife Debra McGrath (Little Mosque on the Prairie) will be enjoying some southern sun thanks to travel company Miami Escapes.

Stay tuned to see who visits the IT Lounge tomorrow! Want to see more photos of today’s IT Lounge celebrity guests? Check out our Flickr gallery!

At NKPR, the film festival is our favourite time of year. And it’s not just because of the IT Lounge, our can’t-miss pop-up shop loaded with star-worthy finds, or the talented celebs who pay IT a visit.

It’s because the film festival shines a global light on our city, and we get to share it and show it off to the stars, the media and all the other visitors who settle in for the cinematic action.

Looking for the best spots to star gaze, hang out or get a hit of festival-worthy style? We know just the place!

FILM FESTIVE FASHION

From junket to junket to party to premiere, cover all grounds with these trendy tips.

RW&CO

• RW&CO. (IT Lounge and the Eaton Centre) – With private dressing rooms on site at the IT Lounge, an RW&CO. team on hand for one-on-one styling and dozens of chic style finds for men and women to choose from, RW&CO. has celebrities covered. We’ll be sharing celeb picks during the festival… stay tuned!
• Fila (IT Lounge and Sporting Life, 2665 Yonge St.) – Fila is the ultimate sportswear with style. Perfect for when you need to kick off your heels or un-tie your tie after a long day of festival hijinks.
• Simply You Jewelry (IT Lounge) – What elevates a basic black dress to star-worthy sheath? Glamourous gems of course! This year NKPRers (and celebs!) will be sporting stylish finds from Simply You.
• The Room (The Bay, 176 Yonge St.) – The ultimate in high-end heritage. Check out The Room for stars on the hunt for haute Canadiana.

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GET GORGEOUS

Just because you’re doing 18-hour days, doesn’t mean you have to look it. Keep fresh with these beauty boosts. After all, you never know where you might run into Mr. Gosling.

Stila Cosmetics

• Brennen Demelo Studio (316 Adelaide St.W.) – Brennen’s not just our neighbour, he’s our go-to guy for cool coifs. Hit him up for gala-worthy dos, or to copy the red-carpet styles of visiting celebs.
• Ardell Lashes (IT Lounge Beauty Bar) – Lush lashes are a staple of the silver screen, and way more fun to flutter when you’re trying to catch the eye of George, Ryan and Brad.
• Kiehl’s Since 1851 (407 Queen St.W.) – This A-list apothecary is stocked with skin care finds that combat too many late festival nights.
• Stila (IT Lounge Beauty Bar) – Celebs will get trendy touch-ups at Stila’s IT Lounge location… and we’ll be taking notes on their beauty must-haves.

At NKPR, the film festival is our favourite time of year. And it’s not just because of the IT Lounge, our can’t-miss pop-up shop loaded with star-worthy finds, or the talented celebs who pay IT a visit.

It’s because the film festival shines a global light on our city, and we get to share it and show it off to the stars, the media and all the other visitors who settle in for the cinematic action.

Looking for the best spots to star gaze, hang out or get a hit of festival-worthy style? We know just the place!

What gets us through the film festival? Food, of course! Here’s where we – and the stars – will be noshing (and sipping!) into the moonlight hours.

TASTY EATS

These King West and Mink Mile restos will be swarming with glitterati looking to see and be seen. To escape the hordes, try Briscola for some of Toronto’s finest rustic Italian in charming Little Italy.

La Société

• Brassaii (461 King St. W.) – Kick it on King West at this luxe lounge and patio.
• Canteen (330 King St.W.) – Located on the ground-level of the TIFF Bell Lightbox, this is the best place to star-spot over lunch.
• La Société (131 Bloor Street W.) – Had your (ahem) “fill” of Toronto? Try Paris for dinner, or weekend brunch.
• Briscola (501 College St.) – Little Italy’s coolest hideout is a cozy escape from downtown crowds.

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SWEET THINGS

Recharge your batteries and satisfy your sweet tooth. Running around town all day calls for the occasional self-indulgent cupcake, no?

Baker Street Cupcakes

• Baker Street (Loblaws, Sobeys, IT Lounge) – Cupcake connoisseurs rejoice! Baker Street is stocking the IT Lounge with their decadent desserts.
• SOMA (443 King St.W.) – When a corner store candy bar just won’t do, try SOMA’s handmade artisan chocolate.
• Little Nicky’s (375 Queen St.W., Entrance on Peter St.) – A staple in every NKPRers daily diet, we dig Little Nicky’s laid-back vibe… and their old-fashioned mini donuts. YUM!
• Cool Hand Luc (545 King St.W.) – The real film fest scoop? This premium purveyor of ice cream on King West.

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STAR-WORTHY SIPS

Whether you’re dancing all night or simply taking the edge off a long day, some bar and cocktail suggestions to go with your flow. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water!

The SKYY Vodka specialty cocktails: Lively Temptress, Feelin’ Fiennes and Wilde Ginger

• IT Lounge (312 Adelaide St.) – The stars will sample special SKYY Vodka Festival Cocktails every day at the NKPR IT Lounge. Taste them yourself at SKYY Vodka’s official festival events. And to ensure media and celebs stay hydrated, we’ll also be stocked with Hollywood’s favourite water: FIJI Water.
• Tattoo Rock Parlour (567 Queen St.W.) – The ultimate hangout for Alt-grunge groupies.
• This is London (364 Richmond St.W.) – For ex-pat party-goers who like to dance it off.
• Ultra Supper Club (314 Queen St.W.) – We listed Ultra as a top spot to star gaze – because with a 4 a.m. license, it’s sure to be an after-hours destination for celebs and their entourages.

Missed part 1 in our film festival guide? Get the lowdown on hotspots, hangouts and star-gazing sites here!

At NKPR, the film festival is our favourite time of year. And it’s not just because of the IT Lounge, our can’t-miss pop-up shop loaded with star-worthy finds, or the talented celebs who pay IT a visit.

It’s because the film festival shines a global light on our city, and we get to share it and show it off to the stars, the media and all the other visitors who settle in for the cinematic action.

Looking for the best spots to star gaze, hang out or get a hit of festival-worthy style? We know just the place!

Here’s part one in our film festival guide – featuring key festival hot spots, hip hangouts and where to plant yourself for some serious stargazing.

FESTIVAL HOT SPOTS

You’ll recognize these locales by the throngs of camera-clutching paps, and eager fans with their cell phone cameras at the ready.

TIFF Bell Lightbox by Uncle Lynx on Flickr

• TIFF Bell Lightbox (330 King St.W.) – This is the epicentre of all things festival! (And fortunately for us, right around the corner from NKPR!)
• Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St.) – This true classic will be the site of many a film festival gala, including the premiere of George Clooney’s directorial debut The Ides of March.
• The Ritz-Carlton (181 Wellington St.W.) – add text about HELLO Canada party

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HIP HANGOUTS

The city’s best luxe lounging spots!

Kardinal Offishall at the IT Lounge in 2010

• TORO After Dark (Ame, 19 Mercer St.) – The toast of the 2010 film festival, on Friday, September 9, this special cocktail event will benefit international charity Artists for Peace and Justice with co-hosts that include Academy Award-winning director Paul Haggis, Gerard Butler, Jason Reitman and George Stroumboulopoulos presiding over a crowd of celebrity supporters. On September 10, industry insiders can drop in after a screening or a meeting at their hotel, have a drink and enjoy the company of other filmmakers. It’s the perfect evening destination for VIPs!
• IT Lounge (312 Adelaide St., Invitation Only) – You never who will pay our celebrity gifting suite a visit… Just check out our photos from the past few years!
• Ultra Supper Club (314 Queen St.W.) – They’ll be no shortage of beautiful people at this “ultra” chic club.
• Thompson Toronto (550 Wellington St.W.) – Our pick for the best place to enjoy a rooftop round and a view of the city.

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SERIOUS STARGAZING

These are the spots where the “Stars are just like us!” segments in the gossip rags will be shot!

The Holt Renfrew flagship on Bloor Street. Via Alanah on Flickr

• Starbucks (370 King St.W.) – Located across the street from the TIFF Bell Lightbox, this is where you’ll want to loiter with your morning latté.
• Fresh and Wild (69 Spadina Ave. at King St.W.) – A fave of NKPR staffers for their delish salad bar and gourmet bites, we’re betting our daily snack runs are about to get a lot more interesting.
• Holt Renfrew (50 Bloor St.W.) – Even the stars need retail therapy!
• Four Seasons (21 Avenue Road) – A lot happens uptown late at night and well into the early morning. Plant yourself in the lobby and lounge away the late night hours.

Ever wanted to be a part of the Toronto film festival’s hottest, most exclusive parties? Now’s your chance!

TOROMagazine.com is bringing back its TORO After Dark parties – the toast of the 2010 film festival (see for yourself!) – with a special event benefiting Artists for Peace and Justice.

For just $150, you can rub elbows with co-hosts Paul Haggis, Gerard Butler and George Stroumboulopoulos, enjoy SKYY Vodka event-themed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres in a lounge atmosphere. It’s all happening during the film festival’s opening weekend on Friday, September 9 at AME (19 Mercer St.) from 8:30 – 11:30 p.m.

Sound like fun? Here’s the best part: 100% of the proceeds will benefit health, education and dignity initiatives in Haiti through APJ!

There’s less than 100 tickets left, so order your ticket today!

See you… after dark.

Wondering what media like for breakfast? We’ll tell you: SHOPPING! Especially when it’s at RW&CO.

The fall collection at RW&CO

FASHION Magazine‘s Caitlan Moneta, Afiya Francisco and Natasha Koifman

Yesterday we had a great time picking out some new threads for the film fest – which is quickly sneaking up on us! Our trendy stylist, Afiya Francisco, showed us all the best ways to get the most out of our wardrobe. Versatility is key, particularly during the film festival when you’re going from the office to a premiere to an after-party!

Cynthia Cheng of Delectably Chic and Afiya chat about fall style

We want to know: What’s your film fest fashion must-have? Tweet us! Check out more RW&CO. looks in our Flickr gallery.