Holiday Indulgences - Elle Magazine

To indulge or not to indulge? That’s the million-calorie holiday-soiree question. With canapé trays to the left, cheese trays to the right and champagne cocktails sparkling in every corner, navigating through the dozens of temptation-filled parties this season can be as tricky as admitting that you think Zac Efron is kind of hot. But you don’t need to rely solely on Spanx and an iron will this winter. ELLE reveals the healthiest choices on the buffet table and behind the bar so that you can balance your packed party schedule with staying healthy and still fitting into your favourite Balenciaga cocktail dress.

PRE-PARTY PREP
Most of us head into party season with one of two ill-advised strategies: Starve all day to bank calories for a food-and-alcohol love-in later on or give in completely and embark on a two-week free-for-all in the name of festivity.

Both attitudes are best avoided. “Not eating all day plays havoc with your metabolism and sends the body into starvation mode, in which it stores fat instead of burning it,” says Derek Johnson, a dietitian and nutritionist in Los Angeles. And, as he points out, expecting to stick to healthy food choices when you’re starving is a futile mission. “Our DNA is designed to be signalled visually by food, and it’s not broccoli or turkey that we crave,” explains Johnson. “Your brain is going to zero in on getting energy fast, and that comes in the form of sugar and carbs.” That starts a vicious cycle. “Cravings increase from imbalanced sugar levels,” adds Johnson.

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Glamour & Gossip on NYC's Little West Side - The Globe & Mail

NEW YORK—Looking to rub shoulders with celebrities and supermodels (or at least see the backs of their heads as they brush past with their entourage)? Head to Little West 12th Street in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. It-factor oozes from every bar, restaurant and shop front on this cobblestone street.

In New York, where hip is always happening, “hot” can become icy cold in no time. At the moment, there are several contenders jostling for top spot on the scenester’s lists. Nolita ("north of little Italy"), is downtown style at its best. For fashion that’s months ahead, head to Elizabeth Street. In Hell’s Kitchen, 9th Avenue is steadily rising, with upscale dining next to tiny Senegalese or Puerto Rican storefronts. Long the “street du jour,” Soho’s West Broadway remains one of the best places to watch the young, wealthy and fabulous shop, dine and socialize. And sitting at the top for those seeking glamour and exclusivity—not to mention their names in gossip columns the next day—is Little West 12th Street.

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Design Within Reach - Zink Magazine

King Street West is Toronto’s answer to New York City Cool

According to urban entrepreneur, Zark Fatah, King Street West is the “hottest street in Canada.” Located in downtown Toronto, the King West area has been flooded with high end condos, trendy restaurants and bar-lounges for the beautiful people.  “It’s the city’s version of New York City’s Meatpacking District,” he says.  Architect/designer Antonio Tadrissi agrees, “People who want something different are coming here,” he explains.  “They’re buying into a lifestyle, a community. 

Here’s the real reason why the area is so high up on the hip-list: Umbrella Lifestyle Concepts, run by Fatah and Tadrissi, has commenced a not-so-subtle takeover.  Housing seven different lifestyle businesses under one very well-dressed roof, Umbrella Concepts covers furniture and interior design, health and wellness, public relations, social entertainment, architecture and fine dining. 

Tadrissi, who calls himself an “interior architect”, is responsible for the look of their various businesses.  He uses an industrial design approach to his work and sites Karim Rashid as an inspiration.  Building his designs in digital form, at his Prototype Design Lab (a multi-faceted facility that uses advanced CAD/CAM technology for its engineering processes), Tadrissi spends at least an hour of each day researching and testing out new materials – crucial, he says, in learning how to push boundaries and become an industry leader.  BMW, Fashion Cares, Benson & Hedges, Toyota and the NYC District School Board have all emerged a lot spiffier after Tadrissi’s expert touches.

Housed in a 100-year old building, Fatah’s nightclub, Century Room, is home to the best entertainment industry parties and showbiz events in town.  The club’s burnished pink lighting, well-coiffed aluminium bathrooms and tree-lined patio are signature PD Lab.  Tadrissi has a knack for creating a luxurious intimacy out of hard, stark spaces.  His clear love of minimal opulence is emblazoned across everything he touches…

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