FIRST PREVIEW: THE DAVID BECKHAM BODYWEAR COLLECTION FOR H&M

The David Beckham Bodywear Collection for H&M

Look what arrived in the mail today!  This is your first glimpse of the David Beckham Bodywear Collection for H&M and our friends at the Fashion Retailer sent over a sample T-shirt to preview.  

Sturdy, fitted, thick and durable $17.95 CAN, I can see these lasting a while on your rotation through these cooler months. For many Fans, the Box & Bag alone is worth the price of purchase! The Collection Logo is positioned discreetly and tastefully.  Most of the pieces here range from Briefs, Trunks, T-shirts, Vests to Long Johns and are priced affordably from $14.95 to $34.95 CAN.

Thursday, February 2, 2012 is the date you need to mark on your Calendars.  Soon you too will be able to get your hands on Beckham's Pieces. Err... you know that I mean!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

TARGET ANNOUNCES FIRST ONTARIO STORES

Target Logo

Target Corp. announced earlier today its first 24 stores to open in Ontario and they are as follows:

• London/Westmount, Westmount Shopping Centre
• Kawartha Lakes, Lindsay Square Mall
• Newmarket, Upper Canada Mall
• Milton, Milton Mall Shopping Centre
• Cambridge, Cambridge Centre
• Toronto, Centrepoint Mall
• Mississauga, Square One Shopping Centre
• Ajax, Durham Centre
• Orillia, Orillia Square Mall
• Brampton, Shoppers World Brampton
• London, Masonville Place
• Windsor, Devonshire Mall
• Toronto, Cloverdale Mall
• Toronto, Shoppers World Danforth
• Burlington, Burlington Mall
• Toronto, East York Town Centre
• Aurora, Aurora Shopping Centre
• Fergus, Gates of Fergus

SIGN-UP FOR A MR. WILL-W. HOLIDAY CARD BY SMITTEN KITTEN

2011 Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Limited Edition Holiday Card by Smitten Kitten

With the Holidays approaching quickly, I want to keep in-line with what's becoming an annual tradition for me and my Readers.  Smitten Kitten, one of Toronto's leading Purveyors of cute and tastefully kitschy   Papergoods, Gifts, Accessories and Jewelry, has designed a limited edition run of Holiday Cards exclusively for Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Readers.

Somewhere between their hectic and successful runs between the Toronto and Chicago OneofaKind Shows, they were able to fit-in crafting this adorable Card of Billy and Me, based on a Photo my dear Friend Habeyah took of us on her iPhone.  Technology.

If you'd like to be on the List, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook before December 8, 2011.  The first 40 "likes" are guaranteed a personalized Card mailed to them. Rest assured, addresses will not be stored and discarded after Cards are posted.

One of these lucky Readers will get a special Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Holiday Prize Pack with some Goodies including:

• A rare Book of Sketches from the Gotham Award-winning Film The Beginners from Alliance Films
• Limited Edition The Muppets Bookmarks from Walt Disney Motion Pictures
• A Movie Tie-in of Novel Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close from Thomas Allen
• A Copy of Justin Bieber's Under the Mistletoe from Universal Music Canada
• If the Winner is from the Toronto area, I will deliver in-person and we'll do one of my signature Photos-with for the Blog

....and more!

Don't forget to check-out Smitten Kitten's Online Store here.  Loads of cuteness to be found there and above this, they ship internationally!

(Photo credit: Smitten Kitten)

MILLA JOVOVICH IN 2012 CAMPARI CALENDAR

Milla Jovovich by Dimitri Daniloff

The People behind the famous dark red Italian Apéritif, Campari, just unveiled their 2012 Calendar titled It's the End of the World, Baby!  Many believe that on December 21, 2012 we will be entering a new period of Transformation - a change for the better.

Campari hired famed French Photographer Dimitri Daniloff to create a series of stunning Portraits of Superstar Milla Jovovich for the Calendar, of which 9,999 copies will be available around the World.  The Photos celebrate the positivity of the impending Change.

Jovovich as we know, currently is in Toronto filming Resident Evil: Retribution after having attended the Tokyo International Film Festival last weekend for The Three Musketeers, now in theatres.

See more Portraits below:

BEARD PAPA'S CREAM PUFFS NOW AVAILABLE IN TORONTO

Beard Papa's Cream Puffs

I swear, it's like a dream come true.  Since 1999, Pastry Lovers from Japan to Russia have enjoyed the heavenly deliciousness that is known as Beard Papa's Cream Puffs and now finally Toronto too can get in on the secret.  Well, sorta.  The first-ever Ontario location is now up and running at Pacific Mall at Kennedy x Steeles, north of the City in Markham and judging by the line-up behind me, it shouldn't be long before we see an expansion.  

Priced in around the $2 mark apiece, flavour options range from Vanilla, Chocolate, Mango, Green Tea and more and choices change daily.  The crusty and flaky Pastry embeds a generous dollop of Custard-like Cream and it is sinfully delicious at about 220 calories each. My favourite is the Chocolate. Amaze.

Check out Beard Papa's Canadian website here.

See some Photos below:

WEETABIX CHOCOLATE SPOONSIZE TV SPOT: AMAZE!

Still from Weetabix Chocolate Spoonsize Advert

I don't post Commercials everyday, but this is completely and utterly brilliant! Check out this new TV Spot for Weetabix Chocolate Spoonsize Cereal which is currently airing in England. It's like a Music Video ... but better. Thanks to my Friend JJ at The Compendium Daily for sharing this. The little Kid is adorable and the CGI is super amaze!  As the Tagline suggests, this indeed is "fuel for fun"!

Watch the Ad below:

PRODUCT WATCH: INDIGO SUSHI PILLOWS

Indigo Sushi Pillows

They just got them in-stock and now they're flying off the Chopsticks... Shelves. Indigo Bookstores just started carrying these amazingly cute Sushi Pillows and I managed to nab the last two at the location in my area. Priced at $21.95, they're irresistible, cushy and actually go with my Couch.  The only problem now is keeping Billy from thinking it's a new Chew Toy.

They also come shaped like a giant Ice Cream Bar and a Chicken Drumstick.

They're not available on their website yet, but if you should be able to find them in their Kids' section.  Amaze. 

Find your nearest Indigo Bookstore here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

KELLY OSBOURNE FOR "MATERIAL GIRL" AT THE BAY

Kelly Osbourne for Material Girl

Canadian Fashionistas rejoice! Gorgeous Style Icon in-the-making Kelly Osbourne will be making a rare appearance in the City at The Bay (Queen St.) August 30, 2011 between 5 to 7 PM promoting Madonna and Daughter Lourdes' collaborative Fashion line, the Material Girl Collection. Now available at select stores throughout Canada, the fun and fearless Collection contains Shoes, Accessories and Clothing at an affordable price point.  Osbourne originally was scheduled for a visit late April, but had to cancel at the last minute.  I'll definitely be there!

  Peruse the Material Girl Collection here.

Follow The Bay on Twitter to find out more.

(Photo credit: Material Girl)

CONSUMERS DISTRIBUTING COMING BACK TO CANADA

Consumers Distributing Logo

One of my fondest memories of growing up as a Kid in Canada was the Catalogue Retailer, Consumers Distributing. In a nutshell you would walk into the store, look at a Catalogue, write down on a piece of paper the Catalogue number of the item you wanted and deliver it to the Service Counter.  After a bit of a wait, your number would be called and like magic, your item would be waiting for you, ready to be cashed-out.  I got my first Walkman (what iPods used to be) and after a night of camping out with my Parents, my Cabbage Patch Kid (Dougie) at the Retailer.

After ceasing operations in 1996, the Giant is on the verge of a big Comeback here in Canada, I spoke to CEO Marc King earlier today who told me, "I won't give too much away, but more details are coming next week in a Press Release. Consumers Distributing however, is coming back.". And there you have it! Isn't this exciting?

A new Logo will be unveiled soon, but in the meantime you can follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

(Photo credit: Consumers Distributing)

ENTER TO WIN A FEELGOODTEA PRIZE PACK

FeelGoodTea

FeelGoodTea wants you to re-discover the pleasures of Tea Drinking and one lucky Reader will win three 50g bags of Tea (value up to $35.97 CAN) – any flavour of your choice – shipped right to your door!

Daniel from FeelGoodTea has had a Tea obsession for many years now. He says “Tea is not a boring drink, as it is often portrayed. Quite the opposite, actually. It is an exciting, delicious and healthy beverage with thousands of years of rich history.”. And exciting it is. His Online Tea Retailer sells some delectable varieties of Tea including: Chocolate Banana, Toasted Walnut, Tropical Twist and Mango Bliss.

Check out the official website for FeelGoodTea here. Also, follow them on Twitter here and on Facebook here.

To qualify for the win, leave a comment with the answer to this question: Which FeelGoodTea variety are you most excited to try? Your deadline is September 8, 2011. Contest open to Canadian and American Readers only. Good luck, Mavenati!

(Photo credit: FeelGoodTea)

WHAT IS SPOTIFY? WHEN IS IT COMING TO CANADA?

Spotify - not yet available in Canada

What the heck is Spotify? Everybody seems to be wondering. Although the Swedish-based online Music service isn't available in Canada yet, it promises to give Music Lovers more options and flexibility.  For starters, Consumers can now buy their Tunes/Playlists on Spotify and sync them to a wider variety of devices - including iPhones and Android Phones, among others. Read: not just Apple devices.

From what I gather, you're streaming the Tracks and Playlists instead of eating-up space on your Hard Drives with Downloads. Spotify boasts a current Library of over 15 million songs (320 kbps quality). In addition, you can manage Music you've already downloaded to your Computers with Spotify via your USB Port.  Another plus side is that those of you who don't use Credit Cards online, can pay for your Music via PayPal with Spotify in some countries.

Despite launching in the U.S. last week, Spotify is still sorting out licensing issues with Canadian labels at this time.  In that short span of time, the Service has gained over 70k paid-subscriptions.  I admit it - I'm curious!  Hurry up!

HMV CANADA SOLD FOR $3.2 MILLION

HMV Logo

Growing-up pretty much at HMV at Scarborough Town Centre every Tuesday when new releases would come out, I never thought I’d live to see the day when the Music retailer would be struggling, but it is now and times certainly have changed. It was announced today that Canada’s 121 HMV stores have been sold for a paltry $3.2 million.

Hilco UK, which is an expert in Business Restructuring bought HMV Canada on the condition that it will invest $25 million to make improvements in helping it adapt to the current marketplace with Consumers now purchasing their Music and Video digitally.

 I’m still v. Old School and actually like having a Physical Product in my hand versus a file in my Hard Drive.  Crossing fingers this works out.  Long live HMV!

BANANA REPUBLIC TO RELEASE "MAD MEN" COLLECTION IN AUGUST

Banana Republic Mad Men Collection

Banana Republic has just announced that come August 11, 2011 they will be introducing a line of Mad Men-inspired clothing, based on the Mod looks seen on the AMC Series. The Capsule Collection will feature a total 65 pieces including Suits, Dresses, Ties, Sweaters, Hats, Skirts, Coats and Blouses.



Originally the Collection was to launch in tandem with the Premiere of Mad Men's Fifth Season however ongoing Contract negotiations have pushed the Season Premiere to early 2012.

It was also just announced that Lead Actor Jon Hamm has signed a new three-year Contract with Lionsgate, which potentially could mean he'll be starring in the Series up until its seventh season. With the Contract, it is said that he will now be paid $250k per Episode. Well-played!

(Photo credit: Banana Republic)

VERSACE FOR H&M COLLECTION DUE THIS NOVEMBER

Versace for H&M

Wow! H&M announced earlier today that they will be partnering with iconic Fashion House Versace for an exciting collaborative line. Due in-stores on November 12, 2011, the Collection is said to celebrate the “vibrant heritage of the brand, full of leather, print, colour and exuberance in exclusive materials at fantastic H&M prices. “. It will be available in 300 stores and feature lines for Women, Men and Home Décor.

Donatella Versace who has taken the reigns from her late Brother, Gianni, as Creative Director since 1997, will be looking back and taking inspiration from classic looks from previous collections while making these lines for H&M especially festive and colourful. The Women’s line will be predominantly Dresses, High Heels and Jewellery, while the Men’s line will be known for its sharp Tailoring (including what is touted as “The Perfect Tuxedo”) plus Belts and Jewellery also. The Home Décor line will be highlighted by Pillows and a Bedspread.

If this weren’t enough, there also will be a Pre-Spring Collection made available via retail and online channels on January 19, 2012.

(Photo credit: H&M)

BETHENNY FRANKEL IN TORONTO FOR "SKINNYGIRL MARGARITAS"

Bethanny Frankel & Mr. Will-W.

You might remember Reality Television Star Bethenny Frankel from shows such as The Apprentice: Martha Stewart and The Real Housewives of New York City, but Margaritas? Yes. Frankel's Skinnygirl Margarita line, one of her many Health Food ventures, is now available in Canada and our v. own LCBO Stores are now carrying them due to popular demand.

The Daughter of famed Thoroughbred Horse Trainer Robert Frankel flew into Toronto late Thursday night from New York City to do a round of Press at the Summerhill Flagship LCBO Store in Rosedale today.  Later in the day she met with Fans, signing bottles of the Liquor in-store.

I caught Frankel on her way out of Toronto to Vancouver this evening and she was absolutely amazing to stop and pose for Photographs despite being in a rush.  I noticed her struggling a bit to do some last minute luggage re-arranging, but with a little help from her Friends, she got it done!  She even gifted her Driver with a couple signed Items after insisting.  Aww!  

 Follow Bethenny Frankel on Twitter here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

CESAR MILLAN IN TORONTO FOR CANADIAN TIRE MEET & GREET

Cesar Millan & Mr. Will-W. - February 2011

Whaddup Bitches?  Canadian Tire will be hosting a Meet & Greet with The Dog Whisperer himself, Cesar Millan this Friday, June 17, 2011 at their 1025 Lakeshore Ave. E location between 11:00 to 1:00 PM.  Millan, who I ran into this past February - to finalize negotiations for this new venture -  is in-town again to promote his new Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan Pet Accessories line for the Hardware Giant.

Just a note, Canadian Tire stores normally have a No Dogs Allowed policy although I'm hearing this location does allow Dogs.  As a note, he also will be signing Autographs in addition to taking Photos with Fans.  Fix your hair; iron your shirts.

Click here to read more.

ISAIAH MUSTAFA "THE OLD SPICE GUY" IN TORONTO

Isaiah Mustafa in Toronto for Old Spice

Quickly becoming a bit of a Media Icon, Isaiah Mustafa is better known as the Old Spice Guy.  You know - the incredibly ripped Actor who originally caught the Public's eye during a Super Bowl Ad for Old Spice back in 2010?  Since then Football Fans, Oglers or just People who love wit have made the Commercial a Viral sensation with it garnering over 32 million views worldwide, spawning a whole series of other new Ads for the Men's Grooming Line.  

Mustafa is in-town right now promoting Old Spice's new exotic Komodo line and they went all-out to promote the launch, renting out a Boat named Kajama yesterday which docked at the Harbourfront.  Media were invited aboard, sipping on Champagne and Cocktails in the Sun, while munching on Cupcakes, Sliders and a variety of Hors Doeurves.

Shortly after his Photo Shoot aboard the Boat, he came out to greet a couple Fans in waiting. He was tall,  down-to-earth, obviously strapping and took his time even after being rushed by his Handler - we were wearing practically the same Cap!  Mustafa even signed one Photo for my beloved Readers!  Who wants?  If so, simply add yourself as a Fan of Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven's Facebook Fan Page and click "like" on the Isaiah Mustafa Giveaway post here. Your deadline is July 1, 2011 and all are welcome to enter.  Good luck, Mavenati!

The Actor can next be seen in Warner Bros.' Comedy Horrible Bosses out on Friday, July 8, 2011. Follow Mustafa on Twitter here.

See some more of him below:

"BORN THIS WAY" EXPECTED TO SELL BETWEEN 500-700K COPIES IN DEBUT

Lady Gaga

Many of us are wondering how exactly it is that Lady Gaga can get away with charging $0.99 for her new Disc Born this Way digitally on Amazon.com - a move which caused disruptions to the online retailer's servers on release day, Monday.

Gaga's Manager Troy Carter tells the Associated Press, "I am more concerned about Piracy and people stealing the music. If you can get somebody to experience the music at that sort of price for one day only, I think it gets a lot of attention for the album".  Despite sounding somewhat defeatist, this is a realistic picture of what Music Buyers are thinking these days and if you can't change how they think, why not adapt?  Gaga's Team has adapted and are being rewarded for their responsiveness.

Gaga is a prime example of how an Artist can thrive in this Digital Age of Music through more than just about selling albums - we have to look at Artists overall and the various channels they can exchange their influence for monetary gain.  This can mean Fan Merchandise, Concert Ticket Sales and Business Deals with Companies, which help draw attention to the fact that the Artist has a new Album out.

Carter predicts that Born this Way will sell between 500-700k copies by the end of the sales week, which seems somewhat deflated compared to a decade ago when artists like N Sync could push 2.4 million copies of their CD in its first week of release. 

KURTIS COFFEE

Kurtis Coffee Espresso Roast

Mmmm. A while ago one of my kindhearted Readers was generous enough to hand me a bag of Espresso Roast after reading what a Coffee Fanatic I am. I put the bag away in my Freezer and didn't get around to it until today... and I must say I'm actually impressed!  And I'm v. difficult when it comes to Coffee.

100% Certified Organic and rather flavourful with notes of Cocoa, Kurtis Coffee brews a delicious cup of Espresso. And most of all, it's local.  Their Espresso Roast is a good alternative for those who find Starbucks perhaps a bit too bold for their palettes?

Having originated in 1978 and having served independent Grocers and Cafés around the City, Kurtis Coffee  recently struck a deal to be carried exclusively at the higher-end Sobeys Urban Fresh stores around the Greater Toronto Area.  You might even spot them at your local Winners also.

If you're looking for something to do on a Saturday, visit Wychwood Barns Organic Market at St. Clair x Christie which usually opens from 8:00 AM til 1:00 PM in the Summer.  They house a fuller selection of Coffees and Espressos from Kurtis Coffee. which you might not be able to find in stores.

Visit the official website for Kurtis Coffee here.

HALF-PRICE FRAPPUCCINOS AT STARBUCKS

Starbucks' Mocha Coconut Frappuccino

Yes!  Best time of the year.  Between May 6-15, 2011 from 3-5 PM, Starbucks will be celebrating Happy Hour.  Frappuccinos will be half-priced for everybody!  More importantly, Starbucks will be bringing back my favourite - the Mocha Coconut Frappuccino. *brap! brap!*

RSVP here on Starbucks' Facebook Frappuccino Page.