the it lists – fashion & trend blog

After a little bit of drama actually getting from London to Toronto last week, but I’m finally settled. Don’t ask me what day it is though?! We’ve rubbed elbows with Colin Farrell, Clive Owen (ladies this man is way better looking in real life, talk about ‘movie star’ GQ glam), to Chris Rock and Julianne Moore.

Toronto International Film Fest (TIFF) 2009 had huge star power rolling in – from Oprah to Drew Barrymoore. And I’m a fortunate chicka who’s friends’ pad is smack in the middle of the noise. And for my daily gym time in the building I seem to always be on the same sched as a few smaller name actors, like Christopher Gorham (Harpers Island) and some other chickie pooh and her trainer getting ready for some action flick.

The highlight has been the after-party for Harry Brown (good flick guys!) which was hosted by London’s Soho House/Shoreditch in a section of the subway station. The waiting platform transformed into one of their private houses including the same Cowshed toiletries (very funny) and on each side of the platform was a stopped subway train that you could cool off on with their AC, dance or hang out in. Very very cool.

Next up, Nikki Beach rooftop on the Hyatt. See you there!

(This pic is from the ET Canada party – they ramped up the rooftop of a parking garage on Yorkville)

So my London trip is coming to an end. I’ve had so many funny adventures. You can check out my Twitter to get a tease of our mischief: twitter.com/shelleymantei.com

Just focusing on the night life and not all the other great things I saw and did…

Boujis and Sketch make for a good evening when you don’t quite want a club. Sketch is like Alice in Wonderland’s version of adult entertainment. And you have to check out the ‘pod’ bathrooms.

May Fair Hotel, Sanderson Hotel and Nobu Berkley all have nice restaurants, but I prefer them just for cocktails on the way onto ‘next’. By the way there are two Nobu’s this is the one you want – and if you do dine there the black cod is a must.

Jalouse and Maddox are the best night clubs to really let loose. Glam, fun, great tunes and a proper round of trouble. We saw a very plastic Mickey Rourke leaving Jalouse as he was trying to leave his mark on the town. I kinda danced with him and his chickie pooh before I realized it was him. Not a pretty way to end the nite.

Bungalow 8…what happens at 8 stays at 8….we’ve rubbed elbows with Kings of Leon, Gossip, Peaches Geldof (remember she was our It Girl in Nov); next up is her little sis Pixie. But I warn you, we were fortunate to be able to go here, you have to know someone how know’s someone. Stick to the other spots I’ve mentioned first.

Stay:

The Mondrian Miami is described as South Beach’s main swimming pool surrounded by sun-soaked lounge pillows, lush gardens hung with hammocks, secret pathways and kissing corners. Great eclectic hotel, very modern glam.

Mondrian is part of the Morgans Group so that means you get beach privileges (insert cabana boys here) at its sister hotels the Shore Club and Delano. At the latter we got a close encounter with George Clooney and the paparazi (check this out).

Eat:

News Cafe - Versace’s old hangout just blocks from his home on Ocean.
Barton G - Fine dining with a kooky twist. From the ‘disco crab’ to sword fish literally presented by two waiters – on a sword – every course is a production.
Samba Sushi - A mix of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine. 25 different kind of sake. A cool dj and just a little crazy.
Nobu at Shore Club – Go early to first do cocktails while lounging in Shore Club’s candlelight Moroccan-themed poolside daybeds, and then I have just two words for you “black cod”. Omg.

Play:

Friday nites at Mondrian catch the fireworks and watch the lazy pool explode into a nightclub. Fontainbleu just re-opened after a billion dollar renovation, it has a stunning multi-level pool scene that might girlfriend Almira couldn’t stop raving about. And it’s also home to LIV which is one of the must do clubs. Bookmark LIV with SET and you are just that, set.