2012 TIFF INSPIRES STREET STYLE in KING WEST

Stroll along King Street during the Toronto International Film Fest, and you’re bound to get caught up in a crowd of fans eager to catch a glimpse of their favourite movie star. As I meandered through King West in search of street style, I found myself caught up in the electric atmosphere surrounding TIFF Bell Lightbox and the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Both were clearly the heart of Toronto’s festival. Throngs of fans lined the rear and front entrances of Princess of Wales with cameras ready where a screening of Hotel Transylvania was being held. “Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, and Selena Gomez are in the theatre,” said one excited gawker.

“We think they’re going to come out the back way.” I was more than happy to pass them by. Leave the TIFF celebrity shots for the paparazzi. Don’t we see enough of these stars?

I’d rather check out King West’s own brand of street style. You know… those who don’t need a personal stylist and publicist present to rock the red carpet, or, um, the concrete sidewalk.

On a Saturday afternoon, the fashion was trés casual-chic, leaving glitz and glamour for the stars – or perhaps a late night screening. Despite the blazing sun, and warm temperatures, Toronto’s street style was all about fall fashion: sweaters, boots, leggings, and blazers. Not to mention some impressive accessories.

On the left (above) is one cool Mama. The lace-up boots truly rock her outfit. Long sweater with a skinny belt has her working the TIFF’s pavement (leave the red carpet to the big shots.) Funky blue matchstick pants (right) make this street strollin’ outfit pop. Accessorizing with a flowy scarf adds that extra personal style, while stripes take centre stage.

This (above) is how you wear fall fashion. Check out the red bag – a hot splash of fall colour. Everything about her outfit is tailored to a perfect fit. Riding boots, skinny jeans, silver blazer, and an accenting powder blue scarf. Forget the red carpet – royal red girl (right) knows how to be the star all on her own. Crimson hair, crimson blouse and fearless accessorizing. This is likely the last we’ll see of sandals this year but they worked for her on the sidewalk, as one of summers last looks.

I never did get a glimpse of any Hollywood movie stars. Last I saw, the same gawkers were still waiting patiently to snap a photo of their favourite celebrities. I, however, was happy to leave the crowds with my stash of Toronto street style pics. That’s inspiration enough for me.