The weather is finally starting to warm up which means spring is among us! So it’s time to come out of hibernation and enjoy all that the city has to offer, all without having to take out your wallet!
These events all take place during the month of April and there’s no need to choose which one to check out, they’re all free!
Riverside Wine and Craft Beer Fest – April 2-6
Instagram/@riverside_bia
From April 2-6, head over to Riverside to get a taste of some of the best Ontario wines while browsing local shops, restaurants, and bars in the area. The event is free but donations in support of charity are welcomed. You can expect wine tastings, live music, wine educational talks, culinary demos, and much more!
Spring and Easter Flower Show – All Month Leading Up To Easter
Photo via ToDo Canada
Head over to Allen Gardens Conservatory or Centennial Park Conservatory this month to see a variety of awesome flowers and crops leading up to easter and in celebration of spring. The highlight is when the conservatory is decorated for Easter with Easter lilies and hydrangeas.
Ben & Jerry Free Cone Day 2019 – April 9, 2019
Since 1979, Ben and Jerry’s has been serving up free ice cream on April 9th. Don’t miss out on all the fun and grab yours this year at 40 Gould Street!
Animation and Dance Film Festival – April 11, 2019
Photo via Next Festival
The Carlton Cinema is showcasing the best of short films from around the globe! The event is free or pay what you can. See the line-up of films here.
Neon Pop-Up Gallery – April 12-14, 2019
Photo via Eventbrite
For one weekend only this month, stop by the Junction House at 2720 Dundas Street West to check out this free neon pop-up exhibit with collectible signs and art pieces including the famous 12 foot Hard Rock Museum Guitar.
Record Store Day 2019 – April 13th, 2019
View this post on Instagram
Help celebrate this national event by heading to your nearest record shop on April 13th, 2019 for in-store performances and special releases. It’s a day that celebrates all genres and unites all music lovers!
The Brewer’s Backyard – April 19th, 2019
Photo via Brewers Backyard
Everyone is invited to this annual event happening for one day only at Evergreen Brick Works. The event promises the setting of a beer garden with a variety of Ontario’s best breweries while enjoying all that they have to offer alongside some awesome food! This is an all ages event so feel free to bring the whole family!
Cherry Blossoms at High Park – End of April
View this post on Instagram
The weather’s warming up which means its cherry blossom season! The stunning trees bloom for only a short while so be sure to check in at the end of April. If you can’t make it to High Park, you can catch them at Trinity Bellwoods Park too!
Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival – April 25-May 5, 2019
View this post on Instagram
North America’s largest documentary festival comes back for its 26th year from April 25- May 5, 2019. This year’s show promises 200 documentaries from Canada and around the world with plenty of conference sessions, market events, and forums.
Lunchtime Yoga Class – Every Tuesday and Thursday in April
Photo via Eventbrite
Grab your yoga mat and head over to the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts for free yoga! Beginners are welcome and there are washrooms for changing and make sure to bring your own mat and water bottle. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and class runs from 12:05 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Just be sure to get there on time to grab your spot!
National Poutine Day – April 11
Photo via My Meatball Place
Need a poutine fix? Head to My Meatball Place at 617 King Street West from 11:30-1:30 p.m. on April 11 for complimentary samples of their meatball and vegan poutines! Made with crispy fries, this is a delicious treat you won’t want to miss!
Featured Image: Instagram/@8kdan
Articles You May Be Interested In:
12 Things To Know About The Toronto Market Where Everything Is Free
A Massive Nordik Spa Is Opening Just Under An Hour Away From Toronto
The Toronto Light Fest Is Free And Fun For Everyone To Visit
7 Places Your Toronto Public Library Card Can Get You In For Free
9 Places Your Presto Card Can Score You A Discount
It’s back! The One of a Kind Show is where Canadian designers and local makers gather to showcase and sell their artisanal goods. Whether you’re looking for jewelry, food, apparel, or home goods, you’ll find it all under one roof at the spring edition of the semi-annual show.
Back for its 44th year, the spring edition runs from March 27-31 at Enercare Centre in Toronto.
I was super excited to get a sneak preview at what’s in store. And with countless vendors to shop, it can be hard to decide where to start, but I’ve narrowed down a few of my favourites to help you pinpoint where to begin!
Creations Ropes and Wood
Instagram/@ropesandwood
I’ve been following Ropes and Wood for a while and have become really obsessed with her paddle designs. Based out of Quebec, Annie makes every paddle by hand using complementary colours that can suit any space and feel. She’s been featured in a number of magazines like Oprah’s O Magazine and her work is frequently used in interior design editorials. Check her out in in Booth E07.
Abeego
Instagram/@abeego
Abeego is an eco-friendly product because it replaces the need for wax paper or plastic wrap. Abeego is made of beeswax and helps keep food fresher for longer by acting as a peel that helps food breathe while protecting it from air and moisture… Plus it smells awesome! You can check it out in Booth M13.
Laughing Sparrow
Instagram/@laughingsparrow
There’s no shortage of really great jewelry at this year’s show. If you’re into more eccentric, elaborate, and original jewelry, you can definitely find them all there. I’m personally into minimalist jewelry and Laughing Sparrow not only stood out on having really easy to wear pieces, but also tasteful and timeless ones. Rachel Hatala, the owner of Laughing Sparrow, has been making her jewelry since she was a child and sold her first piece at the age of 12. Check her out in the Marketplace along row Q50.
Artifact Skin Co.
Instagram/@artifactskinco
At Booth F19, you can find Artifact Skin Co. with their array of masks and other natural products. Each product is inspired by the memories, aromas, and beauty traditions from various places around the world. You’ll find these “artifacts” captured in every mask. The basis of the brand are masks, but everything they make is always around 99.5-100% natural.
Amalusta & The Marketplace
Instagram/@amalusta
Be sure you stop by the Marketplace to support emerging makers who have never been at the show before! You can find anything from hand pressed stationery, beauty products, and jewelry!
Be sure to check out Amalusta, a Toronto-based beauty brand that was founded by Joana Coman who worked in the industry researching and working with ingredients before setting out to start her own brand. She named it Amalusta, meaning chamomile, known for its calming effects, which can be found in every product in the line. Having the scientific approach to beauty, she knew what she wanted and didn’t want in her products. Everything is free of parabens, phthalates, drying alcohols, mineral oils, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colorants.
Featured image: Instagram/@ooak_toronto
Articles You Might Be Interested In
7 Local Stores Where You Can Actually Meet The Designers
7 Underrated Shopping Destinations In Toronto
12 Things To Know About The Toronto Market Where Everything Is Free
Inside Unboxed Market: Toronto’s First Waste-Free Grocery Store
9 Canadian Brands To Shop At Sephora Right Now
I was at a friend’s house a while back and became obsessed with her Google Chromecast and went home that night and bought myself one on Amazon. Or so I thought… I plugged it in and set it up but noticed something was off. The welcome screen wasn’t anything like hers. It turns out, I had unknowingly bought a fake. It happens even to the best of us and I’m here to tell you your options if this ever happens to you.
I’ve outlined some tips for how to authenticate your own items but counterfeiters are getting smarter and more clever at creating very convincing fakes. So here’s what you can do if you’ve been tricked!
Talk To Visa
Instagram/@processcc4free
If you paid for your item using Visa, you can file a complaint with them through their fraud department. They’ll ask you to fill out some paperwork and start their own investigation. If they’ve concluded the item is fake, you might be eligible for a refund on your purchase.
If you didn’t pay by Visa but did pay by credit card, call the credit card company and let them know by filing a formal complaint through them. I had to submit fraud complaints through Visa and they’re always receptive. I can’t say the same about some of the other credit card companies.
Contact The Anti-Fraud Centre
If you don’t have any luck by calling your credit card company, then you can try filing a complaint through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). The CAFC is the central agency that collects intelligence on anything that has to do with fraud. They’ll do all the work of contacting the right people and can also sometimes get you your money back for being tricked. Just be prepared to provide them with information like your card number, the date you purchased the item, the address or website, the amount you paid for the item, and a few pictures.
Report It To Amazon
Photo via Pixabay
Most major online marketplaces have some sort of policy for reporting fakes. At the end of February, Amazon unveiled Project Zero to help combat the presence and sale of counterfeits on their website. A really great initiative by Amazon to better help people buy with more confidence.
Let The Brand Know
I would recommend this regardless of whether you get compensated or not. It’s one of the most effective ways to crack down on counterfeits and that’s letting the brand know when there are fake items floating around. In my previous article, I mentioned how the LAPD started an investigation into fake makeup and that was because the brands approached them about complaints they were getting from customers who claimed they were getting bumps and rashes from their makeup. This led the police to seizing an enormous amount of contaminated makeup containing bacteria and feces. Brands often have education on how to avoid fakes (Canada Goose has a really great tool verification tool) but also have an interest in stopping the sale of counterfeits of their brand. Letting them know it’s happening is the first step.
Alert Police
Toronto police have seized counterfeit goods that would have a retail value of $2.5-million if real pic.twitter.com/X81Kx1k4zb
— NEWSTALK1010 (@NEWSTALK1010) December 9, 2016
Manufacturing or selling counterfeits is a criminal offence just like trafficking cocaine. If you see it happening, it’s not a bad idea to let the authorities know. I’ve helped train police on how to authenticate in preparation for their investigations and for criminal seizures because they do take action on these cases. The more they know, the more they can do.
Featured Image: Instagram/@b_benzshops
Articles You May Be Interested In:
Why Counterfeit Makeup Is Never Worth The Bargain
A Counterfeit Expert Shares 10 Tricks To Spot A Fake Handbag
How Chinese Retailers Of Counterfeit Goods Are Able To Bend The Law
Inside The Dirty World Of Counterfeit Sneakers
A Counterfeit Expert Reveals 8 Tricks To Spot Fake Jewellery And Watches
In all of my time authenticating counterfeits, the most horrific fakes are makeup and perfume and there’s a few reasons why. I hope I have your attention on this one because this is a PSA.
It was a spring day similar to this one and I was asked to authenticate items that were seized by police during a criminal seizure. I show up to the massive warehouse and make my way to the gated area that was packed with crates of fakes.
The purses and wallets were no problem because I could tell from a mile away that they were counterfeits. I finally get to a series of boxes and in them were all the top selling makeup products on the market.
Busted! Major Task Force hits 21 locations in the @LAFashionDist and nets $700,000 in Counterfeit cosmetics found to contain bacteria and human waste. The best price is not always the best deal! #ProtectingOurCommunity pic.twitter.com/gliJ8L2F9F
— Commander Marc Reina (@LAPDMarcReina) April 13, 2018
I felt crushed because I couldn’t authenticate them. I never really can. Authenticating makeup requires a different level of attention to detail. The fonts are pretty close to real, the packaging is almost identical, and pretty much every other characteristic is there all except for what’s inside the bottles or tubes. The best way to authenticate makeup is by sending them to the lab for testing. The results, when they turn out to be fake, is always alarming.
Fake makeup makes its way into the news more often than fake handbags do and it’s because the effects are so much worse. Yes, they might both be stored in dirty, rat infested warehouses, but because you’re actually applying makeup and perfume on yourself, the effects of the contamination can be fatal.
In April, 2018, LAPD seized $700,000 worth of counterfeit makeup after consumers were calling makeup brands complaining of rashes, and bumps after using their products which led police to investigate and eventually seize the products from the downtown LA Fashion District.
The result: the makeup was contaminated with high levels of bacteria and both human and animal feces. It’s shocking but stories like these are endless and unfortunately common, though. When Kylie Jenner came out with her Lipkits, it didn’t take long for the fakes to appear and it didn’t take long after that for the reports of the fake Lipkits gluing lips shut, smelling of gasoline or burning consumer’s lips to surface.
@KylieJenner omg I bought this a few month ago from a Facebook page it made my lips swollen I never wore it after that @kyliecosmetics pic.twitter.com/ZgnpJyLvSi
— Kimberly ? (@TeamSuperTrini_) October 27, 2016
I’m not only warning you about makeup. Counterfeit fragrances can be just as bad.
I have spent a great deal of time trying to learn how to authenticate perfume in length and it remains a challenge because counterfeiters have gotten really good at copying the packaging and bottles and continue to make it trickier. Again, the majority of the time, the only way to tell if the fragrance is real is to test it in a lab. The results have come back with confirmed urine and antifreeze, for example.
All of this confirms the fact that counterfeiters really don’t care about the consumer. They’re simply motivated to make money and to do this they need to keep costs down. This has been confirmed during seizures when the production “facilities” are uncovered and are nowhere near the sanitation standards that the real brands are held to. Not to mention the confirmed use of dangerous chemicals that have been found to cause cancer and can even be fatal.
So how do we stop funding these horrible practices? The solution to combat this problem is simple.
The first clue is always the price, meaning how steep of a discount did you get? If you’re buying the real thing, it has to be proportionate to the MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) and where did you get it? Did you get it from an authorized retailer? All this info can be found on the official website of the brand.
With a little research and reflection you can easily avoid buying counterfeit makeup. As a general rule, don’t cut corners. It’s not worth it especially if it means avoiding the ER and permanent damage.
Featured Image: Instagram/@anlabeauty
Articles You May Be Interested In:
A Counterfeit Expert Shares 10 Tricks To Spot A Fake Handbag
A Counterfeit Expert Reveals 8 Tricks To Spot Fake Jewellery And Watches
Pacific Mall #1 Biggest Source Of Fake Goods In The World
How To Spot A Fake Designer Bag
Here’s Why Counterfeit Makeup Is a Real Threat to Your Health
Looking to have a good time and not spend all your hard earned cash? We feel you and we’re here for you. The month of March is packed with all sorts of fun stuff to take part in and bonus— they’re all free!
Keep reading for 10 super fun things to do in Toronto this March!
Happy Birthday Gardiner Museum! – March 9-10, 2019
To mark the museum’s 35th anniversary, the Gardiner Museum is offering free admission March 9th and 10th. They will also be offering free clay programming from 11:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. Spaces go quickly so the earlier, the better! While you’re there you might want to check out the new Ai Weiwei exhibit. Ai Weiwei is a renowned contemporary artist and political activist known for his sculptures, photographs, installations, and public artworks but also for his firm stance on human rights. Access to the exhibit is free with admission!
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2019 – March 10, 2019
Looking for your pot of gold? This year, you can catch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 10th and celebrate the luck of the Irish right here in TO!
Visit The Aga Khan Museum – March 6th , 2019
On Wednesday March 6th, 2019 you can get free entry into the Aga Khan Museum. These are special museum hours due to a special event starting at 3:30 p.m. so be sure to take advantage!
Celebrate Our City! – March 9-10, 2019
In celebration of the city’s 185th Anniversary, there’s a fun-filled 2-day festival taking place at Yonge and Dundas Square. You’ll have the opportunity to shop from local vendors, eat some local Toronto based food trucks, enjoy some live music, partake in activities and contests. The festival runs both days between 11:00 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Check Out Sugar Shack TO – March 9-10, 2019
Sugar Shack taking place at Sherbourne Commons aims to celebrate the end of winter. There’s countless events planned including ice activities, a winter marketplace, skating rink, an obstacle course and authentic Ontario maple taffy. Watch a live maple sugaring demonstration or stop by the Redpath Sugar booth for free samples or the Waterfront Toronto booth for free goodies. There’s so much more to explore, just make sure to BYOS (bring your own skates) if you plan on skating.
Head To Ontario Place – March 8-17th, 2019
Ontario Place is offering extended holiday hours to visit the West Island of Ontario Place. There’s a series of events planned and most of them are free! Events include, skating parties, winter activity pop-up hosted by the YMCA, Winter Light Exhibition and Community Bonfires.
Shop The Wellness Marketplace At The Gladstone Hotel – March 24th, 2019
The pop-up Wellness Market explores well-being with an emphasis on relaxation and self-care through yoga and reiki. Discover city eco-tours and how to support local conscious vendors and charities!
Experience CineCuba 2019 – March 29-March 31, 2019
This film festival taking place at The Royal Cinema at 608 College Street is free for the public and definitely worth checking out! The festival celebrates Cuba’s 60th year of independence and the special relationship between Canada and Cuba!
Don’t Miss The Toronto Light Festival – March 1-3, 2019
This is your last chance to visit the Toronto Light Festival at the Distillery District. It’s free to get in and you won’t be disappointed to find diverse Insta-Worthy shots scattered throughout the district.
Shop The Trinity Bellwoods Flea Market – March 17, 2019
Spring is upon us which means all the farmer’s markets in the city will be coming back soon too! Get right into the spirit with the Trinity Bellwoods Flea Market taking place at the Great Hall on March 17, 2019. Freshen up your home, wardrobe, and beauty routine by shopping from over 60 local Toronto vendors, artisans and small businesses. Pets and kids are welcome and admission is free!
Featured Image: Pxhere
Articles You May Be Interested In:
12 Things To Know About The Toronto Market Where Everything Is Free
The Toronto Light Fest Is Free And Fun For Everyone To Visit
You Can Eat Dinner In Outdoor Domes In Toronto This Spring
5 Tips For The Perfect Girl’s Winter Weekend In Toronto
7 Places Your Toronto Public Library Card Can Get You In For Free
In the first part of this authenticating series, I outlined 8 tips for authenticating your jewellery and watches. These were based on tips I learned from working for a leading intellectual property law firm, conducting my own investigations and helping police during criminal seizures.
In the second part of this series, I’m giving you 10 tips on how to authenticate purses and wallets without giving away any confidential and privileged information.
Look At The Price
This point was brought up in the previous article and it will continue to be on my list of tricks because it’s the first sign you might be faced with a fake. Branded items are very strict with their pricing and if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Where You Bought It
They are also very strict in where they can be purchased. If you bought a Gucci purse at a discount store, odds are it’s probably fake. These brands have strategically teamed up with certain vendors who are approved to sell their items.
Is There Plastic On The Handles?
A finely crafted authentic purse will often come in a dust bag and a beautiful box. One of the surest signs a purse is fake is if the handles come wrapped in plastic and it comes with none of the above.
Photo via Vestiaire Collective
Is The Branding Upside Down?
Counterfeiters don’t pay much attention to detail the way the designer brands do. For them, it’s all about quantity, not quality. So they don’t really care if they stitch the lining of the purse or wallet with the branding upside down.
Is The Font Right?
Designer brands will pay attention to details from the stitching (see below) to the font they use for their branding. When buying a purse or wallet, try comparing the brand’s font style to the one you see on the item in front of you. Are the letters and the spacing of the letters the same? If not, put it back right where you found it!
Zoom In On The Stitching
Before designer bags are put into individual boxes and shipped across the world, they undergo major quality control. If a stitch has come off or if the piping of the bag is not immaculate, it won’t make its way to stores. When looking at a purse, look closely that the stitching is straight and consistent.
What’s The Hardware Looking Like?
The hardware used on authentic products are always of good quality. They have good weight and, if they’re gold, will have a solid plating to them so that they don’t fade over time. If you’ve ever looked at a vintage or second hand Louis Vuitton, for example, you’ll know what I mean. Is the colour vivid or intact and does the zipper run along its track seamlessly and smoothly?
Instagram/@deborabrosa
Is The Leather Real?
Fake bags are made with plastic or faux leather for the most part. I’ve seen counterfeits made of real leather and they’ve almost fooled me. This is because real, good leather has a certain smell to it. Fake leather or plastic will have a certain sheen to it or be squeaky.
Is The Label Wrong?
Some brands will have special labels with the bag’s serial number or some identifying factor to show that that bag is authentic. This varies from brand to brand and is often highly confidential information. Most luxury purses are either made in France or Italy so if they have a plastic hang-tag, it’s likely fake.
Be Wary Of “Hybrid Branding”
Does that purse you’re eyeing have a ‘LV’ logo with Gucci print in the background? There’s no such collaboration and, often times, counterfeiters will slap on as many brand names as possible and think that’ll sell. I like to call this ‘hybrid branding’ and while it helps to know which brands have collaborated, for the most part, if you’ve satisfied one or more of the above tips, it’s probably a fake.
If there’s a demand for it, it can be counterfeited. My go-to signs are actually the least technical ones i.e. price and place it was purchased which should make it easy for the average person to be their own authenticator.
Happy Shopping!
Featured Image: Pxhere
Articles You May Also Be Interested In:
A Counterfeit Expert Reveals 8 Tricks To Spot Fake Jewellery And Watches
How Chinese Retailers Of Counterfeit Goods Are Able To Bend The Law
The Best Resale Websites to Shop Secondhand Right Now
9 Online Stores To Shop Designer Shoes For Less
Best Consignment Stores in Toronto
The reality is, if you didn’t pay full price for your item, it’s very likely counterfeit. But how can you even tell if your jewellery is real if the tricks are kept secret?
I’ve studied the confidential secrets that the brands don’t want to release to the public because, if they did, they would be giving you everything you need to counterfeit their products.
Without releasing any of that confidential information, I’m going to share with you eight simple tricks to spot fake jewellery and watches.
1. Where did you buy it?
Pixabay
Most brands will either a) sell their product out of their own retail store, or b) pair up with “authorized retailers.” This is the surest way of knowing you’re buying the real thing. Most brands will list their authorized retailers on their website, so always double check before you purchase.
2. How much was it?
There’s control over the sellers and the pricing to make sure competition in the market is fair. In the jewellery world, while promotions and sales aren’t out of the norm, they’re rarely very aggressive. Always keep in mind that pricing should be proportionate to the MSRP (otherwise know as the manufacturer’s suggested retail price), especially with watches.
When a basic Audemars Piguet costs tens of thousands, even if you’ve found it for a couple thousand, there’s reason to be suspicious.
3. Is it Swiss?
Instagram/@thomas.lebrs
Real Swiss watches will have “Swiss Made” on the face of the watch —you can usually spot it at 6 o’clock.
4. Serial Number
Instagram/@stevebgoodman
Check the back of your watch. Does it have a long random number? That’s the serial number, and that’s how the brand can tell if it’s real and honour your warranty. The back of the case will have it and, on more expensive timepieces, the bracelet will have it too.
5. 925/14k/18k
Instagram/@tiffanyandco
When you’re buying a silver bracelet, unless it has “925” stamped on it, you can’t be sure it’s sterling silver. 925 is the highest grade of silver possible, meaning that it’s 92.5% silver with 7.5% being other metals. You might see the stamp appear as “S925” or “.925” in some cases.
If you’re buying gold, your item should be stamped with “10k” or “417,” “14k” or “585,” “18k” or “750,” or “24k” or “999.” If there’s no stamp, it’s probably plated.
6. Plating
Instagram/@gtimeinc
Real gold will not fade over time unless it’s plated. Most brands will be happy to let you know when that’s the case. If your gold watch or jewellery starts to fade or change colour, be skeptical — especially if you were told it was real gold.
7. Links
Instagram/@rolex
Do the links on your Rolex watch squeak, or do the pins in the link come out easily? This could be an indication that your watch is a fake.
8. Authenticity Card
Instagram/@gaborilla
Even authenticity cards can be replicated, so check that the serial numbers match. If there’s no serial number on the card, check for spelling errors.
At the end of the day, the best tip I can offer is to do your research beforehand by checking who the authorized retailers are, what the MSRP is, or make a visit the actual retail store of that brand.
Brands will use different methods to distinguish their products. You can use a few of the tips above together to help give you an idea if your item is real or not. But if you’re in doubt, reach out to the brand’s customer service.
And remember: if a deal seems to good to be true, it probably is.
Featured image: Instagram/@xoxo_jess
Articles You Might Be Interested In:
Inside The Dirty World Of Counterfeit Sneakers
People Are Allegedly Getting Paid To Write Fake Amazon Reviews
New Startup Develops Technology That Spots Fake Luxury Goods
Payless Tricked Influencers Into Paying $600 For $20 Shoes
Here’s Why Counterfeit Makeup Is A Real Threat To Your Health