A few weeks ago, my friend, Canadian fashion designer Evan Biddell, asked if I could help out at his shop during Dundas West Fest (DoWestFest). My BF was away on a motorcycle trip, I had no major plans, and honestly, it sounded like the perfect way to spend a summer weekend.

I spent the weekend right in my neighbourhood, soaking up the sunshine, meeting people, listening to great music, and hanging out with some truly lovely humans. Working at Evan’s shop gave me a front-row seat to all the energy of Dundas West Fest. The street was packed all weekend with people exploring local businesses, discovering new artists, and enjoying everything that makes Toronto feel so alive in the summer.

One of the highlights was spending time with Evan’s family. His mom was there, along with family visiting from Vancouver, and they were all incredibly warm and welcoming. It felt less like work and more like being part of a big extended family gathering.

The music throughout the festival was fantastic. There were DJs spinning all weekend, creating the perfect soundtrack for sunny afternoons on Dundas West. Between chatting with visitors, helping customers, and stepping outside to take in the atmosphere, I found myself smiling the entire weekend.

I also ran into so many friends! That’s one of my favourite things about Toronto festivals: you can leave home without a plan and somehow end up seeing a dozen people you haven’t seen in months. Every few minutes there was another familiar face, another hug, another conversation that started with, “Oh my god, hi!“

It was one of those simple weekends that leaves you feeling grateful. Grateful for good friends. Grateful for sunshine. Grateful for community. And grateful that I got to spend a few days being part of something that celebrates the creativity and character of Toronto’s west end.

Thanks to Evan for inviting me to be part of it! I’ll definitely be back next year!

Original article: DoWestFest 2026 w/ Evan Biddell

©2026 CASIE STEWART. All Rights Reserved.

Last year, Elias took me to dinner at BlueBlood Steakhouse inside Casa Loma, and it was absolutely beautiful. One of those magical, romantic Toronto nights that felt like a movie. But this year felt different. Softer. Simpler. More grounded.

He woke up early and rode his bike back from the farm just to spend the day with me, which honestly already felt like the best gift. We went for a nice lunch, rode around the city in the sunshine, and spent the afternoon cruising through Toronto with the wind in our faces and music blasting through his new speakers.

We cruised Queen West, grabbed a beer at Dog & Bear, and had such a nice time. He also surprised me with the coolest gift, a pink camo Harley-Davidson motorcycle jacket that I am completely obsessed with.

Later that night, we had a few friends over to hang out, including my BFF Michelle. Her birthday is May 9th, so we’ve celebrated our birthdays together for years.

The whole day felt wholesome in the best possible way. Nothing over the top. Just love, laughter, sunshine, motorcycles, bffs, and feeling deeply appreciated.

Feeling loved and excited for the year ahead.

Original article: Sunshine, Motorcycles & Feeling Loved: HBD 2 ME!

©2026 CASIE STEWART. All Rights Reserved.

The theme for the night was inspired by Bacchus, the ancient Roman god of wine and celebration, so naturally, the dress code was “dress as your favourite wine.” I pulled this red-fringe dress and faux-fur jacket from my storage archive, and tbh, felt like the perfect look. A little dramatic, a little vintage, very much red wine.

One thing I always love about the Bata Shoe Museum is how they make history feel stylish and alive. This exhibition is about shoes, yes, but it’s also about people, culture, craftsmanship, travel, and everyday life from nearly two thousand years ago. Seeing footwear from that time up close is such a cool reminder that fashion and function have always been part of the human story.

The event had such a great vibe with music, wine, and a beautiful spread of Roman-inspired bites. The museum was transformed with columns, drapery, statues (even human ones! ha), grapes, candles, and all the dreamy ancient-Rome details. Part museum opening, part party, part fashion moment.

I went with Nadia and ran into so many of my favourite girl friends! It was especially fun because one of my girl chat groups had our first IRL hang in ages. You know when the group chat finally becomes real life? Love that. It was also two days before my birthday, so it was especially fab to hug some of my favourite people.

Big thank you to the Bata Shoe Museum & DM Public for having me. It was such a fun night! Check out Unearthing Vindolanda: Footwear from the Edge of the Roman Empire, which is on now at the Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor Street West in Toronto, and runs until September 2027.

Original article: A Roman-Inspired Night at Bata Shoe Museum

©2026 CASIE STEWART. All Rights Reserved.