Dare to Wear Love
See African fashion done the right way (not the Urban Outfitters way) at Dare to Wear Love. The popular charity fashion show asks top designers to create an outfit using six yards of African cloth to raise funds and awareness for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which helps fight the HIV AIDS pandemic in Africa. Buy tickets here.

DIScONNECT Fashion Film Festival
The Fashion Collective's annual DIScONNECT Fashion Film Festival is one of the only Fashion Week events that's both open to the public and worthwhile (a.k.a. has anything to do with Fashion Week at all). This year's affair takes place Wednesday, March 14 at The Hoxton. Doors open at 10 p.m., with a $10 cover charge in effect after 11 p.m.

Topshop & Topman Give Students 20% Off
The Bay is letting young people have nice things, but only during March Break. They're increasing the year-round Topman and Topshop 10% student discount to 20% off in-store purchases until March 25. Potential purchasers must have a valid student ID card or a convincing combination of sweatpants, Uggs, and acne scars.

H&M Mid-Season Sale
I'm not quite clear which season we're supposed to be in the middle of, but H&M is selling their cheap goods for cheaper than usual, so whatever. Since they've yet to bless Canada with the gift of online shopping, the sale is only available in-store until March 28. The discounts run across all departments, with prices as low as $7.

FTA Swaps Fashion with the FDCC
Fashion Takes Action (FTA) will team up with the Fashion Design Council of Canada (FDCC) this Friday, March 16 to host a clothing swap perfect for those who covet the closets of others. Attendees must bring at least one item to swap in order to participate. Advance drop off is recommended, and admission to the event is $15 in advance, $20 at the door, or $10 for Fashion Week pass holders. More details here.

Photo from the 2011 Dare to Wear Love show