This Week in Fashion rounds up the week's style news, store openings and closings, pop-up shops, sales and upcoming fashion and design events in Toronto. Find it here every Wednesday morning.

NEWS

Yesterday, IMG Fashion announced the show dates for World MasterCard Fashion Week Fall 2013 in Toronto. Once again, the event will be held at David Pecaut Square and runs from March 18 until March 22. The preliminary designer lineup will be released on Monday (February 11).

EVENTS/PARTIES

This weekend, Blackbird is throwing all you lovebirds a pop-up sale to assist you with all of your Valentine's Day needs. From Friday (February 8) until Sunday (February 10), visit the Oz Studios (134 Ossington Ave) to see all of their unique trinkets in the flesh, stock up on sweets, and (hopefully) leave with a lil' something for your special someone.

The Black Box Boutique (106 Yorkville Ave, 2nd floor) is also hosting a weekend shopping event in honor of Valentine's Day - a his and hers experience happening Saturday (February 9) and Sunday (February 10). Three designers - Nayme (sterling silver name pendants), Liel and Lentz (men's jewellery), and BLAST (men's clothing) - will be present to help you impress your loved ones.

On Saturday (February 9), from 2pm until 3:30 pm, Dr. Alexandra Palmer is giving the inside scoop on how a Dior dress came to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in a seminar breaking down the design and creation of the stunning haute couture dress in the BIG exhibition. The event - which also includes the world premiere of the film Dior - is taking place at the ROM (100 Queen's Park) and is $20 at the door, or $15 for museum members.

The annual Cookies & Champagne party is back for its third year in a row, giving all "hip and urban girls and guys" a chance to network and take home a giant ziplock bag full of homemade cookies. To get in on this super fun affair, purchase a ticket for $25, bake three dozen cookies, and bring it into the Steam Whistle Brewery (255 Bremner Blvd) next Tuesday (February 12) with a card explaining the contents of your baked good. Aside from walking away with a great new selection of cookies, you'll also get a swag bag! See the event page for more details.

If you're at a loss when it comes to Valentine's Day gifting, eLuxe.ca's stylists will be offering personal shopping advice at the website's pop-up styling lounge (355 Adelaide St W), running all the way up to that special day (February 14). They'll help you choose between a leopard thong or an umbrella with dogs on it.

SALES

Students, stock up on your American Apparel favourites tomorrow (February 7), because the Queen Street location (499 Queen St W) is throwing a party of sorts to cure those school-related woes from 6 pm until 9:30 pm. In addition to 20% off purchases of $50 or more, they're giving away a free gift, hosting a live DJ, and offering complimentary beverages. All you've gotta do is show up with a valid student ID.

For the first time ever, OSC Cross is turning their showroom into an open studio, so if you're still in need of a proper winter parka, head down to 1179 King Street West unit #008 to get 15% off fall/winter 2012/2013. The open studio runs from 9 am until 7 pm tomorrow (February 7) and Friday (February 8).

If for whatever reason you need a costume this time of year, or you're looking to be really thrifty about an upcoming Halloween getup, visit Candy's Costume Shop (511 Mount Pleasant Rd) for their 50% off moving sale. Get costumes, wigs, makeup, and accessories for super cheap until next Thursday (February 28). Visit their website for business hours.

From tomorrow (February 7) until Valentine's Day (February 14), Jacflash (
1036-38 Queen Street West) is giving guys a chance to pick up a sassy pink dress for that special someone, and girls an opportunity to spoil themselves. All dresses and accessories will be 15% off both in store and online, so everyone can enjoy the season of love.

Photo courtesy of Blackbird