Ella Pretty

My Valentine's Day Present - Alexander McQueen Skull Scarf in Peach

2012-02-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

The skulls may not be very Valentine-themed but the color certainly is!

When hubby asked what I wanted for Valentine's day - I chose this wishlist item of mine - an Alexander McQueen Skull Scarf. While I would NEVER describe my style as "Rocker Chic", I believe these skull scarves have stood the test of time and are now classic instead of trendy. I love how this scarf is subtly rebellious - the feminine colors soften the edgy design.

I have always admired skull scarves on celebs like Nicole Richie and Kim Kardashian:

Nicole Richie Skull Scarf

Kim Kardashian Skull Scarf

...the person who really demonstrated how elegant and wearable the scarf can be, is fashion blogger Wendy from Wendy's Lookbook - I LOVE her style!

In her famous "25 Ways to Wear a Scarf" video, she shows several looks featuring a classic Mcqueen Skull Scarf. This video is a must-watch - even for new ideas on how to wear your existing scarves (although it may leave you wanting a McQueen scarf and an LV leopard stole).

I've tried out a couple versions with my own scarf:

The Modern One Loop and The Bunny Ear

The Infinity and The Classic Drape

Apparently Balenciaga bags and Skull scarves go hand in hand - here's Nicky Hilton's collection:

Here's my skull scarf making friends with my Balenciaga First bag in Sahara

Do you like McQueen Skull Scarves? What would you wear them with?

Make-Up in the Mail: Glossybox, Kiehls & Bobbi Brown

2012-02-07T19:14:00.000-08:00

I had read about Glossybox on a lot of my favorite UK beauty blogs - so when a representative from Glossybox asked if I would like to review their box, I eagerly agreed. (When I review a sent item, I will view it as if I paid retail price for it...and discuss whether it was worth it or not. This can be risky as companies may want unwarranted praise instead of honest criticism- but I'd rather help my readers than sell out for any company. I blog to share my true feelings not to receive free products.)

Glossybox is a luxury sample subscription box founded in Germany. They already operate in 8 countries and are now expanding to 20 more, including Canada. As with other luxury sample subscription boxes, you pay a monthly fee ($15 CAD) and receive 5 deluxe beauty samples.

MY THOUGHTS ON THE CONCEPT OF GLOSSYBOX:
PROS:
-comes packaged in GORGEOUS materials. You feel very pampered and special when you're opening it.
-the pink box is SO beautiful and sturdy, I'm going to use mine to store necklaces. A series of them would make elegant storage for make-up, jewelry or stationery.
-You definitely get your money's worth in terms of value of the items sent - the items are from well-established brands and appeal to most people (I'm always open to trying new hand cream, lip balm and nailpolish)

CONS:
-it can feel wasteful - I don't like clutter but I feel bad throwing "new/usable" things away - so if I don't use something, I'll have to find someone who will. Not a problem with one box - but with a monthly service, your "unwanted pile" may grow rapidly!
-If there are a lot of items you don't use, you may feel like you're not getting your money's worth.

CONTENTS OF MY BOX & MY INITIAL THOUGHTS:

Ahava Skincare Mineral Hand Cream - Love the shape and size - perfect for my handbag. A little goes a long way - it softens hands and is non-greasy but leaves a filmy "silicone" barrier. Doesn't plump up my dehydrated skin. Will use it up but won't repurchase.

Oscar de la Renta Live in Love body lotion - Strongly fragranced and not very moisturizing. The scent is very 90s. Would be good to wear for a special event/night out. Will use it up but won't repurchase.

Elizabeth Grant Moisturizing Stick - Uses honey, avocado oil and other natural ingredients. Smells like Watermelon. Feels amazing when you apply it (moisturizing and thick, not waxy) but it disappears within an hour. I prefer my Nivea Milk & Honey lipbalm to this - it's more synthetic but it leaves a lasting moisturizing barrier on my lips. Will use this up but won't repurchase.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Night Anti-Aging Restorative Cream - this contains 2 types of shea butter and a cocoa butter - so I don't dare try this in case it breaks me out. Will be giving this to my mother.

Essie Nailpolish in Neo Whimsical - Pink with lavender undertones - this is a fun nailpolish to wear. The formula is thin and a bit streaky - but I'm definitely going to get good use out of this - especially as a pedicure color in the spring.

Essie in Neo Whimsical

Bonus item: Beauty So Clean Sanitizing Wipes and Mist: I prefer regular hand-washing instead of antibacterial products - I don't believe that creating a super-sterile environment is healthy for building your immune system - so I'm not going to be using these products excessively - but they'll be good to keep around to freshen up my product surfaces once in a while.

BOTTOM LINE:
I honestly believe that this would be a great pampering gift to give someone you love - perfect for Mother's day or Valentine's day. For me personally, I don't think I'd sign up for a subscription right now. However...if my stockpile of beauty products ever ran low, I may sign up - it's so amazing receiving surprise luxury products in the mail!

I took advantage of a recent Kiehl's promo (free shipping PLUS 3 deluxe samples PLUS 3 regular samples). I stocked up on my Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream (I'm on my 3rd pot) and was so happy to get all these other Kiehl's goodies to try - they ended up sending 4 deluxe samples: a body butter, a shampoo, hand cream and clay cleanser. I will update if any of these products stand out. I also recently purchased Bobbi Brown's Pale Pink blush (apparently Kate Middleton wore it on her wedding day) and a Blush brush (it was $50 - yikes! My most expensive make-up brush ever - but it's SO soft and applies blush beautifully). I LOVE the color of the blush - it doesn't look neon pink when you wear it - it just makes your cheeks look very flushed and healthy. I layer it on top of my Covergirl cream blush in Lush Berry.

Have you tried any of these monthly beauty boxes? What are your favorite Kiehl's products?

Disclaimer: I purchased the Kiehl's and Bobbi Brown products. I was sent the GlossyBox but was not under any obligation to provide a favourable review. As you can tell, I wrote my honest unbiased thoughts (as always!!!).

My Statement Necklaces

2012-02-03T10:02:00.002-08:00

I used to only wear delicate jewelry pieces, but I've recently grown to love the effect and impact that a statement necklace adds to an outfit. A statement necklace can add a bold pop of color that makes you look like you put thought and effort into your outfit. Here are a few I currently own - I'm definitely looking to add to my collection!

JCREW

My latest acquisition - I love how there are a jumble of uneven lengths and sizes in this necklace - it adds an informal elegance to simple outfits.

H&M

The infamous JCREW bubble necklace dupes from H&M - they cost a tenth of the price of JCREW ones ($15 rather than $150) - and are my most favorite statement pieces EVER. They are so light and easy to wear. I lived in my red necklace during our recent trip to Florida. I someday hope to purchase the JCREW original version as well.

FOREVER21

My second favorite statement necklace - love the milky turquoise beads in this necklace - it matches nearly any summer outfit. This was a popular necklace - I've noticed it on MANY people. I purchased mine 2 years ago.

This pink and gold necklace works well with evening outfits - especially with nude or blush colored tops.

These pale pink beads are very pretty - but I find this necklace can be tricky to wear as the beads get twisted instead of lying in place.

AMRITA SINGH NELLO NECKLACE

I wanted a Nello Necklace after reading about them on Jean's blog. This style is no longer being produced, but is often featured on sample sale sites (like Beyond the Rack and Hautelook) or eBay. I'm so glad I was able to get the white Jade version - this necklace adds the perfect amount of sparkle and fills your neckline, but it's so light and flat, you don't even feel like you have anything on. I'd love to get a yellow or coral version someday.

F21 rings:

Just thought I'd add a quick pic of my 2 statement rings - both are from Forever21 and were under $5 each. I *LOVE* the white flower ring, it's so well-made - when I was purchasing my Chanel WOC, the SA told me that he loved my ring and said it reminded him of the Chanel Camellia flower.

Do you like wearing statement necklaces? Describe your favorite ones - I'm always on the lookout and have my eye on a few more Forever21 and JCrew necklaces.

My Beige Quilted Chanel WOC !

2012-01-23T19:59:00.002-08:00

Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary - Happy Everything...

A Chanel WOC (Wallet on a Chain) has been on my wishlist for a long time. Hubby promised me one as a combined birthday/anniversary present and we were just waiting to find the right bag. I knew I wanted a classic style and color to use as an evening clutch - tan was my top choice, but I would have settled for black.

The Toronto boutique mainly carried black WOCs and were always out of stock when I called. As we're on holiday, I called the local Chanel boutique - and they said they had a wide selection of colors (yellow, lavender, turquoise) but no beige or black. I decided to drop by the boutique anyway, just to try a WOC on in person. The SA was super helpful and was looking through the cabinets to see if they had any classic colors in stock. Just then, another SA came by with my ultimate dream WOC - it wasn't listed in stock - but it was just magically waiting for me :-)

I'm SO in love with this bag - this color is the prettiest beige I've seen because it has blush pink undertones (so me!!!). I also love the gorgeous quilting and the delicate logo - I'm so happy and feel so blessed to receive something that I'd been dreaming about. I never thought that I'd own a Chanel bag - I still can't believe that it's mine!

Shopping My Closet: a Week of Vacation Outfits

2012-01-20T21:19:00.002-08:00

We've booked a spur-of-the-moment holiday - last Saturday we purchased our tickets and we'll be off tomorrow! I've been super-busy, which is why I haven't had time to write a blog post until now. I've decided not to purchase any new outfits for this holiday because:
1) I'd rather shop at my destination
2) There are *some* items in my closet with the tags still on! I should wear them before purchasing anything new.

Here are some of the outfits I've put together (I heard this great tip that you should photograph your outfits before you go on holiday so you remember what goes together - and only pack what is necessary). I'm taking several necklaces and shoes, but keeping it simple with my earrings and wristwear. (Items with ** still had their tags on)

Old Navy top, H&M necklace, Old Navy skirt**, Payless sandal

H&M shirt, Forever21 necklace, Old Navy skirt**, Payless sandals

Forever21 top, Garage shorts, Old Navy flip flops


Old Navy top, H&M necklace, Garage Shorts, Payless Shoes

Amrita Singh Nello Necklace, Forever21 top, Old Navy jeans, Payless sandals)

Express top**, H&M necklace, Old Navy jeans, Old Navy leopard flats**

Old Navy top**, H&M necklace, Old Navy jeans, Old Navy flats**

Old Navy Dress & Sweater, Payless sandals

H&M top, H&M necklace, Garage leggings, Payless sandals

My most shamefully neglected item was the black skirt - I purchased it from Old Navy in 2008 when we were living in New York! I'm not sure about the brown leggings and sandals in my last outfit - I may switch it out with black leggings and sandals (one less pair of shoes to pack!).

I better finish up my packing now...so much to do before tomorrow! I'm taking my laptop with me, so hopefully I'll be able to blog again next week.

Playing Catch Up

2012-01-10T20:10:00.002-08:00

It seems like I haven't blogged in forever! These past two weeks we were struck down with the flu, and mine still hasn't gone away..I was finally prescribed some antibiotics today.

I thought I'd do a quick post sharing some of the shopping I did over the holidays (mostly in December). I took advantage of the online discounts at Old Navy and Garage. I wish I had modelling pics for everything - but I'm just not feeling up to it at the moment.

Old Navy Blue Stripe Cardigan - loose-weave cardigan - very easy to wear. I got mine on sale for $17 (originally $39).

Old Navy Double V-Neck Pullover in Camel. (Originally $34, I paid $13.99) A camel v-neck is a classic piece. I nearly chose a cashmere one from another store, but decided against it because it was dry-clean only. This will be much easier to take care of, even if it's not as luxurious as the other one!

Old Navy Skinny-Mini Flare Jeans - (Originally $36.94, I paid $20). I love the fit of these jeans - and the length is just right too. I picked up two pairs in the dark rinse - one for everyday wear and one for when I dress up...am I the only one who worries about their dark jeans fading too fast?

Old Navy Black Booties (Originally $34.94, I paid 24.50). I'd been waiting for these to go on sale - I think they'd look great paired with opaque black tights and a cute dress. And - even though these are heels - they are RIDICULOUSLY comfy - as are most other Old Navy shoes I've purchased. I'm so excited to have found comfy heels - I mostly live in flats! The picture is of the grey version, as they've sold out of the black one online.

I also received my chanel-inspired flats that Lilly recommended on her blog. I love the delicate studding and they are WAY more comfy than my Aldo pair (I've learned my lesson - no more Aldo shoes for me, they ALWAYS hurt!). These are currently out of stock online, but I purchased mine for $20 plus shipping.

One of my favorite purchases was this blue and red gingham shirt from Garage ($32.90, I paid $20) - I ADORE aqua and red, but it's so hard to find pieces with the right shade and balance. I also love Garage's super skinny jeans - they're flattering and don't stretch out over time (unlike their jeggings!). They usually cost $34.90 but I got a dark rinse for $20 and a regular wash for $15.

I still have a lot of stuff to share (Kiehls, H&M, eBay, Boots No. 7) but I think I've posted enough for today! I've got to take my medicine and get some rest - hope all my readers are feeling healthy & happy :-)

I'll end with a picture of my first order from ASOS - currently in transit. I'm a sucker for quilted bags, and Veronika recently posted about a lovely pink cross-body bag she found. Since I already own a pink quilted bag, I chose the brown version - isn't it lovely?

Got my tech on....

2011-12-26T21:12:00.000-08:00

Choosing a new laptop took a lot of thought! Many people recommended MacBooks, but when I tested them out in person I just wasn't drawn to them. As I wandered around Best Buy the only laptop that called out to me was this one:

The Sony VAIO VPCEH25FDP. Yes, it's pink...I can't deny that I was mesmerised by the color! I also loved how lightweight it was, how big the screen was (15.5 inches - my Dell laptop had a 12 inch screen) and the full-size keyboard. Hubby is my own personal "geek squad" and he was happy with the technical specifications on this model.

We also upgraded my phone (finally!) to an iPhone 4s. Now I can take better photos on the go! I didn't know how much I'd been missing out - I love reading eBooks and watching Youtube videos on my phone. I don't think it's possible to be bored with an iPhone around!

I went Boxing day shopping for the first time in YEARS - and it was NOTHING SPECIAL - the bargains are not worth the crowds - online shopping is definitely the easier option. I tried on a couple of items at Old Navy:
Striped Boat Neck top - on sale for $9

Cowl Neck Poncho ($26)

Draped Sweater and Floral Top ($15)

I wasn't crazy about anything, so I only purchased the floral top.

Was also excited to see Express is finally here on a recent mall visit. I picked up this gorgeous cream ruffled top and pretty pearl and disc necklace.

I have SO much to catch up on, but I think I've written enough for today. It's SOOO good to be back!

By the way, I'm in need of new photo-editing software. I've previously owned and used Photoshop Elements - what would you guys recommend?

Design Project: Entrance Room

2011-12-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

No new laptop yet - but I've found my camera memory card - yay! I'm writing from hubby's clunky desktop - but I'm not complaining, at least I can post!

Here is a picture I took of our Entrance room today. This room is the only one on this floor (we live in a 4 storey townhouse - I get lots of exercise going up and down the stairs LOL!). As it's the first room you see when you enter the house, I want it to look pretty. However, I have to balance this with the fact that a lot of our furniture is from when we were living in Manhattan (2-3 years ago). Since we're planning to move again (to a larger house within the next 4 years), I'd rather wait and invest in furniture that is suited to our future new house. So this room has some elements I can't change (the well-used microfiber sofas and HUGE Ikea BESTA storage). This room also houses hubby's computer (where I'm writing from today) hidden in an Ikea ALVE corner cabinet.

Since moving here I've purchased the coffee table and mirror (Ikea) and carpet (Style at Home's collabaration with Korhani). I've also hung up my mother's embroidery on the wall (above the wooden chair). I'm not expecting perfection from this room - I just want to make the best of what I have. I'd love suggestions on how to spruce it up and make it more fancy.

There are 3 different wood colors in this room - I'm so tired of the Ikea Birch color, I couldn't bear to get more furniture in that shade. I didn't have any choice with the ALVE color, but since it's tucked in a corner, I hope it doesn't really stand out.
I'm not too happy with the cushion combination, but I can't seem to find appealing cushions anywhere.
I'd like to replace a wooden computer chair with a more decorative one.
Should I slip-cover the sofas? Is it worth it?

What colors or elements would you introduce into this room - I'd love any suggestions. Please link to any suitable photos - especially on Pinterest.

Teeny-tiny break

2011-12-11T18:27:00.000-08:00

I've been longing to blog, but the tech powers are conspiring against me! For starters, I've lost my camera memory card and USB card reader...I still have my camera phone but the quality is very grainy. Then my Dell laptop of 5 years died last week! I've kidnapped hubby's iPad until we buy a new laptop....but it's not ideal for blogging on.

If anyone has any laptop suggestions, please comment below. I mainly use my laptop for web browsing, watching Youtube, blogging, some photoshop and Microsoft word and excel. I don't want a net book as I find their screens too small. I also don't think I want a MacBook.
Hopefully I'll be able to post by next week or the week after.

What to put on your E.L.F. shopping list

2011-11-29T07:56:00.002-08:00

Despite my desire to keep my make-up collection small and high-end, I have a hard time resisting E.L.F. coupon codes. E.L.F. make-up is ridiculously cheap (mostly between $1 and $3, plus 50% off with coupon codes), yet there are a few stand-out items that even outperform department store make-up.

You have to be selective about what you buy - as there are a lot of duds too. I've put together a list of my favourite E.L.F. products, as well as few to avoid - hope this is helpful the next time they have a great coupon code. (Use cybermonday coupon 50WIDE for 50% off purchases over $25 - valid for another 16 hours)

My favourites:
-Gel eyeliner in Coffee ($3) + Studio angled eyeliner brush ($3)

After purchasing MAC's Dipdown fluidline, I can now compare the two products and say that ELF's Coffee gel eyeliner is as good, if not MORE pigmented than MAC's gel eyeliner - but MAC's cost at least 5 times more. The Studio angled brush makes it easy to appy gel liner, and is especially good for creating winged eyeliner looks.

-Studio flat-top powder brush ($3)

This brush is one of ELF's star products - it is used to stipple on liquid foundation for an airbrushed finish. It is very dense and applies foundation beautifully - however, some people (including myself) have had to super-glue the brush head back onto the handle as it is very wobbly and can fall off! Hopefully ELF have fixed the problem since there were many complaints about this.

-Studio Eyeshadow "c" brush ($3)

A super high-quality brush found in many beauty bloggers' make-up bags. The soft flat brush head makes it easy to apply a wash of color on the lid - I prefer this to my MAC 239.

-Essential Custom compact ($1)

This can be used to store depotted MAC eyeshadows: MAC's refillable palette costs $7 and doesn't even come with a mirror - I much prefer this. If you're feeling creative, you can customize the palette to hold a whole face-worth of product (here's my tutorial).

-Hollywood Eyelashes Kit ($3)

I purchased this for the eyelash applicator (looks like a large curved tweezer) - I may try the included eyelashes at some point, but so far I've been sticking to the dramatic lashes ($1) as they look more natural. If you're nervous about using false eyelashes and hate putting tweezers near your eyes - the eyelash applicator can help make the process easier. Don't use the enclosed eyelash glue (it's not strong enough) - purchase DUO glue instead.

-Mineral Eyeshadow Primer ($3)

A lot of people claim that this is a dupe for Urban Decay's Primer Potion. I've never tried the UD version, so I can't compare the two. This primer works really well for me - it increases the staying power and vibrancy of my eyeshadow and keeps it crease-free.

-Shine Eraser/ Blotting Sheets ($1)

I'm a huge fan of blotting my face - I usually don't need to reapply my mineral foundation as long as I blot my t-zone once or twice a day. These papers are better than the plasticky Clean & Clear ones, their quality reminds me of my Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens. I keep the Boscia ones in my make-up bag, but stock up on these and stash them everywhere else (car dashboard, handbag etc.)

Avoid:

A lot of people purchase ELF cheek products because their packaging and shades are reminiscent of NARS. From my own purchases (warm bronzer, all over color stick) and reviews I've read online, their cheek products can be powdery and lacking in pigmentation - so I would stay away from them.

Currently Trying - Here are some products that I will be trying out for the first time - will update here if they're worth it or not.

- Mineral 4 piece Bamboo Travel Brush Set ($10)

Some days I have to apply my make-up on the go, so I'm putting together a mini full-face make-up kit to grab whenever I need it. These brushes are the perfect size and combination for my needs.

-Studio Stipple brush ($3)

Have read really good reviews about this brush and am going to try it with my cream blushes.

-Make-up Mist and Set ($3)

This spray is meant to blend and set your make-up, much like MAC's Studio Fix or Urban Decay's All-Nighter spray. It's meant to be more suitable for acne-prone skin than Studio Fix, so I thought I'd give it a try - especially since these sprays are meant to help mineral foundations look glowy rather than powdery.

-Daily Brush Cleaner ($3)

Thought I'd keep this in my bathroom for those times when I have to clean a brush in a hurry but can't wait for them to dry.

-Nourishing Cuticle Pen and Cuticle Pusher ($1)

As I've mentioned before, I'm obsessed with keeping cuticles well-groomed. The cuticle oil pen seems promising - it contains avocado oil and almond oil, as well as a lot of vitamins. Am going to keep this in my handbag along with the cuticle pusher to try keep my nails in the best possible condition (especially in this dehydrating cold weather!).

My only other advice for shopping on ELF is to look up reviews on Makeup Alley - they can really help you decide which products are worth it. Also - wait for coupon codes so you only end up paying $.50 to $1.50 per item! (I used their cybermonday coupon 50WIDE, which is still valid for another 16 hours. For Canadian readers - only pay US shipping by using this tip.)

Have you purchased ELF make-up - please tell me your favorites in the comments below.

DISCLAIMER: I purchased all these products by myself and am not affiliated in any way with ELF.

I went to a Beauty Premiere!

2011-11-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

Last night I attended the Marcelle/Annabelle Beauty Premiere held at the Thompson Rooftop Lounge in downtown Toronto. It was so exciting to be invited to such a glamorous event - friendly people, innovative make-up and a gorgeous location - everything was amazing!

The make-your-own-lipgloss counter was VERY popular. Everyone lined up to choose their favourite pigments and get a custom-made gloss. I had been craving a coral color with gold shimmer - it was so exciting to formulate EXACTLY what I wanted!

Along with cocktails and hors d'oeurves, we were served with trays of make-up - and could pick up whatever appealed to us. Here's what I brought home:

The "pick-it-yourself" concept was brilliant - people are more likely to try out new products if they come in shades that they already use. As you can tell, I stick to browns and neutrals - and didn't end up with anything brightly colored that I'd have to give away.

One of the products that I'm excited to try is their Smudge Paint gel eyeliner with a built-in brush! I ONLY use gel eyeliner (can't beat the lasting power) but it's not very portable, and it's a pain to have to wash the brush EVERY time I use it. With this product you don't have to wash the brush as often since it is stored in an air-tight container (similar to the ones for liquid eyeliners) so it won't dry out.

Many of the product developers and managers were on hand to discuss their new products. Here's Janine, the super-sweet product manager from Annabelle modelling the soon-to-be launched range of lipglosses (which contain Omega-6). Janine was also wearing purple glitter eyeliner - but made it look elegant rather than "teenage-clubber" - I didn't know it was possible! Now I wish I had picked up a brightly colored metallic liner to try.

As if the tray of beauty products wasn't enough - we also received goody bags as we left the event. At first glance - the bronze shimmer brick and lipgloss are completely up my alley. Am also excited to try the mascara (which claims to lengthen AND curl!) and am hopeful about the Vitamin C radiance gel (it's oil-free so fingers crossed it won't aggravate my skin). If any of these items pass my "received-for-free products test" (i.e. it's so good that I would repurchase it myself) I'll be sure to review them here.

Have you ever heard of or tried Annabelle/Marcelle products?

New Dresses and Flats (Old Navy and H&M)

2011-11-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to get outfits ready for upcoming events (holiday parties, birthdays and blogger meet-ups). I'm still playing around with different combinations - it's tricky figuring out the right shoes and jewelry to wear! Here are some of my recent dress purchases:


H&M Lace Dress CAD$29.95

I have the same dress as Pippa Middleton! I didn't know that when I purchased it - but I think it's cool. In this picture I've paired it with black leggings and boots and my Balenciaga First bag (hello pretty bag!!!). I think my boots may be too chunky for this dress - I may wear it with black tights and my aldo ballet flats instead.

H&M Horse tunic $49.95

I'm still debating whether I should keep this dress/tunic or not. The print looks busy in pictures, but in person the combination of blush pink and rich navy is so pretty. If I were to keep it, I'd unbutton the top more, lower the belt and wear it with dark skinny jeans. I first saw this dress on Louise from Cosmetic Bee - check out how lovely it looks on her here.

Old Navy Tie-front Kimono Sleeve dress $39.94 (I got mine 25% off)

I like how conservative this dress is - it falls below the knee and has long sleeves - perfect for family get-togethers. I cut off the fabric belt (I hate tops and dresses that tie in the back!) and used a studded j.crew belt instead. I plan on wearing this with sheer hose and nude pumps (used to be a fashion no-no, but Kate Middleton's brought it back!)

Old Navy Nude Pointy Flats and Leopard Print Ballet Flats

If you haven't tried Old Navy shoes yet - I seriously recommend that you do - their flats are so unbelievably comfy - they feel like the softest bedroom slippers but look very chic. I've been wearing my metallic ballet flats non-stop - and I was eager to purchase more - I bought these 2 pairs for around $12 each with promos and discounts (they might be even cheaper now, although limited sizes are available).

Have you been planning Holiday outfits? Do you have any styling suggestions for my 3 dresses - please comment below :-)

Lena is Awesomesauce

2011-11-08T07:51:00.002-08:00

Last Friday I was invited to a beauty raffle held by the lovely Lena at Listen to Lena. As an in-demand blogger, she has accumulated far more make-up than she can ever review or use – so rather than letting all the amazing *new* products go to waste – she held a raffle and donated the funds to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.

It was a small event so it had a casual and friendly atmosphere. I finally got to meet Shauna from Kindergarten Confidential (her blog is a MUST read if you need healthy school lunch ideas) as well as her lovely sisters (and sisters-in-law). I also met some of Lena’s high school friends and THEIR sisters too – they were all SO sweet! After the raffle, there was lots of swapping and donating between us…so we all ended up VERY happy with what we won (and the Sick Kids Hospital is a cause that is close to my heart, so even if I hadn’t won anything, I would have still been happy!)
Here’s what I came home with:

Vasanti Gloss in Caribbean/ FACE atelier lipstick in Revenge/ Dalton lipstick in Shy/ Lancome L'Absolu Nu lipstick in Rose Subtil

Bodyshop Bronzer shade 03/ Marcelle blush in Timeless Charm/ Laura Mercier Perfecting Water/ L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow in Eternal Black/ Skinn Fiber-Optic Mascara

Sephora by OPI in Only Gold for Me/ Mini-Seche Vite/ Magique Ongles Nail-drying drops

Sephora foldable hair brush/ Body Shop White Musk Libertine Spray/ Jennifer Aniston perfume/ Weleda Buckthorn Body oil/ Pink Sugar soap

THOUGHTS SO FAR:
-I'm really loving the Vasanti lipgloss. I had heard about Vasanti make-up before but I just thought that it was blogger hype (I'm a little cynical!). This lipgloss has changed my mind - it feels more luxurious and hydrating than any other lipgloss I've used. It's pigmented and glossy (like a Juicy tube) but without the stickiness. It adds a subtle yet noticeable flush of colour that lasts a long time.
-The Face Atelier lipstick provides the perfect ruby lipstain for fall.
-The Sephora glittery topcoat will be perfect for the holiday season.
-I was super-excited about the Jennifer Aniston perfume because I was actually planning on buying it from Sephora - the smell is so fresh and sweet!

So that's my mini-beauty haul - I feel very lucky :-) Thanks so much to Lena for holding this event (and feeding us such yummy food! I can't wait to serve the PC brownies at home!) And if any of the other attendees are reading this - I loved meeting you guys!

p.s. I'm trying to improve my blog photography and I found the MOST helpful and easy to understand post by Makeup Savvy. Click here to read it if you want to improve your blog photos.

Inspiration Board: Clothes and Make-Up

2011-10-31T09:28:00.000-07:00

I'm a big believer in inspiration boards - I wrote about them previously here. I really believe that they magically (ok...maybe through some subconscious positive thinking mechanism) allow your wishes to materialize in your life. This is the article that inspired me to create a vision board - I highly recommend you read it!

This was the vision board I created last year...since then, we've purchased a house - and I see elements of my vision board in my house (like the colour scheme in the picture under the yellow flower, and the gorgeous window seat near the pink flower). Some of it is my own application of what I want in my house...but some of it is the universe providing me with what my heart was looking for (I know...this is starting to sound New-Agey, right?).

Well, recently I've been feeling uninspired clothing and make-up wise....so I decided to create a LookBook/Inspiration board. I wondered it this would be a shallow and teeny-bopper-like thing to do, but the truth is, when I feel good about the way I present myself - I'm a happier person - so that makes it a worthwhile project for me.

Here's what I came up with (click on pic above for a larger version)...lots of my favourite celebs - Halle Berry, Cameron Diaz, Eva Longoria, Mila Kunis and Rachel Bilson....and lots of my favourite looks - skinny jeans, over-sized scarves and luxe handbags! Hopefully this board will keep me motivated to take care of myself (skincare, healthy eating and exercise) and provide me with inspiration for fall/winter dressing.

I'm very blessed with where I am in life (family, surroundings, friends) but I do also want to focus on finding some new life-goals - so I'm going to be working on a non-appearance related vision board next. If you're interested in creating a vision board - here are the basic steps (based on the Daily Mail article I linked above).

1) Get some magazines and flip through them - tearing out any images that appeal to you - don't overthink them - just rip them out!

2) Arrange them on a corkboard

3) Place it somewhere that you will look at everyday

I've also learned a lot more about the power of Vision Boards from the inspirational Milly at BeautyLogic. Read about some of her Vision board success stories here and here.

Do you believe in Vision Boards? Have you ever made one?

Style Crush: Cameron Diaz in denim

2011-10-26T08:06:00.002-07:00

There's a lot to admire about Cameron Diaz - from her perfect beachy hair to her stunning red carpet dresses. But my favorite pictures of Cameron are of her day-to-day outfits - she personifies Californian chic. Her casual outfits are stunning - she always gets the proportions and textures just right. Rachel Zoe said Cameron was "the ultimate denim girl – it's what she feels the most herself in".
As much as I want to dress up - the truth is that I'm the most comfortable in jeans...so I've saved some of my favorite pictures of Cameron for future outfit inspiration. (Pic heavy post - all images are all from people.com)

Love the striped top and tan belt...as well as the white Chanel flap bag.

From 2007 - gorgeous white cardigan and green heels dress up faded jeans and a white tee.

Cold weather wear - wool coats, skinny jeans and tall boots. Has inspired me to switch my puffy jacket for button down wool coats. Love the leather belt with the camel coat. Her navy coat is by Burberry.

Long chunky-knit sweaters and skinny jeans...perfect for the current fall weather. Definitely craving a thick sweater like the one in the first pic...seems so snuggly and warm.

Blazers dress up her usual white tee and denim combo. I've yet to find a blazer that doesn't feel "matronly" on me...but this inspires me to keep looking!

Travelling in style - while I don't think I would ever wear a Fedora...Cameron looks great in them. Love her coordinated Bottega Veneta bags and her delicate layered necklaces in the first pic.

She loves grey as much as I do. Doesn't she look stunning as a brunette? (pic from 2006)

Dressed-up Denim - adore her navy-blue and red Michael Kors blouse in the first pic and her red Bottega Veneta bag in the second pic. Her outfit with the white Chanel tweed jacket personifies understated elegance - with a pop of red on her lips and shoes!

Main elements of Cameron's casual style:
Neutral colours - lots of grey, black, camel and cream.
Not much jewelry - delicate gold pieces
Loves her white tees - the foundation in most of her outfits
Lots of skinny jeans and tall leather boots
Luxe handbags in classic styles - Chanel, Bottega Veneta

Who do you look to for casual inspiration?

In, Out & On the Fence

2011-10-20T07:53:00.001-07:00

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This past week has been filled with coughs, sore throats and flu fatigue...not fun at all! I thought I'd do a quick post today on some of the products I've been loving and others not so much...

IN:

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Coral Reef (CAD$8.99) - I'd seen this product on a lot of blogs and videos, and I picked it up last week when I needed a little cheering up. I'm so glad I did, this gloss is not just "good for a drugstore product" - it is AMAZING - even better than a lot of my MAC lipglosses! The color is flattering and long-lasting, the formula is soft and moisturising and the packaging is elegant and of good quality. Another raved about shade in this line is Peach Petal - a soft milky pink gloss.

The Body Shop Mango Body Butter (CAD$6 for 50ml) - I used to use this ALL the time in university. While the texture has changed (it was more vaseline-like and moisturising before) the scent is still the same and as long-lasting as ever - I really look forward to moisturising after my shower now!

Spectro Jel for Blemish-prone skin (CAD$ 8.99 for 200ml) - After an unfortunate experience with Cetaphil (see below) I've turned to this cleanser. My dermatologist has recommended this in the past - but I've avoided it because of it's unpleasant smell and texture. It works so well that I've looked past these 2 flaws - it gently yet thouroughly cleans my skin and leaves it feeling soft and moisturised. In addition, its free of fragrance (pretty obvious since it stinks LOL!), dyes, sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens and lanolin - always a benefit!

Burts Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit & Sugar Beet conditioner (CAD$9.99 for 350ml) - Although Burts Bees facial products no longer suit my skin, I'm still a huge fan of their hair and bodycare. This conditioner smells lovely and really does make my hair "super shiny". Additionally, it's sulphate free and 98.2% natural! I alternate between this and Aveda's Dry Remedy conditioner.

OUT:

Got2b Dry Shampoo (CAD$6.99) - I purchased this while grocery shopping as I had run out of my Batiste dry shampoo. I'd heard good things about other products in this brand, so I thought this would be good - but it's not. The effects wear off within an hour and I'm left with sticky feeling hair. I'm definitely stocking up on Oscar Blandi and Batiste dry shampoos from now on.

Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser (CAD$11.99 for 250ml) - I purchased this without reading the ingredient list because I trusted Cetaphil as a gentle and non-irritating brand. However, after using it for a week I started getting bumpy painful spots on my skin. Since this was the only "new" item in my skincare regimen I took a closer look at it - and found CASTOR OIL on its list of ingredients! Even when my skin could tolerate oils (like rosehip and jojoba) castor oil would ALWAYS break me out - so why would Cetaphil put this in a cleanser for SENSITIVE and OILY skin? Makes no sense to me...luckily I was able to return it to my drugstore and picked up the SpectroJel instead. By the way - I still highly recommend the Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar (the one that looks like a bar of soap). (EDIT to avoid confusion: The regular Cetaphil cleanser doesn't contain Castor oil, I'm talking about the "oily skin" version)

Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara (CAD$9.49) - Although I love my Maybelline Falsies mascara, it can be a bit too dramatic for daily use. I picked this up because it is meant to condition your lashes - which would a great quality for something you apply everyday. Revlon are not known for their mascaras - and this mascara is as disappointing as their others. The formula is clumpy and smudgy and the super-long natural bristle brush does nothing for application. I can't comment on the conditioning properties because I've switched back to Falsies until I find a better "casual" mascara.

ON THE FENCE:

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush (CAD$33) - These blushes are SO highly thought of in the online beauty community - but I'm having a hard time with mine. For one, the application is iffy - it either appears blotchy or too pigmented - regardless of the brush I use. Secondly, I'm DEFINITELY not getting 12-hours of wear out of it...even 4 hours is a stretch. Most of my other blushes are as long-lasting if not more than this. I want to love this and will still be trying it out, but I think these blushes are over-hyped. I have Amused and already tried and returned Blissful - so I don't think that I have a faulty blush - unless somehow I ended up with 2 lemons!

What products have you felt were over-hyped? Do you have any good casual mascara recommendations?

Shopping, Highlights and a Guest Post

2011-10-11T10:44:00.001-07:00

I don't know why I'm so obsessed with flats since it's already boot-weather! I guess there is always a time and place for comfy ballet flats...I picked up these 2 pairs this weekend:

The Old Navy metallic flats are ridiculously soft - they feel like bedroom slippers when you put them on - and for $20, they're even cheaper than Payless shoes (and they're of better quality).
I love the classic black and nude combination of my Aldo shoes - I've been wanting a pair like this for a while - especially after seeing how lovely Lilly's flats look with her different outfits:

Source: Lilly's Style

Speaking of Lilly - since she's on holiday at the moment (lucky girl!) I wrote a guest-post for her blog - please come check it out here. I wrote about 5 classic clothing items every blogger seems to have or want...and I linked to some mid-range and affordable alternatives.

Now back to my shopping - I bought this merino wool infinity scarf from GAP. I'm always drawn to charcoal grey items - although I'm not sure it's the best colour to choose, since it's so drab and can draw colour away from your face...but I can't help it, I love this scarf!

I repurchased my HG moisturiser and face wash from Shoppers Drug Mart, and also picked up two Tweezerman items: tiny purple tweezers (they're SO adorable!) and a metal lash comb. I've never owned a lash comb before - and this one's a bit scary because it's so sharp...but they're supposed to be great when you're using clumpy mascaras, so I'm going to give them a (careful!) try. My Falsies mascara is fantastic and non-clumpy, but I've been trying out Revlon Grow Luscious mascara for everyday use - and it ALWAYS clumps up!

Jessica Alba looks so gorgeous in this picture - and I love her highlights. They are a lighter brown but are not brassy or bleached out. I've been in a hair slump, and I kind of want to get highlights now (though not as light as Jessica)...but I'm not sure if I should - my hair doesn't take well to "lifting" and often ends up too light - even if I go to a good salon and use all the products they recommend.

Here's some examples of previous highlights...looking at the 2006 pictures makes me so angry - the colourist was SOOOO bad - she gave me such ugly CHUNKY highlights! I never want to have hair like that again.
What do you guys think - should I get highlights? How can I avoid ending up with white stripey hair?

I went to a conference about blogging!

2011-10-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to win a ticket on Listen to Lena's blog for the ShesConnected Conference held last week in downtown Toronto. The purpose of the event was to connect brands with Digital women. Since blogging is the new media, top brands want to ensure that they are in touch with influential bloggers (in the same way that they have connected with print media in the past).

The event was sponsored by many well-known brands including Ford, Toshiba, Pepsico, Quaker and Town Shoes (full list of sponsors here). The event allowed bloggers to network with the brands while also featuring talks on topics relevant to blogging (such as What is a Blogger worth? and Rate Cards, Guidelines, & Disclosure).

On a personal level, the event was SO much fun. I walked into a room full of people that I had never met before and found everyone to be warm, friendly and welcoming. The highlight of the event was meeting Listen to Lena, Faces by Farah, GlitterGeek and Spiced Beauty. I follow their blogs – and they were as lovely in person as they are on their blogs. In addition, many of the brands had come up with generous “swag bags” for us while also planning fun events (such as singing karaoke!). I felt so lucky to be chosen to attend this event.

On a blogging level, this event left me with a LOT to think about. I’m still not sure where I stand with regards to “sponsored blogging” – both as a blog reader and a blog writer. Blogging takes time and effort – and it is only fair that bloggers are compensated for this. Sponsorship provides bloggers with the time and incentive to post more (which also benefits the readers by providing them with more content to read). However, there is nothing worse than feeling like you’re reading an “advertorial”. As a reader, you worry about objectivity: some bloggers may not want to offend their sponsors and could minimize their criticism about a product. They may also (through loyalty) be afraid to feature competitors product. (At the conference, one “brand” speaker mentioned that she sometimes felt “cheated on” when a blog she works with features a competitor.)

On the other hand, in favour of “sponsored blogging”, brands have been sending products to magazine writers for ages, so it's a natural extension for them to send them to blog writers as well (not necessarily in exchange for a favourable review – but just so that the blog writer knows that the product exists). Also, there is more transparency in blog writing – most bloggers clearly note when they have been sent products (especially in the US, where this is mandated under FTC regulations).

And there are many cases where blogging and sponsor relationships grow organically - you don’t feel that the blog writer’s integrity has been compromised yet it still reflects favourably on the featured brand. For example, one of my favourite bloggers: Jean from ExtraPetite is taking part in a JCPenney MNG for MANGO promo where she dresses in certain themes and features one item of MNG clothing while also incorporating existing wardrobe pieces. She clearly indicates her thoughts on the sponsors clothing (i.e. petite sizing limitations) yet her posts are beneficial both to her blog and the sponsor while providing interesting content for her reader (a WIN-WIN-WIN situation!).

Source: Extra Petite Blog - MNG London Style Challenge

Since blogging is the new media, the rulebook is still being written. The ShesConnected conference provided an important forum to discuss brand/digital women issues. Over time, I'm sure that brands and bloggers will jointly develop relationships that can benefit brands, bloggers AND their readers.

What are your thoughts on brands working with bloggers? Have you gone to any blogger meet-ups?

Haircut and some shopping

2011-09-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

My quest for long hair is now over...I've decided that "Kardashian-length" hair is not for me - it just feels too heavy and tangly. I cut my hair a couple of weeks ago and am SO much happier with it now - it's much easier to style and take care of.

Before

After

I''ve also been picking up some fall staples - my most-used item so far have been these faux-leather riding boots from Old Navy:

I purchased them in "Cognac" and wore them so much that I also picked up the Black pair (Link). I've never owned Old Navy shoes before, but these boots are REALLY comfortable. They are priced at CAD$49 but I got them for around $30 each during one of their frequently occurring promos.

I also bought this striped sweater - it's 53% cotton, so the material is very breathable, but it also adds some much needed warmth (I'm ALWAYS cold!). Old Navy always has great basics - I've purchased this v-neck cable-knit sweater in 3 colours (oatmeal heather, grey heather and pink sherbet). Can't believe they've marked it down to $17 now...I think I paid more! These sweaters are 92% cotton - so they're perfect for wearing under winter coats without worrying about getting overheated.

For a little cold-weather sparkle, I purchased the "Amazing" studs by Sonya Renee. They are CZ not diamonds, but are apparently very well-made - Beautygirl24 loves her pair and they are very popular among fans of theCurrentCustom.

My last purchase was a blush...I know I'm not supposed to buy any more blushes this year - but I've heard so many good things about these Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes (they are meant to last 12 hours and improve your skin!!) that I couldn't wait until next year! I narrowed my choices down to Tipsy (coral), Blissful (warm peach) and Amused (bright pink). Blissful didn't really show up on my skin, while Tipsy was too orange, so I chose Amused. I have to be careful to apply it with a light hand, as it's very pink (but still manages to look like a natural flush of colour).

Have you been doing a lot of fall shopping? What are your current must-haves?

Cuticle creams ...I've got plenty!

2011-09-21T08:00:00.002-07:00

I'm a little obsessed with cuticle creams...I think well-groomed and moisturised cuticles are very important - I wish I could keep my cuticles looking as good as they do after a professional manicure:

Unfortunately, I have very dry hands and my cuticles have a tendency to peel - so I'm always on the hunt for effective cuticle treatments. Here's a selection of my most-used cuticle products:

Burts Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream - this is one of the most popular and highly-reviewed cuticle creams. It is a thick balm with a sugary lemon scent. Since it has a thick consistency, it provides long-lasting moisture.

Sally Hansen Cuticle Massage Cream - this balm contains apricot oil - and it smells AMAZING. It reminds me of my childhood Strawberry Shortcake dolls - so I love applying it. I've also noticed a lovely cooling effect upon application. I keep this in my handbag as it's very light. I don't think it's as hydrating as the Burts Bees balm, but it's more fun to apply!

Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Cuticle Pen - this pen dispenses a light oil onto your cuticles. The brush dispenser makes it portable and mess-free to apply. However, I don't find the oil very moisturising - and I wouldn't repurchase this.

Body Shop Almond Oil Nail & Cuticle Pen - I LOVE this product. It has the same dispensing mechanism as the Sally Hansen pen, but the almond oil solution is MUCH richer and effective. My favourite part is the soft cuticle pusher on the pen cap - you paint your cuticles with the oil and then use the cap to make your cuticles look neat.

I've also pictured some of the tools I use to groom my cuticles - I use them in conjunction with cuticle removing cream (not pictured). They are the Revlon grooved cuticle trimmer, Cuticle Nipper and 2 cuticle pushers. Some people say you should only push your cuticles and never cut them, but sometimes mine get overgrown and need to be cut.

If I had to recommend just one cuticle product to buy, I'd choose the Body Shop Pen as it combines a moisturising product and a grooming tool in one. I think if you used this regularly (like three times a day), this would keep your cuticles looking amazing. I think most of these products work best if used multiple times a day - sadly, I can usually only remember to put it on once a day!

What cuticle product would you recommend? I've used pure oils like Olive Oil and Coconut Oil (neither were effective on me) and heard good things about LUSH's Lemony Flutter and CND's Solar Oil. I'm also curious to try the Dior Creme Abricot reviewed by Andi at Saltwater Dreams. I'm always looking for really moisturizing hand creams too - so please recommend those as well.

Disclaimer: I purchased these products myself and was not paid to review them.

My first Balenciaga bag

2011-09-12T14:28:00.001-07:00

I first started wanting a Balenciaga bag in March of last year, when I saw this picture:

Source: Just Jared

I'm not that familiar with LeAnn Rimes - but HOW ADORABLE is her bag??? I adore small bags - and I needed this bag in my life! I started researching Balenciaga and discovered several things:

This bag style is called "the First" and is the current version of the original Le Dix motorcycle bag first produced in 2001
First bags used to made out of goatskin (chevre). After 2006/2007 they switched to lambskin (agneau). Many Bal enthusiasts prefer the earlier chevre leathers as they are thicker and "chewier". Chevre bags can cost the same if not more than purchasing a new agneau bag.
Bal leathers are delicate and can be prone to discolouration. Darker colours can fade unless protected from sunlight, while lighter colours are affected by colour transfer and handle darkening.

Choosing MY bag was an ordeal - this bag is quite an investment, yet unlike other high-end bags (like Chanels) their appearance changes over time, even after careful use. I didn't want to end up with a shabby looking bag!

I went to my local Balenciaga counter (at Holt Renfrew). They don't carry many colours in the First style, as other styles (like the City) are more popular. They currently only have bleu lavande (a purplish blue), cyclamen (hot pink) and black in the first size. At the same time I was checking reputable/recommended e-stores for a mint bag from a previous season. I ended up purchasing a Black first from Holt Renfrew and a mint Sahara first online.

Pros of the Black bag:
-Don't have to worry about colour transfer or handles darkening
Cons of the Black:
-Had a greenish tinge that would only grow more prominent over time (even if I changed this particular bag, I may end up with another bag with a similar problem - even if it doesn't fade to green, it may fade to grey).
-from far it just looks like an ordinary bag
-I don't wear a lot of black
Pros of the Sahara:
-Light colour allows you to see the Bal design details clearly
-neutral colour to match a lot of outfits
Cons of the Sahara:
-Handles may darken over time
-Could end up with colour transfer

CELEBS with Bal bags:

Kourtney Kardashian with a 2010 Sahara

Kate Moss with a Black First

Lo Bosworth with a Sahara bag

Gisele Bundchen with a Black first

Which would you have chosen? From these pictures it's clear that Supermodels choose Black while Reality stars choose Sahara LOL!
In the end, my heart was with the Sahara bag - so that's the one I kept (guess I'm not supermodel material!):

I also purchased the Balenciaga leather protectant kit from Lovin My Bags, to hopefully prevent darkening and marks over time (fingers crossed). I hope I got lots of use out of this bag and that it holds up well!

I'm also still on the lookout for my Chanel WOC from hubby - I called the Chanel stores but apparently they're out of stock until October!

Skincare update AKA How I got rid of my acne

2011-08-30T21:08:00.001-07:00

My best advice to people suffering from acne is simple: find a GOOD dermatologist and follow their advice.

Last year I experienced REALLY bad breakouts - I'm STILL unable to pinpoint what made my normal skin turn into a mess - skincare, weight loss, stress, diet, hormones - who knows? At first I tried things that had helped me with mild acne in the past: (the acne.org 2.5% benzyl peroxide treatment, going to an esthetician and using Dermalogica products). None of these made my skin any better. I was chatting with my sister about what to do next, and she said - why don't you go and see our dermatologist? I don't know why this hadn't occurred to me before - it would have saved me a LOT of time and money (In 9 months I had spent at least $500 on facials and skin care products).

My appointment was in October 2010. My dermatologist prescribed 2 antibiotics, a topical one (Clindamycin) and an oral one (Minocycline) and told me not to use ANY moisturiser. Within 3 months I started seeing positive results, and by June 2011 I was advised to stop taking the oral antibiotics and just use the Clindets wipes twice a day. I was also allowed to use an OIL-FREE moisturiser on my skin (I missed using moisturiser - I really think it prevents wrinkles, without it my forehead was starting to show lines - thankfully they've disappeared).

I took photos during the course of my treatment - this is a close-up of my left cheek - which was the biggest problem area. These photos are not pretty - and I'm a little bit embarrassed sharing them, but if it helps someone else suffering from acne - then it's worth it :-)

My skin was quite bumpy when I first started my treatment. Slowly the bumpiness has diminished and my skin now feels smooth to the touch. However, as you can see - I still have hyper-pigmentation from old acne scars. These are taking their time to fade...There are products that could speed up the healing process, but I am VERY hesitant to experiment with skincare now (I tried a sample of Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair - within 4 days I had 2 large blemishes...luckily they disappeared after I stopped using it).

My current skincare routine:
-Wash in the morning and evening with Cetaphil bar soap. In the evening I use my Clarisonic - and if I've worn make-up I wash my face twice.
-Use a Clindets wipe all over my face (especially my cheeks)
-Apply Neutrogena Oil-free moisturiser
-If I'm going to be outside I apply Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Water-Light SPF 60. This particular "water-light" version is the best drugstore sunscreen I've ever tried - other ones (even other Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer ones) have made my face feel tight and itchy - this feels like nothing - and is designed to be worn under make-up. It even provides a smooth base for foundation - I love it!
-I purchased the Olay Total Effects moisturiser because of it's anti-ageing properties, however, even though it's listed as oil-free, it caused tiny bumps on my forehead, so I just apply it to my naso-labial folds, neck and hands.

So far, sticking to this skincare routine is working for me - but I have to be consistent. If I ever skip washing my face, I'll end up with a blemish the next day! I'm having good luck with Neutrogena products, so I may cautiously experiment with their Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream (it is also oil-free but contains Retinol).
I know that everybody's skin is different, and what works for me may not work for you - but I hope that this post has been helpful!

Have you ever suffered from acne? What helped it get better?

Weekend shopping and Working out

2011-08-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

I purchased a couple of items from Garage, Old Navy and H&M recently (it seems like I only buy clothes from these 3 stores...but I don't have much time to shop around these days, and these 3 shops ALWAYS have some cute options).
From Garage I picked up boyfriend cardigans and jeggings. The jeggings are perfect for fall, to tuck into boots - and the boyfriend cardigans are amazingly soft and comfy. Both denim and tops were buy one get one 50% off.

Striped boyfriend cardigan and Black jeggings.

Boyfriend cardigan and Grey jeggings.
I think they'll be perfect paired with the right accessories (scarves & necklaces) - they look a bit plain on their own.

From H&M I picked up THE perfect cross-body bag (a bargain at only CAD$19.99). I first saw it on Jean's Extra-Petite Blog - and I loved the colour and size of it. I'll be walking my kiddies to school and I need something light but cute to hold my wallet, keys, phone and sunglasses. Jean makes it look so elegant when she carries it as a clutch (my close-up picture is a bit smudgy because of kiddy fingerprints on my mirror- sigh!). I would LOVE to find flat-heeled tall boots in the same shade for fall.

At Old Navy I picked up a couple of tops. My favourite is the white cotton shirt - so summery and light - although summer is nearly over! I'm hoping the green drapey top holds up better than the peach one I bought from H&M (posted about here) - it got 2 holes in it after the first wash (on the delicate cycle and no dryer!!!). I love the shade, so I'm going to try and mend the 2 holes LOL - but it is SO fragile!

Earlier this month we purchased our elliptical machine - the Life Fitness X8. With all the moving and reorganizing, I hadn't been exercising for much of this summer - and it was beginning to show! I'm so happy to be back on track (though I've still got a couple of pounds to lose). I've been doing 25 minute sessions 3 times a week. I have my i-pod on and I just "dance" to my favourite songs - I love how the elliptical tones your arms as well as providing a cardio workout. My top tunes to get moving are:
Eve feat. Swizz Beats - Tambourine
Enur feat. Natasja - Calabria
Eve feat. San Paul - Give it to You
Nicki Minaj - Super Bass
Pitbull - Give Me Everything

I'm really happy with this purchase as I feel that this is a good investment for our health (Hubby uses it on the nights that he doesn't do P90x.) When the kids start school, I plan on joining either a yoga or pilates class (they have studios for both in our neighbourhood) and using the elliptical twice a week. I don't like to overdo exercise, as I start dreading it - I just do the bare minimum to keep the weight off and keep it fun.

What are your favourite work out songs - I'm always looking for good ones!
Do you have any go-to clothes stores that you always end up shopping at?

Design Project: The Master Bedroom

2011-08-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

This room is going to take a LOT of work - it is very far from where I want it to be, yet at the same time, I don't have a clear vision of what I want:

Wall colour: Wedgewood Gray by Benjamin Moore

For starters - the bed doesn't match the rest of the bedroom furniture. We have a closet, chest of drawers and bedside tables in blackish brown, while the bed is a reddish brown...don't even ask how this happened!
My options are:
-stain the bed to match the rest of the furniture (but the whole room may end up looking too dark)
-get an upholstered headboard (would need a bedskirt to mask the rest of the bed)
-buy a new bed

Which would you do?

While my guestroom style is cottage/shabby chic, I want a modern "hotel-style" for this room.
-I want new bedding (no more flowery prints!) and a sleek quilted throw for the bottom of the bed.
-I'm not sure if I want a bench at the end of my bed - they are lovely - but not if I keep banging my knee on it!
-I need to get bedside lamps - I've always loved the bubble lamps popular in many decor magazines.
-I'm either going to place artwork above the bed, or wallpaper the main wall as a feature wall.

The AFTER pic for this room may be a long while away!

Here are some inspiration pics...they are very different from each other- reflecting my indecision about this room!

What does your Master bedroom look like? I'd love to see a pic! Also - any and ALL design advice for my bedroom would be very much appreciated :-)

Design Project: My Guest Room

2011-08-05T13:56:00.002-07:00

As part of my house decoration project, I'm blogging about each room that I need to work on. I've shown my kids' room here, and today I'm sharing my Guest Room/Study:

Now that all the permanent elements are in place, I can work on adding soft furnishings. The main goals for this room are:
-design a cushion for the window seat and add some pretty pillows (the window seat is one of my favourite places in the house - who doesn't love a reading nook?)
-find a picture to hang above the bed
-add a cushion to my chair
-organize the walk-in closet so that my extra make-up/toiletries/spare clothes are easily accessible (the white door in the second picture leads to the walk-in closet, it's not the main door to the room)

Hemnes add-on unit

Hemnes Secretary

The white armoire in the corner is my desk - we bought it this weekend and I adore it. I love that I can close it all up so that it doesn't look like a home office. It also fits the shabby chic/cottage decor theme of the room...I think Ikea read my mind and designed the perfect piece of furniture for me :-)
The upper cabinet holds my printer and folders, the fold-down secretary desk is where I keep my laptop, and my filing box (with all our statements/bills) is in the bottom cabinet.

Here are some inspiration pictures (in terms of decor style and color scheme) for this room:

The paint color we used for the room was Clear Skies by Benjamin Moore. I had first painted it Antiguan Sky after looking at pictures on the internet like this:

However, on my walls, Antiguan Sky was a NEON blue - it looked fine in most photos, but in person it was horrible. I tried to capture the actual color of the wall (it appears a bit darker but you can see the brightness of the color):

I have no idea why it turned out this way - the painter used the right color and did 3 coats....but it was so depressing. There was no way I could live with it, so I went back to the paint store, bought some sample pots and painted swatches on the wall until I found the color I wanted, and then had the whole room repainted.

The paint swatches on the Benjamin Moore website - quite misleading...

So that's my current decor status- I'll do an updated post when I've finished this room, but in the meanwhile, I'll do some more posts about the other rooms I'm working on (Master Bedroom, TV Area and Entrance Room)