Lustre Boutique was a stunning little find when Gem and I went to Montreal late May. It was the one store that was open late (whilst we were looking for a cafe/nightspot) that we came upon. Nothing short of amazing, the boutique housed gorgeous and unique pieces from designer Yasmine Wasfy. Though I didn’t end up with the perfect skirt as hoped, I did take home the necklace pictured above, by the jewelry line Thai Hand. Inclusive of vintage pieces and semi-precious stones, this was my dimepiece for the trip. Charming, isn’t it?

> check the lustre boutique blog here.

So I tried to do a vlog for you guys but my computer has been funking out and I’m going to presume that a shotty-noised-out (intentionally of course) webcam photo should suffice. It will.

Cleverly coining new phrases is what I’m all about. Though if you don’t find this even the slightest bit clever I can definitely accept that as well. I just really like alliteration to be honest, that’s where all the c’s came into play.

Truth is, I have been swamped this last little while. Swamped with either figuring out what my next steps are, what I’m doing now and how to do it better, event planning, and working two jobs (until end of last week, phew).

I’ve come back renewed. I know where I want to take mon career, I’m coming to terms of with the things that I’ve done in the last year (which by the by, I am completely going to summarize for myself in an upcoming birthday-esque post), and I know what skills and morsels of talent that I want to hone.

I want to be the creator of something great. I want to be an originator of art and content. And I’m looking to urbanebloc.com to help me channel that.

Watch out world, the soon-to-be-23 is coming.

Those LUSH Cosmetics folks are pretty innovative. The first striking attribute of everything they sell is that it looks delicious enough to eat. Secondly? It smells fit to consume as well. Pretty nifty. Happy Canada Day to you, from a 100% Canadian-made products retailer.

The shampoo bar concept revolves around less waste and heightened portability. While it might seem like you’re washing your hair with soap, the lather and texture may prove otherwise. I know the pains of spillage inside your luggage. Not pretty. Check out their other shampoo bars here. The ones pictured above are Ultimate Shine (vegan and $9.95) and Solid Shampoo (cinnamony goodness for $9.95).

> image from lush.ca

Fragrance designers are genius, really. They truly know how to appeal to potential buyers, by selling the image. What better image to sell to men than playboy-millionaire-stylish-badass-working-man? I received the Paco Rabanne 1 Million fragrance for review and I think I was overwhelmed by the musk of the scent. It’s a great packaging I must say. Incredibly elaborate and definitely embodies the James Bond archetype. Marvellous. Boys - would you wear it?

Check the commercial below, I got a couple giggles out of it. Want more? Read the press release.

Congratulations to Anita Clarke from iwantigot.geekigirl.com for being profiled in Holt Renfrew windows in Vancouver and Toronto! It’s so amazing to see what the power of the blogger has done to fashion. Check the rest of the photos from her unveiling here.

Keep rockin’ it!

It’s a montage of LENKA’s Spring Euro Tour - I’ve been addicted to watching this type of video lately. It’s fun in motion - could use some more of it (and it might just be coming).

Check out the past Q&A that I did with the artist here.

“Just enjoy the show”

Congrats Wynne - proud new owner of The White Tie Affair’s CD (Walk This Way - autographed) and a copy of it in Vinyl. Awesome? I think so! Shame on you guys, one comment could have made you two pieces of music richer, get on the next contest *winkwinkwink

And you know I had to throw in this adorable photo from your “summer goodtimes” - it’s too adorable!

Is is a nerd. I scrapped the last ridiculous vlog that I tried out because I was wearing a blue hair extension and a nose ring and I didn’t want people to bask in the ridiculousity. So here’s another go. Hey, everyone starts somewhere - thanks for even bothering to hit play, it impresses me how much you guys care! PS: I love all yall! PPS: I’m using vimeo now cause it’s hot, the platform matches my colour scheme purrfectly. I will improve, I promise!

I was given the heads up about this great designer event - some great big names right up on there, Las Valentias being the one that’s caught my eye (they have the most stunning skirts). If you’re on the watchout for designer discounts, check this one out at the gorgeous Burroughes Building.

Location: 639 Queen West, Toronto, 3rd Floor
Time: Friday June 26th 4pm-9pm
Saturday June 27th 11am-9pm
Sunday June 28th 11am-9pm

“True Patriot Love, at a discount! Beginning Friday June 26 and running through next weekend, it’s the All-Canadian Department Store Sample Sale (at the Burroughes Building, 639 Queen St. W.) The who’s who includes pretty  much every noteworthy designer producing in Toronto these days, from fashion to accessories Karamea, Desperately Different by Katya Revenko, Zoran Dobric, Carrie Hayes, Joeffer Caoc, Lucian Matis, Evan Biddell, Mercy, Aime Luxury, Mymommadethat, Las Valentias, Jason Meyers, Adrienne Stanton, Rita Tesolin jewellery, Cha Cha, Susana Erazo leather belts, sumptuous Jessica Jensen handbags, Jabberdust, Sassan Fazeli and Biko Designs jewellery. Friday 4pm-9pm, Sat & Sun 11am-9m.”
-Nathalie Atkinson, The National Post

It’s no real secret that I love Nicole Richie (though should it be?) - I’m a newfound fan of her House of Harlow jewelry line, mainly for the gorgeous (yet affordable) bracelets that are included. The one that I’ve been eyeing is not pictured above, but the emerald version. The hint of Egyptian influence is enough to make it attractive to me - I’m all in. Oh, wouldn’t it look ‘fabulous’ worn in multiples (way to cross-sell, you sneaky copywriters).

Anyway, check out some more of her items here.

> image from shopstyle.com