Friday Favourites: Weekend Edition

Since I haven’t posted a “favourites” post in over a month, you should grab a glass of wine, your credit card, and a cozy blanket. This is a humdinger.

Favourite Hair Product

Lush Solid Shampoo in Karma Komba 

I’ve been using Lush shampoo bars for the last 6 months now and don’t plan on switching it up anytime soon. They last forever, require a small rub for the biggest lather, and they smell amazing in the tin and on your hair. This one contains patchouli oil, pine and lemongrass oil (among others) and the Karma fragrance is heavenly. All their shampoo bars leave my hair feeling really clean and soft so unless you hate clean and fragrant hair you have no excuse because they come in like, 20 different scents.

Favourite Skincare Product

L’Occitane Weekend en Provence Almond Discovery Set 

I got this little set in my stocking for Christmas and was thrilled because my almond supple skin oil was half empty (half empty is enough to give me anxiety). The set contains Almond Shower Oil (which is heavenly in the shower), Almond Milk Concentrate (body lotion for post shower), and Almond Delicious Hands (perfect for a luxurious travel lotion). The smell is divine, definitely something to try if you’re looking for a trial pampering session.

Favourite Scent

Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom 

I know I’ve mentioned it before but honest to sh*t this smell is one of the softest, elegant, musky and sweet scents I’ve ever worn. Mimosa, spiced cardamom, tonka and sandalwood, powdery heliotrope (which is so intense with each spray) and Damask rose. I cannot emphasize how cozy and dignified this particular scent is. Jo Malone is a scientist. I was gifted it for Christmas and a day hasn’t gone by since I’ve worn it.

Favorite Gift 

Diptyque Holiday Coloured Glass Trio

I not so subtly hinted to my sister all November long that I would drop to the floor in a dramatic and hugely fraudulent fainting spell if I didn’t welcome this set into my life. She shut me up. This limited edition Diptyque candle trio gives Diptyque cult followers life. Me. It gives me life. The set includes Sapin (pine tree scent with mingling notes of mandarin orange), Liquidamber (amber from a tree with red leaves, mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg and muscovado sugar – which I honestly know nothing about but love), Oliban (woodsy and sweet). I’ll be melting these (I have a handy little candle warmer because there’s no way I’m even remotely comfortable burning 80 dollar candles) all year long. I usually save my muskier and woodsier candles for rainy and overcast days when I’m settled indoors with my pyjamas. The rest are for warmer sunnier days when I’m settled indoors with my pyjamas. (Just keeping it real).

Favourite Wardrobe Item

Wildfox Let’s Stay Home Sweater 

I was eyeing this cozy sweater since the day it was introduced but it fell off the radar somehow (the shame). How thrilled was I to find it under the tree this year? Thrilled AF. (Sorry) It’s deliciously cozy, easy to style with a pair of jeans or a skirt and can be thrown over pretty much any set of pyjamas for the utmost at-home comfort. And the saying speaks for itself. If people came with a tagline, this would be mine.

Favourite Wishlist Purchase

Aquazzura Wild Thing Sandals

The Christmas sprites picked me this season and it’s not because I’m their most vocal spokesperson – it’s because I’ve been long-thirsting for these heels right here. I would search my favourite online haunts and never make it to “purchase” because my size was almost always disappointingly sold out. Until now bitches. That last size 37.5 is mine. All mine. Bless you Forward by Elyse Walker. May you always be blessed with abundant stock. The open toe suede fringe, the delicate straps, the 4″ yet comfortable heel. Nothing short of perfection. I’ve never been so pleased with giving away my money. (PS: They’re in limited stock at most online boutiques right now – you’re welcome).

Favorite Pastime

Colouring 

I’m fully aware that this is a so-called trend these days but I’m been going HAM with colouring since 83. Fine, I just recently picked it up again but it’s always been within me yearning to come out and show ya’ll what fine tipped markers were made for. I picked this gem up at Chapters Indigo (along with The Time Chamber by Daria Song). I try and sneak in some colouring time during my hours allocated to TV each evening, also I find that when I colour during the Hawks games I’m less likely to jump up from the couch threatening bodily harm to the opposing team when something goes awry.

Favorite Makeup Product

Anastasia Illuminator in Starlight

I kept forgetting that Macy’s carried Anastasia’s full makeup line (most of the time) so this time there was no way I was going to walk past without stopping in to check for her insanely popular highlighters. I chose this shade (an iridescent white gold) because, let’s be honest – I have pretty much every other shade possible. This was a little brighter than the rest, a little more YouTube guru, and a lot more Khloe Kardashian – AKA – this glow is not from within (even though the site boasts that it’s meant to give off that result). I’m going to do a full review but I will say for now that this shade is nice for adding a real sheen, like full on glamazon glow. You can be heavy handed (like me without natural light during application) or go easy with a fan brush (to add a bit of radiance). 

Favourite Treat

Soft Peaks Ice Cream

I know it’s the dead of Winter but I rarely get a chance to indulge in Soft Peaks ice cream. Although, I can hardly call it indulging since it’s organic, all natural, low in fat and calories, with just a tiny little smudge of sweetness. When I dive face first into their churning tub – that’s when we can call it indulging.

Happy Weekend

xo

It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas: Holiday Gift Guide for the Cozy

Sunday. The perfect day for reviewing my 3rd instalment of the Holiday Gift Guide. I’ve never understood people who would rather freeze their t*ts off standing in a line up to get into a bar than throw on a pair of luxuriously comfy pyjamas and snuggle up with Netflix. For those who are with me on the cozy evening shenanigans – I salute you. Fuel their wise choices with these…

*Click on the photos to shop

Faux Fur Trapper Hat

For Love & Lemons Knitz Braided Cable Hoodie Cardigan 

Snow Dusting Throw

Plum & Bow Cozy Critter Plates

Smoko Toast USB Hand Warmers

Wildfox Hibernating Eye Mask 

For Love & Lemons Knitz Natalie Silk Sweater

COZY ZOE Holiday Print Leggings

Babaton Humphrey Collar

Urban Outfitters Animal Ears Beanie

Uncommon Goods Soup & Sandwich Tray

Velvet Robe

Wildfox Pink Plaid Pajama Romper

Free People Tea Strainer

kensie Arctic Chill Pajamas

Fair Isle Reading Socks

Anthropologie Color Block Faux Fur Stole

Free People Heartwarmers Gift Bundle

PJ Salvage Flannel Pajamas

Kate Spade Scarlett Mocassin Slipper

UGG Australia Margie Cable Knit Shawl Collar Cardigan

West Elm Faux Fur BeanBag

Anthropologie Solstice Scarf

Classy Tea Cup

Acacia Wood Tray 

Hanro Grand Central Boyfriend Sleepshirt

UO Oversized Blanket Scarf

Free People Pine Lodge Slipper

Victoria’s Secret Dreamer Flannel Sleepshirt

Expressions Decorative Pillow

Wildfox Let’s Stay Home Sweater

 

Buffalo Check Throw

LINE Sparrow Fringe Cardigan

Wildfox Caffeine Machine Sweater

Plush Cable Knit Fleece Lined Arm Warmers

UO Lightweight Button Thigh High Thermal Sock 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas: Holiday Gift Guide for the Fashionista

This is my first installment for the Holiday Gift Guide series. Who doesn’t like a guide to help them out with the pickiest receivers? I’m the type of person who will accept pretty much anything and then write a 10 page thank you letter expressing my utmost gratitude – but that’s just me. I’ve included a wide price range so whether you’re buying on a budget, or rollin in hundos, my picks are with you in mind. I’m starting out with the toughest of them all – gifts for the fashion maven. It’s hard to please a self proclaimed shopaholic but these gif tables will do it for just about anybody (unless she already has like, 2 of each thing, which in that case, b*tch better be giving to charity this season). Anyways, fashionista, stay at home hermit, techie and Secret Santa – check out the first of them all.

Tis the season of giving, among other much more important tenets, so if you’re stumped – you’re welcome.

*Each photo is clickable and will send you directly to the item you’re drooling over gifting.

Happy Shopping

Burberry Giant Check Scarf

Soludos Jason Polan x Soludos Wink Smoking Slipper Espadrilles

Elizabeth & James Croc Embossed Cynnie Wallet on a Chain

Wildfox Sleep Mask

Smythson Busy Bee Notebook

Kolloquial I Wanna Shoop Tote

White & Warren Cashmere Rib Trim Gloves

Anine Bing Charlie Boots

Markus Lupfet Gnome Sequin Natalie Jumper

Adidas Superstar Sneaker

Saint Laurent Monogram Credit Card Case

Chloe Marcie Cross Body Bag

 

Nasty Gal Rockefeller Collar Necklace

Tory Burch Aberdeen Fur Lined Slipper

The Reformation Brixton Coat

Hermes Silk Scarf

Fendi Fur Handbag Charm

Burberry Tech Leather Globes

Anthropologie Felted Zafira Turtleneck

Wilfred Montpellier Sweater

Wilfred Free Gail Dress

Wildfox Classic PJ Set

Elizabeth & James Vago Ring

Color Me Good by Kate Moss Coloring Book

The LDRS Fuzzy Coat

Marc Jacobs Heart Notebook

Veda Calf Hair Bootie

Superga Wool Sneaker

Where’s Karl Book

Catbird Threadbare Rings

Tales from The Back Row Book

Vince Melange Basic Sweatpants

Nasty Gal x Nila Anthony So Catty Crossbody Bag

Rebecca Minkoff Little Lottie Coin Purse

Jonathan Adler Muse d’or Candle

Bag-All Weekend Getaway Set

MinkPink Head In The Stars Legging

Markus Lupfer Sequin Fox Face Beanie

 

 

Friday Favorites: Weekend Edition

I’ve been good lately but I had to share my weak moments, it’s a step by step process that I don’t see me accomplishing in the near future – but at least I can admit it.

I’ve compiled my favourites from the past few weeks…

Favourite Beauty Purchase

Becca Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Highlighter 

I was finally able to secure this lusted after highlighter. You’d think it was sealed into it’s pan with Channing Tatum’s saliva or something. I mean, I’m not going to act coy – this sh*t seriously lives up to the boy band level hype. Ahhh Jaclyn I’d die for you! OMG Touch my hand! I’m working on a full review in the meantime but I’m sure you’re picking up what I’m putting down. The soft white gold is bright enough to highlight and the pearlized pinkish undertone is flattering for pretty much every skin tone. It’s a limited edition exclusive so it tends to sell out – make sure you secure one before it’s gone again.

Get it here

Favourite Wardrobe Purchase

Nasty Gal Trench 

Behind every selfie is 3570 others that didn’t quite make the cut right? In this case they were all pretty fyne so naturally – this was going to happen. Anyway – showcasing my new Nasty Gal lightweight trench. I was hounding around for one that wasn’t so structured or heavy and I came across this one. I’ve worn it twice in one week and I’m such a jerk I don’t recycle wardrobe items for months. It’s the perfect topper, or 3rd piece, plus it keeps you warm when your skirt is the size of a crop top.

Favourite Treat

Soft Peaks Soft Serve

Weekends are my favorite. This soft serve is the creamiest, most organic, most hipster, most fat free, most sugarless soft serve you  will ever taste. But it’s delicious and doesn’t make you feel like a cow afterwards. If you ever get a chance to try it – do, all jokes aside it’s so yummy and it makes for an Instapic curated to perfection.

Check them out here.

Favourite Scent

Wildfox Fragrance

My absolute favorite brand of comfy, effortless, airy clothing has come out with a fragrance in case you weren’t aware. I lost my shit when I found out it was being conjured. It’s like finding out wine is coming out with a eau de toilette. How can you not? It’s made with equal parts warm summer nights, clean sheets, girlie nights and candlelit rainy days. Honest. There’s a concoction of apricot, absinthe, jasmine, honey, musk, ambrox, incense, white camellia, and honeysuckle dew that transposes onto the skin in the most intoxicating scent. You’ll have to try it for yourself but it’s warm and musky yet fresh at the same time. Perfect for the upcoming Fall/Winter months…

Get it here

Favourite Skin Care Product

Lush’s Cup O Coffee Mask

I like my coffee strong, dark and dirty and I’ve found the equivalent in a face mask. If there’s anything you purchase this month make sure it’s this Lush face/body mask. It’s now a key part of my morning makeup routine because I can’t wake up without it. It’s the caffeine addiction that’s taken hold of me in the form of a beauty product. I can’t. It’s akin to slapping a cup of cold coffee onto your face – invigorating, freshening, cleansing – but instead of leaving behind a sense of shock and confusion, it leaves soft skin free of dryness and sleep deprivation. I honestly don’t want to start my day without it – colour me a victim but I feel like I can decrease my morning coffee intake from 7303 to 2 cups nowadays.

Get it here

Favourite Photo

The cusp of Autumn 

Took this on a recent girls night at dusk and the arrangement of fallen leaves was too good an Instapic to pass up. Fall and Winter are my favorite times of year – the basics go nuts for pumpkin, the air is crisp, the decor is rustic and cozy and Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are ready to suit up and assault your senses. Can’t wait.

Favourite Decorative Piece

Mirrored Side Table

I have a penchant for acquiring a ton of furniture that I don’t really need but seem to think I can’t live without. This mirrored side table is a prime example. I thought $180 was obscene but I just couldn’t leave it behind – it adds so much to this corner of my bedroom that I felt needed something to fill it. It’s the piece de resistance for the area and I love it. I lengthened it by adding a taller vase and a pedestal for my endless Diptyque candles. The mirror behind it was purchased during the same trip and I love the contrast between the darker frame and mirrored dresser. Pleased. I got them both from Homesense – treasure trove for gems like these – it’d hard not to lose your sh*t in that place – I bring home pretty much everything but the employees.

Happy Weekend

xo

Friday Favorites: Weekend Edition

This favourites post is like, months behind therefore the most substantial of them all. I’ve failed at the no shopping attempt – miserably yet I don’t feel humiliation nor do I feel disappointment in my weakness. I’m the one on top with a bunch of awesome sh*t so really financial goals? Whose the real loser here?

That’s what I thought. Bye.

Anyway, I’m trying to do this more often now because I love talking about things I’m obsessing over.

Enjoy

Favorite Essential Purchase

ban.do 2016 Yearly Planner

I’ve always made reminders and notes in my phone like most people with a smart phone at their disposal. Hello – writing is so flip phone era. Not. It is not. I love my phone and I love the option of typing things out but writing is legit – especially if you’re a note taker. It’s classic and it helps you remember things – I assume because of the extra effort it takes – to be honest, when I’m typing into my phone, or typing in general I’m like, driving a car, eating a sandwich, and painting my nails. But not really.

Now that I’ve admitted I’m into this whole planner/agenda craze – I want to stipulate that I’m not spending hours making my own stickers or intricately designing each page. These are the kinds of time consuming tasks I’d like done for me. Enter ban.do. My sister grabbed this for herself and I closely followed suit after seeing all the cheeky stickers, designs, anecdotes, and other girly add ons. I got mine from Chapters but I belive you can purchase them at their online site as well here. (It’s like a girlie girl, a stay at home mom and a Pinterest obsessed decor freak holed up for weeks without showering but the result was an abundance of awesome sh*t you don’t really need instead of body odour, emotional trauma and bitch slapping).

I like how it gives you the month as a whole, a substantial writing area for each day, and a notes section for each month where you can jot down to do lists and plan out your monthly purchases and outfits. People do that right?

It was $25 – acceptable for all the little touches and the authors/contributors idiosyncrasies. I’m currently checking out where I can get more stickers. I’ve crossed over and I as well go HAM with it.

Favorite Beauty Product

Sephora Outrageous Volume Dramatic Volume Mascara

I tried this mascara as a mini travel size and was so into it that I purchased the full tube not long after. As a user of Benefit’s “They’re Real” and Too Faced’s “Better than Sex,” and Dior’s “Diorshow,” – I have to let you in on a little secret. This right here is the business. It’s a fraction of the price (1/2 ish if you want to get fancy) and it transforms your lashes into doll like things that flutter like a butterfly that flew into a cloud of smoke. I can’t. There’s no other way to explain it. It’s like wearing false lashes (which I don’t even pull out for Vegas anymore). I don’t know about you but I like the bombshell lash without the annoyance of applying falsies. It can clump if you’re heavy handed so that wiggle technique needs to be perfected. Overall – huge volume, length, and drama. Get it here.

Favorite Wardrobe Purchases

Aritzia Fall Transition Pieces

I scored each of my Aritzia purchases this past July as part of their annual summer sale. And being the craftly minx that I am – I picked each item with a nod, fist bump, and knowing smirk to the upcoming Fall. I like that they included pretty much everything and not just summer items which are practically useless in August in my opinion. Dreams of Highlands in new jewel toned shades, 70’s flowing fabrics, flared bottoms and bomber jackets are taking up pretty much all the space in my head. Really. I’m over the sun. I actually swore at it the other day. Like overstay your welcome why don’t you? Rude. Anyway, here’s what I got:

Wilfred Beaudry Blouse 

I love this shirt. My sister has it in black with floral detailing and the fit was so flattering I had to purchase my own. It’s light and airy and although it’s a bit of a fit n flare look it’s not too oversized where it would end up dwarfing your body as some tops like this do. The color ( I got Chinook  – a reddish salmon) is perfect for all year round (love having pieces that can sit with the rest of my wardrobe and not feel like they’re being given the side eye the whole time). The shirt retails for $135 which is a little pretentious but let’s face it – Aritizia is an asshole and so are the people who shop there. Well dressed assholes but assholes nonetheless. I got it on sale for $99 – thrifty asshole. Get it here.

Wilfred Richepin Sweater

Light yarn made in Italy (oh you’re soooo fancy) with an oversized fit and classic cut. It’s lightweight so it’s ideal for layering (which I love to do in the Fall/Winter seasons) and the subtle high/lo hem adds a little trend to the otherwise classic look.  Get it here. (I got mine in Bluette)

Wilfred Free Callie Dress

(Currently sold out)

Oh a little bit of intentional crinkle didn’t offend nobody. My favourite part is being able to throw this on for work in the mornings I’m running a little late (read: spent extra time on hair and makeup). It’s again, lightweight – as it debuted for the warmer months, oversized – but not sack like, and has button and a placket down the front that gives it a bit of detail. I’d definitely wear this over jeans in the Fall and go bare for the rest of Summer. I’m already dusting off my Stuart Weitzman’s and faux vests for September. Those boots on the model would be perfect right?

Talula Princely Dress

(Currently sold out)

This jersey dress is so slinky and silky smooth I feel that they could have raised the price point – but not really. Another piece awesome for layering or leaving as is for when it’s warmer. It’s trapeze silhouette with the rounded neck is really feminine and forgiving. I’ve worn this with both a boyfriend style cardigan and a slimmer fit and both are flattering because the dress underneath doesn’t bulk up. The swingy style is my favourite. Perfect excuse for another pair of tall boots.

Wilfred Moulin Dress

I chose this slip dress because of it’s versatility – especially when it comes to layering. The scalloped neckline, intricate lace trim and drapey fabric is so luxe. I chose it in a dusty beige because it’s easy to work into the wardrobe (especially if I’ll be incorporating it into my work attire). Check out the other colors – they’re just as light and pretty. I’d probably throw a boyfriend cardigan or a blazer on top but my favourite vision is with a chunkier sweater and ankle boots or strappy minimalist heels. Can’t wait to test it out. #ootd #hayyy Get it here.

Favorite Shoe

TopShop ‘Leather Kingdon’ Ghillie Flats

The lace up flat trend is definitely going to transition into Fall so I figured investing in a pair or two a little later in the game couldn’t hurt. I loved this style by Topshop.  I got mine from Nordstrom – duh. They come in snake print and silver metallic too – I just wore them and can vouch for the comfort, the craftsmanship, and the amazing color. The red is to die – especially for the Fall. Pretty pleased with myself for scoring these before they sold out again. The price is totally appropriate ($95) for Aquazzura dupes I say. I didn’t want to go out and spluge on the designer brand because there are so many carbon copies it would be pointless – there’s nothing I dislike more than someone coming up to me and asking if I got my Rockstuds from Forever 21 or Bebe. No. Bye. (What?) Anyway, you can get them here.

Favorite Scent

Tom Ford Tabacco Vanille

I was sniffing around Nordstrom and picked this out at the Tom Ford counter after it smacked me in the face and then kissed me. Wow. For those of you who like warmer, muskier scents this is mind blowing. The tobacco adds a hint of smokiness and the vanilla isn’t your typical run of the mill scent reminiscent of Bath and Body works body spray. It’s evocative of a sophisticated wine bar filled with the spicy undertones of men’s cologne.  – the tobacco flower, aromatic spice, and sweet wood is dramatic yet still subtle. I’m infatuated. The bottle is pricey as sh*t and I have yet to make the purchase but this will definitely be my first. Try it here.

Favorite Book

I finished this a couple weeks ago – part of my summer reading list that was brought to my attention by Reese Witherspoon’s Instagram (which she blew up with it might I add). I use Tuebl to download all my iBooks – it’s the best website since Nasty Gal. I won’t be a d*ck and ruin it for you but it’s dark like Gone Girl but with a younger vibe. Lots of switching tenses – which I absolutely love (in my shows too might I add). Definitely worth adding to your book list. Plus – the author is this cool girl and totally humble – she’s on Instagram if you want to check her out. Do.

Favorite Unnecessary Beauty Product

Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm

I honestly wanted this for the packaging – no bullsh*t – I’m calling it for what it is. But – once I actually tried it out I can say it was worth it. I love the smell of rose and this has a subtle yet noticeable aroma. The consistency is very solid (think solid perfume) and allows for it to live like 9 lives. Bonus. I don’t know if it has an actual plumping effect like it boasts but I like how smooth it feels on the lips. It’s not sticky, doesn’t leave behind any unsightly residue and it does leave the lips nice and soft after each application. Sold – on not just the packaging but on its soul too. Get it here.

Favorite Nail Polish Shade

Dior Tra La La

My sister and I have compiled quite the impressive collection of these polishes after finding out that they last forever, have the most perfectly shaped brush for one swipe application and come in a nice classic range of colors. I also like how they look on a dressing table, the crow that I am. This is my favorite shade so far – a ballet slipper pink with just a hint of light peach. Year round wearability and it flatters any skin tone. Love. Get it here.

(I included the stock photo because I’ve obviously filtered the first photo a tiny bit – I do feel that it’s more reminiscent of the actual shade when its applied though).

Favorite Photo

We All Scream After Ice Cream

I don’t indulge during the week but once Saturday hits – I’m heading to the nearest frozen yogurt spot or gelato dispensary. And let’s be honest – I’m not above ice cream in Winter either.

Happy Weekend

xo