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

Friday Favorites: Weekend Edition

Favorite Purchase

Valentino Rockstuds

I usually try to justify purchases like these and this time is no different. They’re nude so they go with everything. They’re extremely comfortable for such a uncomfortable looking heel. They’re easy to keep clean. They’re like, so huge still. My fluo pink ones were lonely. I can go on but would rather not embarrass myself any further. They are gorgeous. I can’t keep my eyes off them and that’s also my excuse for nearly rear ending the car in front of me last week. I sh*t you not – I would have repeated that to the officer. These heels are beyond anything. The 3 photos. I had to.

Favorite Beauty Product

MAC Extra Dimension Eye Shadow in Smoky Mauve

The last time I purchased a shadow from MAC was when I could barely master blending my crease let alone create chiseled cheekbones onto my face. I was in Nordstrom picking up Honeylove (one of my fav nude lipsticks) when my eyes landed on this shimmery little pot. Crow game strong. This liquid – powder formula is insanely prismatic, with tons of shimmer. Shimmer can be scary if you don’t know how to blend but when used right it just pops. The metallic finish is so pretty – I chose this mauve/pink shade because I thought it would go best with a darker mauve crease and a nude lip. Very similar to NARS’ shimmery single shadows. I blended this in with my most recent Naked palette to wear as a daytime look and it was gorgeous.

Favorite Read

Mary Kubica – The Good Girl

I am a fiend when it comes to reading. If i didn’t need financial support for my habits I’d quit my job and hole myself up underneath a faux fur and just lose myself for months on end. Mary Kubica is phenomenal and so is her first book – The Good Girl. I love the suspense, the emotion, and her ability to turn the reader’s world upside down. I was a blubbering mess at one point and biting my lip at others. You need to read this book. I’m almost finished with Pretty Baby – her second  most recent book and I’m just in awe of this woman.

Favorite Totally Unnecessary Purchase

iPhone 6S

I wouldn’t say this was entirely unnecessary because I didn’t cave when the 6 and 6 plus were announced. I currently own a 5S and find it sufficient for the most part but highly annoying when it comes to the lack of storage. 16G you are sooooo inadequate. I’m constantly uploading photos to my Mac and then deleting, plus I don’t get to take advantage of all the apps I’d like to experience. But really who am I kidding. It’s the photos. I want all my selfies at my fingertips. Is that so much to ask? In consequence, I decided to forgo another pair of designer shoes and instead order the phone from Apple because my contract with my sh*tty ass carrier had just come to an end. The freaks had all reserved the ones available at the stores and really, I don’t mind waiting a couple weeks for it to be delivered. The new features are intriguing, 3D touch, 4K video, moving pictures and a 12MP camera – oh hey. And because I’m so honest I’m going to straight out admit that you can put a high quality camera on a brick and I’d pay an exorbitant price for that thing. Better selfies? Charge it! Now. Now! That and the rose gold (cough, pink, cough) – I couldn’t pass it up.

Favorite Photo

Seahawk Season  

Jackson modelled his new Hawks puffer jacket last week. Two of my favorite things in one photo. I can’t deal. I found it on Coupaw but I believe it sold out pretty quick in all sizes. Checking wouldn’t hurt. It’s ideal for Fall and Winter – warm and easy to get on him with a removable hood for a little versatility. They need options too you know.

Favorite Food

Clean Eats

I see a naturopath once a month because I have some food issues (no I’m not referring to my obsess with wanting to eat cake for breakfast) – although I regard this act as eccentric and creative. Keeping life light you know? Anyway, in addition to the rice protein smoothies I’ve been eating/slurping for breakfast, lunch and snacks, I’ve been off wheat and pretty much anything else that tantalizes my tastebuds. In lieu of said carbs – Udi’s bread, brown rice and tofu is what I be working with. Throw in some veggies and black beans and you have a mexican fiesta – without the bottomless margarita and slurred speech. Behold one of my favorite meals. An open faced sandwich and cayenne dressed tofu.

Favorite Look

Fall

How can you not throw on a plaid already? Its crisp enough out that I can finally bring out the tall boots, the flannels and the sweater dresses. I love replacing pants with knee high boots – less Pretty Woman, more effortless. A basic tunic or sweater dress (which are huge this season) is all you need. A trench, flannel or button down worn casually around your hips or thrown over top offsets the heeled boot so you don’t look like you’re trying too hard or trying to make some extra cash.

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

Purchased & Reviewed: Giambattista Valli for MAC

This is one of the few times I’ve purchased a lipstick without trying it on first. I was much too eager to get my greedy little hands on these before they sold out so I went straight to the website and placed an order for the ones I figured would look great no matter what.

The famed French designer has extended his artistry to MAC lipsticks in 5 new matte shades ranging from light pink to a sultry red. Each shade is inspired by swatches of fabric from past designs – the expectation was to create a full range of vivacious colours that flatter and enhance with crazy texture and floral undertones. The matte is formulated to be worn both day and into the night and hold up, wait a minute – each shade is encased in a coloured tube – which is shaded to mimic the color within. MAC be switching it up and I like it.

*They were released in stores (and online) on July 9th.Many of the stores are selling out faster than T Swifts latest concert tour so I would suggest going nuts and purchasing online if you really want to secure your favourite shade. You can always return it if it doesn’t do it for you.

Here’s what I chose:

Margherita

This bright peachy coral-y shade was pretty much made for summer. I’m definitely picking up some bronzer and self tan because it would enhance the shit out of a glowy summer hue. It has warmer undertones and more of a satin finish than Charlotte. I love this with a very light peach blush and major strobing. #strobing #contouringissolastweek

Charlotte

This is one of the most unique “reds” I’ve encountered. I am ready to cash in the remaining summer months so that I can 24/7 murder this lipstick. It has yellow undertones – for anyone who likes to differentiate their reds according to appropriateness for skin tone. It’s more of a medium dark red – think wine but without the over indulgence and self loathing you feel when you realized you’ve polished off a whole bottle plus the dust covered boxes of chocolates from Christmas. Wait what? That’s gross. Get a grip. Anyway. This stuff is devastating to any other red you own. Ruby Woo has been a favourite of mine for a while now and Charlotte here has made her pucker up with jealousy.

Packaging: I love that MAC went in a different direction with this collab. The telltale tube and the matching color inside is dead on – plus the matte finish is consistent with the theme. I know they’ve switched up their tubes with past collections but this swatch packaging is really crafty.

Formula: Compared to the retro matte formula – these mattes are creamier and easier to wear but with the same color payoff. I find retro mattes to really drag during application and eventually cake and flake when you go in for a touch up or removal so it was a relief to discover that these ones have a smoother application and more of an opaque finish. I haven’t worn these for a full day yet but the consensus is that they last 5-6 hours.

Color range: There’s a shade in this collaboration for every skin tone and preference. Bianca B is a frosty pink (which I don’t think is flattering on anyone other than an albino but that’s just my own graceless opinion). Eugenie is a dark cherry, a deep purple that would slay a more daring look. Tats is a hot pink fuchsia with a satin – matte finish – one of those shades that leave behind a natural looking stain and Charlotte and Margherita are as described above. Each shade results in a huge color payoff and long lasting wear.

Verdict: Ugh. Go get you some. I’m such a victim when it comes to designer collaborations it’s disgusting BUT I can honestly say that these shades are must haves. There are colors you can find that are similar but I’ve examined a few of mine for comparison and nothing I own has come close to the shades I chose. Mattes are my favourite because of the durability and intense colors – so if you obsess over a good matte that isn’t too drying – you’re going to need these. Fine maybe not “need” but you’re going to regret not trying them for yourself.

*Update : As I was creating this post I noticed the shades are all sold out online. Call. Email. Text your MAC hookup. Do whatever. Call in the National Guard. Nothing gets in the way of a makeup hoarder on a mission. 

*PS- That’s not my arm and those aren’t my swatches.

Keep trying here

xo

 

Reviewed: Diptyque Beverly Hills Candle

Again – I’ve waited too long to share this fangirl post. I purchased this candle back in May (I believe it came out in mid April.) It was an exclusive release to celebrate the opening of the Diptyque store in BH. I practically ripped my hair out when I erroneously thought that I couldn’t get my hands on it unless I booked a flight but all fears were extinguished when I realized they would be oh so happy to send it to me. Hayyyy. The sales girl did ask if I wanted to go full out “charge it” and pick up the last few they had in stock but I declined because that’s what my candle warmer is for. If you’re a jerk and have a thing for pricey candles you need to invest in a candle warmer. You’ll extend the life of your candles, by like, 234870259 years. Kris Jenner would be so jealous.

Anyway, I now have this scent in my collection and couldn’t be happier to part with almost 90 bucks (retails for $70 USD) of somewhat hard earned money. I haven’t smelled anything like it. The mix is a combination of lemon essential oil, mint essential oil, orchid, and freesia. It’s a fresh,summery, beachy vibe and it’s so nice on a warmer day (or when it’s raining out and you want to play make believe).

It comes packaged as typical exclusive Diptyque candles do – unique glass casings. This one is turquoise with a bright yellow palm print. It’s such a pretty and refreshing addition to my originals and looks stunning on your dresser, shelf or coffee table.

I love this type of scent for warmer months – it’s fresh, clean and not in a “I just bleached the whole bathroom” kind of way.

I don’t know if you can order these from the store anymore (give them a call and find out – 310-385-5941) but I hope you’re able to score it because it’s a definite must in the Diptyque collection.

You can check out the rest of the line here.

xo