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

Along with the rest of the fashion obsessed world – I’m in love with the mini bag. The nano. The tiny tote. Whatever. I want to pinch it’s leathery cheeks and kiss it’s little handles. I recently added to this collection of little midget bags with a Balenciaga Giant 12 Red Mini City bag. Or Lil Red, as I like to call it. Hand stitched handles, a removable strap, top zip closure with gold metal hardware. This is my favorite style Balenciaga handbag – the leather is durable and insanely soft but it still retains its shape because of the firm outer frame. And it’s red. I didn’t match it to the season whatsoever.

Favorite Product

I recently went browsing for a good leave – in conditioner type styling product. Sideways rain, misty rain, fat droplets of rain…neither are welcome but they invite themselves up anyway. The girls @ Obadiah Salon in Bellevue have instilled in me, a love for Oribe’. This leave-in conditioner is luxe (for the price and the brand – I’d expect nothing less). It’s light and moisturizing yet dissolves quickly – almost like a serum. I find that creams feel a little heavier but this stuff is airy and smooth. It really tamed my dry curls and although I’m a little stingy on the application, a little is all you need to make it happen. The added heat protection, and glossy shine is awesome so I can now justify the price. I went with the smaller tube as a trial but will definitely upgrade to a larger size now that I know the benefits are legit.

Favorite Scent

Jo Malone’s Mimosa & Cardamom is a little cloud of mimosa, spicy, warm cardamom, sandalwood, and Damask rose. Really, there’s not one Jo Malone fragrance that I have turned away from, so I’m not surprised at my love affair with this new scent. It actually reminds me of talcum powder, it’s a soft scent – perfect for the winter months.

Favorite Read

The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson – this book actually left me perplexed but it didn’t keep me from putting it down. It follows the parallel life of a young Denver woman in 1960’s who co-owns a bookshop with her girlfriend. While she’s a simple, single, independent girl in one life, she’s a glam housewife in the other – caring for her husband and triplets. It goes back and forth between each world until she comes to a realization as to which world she actually inhabits. It infiltrated my sleep so it will yours.

Favorite Photo

Anyone who has a relationship with their bed linens can appreciate this photo by Alyssa Monks. Paintings to be exact. The perfect rumple, the creases in fresh linen, silly sheets and a light, fluffy down duvet. zzzzz.

Favorite Look

My style muse Maja Wyh is yet to fail me. Even the most ridiculous looking pieces look perfectly paired on this little sprite. Full fauxs, layers, and a Kate Moss/Jagger edge.

Here are the links to the products/purchases:

Balenciaga

Oribe‘

Jo Malone

Happy Weekend

xo

Purchased & Reviewed: Laura Mercier Matte to Metal Caviar Stick Collection

I haven’t done in a review in a while and there’s no better review than a rave one where I drool onto the keyboard and foam at the mouth.

I picked up these Laura Mercier caviar shadow sticks a month ago and took the obligatory photos for this post specifically. Before these I was proud owner to one single shadow stick (my Marc Jacobs Twinkle Pops have accepted that they’re not the only bad bitches in the room) – obvs 1 is never enough, especially when they’re ideal for quick, effortless makeup application.

Here are all the feels:

Packaging: These minis are not so mini – so you get the most out of your cold hard cash. I love the twist pop shadows because they allow for you to choose just how much you want at a time. Everything else is sleek and minimalist – it’s how Mercier rolls. Oh, and the color swatch at the bottom tip of each stick is nice when you have hoards of makeup to go through and little time.

Formula: Just f*cking amazing. Glide on, creaseless, stay put shadow that’s easy to blend and apply. The colors are earthy neutrals and are include matte and semi metallic finishes.  If you’re looking for something easier than that you’re insufferable and unsatisfied with life whereas I recommend you should be on the receiving end of a reality check.

Price: For this little package – $58 is a steal – especially when each pen will cost you approx. $28 each. Keep in mind these last forever if you don’t go all Jenner/Kardashian on your face.

Verdict: Yes. If you’re a newbie to the brand then this set is made for you – it lets you experience the range of colors offered in the sticks and gives you bragging rights when it comes to having the newest and most noteworthy makeup around town. Is that just a junkie thing? Anyway, awesome for toting around in a makeup bag, really versatile color range for a variety of different looks and it’s cost effective. Go get.

I picked this set up at Nordstrom – currently the only home to it. Don’t blame me for the 1789 other items you end up purchasing from there. That’s the type of behavior I encourage so you’re SOL.

Make the purchase here.

xoxo

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

Purchased & Reviewed: Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder & Bite Beauty Matte Lip Creme Crayon

Laura Mercier is slowly becoming one of my favorite brands – could be due to the Cavier eye sticks, the fine powders or the artfully baked highlighters and bronzers. Could be due to the whole damn line. Don’t care – I’m hooked.

My trusty matte radiance highlighter is a month or so from disintegrating so I went into Sephora to replenish it but being the crow that I am – I was distracted by a new exclusive highlighter/shimmer/bronzer that was recently introduced. Cue angels singing and strumming on a harp (all with flawless makeup ovbs). Just when I thought I couldn’t come across anything better…

Hello Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder. You have come into my life and now I will clone the sh*t out of you.

Here are my feels:

Packaging: Classy and minimalist like the rest of the line. I love how such straightforward, simple packaging holds such gems on the inside. The inside? Work of art. This should be displayed in galleries all across the continent. I almost didn’t want to use it it was so gorgeous.

Formula/Coloring: Probably the best shimmer/bronzer I’ve put on my face. A simple sweep transfers a good amount of product. I use a larger round blush brush and apply on top of my cheekbones for a nice shimmer and really, all I need is one swipe. Instant shimmer. The pearly formula allows you to build up to the level you’re looking to achieve. I carve out the cheeks a bit so blending this into my contour adds a really nice sheen rather than a harsher matte look. The shading is a soft, pretty rose gold with a subtle gold underlay. You can use this as a highlighter for sure, just depends on what the shade of your skin is really. I recommend blending it into your contour/blush for the best possible effect. Maybe refrain from using on the area under your eyes as you would a lighter highlighter – you might not get the bright eyed effect you’re looking for. As for staying power – #allday

Wearability: I can make this work morning, noon, and night. It all depends on what else you have going on and what your makeup style is. If you’re looking for a more natural look then skip the contour and blush and use this as a bronzer to add a bit of glow. If you’re YouTube/Force Field strong then add it to your arsenal in varying intensity. Versatile as sh*t.

Price: I spent $50CAD on this bad boy. The USD price was $42 which I do think is a little pricey for bronzer but once I tried it on and my soul started glimmering through my skin – any qualms about price went poof. You can probably find a similar product for a thriftier price but I am smitten. It was one of those – buy it or have it stalk you around town kind of situations.

Verdict: You have to at least go check it out and see if it does it for you. I can honestly say it would be flattering on any skin tone. The radiance it adds to your routine is significant. Like I mentioned earlier you can use it as a highlighter, a bronzer or in places you want to had a bit of a healthy subtle glow.

You can get it here.

(The Canadian site is currently Out of Stock – it’s that good)

On to the next mind blowing purchase…

My sister’s purchase inticed me to see what the deal was with the Bite Beauty lip crème matte lipstick pencils. Again, my streak of being blown away by pretty much every single prouduct I bring home is strong. I don’t think I’ve disappointed myself since that NARS mechanical lip pencil that ripped a hole through my heart. This is one of the most amazing mattes I’ve put on my lips. I’m known to exaggerate from time to time – you know – I’ll die without mascara, I need that new Karlito purse charm before water/air etc etc you get the point….it’s not a rave review unless you’re drooling onto your keyboard and wanting to wear your lipstick to bed amiright?

The feels?

Packaging: Again, clean and minimalist is what you need on the outside when your product packs so much ferocity on the inside. These are even better than their frenemies because of the twist bottom (no sharpener needed).

Formula/Coloring: You need to take a seat for this one. Let me amplify this one key characteristic – this is one of the most hydrating mattes I’ve ever worn. No exaggeration. You can ridicule/heckle me if you don’t think so yourself. The not so secret ingredients are Resveratrol which acts as an antioxidant & Orange Peel Wax which locks in moisture leaving a waterproof armour on the lips. Also key players – Jojoba oil, fruit butters & Castor Oil – all of which leave your lips insanely hydrated and dewy. I put it to the test by applying at 7am and then not removing it until I removed the face before my workout at approx 530pm. I did retouch it after lunch, which is kind of a give in for all lipsticks in my opinion. Not a flake, a crease, or an unsightly residue. Nothing is uglier than a matte that is practically peeling itself off your lips in search for freedom for it’s dry ass, dusty ass life. Just, no.

Wearibility: I chose the shade Sucre (a warm pink). I only had time to try on a few and when I put this on and looked in the mirror I was all “hayyyy what your name is? “why you look so good?” “why your lipstick so nice?” That did it for me. It comes in 12 different shades that I can’t wait to smother all over myself on my next Sephora trip. I love this shade for daytime/night. In terms of bearability (shade wise) it’s up to you – what you feel compliments your skin, what works with whatever else you have going on etc etc…there’s a shade for all types.

Price: $28 USD which I feel is appropriate for such an awesome product. I’d shell out extra for this stuff – it has such amazing staying power and I can barely feel it on my lips – you can’t put a price on a lipstick that both looks and feels good.

Verdict: You absolutely need this. If you’ve been searching for a matte that won’t dry out your lips, or you’re new to the lipstick game, then this is your transition product. It’s easy to use, easy to apply and so damn easy to wear. One of every color please.

 You can get them here .

xo