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Shopping: Holt Renfrew Contemporary Treehouse

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Spring can’t come soon enough, but for now, I am slowly but surely assembling my dream spring wardrobe, so that when the temperatures finally hit the double-digits, I’ll be ready! Plus, I am so sick of sweaters and coats, that shopping for dresses feels somehow therapeutic. The other day, I got to preview Holt Renfrew’s newly updated women’s contemporary floor at their Bloor St location, and it was everything I needed and more for spring. Inspired by the “architectural structure, warmth and magical escape of treehouses”, the floor has been transformed into a bright and inviting space, featuring visual elements such as chipboard finishes, ash veneer beams, and wooden vignettes…and stocked to the brim with a ton of cool new contemporary brands.

There’s an abundance of cool denim brands like RE/DONE (my fave!), Outland Denim, Grlfrnd, Mother Denim, and so much more. It’s the perfect one-stop-shop for those looking to invest in a new pair this season. As someone who lives in dresses in the summer, I was immediately drawn to racks upon racks of beautiful spring frocks. I tried on printed silk dresses from RIXO London, boho maxis from BA&SH, and the playful styles by Ganni..and I loved them all!

If you’re looking for a new bag this season, there are several uber-chic options from cool brands like Staud and Cult Gaia – accessories with a ton of style and reasonable price tags. I already wrote about this spring’s ethically-made H Project arrivals, which you can also find at Holt Renfrew’s Contemporary Treehouse.

If you haven’t visited the Bloor St location in a while, make sure to stop by soon – from the CHANEL Coco Game Center on the concourse level, to the Contemporary Treehouse on the top floor, there’s lots of exciting things to see and do at Holt Renfrew on Bloor St…and with the new Colette Grand Cafe coming soon, it’s about to get even better.



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You Are Invited: CHANEL Coco Game Center at Holt Renfrew in Toronto

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If you live in Toronto, I have great news for you! The new CHANEL Coco Game Center has arrived at Holt Renfrew Bloor Street and will be open until April 15th. This amazing CHANEL Beauty pop-up features actual arcade games you can play, while getting acquainted with the brand’s latest beauty launches like the new Rouge Coco Lip Blush ($37) – a versatile product that you can use on your lips and your cheeks for a pop of colour and hydration, and available in 6 covetable shades.

While at the Coco Game Center, you can play The Bubble Game for a chance to win Hydra Beauty skincare samples, express services, and one-of-a-kind gifts, take The Beauty Ride in the Coco Car, take a break at The CHANCE Lounge to discover the various facets of CHANCE fragrances (my personal fave is Eau Vive!), and of course, play Rouge Coco – The Game where you can win prizes and get a lippie touch-up while you’re at it.

Coco Game Center was inspired by the playful arcades of Japan, and so far, only Tokyo and Toronto get to experience everything Coco Game Center has to offer. How cool is that?! Along with the fun games and installations, you can get personalized consultations, touch-ups, and beauty recommendations from the CHANEL beauty experts, and of course everything in the beautiful pop-up is extremely photogenic and instagrammable.

Coco Game Center will be open until April 15th, so you have less than a month to enjoy this amazing CHANEL Beauty experience! Game on!

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Wishlist: CHANEL Fall 2018 Collection

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If at first glance you thought that the CHANEL Fall 2018 presentation was shown outdoors in an autumnal forest, you wouldn’t be the only one. The realism of the faux forest is a testament to Karl Lagerfeld’s determination to transform the Grand Palais into the most fantastical settings season after season and I am here for it. Of course, the decor was dreamed up to complement the Fall 2018 collection, with its palette of reds and orange, moss and pine green, black and brown, as well as a handful of foliage-like prints, and details that included entwined branches forming CCs, leaves chiselled on intricate buttons, and even a wooden log minaudiere!


Speaking of accessories, a new bag, named 31, was introduced this season – a generously sized shopper shown in several colours and finishes, and by the looks of it pretty versatile to boot. Not sure if it’s going to become another classic, but I am definitely curious to check it out once it arrives in stores. CHANEL’s GABRIELLE bag made an appearance in a mini version, printed and in gold leather. I’ve yet to add one to my collection, but I am seriously crushing on this smaller version – super chic!

And while normally, I am all about prints and colours, this time around I found myself entranced by the more muted pieces…that is if you can call a floor-length iridescent velvet coat a muted piece. There were so many beautiful coats on the runway this season that I simply lost count, but the longer silhouettes felt both fresh and timeless at the same time. Take note for fall, and start saving those pennies.

So tell me, what did you think about the CHANEL Fall 2018 collection? Are you curious about the new 31 bag? Share in the comments.

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Oscars 2018: Best and Worst Dressed

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I was so excited to watch the Oscars tonight, but both the outfits and the show itself felt kind of lackluster, non? I don’t really know what I was expecting, but none of it lived up to my high expectations. There were a few gowns and suits that looked pretty good, and I did stay up late watching this thing, so here are my personal faves.

Saoirse Ronan’s Calvin Klein felt vaguely Paltrow-ish, but in a good way. She looked fresh in those matching pink pumps and minimalist styling, and I loved the back of that gown. Her Lady Bird co-star, and my personal Best Leading Actor winner Timothee Chalamet looked fly af in that white-on-cream Berluti suit paired with the coolest boots…I want all of this for myself! 


Nicole Kidman’s blue dress isn’t my personal cup of tea, but she did look amazing in it, and it’s interesting to look at. I’ll take her gown over any of the other pretty nude frocks, thankyouverymuch. Lakeith Stanfield’s blue suit fit him so perfectly, I wondered whether he was sewn into it. Either way, I love it.



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You Are Invited: H&R Block Twitter Chat

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For someone who runs her own business (this little blog right here) and has a full time job, tax season can be a great source of stress and anxiety. How do I maximize my savings? Can I expense certain things? Do I have enough time to file? There are so many things to consider, and even though I actually work in accounting (not tax accounting), I still turn to experts at H&R Block to help me with my taxes and put my mind at ease.

If you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or just a person who needs help with their taxes, then I invite you to join me and the tax-superstars from H&R Block on Tuesday, March 6th at 7pm EST for a Twitter Chat about tax prep options, changes to Canadian tax rules, and all things tax-related. If you have questions for H&R Block tax experts, then this is your chance to clear up any tax confusion, and maybe win some cool prizes while you’re at it. That’s right, we will be giving away five $100 gift cards, and one $250 gift card to our lucky Twitter Chat participants. All you have to do is join the conversation on March 6th between 7pm-8pm EST with hashtag #GetWhatsYours, and you’ll be automatically entered to win. Make sure to mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss out on free tax advice and awesome prizes!

WHAT: H&R Block Twitter Chat
WHEN: March 6th at 7pm-8pm EST
DETAILS: Use #GetWhatsYours to be entered to win one of 5 $100 gift cards, or a grand prize of 1 $250 gift card.

Official Rules after the jump!
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Beauty: COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau De Parfum Intense

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It’s hard to believe that the beautiful and talented actress Keira Knightley has been the face of COCO MADEMOISELLE for 10 years now, but it’s true! She starred in her first COCO MADEMOISELLE film by Joe Wright back in 2007 as a playful ingenue in an unforgettable red gown, transforming through the years to show her seductive side in the 2011 chapter, following it up in 2014 as the confident belle of the ball, and finally, in the latest installment by Johan Renck, as an adventurous Parisienne with a mischievous gleam in her eye and a wild night behind her. 10 years later, Keira is looking better than ever!

The new film was created to celebrate COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau De Parfum Intense ($129-$183) – the latest facet of the “COCO MADEMOISELLE personality” dreamed up by Olivier Polge, and infused with luminous Patchouli and warm Amber accord – “an intoxicating blend of Tonka Bean and Vanilla from Madagascar”. And while I usually tend to go for “fresh” perfumes, the smoothness of COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau De Parfum Intense smelled irresistible on my skin. I may even go as far as to say that I prefer this version to the original…does that make me a rebel like Keira?

The new fragrance will be available at CHANEL Beauty counters as of March 2nd.

So tell me, are you excited to try COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau De Parfum Intense? Is Keira aging backwards? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments.

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Photo Credits: CHANEL

Shopping: Holt Renfrew H Project Spring 2018

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Just before Christmas, I got to preview Holt Renfrew’s H Project Spring 2018 collection with a special focus on clean beauty, sustainable and ethical production, and brands that give back to charities. There was so much to love, I couldn’t wait to shop these products. Well, the wait is almost over, as H Project items are now arriving in stores across the country.

In February, clean beauty products, including makeup, skincare, and haircare from brands like Ilia, Lilah B, Kosås, Osea, and lots more hit the stores. And whether you choose the 100% natural Tata Harper body scrub, or the vegan and cruelty-free advanced protection cream from Osea, or the most amazing organic salt spray from Rahua, the new clean beauty H Project arrivals will have you looking your very best this spring.

The fashion arrivals are equally tempting, with cute pieces from Kotn, designed in Toronto, ethically-made in Egypt, with profits from special pieces to be donated to the Elephant Crisis Fund, to seriously cool jeans from Outland Denim – a brand that not only gives back to anti-trafficking groups that rescue and rehabilitate victims of sex-trafficking, but empowers and employs these vulnerable women to provide them with a living wage.

If you’re into fun prints and beautiful boho dresses, then you’ll be obsessed with everything from Lalesso – a brand with a sustainable and conscious mindset, with all garments produced in Africa, supporting the local workers and industry. The H Project Spring 2018 collection also includes cool jewelry and accessories. My faves are from Mercedes Salazar – cutest bags and earrings (created by Colombian artisans) that are guaranteed to spice up any outfit.


And that’s just to name a few! Lots and lots of other gems are part of the H Project Spring 2018 collection, and you should most definitely check them out in stores this spring…I know I will. Check out more photos after the jump and share your faves in the comments!
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Beauty: CHANEL Neapolis Spring 2018 Collection

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With endless snow and frigid temperatures, I am keeping myself from going cabin-fever-crazy by surrounding myself with pretty, colourful things, like flowers, candles, and makeup. Luckily, I received several pieces from the CHANEL Neapolis Spring/Summer 2018 Beauty Collection to play with, and I am already obsessed. The collection dreamed up by CHANEL Global Creative Makeup and Color Designer Lucia Pica is inspired by her hometown of Naples, its pastel-coloured buildings, fading frescoes, lush greenery, blue skies, and the endless sea. The result is a truly spectacular collection of unique, but flattering and wearable shades that bring a piece of Italy into the wearer’s life.

The standout (and the must-have) from this collection is definitely the beautiful Les 9 Ombres Palette Edition N1: Affresco eyeshadow palette. Combining the neutral beiges and browns with brighter greens, this palette is perfect for creating looks for every day life and special occasions alike. I love to use the darker green as eye-liner to make my eyes pop, it’s subtle but totally effective. The shades are buildable and can be layered to create a more intense look.


Another personal favourite is Poudre A Levres – the new tinted lip powder, which was inspired by the “tempera technique of Pompeiian frescoes”. Each palette contains a clear moisturizing lip balm and a tinted pressed powder pigment, and it’s up to you to create your perfect “just-kissed” lip. I love how perfectly imperfect the application looks…the definition of effortlessly chic.


The rest of the collection is pretty perfect too. I am adding pops of colour into my life via beautiful nail polish shades like Nuvola Rosa and Verde Pastello, and of course poppy lip colours like Rouge Allure Ink’s Entusiasta. All I need now is a one-way ticket to the Amalfi Coast and my winter woes will be solved entirely.

What do you think of CHANEL Neapolis Spring/Summer 2018 Beauty Collection? Share your thoughts in the comments.


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What I Wore: Cute Winter Boots

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Breaking news! I finally found affordable, waterproof winter boots that look cute! After spending the entirety of December and most of January slipping and sliding in my stylish boots (or having to wear my clunky winter boots when the weather got really bad), I was determined to find a pair of waterproof leather boots with a non-slip rubber sole and faux fur lining, with a modest heel and at least knee-high, so I could wear them with culottes…but they had to be cute and versatile and also inexpensive (because I tend to ruin shoes almost immediately). That was quite a wishlist to fulfill…I considered La Canadienne – a Canadian brand I love, but all of the styles I liked were just out of my budget, and so I had to keep looking…until I found another Canadian brand – Blondo!

Let me preface this by saying that this is absolutely not sponsored, I simply fell in love with Blondo’s stylish selection of waterproof boots, and once I received my boots in the mail, I was super impressed with the quality too. So far, I picked up two pairs – a pair of ankle booties and these over-the-knee suede boots. Both are super comfy, waterproof, insulated, and they make every one of my winter outfits so much better. No more ugly winter boots for me. I honestly have no idea why I’ve spent so many winters in non-waterproof boots with slippery soles, the winterized Blondo boots were just as affordable and just as cute!

What’s your winter footwear strategy? Do you prefer the clunky winter boots? Do you know another footwear brand that makes cute winter boots? Share in the comments!





I Wore: Coat – Sonia Rykiel (The Room); Boots – Blondo (Naturalizer); Sweater – H&M; Bag – CHANEL

Shopping: Beach Vacation Packing List

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I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for winter to be over. Which is why I am extra excited for my upcoming beach getaway. My bags are nearly packed – a few versatile dresses that can be worn to the beach and to dinner, a roomy straw tote, way too many one-piece swimsuits, one pair of flat beach sandals, a pair of dressy mules, and of course a couple of pairs of chic sunglasses. And thanks to all of the fresh resortwear new arrivals at stores like Shopbop, shopping for my vacay was super easy. If you’re looking for a few beach essentials yourself, I put together some of my faves below.

Are you planning a winter getaway any time soon? Share your dream destination in the comments.

Dresses


Swimsuits

Bags

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WHAT I WORE

What I Wore: Cute Winter Boots
Hermès Boutique Opens at 100 Bloor Street West in Toronto
Beauty: Introducing GABRIELLE CHANEL
What They Wore: Grey Goose Sunset Soiree Picnic
Style Blog Travels: Boating in Capri
Style Blog Travels: Sorrento, My Love
Style Blog Travels: #FordConnections at Langdon Hall

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