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Shopping: H&M Conscious Exclusive Spring 2019 Collection


Over the years, I’ve bought several pieces from various H&M Conscious Exclusive collections, and I am happy to report that they are still well-loved and often-worn…in other words those pieces truly held up both in quality and style. This year’s H&M Conscious Exclusive collection is another treasure trove of airy dresses (both casual and special occasion), chic suiting, and cool accessories, all made from sustainably-sourced materials, such as organic silk and cotton, Tencel and recycled polyester.

“This Conscious Collection is a wonderful step towards meeting one of our main goals – to use only 100% recycled or other sustainably-sourced materials by 2030. Sustainability is one of our core values and while there is a lot of work going into this throughout the entire value chain, it’s always exciting to see the more consumer-facing campaigns really showcase our conscious way of thinking.” – Isak Roth, Global Sustainability Manager at H&M.

Personally, I think it’s great to see a fast fashion brand embracing sustainability. I truly hope that more brands join H&M’s commitment to use recycled materials, while creating better quality garments. Of course, the entire fast fashion business model seems to be counter-intuitive to this goal, but hopefully as consumers become more and more conscious of our spending choices, more brands will choose to improve on this as well. H&M Conscious Exclusive Spring 2019 Collection will be launching in select stores and online on April 11th, priced from $29.99 to $299.



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Shopping: SmartBuyGlasses


One of the easiest ways to look put together when you’re not feeling too hot is to throw on a pair of chic shades – no makeup required. Over the years I built a solid collection of fun sunnies for all occasions, so when SmartBuyGlasses.ca approached me for a collab, I didn’t have to think too hard. The selection of sunnies they carry is quite extensive, with brands like Alaia, Balenciaga, Chloe, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Valentino, and so many more, it’s easy to get a little carried away. Their prices are also very competitive, with discounts aplenty, and lightning-fast shipping times. They also stock some of the must-have designer pairs that are sold out everywhere else!

Since I love sunglasses with a little flair, I chose these Gucci cat-eye pearl-embellished sunnies, and I’ve been wearing them non-stop ever since. I think they add the much-needed glamour to my sometimes blah winter outfits, and I can’t wait to bring them with me on my next vacay.

If you’re looking for your next pair of sunglasses, glasses, or even ski goggles, make sure to check out the selection at SmartBuyGlasses.ca, you won’t be disappointed. Some of my fave pairs below!



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What They Wore: Holt Renfrew H Project Uncrate Southeast Asia


To celebrate the launch of H Project Uncrate Southeast Asia collection, Holt Renfrew threw a fab cocktail party hosted by Alexandra Weston, and complete with delicious (and almost too pretty to eat) bites by Chef Nuit Regular of Kiin, a special performance by Toronto Thai Dance Troupe, DJ Karim Olen Ash on the turntables, and some of Toronto’s best-dressed in attendance. 10% from all sales during the event was donated to Room to Read, a non-profit organization focused on girls’ education and literacy in Southeast Asia.

We got to check out the impressive newly-renovated H Project space on the third floor of the Bloor Street flagship, and of course, shop the new arrivals from the Uncrate Southeast Asia capsule. There were so many things to love – from stunning Kalita dresses, to chic Angelys Balek swimsuits, to adorable plush toys by Cambodia Knits. The Uncrate Southeast Asia collection highlights almost 20 brands like Beachgold, Kayu, Kandila Co, The Brave Collection, Girlfriend Collective and many more, with socially responsible products that are made with sustainable materials, produced by local artisans and communities. Beautiful products that create positive change in the world? What’s not to love?!

You can now shop Holt Renfrew’s Uncrate Southeast Asia collection in store at Bloor Street, Yorkdale, Square One, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and online until mid-summer. 





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CHANEL in The Snow Fall 2019 Collection

penelope-cruz-chanel
As someone who is really into snowboarding at the moment, the setting of the CHANEL in the Snow Fall 2019 Collection was thrilling to see. An entire collection of perfect apres ski clothes showcased in a faux alpine village, complete with Chalet Gardenia, CHANEL skis tucked into the snow, mountain backdrop, and of course, the snowy runway.

This was the first CHANEL show since Karl Lagerfeld’s passing, and most likely the last collection he co-designed with Virginie Viard (though rumour has it he had input into the upcoming cruise collection as well). It’s strange to think of CHANEL without Karl. The two have been inextricably linked since 1983 (longer than I’ve been alive!), and while I’m really excited to see where Virginie Viard will take the brand, I’m also sad that one of the most iconic designers to ever live is gone. To honour the late designer, there was a minute of silence before the show, and tearful models on the runway after, but the true celebration of his talent was the show and the collection itself.

Heavy on the menswear-inspired looks, with timeless oversized houndstooth suits and coats, substantial plaids, and high-waisted pants, but also with a good helping of cheerful bright tweeds, sheer tulle, iridescent sequins, and shiny leather, the Fall 2019 collection had the makings of a dream fall-winter wardrobe…mostly for off the slopes, but if I can get my hands on that fuzzy red CHANEL sweater, I’ll wear it all the time and for all occasions. No surprise, there were also a lot of gorgeous bags and accessories on the runway. As we know, Karl loved a cheeky minaudiere, and this collection was no exception. For CHANEL in the Snow, a ski lift minaudiere was introduced in three colourways, with “Coco” “drawn” on a steamy window. I’d love to see a “Karl” minaudiere in the future, and I wonder if that’ll ever happen.

What did you think of CHANEL in the Snow? Will you miss Karl Lagerfeld’s genius designs? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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What They Wore: Oscars 2019


Though I’m currently away on vacation, I knew I had to log in and blog about the 2019 Oscars fashion after seeing THAT dress on Gemma Chan. It’s pink, it’s tent-like, it has pockets and a ruffled collar, and it’s freaking perfect. Not boring, not predictable…just perfect. Thank you, Gemma, and thank you, Valentino for really bringing it. Gemma wasn’t the only one having a pink moment. I loved Maya Rudolph’s floral cape gown and that chic bob of hers…she looked incredible. Speaking of incredible, how gorgeous did Tessa Thompson look in her CHANEL Couture gown?! Understated, elegant, but still so far from boring. Love her so much, and love that the brand recognizes her amazingness too.

But while we always expect the women to make a splash on the red carpet, it was Billy Porter who seemed to be having the most fun in a velvet ballgown skirt, paired with a structured jacket on top, and attitude to match. Actually, this year’s Oscars had a veritable buffet of exciting looks on male actors: Stephan James and David Oyelowo in velvet Etro suits, Mark Ronson in haute bellboy attire, Nicholas Hoult in that drapey yet structured Dior jacket…so much better than the expected tuxedos, non?

There were also a few disappointments in my books…Lady Gaga in a whatever gown (I bet she had a million options to choose from, and this gown is what she chose?!), Brie Larson in Celine looking beautiful but also not very exciting, and Constance Wu, whom I looooove, in a fine Versace that just missed the mark for me (too reminiscent of Michelle Williams’ infamous marigold frock, but not as well-executed perhaps?!).

I’m rushing this post because my time on this business center computer is limited to 30 minutes…so I am sure I am missing some stellar and not-so-stellar looks, but I am including most of my faves in the gallery below. Let me know if you agree in the comments!



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Shopping: Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2019


I’ve always had a soft spot for Valentine’s Day, despite it being a “made up Hallmark holiday”. A day to celebrate love (whether it’s romantic love, friendship, or self-love) by consuming copious amounts of chocolate and other yummy treats, while treating yourself or your loved ones to cute presents that signify how much they mean to you? What’s not to love?!

Perhaps your mom has been asking about the benefits of face rollers (this one’s rose quartz and so pretty), or your significant other loves to cook (this heart-shaped Staub cocotte is delightful), maybe your friend is in search of a new perfume (this limited-edition CHANEL N°5 is a showstopper), or perhaps you’re a sucker for a good heart print (this Hermès scarf is for you!)…whoever makes your heart happy deserves to be treated to something that will make them smile.

Do you love Valentine’s Day and everything that comes with it? Share in the comments.

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CHANEL Haute Couture Spring 2019 Collection


The beauty of couture is that you can’t really appreciate it from images alone. It may seem ludicrous to spend an eye-watering amount of money on a gown sprinkled with some sequins, but in reality, these clothes are art – each piece exquisitely made, with every sequin applied by hand, one-of-a-kind. So while going through the photos of the CHANEL Spring 2019 Haute Couture collection, I took my time taking in each image, zooming in to check out the surprises that reveal themselves, like the delicate floral applique made out of feathers, or the dried flowers dipped in resin, or a gown that may appear white on first look, but is actually made entirely out of sequins. Breathtaking!

And while, of course, the mere mortals won’t be running off to boutiques, hoping to score one of these looks, I always hope to see the more creative gowns on a major red carpet, like the Academy Awards. Just imagine Lady Gaga in the look below, or Rachel Weisz in literally anything from this collection?! I know that these two don’t work with CHANEL, but one can dream.

Besides the intricate details, I loved the makeup look created for this runway show. Lower lash line winged eyeliner (instead of the usual top) seems to be fairly easy to replicate, and will surely spice up your usual eye makeup routine, without it being deemed too crazy. CHANEL’s global creative makeup and color designer Lucia Pica used the CHANEL Stylo Ombre et Contour pencil in Bleu Nuit to create the smoky effect, CHANEL Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme Intense Matte Lip Colour in Épitome on the lips, with a coat of CHANEL Rouge Allure Liquid Powder in Invincible on top, in case you wanted to try this at home.

What did you think of CHANEL Spring 2019 Haute Couture collection? Share in the comments.







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Golden Globes 2019: What They Wore


Did you watch the Golden Globes tonight? I totally forgot, so sadly, I completely missed the red carpet and had to catch up on the outfits online. Unsurprisingly, I feel like I didn’t miss all that much. Most stars don’t like to show their cards too early in the award season, and thus many of my usual faves went with snoozy gowns for tonight’s awards (looking at you, Emily Blunt and Emma Stone).

But of course, it wasn’t all forgettable. My fave looks from tonight included Timothee Chalamet in a custom Louis Vuitton harness, Lucy Boynton and Rachel Weisz in Celine, Richard Madden pulling off an all-velvet suit, Janelle Monae in a hot-off-the-runway CHANEL look, and Saoirse Ronan in a slinky chainmail Gucci. I also really loved Olivia Colman’s Stella McCartney look on TV, but not so much in photos.

And while there were a lot of underwhelming looks tonight, Amber Heard’s ill-fitting gown, paired with pretty terrible hair and harsh makeup was my worst-dressed of the night. After seeing (and loving) her in Aquaman, I can’t believe this is what she ended up with on the red carpet.

Did you watch the 2019 Golden Globe Awards? Which outfits won your vote? Share in the comments.






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Holidays 2018: Gift Guide


Shopbop
I love Shopbop for many reasons, but the amazing selection of high and low must-haves is what keeps me coming back again and again. If you’re looking for perfect holiday gifts, there’s no better time to get your Shopbop on. You can get up to 75% off sale and up to 25% off full-price items until November 25th, using promo code MORE18. Think vintage CHANEL and Hermes pieces that never go on sale, toasty cashmere, silk pillowcases, chic PJs…there are stylish gifts for every budget and every wishlist! And don’t forget to treat yourself while you’re at it.


Holt Renfrew
Holiday sales at Holt Renfrew are pretty epic. Over the years, I’ve treated myself to some lovely designer finds at a fraction of the original price, and this year I hope to continue this tradition. But while holiday shopping for yourself can be super satisfying, Holt Renfrew makes it super easy to stock up on prezzies for everyone on your list, from fashion lovers to tiny tots. There are sweet Parisian indulgences (Angelina Chocolate, anyone?), luxurious beauty finds (Diptyque gift sets, limited-edition CHANEL perfume, oh my!), stylish offerings from Canadian brands like Smythe, and too many heart-stopping pairs of shoes to count. Holt Renfrew is truly a one-stop Canadian shop for those unforgettable magenta-wrapped gifts anyone would be thrilled to find under their tree.


Indigo
Whenever I’m shopping for hostess gifts, presents for the little ones, or some cute but useful stocking stuffers, Indigo is my go-to. My faves this year include Becoming by Michelle Obama, cozy reading socks, a chic mirror compact that doubles as a cell-phone charger, the latest Fitbit Charge 3 (it comes in rose gold!), Jenny Bird pins, and one of the hottest gifts this year – the gravity blanket (for those with anxiety issues or trouble sleeping). Lots of pre-Black Friday sales are happening at Indigo at the moment, so it’s a really great time to get your shop on and save some money on those holiday presents.


Shoppers Drug Mart
If you collect PC Optimum points, then holiday shopping at Shoppers Drug Mart is a no-brainer. You can buy some really great presents, while earning points to treat yourself later. At a recent holiday preview, I spotted some wonderful gift ideas like magnetic makeup brushes by Quo, a wide selection of designer fragrances, luxurious beauty advent calendars (like this huge one from Artdeco), sleek electric toothbrushes, and so much more! There are plenty of gifts for kids, tech geeks, makeup lovers, hosts and hostesses, husbands, boyfriends, the mailman…you name it. And best of all, a lot of these gifts are available online, and plenty of stores are open 24/7, letting you shop around the clock.

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What They Wore: Holt Renfrew Footwear Hall Launch Party


Last week, Holt Renfrew revealed their spacious, newly-renovated Bloor Street Footwear Hall in Toronto with a chic shopping party, complete with delicious hors d’oeuvres, elderflower cocktails, and a fun portrait studio helmed by George Pimentel himself. We got to check out the shiny new Gucci and Christian Louboutin boutiques within the Footwear Hall, browse the stylish bags and shoes from brands like Aquatalia, Acne, Balenciaga, Chloe, Valentino, and lots more! The renovated space boasts 7,800 square feet on the mezzanine level and offers plenty of plush seating perfect for trying on as many shoes as your heart desires.

If you still haven’t visited the new Footwear Hall, make sure to stop by the Holt Renfrew Bloor St location and put a pair or two on your wishlist for Santa!




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