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Shopping: Shopbop Spring 2019 Trends


It’s that time of the year – spring is in the air, birds are chirping, temperatures are climbing, and all I want to do is wear fewer layers. This spring, I am trying not to overspend, and instead invest in a few smart pieces that will complement my existing wardrobe options, while adding a little freshness to the clothes I’ve grown tired of. For months now, I’ve been slowly building my perfect spring Shopbop wishlist, and at a recent preview, I actually got to see a lot of these pieces IRL. If you’re trying to update your wardrobe this season, and are looking to try a few hot trends, below are my personal faves – from Animal Print (which is technically a classic, so you may already have a piece or two in your closet), to touches of Neon, to my weekend staple of Coveralls, you don’t have to embrace each and every trend, but you may just find a piece or two that you’ll love and wear all the time, which is my goal too.

And to sweeten the deal, you can save up to 25% off regular AND sale items until April 12th by using promo code EVENT19. This is Shopbop’s Event of the Season, so if you’ve been eyeing something, now is the time to take the plunge, especially if it’s already on sale…getting a discount on an already reduced item is such a good feeling.

Happy Shopping!

Animal Print

Neon

Overalls

Strappy Sandals

Tie Dye


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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: Holt Renfrew Unveils New Beauty Hall


After months of renovations, Holt Renfrew has unveiled its gleaming new Beauty Hall on the concourse level of the Bloor Street flagship. The seemingly never-ending 12,000
square foot department was designed by Kramer Design Group with master architects, Gensler, and features 45 skincare, fragrance and colour brands, a dedicated clean beauty area, a master class event space, two Holt Renfrew skincare cabines, a fragrance library and lots more. Some of the brands available at the Holt Renfrew Beauty Hall include Aesop, La Prairie, Chantecaille, Sulwhasoo, Oribe, Susanne Kaufmann, Tata Harper, Byredo, and Jo Malone, among many others. A CHANEL Beauty Boutique will be opening within the Beauty Hall later this year as well.

Photos don’t do this space justice, you must see it for yourself. Whether you’re looking to refresh your skincare routine, learn about new beauty brands, or shopping for the perfect gift, the Holt Renfrew Beauty Hall has something for everyone, and it’s just the beginning for the 50 Bloor Street West store. By the end of the year, the main floor beauty and colour space renovation will also be completed, and by 2020, the remaining floors, including the new women’s leather goods and jewellery area, new vendor shops from Celine, Prada, Dior, Balenciaga and a gourmet dining experience in the new Colette Grand café will be updated and renovated. If the rest of the renovations are as impressive as the Beauty Hall, the flagship store is going to be a gem! Until then, make sure to stop by the new beauty space on the concourse level of the 50 Bloor Street West flagship store, and check out the awe-inspiring department for yourself.




Photo Credits: Holt Renfrew

Beauty: Murale Spring 2019 Preview


Now that it’s officially spring, it’s time for a beauty routine refresh. Cold temps, windy snowboarding trips, and a quick but sunburny trip to the Dominican Republic left my skin feeling just a little stressed out. Luckily, I had a few goodies from the Murale Spring 2019 preview to give me a hand with repairing the damage. If you’re in need of a few new goodies to bring your glow back this spring, check out some of my faves from Murale (and Shoppers Drug Mart) below.

ORGANIC PHARMACY Skin Brush, $23
Not only does dry brushing boosts circulation and lymphatic system, but it also helps with avoiding ingrown hairs post-waxing, and is great for gentle exfoliation. I’ve been using mine religiously after my sunburn and not only did it feel great, it helped me get rid of the dreaded peeling in no time.

Available now in-store and on shoppersdrugmart.ca/beauty

STRIVECTIN Blue Rescue™ Clay Renewal Mask $49
This multi-tasking clay mask uses nourishing oceanic extracts and balancing probiotics to reduce the look of fine lines, enlarged pores, rough texture and dullness in just ten minutes. The massage-activated formula goes from white to an ocean blue colour as it smooths, reduces redness and boosts radiance.

Available now in-store and on shoppersdrugmart.ca/beauty

FILORGA NCEF-NIGHT MASK $95
Night masks are my fave…the active ingredients work hard overnight to make your skin look more rested and more youthful when you wake up…what’s not to love?! And this one from Filorga is top-notch. Peptides boost hyaluronic acid and collagen to smooth wrinkles and plump the skin, silk tree extract stimulates melatonin, a natural sleep regulator, for a well-rested appearance, and red indigo extract fights the negative effects of daily stress for a more radiant complexion.

Available March 2019 in-store and on shoppersdrugmart.ca/beauty

PATCHOLOGY Resting Beach Face Soothing Sheet Mask + Lip Gel Kit, $20
This kit was a life-saver! I actually brought one soothing sheet mask with me on the plane, and it helped my dehydrated skin be less dehydrated. Soothe Sheet Mask: Created with the best ingredients from Mother Nature’s medicine cabinet, this masque is a five-minute remedy. Aloe Vera and Cotton Seed Extract are natural anti-inflammatories that help soothe and calm redness. Schisandra Berry de-stresses skin and improves moisture for a plump, youthful glow. Bursting with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this blend of Rosemary, Sage, and Lavender helps repair irritated skin. Hydrating Lip Gel: Instantly moisturizes dry lips. Each five-minute biodegradable lip mask combines ingredients like Peptides to improve elasticity, Green Tea to soothe, and Niacinamide to prevent water loss.

Available April 2019 in-store and on shoppersdrugmart.ca/beauty

TEAOLOGY White Tea Miracle Drops $49
If you already use a serum and a good moisturizer, but still suffer from dry skin, this product may just be the answer. It really does leave the skin feeling softer and more moisturized. The formula is an effective anti-aging concentrate, containing a precious White Tea infusion, full of powerful antioxidant polyphenols (Epigallocatechin EGCG), combined with a peptide complex that helps re-densify skin tissue. Stabilized Vitamin C enhances the complexion’s brightness and stimulates collagen production. When used every day, skin appears fresher, smoother and more radiant.

Available now in-store and on shoppersdrugmart.ca/beauty

JOWAE Hydrating Water Mist $19
This hydrating mist is inspired by Korean lotions and is used following make-up removal to add extra hydration  and refresh the skin with Sakura blossom hydrolat with antioxidant Lumiphenols in a fine and gentle mist.

Available now exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart

FOREO UFO Advanced Mask Collection, $25
I haven’t tried FOREO’s UFO Masks just yet, but I was definitely intrigued at the preview. FOREO’s new collection of five UFO Activated Mask formulas target a variety of skin concerns and combine a highly-concentrated face mask with an expert UFO treatment routine for total skin recovery. Sounds both high-tech and relaxing…sign me up!

Available now in-store and on shoppersdrugmart.ca/beauty

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.

chanel-skis-winter-2019
chanel-logo-jumper-sweater
chanel-ski-lift-minaudiere


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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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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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