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You Are Invited: Marni Mini Market Pop Up at Holt Renfrew


If you love Marni and all things colourful, then Holt Renfrew is going to be your favourite place this month. The Marni Mini Market pop-up is now open at Holt Renfrew Yorkdale until July 22nd, with a series of limited edition products on offer, including “playful picnic baskets handmade by Colombian artisans, animal sculptures made from metal and colourful PVC, and reimagined versions of the famous Marni shopping bag in striped fabric”. I haven’t had the chance to pay a visit to the pop-up yet, but after studying the images very carefully, I think I need…EVERYTHING. And the best part is, it’s all really affordable considering that it’s Marni. Most bags and pouches are priced from $115 to $240, chic scarf necklaces are $280, and plant holders are $80.

If you live in Vancouver, then you’re in luck too, because Holt Renfrew Vancouver will be hosting the pop-up there from August 1st to 19th. This is the first time Marni Mini Market pop-up is available in North America, so shop accordingly.

Are you excited about this pop-up? Share in the comments.

Where: Holt Renfrew Yorkdale
When: Now – July 22

Where: Holt Renfrew Vancouver
When: August 1–19





Photo Credits: Holt Renfrew

CHANEL Resort 2019 – La Pausa

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The only way you could get me on a cruise ship ever is if the vessel was in fact a CHANEL La Pausa faux ship set in the middle of Grand Palais as a setting of the Resort 2019 fashion show. As always, mining the history of the iconic fashion house for inspiration, this year’s setting was partially inspired by La Pausa – Coco Chanel’s summer house in the South of France along with the fact that Coco was one of the first designers to create vacation clothes aka resortwear as far back as 1919. And while most of us don’t live in a world where we buy an entire new designer wardrobe for our vacations, resort collections usually tend to be my favourites…transporting me to far away locales, and helping me plan my own vacation outfits. This collection was no exception.

Consisting of a chic variety of easy-breezy dresses, striped pants and skirts, and CC-branded tees and sweaters, the CHANEL Resort 2019 collection is a jet-setter’s dream wardrobe and more. With logomania trend still going strong, I have a feeling that those tees and sweaters will go fast…just like the ones from the Cuba collection. Personally, I fell in love with a few double-breasted tweed jackets from this collection. I’ve been patiently waiting for “the one” CHANEL jacket, and I think a few from this collection fit the bill. Fingers crossed!

What did you think about CHANEL Resort 2019? Which pieces caught your eye? Share in the comments.

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More photos after the jump!
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H&M Conscious Exclusive Spring 2018 Collection


I haven’t been this excited about an H&M collection for a while now, but this year’s H&M Conscious Exclusive Spring 2018 collection is magnificent! Inspired by the “creative home of 19th and early 20th-century Swedish artists Karin and Carl Larsson”, and created using sustainable materials like organic linen, organic cotton, organic silk, TENCEL, recycled polyester, recycled silver, and ECONYL (100% regenerated nylon fiber made from fishnets and other nylon waste), the collection is chock-full of really beautiful clothes and accessories.

And since I put myself on a bit of a shopping ban, I’ll have to be very choosy about the pieces I end up buying. Right now, I am really loving the green jacquard dress, the dark blue suit, and the beautiful flower ring. The printed metallic mini dress is also top of my list.

What do you think about H&M Conscious Exclusive Spring 2018 collection? Are you as excited as I am? Share your favourites in the comments!




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Shopping: Holt Renfrew Contemporary Treehouse


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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Shopping: Holt Renfrew H Project Spring 2018


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



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.


More photos after the jump!
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What I Wore: Cute Winter Boots



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


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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Holidays 2017: Last-Minute Gifts That Don’t Suck


We are less than two weeks away from Christmas, and I am happy to report that I am pretty much done with my gift shopping. If you’re still stumped about what to get for your friends and family, here are some last-minute gift ideas that (we think) don’t suck. You obviously have to know a bit about the person you are getting the gift for, but I doubt someone would be disappointed with any of these presents.

1. Their Fave Drink
If the person you’re shopping for loves to host parties, or if you know what their drink of choice is, then getting a beautiful gift set from LCBO is a no-brainer. I love this Grey Goose Martini Pack ($59.95), but there are lots of other gift set options available.

2. Luxurious Touchscreen Gloves
Gloves are one of those things that people tend to lose all the time, so giving someone a beautiful new pair would certainly be appreciated. These Quill and Tine touchscreen beauties ($89) aren’t only made with 100% Italian lambskin and cashmere, but they are also crafted in Canada.

3. The Gift of Film
If your person is a film lover (and who isn’t?!), then the gift of TIFF Membership (starting at $49) is one of the best presents you can buy. With exclusive year-round savings and perks, ticket pre-sales, discounts, and special offers and events, this is the gift that will keep on giving all year long. If you don’t live in Toronto, annual membership to their fave museum or art gallery would also make for an awesome present.

4. Comfy Pajamas
I am not sure if it’s just me, but I loooove getting new PJs for Christmas! Get a luxurious set or a cute onesie, throw in some nourishing skincare masks, and a box of hot chocolate, and you’ve got a lovely gift set that will make them smile on those cold winter nights.

5. The Gift of Fitness
When shopping for someone who’s into fitness, there are plenty of gift options that are both cute and practical. Fitbit (and accessories) is something that I’ve given as a gift before, and it’s something that I use (and love) myself. Other fun gift ideas include: a fancy new yoga mat for your fave yoga lover, a nice gym bag for that gym goer in your life, a pair (or two) of cute grippy socks for a friend who loves to barre. If you know which gym or studio they frequent, a gift certificate to their fave workout place would also make for a thoughtful last-minute present.

6. Their Fave Perfume
This one requires a bit of knowledge about the person you’re buying the gift for. If you know which perfume they usually wear, then buying a lovely perfume gift set for them will be both thoughtful and well-received. This luxurious CHANEL N°5 L’EAU Gift Box ($214) from Holt Renfrew is definitely top of my list, as is this adorable Miu Miu Mini Duo Set ($95) from Sephora.

Hermès Boutique Opens at 100 Bloor Street West in Toronto

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For months now, I’ve been walking by the giant orange Hermès box at 100 Bloor St West eagerly awaiting the opening of the huge new store, and on Tuesday I finally got a chance to see it for myself. Airy, bright, beautiful, and spanning two storeys, the new boutique is certainly an upgrade from the more quaint location just down the street. The magnificent oval staircase with leather-lined handrail is the centerpiece that stuns and awes when you first enter the store, but the meticulously curated “universes” of the boutique are what make this Hermès location really shine. From the exquisite tablescapes, to cozy (in a luxuriously Hermès way, of course) sitting areas, to rare bags on display, this boutique is beyond a doubt a special place to shop. I still have much left to explore, since on preview day, the store was packed to the brim with stylish guests, but I am planning on making a leisurely stop later this week.

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After the sneak peek of the beautiful new store, the guests in attendance were shuttled off to a private after-party at Evergreen Brickworks, where a magical winter wonderland complete with ice-skating, games, and a surreal pastel-rainbow-like landscape was created. I wouldn’t be embellishing if I said that it was one of the best parties I’ve attended this year. We danced, ate cotton candy and foie gras, indulged in champagne…and Champagne Papi!!! That was the ultimate surprise – just as we thought the party couldn’t get any more fun, we noticed people gathering near the stage, and so we joined in, only to be treated to an intimate performance by Majid Jordan and Drake! We even got a little standup routine from the latter, who jokingly scolded his mom for not wearing Hermès to the party. Drake is reported to be quite the Birkin collector, so the brand love is real. Needless to say, having Drake sing right into my face, just feet away from me was an experience I won’t soon forget.


Several sightings of rare Birkins later, we were back on the shuttle to Bloor Street, and ready to call it a night. And what an unforgettable night it was to celebrate the arrival of the bigger and better Hermès boutique in Toronto! If you’re a fan of the brand (not unlike Drake), please do yourself a favour and stop by the boutique to see its beauty in person. You never know who you might run into!





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More photos after the jump!
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