How to Enjoy the Best of Toronto
We Brew our own Beer!
This European-style pilsner is hopping its way through Toronto and taking a stand on the microbrewery front. Whether you are a beer-lover or are just interested in a new afternoon activity, it’s time for you to visit the SteamWhistle Brewery. The staff of knowledgeable beer drinkers will take you on a tour of the brewery, provide you with a sample, show you exactly how the beer is brewed, bottled, delivered and even hand you a six-pack on your way out the door! What more could you ask for? And Steamwhistle is not the only microbrewery in Toronto. Your next stop is the Distillery District! This beautiful area in Toronto, just steps away from St. Lawrence Market is a blast to another dimension. Between the galleries, shops, Soma Chocolate Factory, and famous Boiler House restaurant, you’ll find Mill St. Brewery. Brewing over a dozen beers, the Mill St. Pub has tasting trays of beers in order to grasp a sense of what they are all about. Try the Mill St. Lemon Tea beer or Coffee Porter to really sample those taste buds!
Let’s take a Stroll in the Park
It’s time to take a trip west…west Toronto that is! Just like Central Park in New York City, Toronto follows suit with our own High Park. Situated on the waterfront, High Park is eye-catching. Between the trees, the park is mystical. Bike trails, tennis courts, gardens, water streams, dog parks, a theatre stage, swimming pools...I could go on and on! The activities are endless. It is time to take out your summer dresses and pack a picnic. Flip-flop your way to the park to throw a Frisbee and bask in the sunshine.
View from the Top
Toronto is a sight to see on its own! Why not see it all at once? The CN Tower, located just south-west of Union Station is full of activity. Between the outdoor summer vendors, to the baseball game crowd entering and exiting the Rogers Center, it is full of life! Make a reservation at 360˚ and receive a free trip to the top of the tower. Your dining experience is surrounded by glass, as if you are floating atop the city and the view is breathtaking. Whether you are eating lunch and see the sun hit the buildings, watching rain fall on rooftops, or having dinner in the moonlight, the sight is equally amazing. The CN Tower is a staple in Toronto tourism, so what is stopping the locals from checking it out?
To Market, to Market!
Next stop, Kensington Market! Summertime Sunday afternoons in Kensington Market are nothing to be missed. The fruit markets shine with vibrant colours, vintage stores are in full supply, and the streets are full of performers. Road traffic is blocked from the streets to encourage foot traffic, Jamaican drums are banging with reggae beats, and the aroma of fresh baked pastries fills the nostrils of pedestrians; it’s time for Sangria Sundays. After popping into Courage My Love for a new pair of vintage shades, make your way down College Street and stop at Nirvana for cheap, fruit-filled, and mouthwatering sangria. Their front windows are floor to ceiling and always propped open, so whether you get a patio table or sit inside, you will feel the warmth of the Toronto sun.
Ciao Bella
Just a few steps west from Kensington Market, you’ll find yourself in a whole different country. Little Italy, located on College Street and just west of Bathrust Street, is the place to indulge! Between the pizzas cooked in wood-burning ovens at Vivoli to the lip smacking gelato at Dolce to the glasses topped with vino at Calisto, a vacation only begins when you arrive in Italy! Italians love their soccer, and if you catch yourself during a soccer game at Café Diplomatico, be prepared to witness enthusiastic fans on the jam-packed patio! If you manage to beat the crowd and land a seat, Viva Italia!
Friday, February 11, 2011
How to get that City Look!
Most fashionistas in Toronto dream about the day when they walk in to David’s to buy those Christian Louboutin pumps, or walk into Chanel to buy that leather quilted bag. But, in Toronto there is so much to offer for the up-scale fashionista. You may be thinking “I get it, Holt Renfrew”- but when it comes to Toronto there is so much hidden talent that people don’t bother to pay attention to. Sure our designers may not all be on the cover of Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar but that doesn’t mean Toronto has a lack of talent, you just have to know where to find it!
Toronto fashion is usually swept under the rug or just not taken serious (even by its own people). I asked some of my fellow Toronto Fashionistas why fashion from Toronto or Canada is not taken seriously. While some answers were very informative, others were downright depressing. Many people mentioned that the government does not put enough funding into Canadian fashion association, Fashion Design Council of Canada. With the government putting less money into the FDCC Canada looses what other fashion capitals have - promotion and support! For example if Anna Dello Russo attends a show, the entire fashion community will know about it. If Lisa Tant "tweets" about a show only the 5,000 Canadians who follow her on twitter will know about it. With our show productions having a much lower budget then London, Paris or New York our shows look like they can't even come close to be taken seriously in a high fashion world. Not only do we have considerably less money but we also have a lack of population! Canada is only a nation of 34 million compared to 300+ million in the United States, 62+ million in France and 61+ million in United Kingdom. With Canada having a lower population and even lower amount of wealthy consumers means that high end Canadian designers are making even less money. Another challenge is that many Canadians will travel to shop; many go to the US for Black Friday rather than spending their money in their own country. Many Canadians shop in the States because in Canada there is a lack of high end retailers. Holt Renfrew has no other competition then the high end boutique inside The Bay. Many would say because of the fact that Canada has less population and wealth there is no need for another high end department store. “Well, for one thing, there's a limited population in this country with big bucks to spend....” said by Jeanne Becker (Fashion Television) when I asked her on Twitter why Holts was the only high end department store in Canada.
If Canadians would stop traveling to shop and support local designers our fashion industry would be in a lot better state. If you do attend Toronto Fashion Week then you would know about talented designers such as Pink Tartan, Line, Bustle, Evan Bidell and (new comer) Amanda Lew Kee. And of course you have heard of the Canadian designers that sell at Holts such as Dsquard, Greta Constantine, Ports1961 and Smythe. Other than Holt Renfrew there are many hot shopping areas in Toronto such as Queen Street West, Yorkville and Don Mills. Queen Street West has hot stores such as JacFlash, Jonathan and Olivia and Balisi. Yorkville has Anthropology, TNT as well as Over the Rainbow. Don Mills offers a similar selection to Yorkdale with stores like Mendocino and Aritzia. All of these stores support Canadian fashion at its best! So let’s get out there and support our own!
The Secret to Great Style
Personal style and image is important; learning to foster yours is as easy as ABC…
Whether or not you like fashion or put an effort into what you’re wearing everyday doesn’t make style less of a priority. Image is everything. People wear clothes to fulfill a variety of physical, psychological and social needs. When you get dressed everyday, your needs are fulfilled to different degrees based on what you place as priority in life. Most people tend to choose clothes based off of physical need (i.e. the need for comfort or practicality). However, what most people don't understand they can fulfill all their needs by simply following a few guidelines based on their body type.
Understanding your body makes dressing yourself more fun and will make you feel more confident! There are four different body types, and every woman fits in to one of these categories whether they're a size 6 or a size 16. The first step toward great style is figuring out which type you are.
The first body type is called the 'A' body, and refers to women who have small shoulders and/or small chests and carry their weight around their bottom half. The key to dressing the 'A' body is to balance the weight of your bottom half by drawing the eye up. Interesting necklines, statement necklaces, prints and patterns, all these things work wonders. It is important to wear plainer bottoms that don't draw or distract the eye. Balance, as you'll learn, is the key to flattering your body an achieving great style.
The second is the 'T' body, which is the exact opposite of the 'A' body, meaning you aren't very shapely on the bottom, and you have broad shoulders and/or a large chest. The key to dressing this body type is – again – balance! Opt for fuller skirts to give your bottom half some volume, and always be sure to highlight your waist!
The 'H' body is the third body type, and it means that your body has little to no shape to it, or you might be very athletically built. If you're an 'H', your sides have almost no curves when you look head on at yourself. The trick to dressing this body is to create curves. You can afford to add some volume to both the top and the bottom to give you that envious hourglass figure. Again, remember to highlight your waistline!
Lastly, the 'X' body is the 'ideal' body type. It is what all the 'A', 'T' and 'H's are all trying to achieve. If you are an 'X', your shoulders and hips are about the same width (when looking head on) and your waist is 15+ cm smaller than your shoulders. This is the easiest body type to dress as you naturally have balanced curves and therefore don't have to worry about counter balancing your shape.
Fashion is highly personal and very public, and your clothes say more about you than you ever could. If you’re well put together (which doesn’t have to be complicated) you are showing that you take yourself seriously. If you look like a slob, you’re visually saying that you ‘don’t care’. When it comes to your fashion choices, satisfy your needs and your wants by exercising your creativity within some guidelines. You should show off your shape by dressing for your body, wearing outfits that fit and flatter.
Having great style is all about finding harmony, achieving a sense of ‘balance’ visually. In addition to this also remember to dress for the occasion. If you’re attending an event, it is important to know what the dress code is. You don’t want to show up in jeans and a frumpy t-shirt to a party that calls for a cocktail dress. People will only take you as seriously as you take yourself, so dress for who you are and the life that you lead, as well as the person you want to be and the life you want to live.
INSIDE BEAUTY STORY
Get gorgeous trade secrets that all girls should know!
Forget those elaborate trips to the spa and give those purse strings a break! While trips to the salon and spa can be a source of much needed relaxation and beatification, you can easily transform yourself in your own home. Turn your back on scouring for expensive products and beauty parlors with these essential beauty secrets!
Eye Enhancers
· Camouflage those dark circles by using a concealer that is one shade lighter than your regular skin tone.
· To brighten your eyes and to make them look larger, rim your inner lash lines with white eyeliner. Don’t forget to rim the corners if you choose to apply additional color liner and shadow.
· For va va voom eyes, add sex appeal by wearing false eyelashes and applying copious amounts of black or brown mascara to both the top and bottom lashes.
· Get the disheveled rocker look by applying metallic eye shadows wet then follow that up by applying eyeliner and lightly smudging it with a q-tip for intensity.
Face Time
· Customize your own tinted moisturizer shade by adding a lightweight moisturizer to your regular foundation. Blend well and apply like an all-over face moisturizer - perfect for those sticky summer days.
· Enhance your look by creating your own cream blush or bronzer by mixing the powders with a little Vaseline! Not only will the shine create a captivating dewy look, but it is also the perfect waste friendly way to make use of all your makeup. (FYI: This can also be done for the lips!)
· Use natural light to determine your ideal foundation and concealer shade. Make sure to check your complexion by the window to catch any mistakes.
· All color lasting lips start with a good lip foundation. Apply your lip balm of choice and color you lips lightly with a matching lip liner shade; then follow it up with your lipstick of choice and your lips will appear untouched for hours!
· You can find some of the best exfoliates right in your own kitchen. Salt, oatmeal, and sugar all have strong granules, making them ideal for dead skin removal.
· Refresh a dull complexion through sleep, drinking lots of water, and eating an apple. It’s amazing how such a simple formula be so powerful!
Nail Perfection
· Say goodbye to dry nails by using acetone-free nail polish remover and nail buffers to encourage new nail growth.
· Remember to always file your nails in one direction to avoid damage and nail breaks!
· For softer cuticles and stronger nails, warm a small dish of olive oil with a dab of lemon juice and soak your nails for 5- 10 minutes.
· When painting your nails, paint a little over the edge of your nails to avoid chipping and remember to always use topcoat to achieve that professional manicured look.
Hair Days
· Plagued by fine hair? Avoid turning up the heat on your hair styling tools; you run the risk of weakening and damaging your precious locks.
· Blondes take note – if you are on the go and are in need of a wash and blowout, simply sprinkle talcum powder onto your roots for absorbing oils and blow-dry your hair with your head turned upside down for dramatic volume.
· Tame your tresses by enriching them with natural ingredients. An egg white mask can be used for conditioning, while an egg yolk mask rubbed deep into the scalp can be used for enhancing hair growth. Who knew that protein rich eggs could be so versatile?
HEAT RASH
Live life spontaneously this summer and see just how FUN carefree can be.
Lose The Locks
Try lightening things up when the weather gets warmer. A trim off the old locks can be
really liberating! And it will keep you feeling cool and airy. If you're really daring, give a
super short hairstyle a go. A new haircut can make you feel refreshed, or like a brand
new person. A phoenix may just arise from those clippings! Bring in a new shade while
you're basking in the sun. Brighten brunette to caramel, or get some honey hilights.
There's no need to fear going under the scissors. After all, it's just hair. And it'll grow
back before the leaves hit the sidewalk.
Outfit Out There
It's time to unbutton those tight collars and let loose. Experiment with a new style that
you normally wouldn't dare to wear. Try a more laid-back approach to dressing by
making it less about impressing, and more about expressing. Purchase those pieces you
often eye at the store but never think you could pull off. Because if there's any time to
take risks, it's now! Summer is the season for fun, and you should be having it - and look
like it too. Play with colour, dabble in patterns. Make some bold attempts, and who
knows? You may end up incorporating some of your new found fun and fresh style into
your fall wardrobe.
Black and white business suits? Throw in some bright colours or floral patterns to
bring a little summer breeze into a stuffy workplace.
Get-A-Vacay
You work all year long. Take some time off to do something for yourself- and you can
always bring your friends along too! Take a trip to a place that you've been dying to see.
Exploring new territories will get you unstuck from any rut. Book a week or two and tour
the hotspots of the World. Take the tube in London, roam around in Rome, and peruse
a newspaper at a cafe in Paris.
Not hot enough at home for you? Relocate to a tropical island, like Maui, for a few days.
You don't have to jet away to distant destinations. Stay closer to home and take
advantage of the age old cure for stale scenery: the Roadtrip! Spend a day in the car and
see what the highway has to offer. Browse through the small towns on the way. Check
out some antique shops or sample the menu at a local diner. You never know what
hidden treasures you might find.
Saddle-Up Spur Of The Moment
A day off with nothing to do? Don't settle for being lazy. Do something! Get out in the
sun while it's hot. If you have no plans, make them quick and to try something new. Go
horseback riding, rent a Seadoo, or check out what's happening on the beach. Make your
free time is well spent. There are only so many days of summer so you can't let them slip
away! Everyone enjoys a day of pure leisure once in awhile, but the heat can make
you lethargic so try to stay active. What else is more exciting and energizing than
spontaneously jumping on your bike and treading through some trails, or calling some
friends for an impromptu park picnic?
If you're feeling extreme, skydiving perhaps? But if not, a splurge at the mall will suffice.
Some of us prefer our credit cards bills to be higher than our altitude. Get out and wear
out those flip flops before your feet are forced to revisit those itchy woolen socks.
Skinnydipping! (No Need For An Introduction)
Quit stressing over shedding pounds and shed your inhibitions - and your clothes - for
just one night. Jump in! You won't be disappointed. A quick dip will give you an
experience that will be remembered for the rest of your life. Just try not to get arrested
for indecent exposure. Though, that's one way to end an epic summer.
By: Christien Michael Love
Shop Your Personal Style...Online
An online shopping tour guide for the fashion obsessed
Eclectic...Unique...& Edgy ...Oh My!
If your nightmare is showing up at a party and seeing your arch-nemesis wearing the same outfit as you then http://www.pixiemarket.com is the place for you to shop. This site is flooded with a massive selection of exclusive, quirky and covetable pieces that are so hard to come by these days. Many of the items on the site are travel finds or made by designers who are so new they have yet to hit the mainstream market. You want maxi fringe dresses, confetti shorts, and dinosaur cuff bracelets at affordable prices? Pixiemarket.com is the answer to your wardrobe dreams and more.
Some Things Old, Many Things New
This one goes out to the fashion conscious ladies and gents who bow down to a shopping site that carries over 800 brands and 40,000 unique styles. http://www.ASOS.com (as seen on screen) is a U.K based shopping Mecca with unique features such as catwalk videos for most of the on site clothing, a fashion blog, and a section which allows users to create their own profiles and communicate though forums, groups, and blogs. The best part of the site is the marketplace where any Tom, Dick or Harry can create a profile and sell their stuff. Great for the seller to make some extra cash and even better for the buyer who finds unique pieces from around the world. If that isn’t great enough and to make life easier, every product on the site is categorized and sorted so you can find exactly what you are looking for. Happy shopping!
Boutique-Palooza
Ever wanted to have your own boutique? Or pondered what the celebrity, designer or blogger you idolize would carry in their own personalized boutique this season? Well http://www.boutiques.com takes fashion to a personal level allowing you to shop mini boutiques that are created by style icons such as Mary-Kate Olsen, Nicole Richie and Emma Roberts. You can even become your own Coco Chanel by creating and personalizing a boutique that other users can shop in. If you don’t feel you have it in you to create a boutique, then let the site be your personal shopper. Take the “about me” survey and clothing that suits your personal preference appears and brings you to corresponding websites for easy checkout. Embrace this shopping site people...it’s the way of the future!
The Real Deal
Label obsessed but on a student budget? Love finding a designer bargain but hate the bargain store mess? Well http://www.theoutnet.com is the site to surf if you are looking for top designer brands such as Miu Miu and Alexander Wang at an up to 80% off discount. This “most fashionable outlet” has daily additions, monthly pop up sales, giveaways (who wouldn’t want a free Marni bag?), and flash sale prices that literally drop in front of your eyes. As for the girl in need of a new look for a hot date or a weekend getaway, the “dress me” option will assemble an entire discounted designer outfit within seconds. So shop it before it’s going...going...gone.
Shop in the Land Down Under
Grab your mates and shop http://www.pitbullmansion.com This Australian based site offers apparel to men and women who have distinct styles and want quality garments. This site acts as an actual boutique with lots of breadth but not much depth. Each piece is carefully chosen to fully represent each designer they carry. If you like your wardrobe to be one season ahead of the masses...shopping in a continent across the world is the answer. Con: Shipping takes several weeks. Pro: By the time your order arrives it will be the right season to wear it.
Isn't She Lashy
The natural way to longer lashes without enduring a painful surgical procedure.
Once upon a time, in what was later referred to as the cosmetics industry, products were made to enhance a woman’s beauty. We had luxurious lipsticks to make us look desirable, eye shadow to make us seem mysterious, and blush to show how off our lovely facial structure. The first women to wear makeup existed in 4000BC and ruled Ancient Egypt. It is no doubt that they came up with cat-eye eyeliner that we so love to mimic today with our modern liquid eyeliner. And what makes up a smouldering, captivating and mysterious pair of eyes? Mascara dumped and spread onto nothing-special eyelashes. Ta da! But lets bring us back to modern day gorgeousness, we have the bodacious Scarlett Johansson, exotic Eva Mendes, elegantly stunning Angelina Jolie, beautiful Kim Kardashian, and Victoria’s Secret’s bombshell Adriana Lima to aspire after. And what do these lovely women have in common? Daring eyes with eyelashes for days.
A new innovation
Making a shift in the cosmetic industry, particularly mascara-creaters, Allergan Inc has created a product called LATISSE, which simply makes your natural lashes grow. Allergan Inc has been established for over 60 years and are the creators of the BOTOX Cosmetic, JUEVDERM XC, Brilliant Distinctions and NATRELLE. They have proven to be in popular standing in safe and non-surgical cosmetic procedures for which they have sold over 1.5 million tubes of LATISSE which is FDA-approved. The product calls for a prescription and is not readily available for you to snag off a shelf in your local drug store as it is described as being a treatment. Meaning, you apply the medicated substance every morning after you wash your face and every night before you snooze. You would apply this treatment only to your top lashes right as the roots going from the inside corner of your eye right to the other end. One swab is often enough, however instructional videos are posted on their website (www.latisse.com) as well as in a pamphlet. Over-the-counter prescriptions are available but this wondrous tube is worth it, no? The active ingredient that you’re looking for is called bimatoprost and is guaranteed to make your eyelashes grow double (or even triple) your original length. The product is a small ointment bottle with a smaller-than-usual wand with a soft brush for easy application. The side effects include darkening of the skin, itchy eyes or redness. Again, consult the pamphlet before use. The price tag is around $95.
The mantra is...
An alternative to LATISSE is a brand called LashMantra, which uses 100% all natural ingredients and is described as a serum. It encompasses the same concept and process of application to growing your lashes, but according to their website, you won’t have to suffer eye irritation, and it is free from artificial fragrances, colorants, parabens, preservatives and chemicals. It can be used up to 3 – 6 months. Lash Mantra is not as widely known in comparison to Latisse. The packaging includes a small mascara-looking tube with the serum in the smaller bottle. The price tag for LashMantra is $60 if you buy it on their website where shipping is also free (www.lashmantra.com).
The traditional approach
If you do not fancy spreading foreign substances onto your natural lashes and would prefer a more traditional way of enhancing your lashes, try Rimmel London’s New Lash Accelerator Mascara. The packaging says your lashes appear up to 80 percent longer instantly and it promises to increase growth of your lashes to 117 percent in just 30 days. The ingredients include a ‘Growth-Lash Complex’ and the product is in a regular tube of mascara. The price is going for $11.49 and can be snagged at Shopper’s Drug Mart. Simple, easy and no over the counter prescription needed.
Other eyelash growth brands include:
LiLash Purified Eyelash Stimulator - $139.97
(www.lilash.com)
Marini Lash Eyelash Conditioner - $149.99
(www.janmarini.com)
Enormous Lash by Inuit Beauty - $94.99
(www.beautysociety.com)
Once upon a time, in what was later referred to as the cosmetics industry, products were made to enhance a woman’s beauty. We had luxurious lipsticks to make us look desirable, eye shadow to make us seem mysterious, and blush to show how off our lovely facial structure. The first women to wear makeup existed in 4000BC and ruled Ancient Egypt. It is no doubt that they came up with cat-eye eyeliner that we so love to mimic today with our modern liquid eyeliner. And what makes up a smouldering, captivating and mysterious pair of eyes? Mascara dumped and spread onto nothing-special eyelashes. Ta da! But lets bring us back to modern day gorgeousness, we have the bodacious Scarlett Johansson, exotic Eva Mendes, elegantly stunning Angelina Jolie, beautiful Kim Kardashian, and Victoria’s Secret’s bombshell Adriana Lima to aspire after. And what do these lovely women have in common? Daring eyes with eyelashes for days.
A new innovation
Making a shift in the cosmetic industry, particularly mascara-creaters, Allergan Inc has created a product called LATISSE, which simply makes your natural lashes grow. Allergan Inc has been established for over 60 years and are the creators of the BOTOX Cosmetic, JUEVDERM XC, Brilliant Distinctions and NATRELLE. They have proven to be in popular standing in safe and non-surgical cosmetic procedures for which they have sold over 1.5 million tubes of LATISSE which is FDA-approved. The product calls for a prescription and is not readily available for you to snag off a shelf in your local drug store as it is described as being a treatment. Meaning, you apply the medicated substance every morning after you wash your face and every night before you snooze. You would apply this treatment only to your top lashes right as the roots going from the inside corner of your eye right to the other end. One swab is often enough, however instructional videos are posted on their website (www.latisse.com) as well as in a pamphlet. Over-the-counter prescriptions are available but this wondrous tube is worth it, no? The active ingredient that you’re looking for is called bimatoprost and is guaranteed to make your eyelashes grow double (or even triple) your original length. The product is a small ointment bottle with a smaller-than-usual wand with a soft brush for easy application. The side effects include darkening of the skin, itchy eyes or redness. Again, consult the pamphlet before use. The price tag is around $95.
The mantra is...
An alternative to LATISSE is a brand called LashMantra, which uses 100% all natural ingredients and is described as a serum. It encompasses the same concept and process of application to growing your lashes, but according to their website, you won’t have to suffer eye irritation, and it is free from artificial fragrances, colorants, parabens, preservatives and chemicals. It can be used up to 3 – 6 months. Lash Mantra is not as widely known in comparison to Latisse. The packaging includes a small mascara-looking tube with the serum in the smaller bottle. The price tag for LashMantra is $60 if you buy it on their website where shipping is also free (www.lashmantra.com).
The traditional approach
If you do not fancy spreading foreign substances onto your natural lashes and would prefer a more traditional way of enhancing your lashes, try Rimmel London’s New Lash Accelerator Mascara. The packaging says your lashes appear up to 80 percent longer instantly and it promises to increase growth of your lashes to 117 percent in just 30 days. The ingredients include a ‘Growth-Lash Complex’ and the product is in a regular tube of mascara. The price is going for $11.49 and can be snagged at Shopper’s Drug Mart. Simple, easy and no over the counter prescription needed.
Other eyelash growth brands include:
LiLash Purified Eyelash Stimulator - $139.97
(www.lilash.com)
Marini Lash Eyelash Conditioner - $149.99
(www.janmarini.com)
Enormous Lash by Inuit Beauty - $94.99
(www.beautysociety.com)
Isn’t She Lashy
The natural way to grow your eyelashes without enduring a painful surgical procedure.
Once upon a time, in what was later referred to as the cosmetics industry, products were made to enhance a woman’s beauty. We had luxurious lipsticks to make us look desirable, eye shadow to make us seem mysterious, and blush to show how off our lovely facial structure. The first women to wear makeup existed in 4000BC and ruled Ancient Egypt. It is no doubt that they came up with cat-eye eyeliner that we so love to mimic today with our modern liquid eyeliner. And what makes up a smouldering, captivating and mysterious pair of eyes? Mascara dumped and spread onto nothing-special eyelashes. Ta da! But lets bring us back to modern day gorgeousness, we have the bodacious Scarlett Johansson, exotic Eva Mendes, elegantly stunning Angelina Jolie, beautiful Kim Kardashian, and Victoria’s Secret’s bombshell Adriana Lima to aspire after. And what do these lovely women have in common? Daring eyes with eyelashes for days.
A new innovation
Making a shift in the cosmetic industry, particularly mascara-creaters, Allergan Inc has created a product called LATISSE, which simply makes your natural lashes grow. Allergan Inc has been established for over 60 years and are the creators of the BOTOX Cosmetic, JUEVDERM XC, Brilliant Distinctions and NATRELLE. They have proven to be in popular standing in safe and non-surgical cosmetic procedures for which they have sold over 1.5 million tubes of LATISSE which is FDA-approved. The product calls for a prescription and is not readily available for you to snag off a shelf in your local drug store as it is described as being a treatment. Meaning, you apply the medicated substance every morning after you wash your face and every night before you snooze. You would apply this treatment only to your top lashes right as the roots going from the inside corner of your eye right to the other end. One swab is often enough, however instructional videos are posted on their website (www.latisse.com) as well as in a pamphlet. Over-the-counter prescriptions are available but this wondrous tube is worth it, no? The active ingredient that you’re looking for is called bimatoprost and is guaranteed to make your eyelashes grow double (or even triple) your original length. The product is a small ointment bottle with a smaller-than-usual wand with a soft brush for easy application. The side effects include darkening of the skin, itchy eyes or redness. Again, consult the pamphlet before use. The price tag is around $95.
The mantra is...
An alternative to LATISSE is a brand called LashMantra, which uses 100% all natural ingredients and is described as a serum. It encompasses the same concept and process of application to growing your lashes, but according to their website, you won’t have to suffer eye irritation, and it is free from artificial fragrances, colorants, parabens, preservatives and chemicals. It can be used up to 3 – 6 months. Lash Mantra is not as widely known in comparison to Latisse. The packaging includes a small mascara-looking tube with the serum in the smaller bottle. The price tag for LashMantra is $60 if you buy it on their website where shipping is also free (www.lashmantra.com).
The traditional approach
If you do not fancy spreading foreign substances onto your natural lashes and would prefer a more traditional way of enhancing your lashes, try Rimmel London’s New Lash Accelerator Mascara. The packaging says your lashes appear up to 80 percent longer instantly and it promises to increase growth of your lashes to 117 percent in just 30 days. The ingredients include a ‘Growth-Lash Complex’ and the product is in a regular tube of mascara. The price is going for $11.49 and can be snagged at Shopper’s Drug Mart. Simple, easy and no over the counter prescription needed.
Other eyelash growth brands include:
LiLash Purified Eyelash Stimulator - $139.97
(www.lilash.com)
Marini Lash Eyelash Conditioner - $149.99
(www.janmarini.com)
Enormous Lash by Inuit Beauty - $94.99
(www.beautysociety.com)
The natural way to grow your eyelashes without enduring a painful surgical procedure.
Once upon a time, in what was later referred to as the cosmetics industry, products were made to enhance a woman’s beauty. We had luxurious lipsticks to make us look desirable, eye shadow to make us seem mysterious, and blush to show how off our lovely facial structure. The first women to wear makeup existed in 4000BC and ruled Ancient Egypt. It is no doubt that they came up with cat-eye eyeliner that we so love to mimic today with our modern liquid eyeliner. And what makes up a smouldering, captivating and mysterious pair of eyes? Mascara dumped and spread onto nothing-special eyelashes. Ta da! But lets bring us back to modern day gorgeousness, we have the bodacious Scarlett Johansson, exotic Eva Mendes, elegantly stunning Angelina Jolie, beautiful Kim Kardashian, and Victoria’s Secret’s bombshell Adriana Lima to aspire after. And what do these lovely women have in common? Daring eyes with eyelashes for days.
A new innovation
Making a shift in the cosmetic industry, particularly mascara-creaters, Allergan Inc has created a product called LATISSE, which simply makes your natural lashes grow. Allergan Inc has been established for over 60 years and are the creators of the BOTOX Cosmetic, JUEVDERM XC, Brilliant Distinctions and NATRELLE. They have proven to be in popular standing in safe and non-surgical cosmetic procedures for which they have sold over 1.5 million tubes of LATISSE which is FDA-approved. The product calls for a prescription and is not readily available for you to snag off a shelf in your local drug store as it is described as being a treatment. Meaning, you apply the medicated substance every morning after you wash your face and every night before you snooze. You would apply this treatment only to your top lashes right as the roots going from the inside corner of your eye right to the other end. One swab is often enough, however instructional videos are posted on their website (www.latisse.com) as well as in a pamphlet. Over-the-counter prescriptions are available but this wondrous tube is worth it, no? The active ingredient that you’re looking for is called bimatoprost and is guaranteed to make your eyelashes grow double (or even triple) your original length. The product is a small ointment bottle with a smaller-than-usual wand with a soft brush for easy application. The side effects include darkening of the skin, itchy eyes or redness. Again, consult the pamphlet before use. The price tag is around $95.
The mantra is...
An alternative to LATISSE is a brand called LashMantra, which uses 100% all natural ingredients and is described as a serum. It encompasses the same concept and process of application to growing your lashes, but according to their website, you won’t have to suffer eye irritation, and it is free from artificial fragrances, colorants, parabens, preservatives and chemicals. It can be used up to 3 – 6 months. Lash Mantra is not as widely known in comparison to Latisse. The packaging includes a small mascara-looking tube with the serum in the smaller bottle. The price tag for LashMantra is $60 if you buy it on their website where shipping is also free (www.lashmantra.com).
The traditional approach
If you do not fancy spreading foreign substances onto your natural lashes and would prefer a more traditional way of enhancing your lashes, try Rimmel London’s New Lash Accelerator Mascara. The packaging says your lashes appear up to 80 percent longer instantly and it promises to increase growth of your lashes to 117 percent in just 30 days. The ingredients include a ‘Growth-Lash Complex’ and the product is in a regular tube of mascara. The price is going for $11.49 and can be snagged at Shopper’s Drug Mart. Simple, easy and no over the counter prescription needed.
Other eyelash growth brands include:
LiLash Purified Eyelash Stimulator - $139.97
(www.lilash.com)
Marini Lash Eyelash Conditioner - $149.99
(www.janmarini.com)
Enormous Lash by Inuit Beauty - $94.99
(www.beautysociety.com)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
New Kid on the Blog
Avoid being a one-hit-wonder by following these five fool proof tips for success in the fashion blogosphere.
1. Express Yourself
The most crucial element of creating a successful fashion blog is being your true authentic self. Without this key ingredient your blog wont work. People have an ability to detect inauthenticity, so even if you’re really good at pretending, readers will catch on and your blog will never take off. Remember, blogging is about connecting with a wide audience and the fashion blogosphere is crammed with competition fighting for attention. The only way you’re going to stand out in the crowd is by being YOU!
Blog’s specializing in true authenticity: http://www.thestylerookie.com/; www.themanrepeller.com/
2. Let Me See Your Pretty Face
It is important to connect with readers and one of the most effective ways is by using photos of yourself in blog posts. Personal snapshots make your blog more personal and relatable. Anyone can find fashion images on the internet and post them on a blog, but only you can take self-styled photos of, well, YOU. Don’t get me wrong, there are successful blogs out there where the writer’s face never appears, however it is a really simple and effective way of standing out, if done well. If you decide to take this route then your first investment should be a high quality camera.
Blog’s specializing in self portraits: http://www.theglamourai.com/, http://www.whatiwore.tumblr.com/
3. Create Great Content
There is no point to starting your own blog if you’re not prepared to put 120% into creating great content. Not only are blogs a great creative outlet, but they can also be a useful professional tool. It is becoming more common for employers to research an applicant’s online persona and you want to insure you’re putting your best face forward. There is an uncountable number of people that have started blogs, but only a handful of them are successful. That’s because it’s hard work that requires a lot of discipline, dedication and time. When you put the effort in with your content you will reap the rewards. Best of all: readers will become loyal.
Blog’s specializing in raising the content bar: http://www.seaofshoes.com/; http://www.bryanboy.com/
4. Do It Everyday
You MUST blog every day, with the exception being that you can take weekends off. Wait! Don’t moan and complain you are too busy. The only way you can really make a go of it in the fashion blogosphere is to commit. Don’t get into this thinking it’s a free ride, blogging requires hard work and dedication. Push through those “off” days by setting up a few blogs in advance on days you’re feeling productive. Soon enough you’ll get into a routine and it will become second nature.
Blog’s specializing in consistent updates: http://www.finalfashion.ca/; http://www.thestylehouse.ca/
5. Work Hard For Your Money
Many bloggers have been able to turn their blogging hobby into full-time paying jobs; it’s not as impossible as you might think. Money follows the crowd, so once you’ve attracted enough readers the companies with advertising budgets will be close behind. You don’t even necessary have to wait for them to approach you. Get out there and represent your blog. Create a presence on other social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to help capture a larger audience. Then when you feel confident enough about your blog start approaching local businesses that might want to collaborate or advertise with you. Bottom line: put in the time and effort and you will reap the rewards.
Blogger’s that call it a profession: http://www.cupcakesandcashmere.com/; http://www.thestylespy.com/
TORONTO GOLIGHTLY
“The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!” – Holly Golightly.
Lately have you been wanting to feel divine and utterly happy? Well, grab your oversized sunglasses, wrap on your necklace of pearls, throw your hair up in a French twist and hail a cab. The city can really get you down, sometimes you just need to take a hint from Holly Golightly and treat yourself to a moment of fabulous perfection. Want to have an extravagant day inspired by Ms. Golightly that won’t make your wallet cry?
YORKVILLE AVENUE
A fabulous nook of Toronto, which, as you enter gives you a feeling of calm and importance. People stroll instead of stride giving everything a more luxurious feel. This sense of luxury takes you away from the everyday hustle and bustle of your daily Torontonian lifestyle.
FEELING THE MEAN REDS?
No, not the blues, the mean reds! No need to be afraid anymore, the place to indulge and feel decedent is located at 99 Yorkville Avenue! MoRoCo chocolat has an abundance of delicious treats, such as pastel macarons, waiting for you that will go fabulously with your little black dress, or, as they recommend, a little vintage tea dress.
Even if your wallet can’t handle the pressure of purchasing in Yorkville I find it most consoling and lavish to stroll on through the abundance of “of the moment” fashion stores and just peek in their uniquely decorated windows. If you enjoy a classic, clean look wander over to Pink Tartan’s new flagship store at 77 Yorkville Avenue. If you enjoy the idea of cartwheeling down a runway in a colorful gown of polka dots, put a bounce in your step on your way to 102 Yorkville Avenue to see what exciting garments Betsey Johnson has to offer you.
Full of eclectic stores, interesting folks and art statements such as a hippie painted car full of dirt and plants, Kensington market is a phenomenally inspiring place. It is a diverse world of varied shops, cuisines and more, much of it locally designed and created. Throw on your little black romper and hit the pavement.
WHEREVER YOU ARE I’M GOING YOUR WAY
Delectable and scrumptious can’t begin to explain the treats you will enjoy at Wanda’s Pie in the Sky. At 287 Augusta Avenue you will enjoy the freshest and the purest deserts you will find in Kensington market. They will leave you feeling fulfilled. So grab a cupcake and head out onto the colorful streets to explore.
I’M CROSSING YOU IN STYLE
If you are interested in cherishing something with rich history and a divine past then Pretty Freedom, located at 167 Augusta Avenue, is the vintage shop that will satisfy your needs. I doubt it would happen but if nothing catches your fancy there, skip on over to 14 Kensington Avenue. Courage My Love, yet another lovely vintage shop in the market, caters to people wanting to grab beautiful past fashions and turn them into their creative and individual modern day outfits. Who knows, you may even find a little black dress, giant sunglasses, a classic purse or a big ribbon enhanced sun hat that Ms. Golightly herself would approve of or even envy.
However, if you’re really crazy about Tiffany’s and nothing else will suffice there is always one close by on Bloor St!
True Colours
Bright and bold hues make a powerful fashion statement
With the warm weather just around the corner, fashion’s upcoming trends for the spring and summer 2011 season are coming into full swing. As with every new season, fashion trends showcase a distinct contrast to the former, as an element of excitement builds. This is especially true of this season’s spotlight on bold colour palettes and an interesting array of colour groupings. From rose coloured reds, tangerine oranges and acidic yellows, to electric neon and bold blues, this season’s extreme hues are sure to add a kick to any outfit.
Curiosity with colour
This season, designers are taking this colour fantasy to new heights, as Dior is featuring sky-high stilettos in a colour-block of red, orange, purple and fuchsia. Bally is showcasing this trend with whimsical wedges in royal blue and yellow. Summer is all about showing off what you got, and footwear is a fun way to play up a silk dress or flowing skirt.
Arm candy is another great way to add a pop this season, with a variety of handbag styles and shapes to choose from. A clutch is always a popular choice for a party dress or eveningwear ensemble. Dior has used snakeskin to add a textured element to a brightly coloured, fuchsia and yellow clutch. Louis Vuitton has shown a different take on this trend by showcasing structured flap purses with 70’s themed colours.
Rainbow colours are top rank in Milan
During Milan fashion week, industry professionals and fashionistas alike, were blown away by the work of Raf Simons, creative director for Jil Sandler. The show featured models in full-bodied skirts and dresses in an eclectic mix of colours, almost analogous to the mouth-watering shades at a gelato shop. Melon coloured oranges, lemon-like yellows and a strawberry field of reds and pinks, filled the runway. In the February issue of Harper’s Bazaar, Simons is featured in an article about his show, where he’s quoted saying, “The idea of couture, for me, is the uniqueness, and the uniqueness here is the colour.” Simons used fabrics like polyester and nylon blends to reinforce the bold colour choices of his show to create a powerful statement. Still in keeping with the minimalistic theme, Gucci revealed bold shades of emerald and violet in flattering silhouettes, accented by gold belts and buttons.
Novelty in New York
New York fashion week brought a lot of fun and flair, showcasing interesting and playful colour combinations for the bright season ahead. Designers, Diane Von Furstenberg and Prabal Gurung, used colours like turquoise and aqua, and dandelion yellow, with violet, to accent the clean lines of their designs. Marc by Marc Jacobs’ collection stretched the colour trend using bandwidth stripes in oranges and yellows, on an easy-to-wear dress for summer.
While bold expressions of colour were once thought of as a riskier choice, maybe resulting in a fashion-faux-pas, this season has thrown that all out the window. As it might be difficult to part with your black basics, try adding a punch of colour to your outfit. Lanvin incorporated neon colours in form-fitting dresses and skirts for evening or daytime wear.
Own the colour you’re in
While this trend is a fantastic way to spice up your spring and summer wardrobe, be sure that it fits with your individual style. Wearing staple colours like white, grey and black from head-to-toe can look a bit dull. Instead, accent those basics with eye-popping colours, like pomegranate or poppy red. If you want to add a subtle touch of colour, while still making a statement, pair a classic black dress with a pair of cerulean blue Gucci stilettos. Get yourself pumped up for the upcoming warm weather by brightening your wardrobe with some unique and colourful pieces.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)