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1/28/2021 Full Transparency: What I post & Why I’m a big fan of transparency and I wanted to share a little bit about what I post here and on my social media channels and why.
Clearly, I love fashion! Everything I post I would wear and much of this is my own clothing. Not all of it is new, because I don’t have the budget, the need, or the desire to have too much stuff. (Actually hate too much stuff, stresses me out.) This past year I’ve definitely bought a lot less: I’m more interested in good quality and versatile pieces. I like sharing ways in which I mix and match things I already own. Most of the time, you can find similar pieces in stores/online today. (I often link to currently available similar pieces in stories.) Once in a while, I pull items from local stores. I do it to support them. But also because I want to showcase some new things I like that you may be interested in. (Sometimes I do go back and buy them, like this camo sweater!) Brands often offer to send me clothes, accessories, and beauty products. Most of the time, I turn them down because the items aren’t my style and I’m not going to share something I’d never buy. If they do send me something that I like/want, I always include the hashtag #gifted. If they send me something that I like/want AND they pay me to post about it, I use the hashtag #ad. And if I do a blog about it, I clearly state that the products in the blog where given to and/or I was paid to post my thoughts on it. I'm also going back to my roots! I'm sharing product recommendations, tips, and useful hacks related to fashion, beauty, or the home. For those of you who don’t know, I used to be the co-host of a number of TV shows in which we tried and tested a whole whack of different products. Product reviews are in my blood! If you’d like to see something specific, have a fashion or beauty question I could potentially help with, please do drop me a note in comments, DM me on social media or send me an email. Thank you for being here and thank you for your support!🤍 4/29/2020 My Spring/Summer Capsule wardrobe During this strange time of COVID-19, I, like many others, have been reflecting on what is it that I truly need: Good health, shelter, food, friends and family, and some entertainment! (You can throw the internet, Netflix, and books into that last category) At the end of the day, that's pretty much it. I've been applying the same thought process to my closet. I know I'm not alone in thinking, "Do I really need all of this stuff?" Even when we will be allowed to out for dinner, drinks or to a meeting, what are the pieces that I really love and wear on repeat? I've whittled things down to my true favourites, my capsule collection for spring and summer. I have these exact items (or some versions of them) in my closet. And yes, I have a lot more too. But I'm determined to take my cue from this time of less and apply it to my future shopping habits, investing in quality pieces that I love and will wear again and again. Everything I'm wearing in the above photo is at least 1-3 years old, and I still love every piece. Here are a few of my capsule wardrobe must-haves. I've provided links to some similar options for inspo, but I say, make it your own!  Jackets and Blazers (from left to right) 1) A cargo-style jacket. Instant cool. 2) Leather or faux leather biker jacket. And investment piece to be sure, but so worth it. Mine's about 6 years old. 3) Denim Jacket. After years of wear, mine finally got threadbare and I had to replace it. I bought the same brand. 5) Black blazer, works for winter too. 6) White blazer, depending on the weight of the fabric, could also work for winter.  DRESSES & JUMPSUITS 1) A white dress. I love the boho style of this one. 2) A jumpsuit in army green, black or denim. 3) The perfect LBD. This is a piece I believe in spending a bit more on. Get one you love and wear it for years. 4) Something strappy. A slip style is a great choice for summer. It would pair well with the denim jacket. 5) Something bright. This one would be perfect for beach, for sightseeing, and even evening with some dressier flats.  TOPS 1. A basic black T-shirt. I prefer V-necks, I find them more flattering. I like the vintage cotton Ts at J Crew. 2. Basic white T (or too, because they yellow so quickly.) 3. A Rocker T, because I love them! 4. Something striped. This is a piece that never goes out of style. 5. A boho style blouse in either white or black. 6. A basic cami, in white or black. Great for under those blazers and jackets. 7. Something grey. I love the bee print on this one. 8. An additional fun piece, like a leopard cami.  PANTS 1. White jeans. I like a cropped cut for summer. 2. Boyfriend jeans. Again, I like cropped, but a flare leg is also very in. For the boyfriend style, I love Citizens of Humanity Emerson Slim. 3. Black jeans. I like to keep these skinny for a sleek, slimming look. 4. Olive green pants/joggers. This is a style that I update every few years. 5. A basic black pant that you can dress up or down. 6. Joggers or sweatpants. I think we've all learned the importance of those!  SHOES 1. The perfect white sneaker. I confess, I have a few of these but I do wear all of them. 2. Black sneakers. Okay, maybe I have a few of these too. Golden Goose, Common Projects, and Converse are my go-tos. 3. Black sandals. A wrap style can be dressed up or down. 4. Nude flat sandals. I think this is probably my most worn colour and style in the summer. They go with everything. 5. Flip flops. Again, I gravitate towards nude because they go with everything and they elongate the leg. 6. Black booties. Because let's face it, it rains in spring! 7. A white sandal. I'm gravitating towards kitten heels these days, more comfortable, more wearable. 8. A wedge or espadrille. Mine are ancient, maybe time for a new pair.  ACCESSORIES 1. A black belt. I have a Gucci one like this. And yes, it's expensive. But I wear it a ton! It gives some edge and a cool factor to any outfit. And I'll have it forever. 2. A brown belt, for all those nude shoes. 3. A black bag. I love this one from French brand Polene. It's on my shopping list. 4. A straw/raffia bag. For travel, for the beach, for the market. 5. A crossbody bag. I have this one from Chloe. This pink shade actually pairs well with almost anything. 6. A sun hat. I generally don't spend a ton on these because there are good ones at every price point. 7. Sunglasses. Ray-bans are the gold standard for retro cool!  EXTRAS
1. A black one piece bathing-suit. 2. A fun bikini. I like to see a pop of red at the beach. 3. The perfect cozy sweatshirt. (Or two.) 4. Denim shorts. I have a shorter pair for when the mercury climbs and a longer pair for the rest of the time. 5. Black leggings. I have them in a few lengths, full, 3/4 and knee length, depending on the temperature and activity. 1/15/2020 Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana - Review I just got back from one glorious week at the brand new Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. And when I say new, I mean it: this all-inclusive adults only resort opened in November 2019. It was a real treat to be among the first to experience the hotel. It was my first time at an all-inclusive Hyatt (I've stayed at many other all-inclusive hotels in the past) and my second time in the Punta Cana area. The Hyatt Zilara is located right next door to the Hyatt Ziva, which is a family-friendly resort. And while guests of the Zilara can visit Ziva, kids are not allowed on the Zilara side.  One of my favourite features of this Hyatt Zilara was the interior design. The decor was modern and fresh, with quite a few pieces throughout the hotel that I would have wanted in my own home. Check out the leather chairs and foot stools below. Perfect for a library or TV room.  The hotel rooms and bathrooms are very spacious. All face the inner courtyard, the pool, and the beach, though some have a better view of the water than others.    The hotel is located on Cap Cana beach, an area of Punta Cana. There were a few other resorts on the beach (Secrets is next door, and Sanctuary a bit further down the way) but even in high season, it didn't seem overly busy. The beach itself isn't very long: For a good walk expected to go from one end to the other at least twice. A security guard at one end discouraged me from walking any further. He didn't speak English so I wasn't clear if that was due to a safety issue or some other reason.   The pool (below) at Hyatt Zilara is beautiful, with plenty of chairs to go around. Unlike other resorts, you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn to nab a seat. The pool water is quite chilly though, the sea was much warmer!   FOOD As an all-inclusive, all the meals and drinks are included in the base price. However, there are wine and beer lists if you're interested in more premium selections. The Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva have a total of 12 restaurants and 8 bars and lounges. The buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It has a wide selection of salads, mains, desserts, meats, cheese, and fruits - enough options for every palate. (Gluten-free and vegan options as well.) The New Year's Eve spread was quite impressive, with mountains of crab, lobster, prawns, and other festive specialities.  The a la carte restaurants were also quite good: Journeys, an Indian restaurant housed in a space to look like a train, and Tempest Table, a Mongolian grill style restaurant, were among my favourites. The pizza at Presto's was excellent. Brandos, which served French Polynesia cuisine, was a bit lackluster. If you haven't been to an all-inclusive resort a word of warning: The food is good, not amazing. They may not be the best fit for die-hard foodies.  As for drinks, cocktails at the main pool bar were not very good and watered down. However, drinks from the Waves bar and the One Eyed Cat, the resort's martini bar, were excellent. Feel free to nab a drink from one of those places and take it to go.  The Daily Grind, the coffee bar in the lobby, has excellent coffee and become a part of my morning ritual. It also serves snacks, sweets, sandwiches, and ice cream all day.  ACTIVITIES One of the most impressive things about the Hyatt Zilara is the gym. I kid you not! It's one of the nicest one I've ever seen, bar none. So much cardio equipment. There is also a spinning room and a yoga room, with almost daily classes, a weights room, and a large open area for floor work, kettlebells, TRXs, etc. It's such an inviting space, there's no way you won't want to work out. (And interestingly, the crowd was also among the fittest that I've ever seen at an all-inclusive. Double incentive.)   The resort has a waterslide which I didn't test out, but reviews from other guests were good. As for water sports, there are paddle boards, kayaks and sailboats to use. However, the beach was always windy and the water, while not rough, can be a bit choppy for some of the activities. There is a show every evening and some of it was very good. The Il Divo type band was excellent. All in all, I'd say there isn't a ton to do here, unless you sign up for excursions off the property. So if you're a "what are we doing next" type of traveller, it may not be the right fit for you.  SERVICE There were some glitches with service (rooms not getting made up until 5 pm, slow service in some places at some times) but I believe most of that was due to opening pains and the fact that the hotel was not even two months old. Almost all the staff at Hotel Zilara was exceedingly nice and polite. And a special shout out to resort manager Hilario who helped us get a room with a better view.  Aside from beach walks, I didn't leave the property and spent most of my time reading under an umbrella by the pool or on the beach. It was exactly what the doctor ordered.
I definitely recommend the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana to anyone who is looking for a relaxing, sun-drenched luxury all-inclusive vacation in the beautiful Dominican Republic. If you have any additional questions or comments, please leave me a comment below! 11/12/2019 Potions and Lotions Mirror Mirror in my hand, what are the best beauty products in the land? After years of testing products, both on the shows The Shopping Bags, and Anna and Kristina's Beauty Call, and now on my own, I can safely say I've tried LOT of potions and lotions. Many might be surprised to see my beauty and make-up drawers. There's not much in them. I have a very few select products that I use day in and day out. Here's my list of favourite beauty, skincare, and makeup products. I may be fickle with some products (shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, moisturizers) but I've purchased all of these multiple times, with only two exceptions. Read on! CLEANSERS I've been using Cetaphil for probably 35 years now. Dermatologist recommended and priced right, this is a light, gentle cleaner that can also double as a makeup remover. Dab onto a cotton pad and wipe. New on my Love It list is the Riversol Refreshing Gel Cleaner. Also very light, but it's a bit more of a serious clean than Cetaphil. You can't go wrong with either.  CREAM BLUSH Stila's cream blush in peony has been in my makeup bag for years. (I think after a certain age, a cream blush looks better than a powder one because it gives you an extra bit of hydration.) Peony is a browny-pink shade. I've also used the shade Petunia in the summer, but I keep coming back to this one. I dab it on my cheeks and away I go. It also does double duty and can be used as a lip stain. My only beef with this product is that the compact itself is quite delicate. I hardly ever make it through the entire thing without breaking the hinge in the back.  EXFOLIATOR GOOP's Exfoliating Instant Facial has a bit of a love it or hate it reputation. I'm in the former camp. (I wonder how much of that flack is due to the product or Gwyneth herself?) Put a generous layer on your face, massage in a circular motion, let sit for a minute or two, and rinse off. After, I do find my skin softer and smoother looking. One important note: More is not more. I've used this too many days in a row, and on other occasions, left it on for too long. It has caused some temporary redness and irritation. Use only as directed.  EYELINER I like to wear eyeliner on my waterline, for a more dramatic look. For that it needs to go on easily and smoothly. The Annabelle Kohl Eyeliner (I use shade 73 - Black) delivers and is one of the very best that I've ever used. Best of all, it's only $6. Enough said.  FACIAL SERUM Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth every drop? Also yes. I'm on my fourth or fifth bottle now and I panic when I get close to empty. (I've even scooped it off the countertop when I spill a drop.) Cult favourite Vintner's Daughter is an all-in-one product that aims to improve the appearance of breakouts, fine lines, texture, brightness, and hydration. I can't speak to the breakouts, but I do love it for all the other selling points. I only use it at night and my skin feels dewy, fresh, but never greasy.  LIP GLOSS Another constant go-to is my Fenty Beauty lipgloss in Glow. It's a fairly translucent shimmery rose nude, with just a faint hint of colour, making it an excellent choice for many a skin tone. I've gone through numerous tubes of it, and even got my 76 year old mom hooked on it! It's great by itself during the day, and I also like to put it over other lipsticks for some serious GLOW.  MASCARA I'll spend a fair bit on skin care, but much less on makeup. There are just so many great products at the drugstore, I don't see the need. One of my favourites is L'Oreal's Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara. It performs as advertised: It volumizes, thickens, and lengthens. And at just over $10, what more can you ask for?  NAIL POLISH I do my own nails a lot, mainly because I'm too lazy to make an appointment to get it done. After trying CND Vinylux polishes, I'm not going back to any other brand. The polishes last longer than other brands, and, they go on more smoothly. The brush itself is thicker, making applications (especially hurried ones, my style) sooo much easier. When I do get a proper manicure, I love the brand's Shellac line which also goes on faster and is easier to remove than any other shellac/gel that I've tried. AND, my nails are way less damaged after.  TINTED MOISTURIZER This is a new find - BeautyCounter's Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer. (For reference, I wear shade #2.) This product delivers lightweight hydration, a hint of sheer coverage, and SPF 20 protection. I wear SPF 365 days a year. In the spring/summer and on brighter days, I go with a 30+. But in the fall/winter, I love this product. It's light, gives just a dab of colour, but most definitely lives up to its name by providing a dewy glow.  VITAMIN C SERUM
I've been using SkinCeuticals Vitamin C serum every morning, underneath a moisturizer or sunscreen, for years. It is supposed to provide protection from the elements, and improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, help with loss of firmness, as well has having skin brightening properties. Would I be wrinklier if I wasn't using it? 🤷🏻♀️ With preventative products, it's hard to tell if they're working or not. But I'm not going to risk it by stopping. It goes on easily, absorbs quickly, and I like it a lot better than many other similar products that I've tried. 10/16/2019 Sweater Weather Where does the time go? One minute it's the end of July and I'm writing about some of my go-to brands and the next minute it's mid-October and I realize I haven't blogged in ages! I am not one to sing Autumn's praises: It makes me think of endings and of having to wait six months for spring. I'm a warm weather girl all the way. But one bonus of dipping temperatures is that I get to snuggle up in cosy knits. Here are seven that will help keep out the chill:  The Wilfred (Aritzia) Cyprie Cashmere Sweater It has a mock turtleneck, and it's slightly cropped, making it a good pairing with higher waisted pants and jeans. It comes in three colours and at $168, the price is pretty good for cashmere.  Wilfred (Aritzia) Jara Cashmere Sweater Aritzia has a lot of pretty sweaters this season, including this one. I bought the same style last year in light grey and I love it. Yellow doesn't look great against my face, but if you can pull it off, GET IT. It's soft, it's luxurious, it's buttery delicious. $198  Rails Green Leopard Sweater Animal print how I love thee, let me count the ways! Leopard truly is the new neutral, and I can't seem to get enough of it, especially now that we're seeing it in other colours. This green leopard Rails sweater is a wool blend, and also a bit cropped. (Seeing a trend here?) Available at Things We Love for $200.  Rails Percy Sweater Another piece from Rails, a brand that started out by making super soft plaid shirts and is now killing it in the sweater game too. The artfully-placed stars give an otherwise basic grey sweater some sparkle. If I didn't go a bit overboard on the star motif in the past couple of years, I would snap this up. Available at Twist.  Gap Multicolour Stripe Crewneck Sweater There is something about a brightly coloured striped sweater that really lifts my spirits. (I have one from last season, but the stripes are a bit thinner.) This one is a soft wool blend and a reasonable $89.  White + Warren Puff Sleeved V-Neck Cashmere Sweater I borrowed this one for the shoot and fell in love. It's a beautiful warm tobacco (a big colour this season) and it's completely luscious and luxurious. It's also a pretty penny. But I do believe it will be a piece that you'd wear for years to come. Available at Twist Fashions $515.  Everlane Cashmere Rib Boat Neck Sweater Of all the necklines, I find the boatneck is the most flattering on pretty much every body type. (V neck is another good go-to.) This icy blue number also comes in grey and black. (I'm trying to tell myself I don't need another black sweater.) Everlane is available online but is currently having a pop-up in Nordstrom $215.  When it comes to buying sweaters, a few shopping tips:
- I do find that paying a bit more for quality generally gives you a better sweater that will last longer and look better over time. - A tighter weave usually means less pilling. - While cashmere is often more expensive, because it's hand washable, I end up saving money with the cleaning costs in the long run. - I recommend a sweater comb that can help remove pilling. The one from Laundress works quite well. - And of course, fold your sweaters, don't hang them, so that they don't stretch out. Happy Shopping! 7/27/2019 My Favourite (Age appropriate) Brands I think there comes a time in every woman’s life when she asks, “Am I too old to wear this?” For me, it’s not so much an age thing, but a comfort level thing. I think you should wear whatever the heck you want, as long as you’re comfortable and feel yourself in it. These days, when I put on an overly short skirt, or a dress that’s too body-con, I do think, "I’m not comfortable in this any more." There are tons of cheap and cheerful brands out there that cater to the youthful among us. But when it comes to the over 40 set, I do have a few go-to labels that I feel are stylish and (generally) age appropriate. AND, they aren't super crazy expensive. If you follow me on Instagram, you'll have seen these names appear again and again.  Joie I like this brand for its youthful pretty vibe and I have many dresses from them, like the black silk one seen at the top of this post. (The skirt above is also from this brand.) Items fit true to size, I’m generally a small or a medium. Granted, Joie can be a bit pricey but if you’re patient, you can often find their dresses, blouses, and sweaters on sale. And, they also have a killer outlet store in Cabazon near Palm Springs, if you’re ever in the hood.  Velvet By Graham and Spencer Similar to Joie, this brand has a ton of pretty boho style blouses and dresses, like this blue blouse above. Something anyone of any age could wear and not so trendy that it will go out of style in a year or two. Many stores and boutiques carry Velvet, and they also make nice men’s wear.  J Crew J Crew is one of my favourite sites to browse online. They have a vast inventory and frequently add new styles. I buy a lot of swimwear from J Crew because I like the fit. Many of their suits offer enough coverage that I don't feel overly cheeky at the beach. The other great thing about J Crew is that you can order swimwear online but return in store! J Crew generally fits true to size, but another great feature they have is customer reviews: Be sure to check those out to see if an item is fitting larger or smaller.  Aritzia A lot of this Vancouver-based chain's clothing is too youthful for me (short, tight, cropped) and I often find the fabrics a bit flimsy. That said, I like their work wear - so pants and blouses. Both of the pieces above are from Aritzia. The blouses, which often come in a variety of colours and styles, and are a good way to inject some trendier pieces without breaking the bank. They also have a great coat selection every winter.  Club Monaco Club Monaco has a beautiful line of cashmere sweaters that I drool over every season. I also like their basic pants, though I do find they fit small and often size up. Their T-shirts are super soft and make for great layering pieces. And, don't forget to check out their shoe selection. They often feature good designer dupes - styles that look like well-known designer pieces but cost a lot less. I have a great pair of Club Monaco suede booties that are dead ringers for Isabel Marant's famous Dicker boots. The above dress is from Club Monaco, the jacket is Velvet and the runners are New Balance for J Crew. How's that for a real mixed bag!  If you are open to spend more and/or looking for investment pieces, here are a few more brands I recommend and the types pieces I think they do best:
Theory - Great pants, suits, and sweaters. Vince - Sweaters that you'll treasure for years. Well-cut pants. I have sweaters and pants from them that are almost 10 years old. Rebecca Taylor - Floral dresses and blouses, with a very feminine edge. Xirena - Fabulous thin cotton shirts, both short sleeved and long. (I'm obsessed with these as I hate stiff shirts and these are so lovely and soft. (White Xirena blouse above.) www.theory.com/ |
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