Thursday, December 05, 2013

Intoducing StyleSpotter App + GIVEAWAY

We recently got to partake in a exciting new launch of StyleSpotter. A brand new app that officially launched today!

 
This app combines social media with fashion; users are able to browser fashion, shoes and accessories from tons of real time retailers while bookmarking their favourite pieces to showcase individual style. Sometimes we are only able to shop with our eyes but it doesn't stop us from sharing our style and the way we carry ourselves.
 

 We have had so much fun created inspiration boards with some of our favourite pieces including some tantrum worthily wish list items for the holidays. With their official launch in the App Store today, you can go download the app on your digital devices and start browsing and saving items.

And it gets better, to welcome and celebrate their launch StyleSpotter is hosting an amazing giveaway for a Michael Kors Selma Satchel!

 
It's simple to enter the giveaway, go to sweepstakes tab on StyleSpotter's Facebook page and submit your email. Contest will run until Wednesday 2/4. So good luck and don't forget to download the StyleSpotter app and follow us there!








Tuesday, August 13, 2013

PSA

Photo Credit : Google Images

I love Vancouver, mild weather, excellent food, beautiful parks, lots of trees but for the love of all things stylish, why on earth do most of the men in this city dress either in typical "gangster" garb (re: some sort of graphic tee with obnoxious phrases and generic true religion jeans or some other tacky branded jeans) Or at the opposite end of the spectrum in frumpy dad jeans and t shirts about 3 times too big.  There seems to be the idea that donning a pink polo counts as being "stylish," or the misconception that somehow dressing better equates to being too flamboyant.

 So here is my list of essentials every guy should have in their closet:
A pair of well fitted jeans
A white long sleeve dress shirt
A white t-shirt with no stupid sayings
A cardigan sweater
A well fitted black suit
A fitted jacket/blazer
casual shoes
Black dress shoes
 A tie

These will pair well for any occasion dressed up or down and present the wearer as clean and well put together.  You don't need to go all out on designer trends and spend two months paycheck on your wardrobe but it is important to stay relevant and modern, especially in today's fast paced life style.

Now you can say oh but it's all about the inside and looks don't matter; all that warm fuzzy stuff but let's face it how you present yourself will be seen as a reflection of your personality and if you walk around looking like the friendly homeless person two blocks over, it shouldn't come across as a surprise if people are less inclined to take you seriously!
                                         






Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Work it work it!






Photo Credit: Google Images


So lately I've been a bit obsessed with attempting to be healthier, change up my lifestyle.  Thanks to good genes I have been blessed with a high metabolism and thus far the effects of my late night snacking haven't had much ill effect however, I am a believer of the importance of exercise and a good (better) diet.

I gave the 30 day vegetarian challenge a go and I will say it was not an easy feat! But it was a nice challenge to attempt all the same.  Perhaps it was a result from all the tumblr's I've been browsing through of late but I was overtaken with the desire to get in better shape and joined both a local gym and an online one by Zuska Light.  I've come across Zuska before when she was still with BodyRock TV but never really spent much time with it.

 For those of you who are too busy to keep up a gym membership and just can't be bothered with all the extra equipment required with other workouts I highly recommend checking out Zgym, the routines are at most 30 minutes and use very little of any gym accessories, not to mention it costs only 10 dollars a month and you can complete them in the comfort of your own home away from curious eyes.

 I wasn't aware of how effective Zuska's routines were until I finally went for some cardio about 2 weeks ago and found myself able to run for a good 30 mins and a fast recovery rate at that! Of course donning some cute workout wear is also a plus and I'm rather a fan of the Lululemon tops and shorts, but please remember that yoga pants/shorts are not proper pants for everyday wear.  I have seen one too many yoga pants being worn as dress pants, it is about time something is done about that!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Gotta Have Dreams...




Photo Credit: Google Images


It seems this summer we've been blessed with incredibly good weather which I have been enjoying most profusely.  As the title would suggest we all have those dreams and goals that someday if the fates allow will come to fruition and while I have my long term aspirations that I hope to achieve in the next few years there are some shorter material goals I've been having lately.  

Cue the glamglow mud mask which promises "super sexy super radiant skin."  Now I've always been a believer that skin care is something worth investing in because hey you only have one face (usually) and it is what you present to the world so of course you should present your face the best it can be.  I generally dislike foundations liquid or otherwise because of the heavy mask sensation/ tendency to rub off on everything factor, this coupled with the fact I have what Elaina and I like to refer to as "weenie" skin (a.k.a extreme sensitivity) not many products have been suitable.  Not to mention it being the summer and warm weather the addition of foundation just feels unnecessary and I do hear mud touts incredible benefits...

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Wen in Rome...


Photo credit: Google Images

It has been a busy couple of weeks and as a result we have been unable to do much of any posting apologies everyone!

Lately the weather in Vancouver has been a bit up and down but it is expected of the season and the city.  I am counting my lucky stars I don't get frizzes in muggy, rainy weather however my hair does tend to tangle quite often.  After my many bouts of hair colouring my locks were beginning to feel stressed (re: feeling dry and extremely tangled in the shower) and thus spurred my search for a hair mask or treatment to help calm things down.  Enter Wen hair care line.  

Now I had come across these products in the past and hadn't bothered to research it further figuring I didn't really need it and honestly with hair on the oily scalp side the idea of slapping on loads of conditioner even ones labeled "cleansing" wasn't altogether appealing.  But as fate would have it I found myself drawn towards Chaz Dean's products and decided on a whim to give it a try.  It was a miracle! My hair felt restored, smooth, luxurious and no tangles hallelujah!

The price not er so much, the cleansing conditioners range from $32 for a 16 oz bottle, $58 for a 32 oz to $210 a gallon. In order to properly cleanse the hair and of course depending on length, type of hair and so on you're looking at about 20-30 pumps of conditioner per washing to get the desired results.  As much as I loved how my hair feels I can't possibly justify spending that much.  

After some further digging on the interwebs I found that as long as you're using a silicone free conditioner, you can get similar results with any old brand.  A popular alternative is the Suave naturals line, I've also tried using the Live Clean line with promising results as well.  So lesson learned here kids, a heftier price tag isn't always better and it's important to know what else is out there before settling down.  



Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Arched

Photo credit: Google Images

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then the brows are the drapes that frame them and I must say some drapes I’ve seen are in dire need of a revamping. Roots and unruly brows are on top of my pet peeves (I’m sure there are other things on there too but I don’t want to get ahead of myself). As a teenager I grew to be fascinated with eyebrows and the difference they can make for a person’s face.  
 
Properly shaped and groomed eyebrows will lift and balance your features almost instantaneously. There is a golden ratio to go by when attempting to find the correct shape, too far apart between the brows will make the nose look enormous as well as the forehead.

It is always a good idea to see a professional before attempting to tackle that gnarly brow on your own. Plucking less = more is definitely key here, we all fall victim to over plucking every now and then but it takes months to repair a mistake so tread carefully.
 
 
Photo Credits: Google Image

Angled faces with sharp features should go with a rounder softer eyebrow to balance out the edges, round or curved faces should go for angler brows, and long faces look best with flat eyebrows, shorter faces look best with high arched eyebrow, smaller eyes look best with a lower arch, and big eyes look their brightest with a high arch.

Friday, May 03, 2013

Tangled

Diamonds certainly are and will always be a girl’s best friend. Of course my jewelry collection is not crammed full of Harry Winston, Cartier or even Tiffany’s (a girl can dream right?) so ladies you have to agree with me that we all need to fake it until we make it. What girl doesn’t enjoy a sparkle here and some kind of rock on her finger…wait correction fingers?

Slowly my costume jewelry collection has been growing, I spot cute pieces here and there and they simply need to come home with me. This creates the dilemma of organization. How do I organize all of the accessories so that I can see them (to remember to wear them) and keep them safe from turning into a tangled messed?

I took the route of saving my money; it seems rather silly to overpay for the containers that HOLD the jewelry and not the jewelry itself. I searched high and low for affordable and functional containers; even looking at containers that don’t necessary say“jewelry storage”; sometimes we need to see things beyond what they are.

Earrings
Tackle boxes: Canadian Tire 5 each

Some might say that I am a late bloomer; one aspect of my lateness was getting my ears pierced. As I saw on TV girls begging for the ever-so-important process of girlhood, I could not care less. Finally giving in and just in time for prom, I suddenly found myself obsessed with finding that perfect pair of earrings; resulting in a massive amount of the perfect pair…

Tackles boxes: a clear plastic box with divided little compartments originally created for the dad favorite activity of going fishing, it gives each pair their own home, easy to stack and $5-$8 per box. These boxes also come in a range of sizes, depending on your space and how many pairs you have.

Bracelet and Necklace Storage



Plastic storage boxes: Daiso 2 each


Plastic Storage boxes: Daiso 2 each
I'm not a huge fan of hanging all my accessories out as room decoration; I rather have them stored away for easy access. I found these perfect pink and SPARKLY plastic containers for $2 each that have dividers to help separate my goods and also keep them from tangling into one another. These take up very little room and are stackable.
Rings
I use to love looking at jewelry boxes, but now I usually reserve those for my fine jewelry. As I may be borderline OCD when it comes to organizing, I dislike boxes that have no dividers. It seems silly really things just don’t have their own home, and just bangs into one other. I found these cardboard dividers at my local dollar store. They come in a package with multiple pieces for just $2, the best part is that all you need to do is measure out the length and cut it to make your own customized fitting. Then ta-da! You got your own customized jewelry box giving a home to each of your awesome rings.
Room Decoration



Glass décor bowl: Gift| Ice cream dish: Daiso 2| Glass candle holder: Bath and Body Works mini candle

Jewelry is a very pretty thing. It can take an outfit to a whole different level, but it also makes for great room decoration. I know that I mentioned that I’m not one for putting my jewels out for display, but a girl’s gotta put out a little sparkle for the finishing touch. I throw my most worn items into delicate display cases or just some inexpensive dinner ware. Next time you pass by something pretty and inexpensive, take a second look at it and see what kind of outside of the box potential it may have.



Monday, April 29, 2013

Well That Was Easy

 
  
The best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry…and it happens quite often! So for those multitudinous minor disasters here are a few fixes:
 
There have been many a time when I’ve planned out the outfit right down the accessories (in my mind…) but when I go to put it all together I discover that my bag has a unsightly mystery stain or my jeans have a rip I never noticed (and of course it would be my favorite pair). What is a girl to do?!
 
 
Luckily there are many ways to fix up what may seem like a disaster! Fabric stores and craft stores are excellent places to be acquainted with. Rather than tossing out those ripped jeans you can pick out a lacy fabric or whatever suits your fancy and sew it on underneath, this makes for a nice little twist and now makes your jeans one of a kind. Another fun reason to be familiar with your local craft stores is DIY nails, instead of hunting around for templates you can reuse craft scissors to cut fun patterns out of scotch tape to use as a guide instead.
 
 
All Photo Credit: Google Images
 
Most shoe repair shops offer handbag repairs such as a broken strap and such so it’s never a bad idea to take note of the services your cobbler offers the next time you take in your boots to be re-heeled. There are also places to go to that will clean up and restore you beloved bag to brand spanking new close if not looking like the day you first bought it.
For my fellow Vancouverites a good place to check out is Breeze Bag and Shoe Cleaner 8766 McKim Way Ste 1304 in Richmond another great place is Leslie’s Luggage and Handbag Repair 185 Broadway W in Vancouver.
 

Friday, April 26, 2013

My Many Many Faces


Travel Makeup Case: Betsey Johnson 17
Like any girl we tend to forget that we only have one face to colour in, in the morning. I know that I buy more makeup than I need on a day to day basis; of course once in a while you DO need to shop for that special occasion or for that perfect red lipstick. All in all I may have a decent collection now and organization always comes to mind when we have a hoard of stuff. I find that organization allows for two things, one to keep me from wearing the same look days on end; two it also is very pleasant to the eye when you do it right! (Don’t tell me you have never admired a makeup collection video on YouTube!) I tend to keep my daily essentials separated from the rest, that way I can reach for what I always use and throw in some different things here and there to change it up.



Storage boxes: Daiso 2 each
Makeup organization doesn’t need to get too technical; you can find inexpensive ways to keep everything together and separated.

 




 
Gift Boxes: Daiso 2 each

Always organize with what you need and leave a bit of room for what you may want to add in the future.


Monday, April 22, 2013

Playing Dress Up

Top: Zara 10 | Skirt: Vintage | Belt: Vintage | Necklace: Wilson’s Leather 12| Handbag: Aldo 35 | Shoes: BCBGMaxAzria 65|

 As a girl who started making handmade clothing for her Barbie doll at the age of 8, playing dress up was also an essential stage in life. My mother’s closet walk in is the perfect place to borrow true vintage pieces; ones that were on trend when she was “my age”. Of course, these well-loved pieces need to be mixed with new pieces to bring them up to date since trends are brought back but they are never exactly the same. We ditch the boxy man-shoulder pads that were ever so horribly popular back in the days, but we keep the fine fabrics, classics and the sturdy leather goods. 

Top: Zara 15 | Skirt: DVF Vintage | Necklace: Aldo 20 | Clutch: Vintage |Shoes: Dolce Vita 65|


We need to know which pieces are worth taking a second chance and which ones can finally retire or be loved by someone else.

Blazer: H&M 20 | Top: UO 20 | Pants: Vintage | Bangles: F21 10 | Shoes: Aldo 40 |


Top: Vintage | Pants: Zara 25 | Clutch: Vintage | Necklace: F21 10 | Shoes: BCBGMaxAzria 65|


Top: F21 18| Skirt: Vintage | Belt: Club Monaco 17| Necklace: F21 10| Purse: BCBGMaxAzria 108| Shoes: Zara 35|

What kind of treasures have you found or been pasted down to you?


Friday, April 19, 2013

And That's When I Saw it...


Photo Credits: Tumblr
I am a hoarder sometimes. I feel the need to buy backups of products I like for fear I’ll run out one day and find myself with partial eyeliner (yikes!) and I tend to keep the empty packages around as well because I thought it was a clever design or something to that effect. It is inevitable I’ll find my drawers jammed with half used makeup long forgotten hiding in a dark corner.
A very good habit to get into is to do a routine cleaning of your makeup on a monthly basis. This ensures that:

  • You don’t spend money on a product you forgot you had
  • Bacteria does not accumulate and give you an eye infection upon discovery of that mascara you thought was okay and
  • Ease of access.
It can be a chore but once done properly the rest is easy. Take an afternoon to clear out all your makeup drawers and take stock of everything, if you can’t remember the last time you’ve used something chances are it’s probably better to chuck it.
 This is especially true for products such as mascaras and liquid eyeliners; a good rule to follow is to replace them every 2-3 months.
Photo Credit: Marie Clarie
Liquid foundations are water based which is a welcome mat for bacteria to breed, if the bottle is brand new it will last for a few years but once used it’s a good idea to change out your foundations after a year.





Photo Credit: Google Image

Cream blushes should be replaced after a year and to prolong the life of any blush clean your brush on a regular basis and store your product in a dry dark place.


Photo Credit: Allure Makeup Ally

Liquid concealers should also be tossed after a year whereas powder or stick concealers may last up to two. 
Photo Credit: radicalcosmetics.com
Skin products containing sunscreen tend to expire so it’s best to be mindful of the dates given.




Photo Creidt: Beauty Arena

Lipstick and lip gloss fanatics should note that its best to replace a lip product after a year as repeated contact with the mouth area leads to bacteria spread, pouty lips yes, sores not so much!


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

The One that Got Away

Taking a moment to get real personal here, but I want to share the sad story about a decision that I once made and regret terribly each passing day. Since we have parted ways, I’ve decided that the best way for me to heal is to talk openly about the situation and hope that you will learn a thing or two from me.
 I once laid eyes on and fell in love with a classy and versatile piece. It was a black on white striped cardigan sweater, which I had found on sale for $10! Being that it was pretty much a steal made it even harder to not feel that regret everyday…I rushed into some spring cleaning one day and made the awful mistake of donating it. Now I can’t really explain why, (I even paused due to some indecisiveness), I’m sure it pleaded and begged for me to rethink and keep it in my life, but I was stubborn and walked away.  I did not see all that potential in a well-made, well fitted and classic piece.
Cardigan: H&M 20
Now it is too late to go back with my tail between my legs and beg for it to come back into my life. But like all stories, there is a brighter side; recently I have found a (replacement) white on black striped cardigan that I have grown fond of and cherish in all the ways that I should. It has quickly become an essential piece to my wardrobe and snuck its way into my heart.
So learn a lesson from me, donating pieces from your wardrobe is never a bad idea but if you find yourself thorn and indecisive; go with your gut instincts and know that you are not ready to part ways. Not a day goes by without regret, but time maybe the only thing that will heal my wounded heart.

Monday, April 15, 2013

What's In Our Bags?

I am borderline OCD when it comes to organization in my handbag. I hate HATE when people rummage through their purses trying to find change, a pen or gum. If time really was money I would have lost a small fortune just waiting for that lady in front of me to pay for her $10 salad. Some people like to carry their whole life inside a handbag (which may be sharing a bit too much of yourself) but I prefer the necessary everyday essentials that will help me make it through my day.


Elaina’s handbag essentials:
  1. Gum – Just in case because you never know who you will meet!
  2. iPhone – Okay so it doesn’t need to be an iphone…well okay maybe it does. It’s the people contactor, social media medium, music provider and good companion all packaged into one highly marketable pretty chuck of technology. I cannot be the only person who feels naked without her phone?!
  3. Lipstick – Not only does it happen to complete my look of the day, but it also helps to keep my lips conditioned and looking oh-so-good.
  4. Cash – because money can buy you pretty much all the materialistic things that your little heart desires
  5. Pouches – They are wonderful little organizers that help you to not be that rummaging lady in line. They are affordable and comes in a variety of cute patterns, shapes and sizes; adding a bit more personality to your handbag.

I have big bag syndrome, somehow the phrase the bigger the better stuck with me in this case. I like to throw in everything I think I'll ever need ever so if by some freak accident I'm stranded I'll be prepared. New year new me I figure I should at least try to keep things super minimal so I only take the barest of necessities with me:
 
Margaret’s handbag essentials:
  1. Phone – If I could only take one thing this would be it.
  2. Kiehl's Lip Balm – Sadly one of the only lip balms I can safely use without risking balloon lips
  3. Oil Blotting sheets – nNcely packaged with a mirror which is always handy
  4. Gum – Because you never know
  5. Roller ball perfume – I'm a big fan of the roller balls, it ensures that I don't over spray and it's perfectly sized to throw in a small bag
  6. Hand cream – I'm slightly OCD when it comes to the cleanliness of my hands I despise the grimy feeling of unwashed hands on piano keys and cringe when I see others do it, unfortunately this means drier hands as a result of excessive washing so hand cream is a must
Tell us what are some of your handbag essentials?
 

Thursday, April 11, 2013

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

With the onset of spring the need for organizing and cleaning suddenly grips me and I can’t for the life of me shake it off until some heavy duty cataloguing is done. There’s something very invigorating and renewing about putting up new shelves, and cutting down the unnecessary clutter that’s built up over the winter months. 
 

KEEP                    GIVE AWAY                TRASH

Nothing is more satisfying than clearing out old garments and shoes collecting dust in the back of the closet, but the fundamental question arises: what to do with the cast-offs? It seems a bit cruel to haul the bags to the dumpster as the garments were once loved and treasured. Now no longer needed it would be cold hearted to toss without a second’s thought. Thankfully there are many wonderful organizations in and around the lovely city of Vancouver that we can take our old wardrobes to. 

Photo Credit: Google Image
There are several large establishments such as the Salvation Army, big brothers and the like that are always accepting clothing donations for those in need. There are donation boxes all over the city that are conveniently located for you to make a quick drop off on the way to work or school. 

Apart from these there are also numerous smaller organizations that cater to specific needs such as the Cinderella Project, their main goal is to provide formal wear and dress shoes for underprivileged high school graduates who would others be unable to partake in the celebrations.

Another fun idea is to organize a swap meet with your friends and “shop” each other’s closet. Good company, clothes, and refreshments, why not make it an idea for the next girl’s night out.
Photo Credit: Google Image


The Cinderella Project
315 Mathers Avenue
West Vancouver, BC
V7S 1H2


The Salvation Army
2714 W Broadway
Vancouver

Monday, April 08, 2013

My Plus One


Top: UO 20 | Cardigan: Zara 20 | Jeans: F21 19 | Shoes: Zara 35
 
With birthdays comes the inevitable +1 to your age. Whatever I may actually be is not how I feel or live by, for instance shopping is of course a favorite pass time of mine (typical right?) but with age I tend to forget what I throw hang up into my closet. Those old lady moments lead me to the treat of shopping my closet.
Isn't it a wonderful thing when you rediscover something you love and it’s practically free? I mean at some point you paid good money for it, but it costs nothing to find again. I loved each of these pieces dearly when I picked them out, but with time and my ahem "senior moments," they have been sitting there, unfairly neglected over the last year or so. Since my love of fashion can beat down my magical plastic card, I've challenged myself to fall back in love with the same pieces.
Absence makes the heart fonder and love does grow with time, so while I cannot love them in the exact same way, who said love only comes once?

Friday, April 05, 2013

Put Your Back Into It

We often hear the term cleansing your aura, meaning that there is too much crap (for a lack of a better word) in your life and you need to take a moment, maybe sit down and prioritize the chaos. Now I can apply that to my closet, sometimes I can stare at it for longer than I care to in order to reach total zen or I find myself frustrated looking for that sweater I SWORE I put behind that other sweater but it somehow magically grew legs and wondered far far away.
 
As spring comes upon us, spring cleaning also comes to mind. It’s time to rotate the closet or dig up the pieces that we haven’t worn in years but still believe that one day it will come back in style. But let’s face it, we can’t hold on to the worn down, out of style or ill-fitting piece any longer. Besides why would you turn down the idea of out with the old and in with the new?

Vintage clutches + Italian vintage cross body
A little check list of pieces that are worth keeping no matter how long they have been sitting there begging for your attention (quick breath). The qualifications for these are:
 
1. Well-made pieces, ones that you cannot only fit still but may even be able to pass it down to someone else
2. Classic tailoring and detailing; pieces that never go out of style
3. Basics that are not discoloured, worn down, hole-y or stretched out
4. Potential DIY pieces, a little nip and tuck and the piece will shine brighter than it ever did and the best part? You can say you “made” it
 
So what has your closet been hiding?