I'm typically not a huge fan of green as I feel that I usually look like a version of The Hulk in it.
But, if you know me at all, you know I love monochrome looks, so when I realized I had two olive green items in my wardrobe that happened to pair quite nicely together — I knew I had to style them.
And this is the result.
I will keep this one short and sweet as I'm sure you, like me, are getting ready for the New Year celebrations. (Happy New Years in advance!)
Happy Wednesday and thank you for stopping by!
What it is: A tinted primer that we paired with Benefit's fan favourite mascara (each sold separately), to get defined, lengthened lashes. Each product is infused with vitamin B5 — which means this duo conditions lashes as well as boosting their length.
Beauty bonus: Adding tint to the primer? Genius! We had to put a couple coats on, but it can be used as a mascara for a nice, natural look.
Beauty bummer: In an increasingly complex beauty routine, this primer represents yet another step.
Overall: This primer is definitely worth a try.
The primer separates lashes nicely giving the mascara a little bit of grip to build length. Used with the mascara, which already has a cult following,lashes definitely looked longer and more look-at-me.
The mascara leaves lashes clump free and super defined while the tinted primer (again, genius!) is a perfect product for getting those 'is she or isn't she wearing mascara?' lashes.
We were happy with the overall result of both products.
Would recommend? If you have a fav volume mascara, use this primer with it to build length. If length is what you're looking for this combo of primer and Benefit They're Real mascara is on point.
Price: $31 each
Where to buy: Sephora
—Review by Covet and Acquire beauty editor Kirsten
Christmas is one of my favourite holidays — but Boxing Day is a whole other celebration for me altogether.
My sisters and I make a sporting day of it by getting up super early (umm, like 5 a.m. early!) and heading downtown Vancouver to shop the early bird sales.
We almost always have our sights set on certain items and we move through the mall and stores efficiently. It's serious business. Like ... we don't play around.
So this year, I will be keeping the chill away as I traipse from store to store with this Bench parka.
I wore it during a recent outing in the woods to clear my head (no, not for the Boxing Day mayhem, I promise!) and was impressed with how warm and cozy it was — while still looking stylish.
But back to today's shopping shenanigans ...
Let's just say I'm on a mission! (And p.s., the entire Bench store is on sale 50 percent off today. Some exclusions apply, but I definitely suggest you check it out!)
Wish me luck.
Happy Boxing Day, and even happier shopping!
Parka: Bench c/o
Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year.
I love that the holiday season is a time full of family and friends, relaxing — and getting dressed up, of course.
And I had the opportunity to do just that with a few fellow bloggers during a recent holiday brunch.
Oz and Tarah from the Style x Beauty Department hosted myself, Lyndi from The Style Calling, Cee from Coco & Vera and vlogger Trina for a fun, holiday-themed get together shot by the talented fashion photographer Matthew Burditt with the beauty bases covered by two talented ladies, Erin Klassen (hair) and Katie Elwood (makeup).
The results, in my completely biased opinion, were stunning.
I was a bit stressed about deciding what to wear for the shoot. I mean, what do you put on when you're set to pose with a group of fashion girls? Hello, style stress.
But I knew I was set when I spotted this grey sweater dress and faux fur shawl from Le Chateau.
The midi length of the dress lends a decidedly modern feel to a winter wardrobe classic, while the fur wrap adds a touch of glam.
I added on gold-tone baubles and glitter heels for an extra touch of holiday sparkle.
Because who doesn't love a little extra glitz during the holidays? I know I do.
Merry Christmas and thank, as always, for stopping by.
See the full shoot on the lifestyle site Best Friends for Frosting. And check out a video of the shoot by Trina here.
I'm all about wearing white in winter. And not winter white, either.
I love how crisp it looks in the season's often harsh glare. It's so photographable — of course.
As per usual, I'm back pairing colour families, so it should come as no surprise that I opted for a look that's all white and grey. I think it makes this coat (which I got at HM at the end of last season for $20) and these overalls (which I scored for $20) look a whole lot more expensive.
But perhaps it's the subtle luxury of a cashmere sweater from Gap that really ups the ante.
Whatever it is ... I'm digging it.
Happy Monday and thank you for stopping by.
Sweater: Gap c/o | Overalls and coat: HM (similar here and here) | Bag: Coach (old) |
Shoes: Adidas Superstar | Rings: Le Chateau c/o | Watch: Movado
Shoes: Adidas Superstar | Rings: Le Chateau c/o | Watch: Movado
I'm big on Christmas shopping. So much so that I'm usually have my gift list all wrapped up by November — no joke.
But no matter how far in advance I try to plan, I always seem to have one or two gifts left to the last minute ... and they're often for my fellow fashion-loving folks.
So with that in mind, I've put together a quick gift guide for fashion girls (and guys!). Most of these items are ones I already have — and would therefore readily endorse — but there are also a few things that are just straight-up on my X-mas wish list ... ehem, like the two Chloe bags.
So without further ado, here are my 10 top gift ideas for the fashion girl.
The word cozy doesn't even begin to cover this sweater.
From its oversized shape to its thick knit fabric, it's basically a stylish alternative to wearing one's favourite duvet outside of the house. Haha, could you imagine?!
I have a lot to be thankful for this year — from friends and family, to blog matters, career accomplishments and new acquisitions — it has been a year full of lots of ups (and a few downs) and for that I'm very thankful.
That's why I'm happy to take part in Aritzia's #ThanksToYou campaign, which aims to show appreciation for the Vancouver retailer's fan base. See the full campaign on Insta here.
And most of all, I'm thankful for you — my readers! Without you, none of this would be possible.
So, #ThanksToYou. From me.
Happy Wednesday and thank you for stopping by!t
What it is: A solid-form moisturizer that "magically" melts on skin. Infused with fair-trade and ethically sourced cocoa, Moringa and Shea butters, as well as rose hip and argan oils to beautifully moisturize and mattifying skin.
Beauty bonus: The mattifying effect is hands-down amazing. Our faces felt like a velvety rose petal after application!
Beauty bummer: The consistency is quite hard in the container. Digging in, we applied a bit more than we expected.
Overall: We weren't sure what we were getting ourselves into when we found this little pot. But what a gem it is!
While this petite pot consists of a blend of oils and butters, our skin did not have a hint of a greasy feel thanks to the silky corn flour.
We found this product was an excellent primer for makeup — bb cream stayed put all day and our face didn't feel overly product-laden.
It is light to moderately scented with ylang-ylang, vetiver and sandalwood oils, lending it more to the essential oil, earthy side of scents.
We were actually blown away by this product and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a hydrating base or mattifying, standalone moisturizer.
Would recommend? Yes!
Price: $24.95
Where to buy: Lush Cosmetics
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| Getting my hair done by Kerastase Paris pro James V. at Suki's in Vancouver. |
Beauty bonus: These salon add-ons can be quickly added to your usual service — literally during the shampoo process. Hello, streamlined salon visit!
Beauty bummer: The frizz-taming treatment I tested on my curly hair didn't quite deliver the four shampoos-worth of sleekness that was promised, but rather lasted through two washes.
I enjoyed this treatment, the products smelled divine, and I loved that the revamped product line includes four concentrates and five boosters, each targeting a different hair concern, that can be mixed and matched depending on your hair's needs.
I've been a huge fan of the Kérastase Discipline range (read my review of the line here!), so I would definitely request that booster again!
After the service, my frizz-prone hair looked about 100 times less unruly, and it felt soft and smooth post-treatment for more than two weeks.
Would recommend: Yes, as a special treat during a salon visit — but I would definitely try a new combinations of concentrates and booster treatments to target a few of my other hair problems such as the Concentre Vita-Ciment and Booster Nutrition for, yep you guessed it, a triple boost of nutrition.
Available at: Suki's and other Kerastase salons
Price: Varies by salon
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| A personalized portrait by Vancouver artist Michelle Yu! |
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| Of course I had to take a selfie of my new hair! :P |
Winter is my favourite season to dress for because I absolutely adore coats.
From belted trenches to full-on dusters, I'm completely hooked on stylish toppers.
That's why I love this navy blue vest coat from Topshop. It's chic enough for work, and even looks great when layered under a longer coat for those extra chilly days.
I'm actually really excited to wear it with distressed boyfriend jeans, ankle boots and a cashmere sweater too. Not that I don't love it dressed up with a simple black turtleneck and trousers.
I mean, who ever said navy blue and black shouldn't be worn together, anyway?
Happy Wednesday and thank you for stopping by!
Vest: Topshop c/o (on sale!) | Sweater: Le Chateau c/o | Pants: Theory | Shoes: Vans | Bag: Aritzia | Jewelry: Michael Kors c/o, Tiffany and Co. and Movado
What it is: A box of deluxe samples that are curated by the Birchbox team or hand-picked by you to basically ensure you never again have beauty buyer's remorse!
Basically, it's like receiving a customized, monthly delivery of just-for-you samples of luxe beauty products. (What's not to love!?)
Our December delivery contained a Kate Spade Live Colorfully fragrance, LOC lip colour, Juara hand lotion, Amika dry shampoo and a Sunday Riley facial treatment. (pictured below)
Beauty bonus: For our first box, we loved the variety of products. We also appreciated the range of price points on the offerings, which ensures that if we loved it once the sample is done, odds are we can afford to buy the full-sized version.
Beauty bummer: The fragrance sample didn't totally fit our scent profile — while we loved the floral and vanilla fragrance, we prefer something a little more earthy for the winter months.
Overall: We are excited to be test-driving Birchbox beauty deliveries for a few months.
The idea of receiving new goodies each month is one we can ascribe — or subscribe to, so we're looking forward to seeing what exactly comes in the mail.
The highlights in this month's box were the LOC lip pencil and the Sunday Riley facial treatment.
The intense lip colour was uber smooth to apply, feeling very balm-like and leaving lips hydrated without the drying effect of some matte lipsticks. And the facial treatment was scented with zingy citrus, leaving skin feeling refreshed and smooth.
Would recommend? The subscription service is a fun gift for the makeup obsessed or novice on your holiday gift list. Or ... we're fans of the whole #treatyoself thing, so we're all about buying our own subscription too. :P
After all, who doesn't love getting a pretty package filled with beauty products in the mail every month?
We especially love the fact that full-sized products are available for purchase online. So if you loved the mini size, you can easily upgrade to the big version without any hassle.
Price: A subscription is $14.95 per month ($10 + $4.95 shipping and handling) or $100 per year.
The price of the full-sized products featured in our December Birchbox include Amika Perk Up dry shampoo, $26.50; Juara Coconut Illipe hand and nail balm, $26; Kate Spade Live Colorfully, $90-$115; LOC Vibrant matte lipstick in Glam Life, $10; Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment, $110.
Where to buy: Birchbox.ca
—Review by Covet and Acquire beauty editor Kirsten Harris
Like pretty much everyone else, I love a good holiday cocktail.
But this year, I wanted to try shaking up my drinks menu a little bit (pun intended, of course!).
I taste-tested this Casamigos cocktail (recipe below) recently at The Keg restaurant in Yaletown and I was hooked.
Tequila mingling with the blackberry notes and crisp ginger beer? I think I might have a new signature drink.
The Keg Blackberry Mule
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz Casamigos Blanco Tequila
1/2 oz Margarita mix
1/2 oz Cassis
5 Blackberries
2 oz Ginger beer
To prepare:
Add the Casamigos Tequila, margarita mix, Cassis and ginger beer in a cocktail shaker. Shake well with ice and strain into a tall rocks glass. Top with ginger beer.
Learn more about The Keg's Casamigos drinks here and find more delicious Casamigos cocktail recipes here.
Cheers!
It's official: sweater weather is here to stay.
And I'm all about double-duty knits for winter. You know what I'm talking about — the type that can be dressed up for the office or worn with your comfiest boyfriend jeans on the weekend and still look equally as good.
Case in point: this waffle knit, winter white version from Bench Canada.
Paired with cigar-hued trousers and leopard loafers, it's a perfect piece for the 9-to-5 grind. And then fast forward to the weekend and I'd happily pair it with my favourite black skinnies, Frye Chelsea boots, an oversized coat and a cosy toque.
Not that I've thought about it or anything. (Of course I have!)
Happy Wednesday and thank you, as always, for stopping by!
Sweater: Bench c/o | Pants: Aritzia | Shoes: Steve Madden | Bag: Aritzia | Sunglasses: Ray Ban | Jewelry: Movado, Tiffany and Co. and Leah Alexandra
What it is: A new spin on a beauty staple — this lip balm uses lip-perfecting technology to leave lips feeling hydrated. Harnessing the power of coconut and Shea butters, antioxidants and vitamins A, C and E Softlips Luxe 5 in 1 Lip Moisturizer protects against dryness while adding a hint of shine.
Beauty bonus: A mellow yet sweet scent and lasting hydration? Yes, please!
Beauty bummer: We kind of wish the latest Softlips line would have come in a tinted version.
Overall: What are the items totally indispensable in our makeup bags? A good sunscreen and a moisturizing lip balm.
This update is a welcome addition to our absolute beauty basics.
The twist-up formula feels a little more weighty than the original Softlips products — thanks to the nourishing natural butters — which we love for our extra-dry, winter weather-chapped lips.
With a subtle shine, this balm acts as a super smoothing base for all our lipsticks — or an option for going au naturale.
Would recommend? Yes
Price: $4.67
Where to buy: Walmart
—Review by Covet and Acquire beauty editor Kirsten Harris
And as for the giveaway ...
We want YOU to win a Softlips prize pack worth $50.
One lucky winner* will receive:
1 Softlips Luxe Lip Moisturizer Creamy Coconut
1 Softlips Luxe Lip Moisturizer Silky Shea
1 Softlips Cube Lip Moisturizer Fresh Mint
1 Softlips Cube Lip Moisturizer Peach Mango
1 purse mirror
1 cosmetic bag
To enter, check out @Aleesha_H and @CovetandAcquireBeauty on Instagram.
Not on Instagram? No problem. Like Softlips on Facebook and leave a comment below to enter!
*Giveaway open to Canadian residents only
It's no secret that I love shopping. And add in a hot deal, and I just can't resist.
That's why Black Friday and Cyber Monday are going to be such a struggle for me this year — because I'm trying not to shop.
But just because I'm not shopping doesn't mean you can't!
I've rounded up a few of my favourite sales (and a few of my even more favourite items at each retailer!) so that I can shop vicariously through you.
Thank you ... and you're welcome. :P
Anine BingUp to 60% off
On now until Nov. 30
Express
50% off everything + free shipping
On now until Nov. 30 at noon
GAP
50% off everything with code GAPFRIDAY + 50-70% off everything on Cyber Monday
Now until Nov. 30
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Neiman Marcus 20% off sale items for up to 50% off online
Now through Nov. 27
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Up to 50% off select styles + free shipping and returns
Now through Nov. 27
What it is: A collection of oil-based skin care products from the makers of Bio-oil, that help maintain the lipid (read: moisture) layer of skin, leaving the naturally occurring enzymes to work their radiant magic.
Each oil is formulated with anti inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients to optimize the healthy benefits of the oil.
Beauty bonus: All three of the oils we tried (Lipidol Cleansing Face Oil, Lipidol Overnight Face Oil and Lipidol Cleansing Body Oil) left skin feeling supple and moisturized.
Beauty bummer: Our least favourite of the trio was the body oil, which provided a lovely lather, but also had a slightly clinical lime essential oil fragrance.
Overall: We thought cleansing with oil would be a little weird, which it was, but it also was pretty interesting.
Our favourite product from the trio we tested was the facial cleanser. It is quite oily when first applied to dry skin, but after adding a bit of water, it gently lathers and rinses away dirt and impurities to leave skin free of makeup, feeling fresh and without the tight feeling some soaps can leave.
We loved the fact that it was a double-duty product, makeup remover and facial cleanser in one — Hello, multi-use bonus!
Would recommend? The facial products — yes. But as for the body cleansing oil — the scent was enough to have us taking a pass.
Price: $8.97 each
Where to buy: Exclusively at Walmart
—Review by Covet and Acquire beauty editor Kirsten
The wintery weather in Vancouver lately has been making me want to dress cozy. Like, really cozy.
But while I'd love to step out in my favourite sweats — or even just stay in bed all day for that matter — I'm forced to face reality ... and therefore my real closet on these chilly days.
That's why I love having pieces like this oversized knit, classic denim jeans, a cozy scarf and simple chelsea boots in my closet.
They're pieces that keep me warm and insulated while still being weather appropriate and somewhat stylish.
And I'm seriously digging the fact that these boots are completely waterproof without even resembling rubber boots. See ya later, wet feet! Hello, style!
Happy Wednesday and thank you for stopping by!
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| Benefit Cosmetics Real Cheeky Party Blushing Beauty Kit review |
What it is: Benefit Cosmetics debuts three different gift sets with a carnival theme with a variety of all-time faves and new superstars from the benefit lineup.
Beauty bonus: With a good price point for all the sets, you can't go wrong for the value.
Beauty bummer: None, we loved the variety of products in all the sets.
Overall: Benefit's holiday 2015 offerings are what our makeup dreams are made of when it comes to holiday sets.
They offer good value and product combinations that showcase a variety of products you may not necessarily pick up together if you were choosing a la carte.
We are partial to the bronzer/ blush set and the Pret-a-Party Full Face Makeup Kit because these have nearly or full-sized products.
By comparison, the Party Poppers Advent Calendar packs a very comprehensive array of products (12 in total including POREfessional face primer, they’re real! lengthening mascara, high beam face highlighter and more!) but it contains all minis, which makes it perfect for travel, and the Real Cheeky Party Blushing Beauty Kit has mid- and full-size products.
Check out the full holiday offering from Benefit — plus the product breakdowns here!
Would I recommend? Yes! Whether you're buying it for a gift — or yourself — these are perfect options for any big-time beauty fan.
Price: $54-$59
Where to buy: Sephora or shop a few of my faves below!
—Review by Covet and Acquire beauty editor Kirsten Harris
I'm a big fan of over-the-knee boots but I haven't found too many that seem to fit me well — and also don't break the bank.
And these brandy-hued beauties from Le Chateau did both. (Thankfully!)
While I have plans to try styling them with bare legs and a sweater dress, as well as culottes or a midi dress, I wanted to keep them looking as simple and chic as possible for their maiden voyage.
Black skinnies and a cashmere turtleneck make these luxe boots appear more chic than retro, which is something I find brown-toned suede often has — a vintage vibe.
Not that I mind a vintage feel but I just like it to make a subtle statement rather than a bold yell.
Happy Friday and thank you for stopping by!
Boots: Le Chateau c/o | Sweater: Joe Fresh | Pants: Plenty c/o | Bag: Prada
I've been a champion of Le Chateau for a while now because I've been so pleased with their new collections, that it has quickly become a Canadian brand that I've been glad to get behind.
But in the interest of full disclosure, I've never been a huge fan of their handbags.
That is, until now.
The Montreal-based retailer recently collaborated with renowned stylist Louise Labrecque on a handbag collection that's worth taking a look at — and lingering on.
The limited-edition designs are crafted from soft black leather and feature Labrecque's trademark "VIAXHO" moniker, which has to do with the way women dress for their body shapes.
As you probably know, I'm a bit of a handbag hoarder (read my handbag reviews here!), so I'm pretty strict when it comes to requirements for a new bag — and this crossbody bag met a surprising number of my criteria.
Leather is a must for me as I believe it increases the durability and overall appearance of a bag — and I love the soft skin of this bag.
I also love functionality, which this bag delivers on thanks to an adjustable cross-body strap and roomy, box-bag shape.
And I'm a huge fan of considerate design details such as the four protective feet on the bottom of this bag. The gold-tone studs add a touch of glamour to the otherwise minimalist shape, while also providing protection from surfaces.
All in all, I have been carrying this bag for about two weeks now and I'm very impressed with its performance. Well done, Louise Labrecque and Le Chateau!
Happy Remembrance Day and thank you, as always, for stopping by.
Bag: Louise Labrecque x Le Chateau c/o
What it is: Shoppers Drug Mart exclusive brand Quo goes festive with a holiday collection that's worth getting on Santa's good list!
Beauty bonus: We sort of love their take on the traditional holiday poppers. Move over paper crowns, we think a mini lippie and shadow take the cake!
Beauty bummer: None —We loved this budget-friendly and oh-so festive collection!
Overall: This collection hits many of our holiday wishes for gift sets.
The range offers are quite a few quality options and combinations of products at various price points.
We were impressed with the value of the $45 Trendsetter Face and Eye kit in a faux lacquer box, which features pull-out trays revealing multiple shadows, lip colours and contour shades. Thank you, Santa!
Whether you are gifting these sets or treating yourself, they will definitely not disappoint.
Would I recommend? Yes.
Price: $10-$75
Where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart
—Review by Covet and Acquire beauty editor Kirsten Harris
Well, I'm back in black.
This is my final look from my recent trip to New York, (See my other looks here and here!) and of course, I went back to my favourite shade.
But if there's one thing I would hope to convey with this look, other than my aversion for seemingly all other colours of clothing except for black, is that dressing comfortably and stylishly on a trip is possible.
I can never understand why people wear yoga clothes and grubby sneakers while travelling. There's really no excuse for that.
Personally, I love dressing well when I'm on vacation, and I think this Forever 21 trench, midi dress and Vans slip-ons are the perfect combination of holiday chic. No foot pain or gym-wear required.
Happy Friday and thank you for stopping by.
What it is: A new line of shampoos, conditioners and spritzes with options targeting everything from dry (Moisture Me Rich) to volume (Rock it Texture) to colour-treated hair issues (Color Obsessed).
Beauty bonus: We were a little head-over-heels for the scent of these haircare offerings — it's reminiscent of fresh roses with a zest.
Beauty bummer: We tried both the texturizing system (Rock it Texture) and the colour-treated options (Color Obsessed) and had mixed results.
For fine-haired ladies and gentleman, texture can sometimes read as stringy, and we found this was the case with this line.
But for those with colour-treated hair, we were happy with the smoothing and shine-inducing properties of this collection.
While the cream-like leave-in spray was a tad messy to apply, it worked to detangle tresses and leave locks looking smooth and non-greasy in the morning.
Overall: This line seems to have something for everyone, which we love. Targeting eight different hair issues, there is surely one to tame your mane.
While the texturizing option wasn't the right fit for us, we were more than happy with the colour-treated option.
Would recommend? Yes, but note that the volume collection might not be a perfect fit for super-fine hair.
Price: Shampoo, $12.50; conditioner, $13.50; styling products, $16.50-$17.50
Where to buy: Select salons
—Review by Covet and Acquire beauty editor Kirsten Harris
I'm wheels up and wings in the air again this week, so I thought it the perfect time to finish sharing my New York travel outfits.
But these posts are as much for me as they are for you — serving to remind me of my recent travels to an only slightly cooler destination than the one I'm off to right now: Regina, Sask. :P
But back to this look.
I've been gravitating toward black and greys even more than usual lately (as if that's even possible!), so this look was a bit of a welcome surprise for me.
Completely void of any black pieces — hooray!(?) —it boasts one of my other fave colours of the moment ... navy blue.
What colours will you be wearing this winter?
Happy Monday and thank you for stopping by!
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