Covet & Acquire

What they are: I'm a huge fan of Levi's. I wear a pair, it seems, almost every day of the week.

I've reviewed the Wedgie, Ribcage and Dad Jean styles on the blog in the past. So, when the new Balloon fit came out, I was excited to try them (I purchased these jeans, so rest assured this is neither a paid nor an endorsed review!).

When I first heard about these jeans online I was intrigued. The fit is advertised as being "'80s inspired with a dramatic curve at the hip and a tapered leg."

And the thought of a high waist with a slightly voluminous shape had me curious. So, of course, I bought a pair.

Fit bonus: The rise is perfect. Not too high but not low.

Fit bummer: The hemline is a bit short. I'm 5'8" and i feel like they're a tad too cropped on me.

Overall: For the most part, I find Levi's sizing to be pretty consistent. But, some cuts most certainly aren't. And I feel like the Balloon jeans are one of those jeans styles from the brand that you should try on before you buy them.

(I found this to be the case with the Wedgie Icon fit, too. Sometimes, they fit, while other times — nope!) 

I bought these online during a sale without ever having tried the fit on. I read online reviews (very mixed) and went with my usual size 30. When I received the jeans, I was surprised by how tight the waistline felt while pulling them up.

Given the high waist, coupled with the "dramatic curve," at the hip, I felt these fit a bit more snug than I had expected. I mean, the pictures I see on the models they look almost comically voluminous.

But, I have hips/a bum/thighs, so that's likely why the fit felt more figure-hugging than what I saw pictured on a slimmer, more straight figure.

So, while I like the Balloon jeans style, if I were to buy another pair, I would a) go into a store to try them on (a bit tricky given COVID and all), and b) consider sizing up, if the more oversized fit is the desired look.

Would recommend? Yes, if you find the Ribcage fit too high a rise. But, if you're looking for a more figure-fitting cut with more consistent sizing, I'd go with the Wedgie Straight.

Check them out online here.

What it is: A lip stain from YSL that is not drying (at all!), giving lips an editorial matte look without the fuss.

Beauty bonus: The applicator is really great.

Beauty bummer: None!

Overall: This stain surprised us!

Stains are notoriously bad for being drying. Add matte on top of that, and we were expecting a crusty mess. This delivered just the opposite — it was comfortable and left lips feeling soft!

The best part? That faded, K-beauty effect was easy to achieve with the innovative paddle-like applicator. A light application gave lips a kiss of colour, while a more thorough sweep of the ultra-pigmented product provided a bold hit.

Our favourite colour was 204, a pretty, nude-y pink shade that will be on repeat all summer long.

Would recommend? Yes.
Price: $49
Where to buy: Sephora

What it is: An overnight treatment formulated with Lilac Plant Cell Extract and Polyhydroxy Acids to prep and sooth stressed skin for the next day’s contaminants and environmental aggressors.

Beauty bonus: Similar to a serum, this treatment felt very light on skin.

Beauty bummer: Another addition to an already packed nightly skin routine could be too much for some.

Overall: We saw definite skin benefits after one use of this product, with skin looking a bit more radiant.

With continued use, the texture of skin was improved, appearing more smooth thanks to the polyhydroxy acids. The light gel texture of the treatment made it easy to incorporate into our existing night routine, adding very little in terms of overall weight of product on skin.
Would recommend? Yes.
Price: $58
Where to buy: London Drugs

Here's an on-body shot of me wearing the Speedy 25.

And a pic of me with the Speedy 35.

This continues to be the extent of my dressing up and heading out at the moment.

As I continue to work from home, I'm sticking to my usual work wardrobe of turtlenecks and trousers, but I'm starting to put a few summer pieces in there now, too. Even if it's just for a walk around the backyard.

I love a good, black throw-on top like this v-neck number, which I'm sure will be a go-to once the weather really warms up. The style feels elevated yet effortless, two words that I love when it comes to clothes.

These off-white trousers from Le Chateau were a recent acquisition that I felt could easily elevate my wardrobe for work events. I'm terrible at keeping white pants clean, but I loved the high-waisted cut on these trousers so much that I thought I'd give them a try. I think they'd also look chic worn with a slightly oversized camel sweater for a cozy (ahem, and more figure forgiving) look.

Once the restrictions lift, I'd see myself wearing this look perhaps for patio drinks (with a stylish hat, of course) or for an evening cocktail event after work hours. But, until then, I'll continue to wear it while trying to feel fancy in my backyard.

What it is: A cruelty free brand bent on simplifying your routine, Malin +Goetz goes against the current skincare trend that says more is more, and pares it down to the nicest necessities.
Beauty bonus: Gentle and simple, this brand is a grab-and-go dream.

Beauty bummer: The moisturizer we tried was totally scent free (a big bonus for those with sensitive noses). The formula was nice, but we just wanted a little scent to match.

Overall: Around since 2004, this brand has not only staying power, but a cult following. Now new-to-Canada, this cool-girl (and cool-guy!) company from New York is understated and a bit utilitarian, while being effective.

The cleanser was gentle, not over-drying but still leaving skin feeling clean. The moisturizer was very nice— among our favourite product in the collection. It felt quite rich coming out of the package, but on skin, it absorbed well leaving very little residue.

For those looking for a natural deodorant that doesn't leave you stinky, we recommend the Eucalyptus Deodorant. The aluminum and alcohol-free stick formula worked to banish stink, even on an unseasonably hot spring day spent primarily outdoors.

The company's collection of hand soaps and fragrances are also fabulous!

Would recommend? Yes.
Price: From $29
Where to buy: Sephora.ca

I have a serious obsession with gold jewelry.

Look at any of my outfit posts and you'll see at least one piece. Ahem, or 10, if you count my ear piercings. 

As gold jewelry is an investment, I've been adding pieces here and there throughout the years. And right now, I've got my eye on bracelets.

I picked up this gold Tiffany T bracelet last year — and have basically not taken it off since. The piece has become a fast favourite, and I wouldn't mind getting one more like it (read: chunky but not too big) provided my budget allows.  

Here are five glittering gold bracelets that caught my eye recently.

What it is: A product addition to the now-iconic Luminous Silk makeup line from Giorgio Armani Beauty, this Luminous Silk Multi-Purpose Concealer promises to provide 24-hour coverage and hydration with its medium, buildable formula.

Beauty bonus: The formula isn't drying, which we love. Especially around the delicate eye area.

Beauty bummer: It's not full coverage, so those looking for complete coverage will have to layer up.

Overall: This hydrating concealer left our skin glowing. We love that it offers medium coverage with a few dots of product. When the weather warms up, that's all we're looking for, anyway.

Thanks to ingredients like vitamin e and caffeine, the product aims to reduce puffiness and give skin a dose of moisture.

We tried it both with the fan-favourite foundation (amazing!) and on its own for a quick pre-Zoom glow-up and were pleased with how comfortably it wore on skin both ways.

Available in 20 skin tone-matching shades.

Would recommend? Yes.
Price: $49
Where to get it: Sephora

What it is: An eau de toilette from CHANEL that is said to be inspired by the Cote d'Azur, a favourite destination of Mademoiselle Chanel.

Beauty bonus: This "floral-solar" scent smells wonderful — a bit like a perfect seaside day.

Beauty bummer: While it wears quite well for an eau de toilette, it lacks the staying power of a more concentrated perfume.

Overall: This has become a new go-to summer scent. It's sunny, citrusy and reminds us of a fabulous oceanfront vacation in the south of France.

Notes of Sicilian orange and neroli mingle with citrus and white flowers for a perfect summer elixir. One spritz was all it took to transport me back to one of the best trips of my life — which took place very near to Chanel's one-time vacation home La Pausa.

Would recommend: Yes!
Price: $149
Where to get it: Chanel.com 

Top knots, fashion books and comfy-chic pants have been on repeat for me lately as I continue to work from home.

I'm using the time to try new outfits, while also catching up on a few pieces of required fashion reading.

I recently picked up these plaid pants from Le Chateau. The made-in-Canada culotte styles is made from a fabric that has a bit of stretch, so they're comfortable without looking too, well, comfortable.

I also happen to own a blazer and pants in this exact fabric from the Montreal-based retailer, so that was another big draw to picking up these pants online. The figure-flattering cut looks good with a turtleneck or tank tucked in, but I also thought they would look more 'fashion' paired with the matching blazer.

The retailer is having a buy more save more sale right now, so if you're in the market for a few made-in-Canada pieces that you can wear while working from home — and long after we're all out of lockdown, as well – now might be the time to stock up.

What it is: An eight-shade capsule collection created by CHANEL Global Creative Makeup and Colour Designer Lucia Pica, these lipsticks are inspired by the iconic flower for the French fashion house: the Camellia.

Beauty bonus: The limited-edition collection features finishes for both matte and shine lovers.

Beauty bummer: None!

Overall: This collection of eight lipstick colours — four satin-finish Rouge Allure lipsticks and four Rouge Allure Velvet — has a little something for everyone.

While we fell fast for the Rouge Intense Luminous Intense Lip Colour 627 Camélia Carmin, a rich red, we also had a soft spot for the balm-like Camélia Blanc and the luxe-looking Camélia Rouge Metal, which boasts a super-fine sparkle.

At first glance, the lacquer-like case of these lipsticks looks just like the usual Rouge Allure design. But the gold-tipped housing for the pigmented lipstick bullets each feature a Camellia flower embossed on its end.

Would recommend? Yes!
Price: $50
Where to buy: Chanel.com

I've felt like I've been in a bit of a time warp lately. Like many people are admitting on social media, I'm guilty of forgetting what day it is.

While I'm lucky to still be working from home, which has afforded me perspective on day and time, I still can't help but feel like days are slipping away. Rushing by, without ... you know, actually rushing.

I get up, get dressed, work, work, work — and then get ready to do it all again the next day. It's oddly exhausting. But, we'll get through this. I'm grateful that I'm healthy, as are my loved ones, and I'm still employed. It's a good reminder that, no matter how fast time is going, it's important to pause in order to count one's blessings.
In any case, I've linked a few of my favourite green blazers below for your shopping consideration.

What it is: A four-colour eyeshadow palette from the luxe French brand (that we all know and love!) CHANEL.

Beauty bonus: The black lacquer case featuring the iconic double Cs is sure to make it into one or two of your upcoming Instagram flatlays.

Beauty bummer: Those who like lots of shade options in their eyeshadow palettes may find four hues too limited.

Overall: These eyeshadows are a true treat. From the exterior packaging to the pressed powder formulas inside, we love the luxurious feel of these compacts.

The individual eyeshadow pots are small, which we're admittedly fine with as it means you might actually use up these formulas rather than have to toss them over time.

This particular colour collection, dubbed 354 - Warm Memories, offers a selection of nice, neutral hues that are just a little bit unexpected (think a steely brown and a soft, peachy pink). We found they gave lids a nice wash of colour when worn alone, while a primer yielded a more powerful pop.

But, if we're being entirely honest, we're not looking for full-impact makeup with these palettes. Instead, we want that perfectly lived-in look that French beauty gurus seem to achieve so effortlessly.

As for bold pops of colour, we'll save that for our lips (ahem, hello Parisian-approved red lipstick!).

Would recommend: Yes
Price: $70
Retailer: https://rstyle.me/+7SV45yll0iutvsCFrNn-BA

I love a good gold necklace. Especially when it has a little extra personal meaning to it.

While I can readily admit that I don't know much about tarot cards or readings — thought I am intrigued — I'm much more familiar with astrology and Zodiac signs. And I'm consistently amazed by how much a person's sign can share about who they are!

(For the record: I'm a Gemini, through and through) 

That's why, my current covets are all about Zodiac sign and tarot-inspired necklaces like the Mejuri necklace Im wearing here. 

I've picked a few similar pieces below. Happy shopping!

OK, I'll admit it. I wore this look in my backyard. Yes, there, and only there.

I guess, these days, there isn't anywhere else to go anyway.

We've had so many beautifully sunny days here lately that I've felt emboldened to try out some of my spring and summer pieces — like this puff-sleeve top from H&M.

I had seen similar styles popping up on social, and I loved the pretty pink colour and petite floral print on this piece, so I picked it up online. Paired with high-waist Levi's Ribcage jeans and a Lack of Color hat, the look was giving me all kinds of California vibes. So much so that I posed for a few pics in my backyard while pretending I was in a sunny local south of the border.

Hey, a girl can dream, right?

Happy Monday and thanks for stopping by!

What you see right here is what I will be doing this long weekend.

I shared these images on Instagram along with a bit of personal information about how this past week ... has had an effect on me. While I know how fortunate I am to still have my job and good health, I can't seem to shake the anxiety of this ongoing situation.

So, I've turned to colouring.

The acting of putting coloured pencil to page — and trying not to colour outside the lines, of course — affords my mind a few minutes aways from the news and thoughts about COVID-19. That's why, if you're looking for me this weekend, you can likely find me out side in the grass, by myself, colouring pretty pictures of ponies.

Happy Easter weekend, everyone.