Pages

  • Home
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Handbags
  • Travel
  • Videos

Social Icons

Covet & Acquire

by Aleesha Harris

Halter tops + wide-leg pants

July 31, 2020 Osoyoos, BC V0H, Canada

chic summer outfit le chateau halter neck top and side-slit trousers

chic summer outfit le chateau halter neck top and side-slit trousers

chic summer outfit le chateau halter neck top and side-slit trousers

I wore this look a couple weekends ago while in Osoyoos.

Safe to say, I stood out amongst all the tank-top-and-cutoff-jeans combinations. Featuring a sleek top and side-slit, wide-leg trousers from Le Chateau, I felt effortlessly chic (you know that's my favourite) in this look.

The pants, which are currently on sale for less than $30 (!!) had the perfect high-waist that ensured they looked glamorous when paired with my bandeau bikini top while piloting a pontoon boat. (A first for me!) And, I'm pretty sure I'll be buying this comfy halter-neck top in several colours this season.

Happy Friday and thank you for stopping by!

Top, pants and sandals: Le Chateau | Bag: Prada 

read the post

Happy National Lipstick Day!

July 29, 2020

National Lipstick Day

Today is National Lipstick Day (I know, I know — another 'day'?).

As a longtime lover of a good statement lip, this is a fake holiday that I can fully embrace. After all, who doesn't love the idea of a new little lip product? Even if it's just a smoothing balm.

Sephora Canada is offering 25 per cent off select lip products to mark the 'special' day, now through July 31. There's a pretty good lineup of brands and products on offer to choose from. So, you know where I'll be online shopping this afternoon. ;)

Wondering which lipsticks to check out? Here are a few favourites reviewed recently on the blog:

BITE BEAUTY CRYSTAL CREME SHIMMER LIP CRAYON


YVES SAINT LAURENT TATOUAGE COUTURE VELVET CREAM LIQUID LIPSTICK STAIN


CHANEL ROUGE ALLURE CAMÉLIA LIMITED-EDITION COLLECTION


ROUGE HERMĂˆS LIPSTICK


DIOR ADDICT STELLAR HALO SHINE LIPSTICK

read the post

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush: A quick review

July 27, 2020 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush review

What it is: A collection of cream-based blushes and contours as well as sheer, glossy lipsticks for summer 2020 from Rihanna's beauty brand Fenty Beauty.

Beauty bonus: Orange blush works for us. Who knew? RiRi did! This blush is buildable — a perfect intro to cream blushes.

Beauty bummer: None!

Overall: Fenty does it again with fun, cream-based products that are perfect for warm summer days.

The blushes were our faves, with summer-ready bright hues perfect for sun-kissed skin.The lipsticks are also beautiful, providing no-fuss glossy colour that's super comfortable for all-day wear (and re-application).

Feeling adventurous? The darker purple shade is surprisingly subtle — give it a try!

Would recommend? Yes
Price: From $26
Where to buy: Sephora


read the post

Weekend getaway to Osoyoos

July 23, 2020 Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0, Canada

Osoyoos bc watermark resort from rache skirt le chateau leather sandals

Osoyoos bc watermark resort from rache skirt le chateau leather sandals

Osoyoos bc watermark resort from rache skirt le chateau leather sandals

Osoyoos bc watermark resort from rache skirt le chateau leather sandals

I headed out of town for the weekend recently, opting to visit one of my favourite vacation spots in B.C.: Osoyoos.

Visiting specifically for my sister's bachelorette party — we were supposed to go to Vegas but, well, COVID — we stayed at the Watermark Beach Resort and spent the weekend visiting wineries and boating.

To say it was wonderful would be an understatement. (If you haven't been, I highly suggest you go!) 

I wore this easy look on the drive up. Featuring two key pieces from Canadian brands, this simple summer ensemble has some seriously good Quebec connections. The wrap skirt is from the Montreal-based brand From Rachel, while the chic leather sandals are from my go-to, Le Chateau.

This is one of those looks that is comfortable and classy. It's sure to make a repeat appearance (or several) before summer's end.

Happy Friday and thank you for stopping by!

read the post

Baba Tree bicycle basket from Goodee

July 21, 2020 Langley City, BC, Canada

goodee bike basket aleesha harris

goodee bike basket aleesha harris

goodee bike basket aleesha harris

nespresso iced coffee mug

My bike has been put to good use this summer.

Pretty much every day after signing off from my computer (I'm still working from home), I hop on my bike and go for a ride. It's a nice way to unwind after a day spent staring at a screen.

I bought this bike basket from the Canadian company Goodee so that I could bring a few essentials on my daily rides. It's been such a nice feature — and I appreciate that the basket, which is made by Baba Tree, is fair trade and supports artisans working in Ghana.

I featured another one of the company's market items in a recent article for Postmedia News. If you're interested, you can check it out here.

So far, the basket is fabulous. The woven straw is sturdy, it was super easy to strap on to my bike and it fits quite a few things in it (as you can see in the pic). I suspect it'll be a fixture on my bike for many years to come.

Happy summer, everyone!

read the post

Ladurée picnic

July 15, 2020 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Ladurée Canada picnic vancouver

Ladurée Canada picnic vancouver

Ladurée Canada picnic vancouver

I'm just going to come right out and say it ... I miss Paris.

I've been fortunate to travel to this city at least once a year in recent years and, I must admit, I'm really missing not being there. I also cancelled a work trip there during Paris Fashion Week due to the escalating novel coronavirus, so perhaps that's also where the yearning stems from.

With the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pandemic meaning that, for many of us, international travel is off the books until — who knows when? I was happy to receive a little piece of Paris on my doorstep thanks to LadurĂ©e Canada.

The iconic French patisserie, which operates locations in Vancouver and Toronto, is offering picnic sets through their Vancouver location for purchase that bring a flavour of France right to your doorstep (or backyard, or local park, or ... you get the idea). 

Whenever I visited Paris, especially before Ladurée set up shop in Vancouver, I always made a point to bring back a macaron treat for family and friends, so this is such a lovely reminder of those memories.

read the post

Aritzia Agency blazer

July 13, 2020 Vancouver, BC, Canada

aritzia agency blazer outfit oversized blazer levis ribcage jeans le chateau heels

aritzia agency blazer outfit oversized blazer levis ribcage jeans le chateau heels

aritzia agency blazer outfit oversized blazer levis ribcage jeans le chateau heels

aritzia agency blazer outfit oversized blazer levis ribcage jeans le chateau heels

aritzia agency blazer outfit oversized blazer levis ribcage jeans le chateau heels

aritzia agency blazer outfit oversized blazer levis ribcage jeans le chateau heels

aritzia agency blazer outfit oversized blazer levis ribcage jeans le chateau heels


If you follow me on Instagram, then you already know that I shot these looks on a rare day where I went into the office. 

While we're still all working from home at my company, I had to head in to get an IT update. That took all of about five minutes. 

Yet, I still dressed up. I guess any excursion is a good excuse to get dressed up these days. 

This was the first time I'd worn my Babton Agency Blazer from Artizia. Inspired by the oversized suiting trend that's been going on the past season (plus), I bought this piece a few months ago but didn't get a chance to wear it. 

Then, the pandemic hit, and I really didn't get a chance to wear it. 

But, I dreamed up a few looks I couldn't wait to try it with. This being one of them. Stay tuned for a few more to follow ...

Shop a few of my favourite oversized blazers below. 


read the post

Musings on makeup

July 10, 2020 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Chanel makeup rests on a book with coffee

The pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way we think about a lot of things.

And one of those things (for me, at least) is makeup.

During the past four months of working from home, I haven't worn much beyond the basics. To be honest, I've always been more of a statement-lip kind of girl — my sister Kirsten, the beauty editor of Covet & Acquire, is the one who's all about the eye shadow.

But, while working from home (OK, and snacking a bit more than I would at the office), even that go-to red or pink lipstick has fallen a bit out of the loop.

My beauty emphasis in the past few years has been my skin. And that's something that has intensified during the ongoing pandemic. My daily makeup routine has been remarkably streamlined — mascara, under-eye concealer, brow grooming and a touch of highlighter — while my skincare steps have, well, stepped up.

I'm currently doing a double-cleanse routine (once in the morning), followed by toner, serum (applied with a gua sha tool), moisturizer, sunscreen (morning only), and some oil. Masks have been incorporated a lot more lately, too.

Let's just say, I'm always on the lookout for a cool new skin product or tool. How, if at all, have your beauty practices changed?

I've linked a few of my current favourite products below. 



read the post

Honest Beauty makeup: A quick review

July 9, 2020 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Honest Beauty makeup: A quick review

What it is: From the cruelty-free brand Honest, comes a new-to-Canada line of skincare and makeup that is as kind to the community as it is to your skin.

Beauty bonus: The eyeliner is highly pigmented and did not disappoint!

Beauty bummer: Not a bummer for some but the mascara was a little too natural-looking for us. We like a little more volume and while this wasn’t the most natural looking lash we have experienced, it was still not quite enough for us.

Overall: This is our first try of Jessica Alba’s beauty brand.

We are noticing that as we get older, our skin is changing and makeup needs us to use some extra products we hadn’t needed before. Enter in the Magic Balm! It is a little like a lip balm in consistency but that is exactly what our skin needs in specific problem spots to prevent weirdness when applying makeup.

The lip colours are good neutrals and wear well. (Skincare review to come!)

We are impressed with our introduction into the Honest world!
Would recommend? Yes
Price: From $16.99
Where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart
read the post

CHANEL Les Beiges Summer of Glow collection: A quick review

July 3, 2020 Vancouver, BC, Canada

CHANEL Les Beiges Summer of Glow collection: A quick review

CHANEL Les Beiges Summer of Glow collection: A quick review

CHANEL Les Beiges Summer of Glow collection: A quick review

CHANEL Les Beiges Summer of Glow collection: A quick review

What it is: A fresh summer beauty collection from CHANEL that's all about getting that perfect "natural-looking glow."

Beauty bonus: The liquid highlighter formula, called Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Highlighting Fluid, is a new favourite. A little goes a long way, and whether dabbed on with a synthetic-bristle brush or blended with a fingertip, it gives a pretty, healthy shine to skin.

Beauty bummer: While easy to work with, we weren't as obsessed with the Les Beiges Health Glow Bronzing Cream (a universal bronzer shade) as we initially expected.

Overall: If you know me, you know I'm a sucker for two things: CHANEL and a good skin glow. And this post — and collection launch — sees the best of both of these.

The hues on offer in this summertime selection are spot-on for us. We're big fans of a bit of bronzer, hydrating highlighter and a kiss of colour on lips when the weather warms up, and this range delivers all of that in spades.

The Les Beiges Healthy Glow Lip Balm is a new favourite, offering buildable colour and a soft shiner. It's comfortable and wearable — very unlike the mattes and metallics we've all been wearing on repeat.

As mentioned above, the highlighting fluid is a treat and has been used on repeat lately along the high points of the face. It's comfortable and not sticky, plus it boasts a nice scent.

The eyeshadow is another new go-to, offering a new (sparkly) take on the neutrals that we love for summertime beauty looks.

Would recommend? Yes.
Price: From $35
Where to get it: Chanel.com



read the post

Maison Jacynthe: A quick review

July 1, 2020 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Maison Jacynthe: A quick review

What it is: A Quebec-based lifestyle and beauty brand that takes natural, luxe, vegan and cruelty-free skincare to the next level.

Beauty bonus: The Honey Cardamom Mask is amazing. We saw an almost instant skin improvement to redness.

Beauty bummer: While we loved the spritzer format of the body oil, it didn’t absorb the quickest on us.

Overall: Just in time for Canada Day, we were excited to try this new-to-us Canadian brand. (It's something we always love doing!)

While it's easy to see why the Trio a la Rose is a bestseller — containing the oh-so-addictive Rose Floral Water — the honey mask was hands-down a fast favourite with beautiful results after just one use. A word of caution though: apply this mask with a brush of some kind (either silicone paddle or synthetic bristle) as it is a little sticky and messy without a brush.

The Karité Vanillé is our close second (or third after the aforementioned rose water) fave. A bit of a grainy texture in the jar but gently warmed with hands, the Shea butter smooths over skin wonderfully. We actually used a small amount on our face. It absorbed like a dream and left skin feeling hydrated and luminous, but not overly greasy.

Would recommend? Yes. This natural Canadian beauty brand's products are a must-try!
Price: From $31.50
Where to buy: MaisonJacynthe.ca

Want more Canada-loving content (and really, who doesn't)?
Check out a recent review of another Canadian beauty favourite, BITE Beauty, here, and my list of five Canadian fashion brands you need to know!

read the post
new entries old entries
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Oh, hey!

<i>O</i>h, h<i>e</i>y!
Aleesha is a Vancouver-based fashion journalist, editor and blogger on a mission to prove that a REAL GIRL with a REAL BODY and a REAL BUDGET can be REALLY FABULOUS.

Sign up for Updates!

Beyond the Blog!

Check out my latest articles and fashion features for Postmedia News!

Popular Posts

  • Levi's Ribcage jeans: A quick review
  • Levi's Balloon Jeans: A quick review
    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 Wed...
  • Chanel Timeless Classic Mini Flap handbags: A friendly comparison
    In the market for a mini CHANEL? Read this first!

Featured Post

Camel Max Mara Studio coat outfit
  I love a good outfit that a) makes you feel good as soon as you put it on, b) doesn't require a lot of effort to throw together, and...

History

  • ►  2021 (4)
    • ►  January (4)
  • ▼  2020 (107)
    • ►  December (5)
    • ►  November (7)
    • ►  October (8)
    • ►  September (8)
    • ►  August (9)
    • ▼  July (11)
      • Halter tops + wide-leg pants
      • Happy National Lipstick Day!
      • Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush: A q...
      • Weekend getaway to Osoyoos
      • Baba Tree bicycle basket from Goodee
      • LadurĂ©e picnic
      • Aritzia Agency blazer
      • Musings on makeup
      • Honest Beauty makeup: A quick review
      • CHANEL Les Beiges Summer of Glow collection: A qui...
      • Maison Jacynthe: A quick review
    • ►  June (9)
    • ►  May (11)
    • ►  April (9)
    • ►  March (11)
    • ►  February (8)
    • ►  January (11)
  • ►  2019 (123)
    • ►  December (12)
    • ►  November (8)
    • ►  October (11)
    • ►  September (11)
    • ►  August (12)
    • ►  July (10)
    • ►  June (11)
    • ►  May (11)
    • ►  April (11)
    • ►  March (10)
    • ►  February (6)
    • ►  January (10)
  • ►  2018 (115)
    • ►  December (9)
    • ►  November (9)
    • ►  October (11)
    • ►  September (9)
    • ►  August (11)
    • ►  July (7)
    • ►  June (9)
    • ►  May (12)
    • ►  April (8)
    • ►  March (9)
    • ►  February (8)
    • ►  January (13)
  • ►  2017 (137)
    • ►  December (11)
    • ►  November (10)
    • ►  October (10)
    • ►  September (11)
    • ►  August (10)
    • ►  July (10)
    • ►  June (13)
    • ►  May (14)
    • ►  April (12)
    • ►  March (13)
    • ►  February (12)
    • ►  January (11)
  • ►  2016 (150)
    • ►  December (14)
    • ►  November (12)
    • ►  October (12)
    • ►  September (12)
    • ►  August (14)
    • ►  July (11)
    • ►  June (10)
    • ►  May (13)
    • ►  April (12)
    • ►  March (14)
    • ►  February (14)
    • ►  January (12)
  • ►  2015 (152)
    • ►  December (13)
    • ►  November (11)
    • ►  October (12)
    • ►  September (12)
    • ►  August (13)
    • ►  July (14)
    • ►  June (13)
    • ►  May (13)
    • ►  April (13)
    • ►  March (12)
    • ►  February (12)
    • ►  January (14)
  • ►  2014 (168)
    • ►  December (15)
    • ►  November (16)
    • ►  October (12)
    • ►  September (10)
    • ►  August (14)
    • ►  July (15)
    • ►  June (13)
    • ►  May (15)
    • ►  April (15)
    • ►  March (17)
    • ►  February (12)
    • ►  January (14)
  • ►  2013 (203)
    • ►  December (15)
    • ►  November (15)
    • ►  October (11)
    • ►  September (13)
    • ►  August (13)
    • ►  July (18)
    • ►  June (25)
    • ►  May (23)
    • ►  April (26)
    • ►  March (26)
    • ►  February (10)
    • ►  January (8)
  • ►  2012 (44)
    • ►  December (12)
    • ►  November (10)
    • ►  September (1)
    • ►  August (3)
    • ►  July (3)
    • ►  June (5)
    • ►  March (4)
    • ►  January (6)
  • ►  2011 (71)
    • ►  December (9)
    • ►  November (8)
    • ►  October (9)
    • ►  September (15)
    • ►  August (16)
    • ►  July (14)

Latest Video

Send Me a Message!

Shop My Instagram!




Latest 'grams from @aleesha_h

© Covet & Acquire.
Theme by Eve.
top