Author Archive

Spring is in the air, and as the days start to grow longer my hem lines are progressively getting shorter. Which means I need to do something about my ghostly white skin. I'm pale. My skin tone au natural looks like I could be an extra from the cast of "True Blood" -- yes, that pasty. I'd like some colour, but I don't want to look like an extra from "Jersey Shore." Somewhere in the middle would be nice, and without any damage from UVA/UVB rays, of course!

In my quest to achieve a slightly golden glow I've turned to sunless tanners. My current obsession is St. Tropez Self-Tan Bronzing Mousse ($38). Not cheap, I know, but it pays to splurge on a self-tanner if it works with you skin's chemistry. It's continuously given me streak-free, non-orangey results without the telltale smell of most faux-tanners. However, I'm the first to admit that you need to go through the prepping motions to achieve the perfect fake tan.

Here are the rules of self-tanning -- step by step.

1. Prep your skin: Shave and exfoliate the same day you self-tan. And never pick an oil-based exfoliator as the slick consistency can prevent the tanning formula from adhering to your skin.

Try: Venus and Olay Razor with two replacement cartridges ($12) and Origins Incredible Spreadable Scrub (250 mL, $27.50).

2. Moisturize dry spots... or all over: Don't forget those dry areas like your elbows, knees and feet. If they're not properly moisturized they'll pick up more colour than the rest of your body and will look splotchy. If you have normal-to-dry skin it doesn't hurt to moisturize all over.

Try: Yes to Blueberries Rejuvenating Body Lotion (170 g, $10).

Last night the Royal Ontario Museum played host to the Toronto Fashion Incubator's 25th anniversary gala, which included dinner, an exhibit, a new labels runway show and an award presentation. I was lucky enough to be in attendance, and as a guest I was able to partake in some high-quality people watching – which is pretty much one of my favourite pastimes. I saw some major gowns and serious bling, but that was just the preshow. I was really there to take in the Canadian design talent in the TFI New Labels show.

Photography by George Pimentel.

The TFI has been a driving force in the careers of our country's top fashion brands – from David Dixon, Joeffer Caoc and Arthur Mendonça to Smythe, Juma and Stephen Wong of Greta Constantine. This year the top four contenders were Edmonton native Sid Neigum; outerwear label Jameson Kane, designed by Genevieve Pearson and Stanley Capobianco; [blak]·i, created by Diego Fuchs and Helder Aguiar; and Montreal-based designer Patrick Larrivée.

Photography by George Pimentel.

I was tremendously impressed with all the design talent. My personal style lends itself to [blak]·i, which was kind of like a northern version of Alexander Wang. I would love to own everything fom that collection.

However, after seeing all four mini collections (each designer showed 12 looks) it was obvious the award was going to either Sid Neigum or Patrick Larrivée. Despite the master styling of Larrivée's collection I was leaning toward Team Sid. Especially because his proud parents were sitting at our table.

And the winner was... Sid Neigum!

Photography by George Pimentel.

The winning collection featured sleek separates in an all black, beige, grey and white palette. Neigum showcased a range of meticulously tailored pieces in a variety of styles using a mix of fabrics including lamb leather, boiled wool, cashmere, linen and bamboo. The designer will receive $25,000 (cash) courtesy of philanthropist and honorary gala event chair Suzanne Rogers, as well as a feature in Flare magazine and free studio space at TFI, sponsored by TNT boutique.

I'm anxious to see more from this emerging Canadian designer.

Yesterday H&M announced its latest collaboration — but this time around it's not with a designer. For the first time it's with a living style icon, Anna Dello Russo. The Vogue Japan director-at-large is set to launch an accessory line with the fast-fashion Swedish retailer this fall.

Photo credit: Magnus Magnusson

What can you expect from the fashion maniac's accessory line come October? The overall vision has been dubbed "over-the-top", it will feature rhinestone encrusted sunglasses, over sized jewelry, gilded shoes and statement bags. One things for sure, it's going to be flashy. Which makes my heart race, because exaggerated accessories makes me melt. In this case — like most cases — bigger is definitely better.

Phot credit: Magnus Magnusson

Her bold taste and keen eye for decoration are sure to make this partnership a successful one. Dello Russo's new line with H&M is set to hit 140 stores world wide on October, 4. Will you be lining up?

Play it cool this season with a structured blazer found in an unexpected pop of colour. These hyper hued jackets can work with pretty much anything from a flirty floral dress to a formal sheath.  Or match the bright blazer up with a cropped pair of chino's for the office, or go the gutsy route and wear it with a vibrant pair of jeans in a contrasting colour.

Our Favourite bright blazers — at every price point:

1. Vera Moda Nanna Blazer, The Bay, $59.
2. Talula Kent Blazer, Artizia, $89.
3. Schoolboy blazer in linene, J.Crew, $202.

I'm on my way to becoming a full fledged arm party aficionado. I just can't get enough of this accessory trend. I think my love for jam packed arms stems from my high-school days as a raver — click here for embrassing proof. I did a post on the subject last month and the response was tremendous, so clearly I'm not the only one who's addicted to cluttered wrists. I've decided to start a bi-weekly arm party diary.

This grouping is loosely inspired by thoughts of spring. I've gathered splashes of  lime, fuschia and crisp white. I decided to keep chaos to a minimum by sticking with silver toned metals and then upped the glam factor with a hit of rhinestones, my favourite. Oh ya, then there's the thick band of black. I love the texture on the strap, and the unexpected darkness in the mix.

What I'm sporting today (from left to right):

1. TiffanyLocks Bangle
2. J.Crew rhinestone and thread bracelet
3. Lia Sophia bracelet
4. Brave Leather bracelet
5. J.Crew rhinestone ball and thread bracelet
6. Lia Sophia Bangle

The whole yoga-pant look and I have never really got along. One of my biggest pet peeves is seeing women sporting head-to-toe Lululemon when they have not been or are not planning on working out. It just looks silly -- and sloppy. And don't even get me started on the yoga pant and UGG boot combo (so gross). But I digress. For years I'd forgo the cute workout clothes in protest. I'd sport an old tee, use a bikini top rather than a proper sports bra (I'm a 34A and it seemed like a good idea at the time -- it wasn't), and throw on my Nike leggings and my trusted Adidas sneakers.

Photography by Alvaro Goveia.

But my aversion to gym apparel changed in early February when I got a membership to The Yorkville Club. I've since been hitting the gym four to five days a week and I've slowly developed a taste for modern workout gear. My interest in fitness clothing has been inspired by the trend-loving women who frequent my gym. Most of them have money, some of them have taste and a few (yes, more than one) actually bring their Hermes Birkin bag to the elliptical machine to store their energy drinks and iPhones. Insanity, I know. But regardless, I felt like I needed to step up my game in the wardrobe department. Don't get me wrong, I'm still against yoga pants in a non-workout context, but there's some really cute stuff out there, and it actually helps you perform better – go figure!

Isis Henna Day Bra, $45.

Sports bra: I read somewhere that the perfect sports bra should perform like a good boyfriend. Meaning it should keep up with you when you're getting physical, hug you all over and give you unconditional support. So true. I was 25 years old before I purchased my first sports bra. I thought because I was petite in the breast department that I didn't need the extra support, but I was so wrong. Now I can't hit the gym without one. I recently found my perfect match with the Isis Henna Day Bra ($45). The seamless bra fits like a glove and the moisture-control band keeps me dry.

Gap Fit Mesh Tank, $27.

Tank top: I don't like to spend a ton of cash on gym tops -- a good bra and sneakers are far more important. I just want something that looks cute, is lightweight and helps wick away sweat. And this nylon and spandex mesh tank from Gap ($27) fits the bill. I already have it in three colours, but I'm coveting this cantaloupe hue.

Nike Pro Core Compression Pants, $50.

Perfect pants: Although these pants claim to be compression pants, they're not. But that's why I like them. Personally, I don't want to feel like I'm working out in a pair of Spanx. The Dri-FIT fabric is made up of 82 per cent polyester and 18 per cent spandex and it does an epic job at wicking away sweat. They always keep me dry and I never get any chafing. I also like the streamlined design: Clean and simple.

What's your favourite piece of activewear that helps you look great and perform like a pro at the gym?

Whenever possible, I try to choose beauty products that are natural, free of chemicals and eco-certified – or at the very least I make sure I'm able to pronounce the ingredients without getting tongue-tied. A green beauty product junkie I am not, but I'm definitely working on cleaning up my beauty bag. Over the years I've learned a lot on the subject from Katherine and also from Jessica Ross, the former acting editor-in-chief at Homemakers magazine and current editorial specialist at Fresh Juice magazine. Jessica is currently on maternity leave, but last week her and her petite bébé made an appearance at our office.

Just before she left, the new Burt's Bees Baby Bee Multipurpose Ointment landed on Katherine's desk. It's free of all the usual (nasty) suspects – petroleum, phthalates, petrochemicals and parabens. Translation: Perfect for Jessica and her baby to test out.

By Jessica Ross

Imagine if it were up to someone else to look after your skin. My baby can't tell me where she's uncomfortable, or where it hurts. She's even too young to point. So my job is to anticipate her baby skin-care needs, to imagine how she feels and to take care of her the very best I can. Luckily she doesn't have baby eczema or other baby skin-care woes, and I intend to keep it that way.

Jessica's little one — striking a pose.

My wee one hardly needs anything applied to her soft, clear baby skin. After all, if it's not dry, don't moisturize it. But it's no surprise that wearing a diaper can do a number on a girl... you know, when she's done a number on a diaper. So when she needs a little protection – particularly at night when she may not get changed right away (I have to sleep sometime!) – I apply an ointment to her baby skin.

Given the safe-looking ingredients in Burt's Bees Baby Bee Multipurpose Ointment ($13), I thought I'd give it a try. The only item that I was unsure of was "fragrance," since I don't know what that consists of. I always screen the ingredients lists of any product I use for her very carefully using the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. Babies particularly need safe ingredients. Since they're so little, everything they come into contact with has a greater effect on them, and many things can affect their healthy development.

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Multipurpose Ointment, $13.

I liked the Baby Bee product's creamy smooth consistency. It spread easily, nice and thin, without feeling too greasy. I would use it as an alternative to petroleum jelly. The package says it can be used to moisturize anywhere. The only other area I might use it would be my baby's hands, if they get a bit dry from her gumming them. But unless her hands get really chapped I will avoid using products on them, however safe, because she would ingest some of that product. Since the Baby Bee product comes in pot format rather than a tube or pump, I'll be sure to only use it with just-washed hands, just in case I could contaminate it.

Do you find that your baby really needs any products for her tender, precious baby skin? What works best for you?

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Multipurpose Ointment ($13) is available at select natural, grocery, drug and mass retailers and via burtsbees.ca.

I've already gushed about bright denim on this blog – at length. It's become one of the biggest trends of 2012, by far, at least in my wardrobe. At first I kind of felt like I was back in elementary school when sporting vivid jeans, but now they've become staples. They're the best way to combat the basic-outfit blahs. The evolution of bright jeans is now moving into printed denim territory. Our newest intern in the style department, Lauren Day, shares her favourite picks.

By Lauren Day

After graduating from the Richard Ivey School of Business in 2011 I've recently started my stint at Canadian Living magazine in the Fashion and Beauty Department. I'm motivated by my family, fuelled by nights out with friends and inspired by all things pretty. Down the road I hope to blend my keen eye for fashion and beauty with my natural knack and know-how in business.

Now that spring has sprung I've been itching to retire my heavy knits and winter boots. 'Tis the season for a much-needed wardrobe face lift – and for that I'm turning to printed denim. We saw the emergence of patterned jeans late last year, from muted animal prints to tie-dyed denim. This time around the trend has got a bolder, more optimistic personality, featuring florals, pastels and graphic prints. My personal favourites (and trailblazers of this trend) come from brands such as Current/Elliott, J Brand and Citizens of Humanity. Incorporating printed denim into your closet can create a fashion-forward statement without having to splurge on a whole new outfit. Keep to slim cuts; and to avoid looking clownish, style these bottoms with a neutral understated top. For those of you who consider yourself to be more conservative, start with bright denims to wade yourself into the trend. Once you start to feel comfy with bright-colour bottoms, then try prints. Happy shopping!

1. Current/Elliott Polka-Dot Stiletto Crops, Anthropologie, $218.
2. Citizens of Humanity Mandy Natural Rose Jeans, Aritzia, $225.
3. Current/Elliott Floral Stiletto Skinny Jeans, Shopbop.com, $205.
4. MOTO Ditsy Floral Print Leigh Jeans, Topshop at The Bay, $72.
5. J Brand 835 Empress Floral Jeans, Aritzia, $255.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love and respect bright lipsticks, but they intimidate me. Especially anything in the orange family. Vibrant redish oranges are everywhere this season, and I'm determined to find a coral colour that will work for me.

Photography by Marek Szkudlarek

It's difficult to define coral — it can be anything from a rich melon to fire engine red. When I've sought out recommendations on how to pick the perfect orange lippie from makeup artists I usually get the same piece of advice: pick a coral with lots of pink in it. Why? Because I'm super pale, so it's a looks a little softer — aka, less clownish. The opposite is true for someone with a darker complexion, opt for a lipstick with more orange.

Some orangey options:

1. NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave, $30. Murale.com.
2. Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Coral, $10, shoppersdrugmart.com.
3. Tom Ford Lipstick in True Coral, $52, Holt Renfrew.

We want to know: What are some of your favourite coral lipsticks?

The designers behind Canadian label Greta Constantine – Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong – always kick off the start of Toronto Fashion Week. They consistently show off-site, usually at Toronto hot spots and always far from the hustle and bustle of TFW. For their fall/winter 2012 collection they chose the freshly renovated Arcadian Court in the Simpson Tower on Bay Street. Gorgeous, BTW.

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Professionnel.

The show was stunning. Some of the duo's best work yet, in my opinion. They had a theme and they stuck to it: "A woman scorned." We saw a mix of stiffness and softness throughout the collection. It had a few hits of colour, such as cobalt, red, magenta and emerald, but the major colour story was black. They did plenty of their signature drapery, but also introduced a lot of fitted tailoring and stiffness to the collection.

Yes, it's true, I  loved the garments – but I fell just as hard for the hair and makeup. It played a much bigger role than just the "supporting cast." It brought the designers' theme to life.

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Professionnel.

• Lead artist: Daniel Fiorio for L’Oréal Professionnel, owner of Salon Daniel Spa.
• Inspiration: "We wanted the hair to reflect like the silky-smooth feeling and look of draped jersey," says Fiorio, which is what the Greta Constantine design duo are best known for.
• The look: The style, "is not common or soft, it's architectural," explains Fiorio. To start, the whole head was sprayed with a hefty dose of  L’Oréal Professionnel Texture Expert Fresh Dust (which made its debut at the fashion show). He then shaped the hair by pinning it into a super-sleek ponytail. A section at the front of the hairline was left unsecured, back-combed and pinned into place to hide the ponytail. Everything was secured down with a whole lotta L’Oréal Professionnel Infinium Lumière.

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Professionnel.

• Lead artist: Melissa Gibson, M.A.C Cosmetics senior artist
• Inspiration: Sinister beauty was the idea behind this not-so-average makeup look. "I'm creating an army of beautiful soldiers," says Gibson. "It's a strange kind of beautiful, almost alien-like," she adds.
• The look: It was all about the eyes. Gibson blocked out the models' eyebrows, "so you don't know if they're happy, sad or just angry," she says. Next, a dark shadow was used to create the black butterfly winged effect, and the inner and outer corners of the eyes were lined with a golden pigment. The colour combo "gives the eye an intense soft futuristic look," says Gibson.

Eye products used:

• M∙A∙C Fluidline in Blacktrack, $18
• M∙A∙C Pigment in Old Gold, $24
• M∙A∙C Studio Fix Lash, $18
• Brows blocked with Pros-Aide 

We have more backstage beauty looks still to come from Toronto Fashion Week!