Toronto Fashion's Night Out at Yorkdale!

I'm excited to hear that Fashion's Night Out will be in Toronto this year! I remember watching it on TV wishing that I could attend. This year, I will! FNO will be in the downtown core but for the east enders like me- we know have another option.. YORKDALE!

Yorkdale is easily accessible by Go Transit.
There is a bus outside my house that goes right there! How convenient is that?!

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Yorkdale Shopping Centre is celebrating Toronto's first official Fashion's Night Out on September 6th, from 6:00pm - 11:00pm. We're kicking off the evening with a style-studded fashion presentation in Centre Court at 6:00pm, followed by a night of shopping with our first-class retailers.

YORKDALE CENTRE COURT EVENTS
6PM - HAIR DISCUSSION

6:30 PM – BEAUTY & MAKEUP DISCUSSION

7PM – LYNN SPENCE WITH TOP 20 TRENDS FOR FALL & WINTER

8PM – Q&A WITH MEET AND GREET

PARTICIPATING RETAILERS:
Burberry
Tory Burch
Holt Renfrew
Thomas Sabo
Sephora
GUESS
GUESS by Marciano
True Religion
GAP Kids
GAP
Banana Republic
Johnston & Murphy
Juicy Couture
Tiffany & Co.
Jean Machine
J.Crew
Bench
H&M
Michael Kors
7 For All Mankind
The Bay
Sears
Tommy Hilfiger
Old Navy
Laura
Club Monaco
Birks
Geox
Soft Moc
French Connection
Billabong
Salon Donato
Ardene
Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
Moxies
Pickle Barrel
Milestones
Subway
Shanghai 360
KFC
SU&SHI
Jimmy The Greek
La Paloma
Amaya

Need more details: Toronto Fashion's Night Out at Yorkdale

Will I see you there?

Bella Dream Hair Giveaway (CLOSED)

I wear extensions because I love to switch up my style. I rock straight, curly or wavy styles without damaging my own natural hair. Bella Dream Hair is offering you the same opportunity with this amazing giveaway!

ONE winner is going to win:

12 oz Brazilian hair (bundles) or 

Clip-ins up to 24" their choice. 

If you're curious/eager to try out extensions, clips-ins is definetly a great start. 

Take them in or out whenever YOU want!

If you're a pro, go for the 12 oz of Brazilian! 

My favorite is the Brazilian Curly.

RULES:

-International Giveaway

- MUST be 17+ to enter
(You will have to share your address)

Fill out the rafflecopter widget below to enter!
(Incorrect entries WILL be disqualified)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

High-Low Trend

I've decided to embrace the high low trend. 

I recently read an article which stated that they're not for short girls but
I'm going to prove that "theory" wrong!

I recently went into a store that I never go to here called Urban Planet. 

I heard my mom rave about the maxi dresses that they sell and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

$23 dollars later I came out with this awesome bird print high low dress. 

Since I was going to be out all day, I paired it with a denim jacket and Indian bangles.

I know that this trend is not for everyone.

How do you feel about the High-Low Trend?

Trend: Golden Bronze and Nude Makeup

There are a few trends out there which are appropriate for all 365 days. Golden-Bronze is definitely one of them.

I've seen bronze incorporated in to EVERY Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter look.

It has been a while since I posted a beauty look. I had some brand new Golden Bronze shadows from Annabelle/Marcelle and I felt like this would be the perfect time to wear them.

To complete the look I used my Maybelline BB cream in Deep. Since I was going to an event indoors, I decided to matifiy it. Just add a squirt or two of a silicone primer to your BB cream. It works wonders!

I used my Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in 178 because I couldn't find my concealer. To highlight I used my MAC Skinsheen Bronzer Stick in Gilty Bronze to glow!

Check out what the main items I used:

 This could be a easy back to school "nude" look! 

 Do you own a lot of Golden Bronze shades?

Fall 2012 Caryl Baker Visage Uptown Girl Color Collection

It's about time for me to start breaking out the F word on my blog...Fall is coming!

As much as it hurts to state it, it's true. My summer started out amazing with my trip to Dominican Republic. Now instead of searching for a cute bathing suit I'm starting to think about Fall jackets.

The first Fall collection I will be highlighting is from Caryl Baker Visage. 

The theme for Fall 2012 is Uptown Girl.

Midtown Morning Color Collection

What is an uptown girl you ask?
She's sleek,Chic & Sexy!

I decided to watch the lipstick & gloss for you all to see them on my skintone.

"City Slickers" Lip Gloss in Rodeo Drive

"Morning after" Lipstick

This line is definitely appropriate for the office.

Are you ready for Fall?

Why you should pay close attention to ingredients in your hair care products

I will admit never use to pay attention to the ingredients in my hair care products. After reading into what prolonged use of Sulfate products can do to your health, I have decided to pay more attention.

I recently received this email and I decided that this was perfect to share with you all. Who knows if this information is 100% but it's good to know what Sulfates can (possibly) do:

• Sulfates can worsen acne conditions as well as make your scalp to become dry. They can make the scalp to become more permeable. That makes it easier for harmful hair products to be absorbed easily
  by your scalp which may cause great harm in the end.
  
  
• If you use a shampoo that contains sulfates on colored hair, it washes away the color as the ingredient is mainly a cleanser.
  
  
• Some research findings from Germany also state that sulfates may cause hair thinning and hair loss in some cases.
  
  
•  Sodium Chloride, Paraben & Sulfate also cause damage to the hair follicles which causes you to have a weak hair structure and little hair growth.
  
  
•  If you accidentally ingest shampoo containing sulfate and or Paraben you could experience symptoms like vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. Similarly if you directly inhale a shampoo that has a high concentration of sodium chloride you can experience irritation in your respiratory tract and allergic reactions such as coughing & difficulties in breathing. 

Ladies, what do you think? 

Do you use hair products with sulfates in them?

Info supplied by The Little Luxuries

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Argan Oil

If you don't already know for the past two years I have transitioned from relaxed to natural. A choice I made on my own because my hair truly hated to be permed. In 2012, I started to do my hair totally on my own (washing, treatments etc). It's a serious transition from going to a salon to doing it myself but in the end, it will be worth it.

Oils are an essential to hair growth and maintenance. So far Argan oil is the ONLY oil I can use on my own hair & extensions which doesn't weight it down. What does "weighted down" hair look like you ask? It does not move, looks flat and lifeless.. Nobody wants that!

ARGAN OIL- An oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree, endemic to Morocco. It is valued for its nutritive, cosmetic and numerous medicinal proterties. It improves your hair's quality, helps new hair grow more quickly and gives it strength.

Garnier has came out with a whole line dedicated to Argan oil called Sleek & Shine.

The new formula combines Morrocan Argan Oil and Aprocot to prevent bad hair days, even in humid weather, thanks to this unique three-step system that gives you long-lasting control. Its revolutionary formula loaded with intensely rich fruit oils will leave your hair spectacularly shiny and 5 times stronger and smoother.

The whole line is pretty awesome but one product has captured my heart. it's the Sleek Finish 5 in 1 serum. I know some people may have a negative opinion of serums. I can admit some brands can weight down your hair but if you find a good brand you're set! In the summer time my hair is sooo frizzy! It's best to use a product like this to tame my tresses.

The 5-in-1 Serum Spray provides:

- instant smoothing
- luminous shine
- tamed flyaways
- anti-frizz
- humidity protection

This serum comes in an aerosol bottle. It's sooo much easier to apply it all over your hair. One quick spray is all I need. If you see this in your local drugstore check it out!

Have you tried Argan oil before?

My Stash:Illamasqua Howl Red Lipstick

Thank you all for the great feedback on my past shop my stash post. I decided that it may beneficial to do them as a bi-weekly thing.

It will allow me rotate my lipsticks in make up bag and  inspire you all out there to start playing with your past favourites.

Unfortunately, we don't have access to the Illamasqua line in Canada. Actually, we don't have access to A LOT of brands here but that's a whole other blog post.

I was gifted this gorgeous red in a swap from a lovely girl named Stephanie. Being that I've never seen this color in person, I feel in love with it online. Thankfully, I have a good eye and picked a shade which totally compliments my skin tone.

I would describe the texture as satin. Odd choice of words but it looks matte with a hint of creme.

 This is another one of those colors which would look good on anyone! 

It would also make a good starter red for anyone out there that would love to start wearing red lipstick.

What do you think ladies? 

Would you rock this?

My Essie Good as Gold manicure

Have you had the time to check out Essie's mirror metallic collection?

Good as Gold

I have! 

I took a break from the neons and went right to the metallics. 

I love the way Good as Gold refreshed my old gel manicure. 

I got this professional done.... I'm not that awesome..lol
I went for the half moon/accent nail combo!

Are you feeling my Metallic nails?

Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days Conditioning Lotion in Cocoa Butter

After that heat wave last week, my skin ended up being dry and itchy. I honestly felt like the sun literally sucked the moisture out of it.

Thankfully, I decided to put my Garnier Intensive 7 Days Conditioning Lotion with Cocoa Butter for Dry, Rough Skin to the test.

Introducing Garnier Body Intensive 7days, daily moisturiser. The L’Bifidus enriched formula works like a shield and helps lock in moisture. Use daily for hydration that goes on and on.

Let me start of by saying I love Cocoa Butter. I've used it since I was a child and it has never failed me. This formula is exactly what I needed because my skin was in dire need!

This lotion is right for you if you moisturise your body's skin everyday, but feel that it becomes quickly dehydrated throughout the course of the day, making skin feel dry, rough and uneven in tone.

I have never heard of L-Bifidus before but I found out that it's  inspired by probiotics found in yogurt. It acts as an effective moisture shield. I found the best way to use this lotion was right after my shower. The dampness of my skin really allowed the lotion to absorb nicely. Even though the cream is kinda thick, the formula applied very light.

  It literally melted into my skin. It wasn't "greasy" like pure cocoa but a little bit goes a long way!

Doesn't my skin look completely hydrated?

Annabelle Cosmetics TWISTUP Retractable Lipstick Crayons in Royale

Back in June, I attended a Annabelle/ Marcelle Cosmetics launch. They're one of my favourite Canadian Beauty brands which I think is pigmented and has a vast amount of products to choose from.

Thank you to Rasilla who took this picture. Look at me pointing and drooling over their new setup.

Above everything, I fell in love with their new TWISTUP Retractable Lipstick Crayons. I adore lip crayons but I hate the fact that once they get dull you have to go on a wild goose hunt to find a sharpener to sharpen them. 

Thankfully, Annabelle has eliminated this issue with their new TWISTUPS.  Royale was the color which I fell in love with immediately! Has anyone noticed that I've been gravitating to fuchsia purples lately?!

This Lipstick is creamy and moisturizing.
I really want to try out the 11 other shades!

Would you wear this color?

July Favorites: Garnier, Mary Kay, Marcelle,Redken and more!

1. Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil
   I'm currently obsessed with Argan oil. It's light oil can can be used on extensions, natural or relaxed hair. I use it on my ends to keep them moisturized.
   
   
2. philosophy
   purity made simple
   foaming 3-in-1 cleansing gel for face and eyesI've never used a cleansing gel for my face & eyes before. Using a universal product like this was a nice change. I may purchase this product after I finish my sample.
   
   
3. Mary Kay lash love waterproof mascara in Black
   Waterproof mascara is a blessing because its extremely hot in Canada. I would recommend that you have a good waterproof makeup remover so you don't destroy your lashes.
   
   
4. Marcelle Climatik Outdoor Lip Balm SPF 30
   Every girl needs lip balm with SPF. Perfect for days when you don't feel like wearing anything.
   
   
5. Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Smoothing Cream
   This is a must have for anyone who has frizzy hair. I almost used the whole tube on my vacation. It definitely defined my curls.After you wash your hair put a dime sized amount in and work it throughout your hair.
   
   
6. Clear Hair & Scalp Therapy Total Care Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner
   I should have named these as 6. Not 6 & 7. Sorry! I used this product straight for 7 days on vacation and loved it. I couldn't stop smelling my hair. My favorite part was the fact that my hair felt very moisturized after. 
   

Have you tried any of these products?

Stiletto Nails- Hot or Not?

Have you seen them on your favourite celebrities such as Rihanna, Adele, Lady Gaga or Beyonce?

Rihanna Source: Google

I have a love/hate relationship with them.

They're very unique but kinda scary. Definitely not corporate office friendly (in my opinion).
Imagine the stares I would get if I was conducting a presentation with those bad boys. Oh man!

Since I'm about to cut my nails off, so I decided to play around with the trend a bit.

I should have taken pictures of my process but it was sooooo basic.
All I did was take a nail file and file the edges of my nails until they came to a point.
I know I didn't get the claw look but you get the point(pun intended).

Are Stiletto Nails- Hot or Not?

Canadian Giveaway: Go Cruelty-Free with Lily Cole and The Body Shop

This summer, go cruelty-free with Lily Cole and The Body Shop! Spiced Beauty and The Body Shop are offering you the chance to win an amazing gift basket valued at more than $100, filled with the new, limited edition make-up range: Cruelty Free Make-Up, launched in collaboration with Lily Cole. Celebrating The Body Shop Against Animal Testing ethos, Cruelty Free Make-Up contains no animal products and hasn’t ever been tested on animals. With ultra-expressive colours, shimmering looks and super soft giant puffs for perfect application every time, being cruelty-free has never been so glamorous! For more information, please visit: www.thebodyshop.ca

The Giveaway Package will include:

· Pearl Radiance Primer

· Liquid Eyeliner

· Puff on Radiance

· Shimmer Cubes

· 1 Lip & Cheek Dome

· 2 Mini Hi-Shine lip glosses

Must be a Canadian resident & a Spiced Beauty GFC follower to enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My 1BodyBar Experience

Sometimes a girl has to get away and just pamper her self. A few weeks ago I did just that. I visited Toronto's only health conscious body bar 1Bodybar for a  facial & manicure.

Lately, I have started to treat myself to getting my nails done every three weeks. I have been to quite a few salons/spa's in my city but overall I have not been impressed. It's not just about quality but the atmosphere plays a big role too. You should go back because you love it not because it's the only decent place in your area.

I would totally go back to 1Bodybar because I generally loved the atmosphere. The people there were totally friendly. The lady doing my manicure and I had an awesome conversation about her Channing Tatum encounter. Hahaha!

 Most of the time when I get a manicure I'm never asked how I would like my nails or given suggestions what would work for me. At 1BodyBar we talked out what shape would go with my nail bed and how to maintain it.

I enjoyed the fact that after my manicure I got to keep my nail file and the hand cream she used on me. Although it's a small gesture, it was great to know that everything used was brand new.

 My "Island" inspired nails for the Summer!

The lady doing my facial was very knowledgeable. I should add the facial was done with all dermalogica products. This is a brand I know and use at home.  The best part was the steaming, massage and blackhead extraction. I will admit the room which I got my facial in was small. I'm adding this a warning, in case small places make you uncomfortable. You can see a picture of the room below.

I would go back to 1BodyBar again if I am in Toronto!

1BodyBar waiting area

Manicure area + Nubar polishes

Are you currently in love with your salon or are you looking for a new one?