The style world can feel like a maze of trends ranging from playful to downright mystifying. Assistant style editor Kate Daley gives you the inside scoop on everything beauty and fashion to get you looking your best, from head to toe.
Nov
20
Sure, a natural pink-hued manicure may be easy to maintain but is it as fun as going dark? I think not.
Grey polishes are overtaking pinks on the fashion-savvy and I for one am jumping right on that bandwagon.
Let me share with you a few of my recent favs.
Yves Saint Laurent’s La Laque Long-Lasting Nail Lacquer No. 39, Stormy Grey, $36. This limited edition number should get you running to the stores. It’s a shade that beauty editors can spot a mile away. Subtle and not too rock and roll this colour takes you from family dinner to cocktails and the colour lasts.
Giorgio Armani’s Fluid Shine Nail Polish in Greige,$23. (It’s the fab one in the middle.) This purplish grey fielded compliments left, right and centre. It’s a bit different than your typical grey and you can do more coats or less to amp up the colour. Limited edition at Holt Renfrew.
OPI’s You Don’t Know Jacques, $11. From their Paris line, this polish got a compliment from L’Oreal makeup expert Eddie Maleterre himself during fashion week.
The holiday season is upon us so get primping and painting!
– Kate Daley
Earlier this week Sears Canada launched their newest beauty concept in their Square One store in Mississauga and at the Mapleview Centre in Burlington.
The concept, called Oasis, aims to change the way women shop for beauty. And if their new layout is any indication, I have on doubt it will. Instead of having to ask for help to see your desired product, there are open-concept booths where you can touch, feel and examine the products you’re interested in. They called it a ” ban the barriers” type of shopping experience.
And around the area there are a variety of beauty experts that will have knowledge of multiple brands. Plus, there are areas for you to get your hair and makeup done. Yes, your hair. A commonly ignored, and huge area of sales for women, Sears is launching professional tools like CHI and hair care brands like Rusk and David Babaii for WildAid.
But alongside these fancier brands such as Consonant Organics (love their stuff), Roger & Gallet, and advanced esthetician brands, you can also find a mix of Revlon, Maybelline and other mass brands. There’s a mixture with a bit of everything that makes this new concept a little bit drugstore and a little bit Sephora.
You can also buy some newer brands at this open concept space such as Hair Do by Ken Paves for some rockin’ new hair extensions. Oh and don’t forget there’s a men’s zone in this 3,500 sq. ft. space.
Check out the new Sears counters below.
– Kate Daley
Nov
18
Winter boots don’t have to be ugly and clunky. They can be punk, retro or even decked out in Canadiana plaid. Check out my newest favourites from Converse – these Chuck Taylor Boots are hot. And you can get a matching pair with your boyfriend or husband. (Cute or terrible idea? I say pretty cute.)
The concept for these utilitarian boots came from the Converse archives of the 1900’s – they strike me as a reworked lumberjack look which would look great with skinny jeans, leggings or regular old sweatpants on the weekends.
Plus the price is right for a pair of sweet winter boots. Yes, no one wants winter to come quite yet but it’s best to be prepared.
Converse Chuck Taylor Boots Woolrich Plaid, $140. Also available in blue plaid and in store in November.
Oh and trust me, there’s more to come on the boot front. I have a lot of favourites to help you find one in your signature style!
– Kate Daley
I think Gwen Stefani is just the coolest thing since sliced bread. She’s always ahead of the trends and she always has the greatest fashion concepts. And thus, her Harajuku line of products from cosmetic cases to fragrances (oh and who could forget her clothing line LAMB). And now for the holidays she’s taken her Harajuku girls into the winter season just like the rest of us with her Harajuku Lovers fragrance carrying case. The set includes these limited edition snowbunnies worth $150 for just $100. A fabulous gift idea or a collector’s item for yourself.
Harajuku Lovers Snow Bunnies Blockbuster Set, $100. Set includes limited edition snowbunnies in 10ml G EDT spray, 10ml Love EDT spray, 10ml Lil’ Angel EDT spray, 10ml Music EDT spray and 10ml Baby EDT spray.
Available exclusively at Murale, Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores across Canada.
–Kate Daley
Nov
16
Who doesn’t love Joe Fresh? I mean, seriously. You can head off to pick up bananas at your local Superstore and come back with a whole new outfit. Have you seen the green plaid blazer out right now? I sadly cannot find my size at any store but I would definitely sacrifice my food budget for it! Yeah you heard me, I’ve put back food at the cash register because I was buying too much clothing… But at that price I’d definitely pick new shirt over an avocado. (Sorry body.)
The brand has already launched their great affordable makeup brand and lo and behold they’re now launching bath and body products this fall. How much more could this brand do? Lots more I hope!
And of course, the newest selections are super affordable. All the bath and body products are from $2 to $6 and will be available at over 400 stores. Try the rich scents of lime, nectarine, pomegranate and even stock them in your guest bathroom just because they’re pretty! They have a body wash, balm, polish, mists (above), hand soap and a scrubbie. You can also buy them in travel kits. Perfecto for carry on sizes.
Oh, and if you have yet to try the Joe Fresh Beauty line I’d recommend the makeup brushes (the concealer one is my new go-to) and the great lip stains.
–Kate Daley
