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
06
This job has its perks. I recently got the opportunity to join Olivier Bassaun, the founder of French beauty product company to discuss some of their newest beauty treats and their expansion plans into Canada. (And trust me, if you’re a big L’Occitane fan you’ll be as excited as I am!)
Started in 1976, the company draws inspiration from the Mediterranean and uses rich essential oils and as many organics as possible. The company also tracks where each ingredient comes from. (They source shea butter from Burkina Faso to name one example.)
Olivier explained the products he loved and why he wanted to share the experience of Provence with the world. Um, thank you! He also told the lunchers about why he chooses the natural ingredients they do from around the world. There are many skincare benefits to lavender, organic olive oil and their Immortelle ingredient the Corsican maquis (a fragrant shrub). So not only do their products smell delicious and natural but the ingredients will work wonders on your skin.
Check out their new shea butter creams below.
And I’m glad I got the chance to meet him before the grand opening of the L’Occitane store in Toronto at 102 Bloor St West last night. The new concept store was inspired by a greenhouse to work with the nature theme of the brand. There are new testing stations for candles, skincare and fragrance. And it just gave me an excuse to go and peruse these lovely products that have a cult following. See that shea butter hand cream above? The vanilla one is a staple in my purse for the drying fall weather.
They also have some classic beautiful gifting for Christmas if you’re already searching.
– Kate Daley
Ever wanted your hubby to clean up for a fancy night out? Fix his scraggly hair? Shave that itchy five o’clock shadow? Well now your guy has less of an excuse to look unkempt with the a new kind of barbershop called Mankind Grooming Studio for Men.
With its grand opening on November 9th, this funky man salon offers old-school straight-razor shaves and other such manscaping in a guy-friendly environment. You won’t find girly magazines (hey!) or any florals here. This barbershop is all man. (See photo.)
Located on Richmond Street West just before Brant Street, this 1,800 sq. ft. foot studio has six grooming stations, including two designed with antique Takara Belmont chairs. And hear this naysaying non-groomers – each station has its own 22” LCD TV, and they have a PlayStation area. Seriously? Like you can’t last a few hours away from it?
“It’s no secret that guys are taking better care of themselves,” says Jason Culala, co-owner/ founder. “They’re buying skin-care products; they’re willing to pay for a quality haircut. But most are still intimidated by the idea of walking into a spa.”
“We like to say that Mankind is the evolution of the barbershop,” says co-owner/founder Noel Naguiat. You’re tellin’ me.
So what services can you get? Try the Alpha Male for a haircut, scalp massage, hand massage and hot towel treatments. Or you can get a hot lather shave treatment that my male friends seem to love so much… Not too shabby for the newest evolution in manscaping. Harass away ladies, they’ve seriously run out of excuses.
– Kate Daley
Remember when I hinted that the Gap was going to launch a kids line by Stella McCartney? Well, wait no more. The line is trickling into stores this week and next.
I don’t even have children but I can hardly wait to snag a few pieces for the little ones in my life (I’ve even heard friends say they are stock-piling for future children. Maybe a bit extreme but who am I to judge?)
Regardless, this designer vegan has created everything from rockin’ retro running shoes to a ballet style tulle tutu. And if that wasn’t enough, she has the cutest outfits for babies to snuggle up in. Check out my top picks below. (Oh and for the petite woman, trust me, you can squeeze yourself into some of these sweaters. I saw one editor do it. And I plan to do it myself. Don’t judge when you see me squashed into kid’s clothes, Stella’s my favourite.)
The leopard top is fabulous! I also love the snowsuit and sneakers. Okay, let’s be honest, it’s all pretty great. Run out and shop till you drop for this affordable hit of designer duds.
– Kate Daley
Nov
04
I love pretty much everything about Hermès. The craftmanship (if you didn’t see our Style Icon on the scarves you should check it out), the designs, and the history of the pieces.
While the scarves are a beautiful lifelong investment for any age group, I have personally been vying for one of their exquisite and yet not-exactly-in-my-budget bracelets. Their leather cuffs and watches are so lust-worthy I can’t even express how much I want one.
And now at just the cost of a little ink and a piece of paper you can make your very own. Seriously? Oh yes. First step, go onto the Hermès website. Browse around in the “learn about the world of Hermes” section, find the little drawing on the right that says “I want it I have to have it” and voila, a printable bracelet of your very own. There are even instructions along with the cut-outs on how to make it. Whether you’re having your very own high-fashion tea party for kids or you’re artistic enough to create this and rock it yourself, this is a very exciting idea.
Here’s the link in case you can’t find it. And you can download different colours and patterns!
– Kate Daley
Nov
03
Love for your home to be filled with pretty scents but don’t want the hassle of burning candles or incense? (And let’s face it, air fresheners just don’t cut it most of the time.)
You’re in luck . Along with a great scent you’ll also get a fun little piece of neon decor for your home.
Slatkin & Co. Scentbug Home Fragrance Oil Fan has a new technology with a little powerful fan that works with home oils to send your scents around the room.
Add a few drops of favorite oil to the pad, place it in the unit and it’s ready to go. It also doesnt need to be plugged in so you can take this scent anywhere – your bathroom, kitchen or nightstand. Great idea to spread around your house if you’re having a dinner party and you want to set an ambience or you’ve been cooking up a storm.
Available for $15 at Bath and Body Works across Canada or check out www.bbw.com.
– Kate Daley
