The style world can feel like a maze of trends ranging from playful to downright mystifying. Our editors give you the inside scoop on everything beauty and fashion to get you looking your best, from head to toe.
Indulge me for a second while I explain why this is such a big deal. I have fine wavy hair with a mind of its own. It cannot be curled beyond its kink and it never falls straight. I have spent the better part of the last 10 years scrunching and teasing it into any shape that does not resemble a triangle.
Just over two weeks ago I had my hair cut by Roberto Barbosa and I am still pleasantly surprised every time I look in the mirror — my waves now fall into a perfectly rounded frame for my face.
In the interest of sharing my good-haircut karma, here are some tips I picked up from Barbosa that also came as a bit of a surprise:
1) Start at the end.
Whether you’re shampooing, applying styling product or smoothing on a finishing serum, start at the ends that’s where hair is dirtiest, needs the most replenishing and taming.
This is especially important with styling and finishing products because it allows you control the application so you don’t overload it and end up with a damage-control ponytail.
2) Apply masks to naked hair.
When you use a nourishing mask, apply it right on the freshly washed hair. You want hair to be clean but porous so don’t apply conditioner first or your hair will absorb less of the treatment.
3) Never let your hair dry in a ponytail.
Hair contracts when it dries, so if it’s tied into an elastic it has nowhere to go and will snap. That’s how you end up with so much breakage halfway down your hair.
Now, not that I’m in the habit of feeling guilty about my haircuts (or having haircuts, come to that) but it’s worth knowing that Salon Escape is working to reduce their carbon footprint. Most notably, they recycle your hair. Yep. They sweep it up off the floor and send it to the 1,000 Pounds of Hair initiative where it gets stuffed into nylons and is used to soak up oil spills like that in the Gulf Coast.
That, coupled with the surprisingly relaxed vibe at Salon Escape (they played 80s music the entire time I was in the chair), makes it unlike some intimidating Yorkville salons. And that alone is enough to bring me back!
Salon Escape is at 132 Cumberland Street, Toronto. 416-324-8080
Me and Roberto, my mane man
–Alex Laws
Sep
02
You might want to be sitting down for this. This morning, H&M announced that their next designer collaboration will be with Lanvin! The collection will be designed by Lanvin’s artistic director, Alber Elbaz, and menswear designer Lucas Ossendrijver.
The official launch is on November 20th in North America and November 23rd around the globe. However, a video of the entire collection will be revealed online on November 2nd (exactly 2 months away!).
Elbaz released the following statement about the collaboration: “H&M approached us to collaborate and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world.”
On the heels of the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection last year (and previous collaborations with the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, and Sonia Rykiel) this one is sure to be another big hit for the trend-setting retail chain.
–Souzan Michael
If I told you that you could buy a limited-edition Marc by Marc Jacobs tote or a cozy Canada Goose toque for about $50, you’d probably think I’d lost my mind. But last night I learned that’s exactly what’s happening in Holt Renfrew stores this fall. Not only are both items exclusive to Holt’s, but a portion of sales go to charity.
The super cute totes hit stores September 30. And with Vision Spring (a non-profit that provides eyeglasses in the developing world) as Marc By Marc Jacobs charity of choice, you’re right to think the design was inspired by an eye exam chart. “I predict they’ll sell out in 48 hours,” said Holt’s president Mark Derbyshire. To make sure you get the one you want, jump the cue and reserve online starting September 7.
The Canada Goose toques land in stores November 4. Lined with fleece and featuring the classic Canada Goose crest, they’ll certainly help you brave the elements this winter. Proceeds from sales go to Polar Bears International, a non-profit dedicated to saving these great white giants from extinction.
–Laurie Jennings
Aug
31
The buzz in the Big Smoke right now is about the Toronto International Film Fest. In the lead up to the fest everyone is talking about who will be where and, more importantly, who will be wearing what.
With all this speculation I began to wonder what the heck I’d be wearing to the various screenings, media previews and late-night soirees happening next week during TIFF. The only thing I was sure of was that I definitely wouldn’t have time to do laundry.
With that in mind I headed to RW&CO today to begin stocking my wardrobe with fall film festival essentials. Here are my picks.
I instantly gravitated to the tailored black leggings ($48) in this first look. They’re undeniably chic, but they still have the elastic waistband necessary for countless hours of stationary popcorn consumption.
This second look is perfect for the days when I’ll need to go directly from the office to a cocktail party. I’ll pair the dress ($78) with a blazer and pumps during the day, then remove the blazer and add some chunky jewelry at night.
– Jen O’Brien
There was a time years ago when I was slightly leery about shopping for clothing online. Well, those days are long gone. In fact, since discovering sites like Shopbop and ASOS I rarely venture out to wardrobe shop in stores anymore. There’s something especially exciting about receiving a present from yourself in the mail.
That said, I was overjoyed to hear about the relaunch of GapCanada.ca, OldNavy.ca and BananaRepublic.ca — three of my favourite brands and now all are offering online shopping. Shipping is from Canada to Canada (read: no duty…yay!) and all three brands are also offering free returns and free shipping on orders over $50.
–Jen O’Brien
