Black crochet top, high waist denim & a killer sunset

Top: Forever 21 (similar here) / Bandeau: Urban Outfitters (similar here) / Necklace: Mexico /

Shorts: American Eagle (similar here) / Sandals: Kate & Mel via Town Shoes /

Sunglasses: Etsy / Bracelets: Le Chateau / Earrings: Aldo /

Rings: Peoples Jewellers /

I'm well into season three of Breaking Bad and can't turn off the TV. I'm amazed I even ventured outside to do a post today! It was a warm, warm weekend and the temperature was a high of 30°C. As much as I'm craving a bit of layering, there's no way I could do it. For this outfit, I've mixed a black crochet top with a nude lace bandeau, high waist destroyed denim shorts, and my chunky suede heels with a silver cross necklace my mom picked up in Mexico years ago and a stretchy shell bracelet. The outfit feels very "Sunday in LA" to me, but I don't live in LA and have more or less no clue what I'm talking about in terms of Californian style.

Tomorrow after work, I've got to rush back home to pick up a package from my apartment building's office (either a gorgeous watch from La Mer or a recent order from LOVE) and then I've got to go pay - literally - a visit to the UPS depot to grab my Rebecca Minkoff bag. Leave it to customs to charge me an arm and a leg for ordering from NYC. Capital L-ame. My point is, this week I should have plenty to share with you! Plus, like I mentioned in my last post, I've got a Moroccan Oil Luminous Hairspray review to do and I'm really excited about it.

I'm going to start (well, if you think you'd enjoy reading about it) sharing some food tips here and there in my posts. I may start a separate section of the site where you can go access some recipes or something. I've really cracked down on what I put into my body over the last couple of years and have never felt better. I've cut out fast food, meat, milk, and restrict my cheese intake. It was a really hard transition but my skin's never been clearer, I've never had so much energy, and I just feel all around great. I get asked quite often if I have tips for someone considering going vegetarian and different things like that, so let me know if this is something that would interest you or if you could really care less. Be honest!

Black & nude sort of attitude

Dress: LOVE (similar here) / Skirt: Guess (similar here) / Shoes: Payless
Necklace: Urban Outfitters / Bracelet: ? / Earrings: Aldo /
Ring: Le Chateau / Hair: Moroccan Oil Luminous Hairspray Medium Finish /
Glasses: Ebay /
This dress is one of my recent purchases from LOVE and it's the perfect, basic LBD. My only qualm is how under-lining is just a little too little. I considered buying new fabric and creating a new lining, but have decided it's much easier - and cheaper - to just wear my go-to black bandage skirt underneath. The one I have is sold out at Guess, but you can find a similar style just about anywhere. I'm also wearing my nude vegan suede sandal pumps from Payless, a gunmetal cross necklace, silver parrot charm bracelet, and beige-toned shell earrings to keep with the whole neutral theme of the evening! I'm about to head out for a dinner at an upscale steakhouse with my husband (don't worry, I won't be eating steak) and felt like going ultra-neutral with a black dress and nude heels. So, voila! Here you have it.

I don't know how it's already Saturday evening - where do the weekends go? With that being said, today has been extremely productive. I was up at 10am, did all my laundry, got in a workout, showered, did some cleaning, and am now posting this. I'm hoping to get another outfit post in by Monday morning and also recently received two amazing bottles of Moroccan Oil Luminous Hairspray I can't wait to review for you. I may just do the review in a YouTube video since I really want to show how fine the hairspray mist is. Oh and it has argan oil so you know it leaves your hair hella shiny.

The best and worst cities for your skin (USA)

If you've read any of my skin care posts (or my skin cancer awareness post) you know I'm pretty big on protecting your skin from unnecessary environmental damage. I'm all for throwing on a cardigan to cover your shoulders, applying sunscreen whether you can see the sun or not, and throwing on a hat when headed to the beach. That's why when I was approached by Daily Glow, a health-meets-beauty resource you should already know about, I knew I had to share this list of "The Best U.S. Cities for Skin". Since I realize this post isn't necessarily fashion-related (although healthy, youthful skin is one of the best accessories you can have) you can read the full post after the cut.

CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE POST

Disco pants, chambray button up & aviators

T-Shirt: Joe Fresh / Long Sleeved Top: Forever 21 / Disco Pants: American Apparel /
Shoes: Aldo / Watch: Michael Kors / Sunglasses: Forever 21 / Earrings: Swarovski /
Bag: Michael Kors / Rings: Peoples Jewellers and Aldo Accessories /
Today, I was super excited to be able to wear layered tops again. The heat wave is finally passing the city and the air conditioning is back to doing its job properly, which means I can throw on more than just a tank top and shorts *shudders*. As you know, I got back from a weekend away at the cottage on Monday and hope you had a chance to check out some of my vacation Instagrams in my previous post. It was tons of fun but I'm happy to be back in the swing of things with work, the blog, and my life!

I recently placed an order for the Rebecca Minkoff MAC (black with light gold hardware) and would have loved to carry it with this super casual outfit. Sadly, it just got shipped out this morning and hasn't yet arrived. Oh well, there's always next time! I'm in love with RM bags at the moment because of their ability to pair with the dressiest and most casual of outfits. Points for style and versatility! I'm wearing my double wrapped Michael Kors watch on my right hand, something I never do, since I'm sort of liking it how it looks on that arm and get to see it more since I reach, write, and do just about everything else with my right hand. The only downside is that I'm terrified of scratching it.

As you may already know, I'll be heading back to NYC this September for the IFB Conference and a few other projects for both work and the blog. I'm terribly excited and can't wait to meet all the fabulous bloggers who will be there and encourage you, if you're a blogger, to consider buying a ticket. You can click here to learn more. If you won't be going, be sure to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest (OK, that one's a bit of a stretch) and I'll be sure to share as much of my #IFBCON experience as possible with you.

Weekend at the cottage... ps I'm back!

From Left Across...
Cole wanted to help pack! / 5:30am / My Private Jet by OPI / Cole in car / Sunset on the lake /
Cottage fireplace / Sun room and Canadian flag / Bears! / Relaxing / Chalkboard /
Forest pathway / Peering outside / Perfect deck / Blogger bun or cottage bun / Kitchen /
Robots / Highschool flashback / My favourite room / Bedroom / Our lounger /
Living room at dusk / Storms on way back to city / Cole checking out the lightning / Home sweet home /
I've been completely MIA on the social media front (aside from the odd Instagram here and there) because I was up at my grandparents' (Nana and Papa as we call them) cottage in the Georgian Bay area for the weekend. It was absolutely amazing and totally relaxing. Above are some pictures I collected while away! I'll be back to normal posting this week with some more OOTDs. I placed an order for the Rebecca Minkoff MAC bag in black with light gold hardware as soon as I received word they were back in stock. Thank you, the lovely Rebecca, for letting me know! I also placed an order for two fabulous dresses from Inlovewithfashion.com as they were on for two for 20 pounds... which ended up being around $30 CAD/USD. Not too shabby at all!

Beauty Review: Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush™ - Pink Plum

Maybelline - Dream Bouncy Blush in "Pink Plum" via Drugstore

I've never been a fan of Maybelline blushes. I've always found them to be too light and need constant reapplying throughout the day - something I find incredibly annoying and am really not willing to do. I've heard mixed reviews about the Dream Bouncy Blush in the blogging world, so I didn't intend to pick it up and give it a try until I came across the product on sale at a local drugstore. Down to $6 from $10 is a pretty good deal, so I grabbed "Pink Plum" and went home to give it a whirl. FYI to anyone who goes out to try this product, make sure you feel it in a cool dry place while not in use. It's a creamy blush in the tin so it will easily melt and turn into a nice little mess!

I'm just going to say it now. This blush is not the holy grail of blushes. It isn't particularly amazing and doesn't apply well with a brush. Once I gave in and used my finger tips to apply and blend the product, I was happier with it but likely won't buy it again. The colour is nice, but takes a bit of building to get it to appear anything like the colour in the tin. It offers a bit of sheen and couples well with a liquid highlighter, but doesn't apply well with a brush and I find I use more product applying with my fingers since they absorb a little bit during the process.

All in all, it's an OK product. If you're traveling and run out of your favourite blush, I'd recommend you grab this one if you can find it for cheap enough. It's not bad, but I know there are better options for the regular price point. I do wonder, however, if it would be a good blush to wear to the beach or while poolside since the cream consistency wouldn't wash off as quickly as powder. If anyone has tried it and worn it for a swim, let me know. That may be its saving grace!

Beauty Review: Benefit Cosmetics High Beam

Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Luminescent Complexion Enhancer

I'm excited to share this review because it's my first time using a liquid highlighter. I typically use MAC Skinfinish in Peaches and recently tried Benefit Cosmetics' Watts Up stick highlighter. A friend of mine uses High Beam and her skin is always glowing and gorgeous, so I wanted to try it out.

I went ahead and bought the full size bottle from my local Sephora since the trial size is a complete rip off in terms of price. I'm happy I did, because I really like the results I've been getting thus far. I dot a little onto my cheekbone, brow bone, and then right at the corners of my forehead and on the ridge of my nose (not on the tip!). From there, I rub it in using my finger tips in very small circular motions. I like to build up a little bit extra on my cheek bone, so once the first application has dried I put on just a little bit more.

Even though the highlighter has a lot of pink to it, it still matches my super pale yet yellow under-toned skill well. It's very lightweight and comes with a nail polish-like brush to apply the product. Again, I recommend using your finger tips to actually work the product into your skin as just brushing it on with the provided applicator will leave you looking a little odd.

I'd love to know what sort of highlighters you all are using. I've heard great things about a couple from NARS but haven't tried them out either. :)

My Style Icons: MK & A Olsen

Left: Ashley Olsen in all black and denim Converse
Right: Mary Kate Olsen in leather skirt, white T and blue cross body bag
If I could take anyone's wardrobe, in the entire world, I would choose the Olsen twins' wardrobe. I obviously don't need to explain why, as there are millions of girls who'd say the exact same thing.  What I want even more than their wardrobe, however, is their sense of style. Yes, they've both made the occasional mistake throughout the years, but when they get it right (which is almost always) they get it really right.

Take Ashley's outfit on the left for example. Who else can pair a crocodile Fendi bag with denim Converse sneakers? Then there's Mary Kate on the right with her plain white tee, leather skirt and black gladiator sandals. Sounds like an outfit just about anyone could pull off, right? Then, she goes ahead and slaps on her red rimmed Ray Ban sunglasses and a cobalt blue cross body clutch and looks like a million bucks.

Alright, that's it for tonight. I know this post is unlike my normal postings, but I've been cruising through ancient posts on Olsens Annonymous and couldn't control myself. Who are your fashion icons?

Talula floral shorts, American Apparel cropped tee

Top: American Apparel / Blazer (not pictured): Talula via Aritzia /
Shorts: Talula via Aritzia / Shoes: Kate & Mel via Town Shoes / Glasses: Ray-Ban /
Some of you may recognize this outfit from my Instagram photos on Sunday, as I wore parts of it to a music festival over the weekend and then restyled it for a work outfit today by adding a blazer and black heels. I'm in love with these floral Talula shorts and want to wear them every single day! I'll definitely be packing them for NYC this September and will likely sport them to one of the days at IFB CON, unless I find a new obsession by then. Today I flat ironed my hair a bit and went for a more sleek do. I go back and forth between loving my hair waved and loving my hair straight, and I suppose this morning was one of those "I'm loving my hair straight" sort of mornings. #girlproblems

We're still suffering through an awful heat wave and there isn't a real end in sight. My husband and I are off to my grandparents' cottage come Thursday so I'm hoping the temperature dips down in their region, at least enough so we can venture outdoors without frying! I'm trying to get a few beauty review posts written before we head out for the weekend (I'll be "offline" 'til Monday night) as I don't want to leave you without fresh content. I've recently picked up the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush, Benefit High Beam highlighter, and a laptop case from Marc by Marc Jacobs so keep an eye out for them on the blog this week/weekend.

Life has been pretty crazy lately with work, the blog, my 24/7 addiction to social media, and everything else I've got in the works. I'm looking forward to my weekend away so I can just visit with my grandparents, relax, and take the dog for plenty of walks. As much as I love tweeting, texting, and replying to comments - I'm going to give my mind and body a break. Think I can do it? ;) PS I'm looking for the perfect pair of everyday, every occasion, black pumps. If you could comment with your suggestions, or send them in an email or tweet, I'd love you forever. Thank you!

Beauty Review: STEAMCREAM "Chagrin" Limited Edition

STEAMCREAM - Chagrin Limited Edition*
If you've read my older beauty posts, you know I'm a lover of LUSH. When I learned of SteamCream, brainchild of the same individual behind LUSH, I had to learn more. SteamCream offers one universal moisturizer in many different patterned packages. Their goal is simple, to provide a moisturizer for hands, body and face that can be used by anyone at anytime. Their packaging is gorgeous and is completely recyclable and/or reusable. I'll be using mine to store earrings and rings during travel, although I hate to think of the day my container runs empty.

SteamCream sent me out Chagrin, a fun and floral design which was produced in limited quantities. It's the exact same product as you'll receive in any other package, however, and that's what's most important here! This moisturizer is incredibly silky, smooth, absorbs quickly and leaves your skin without stickiness or residue. The fragrance is light, natural and clean - there are no overpowering notes of cocoa or vanilla like many other body moisturizers. On the little pamphlet included in each box it lists its main ingredients as Oatmeal Infusion, Orange Flower Water, Lavender Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Cocoa Butter, and naturally blended fragrance. It's an incredibly gentle concoction that's sure to smooth your skin and leave you feeling soft to the touch.

I have moderate eczema that likes to pop up on my hands and elbows every once in a while and this cream is a life saver. I haven't yet tried it on my face but am sure it would help my dry areas around my nose and on my chin - particularly in the winter. I'll do another post on its uses for the face once I've tried it more thoroughly.

As far as cons go, there really aren't any I can find. The packaging, including the little orange box the tin comes in, is totally recyclable. The tin is small enough for travel yet large enough to hold a good amount of product; 75 grams (just under 3 ounches) to be exact. It's vegan-friendly, expires after 6 months (you'll definitely use it by then), and retails for £12.95 or roughly $20 CAD/USD. For those of you looking for a versatile and affordable cream filled with natural ingredients fit for even the most sensitive of skin - I recommend you try this. Feel free to ship your empty tin to me when you're finished... I'm sort of obsessed with the art work!

LOVE daisy dress, Michael Kors rose gold watch & some downtown shopping

Dress: LOVE / Watch: Michael Kors / Earrings: Aldo
Rings: Peoples Jewellers & Aldo / Blush: Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Pink Plum /
Bag (not pictured): Balenciaga /
Today I am rushing out to meet a friend downtown for a little retail therapy. We're officially in a "level 2" drought here with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius today. There was a wildfire a couple of days ago and I can still smell the soot and smoke when I step outside. It's crazy! Of course, the day it finally calls for a little rain is the day I'm going to the outdoor music festival to see The Balconies, The Postelles, Felix Cartal, The Weeknd, and Metric. Lovely.

I'm wearing my cut out daisy dress from LOVE with my rose gold Michael Kors watch and brown leather Balenciaga motorcycle bag. I wanted to top the outfit off with my sky high brown wedges, but know it's a bad idea considering the amount of walking I'll be doing. Hot feet + long distance + 5 inch wedges = never a good choice. So, I'm going to throw on a pair of 2 inch nude wedges instead.

On our journey, I'm hoping to find a pair of jeans, pick up the Bobbi Brown concealer I've been obsessing over, and checking out the renovation sale going on at Holt Renfrew. I spotted a pair of YSL pumps online for super cheap so if I can't find anything, I may go and grab those as well. Can you believe I don't have a plain black pair of pumps? :O I'm also wearing a drug store blush I grabbed last night (it was on sale, so I figured I'd give it a try since it's received some rave reviews in the blogging community). It's a powder cream blush and I do like it, but can't see the colour lasting all day and expect it'll need re-application which is sort of annoying. We'll see! I'll be sure to do a proper review of it shortly.

Have a lovely weekend, everyone!

Organix Moroccan Argan Oil - good Moroccan Oil alternative

Organix - Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil - $8 at Wal-Mart
I was reading Lily's beauty blog and saw a recent review on this product from Organix. I've passed by this product a million times in grocery stores, drug stores, and everywhere in between. I never really stopped to look at it or read the product label. That is, until I read Lily's review and thought "this might be worth a try". I'm a lover of the "real" Moroccan Oil. I'm not a lover of its high price tag. To be honest, I'll continue to buy Moroccan Oil regardless of how much it is but am now going to switch back and forth between it and this product. It's pretty good and I'm loving the under $10 price point. I also prefer its snap closure lid to the screw on cap that Moroccan Oil has. That being said, the screw on cap is better for travel as it's less likely to break or burst open and result in oil covered clothing.

Essentially, this "dupe" by Organix is a slightly lower quality (meaning the concentration of actual oil is lower) hair oil. It smells, feels, and applies amazingly and is overall a fantastic product considering its pricepoint and its drug store competitors. I prefer Moroccan Oil particular because it offers an option for light or fine hair and can't argue with its higher oil concentration. But, I found this oil to be great for the ends of my hair and would recommend anyone in search of a more affordable option to try this. I'd suggest you stay away from the hair that's 7 inches or closer to your part just because it is slightly heavier than Moroccan Oil and you'll probably find it weighs down your hair a little more if applied too high on the head.

If you've never used a hair oil before (who are you!??! just kidding!) it's a fantastic option and a much better alternative to smoothing serums and creams. It's nutrition for your hair and will allow for more manageable locks. When your hair is towel dried, apply a dime sized amount throughout the lower ends of your hair and then style as usual. If your hair is quite damaged, or you're looking to tame those annoying fly aways, use a tiny amount and rub it between your hands before applying to dry hair. It works wonders and gives you that freshly salon styled sheen.

I do things, sometimes

Tweeting with the dog / blogging / trying on new maxi dress from Spicy Toast / collar necklace /
Dolce Vita Sabina boot for sale, size 9 $50 / shopping at Bayshore / Chocolate Mousse and My Private Jet OPI polishes / bloody Caesar at The Keg / my sister, mom & I / my brother /
new hair / Sons of Anarchy / inbox down to zero / morning 'bucks / work mug /
heat wave / parcel from In Love With Fashion / new daisy cut out dress / dress / daisy pattern /
picking up husband from work / MAC Brave lipstick / David's Tea "Glitter & Gold" /
getting ready to go watch Savages / a big promise to make

I'm not a particular fan of the Instagram "catch up" post, particularly because of how overdone they are. I get requests for them, however, so I'll try to do a few every now and again but they won't be very frequent.

June was a fairly busy month with plenty of packages arriving, hanging out with friends, and having my family up to visit. I've finally got my blog to where I want it design wise (notice the new header?) and am excited to continue building up my content. I also got totally hooked on Sons of Anarchy and Lost Girl and burned through the entire three season of Veronica Mars in a matter of a few days.

I'm pretty excited about this summer. I'm also super excited about September, the IFB conference, and NYFW. I plan on meeting up with a few of my Twitter friends/other fashion bloggers so let me know if any of you reading this will be in the area. The more, the merrier!

Beauty Review: I.C.O.N. Drench, Free & Inner Home

I.C.O.N. Drench, Free and Inner Home via Rinaldo Hair Designers & Spa George Street
As I've been rambling on about, I got my hair dyed last weekend. I ditched my ombre locks and went for an all over medium/darkish blonde. The colour ended up a little lighter than anticipated (my hair refuses to hold colour, so that's no real surprise) but I'm happy to have more even, natural looking hair again. While at my appointment, I got a quick bang trim and discussed Pretty Little Liars, Secret Circle, and my quest for elbow-length hair with Stefan, a stylist (a colourist named Zully is the one who actually coloured my hair). He said what most hair stylists say, that regular trims are necessary in order to prevent unnecessary damage to the hair. Some argue split ends happen to everyone and it's impossible to avoid them. This is true. What can happen, however, is damage that travels up the hair shaft and ultimately results in a weak strand of hair snapping off at the slightest sign of a tug. Unlike other stylists, Stefan offers "pretend hair cuts". Basically, he'll trim just as much as needs to be trimmed to maintain healthy hair while achieving the most growth possible. I've had "tiny trims" in the past which have resulted in my shoulder length hair somehow becoming chin length. But, I actually believe Stefan and plan on visiting him every month from now on - whether I'm having my hair coloured or not. He also recommended I try out the above products by I.C.O.N. I'll be doing a quick review of my experience thus far with the hair care system. Spoiler alert: I'm in love.

I've tried Nioxin in the past (a former stylist recommended it) but found it to be extremely drying, to strip out hair colour, and to basically give my shoulders a rash from the large amounts of menthol in the conditioner. This system comes with the same sort of steps: shampoo, conditioner, treatment. The products are sulfate free, paraben free, smell clean and fresh, and gave me amazing results after just one wash. The shampoo lathered easily with the tiniest amount (typically, I have to shampoo twice in order to get enough lather) and the conditioner was so silky and smooth it covered all of my hair with about half the amount of conditioner I normally use with my KMS conditioner. The best part, however, is the treatment. You can use the "Inner Home" treatment as a mask while in the shower, or you can apply it over lightly towel dried hair and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. I chose the second option and am honestly astonished at the condition of my hair. My ends have never been so easy to manage (my hair's healthy to begin with, but any blonde knows a thing or to about dry ends) and my scalp feels fantastic. My hair is shiny and smooth yet still holds a curl - something I've never found with other treatments.

I realize it's early on in my product experience but HAD to share this with you. This is the best hair system I've tried. I'm taking into account the amount of product needed each wash, the in-shower experience, the results, and the amazing price point. I got all three products, fully sized, at $40. My only complaint? The name's are really strange and I wish they were labelled differently. Drench is pretty cool, I'll admit. But, Free and Inner Home? I sort of feel like I'm washing my hair with Ikea furniture!

PS
I've chosen to not be embarrassed by my obsession with shows fit for a 14 year old. Can't a girl just imagine she's back in high school surrounded by gorgeous 25 year olds with millions of dollars?

Urban Outfitters Crochet Shorts & Savages

Top: Forever 21 / Shorts: Urban Outfitters / Necklace: H&M
Watch: Michael Kors / Bandeau: Urban Outfitters
I'm experiencing a slight crochet/lace short addiction. I grabbed this pair (they're a little loose in the waist but there were only two sizes left so I'll manage) from Urban Outfitters and a flower crochet pair in cream from the Zara sale. I'm going to wear one of the pairs to the music festival I'm going to on July 15th (going to see Metric, The Weeknd, and a line up of electro artists) but haven't decided which ones just yet.

We're still suffering through the heat wave on the East coast and boy oh boy is it ever hot. Our air conditioners are going full force in the apartment but, being on the 19th floor, I wouldn't mind it being a bit cooler - particular in the kitchen. I suppose I should be thankful I even have air conditioning, or a place to escape from the heat, but it's been roughly two weeks since the temperature went above 30°C and this little pasty girl is boiling!

If you're following me on Twitter or Instagram, you already know this but I went to see Savages last night. It's the drug cartel thriller movie with Blake Lively. I'll warn anyone considering seeing it that it's nothing like the trailers try to convince you it is. My husband and I decided it falls into a similar category to The Cabin in the Woods. It's a stylistic, artsy, grind-house type film. There's a lot of gross gore, black and white, flashes of random things, and each scene is very drawn out. Personally, I really liked it apart from the ending. I think it's one of those movies stoners will enjoy but, as I was sober apart from a cocktail before the film, some aspects were a bit lost on me.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekends and aren't as affected by the heat as I am. Until next time! Oh, and I have no idea why I'm touching my hair so much in this post. Forgive me.