Bumble and bumble hair(un)dressing creme

Bb.Texture hair(un)dressing creme - via Sephora - $32

I first learned about this product by watching Lily's hair routine video. I've always been a big fan of her hair (and her blog) and wanted to try it out. I went by my local Sephora and grabbed a tube and just got the chance to really give it a go two days ago. I've used B&B products before, but only shampoo and conditioner. I had never tried one of their styling products before this one, and I really don't know why! I'm really happy with the results I got from this texturizing cream. Like, really happy.

The price point will be a little high for some, but I think if you want to invest in something that's going to help you through the winter months and lessen your reliance on heated styling tools, it's something to consider splurging on. For my first try, I did still use my blow dryer but that was all I had to do. The texturizing cream left my hair a little "grittier" feeling and gave it that bed head look, minus the insane frizz. Once my hair eventually gets down to elbow length, I can seriously see myself only using this cream and letting nature do the rest of the work.

If you'd like to try it out, it's really easy to find and use. Sephora carries a lot of Bumble and bumble products, including this one for about $32. To apply, lightly towel dry your hair and then start with a little bit of product (a nickel-sized dollop) and work it through the mid lengths of your hair. I applied the majority of what I used to the crown and nape area, going all the way up to the root. I use Moroccan Oil on the ends of my hair, so I didn't apply any of the texturizing cream there.

All in all, this is a product I really do recommend. It seems like it would be great for all hair lengths, too, which is a definite plus. If you've used it before, or any other B&B products, please let me know in a comment! I'm trying my hardest to grow my hair out nice and long and am up for trying any product that will help me get there successfully. :)

Soap & Glory Review

Soap & Glory Products: Off Your Face*, Hand Food*, Scrub 'Em and Leave 'Em*,  and Clean On Me*

Hey lovely readers! I thought this post would be best done in a video format since I have a few different products to introduce to you, and wanted to show you the packaging and the product as best as I could. I received these products after attending an online presentation with Soap & Glory's founder, Marcia Kilgore, and am falling in love with the brand. When I had the chance to ask Marcia a question, I wanted to know who her quintessential customer is. She said it's "someone who loves great formulation, has a good sense of humour, doesn't want to spend an arm and a leg to moisturize one, and agrees that while beauty absolutely matters - it doesn't matter absolutely!" She also said her targeted customer is "smart, and no matter what beauty product she buys, she wants to love it so much she uses it to the end of the tube". I can safely say these products were all impressive, with the Hand Food being my absolute favourite of the bunch. Let me know in a blog comment if you've used anything from Soap & Glory before. I'd love to know!

The same pink skirt

Top: H&M / Skirt: H&M / Stockings: Secret Legwear* / Shoes: Nine West /
Necklace: H&M / Bracelet: Forever 21 /

Hello again, blog readers! It's been a few days since I posted and mentioned I was working on a filming project that wrapped up Tuesday evening. It's over - for now at least - so I can resume my normal life and blogging schedule. I wanted to show you an outfit I wore to dinner over the weekend to a delicious vegan restaurant in town called Zen Kitchen. I enjoyed a beet salad, tapas, and a bowl of hand cut ravioli. Mmm. It's a good thing the dinner was so healthy and delicious, because I needed that energy heading into Sunday... our first full day of filming!

Over the last few days, I've been on-set and on-location for 8+ hours a day. I've been working with the incredibly talented Alison Stewart from stylewhipped.com to film fashion styling videos and am so excited to get to the editing stage and actually see what we created. From what I've seen so far (and I've only seen tiny little bits) it looks amazing and I'm so happy and proud of the project. Thanks to you for all your words of encouragement in tweets and comments... you definitely helped me power through it all.

In the outfit above, I'm wearing my recent purchase from Nine West - a pair of gorgeous black suede pumps called "Drought". They have such a curvy, round appearance and I think they're truly a great black shoe. I'll be able to wear them to work, on the weekend, and out for dinner (I'd say dancing, but I really just don't dance) so the $125 price tag wasn't unreasonable. Let me know what you think of them in a comment below! Oh, and I'm also wearing the same skirt as the previous post but I've styled it a different way. This is definitely more of a dinner/date look. I need to buy this skirt in a hunter green or other fall colour because I'm really loving the way it fits.

I still need to get on with my review of the MarieNatie natural eye shadows (I'm wearing the pink in these photos, it's really light) and some truly amazing products from Soap & Glory, so please remind me if I happen to forget. I'll try to get those up by Saturday afternoon, but am hosting a Spooky Halloween Movie Night on Saturday and know I'll get distracted by candy corn and fake spider webs. Halloween is my favourite day of the year after all. ;)

Studded boots & 70s floral

Top: H&M / Skirt: H&M / Tights: Suzy Shier / Shoes: Aldo /
Jacket: River Island / Rings: Suzy Shier and Peoples Jewellers / 

Hey, everyone! I feel like it's been forever since I last posted. As you know, I went to Montreal last weekend and had a super fun but super rushed day shopping trip. I picked up quite a few items from H&M, Urban Outfitters, Sephora, and got two gorgeous new pairs of shoes - these studded ankle boots and a suede pair of pumps from Nine West. I'm in 70s rocker heaven.

This weekend I'll be working, unfortunately, but at least the job is fun. I'm project managing the filming for an upcoming fashion styling online course and am excited to see how it all goes. It's my second big project management job with filming involved, and I really had a blast last time around. Wish me luck! I'm just hoping I don't seriously crash before it's all over. I suppose Starbucks can help me with that.

And now for what you're likely here for... the announcement of the giveaway winners! Instead of just tying them, I actually recorded a quick little video on my MacBook Air (hence the poor quality). Have a look and see if it's you who's won. Thank you to everyone who checked it out and entered. I've really got the best readers around, but I don't need to tell you guys that... you already know you're awesome.

Octoburrrr Catch Up

Left across:
new scarf from Urban Outfitters and motorcycle jacket from River Island / Aero Bubbles / Mucho Burrito /
tiger sweater from Urban Outfitters / our 50% complete dining set / cage ring from Forever 21 / Aldo studded boots /
Cole taking a nap / me enjoying a Cesar at Les Trois Brasseurs in Montreal / top knot Friday / Parliament Buildings /
night stroll / OPI My Private Jet polish / gourmet fish taco at Side Door restaurant / Skinny Girl Cosmo and chocolates /
Cheyenne Meets Chanel's gorgeous, romantic nails / Cole / Tieks flats c/o Tieks by Gavrieli / Starbucks Veranda Roast /

This month, the weather went from cool to cold and Fall really went into full gear. I won't lie, I'm loving the change of season but it always takes a little getting used to. This month was a busy one - and is still. I've done quite a bit, including having my in-laws up for a visit, a shopping trip in Montreal, and making some fabulous headway as far as the blog goes. I have a few things up my sleeve, and some still in the planning stages, but I'm really looking forward to being able to share them with you.

I reviewed some really awesome products this month including Tieks flats, Calvin Klein Eternity Aqua, Vera Wang Lovestruck Floral Rush, Chloe Love, and two London Times dresses. I've also added quite a number of items to my wardrobe and can't wait to do my next outfit post to show a few off. I had a couple requests to do a haul-type video, so I'm thinking of that, too.

If you haven't already, remember to enter my fragrance giveaway by clicking here. I'll be announcing the winners at the end of this week, so make sure to get your entries in while you still can. Up for grabs is a bottle of Vera Wang Lovestruck Floral Rush and CK One Shock for Her. Happy entering, and thanks for your continued support!

6 Splurge-Worthy Items

1. AV Room Portable Turntable by Crosley, Urban Outfitters ($160)
2. Large Evil Eye Disc Necklace With Pave, House of Harlow 1960 ($85)
3. Romeo Satchel, Rebecca Minkoff ($550)
4. The Brooklyn, ONA Leather Camera Bags ($309)
5. Abstract Signature Bow iPhone Case, Kate Spade ($40)
6. Oval Skull Ring in Gold, House of Harlow 1960 ($90)

This evening, my mom posted on my Facebook asking for Christmas shopping ideas. Christmas?! Well, I guess it really is getting close and is really only just over two months away. Anyways, it got me thinking about things I really want but just can't justify going out and spending money on. This post isn't necessarily a list of things I want or expect to have for Christmas (one can only wish!) but is more of a list of items I would totally splurge on if I were to come into a little extra disposable income. When living and shopping on a budget, I think it's important to do a little window shopping once in a while - whether it be virtual or taking an actual stroll by your favourite shops. I find I'm most prone to spur-of-the-moment spending if I try to totally avoid my favourite stores or any sort of browsing.

I'm falling more in love with Rebecca Minkoff's bags each and everyday. I'm not a huge fan of her ready-to-wear line or shoes (I find they're a little too Michael Kors resort for my taste) but she really hits the nail on the head with her leather bags. The one shown above has been on my radar for a little while now, and I'm head over heels for the ostrich print black leather Romeo satchel. So much so that it's my top item on my actual Christmas list. Santa, please! I also find myself "window shopping" the House of Harlow 1960 online shop almost daily, and am lusting after the skull ring shown above. I'm not one to normally drop $90 on a ring, but I'm seriously considering making an exception for this one. It's so unique, fun, and has such a romantic yet edgy feel.

If you remember a post I did earlier this year, you'll remember the ONA camera bag shown above. It's still on my "to buy" list, but I figure I should probably buy the remaining two chairs to complete my new dining table set before dropping just over $300 on a camera bag. The turntable is awesome (obviously) and my husband and I have been craving one so we can enter full hipster status. Sort of kidding. Anyways, let me know what you think of my selection in a comment below! What are you hoping Santa brings you? What are you getting for others? Let me know, lovely readers.

Beauty Review: Calvin Klein Eternity Aqua

Notes: White Peony, Crisp Pink Lady Apple, Cucumber Water, Apricot Pulp, Tiare, Magnolia, Gardenia, Jasmine, Sundrenched Woods, Cedarwood, Transparent Musk
Style: Natural. Feminine. Sophisticated
Price: $57/1.7 oz
I don't have a single ozonic, fresh smelling, perfume in my collection. Smelling Calvin Klein's Eternity Aqua is a totally different experience but I really like it. It's not something I'd wear everyday, but it's perfect for after the gym or when heading out to a dinner where you know you'll be closely seated to others. There's nothing worse than being the girl with too much perfume, or an overpowering scent and this fragrance is a great solution.

Priced at $57 for 1.7 oz, it's the least expensive fragrance I've tried in a while. I think its price point is fair, but wish the fragrance lasted longer to really justify it. I found the fragrance became almost unnoticeable after a few hours. Aside from its lack of longevity, it's a nice fragrance and I'd recommend it for someone looking for a fresh and easy fragrance - particularly if you like the smell of cucumbers as that's the most noticeable note in my opinion!

I haven't decided whether I'll be keeping this fragrance or putting it up for giveaway. In case you wanted to get in on the current giveaway (up for grabs is a Vera Wang's Lovestruck Floral Rush bottle) make sure to click here. Eternity Aqua is so different from what I'm used to and I'm going to have to sleep on it before making a decision!

Tieks Alpine Grey Croc Flats

Flats: Tieks - Alpine Grey Croc Flats* /

In this review, I'm going to start off with my ruling. Tieks by Gavrieli are amazing. They've been featured on Oprah, are all hand stitched, and are like nothing I've ever owned before. You know how a few weeks ago I mentioned using Dr. Scholl's fast flats when in NYC running around like a chicken with my head cut off? I said they were alright but didn't quite fit right and looked exactly like I just popped them out of a cardboard package from a drugstore. These flats from Tieks are anything you could ever want in a pair of flats. What's even better? They literally fold in half, the toe tucks into the heel, and they fit into a tiny black pouch. These particular flats retail for $195 which, I do admit, is higher than what I'd expect to pay for flats. However, it's not a far cry from spending $100 or $150 at Aldo and these are higher quality, unique, stunning, and fold in half.

I chose to go with the Alpine Grey Croc in a size 9. Normally I wear an 8.5 but have the worst time with flats causing heel blisters. They fit like a dream, and the back is cushioned and stretchy instead of hard and rigid. I should probably also let you know they're actually leather - Italian leather - and have bright blue snazzy outer soles for a flash of colour and strong grip. Plus, the adorable little box in which the shoes come also offers up clear pant clips so you can pin up your too-long pants (perfect for when you need to take your heels off right this second or you're going to die) and an unfold-able tote to throw your demon heels into.

This weekend I'm visiting with my inlaws and we'll be enjoying lots of food and lots of drink, as per usual. I'm going to be thankful to have these comfy, fashionable flats to throw on in the evening. They're so easy and gorgeous, you'd never know they spend most of their day folded in half and tucked into a tiny little bag. When I opened my Tieks package in the office, the other girls came to watch (this is becoming a "thing" whenever I receive a package) and were amazed at their versatility. Naturally, I was excited to get home and type up the post so I can share my new obsession with you as well.

Have you owned a pair of Tieks? Would you want to? Let me know your horrible heel stories in a comment below. I'd love to know I'm not alone in not being able to spend 10+ hours in stilettos. I'm only human, after all! If you'd like to learn more about Tieks, and get a kick out of some awesome tweets, you should also click here and follow Tieks Girl. She's pretty awesome.

October Fragrance Giveaway

Vera Wang Lovestruck Floral Rush Eau de Parfum (Retail Value $80)
CK One Shock For Her Shock Absorber Travel Spray (Retail Value $20)

Here it is, my October fragrance giveaway! Up for grabs are two different fragrances I'm sure you will love. Entering is super easy, just use the Rafflecopter widget below and follow its instructions. I've given you some more ways to enter and have opened up the "tweet about the giveaway" option to once per day so you have even more opportunities to enter and win. I'll be announcing the winner on October 19th, so remember to check back! I'll touch base with the two winners by email and will give you guys 2 full days to respond with your address and info. If I don't hear from you, I'll move onto the next winner and so on and so forth. Good luck, lovely readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to residents within the USA and Canada in areas serviced by ground postal service. Since the prizes are fragrances, they cannot be shipped by air. Sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for checking out my giveaway.

Däv - Festival Snake Brown Rain Boots

Däv Festival Snake Brown Rain Boots via Town Shoes - $65-$85

This is the first pair of rain boots I have bought during my adult life. Seriously. The last pair I owned were probably a pair of ducky rain boots in yellow or red. For some reason or another, I've always been petrified of them. As a 5'6 girl with size 8.5-9 feet and the ankles of a small boy, I've felt that my feet were too large for my body. My mom, who is relatively the same height and size as me, has perfect size 7 feet and I was always so envious of her well proportioned-ness! Where did my fear of rain boots come into play? I thought they would make my feet look even larger. Skip to me in the downtown Town Shoes location, hearing hallelujah in my head, as I slipped my size 8.5  feet into a size 7 rain boot. Oh, yes indeedy.

After trying on this hideous pair at Call it Spring (formerly Spring, formerly formerly Transit Shoes - they struggle with brand identity) I headed over to The Bay and discovered an American brand who largely catered to us poor, cold, wet Canadians - Däv Rain. Initially, I had my eye on a simple black pair of rain boots with quilting around the cuff. Lo and behold, they didn't have my size. I then headed over to Town Shoes to find they also carried this fabulous Hunter Boots alternative. Immediately, my eye was drawn to a pair in the corner of the store with dark brown snake print. They were priced amazingly, come backed for just about everything, and are simple enough to match with almost anything. When looking close up, you can notice the snake print, but the boots appear solid from a distance.

The moral of the story? These boots make my feet look smaller than they actually are. I guess rain boots are normally slightly over sized, which thrills me to no end. I still have a little wiggle room, and plenty of space to wear a thick sock, and am feeling overjoyed in my size 7 pair of waterproofed luxury boots from Däv. If you're thinking of checking them out, I encourage you to look at this pair and this pair, as they're also next on my list!