Vita Fede Titan Bracelet in rose gold (comes in yellow gold and silver) –
great on it’s own or layered with other bracelets or a watch
what are they… drinking?!
I’ll admit to loving the tastes of things most people scrunch their noses up at… unflavored tofu, unsalted nuts, and any green veggie – preferably freshly juiced. I also have a sweet tooth, and I love salt… but with several food sensitives, I do my best to curb those indulgences for the sake of my stomach. While living in LA, I swore by Evolution’s “Essential Greens” that I bought at Whole Foods (I saw Seal at the Brentwood WF, I wonder if Heidi’s on the green-wagon?), or the fresh juices from M Cafe (Jessica Alba is a fan, and just look at her radiant skin). Sadly, upon moving back to Canada I found myself on a fresh green juice quest… Fresh offers a good selection of juices (my go-to is the “all-green”), and Noah’s on Bloor has a cafe with a fully equipped juice bar. These are great options for dining in, or pick-up, but I like to have my juices at home, at the office, and when I travel (the recommended shelf life is three days). Toronto’s Whole Foods and organic grocery stores only carry vegetable juices with some form of fruit (apple, and/or banana etc)… so I was thankful to come across Total Cleanse – a local juice delivery service (and/or cleanse) that drops off your juices between 9pm and 6am the night before /day you want them. Today through Wednesday, I’ll be drinking Green Energy with my breakfast(s) and dinner(s). And while I’m not doing a full cleanse, I’m not going to argue with glowing skin and increased energy. Yes, PLEASE!!
colored cords
Rachel Bilson wears burgundy skinny cords with a studded Burberry purse and over-sized scarf.
Loading …Photos (Rachel Bilson): celebrityfashion.onsugar.com & beautify-flr.blogspot.com
My love for colo(u)red denim is no secret. I wear my crimson Rag & Bone skinnies weekly and relish in complements. They go with so many different outfits, I consider them my fashion lay-up. And while many people might look at this photo and first notice Rachel’s Burberry studded metallic leather bowling bag (sold out) – I go ga-ga over her burgundy (merlot, magenta, purple, or “wine”) colored cords. Tucked into her Zara ankle booties, Rachel’s look is perfect for fall.
For those looking to start slowly, or keep it office appropriate, stick to basic blank skinny cords – I live in my J Brands! They’re so comfortable and soft they feeling like a cotton legging. So great for travel. They are a 10 with flats, boots or heels. A great one-pair-of-pants packing option. DONE!
GOYARD go-to
Photos (Lauren Conrad, Hilary Duff, Gwyneth Paltrow): media19.onsugar.com; coolspotters.com
Summer’s come to an end, and we’re knee-deep in fall fashion. But right now all I can think about is the perfect purse for an upcoming destination wedding in Anguilla this November. And I’ve found it – the St Louis Tote by Goyard. I’m not alone. This go-to can be see all around the globe on celebrities and fashionable girls. Many have several styles and several colors (the Kardashian clan is in double digits by my count). Gwyneth monogrammed hers “G.K.P.M”, which I assume stands for ‘Gwyneth Kate Paltrow Martin’. Diane Kruger stops traffic with yellow and red stripes, and Nicky Hilton has a trifecta of red, yellow and green with her initials. Monogrammed or not, the St Louis is a chic beach bag, carry-on, diaper bag, gym bag, and commuter go-to. I’m currently dreaming about the white one Cameron Diaz wore in “What Happens in Vegas” – among others.
And because my fashion operations always come with a twist, Goyards are hard to come by. Sold by select Barneys (in stores only) and a few Bergdorfs (same); your best bet is to visit (or call) the only US Goyard boutique, located in San Fransisco. eBay is another option, but be wary of fakes. The only remaining question is, do I want white à la Nicole; light blue à la Gwyenth; bright blue à la Kendall; orange à la Kris; yellow Kim and Kourtney; or black à la Hilary? Decisions!!
Sailor Girls… Get Noticed
Photos (William & Kate) c/o: www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/; www.bff.tv/fashion-face-off-2/
SJP and Kate are nautical visions of summer in Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen’s ribbed sailor dress. Sarah Jessica wore the navy style in Hollywood, accented with a red croc clutch and hot-red bowed peep toes. Kate wore the classic white version with black heels in Prince Edward Island… her new husband playfully thanked P.E.I for naming the island after him. Awe… And speaking of the Prince. What’s not to love about Kate in a white Sarah Burton dress? Memories…
This gorgeous dress isn’t available, but you can still skirt your sweater this month and into the fall in beige, navy, off-white, or black. Thicker knits flatter… And as always, SPANX are your friends.
lulu-lovin’
Photos (Kristin Cavallari, Lauren Conrad) c/o: Splash News
By now it probably feels like there are few (if any) women on the planet who don’t know lululemon. This Canadian success story (a self-described yoga-inspired athletic apparel company) hails from Vancouver, British Columbia with stores across Canada, the US, and Australia. 
It’s internationally known, extremely popular, workout and leisurewear that is addictively-amazing. If you haven’t noticed the logo (a stylized “A”, which stands for “Athletically Hip,” a name that was being considered for the company) EVERYWHERE, you will now.
Kristin’s wearing lulu’s reversible cropped wunder unders – I have too many pairs of these to admit – black, dark gray, even purple. The snugging luon material is comfortable, yet flattering. Lauren’s crops are the Run Turbo, a bit shorter and shinier, and still combining fashion with function.
G-oh Canada!
“Room to Read”
Photo c/o http://www.burghoundinasia.com
A very special woman in my life (who is in many people’s much needed thoughts and prayers right now… thank you) taught me the value of volunteering and giving back from a young age. I’m grateful for the lessons charitable involvement has taught me. Recent life events have reminded me not to anything for granted. So in the spirit of gratitude, this post is dedicated to the woman who read to me every night before bed, who encouraged me to read – explore news places – find my voice and speak my mind (clearly I haven’t stopped since). Thanks mom.
One of my favorite charities that I think everyone needs to know about is “Room to Read” – admirably started by John Wood, a former Microsoft exec who started this global initiative after a trek through Nepal (those Himalayans are nothing if not life changing…). John’s global team works with rural villages to build sustainable solutions to their educational challenges. Most, if not all of these rural schools don’t have libraries, or even books, whether in their native languages or English. “Room to Read” programs are designed to change this, by offering a “hand up”, not a “hand out” - they partner with local communities to build schools and libraries.
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing John speak twice live in LA, his story is beyond inspirational. From his 2007 Oprah appearance, to a recent event hosted by the Los Angeles Chapter (Will Ferrell is a large supporter), John is tirelessly committed to educating children in developing nations one book at a time. A lover of books and author himself, John tells his own story in a book I highly recommend, “Leaving Microsoft to Change the World” for anyone fond of the Gandhi quote “be the change you wish to see in the world“. John’s corporate background shows, his charity is data and results driven. There is minimal to no overhead (you won’t see participants driving Land Rovers throughout Africa…). Flying exclusively on donated air-miles, he means business. Started just over a decade ago (in 2000), “Room to Read” has met needs far beyond it’s initial home of Nepal. Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, Laos, South Africa, Zambia, and Bangladesh are some more of the places where boys and girls are benefiting from the opportunities education brings. Almost 10 million books have been distributed worldwide over the last decade, benefiting 5 million children. The organization’s goal is to reach 20 million children by the year 2020. With John at the realm, anything’s possible. I guess that leaves one question for the rest of us… have you given back lately? Whether your resources; time, monetary, awareness – it all counts.
sunless summer glow
Since moving to LA two years ago I often hear, “you’re so tan!” Which I immediately follow with, “It’s self-tanner!” I discovered bronzer in my early twenties, and religiously used Bobbi Brown’s miracle powder for years to come. Then I discovered Estee Lauder’s tanning towelettes, I used them once a week or so until they were discontinued about 3 years ago now. Devastating! I dislike most self-tanners on the market. Anything that’s a cream or foam isn’t for me, I’d rather use actual bronzer than a tanner that acts the same way (coming off on my clothes, sheets, etc). It took me a year to discover my next go-to, Look Good Naked’s Tan Towel (in face and half body applications). I’ve used these once a week since moving to LA – yes, I live in a city that prides itself on averaging 320 days of sunshine per year… but no, I don’t live outside, and I believe in sunscreen. Recently, I was introduced to Kate Somerville’s “Somerville360 Tan Towelettes”. After one use, I was converted! The perfect bronzing tan that isn’t orange (apply moderately)… this towelette is a 10.
Living in LA, I can get away with using self-tanner twice a week (NB: apply tanner at least two hours before applying makeup or leaving the house – do no use bronzer at all on these days – your skin with get darker throughout the day, sometimes as late as 6 hours later!) – for others I’d suggest once in the fall and winter, and twice in spring and summer. For in between days, trust a bronzing blush (subtle shimmer is OK, sometimes matte bronzer makes your face look dirty – try a few to find your match). I swear by Yves Saint Laurent Variation Blush, offering a pop of color that is the perfect combination of gold-bronze and rose-pink-blush.
Another great way to fight pale and pasty skin is tinted moisturizer. Almost every cosmetics line makes this efficient and effective beauty must-have. I put on Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Energy-Boosting Moisturizer in the morning before my makeup. With SPF built-in, it’s great for travel.
Stay harmful-ray-free – and with these four beauty pillars – get ready for a sunless summer GLOW.
sugar(ing)
Photo c/o: http://www.buzzle.com
I consider myself a bit of a hair removal expert. I’m not overly hairy (TMI!), but like most woman – I don’t like hair anywhere other than my head. My mom had me waxing my legs as a teenager, and a decade or so… later I haven’t stopped. I’ve also spent many years shaving, using depilatories, and undergoing lazer hair removal. I’ve even had my eyebrows threaded a few times. So when I moved to Brentwood in February, it was only natural I’d seek out my new local Esthetician. In an effort to find a new waxing salon close by, I discovered “Studio Alexandria LA”. It came up on my google search for waxing, and when I called to make an appointment for my eyebrows and Brazilian, the receptionist convinced me within minutes that I NEEDED to try “sugaring“, saying I’d be impressed instantly and I’d never want to wax again… Big claim, but I was game. Surprised that I’d never heard of this popular hair removal technique, I expected something between threading and electrolysis (one of the few methods I’ve yet to try). I was wrong – sugaring is similar to waxing (a raw sugar mixture is rubbed over the skin – see above – and peeled off, taking your unwanted hair with it). It’s not pain-free, but it doesn’t hurt nearly as much as waxing. You can “sugar” any area where hair grows. And the best part is that your hair grows back soft (unlike the whiskers of shaving or waxing), and more sparingly with each treatment. It’s amazing, I’ve been converted.
Photo c/o: http://www.studioalexandriala.com
The professionals at “Studio Alexandria LA” are friendly and efficient (it’s faster than waxing), and they really go the extra mile to discuss your holistic skincare needs. Upon Ashley’s recommendation I use the “spa massage gloves” for daily exfoliation and the “mud puddle” skin mask all over my body weekly (my skin truly radiates afterwards). All products are eco-friendly and all-natural, very important to a hypo-allergenic customer like myself. Interestingly enough, Studio Alexandria President Lina Kennedy started her business in Canada before moving to LA. She teaches her method globally, and “sugaring” is available in Toronto and cities worldwide.
So even if you can’t make it to Brentwood, and you’re looking for a hair-free spring summer 2011 – wherever you live – go on, get sugared.
“the girls”
Reese Witherspoon c/o cdn.babble.com; Cameron Diaz c/o coolhitmusic.blogspot.com
Reese Witherspoon and Cameron Diaz are both fans of THE GIRLS apparel, both wearing Tummy Control Capri Pants (style #7079) above. The $everyday workout leggings retail for ~$30. Favorite to Katie Holmes, Nicole Richie, Kate Hudson, Amanda Seyfried, Emma Roberts, Lauren Conrad, Whitney Port, Ashley Tisdale, and Amy Adams – it’s no surprise these crops are a BEST seller. Their snugging (not spreading) material keep your wobbly bits in place, so you can wear them before and after the gym… and anywhere your day takes you.
Reese rocked hers on the West Coast – choosing a navy hoodie and yellow retro Ray-Bans – while Cam went for a navy and red training jacket, accompanied by the most powerful accessory of all… boyfriend, New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez (not shown).
Water bottles in tow, both blondes remind us to stay hydrated. Thanks ladies, or should I say “girls”.
