Uncategorized – The Beautorialist

CHLOE’S PADLOCK IS BACK!

July 4, 2019January 22, 2020 by The Beautorialist, posted in Fashion, Uncategorized

Who remembers the famous Chloe Paddington bag?

20190703_171835[1] — Chloe Paddington Bag

For me that was truly an “It Bag”. I wanted it so badly, and I saved up my money for months. It seems surreal to think that was back in the early 2000’s, which is when bags really became my obsession. I remember when the bag was delivered, the leather and how incredibly heavy it was with all of my stuff in it. My friend would comment that it was ridiculous to carry such a bag, even one so attractive. She would pick it up and say, “How can you even take this shopping with you, it weighs a ton”. I was never and will never be a function before fashion kind of gal. There are just too many beautiful things in this world to be had in terms of wearable fashion that is not comfortable. I will not give them up! besides, I have yet to meet a bag that is heavier than my Jimmy Choo Rosabel bag when fully stuffed.

Screenshot_20190703-172058_Chrome[1] — Chloe Paddinton Bag

I had to retire my Paddington after 8 years or so of use (I tend to keep my bags for quite a while since I baby them), it was getting so worn out and obviously looked pretty dated at that point. I reluctantly put her to rest. I never lost my love for that bag, I miss it, as I do the Marc Jacobs Stam. The Stam was one of my other loves. I switched between those two so often during those years.

I am the nostalgic type, so when the Dior Saddle bag made its reappearance, I honestly thought of my Paddington and whether or not other designers would follow suit in resurrecting some of their iconic style from years past. So present day, I get an email From Neiman Marcus…………..about this new Chloe bag………….which is not exactly the Paddington, but more the elegant big sister.

Oh, sigh, the new Chloe Aby Medium Day Bag

Chloe Aby Medium Day Bag $2,390

I am so in love with this bag. It is the Paddington re-imagined with new life and depth. First, it is definitely more of a structured look, which aligns so with my style. I imagine the leather will soften, as is indicative of Chloe’s leather bags. There is so much detail, while still being understated. The little chain hanging from the padlock has to be the loveliest touch. It is absolutely Chloe at their best.

IT’S WRAPPING SEASON

August 11, 2016 by The Beautorialist, posted in Jewelry, Uncategorized

Okay, everyone keep calm. This is NOT Christmas gift wrap related!

Leather accent jewelry trends have been huge for the past few years, and it doesn’t show signs of stopping. (And I’ve brought some corn for popping………okay, I’ll stop! I just can’t wait for Christmas okay.) Last year’s Slogan bracelets from Chanel got my vote for favorite wearable leather accessory. This year, my pick has to be the new leather wrap bracelets from Henri Bendel!

These can be styled casually with your jeans and tees, sophisticated worn as singles with a simple black maxi dress, or they can be a statement piece when you pair a few or all of them together.

This collection in particular is ideal, since all of the pieces have been designed to be worn together. All of the colors are basically Fall neutrals too. As for the metals, gold and rose gold-plated brass, and rhodium plated steel have been used to complement certain shades.

Petal Triple Wrap Bracelet in Dark Green $88

Gold continues its upswing in popularity! I love how they chose to style the rich gold tone metal with the deep greens and burgundy hues (one of this season’s “IT” colors).

Petal Triple Wrap Bracelet in Dark Red $88

This bracelet does wrap multiple times around the wrist and features an adjustable buckle closure. I love the tiny petal and rhinestone accents.

Petal Triple Wrap Bracelet in black $88 — Petal Triple Wrap Bracelet in Black $88

Black and silver can arguably be worn with anything.

Petal Triple Wrap Bracelet in Rose Gold $88

Rose gold anything is still the most sought after trend in metal jewelry, and it goes beautifully with the camel colored leather.

Padlock Leather Wrap Bracelet in Dark Green $98

These padlock bracelets are my favorite! When I wear statement jewelry, I tend to only wear the one piece and not much else. Either a chunky necklace or bracelets.

Padlock Leather Wrap Bracelet in Dark Red $98

These are rather bold on their own, but I think I would stack a few of the gold toned hues together with my beige Cynthia Rowley cashmere sweater. These will add so much character to any otherwise plain neutral clothes you have in your wardrobe.

Padlock Leather Wrap Bracelet in Black $98

If ever there was a bracelet to compliment the Stella McCartney Falabella bag in black with the silver chains, this would be it. If you are into the rocker chic look, this would be perfect!

Padlock Leather Wrap Bracelet in Rose Gold $98

I am loving the clasp on this bracelet too, with just that one single rhinestone.

These dark green and red options they did a little differently, by using coordinating dark green and red rhinestones with the leather.

Petal Rivet Wrap in Drak Red $78 — Petal Rivet Wrap in Dark Red $78

At first glance, the petal accents on these remind me a little of the shapes on the Louis Vuitton logos.

These bracelets are by far the easiest to put on with a button snap closure.

I did wonder why they didn’t do these with the matching shades of rhinestones. Oh well, they look fabulous either way!

I hope they keep these around for next year in new Spring colors! Which style is your favorite?

MY WEEKEND Of FRAGRANCE DISCOVERIES

August 8, 2016 by The Beautorialist, posted in Fragrance, Uncategorized

I headed over to Nordstrom this past weekend to check out the latest fragrance launches. I find the entire experience of fragrance shopping delightful. Amidst all of the beautiful bottles and the soft scents that mingle with each other, I find my happy place. I especially love when you find those few out of the dozens that stand out. Most of the time nowadays if you have smelled one, you have smelled them all. I was so surprised to find more than a couple that just wowed me.

Aerin Tangier Vanille Eau de Parfum $115-160

I am drawn to any fragrance with a vanilla base, and this vanilla is so sensually rich. I know some people do not like rich vanilla bases simply because the fragrance ends up smelling either very generic, too synthetic and artificial, or like overly sweet baked goods. You won’t get any of that from Tangier Vanille. Bulgarian rose gives the blend a hint of floral character, while amber and soft musk balance and add more depth. This is actually soft enough for a daytime fragrance, but so appropriate for evening as well. It rather reminds me of Kenzo Amour, and I love that! This is surely my new favorite from Aerin.

Prada LaFemme Prada Eau de Parfum $95-$130 — Prada La Femme Prada Eau de Parfum $95-$130

Move over Prada Candy, you may have just been outdone! This is such a beautiful floral and sweet fragrance. Frangipani is the front-runner of the blend. You just do not see that flower utilized very often in fragrances due to its rather sharp note. The way the floral is blended with sweetness completely mellows it out and lets you appreciate the flower at its best. If you have a rather sensitive nose like I do, then you will be able to pick out the hint of beeswax. I go to a local bee store to buy the fresh raw honey that they make. The best part of going in there is the smell! They make beeswax candles. If you have never smelled a natural beeswax candle then you don’t know what you are missing. The fact that I can catch a hint of it in this fragrance makes me love it all the more. Even the liquid is a honey gold color!

Heremes Eau de Rhubarbe Ecarlate Eau de Cologne $129-$175

At first I wasn’t sure if this was intended to be a men’s fragrance or not. It certainly could be considered unisex in my opinion. It is actually really hard to describe this one. It smells fresh and crisp with a hint of floral and fruit, but not in an overly feminine way. I get soft woods and white musk, which softens the sharp citrus note of the rhubarb. This is one of those fragrances that you would wear if you truly want to smell unique.

Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris Eau de Parfum $92-$122

Did you ever have any of those Body Fantasies sprays as a teen? My favorite was the raspberry spray. At first spritz this fragrance brought me back to that. Mon Paris is a “an all grown up” and sophisticated version of that body spray, a creamy, fruity floral. I say all grown up, but the fragrance maintains a youthful flirtiness that still manages to pull off sophisticated. My favorite Nordstrom SA mentioned that she didn’t like it because of the patchouli. When she said that I was worried it was going to be another version of Flowerbomb, but not so. It has its own distinct aroma. I love that is great for warm weather. This is definitely my favorite fragrance from Yves Saint Laurent now.

I used to joke with my husband that I would eventually need some sort of fragrance closet inside of my closet, now I think I actually might!

WANT A RADIANT COMPLEXION? THINK LEMONS

July 27, 2016 by The Beautorialist, posted in Skincare, Uncategorized

I remember one of my childhood friends used to spray a ton of lemon juice and water in her hair to get those natural looking sun-kissed highlights. If you have ever done that then you most likely know that if you spray a mixture of lemon juice in your hair, it will become lighter and brighter. The same is fortunately true when you apply lemon juice to your skin; fresh lemon juice, not the concentrate from the bottle. Lemons act as a natural exfoliant, thanks to the concentrated amounts of citric acid; while Vitamin C works to brighten. Lemon juice will lighten dark spots and freckles and reduce oiliness. The anti-fungal properties in lemons will also treat acne. You also get the added benefits of calcium and magnesium. It truly is a super fruit!

A lemon enzyme facial or a fruit acid peel are some of my favorite ways to get my skin glowing. Lemon infused facial treatments can be easily overdone, however. The trick is to use it in an occasional treatment and not as part of your everyday routine. Lemon juice is harsh. If it will strip away the enamel from your teeth, it will strip away more layers of your skin than you actually need it to. You must also never expose skin to direct sunlight if you have any sort of concentrated lemon product on your face. It will cause your skin to become sensitive or could cause a phototoxic reaction, which is true for any type of acid used in facial products. Everything in moderation is my motto!

So what type of product should you use? I have found that you will get the best balance of effective yet gentle, with a mask or peel. Then you can control the amount of time you have the product on your face. If you have sensitive skin, start out slow and then work your way up to more frequent use.

Here are my top picks for the best lemon based facial products!

Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy Boosting Face Mask $62

I love this new facial from Fresh! It works so effectively and is one of my new favorite go to facials. It is 50% concentrated crushed fruit! You can see the bits of lemon. That is a ton of natural fruit AHA! My skin just looks glowing after. The recommended usage for this product is leaving on for 10 minutes, but I would start out with 5 and see how your skin reacts. I am used to regular exfoliation treatments, so for me it is a perfect pick me up. It smells fruity too.

Ole Henriksen Lemon Strip Flash Peel $48

This is great for those of you with sensitive skin. It is a combo of glycolic, lactic, and lemon citric acid; but also contains licorice extract, which will work to soothe any skin irritation.

Neogen Dermalogy Bio_peel Gauze Peeling Lemon $27

These little pads pack a punch; they are double-sided and work amazingly! One side of the pad applies the product, and the other sloughs the dead skin cells away. This product contains lemon and several other fruit acids along with other chemical exfoliators. These are great if you are just trying fruit acids for the first time; you get a months worth of product for under $30. I love how fresh and fruity they smell too. I like that these travel well. The pads are soaked with solution, so if you wanted to take a few in a separate container you could. Then you wouldn’t have to worry about wasting product or taking the entire jar with you.

I have been using this product for years and it has yet to let me down. This is a sort of clay based mask. Aside from the lemon extracts, fruit acids, and retinol, there are some great antioxidants in this formula including green tea extract. This mask works so well to brighten and retexturize at the same time. It is quite powerful, so those with sensitive skin, I caution again to start out slow. I love this mask in the Winter too as it helps to combat flaky skin.

If you haven’t tried a lemon facial product before, you can’t go wrong with any of these. My face adores them! Just a fair warning: All of that lemony scented product may cause you to develop an unhealthy lemon meringue pie fetish!

TOM FORD SOLEIL COLLECTION

April 18, 2016 by The Beautorialist, posted in Bath and Body, Fragrance, Skincare, Uncategorized

I got a chance to take a look at the new Tom Ford 2016 Soleil collection and it is gorgeous! I am not into overly bright candy colours for the Summer, so this collection is ideal.

I am loving the sleek white accents in the packaging. It brings to mind all of the white marble and gold accents that Lidia Bersani uses in her interior designs.

This lip colour is MOISTURIZING! There is a passion fruit oil core in every tube, and the surrounding formula is an interfuse of nourishing extracts and butters. This formula is a bit more lightweight than its fuller coverage counterpart. The shades are somewhat darker than one might expect for the Summer, but bright pinks and pastels have been done time and again, time to change-up the game!

This is the full coverage option. The pigment is so saturating, so prepare for a bold statement lip. This is a moisturizing formula as well, but wears on the lips longer than the Moisturecore.

This is a universally flattering and bold rose shade, with a light pink highlighter. The coverage is buildable, which makes it great for all skin tones.

This gold pearl infused, whipped meringue of a cream, does for your face what Touche Éclat does for your eyes. It reawakens, re-energizes, and gives a look of vitality. Lightweight and perfect for warmer temps, this soufflé moisturizes and protects while giving you that sexy Summer glow.

CReam and Powder Eye Colour $60 — Cream and Powder Eye Colour $60

These pots are filled with a luminous cream shadow on the bottom, and a coordinating shimmery powder shadow on the top. Both options are long wearing and can be worn alone, layered or blended for multiple eye looks.

This peachy-pink, lightweight lotion gives skin a natural sunny kiss. It will work for just about every skin tone and can be used under or over makeup. It is not a primer specifically, but I think it would work well as one if you are wearing a lightweight foundation over it.

These bronzing powders are gorgeous! They are so versatile and can be used as a contour product as well. It comes in 3 different shades so there will be one that will compliment your skin tone. It gives a subtle shimmer, and the formula is very long-lasting.

This creamy cheek colour comes in two universal sun-kissed shades, a bronzy peach and a gold toned pink. I was surprised at how blendable these are. I usually run into a blending problem with cream cheek colours.

Skin Contouring Compact-The Afternooner $108

In my opinion this will be the only all in one compact you will ever need. You get your contour, blush, and highlighter in one. The contour and the blush are a nice stay true formula, but depending on how dark you want or need it to be, you can build the colour. The highlighter is not too shimmery, just right, and can be used for a multitude purposes. These shades are ideal year round, which I love.

While this product is specifically a primer, I feel like if you can use it in place of a foundation. It is silky and just gives a nice even toned glow to the skin. It is not too dark and would work for all skin tones.

This fragrance sums up what the entire collection is meant to exude. It smells of sensuality and refined luxury. This is not your typical Summer, beachy fragrance. No nuances of suntan lotion to be found, and thank goodness for that because there are one too many. It is warm, slightly sweet, and exotic. Think of a warm, sweet breeze blowing in from the Mediterranean, that is how I can best describe it. Most Tom Ford fragrances tend to be unisex, but I think Soleil Blanc is decidedly feminine. For such a warm and lush fragrance you would think it would be heavy or too cloying for the Summer, but it isn’t at all. Aside from my Black Orchid, Soleil Blanc is my other Favourite Tom Ford fragrance!

If you want the best of multiple worlds than this body oil is for you! The problem is that it doesn’t come in a big enough bottle. This silky oil moisturizes, delicately fragrances, and gives your skin a sensual glow. An added bonus is that if you use this under the Soleil Blanc EDP, your fragrance will last much longer.

This Soleil collection is by far my absolute favourite for Summer!

POP THE CLUTCH

March 30, 2016March 30, 2016 by The Beautorialist, posted in Handbags, Uncategorized

I once came across an article about a 700 year old handbag, which is believed to be the oldest bag in history. It is supposed that the bag originated from Northern Iraq and was crafted around the 1300’s.

This masterfully detailed piece made of brass, silver, and gold was put on display at the Courtauld Gallery in London two years ago. Call me crazy, but this work of art uncannily resembles a clutch.

The skilled craftsmen of the 1300’s got it right then, and Ralph Lauren is getting it right now in our modern age with the creation of his latest accessory, The RL Clutch.

This is probably one of the most sleek and sophisticated clutches since the Hermès Jige and Yves Saint Laurent Monogramme. It is beautiful, classy, and timeless with clean lines and one simplistic detail, the gold-tone logo; which I say is in no way overdone or gaudy.

This is a generous sized clutch with dimensions at 10″l, 5″ h, and 1 1/2″ d, perfect for necessities. Quite fortunately, this happens to come in only one size. I love having options as much as the next person, but when it comes to all of the different sizes available in the exact same bag, it really does make it hard to choose. It took me months to decide on the size of the Marc Jacobs Baroque bag, eventually I went with the XL, and the colour I wanted was almost sold out due to my indecision. Incidentally, I just had a talk with my sister yesterday about more being lost by indecision, than wrong decision, she was mulling over a shoe purchase!

There is only one slip pocket to speak of inside the clutch, but the fact that all of these clutches come with an engraved Ralph Lauren compact mirror and matching shoulder straps, far outweigh any negatives one might find with the lack of organization.

After mentioning the ease of only one size to choose from in this bag, there is another problem; there are so many colours and textures to choose from!

If I was to choose a favourite I would have to go with the Black Python, I am overly fond of sleek snakeskin textures There will be so many more colours and textures to come I am sure. I am going to go ahead and peg this as an “It Bag”.

My final word on the subject is…….this clutch is perfection!

THE VELVET GOLDMINE

December 7, 2015 by The Beautorialist, posted in Clothing, Handbags, Shoes, Uncategorized

I cannot think of a more sumptuous cold weather fabric than velvet. It can however, be somewhat of a challenge to wear. Velvet clothing certainly has a tendency to exude a dated look, but this year designers are doing it well and proper with jackets, tailored dresses and pants, and elegant accessories. This season, velvet has never been so chic!

Rachel Pally Velvet Nori Skirt and Laila Top $81.60-$120.60

We might as well start out with this gorgeous plum top and skirt from Rachel Pally. I love that most velvet pieces I am seeing are jewel tones and rich colours.

GIgi Burris Hyacinth Velvet Headband $385

Headbands are starting to become popular again. I am not sure what you would wear this with, but it is certainly unique.

Imagine wearing this to a formal Christmas party. This is one of the most gorgeous dresses I have ever seen. I love understated elegance!

Gianvito Rossi Velvet High-Heel Pump $950

Black velvet shoes are usually the standard, but this year there are so many different shades from neutrals to jewel tones, to metallic shades.

Nanette Lepore Long Sleeve Velvet Paisley Dress $358.40

This is such a gorgeous myriad of colours!

Classic black velvet flats.

Altuzarra Paneled Velvet Devore Peplum Dress $2,306 — Altuzarra
Paneled Velvet Devore Peplum Dress $2,306

I actually thought this was two separate pieces at first, but it is a lovely tailored dress. Just enough ruffle detail.

Eileen Fisher Washable Velvet Wrap Scarf $198

Very good quality velvet most of the time requires dry cleaning, but Eileen Fisher has come up with this washable velvet fabrics; which makes it so much easier to wear the pieces throughout the season.

Eileen Fisher Stretch Velvet Ankle Leggings $138

Velvet leggings are everywhere! I am loving these by Eileen Fisher the most, however. Her pieces last forever.

TOM FORD TF Velvet Ankle Bootie $819 — Tom Ford TF Velvet Ankle Bootie $819

Always add Tom Ford into the mix! These booties are gorgeous and simple.

Burberry London Peak Lapel Velvet Evening Jacket $1,595

It takes a certain type of man to pull off a velvet jacket. I say Tom Ford and Sherlock Holmes are some of the very few men who can, but why not be bold?

Free People Dreams Lace Trim Tunic Dress $168

This is so feminine, simple, and elegant!

For Love & Lemons Heather Minidress $216

This sheer piece can easily be worn during all seasons in my opinion, it is just too beautiful to only wear during Winter.

Keeping up with the slouchy jackets of this past season, this velvet jacket is a versatile piece.

Marc By Marc Jacobs Semona Velvet Biker Bomber Jacket $263

If you are a bomber jacket kind of gal, this is one of the better tailored ones I have seen.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Domo Biker Velvet Backpack $498 — Marc by Marc Jacobs
Domo Biker Velvet Backpack $498

Three of this years trends come together, zippered detailing, velvet, backpack!

Charlotte Olympia Velvet Bouquet Clutch Bag $580

This would be an evening bag that you could use year round. I love Charlotte Olympia!

Jonquil Moonlight Velvet Long Wrap Robe $140

I love cozy robes! This is going on my Christmas list! So sumptuous.

If you are going to get a velvet robe, you might as well get slippers too!

Manolo Blahnik Gorina Velvet Polka-Dot Pump $825

These pumps would look lovely with any of this seasons black velvet dresses. Carrie Bradshaw approved!

If reading all of this has not convinces you to love velvet, I do not know what will! Have you picked up any velvet additions to your wardrobe?

THREE NEW DRY SHAMPOOS TO TRY NOW

July 31, 2015 by The Beautorialist, posted in Uncategorized

I have a love/hate relationship with dry shampoo. Most I have tried end up leaving a sticky residue on my hair that weighs it down, then I just want to wash my hair. Some of them just smell too strong for my preference, I do not want my hair to overpower my perfume.

Currently, I am a fan of the Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Powder Spray, but that will not stop me from trying to find the next best thing.

: Macadamia Professional Style Extend Dry Shampoo $25

This dry shampoo contains some oil absorbing starches, plus Macadamia and Argan oil for moisturizing. Some dry shampoos will dry your hair out too much, so the addition of these oils will most likely eliminate that problem, I have tried Macadamia Professional products in the past, and their Nourishing Moisture hair mask is one of my favourites. Their products always smell amazing and not too strong, so that is a plus.

: Morrocanoil Dry Shampoo Light and Dark Tones $26

Morrocanoil has come up with an interesting new take on dry shampoo, with two new formulas especially designed for different hair tones; one for light and one for dark. Of course with all of their products, Argan oil is going to be the key moisturizing ingredient in this. I think we can all agree that part of the appeal of Morrocanoil products is their signature scent. If this product smells like the rest of them, I am sold!

: Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk $20

I love products that contain any kind of oat extract, oil, or milk. It is so soothing and good for skin and scalp. I have not tried any Klorane products yet, but this has gotten some amazing reviews already. I love that this also comes in a 1 oz. travel size, so perfect to stash in my carry on!

What is your favourite dry shampoo?

NEW CANDLE DISCOVERY

January 14, 2015January 14, 2015 by The Beautorialist, posted in Uncategorized

I am obsessed with candles! If any of you couldn’t already tell from a previous post that I did on all the candles I got from Bath and Body Works, which are for the most part my favorite brand of candles. I do splurge on Dyptique and Jo Malone every now and again, but I am always reluctant to burn them for hours on end because they do not last me very long.

Incidentally, for Christmas my sweet sister sent me a jar candle from WoodWick. This candle is amazing! You can start smelling it within seconds of lighting it. You can even smell it from downstairs. It is very potent.

I went to the WoodWick website and they have a few different sizes that range in price from $8.95 to $27. They have diffusers, and these new ribbonwick ones. The wick is actually made of wood, and you can hear it crackling once it is lit, it’s so neat! Apparently, these are sold at Bed Bath and Beyond as well, but I have never seen them at my local store.

The one she got me is called At The Beach, and does it ever smell beachy! I love it. I am going to stock up on some more of these in different fragrances. Fyi, their holiday fragrances are on sale right now! I don’t know about you, but I love to burn holiday fragrances throughout the entire year. It puts me in a good and cozy mood!

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Okay, everyone keep calm. This is NOT Christmas gift wrap related!

These can be styled casually with your jeans and tees, sophisticated worn as singles with a simple black maxi dress, or they can be a statement piece when you pair a few or all of them together.

This collection in particular is ideal, since all of the pieces have been designed to be worn together. All of the colors are basically Fall neutrals too. As for the metals, gold and rose gold-plated brass, and rhodium plated steel have been used to complement certain shades.

Gold continues its upswing in popularity! I love how they chose to style the rich gold tone metal with the deep greens and burgundy hues (one of this season’s “IT” colors).

This bracelet does wrap multiple times around the wrist and features an adjustable buckle closure. I love the tiny petal and rhinestone accents.

Black and silver can arguably be worn with anything.

Rose gold anything is still the most sought after trend in metal jewelry, and it goes beautifully with the camel colored leather.

These padlock bracelets are my favorite! When I wear statement jewelry, I tend to only wear the one piece and not much else. Either a chunky necklace or bracelets.

These are rather bold on their own, but I think I would stack a few of the gold toned hues together with my beige Cynthia Rowley cashmere sweater. These will add so much character to any otherwise plain neutral clothes you have in your wardrobe.

If ever there was a bracelet to compliment the Stella McCartney Falabella bag in black with the silver chains, this would be it. If you are into the rocker chic look, this would be perfect!

I am loving the clasp on this bracelet too, with just that one single rhinestone.

These dark green and red options they did a little differently, by using coordinating dark green and red rhinestones with the leather.

At first glance, the petal accents on these remind me a little of the shapes on the Louis Vuitton logos.

These bracelets are by far the easiest to put on with a button snap closure.

I did wonder why they didn’t do these with the matching shades of rhinestones. Oh well, they look fabulous either way!

I hope they keep these around for next year in new Spring colors! Which style is your favorite?

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I used to joke with my husband that I would eventually need some sort of fragrance closet inside of my closet, now I think I actually might!

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So what type of product should you use? I have found that you will get the best balance of effective yet gentle, with a mask or peel. Then you can control the amount of time you have the product on your face. If you have sensitive skin, start out slow and then work your way up to more frequent use.

Here are my top picks for the best lemon based facial products!

This is great for those of you with sensitive skin. It is a combo of glycolic, lactic, and lemon citric acid; but also contains licorice extract, which will work to soothe any skin irritation.

If you haven’t tried a lemon facial product before, you can’t go wrong with any of these. My face adores them! Just a fair warning: All of that lemony scented product may cause you to develop an unhealthy lemon meringue pie fetish!

Share this:

Like this:

I got a chance to take a look at the new Tom Ford 2016 Soleil collection and it is gorgeous! I am not into overly bright candy colours for the Summer, so this collection is ideal.

I am loving the sleek white accents in the packaging. It brings to mind all of the white marble and gold accents that Lidia Bersani uses in her interior designs.

This is the full coverage option. The pigment is so saturating, so prepare for a bold statement lip. This is a moisturizing formula as well, but wears on the lips longer than the Moisturecore.

This is a universally flattering and bold rose shade, with a light pink highlighter. The coverage is buildable, which makes it great for all skin tones.

This gold pearl infused, whipped meringue of a cream, does for your face what Touche Éclat does for your eyes. It reawakens, re-energizes, and gives a look of vitality. Lightweight and perfect for warmer temps, this soufflé moisturizes and protects while giving you that sexy Summer glow.

These pots are filled with a luminous cream shadow on the bottom, and a coordinating shimmery powder shadow on the top. Both options are long wearing and can be worn alone, layered or blended for multiple eye looks.

This peachy-pink, lightweight lotion gives skin a natural sunny kiss. It will work for just about every skin tone and can be used under or over makeup. It is not a primer specifically, but I think it would work well as one if you are wearing a lightweight foundation over it.

These bronzing powders are gorgeous! They are so versatile and can be used as a contour product as well. It comes in 3 different shades so there will be one that will compliment your skin tone. It gives a subtle shimmer, and the formula is very long-lasting.

This creamy cheek colour comes in two universal sun-kissed shades, a bronzy peach and a gold toned pink. I was surprised at how blendable these are. I usually run into a blending problem with cream cheek colours.

While this product is specifically a primer, I feel like if you can use it in place of a foundation. It is silky and just gives a nice even toned glow to the skin. It is not too dark and would work for all skin tones.

This Soleil collection is by far my absolute favourite for Summer!

Share this:

Like this:

I once came across an article about a 700 year old handbag, which is believed to be the oldest bag in history. It is supposed that the bag originated from Northern Iraq and was crafted around the 1300’s.

This masterfully detailed piece made of brass, silver, and gold was put on display at the Courtauld Gallery in London two years ago. Call me crazy, but this work of art uncannily resembles a clutch.

The skilled craftsmen of the 1300’s got it right then, and Ralph Lauren is getting it right now in our modern age with the creation of his latest accessory, The RL Clutch.

This is probably one of the most sleek and sophisticated clutches since the Hermès Jige and Yves Saint Laurent Monogramme. It is beautiful, classy, and timeless with clean lines and one simplistic detail, the gold-tone logo; which I say is in no way overdone or gaudy.

There is only one slip pocket to speak of inside the clutch, but the fact that all of these clutches come with an engraved Ralph Lauren compact mirror and matching shoulder straps, far outweigh any negatives one might find with the lack of organization.

After mentioning the ease of only one size to choose from in this bag, there is another problem; there are so many colours and textures to choose from!

If I was to choose a favourite I would have to go with the Black Python, I am overly fond of sleek snakeskin textures There will be so many more colours and textures to come I am sure. I am going to go ahead and peg this as an “It Bag”.

My final word on the subject is…….this clutch is perfection!

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We might as well start out with this gorgeous plum top and skirt from Rachel Pally. I love that most velvet pieces I am seeing are jewel tones and rich colours.

Headbands are starting to become popular again. I am not sure what you would wear this with, but it is certainly unique.

Imagine wearing this to a formal Christmas party. This is one of the most gorgeous dresses I have ever seen. I love understated elegance!

Black velvet shoes are usually the standard, but this year there are so many different shades from neutrals to jewel tones, to metallic shades.

This is such a gorgeous myriad of colours!

Classic black velvet flats.

I actually thought this was two separate pieces at first, but it is a lovely tailored dress. Just enough ruffle detail.

Very good quality velvet most of the time requires dry cleaning, but Eileen Fisher has come up with this washable velvet fabrics; which makes it so much easier to wear the pieces throughout the season.

Velvet leggings are everywhere! I am loving these by Eileen Fisher the most, however. Her pieces last forever.

Always add Tom Ford into the mix! These booties are gorgeous and simple.

It takes a certain type of man to pull off a velvet jacket. I say Tom Ford and Sherlock Holmes are some of the very few men who can, but why not be bold?

This is so feminine, simple, and elegant!

This sheer piece can easily be worn during all seasons in my opinion, it is just too beautiful to only wear during Winter.

Keeping up with the slouchy jackets of this past season, this velvet jacket is a versatile piece.

If you are a bomber jacket kind of gal, this is one of the better tailored ones I have seen.

Three of this years trends come together, zippered detailing, velvet, backpack!

This would be an evening bag that you could use year round. I love Charlotte Olympia!

I love cozy robes! This is going on my Christmas list! So sumptuous.

If you are going to get a velvet robe, you might as well get slippers too!

These pumps would look lovely with any of this seasons black velvet dresses. Carrie Bradshaw approved!

If reading all of this has not convinces you to love velvet, I do not know what will! Have you picked up any velvet additions to your wardrobe?

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I have a love/hate relationship with dry shampoo. Most I have tried end up leaving a sticky residue on my hair that weighs it down, then I just want to wash my hair. Some of them just smell too strong for my preference, I do not want my hair to overpower my perfume.

Currently, I am a fan of the Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Powder Spray, but that will not stop me from trying to find the next best thing.

I love products that contain any kind of oat extract, oil, or milk. It is so soothing and good for skin and scalp. I have not tried any Klorane products yet, but this has gotten some amazing reviews already. I love that this also comes in a 1 oz. travel size, so perfect to stash in my carry on!

What is your favourite dry shampoo?

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