Sephora, lipstick, and being really overwhelmed with choices…

Hello everyone!

I recently walked into Sephora and of course was instantly overwhelmed. I was overwhelmed because I was lucky enough to have a handy gift card in my pocket to assist with my spending habits and I was overwhelmed because, I mean, Sephora is where makeup mavens dream and where I walk zombielike through racks and racks of things I don’t even know how to use. Nonetheless, there is something I know how to use and something I love wrapped in one little package from Sephora, and that is lipstick. All colours, all textures, hand me a stick and I’ve got a smile on for days.

I think lipstick is so individualized and truly makes a look, but because my desire to wear lilac matte is not everyone’s cup-a-tea here are a few options you may want to try (read: run to Sephora and sport pink lips like it’s no ones business).

One thing about Sephora, they have every lipstick for every price. My favourite is NARS Scarlett Empress for the colder months, although you can never put it past me to wear this sultry shade on a summer night. I also lust for NARS Manhunt, because Orange in summer is fabulous and Manhunt is not overwhelmingly peach, but subtle and tame for the farer skinned ladies not ready for radioactive lip colour. Both are priced at $30.00 dollars and may be found in store (Scarlett Empress is always sold out to my dismay, so try ordering it online).

bareMinerals Marvellous Moxie Lipstick in hot pink, rightly named Risk It All, nourishes with vitamins A, C, and E, and coats the lips with an antioxidant defence to enhance their lustre and shine. There’s also Lead the Way, a rich wine colour that looks wonderful on the fair skin and dark haired (which is why I love it!). Try both for $23.00 dollars each. Yes, a bit of a splurge, but if you have delicate skin and still want some colour, bareMinerals is the way to go.

As for lipgloss, I am not much of a fan, per se, but I do understand the desire to be subtle and sexy- a wonderful combination for every woman. I absolutely love, and use, Sephora’s own Sephora Collection Colour Wand For Lips (currently on sale for $7.00 dollars!!). The wand has so many colours to offer and is perfect for a lady on a budget (hello, me!) who wants compact colours for all seasons. Another of my loves is Philosophy’s Pink Frosted Animal Cracker Lip Shine Gloss. When I want my lipstick to be less over the top and more calm, I use this gloss to tame the colour a bit. Likewise, when I’m running errands, this gloss just completes a casual jeans look, which I definitely favour from time to time.

My mother always tells me (yes, I am admitting this) that when I don’t wear lip colour I look naked, not a style I want to portray everyday. So, although there are so many choices for all different seasons I think it is always so wonderful to experiment, albeit while staying within your colour margins.

Bright purple lips only work for me because it’s a bit crazy and so am I.

All the best,

 

-A

Holt Renfrew’s new hr2

Holt Renfrew’s new paired down version of fashion heaven, the store wonderfully named hr2, really speaks to the company’s desire to make designer clothing affordable for the average fashionista. When I first walked into the store, located in Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre off of Rutherford Road in Richmond Hill, I was a bit overwhelmed. There is designer everything everywhere and I had to wonder whether I, being one for sales and discounts mostly, would really find anything affordable. Nonetheless, after taking some time to truly curate my own type of Holt’s shopping experience in this new environment, I was able to find some clothing and accessories that were mostly affordable as well as perfect for summer shopping. I found a Rebecca Minkoff orange ombré clutch for just over $100.00 dollars that I think goes perfectly with an all white everything outfit and has the ability to go from day to night.

As well, something I really like about the new store is the arrangement of garments into sections of affordability. I found that I was able to separate myself from the temptations of Marc by Marc Jacobs Linen tanks and walk straight towards Superdry dresses without having to pull myself away, with all my mental strength, from trying on the Marc tanks (and trust me, it takes a lot of strength). One Superdry dress in particular caught my eye- a navy and white striped hip hugger wonderful for the hot weather we will hopefully have sometime this summer (enough of the rain, Toronto). My point being, if there is one place anyone should go at least once a year, even to shop for a special occasion dress or shoe, it is hr2. The store has the credibility that Holt’s has had for years and offers a new shopping experience I’m not sure I’ve seen anywhere else in Toronto, at least.

 

That’s all for now! Another blurb about my love for shopping and sales will be coming soon.

 

All the best,

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Q & A: Yorkdale Breakdown

After the Eaton Centre breakdown I had a few requests for summaries for other malls. Since Yorkdale is quickly becoming Toronto’s shopping destination I thought it would be a good place to start.  Make sure not to miss out on the amazing new addition. Some of the best stores are tucked away there.

yorkdale

 

Banana Republic – Great for basics for work and life. Wait for their 40% off Wednesdays to buy any big ticket items.

Tristan – Work clothes with a twist. Great for tall clients and anyone looking for a suit with feminine details

Smart Set – T-shirts and cheap accessories

Rw & Co – Blazer and feminine tops

Ron White Shoes – Great for wide widths and all day comfort shoes

Mendocino – Jeans (I try them on here and buy them online from the States), dresses

GAP – Inexpensive jeans, tees, belts, workout clothes and scarves (although this location looks like the clearance store , it has the same stock as other locations)

Talbots – Great quality plus size basics

Jacob – Cardigans ( I don’t go in there for much else, since they changed their manufacturer)

Bay – Everything. Once the construction is done this location is going to be gorgeous.

All Saints – LEATHER! I love their leather jackets. They are worth every penny (or nickel, since the penny is obsolete)

Club Monaco – Great sweaters, scarves, silk blouses, and skirts…basically everything ( I am biased, I love this store)

Ann Taylor – Suits, shells and petite work clothes

Anthropologie – Pretty dresses, great gifts

Wilfred – Romantic silk blouses and casual silk dresses

Ted Baker – Dresses, jackets, suits and awesome men’s clothing

Kate Spade – Shoes and purses

Holts – I rarely waste my time in this location unless I am trying on something I am going to buy online (jeans and dresses). If you are going to do Holt’s head to Bloor and visit Cheryl in Vince on the 3rd floor She is the best.

Jean Machine – Yoga Jeans (know what you want and stick to it! They will try to sell you other styles or up-sell you with shirts)

Loft – Basics, shorts and pants

BCBG – Dresses and jackets

ZARA – Trendy pieces, linen tees, soft blazers

H & M – Cheap tops and accessories

Mexx – Work clothes

J Crew – Sweaters, skirts

Aritzia – Skinny pants, flowy tops, soft blazers

 

Your Style Queen,

S.C.

 

Style Icon: Joanna Hillman

PicCollageHi everyone! My name is Amy and I am Your Shop Girl’s Newest Intern/ Blogess (blogger and goddess).

I have muchos respect for an individual who rises through the ranks of fashion with class and style, because this industry is not as glamorous as Devil Wears Prada imagines it to be. However, Joanna Hillman, current Fashion Director of Harper’s Bazaar, has done just that. Hillman is from Toronto, attended Western University and worked to become the epitome of New York wonder. Her style is understated and so elegant; yet, it is her choice in accessories that has made her one of the most internationally influential fashion monikers today. I find my own taste to be similar, often wearing simple pieces paired with layers upon layers of necklaces to make myself sparkly. To be honest, I’d rather wear the clothes, rather than have them wear me. I’m not sure it’s necessarily about how many patterns you can put together in one outfit to make it on the latest street style blog (more on that later), rather, it is how your self image is exposed to people around you, and howyour confidence, as a result, creates an aura of class and style much like Hillmans. I so respect her for her style, yes, but it is her smarts and talent that makes this style that much more covetable. You know, fashion has a reputation of being ‘something’ that focuses on nothing but the exterior person, but it is so much more than that. When I first spoke to Suzanne, I told her that I believe fashion and style has the ability to change a person on the inside so much more than it may change a person on the outside and it is the relationship between inside and outside that makes Hillman my Style Icon. She is wonderfully talented and I hope, someday, to be in a similar position.

Well, that’s it for now. Thanks for embracing me, everyone. I am looking forward to learning more.

-A

Montreal Edition: What I Have Bought so Far

Montreal is filled with gorgeous little cafes and great talented artists. Soooo, it makes sense that I have spent the last few days of my week long visit picking up great little pieces to support the local economy.

Among my favourite purchases is a print from the very charismatic Raymond Biesinger. His illustrations have been featured in the New Yorker, Dwell and The Walrus. Not only are his pieces amazing works of art, they also have very rich stories behind them. I couldn’t resist the Toronto map from June 26th, 1976 representing the day the CN Tower opened.  Check out his store on Etsy at   http://www.etsy.com/shop/raymondbiesinger

My next stop was V de V; one of my favourite housewares stores. Although, this time rather than walking out with their gorgeous linen napkins or stone coasters I walked away with a fedora (my hair was not behaving well). If you are in Montreal it is a great place to pick up gifts.

After grabbing a delicious iced tea from a cute little corner cafe, we (me and my bestie) headed over to a local artisan show to check out the goods. I stumbled across Lines by: Davis bags which I quickly found out was actually from Toronto ( I am famous for discovering Toronto designers in other cities- I don’t know why I never find them in Toronto first?!). Nevertheless I am still including it in my Montreal list since they were offering incredible deals on their waxed canvas bags at the weekend show. Check out their website at http://www.crownflorastudio.com/ and their shop at 1537 Queen St W to see their awesome bags and upcoming terrarium workshops (yes, I said terrarium workshops).

After an afternoon of shopping we popped in to Rustique on rue Notre Dame to satisfy our sweet tooth. I haven’t had pies like this since my Mom made a strawberry rhubarb with ingredients from her garden. Do not miss out on this place if you are in Montreal. It is adorable and the staff feels like people you would want to invite over for Thanksgiving dinner.

That’s all for now. If I find anything else that I think you should know about I will definitely post!

montrealHappy Monday!

Your Style Queen,

S.C.

Q & A: Eaton Centre Breakdown

Malls can be overwhelming even for the most experienced shoppers. Knowing what stores to checkout for the pieces you are looking for can save you time and money. Here is a brief breakdown of some of my favourite go to spots in the Eaton Centre.

eaton centre

Second Cup – for a matcha soy latte (Okay, fine it’s not clothes but it gives me something yummy to drink while shopping)

The Bay – everything. it is my one stop shop

Ann Taylor – petite and regular office clothes

Melanie Lynne – Yoga jeans, dresses

Massimo Dutti – belts, shoes, bags…any leather goods. I also love their linen tops in the Summer

Banana Republic – button up shirts, basics and jewelry

J Crew – shoes, dresses and cashmere sweaters (especially when they are on sale!)

Juicy – while I’m not a fan of the Juicy line, I can generally find some great pieces in their Bird line; the jackets are beautiful

Club Monaco – sweaters, tees, scarves

Zara – tees, blouses, trendy pieces

Femme – feminine suits

Mendocino- jeans,

H & M – accessories, fun tops

Mexx- suits, shells,

Aritzia – coats, skinny jeans, blouses

Jacob – cardigans

FCUK-party dresses

Smart Set – tees, tops, belts

AERIE – tees, cheap workout gear

Forever 21 – accessories

Jean Machine – Yoga Jeans

GAP- jeans, maxi dresses,

RW & Co – work tops and jewelry

 

Your Style Queen,

S.C.

 

 

Style Icon: Kourtney Kardashian

Well I am not always a fan of the Kardashian family’s style, there is one sister that does seems to get it right; Kourtney’s petite frame never stops her from trying out loud prints or fashion forward styles. Her dark hair and light skin allow her to wear high contrast styles and patterns with ease, creating a dramatic look that doesn’t over power her. If you are looking to copy the eldest Kardashian’s style, try a patterned polka dot blouse and A line skirt  from Miss Selfridge with a great statement necklace from Aldo. If you dont share Kourtney’s high contrast hair and skin opt for a more subtle colour palette.

Kourtney

 

Your Style Queen,

S.C.

Style Icon: Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence. What can we say? Women want to be friends with her and men want to date her. She is witty, unapologetic and absolutely stunning. While Lawrence does a great job of dolling herself up for the red carpet, her everyday look is far from glamorous. Her style is wash and wear, flowy and casual. If you are looking to capture this laid back look, try this striped maxi  skirt from Anthropologie mixed  with a boat neck tee from Micheal Stars. Pair with Tom’s sunglasses and TKEE sandals and you ready for the paparazzi.

jenniferlawrence