Can I borrow 5 euros?

Is there anything that Karl Lagerfeld does not design? Well, now you can add coins. Yup he's back from the mint where he designed a 125th anniversary Chanel coin to commemorate her birth. The limited edition collection features a portrait of the late Gabrielle Chanel on one side and the number 5 which signifies not only the value of the coin but the classic perfume. Two versions will be available, gold and silver. Only 99 gold coins will be produced at a price tag of 5,900 euros (of which are sold already) and 11,000 silver coins at cost of 45 euros. Coins are available December 1st. Like Lagerfeld says, "there might be less of it, but money can still be beautiful" and “I like money to be spent, not kept." If I was bringing in coins like Lagerfeld, I too would like to spend like it was going out of fashion:)

(credits: www.wwd.com, broccolicity.com)

Holiday Wishlist {a bit boring}

My Holiday wishlist is pretty simple this year but does include some BIG ticket items (which I don't expect to receive) however WISH is the key word!

I can't help it but I really like the Karl Lagerfeld teddy bear (read my past post here) however at $1,500 usd I really don't expect Santa to deliver, no matter how nice I've been (or naughty).

As for makeup... honestly I love makeup (duh) therefore any palettes will do....as in Bobbi Brown, NARS, M.A.C, or Scott Barnes, etc...at the moment I'm just trying to finish up the stash I currently own so if none are given that's cool with me.

Sewing & Embroidery machine, yup I'm serious! Lately, I have all these ideas of things I want to create & have no idea of which machine to get in order to get started (mind you I haven't used a sewing machine since grade 8 home-economics class). Basically, any beginner machine is fine with me. The Clarisonic face brush, I've read so many good reviews on this that I'm kind of curious. Lastly, the Gucci by Gucci book would make a beautiful coffee book (and nice add to my collection).

And if none are under my tree this holiday I won't be too disappointed because my favourite thing about the holidays is the excitement of it. Strolling along the street with a hot chocolate in gloved hand, with that special someone, looking at the holiday decorated store-fronts, and watching last minute shoppers struggling with their last minute purchases (that always gives me a good giggle). What's on your wishlist?

(credit: narscosmetics.com, sephora.com, sears.ca, style.com, amazon.ca)

Take a Cruise in Toronto {Chanel 08/09 Cruise Collection}

SickKids

Foundation

is proud to present the

CHANEL

2008/09 Cruise Collection

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Chanel returns to Toronto after 10 years for an exclusive fashion show in support of HealthKids International, a SickKids Foundation initiative dedicated to improving children's health around the world. The evening will include 33 international models debuting this exciting collection and a performance by The Canadian Tenors.

Heritage Court, Exhibition Place

100 Prince's Boulevard, Toronto

Reception 6:30pm

Dinner, live auction and fashion show to follow.

To purchase tickets, please call Stacia 416.813.6166 ext.2026

(media excerpt: theglobeandmail, SickKids Foundation. Photo Credits:style.com)

beauty on a budget {part1}

Does expensive equal better? Or "you get what you pay for"? Well...not always and for the most part its the not. Your favourite skincare and makeup products are most likely all made in the same factory, except the labels are different. That's not to say that all products are created equal because they're not. However, with so many products out there promising more or less the same thing, one has to wonder exactly how many formulations actually exist and except for minor tweaks that cost major dollars, is there a major difference in products that justify the price tag? Some would argue yes, however, be it that I'm no chemist or imply that I am, I am one major beauty junkie and as a consumer of such products sometimes le$$ is more. The major players in the beauty industry are; the Estee Lauder Companies Inc., which owns; Aveda, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, M.A.C, La Mer, and numerous more. L'Oreal which owns; Biotherm, Kiehl's, Lancome, Shu Uemura, The Body Shop, Maybelline New York, Garnier, Vichy, and more. After all that rant I will have to add that there are certain items that unfortunatly you just can't find at your local Walgreens or PharmaPlus (mainly colour selection in foundations and concealers).
Above are a few of my budget faves that are found locally at your nearest big box stores (i.e WallMart) or pharmacy (excluding Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique locations).
Face Wash:
wash cloths (most brands I've tried are pretty good, especially for travel)
Aveeno makes some really good cleansers:
Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser
Clarifying Cleanser with Soy-not pictured (which I believe is being replaced by the Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser) the one that I liked can still be found in some stores

Johnson & Johnson Head-to-toe Baby Wash (yes I've used this before as a face wash & works effectively at taking off makeup)

Body Lotion:
Basically any scent you like will work. This of course is a personal preference. I like several different body lotions by different brands but one that always works is Johnson & Johnson's Body Lotion with Shea Butter.

Makeup Brushes:
Quo Cosmetics or your local craft store, check out my post about makeup brushes.

Eyeliners, Lipglosses, and Lipsticks:
These are so disposable that any brand will do, especially for eyeliner. Kohls are my fave & Rimmel has a good one.
Lipglosses; I'm loving Maybelline's Shine Seduction (no scent & not sticky)
Lipsticks; for shade selection I love Revlon, especially their nudes.

Eyeshadows, Blushes/Bronzers:
Annabelle eyeshadows & blushes (a Canadian brand), L'Oreal's HIP eyeshadows, Milani Blushes, and Revlon has some good cream blushes, and Rimmel for bronzers

Foundation and Concealers:
I can't rave enough about Chanel Vitalumiere foundation because this is my HG (holy grail) BUT for the winter months when my skin is drier. OK, that being said and this is all about the budget, Revlon's Colorstay Foundation is my runner-up. As for concealer I haven't found any faves on a budget (yet)

Mascara:
read my post here

Moisturizer:
My favourite morning moisturizer at the moment is Olay's Total Effects 7 in 1 Daily Moisturizer

What are some of your favourite budget finds? Let me know in the comment section.

Do you think you know it all?

Did you know that it can take up to three months (if not more) to see any results from using anti-aging products? Oh yes it can, therefore don't give up when trying out new products. Tips like the latter can be found in Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Gorgeous. I was given the opportunity to review this book and have to admit at first was a little doubtful that I would learn any new beauty tips. Alas, I was wrong! This book is a great informational guide on the beauty industry's inside tips. Advice is given from some of the industries top beauty guru's. Such as; dermatologists Leslie Baumann and Fredric Brandt, aesthetician Sonya Dakar, makeup artists; Bobbi Brown, Jemma Kidd, Robin Siegel, Mally Roncal. The list goes on! Everything is covered from head-to-toe and its in a user friendly, clear, concise guide. Fabulous pictures and step-by-step diagrams; on how to apply bronzer (properly), eye shadow application for every eye shape, how to shape your eyebrows, hide dark circles, how to make a fuller mouth with makeup, and the list goes on & on!
If your just getting into makeup and skincare or think you know it all this is a great book to check out, you might be pleasantly surprised on what else you learn!

(Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Gorgeous/from the Editors of Cosmopolitan.-1st paperback ed., Hearst Books, div. of Sterling Publishing Co.,Inc. 2008)

Cosmetics Cop is coming to town!

If you haven't heard of Paula Begoun you are not a true beauty junkie. She has written several articles and books on the cosmetic industry of which I own; Don't Go To The Cosmetic Counter without Me (7th edition) and The Beauty Bible (2nd edition). She also sells her own skincare and makeup line, Paula's Choice. Which I have used in the past and are some of my favourite skincare items. I also like her blushes but can't speak about her other makeup items as I haven't used them. So, if her skincare items are some of my favourites why haven't I blogged about it? Basically, because as any beauty junkie out there knows we need our "fix". Our fix is trying everything under the sun that promises the fountain of youth, clear, glowing, wrinkle-free skin, the list can go on. Whatever your reasons are for spending your hard-earned money on the beauty industry the fact is there's also a "high" that goes with shopping for the latest in skincare and makeup. Quite frankly I don't really need that nude-coloured lipgloss that looks like every other lipgloss I already own. However, I also wouldn't have a beauty blog if I wasn't that obsessed. On a side note, my faves from Paula's Choice are;

One Step Face Cleanser (for normal/combination skin)
2% BHA Lotion (I've tried both the liquid & gel and prefer the lotion)
Soft Matte Blush (my fave shades are Sorbet-discontinued & Healthy Blush)

I highly recommend checking out her book, Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me (7th ed.). Especially if your a beauty rookie! She offers valuable information and reviews about skincare items and makeup all under one cover. Of course do take her advice with a 'grain of salt', as what can work wonders for one person might not work for you. Her interviews are more of a in depth look into the formulations of beauty care items and she gives a brief background of beauty companies.
If your in the Toronto area Paula Begoun will be presenting her Skincare Mythbusting speaking tour at INDIGO books at Yorkdale Mall.

Wednesday, November 12
3401 Dufferin Street (at 401 hwy)
7-9pm

(credit: youtube.com, cosmeticscop.com)

ICE is back for another SALE

As posted back in May, the popular L.A store Kitson (ex-owners of ICE Boutique in Toronto) are having their sale for their fellow Canadians this weekend.

ICE Boutique Sale at The Church of the Redeemer

162 Bloor Street West

Toronto, ON

(Avenue Road & Bloor St W)

November 7th

2-7pm

&

November 8th

10-5

Unfortunately, I will be out of town this weekend. Off to New York City for a quick getaway. However, if any of you do go let me know by leaving a comment. I have received a few emails requesting that I post their sales therefore I'm curious to know if you find anything at the sale.

beauty on top

For the latest blog roll listings in basically any category your looking for check out Alltop! It's like an "online magazine rack". One of my favourite categories hmmm I'll let you guess.....beauty.
Here's the beauty roll ---->beauty.alltop
and for fashion ---->fashion.alltop

Enjoy & have fun browsing!
And by the way they let me join.

Olsens Influencial

Looking for a great coffee-table book than Influence might be the book for you, I use the word might because haven't had a chance to look at it yet but am highly curious. And by what I've read on the Internet this book by the Olsen tykes is actually pretty good. Influence is a collection of interviews that the Olsen twins have done with some of the most famous people in the fashion industry. Here's an excerpt with Karl Lagerfeld;

Ashley: We're five feet and one inch.
KL: Oh, I thought my office told me that you were four-foot eight or something. Not that it matters. What you need is a face. If you have a face you don't need height or a voice. Models know this; that's why the good ones don't need to talk much. (from nymag.com)

I have to admit they're not my favourite fashionistas but they do come up with some great looks. And their Elizabeth and James line does consist of some fabulous pieces. Maybe I just have to get over their Full House image and cuteness to appreciate the powerhouse these twins have created over the years and truly recognize that they do have talent (atleast in the fashion realm). Since it is Saturday and I have a day off from work I will be heading over to the bookstore to check out Influence, looks like it might be on my Christmas wish-list. However, I will not be heading over to any of their book signings as you have to follow too many rules. As was the case at Barnes & Noble recently;

1) Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen will be with us for a limited time. They will only be signing copies of their book,Influence. They will not be speaking, reading or taking questions.
2) Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen will NOT sign any memorabilia or product other than Influence. There is a limit of one book per person, and your one book must be purchased here.
3) You will be directed to pay for your book upon entering the store and will be given a receipt for your purchase. Please keep your receipt. You will receive your book at the signing table.
4) Along with your receipt, you will be given a B&N wristband, and then directed to the event space on the 4th floor. You must have a receipt and a wristband to access the 4th floor.
5) Anyone approaching the signing table must have paid for the book and be wearing a B&N wristband. One person, one wristband, one book.
6) You will collect your signed book at the signing table. If you have paid for any additional copies, a staff member will provide you with those before you exit the space.
7) There is no photography allowed. You must put away your camera or cell phone before approaching the signing table. The authors will not pose for photos.
8) If you leave, or the authors leave, before you are able to collect a signed book, you may present your receipt to a cashier for either an unsigned book or a refund. (Refunds only issued within 14 days of receipt.)
9) There will be no extra signed copies available after the authors leave the store. They will not be able to sign for anyone who is not on line. No pre-orders. (credit: racked.com)

Perhaps when you get suffocated with paps all the time this is the only recourse you have, alienating your fans though is not always a good idea. For more pics of the book Influence check out this blog, Olsens Anonymous.

Above, pics from the Elizabeth & James line.

(photocredits: fadedyouthblog, Amy Sussman/Getty Images, Razorbill; Getty Images, & nymag.com)