what to wear? {party dresses}

What to wear to a Sunday Wedding? Sure, I have countless dresses hanging in my closet but who doesn't love wearing something new. I also have bridesmaid dresses hanging in there too & if only I had a sewing machine I would attempt to alter them. If I had more time and not jet-setting around the globe I could probably get a seamstress to modify them. However, that's why the Internet was such a great invention:) Shopping online can be stress-free and no need to look for parking. The only prerequisite is knowing your measurements. I came across a fabulous site ModCloth via blogger Cammila from DressedUpLikeALady.

How adorable are these dresses? Perfect for a small Sunday Wedding. With the right heels & accesories you can either dress them up or play them down, so that you get more than one wear!

(images via modcloth.com)

on the go {travel essentials}

As many of my frequent readers know I'm in the travel business...flight attendant. Which means that I need products that are travel friendly. For anyone that has travelled and seen an inside of a hotel bathroom those wall mounted "fry my hair crispy" machines are better left on the wall. Don't even bother, your better off letting your hair air dry. However, since I have a certain "professional, well-groomed" look that needs to be maintained for my job, the last thing I need is to look like I stuck my finger in an electrical outlet. The nest that sits on top of my head needs alot more than 1200 watts of hot air to get it smooth and sleek. Eureka! I've found my travel hair dryer, Hot Tools Ionic Anti-Static 1875 watts Travel Dryer. I recently purchased this little gem at the Toronto Barber & Beauty Supply store for $35.00. So, its not exactly as small and light as I'd like but it does fold up nicely.

Features:

Fast Dry 1875 watts - high airflow and maximum heat for faster drying
Ion on / off switch
4 speed / heat options
Folding handle ideal for travel
Worldwide dual voltage
Cool shot for setting the style
Concentrator nozzle
Hanging ring / cord guard
Swivel cord
Low EMFs
One-year warranty
ProGuard® safety plug with test and reset features for immersion shock protection (hottools.com)

The best part is that this hair dryer is just as good as my beloved Avanti Ultra hairdryer and I no longer have that "rolled out of bed fried nest hair" when gone longer than two days from home.

Next on my must have list is a Conair® Personal Humidifier, purchased from Avon. Yup, you heard me, Avon. Avon does not just sell cosmetics, they actually sell some really good gadgets which I just happened to find a month ago in the catalogue.

Features:

This portable, compact and convenient humidifier adds moisture to any room, alleviating dry conditions. LED light glows when in use.

Requires batteries (not included) and is USB adaptable.

Fill with cool or warm water.

Plastic. 10.5 cm H x 7.5 cm W x 10 cm L (4 1/4 x 3 1/4 x 4”).

Washable filter

Mist adds moisture to indoor air

Silent operation

(avon.ca)

I love this cute humidifier! Of course its small so don't expect this to humidify to the extent of a larger home humidifier. I place this on the night table facing me and works well.

Price $30 cdn

If your a frequent traveller you should definitely have a look at these two travel essentials. Happy travelling!
(images: hottools.com, avon.ca, & airplane approved logo via sephora.com)

Bronze Goddess without the Sun {Lise Watier Bora Bora line}

Want that perfect tan without the Sun? Is it even possible to fake the real thing with self tanners? Sure it is! All you need are the right products & technique. I found the answer with Lise Watier's Bora Bora line. Its a three step process if you want the bronze goddess effect;

Step 1-Exfoliate

Step 2-Self-Tan

Step 3-Tan Extender

Step 1; Lise Watier Gommage Bora Bora Exfoliating Gel Face & Body-if your looking to achieve an even tan than this is an important step. Exfoliating is essential & this gentle gel scrub will do the trick. Its gentle and effective, smells good too! Although you can use it on your face I only used it on my body. Don't forget those rough areas like elbows & knees. Retail $21.00 CDN

Step 2; Lise Watier Teint Bora Bora Self-Tanning Gel- application here is the key! Apply to dry clean skin and allow to dry. Make sure to wash your hands well afterwards. I only used this on my body as I don't like to use self-tanners on my face. It's a tinted gel & leaves a nice bronzey shade, no orange shade here! Retail $28.00 CDN

Step 3; Lise Watier Lait Bora Bora Hydrating Tan Extender-a nice light-weight milky lotion that hydrates skin well. Glides on smooth without that tacky feeling. I recently used this while in Miami and this lotion felt great after being at the beach all day. Retail $29.00 CDN

Where to buy Lise Watier, click here!

(photo credit & products courtesy of Lise Watier)

from Cannes {film festival}

Lights, Camera, Action...and dresses! A few faves from the Cannes Film Festival.

Devon Aoki, in Roberto Cavalli

Aishwarya Rai, in Elie Saab Haute Couture

Evangeline Lily, in Valentino Haute Couture

Diane Kruger, in Marchesa

(photo credit: getty images via style.com)

Super Motivation

My favourite supermodel of all time & one of the originals to actually be worthy of the title "super"model is Cindy Crawford. Hands down she has always been one of my faves! Of course there are others who are just as gorgeous like my boyfriend's ultimate Canadian Linda Evangelista. Back in November'08 Vogue Paris' age issue featured 42 year old Cindy Crawford looking as fabulous as usual. But the picture that really stood out for me was the one of her in a black swimsuit...mon dieu! Now if that pic doesn't motivate you to workout than I'm not sure what else can. Putting vanity aside my reasons to workout are mostly to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Or in my case getting my a** off the couch and taking care of myself. Let's face it ladies (boys can keep on reading too), no matter what we smear on our faces nothing radiates a healthy glow like a good workout. And now for the pics that are going up on my motivational board:)

(photo credit: Jezebel, Vogue Paris)

afternoon tea with Mom

Tomorrow is Mother's Day {May10} and since I'll be out of town here's my little Mother's Day post. Hope you like these items from Etsy.com as much as I do! There are really talented people on that site & I find the most fabulous items. My favourite thing about Etsy is that most items aren't mass produced so if your one for one-of-a-kind pieces its sure to be found.

Have a great Mother's Day!!

Bijoux,

Monica

xoxo

Just me & mom

"Russian doll sachets" by etsy seller stitchella

take your mom out for an afternoon tea

"never enough tea" print made by etsy seller lottiefrank

"Happy Mother's Day" card, etsy seller dutchdoor

"for you" tag from etsy.com, seller farouche

(pictures from featured etsy.com sellers)

Sun essentials {Miami here I come}

Miami beach essentials by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

Sun, Sand, Beach, Bikini, Art Deco, Cuban sandwiches, House & Latin music and lastly the soundtrack to Miami Vice. That's what I think of when I think Miami! I'll be going on a mini-vacay early next week & it will be my first time there. I only have four days there so most importantly will be chilling on the beach & shopping at the outlet malls. First off, the States has way better outlet stores than Canada & the prices are much better. But now on to the beauty essentials. Read my post about the products I usually travel with, here! Since I'm headed to the beach most of my beach worthy products are much bigger than the allowed permitted liquids. For more info on the permitted liquids for travel check out this post, click here again. Of course I will bring alot more makeup than the above collage, but the above are my must-haves.

Nars Multiple
Nailpolish
Cover Girl's Lash Exact mascara
Elizabeth Arden's 8 hour cream
Olay Daily Cleansing Cloths (these are really good because they come dry-good for travel-and lather well with just a bit of water. Also acts as a light manual exfoliator)
LUSH's Sympathy for the Skin body lotion
Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 Daily UV moisturizer
Stila Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
Revlon Professional Equave Conditioner (I use this spray all the time but this is a must for the beach. Spray in hair after you've been for a swim). There is also two other versions; one specifically for the beach & a purple spray for highlighted/blonde hair.
Joe Fresh Beauty lipgloss for Happy Hour:)
Nivea Sunblock (I stock up on this when in Brazil or Europe)
Joico Violet Colour Endure conditioner to keep my highlighted hair from going brassy
TVAL skincare Light & Airy moisturizer

Sun-sational swimwear {Victoria's Secret}

Victoria's Secret has some of the nicest & sexist swimwear. It's too bad that its not available in Canada, I know that you can order online but swimwear can be a tough shopping experience therefore I need to try them on in-store. However, next week I'm planning on doing some relaxing in the sun in Miami. So, you know what that means, shopping & first stop will be Victoria's Secret. Now if only I had hit the gym earlier. I guess I have one week for swimwear boot camp. Oh dear! That should be interesting...

(photo credits: Victoria's Secret)

dry & frizzy hair say buh-bye {Moroccanoil Oil treatment review}

I recently received a sample of Moroccanoil Oil Treatment from my hairdresser and it was instant love. She had used this in my hair and I loved the end results and smell that she offered me her last sample. The website states; "ultra-light treatment which absorbed by the hair instantly, resulting in a natural, silky finish and brilliant shine without the residue...has the ability to restore over-processed hair damaged by environmental factors and chemical procedures."-(moroccanoil.com) I've been using this on my hair as a finishing treatment (2-3 drops on my ends) after a blow-out and what I love about it is that its non-greasy and ultra-light. Doesn't flatten your hair, instead conditions hair without looking like a frying pan. You can also use this as an over-night deep conditioning treatment or on wet-hair prior to blowdrying. Will be purchasing this as I have recently highlighted my hair and it tends to be drier/frizzy in the Summer.

(photo credits: moroccanoil.com)