Welcome to the Red Door {an after Spa oasis}

After a stressful day at work what could be better than a relaxing foot and leg message? I'll answer that one for you...nothing! During the day Che Bella Spa operates as the neighbourhood favourite spa. Note to self: book facial soon, only $80 which is a great price for the Toronto area. At night this cozy spa transforms into the Red Door, offering after-hour tranquilizing 45 minute foot and leg messages. My guest and I had the friendliest and gracious message therapists, Denise and Arthur. I wish they could come to my house after every stressful day at work! The Red Door is situated on the upper level of a charming, old-world building decorated with modern comfortable furniture. I felt like I was visiting friends. Tea and cookies were offered upon arrival and the friendly atmosphere was most welcomed at that time of night. The Red Door blissful foot messages services are offered every Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 7pm to 11pm. Prices: $55 per person, $100 per couple and $185 for a group of four. Great idea for bridal parties, birthday parties, or a romantic date! After you can walk down (if your legs aren't too relaxed) to one of the trendy neighbourhood restaurant/lounges in the area.
For more info or to book visit Che Bella Spa
10 Castle Knock Road, Toronto
(416) 485-1225

Do you have after-hour Spa services in your area? Share your experiences.

(images: photo credit Anna Lisa Sang)

Summer at Tiffany {on the bookself}

Do you remember your first Summer job? How about Summer love? Or the first time you left home for the Summer? It was the Summer of 1945 and two young ladies from the University of Iowa head to the dazzle of New York City. Back then New York was the place to be for the Summer for young "career girls", the most sought after Summer jobs were working at Lord & Taylor's and Saks Fifth Avenue. The two young ladies, Marjorie (the author) and her friend Marty, didn't get a job at either stores or any other department stores. However, the two friends tried their luck at Tiffany and they got jobs as pages all because there was a shortage of men due to the war. This was the first time Tiffany hired females for the sales floor! What follows is the exciting stories Marjorie and Marty have that Summer, from sighting famous celebrities enter Tiffany like Marlene Dietrich to having a "vodka daiquiri with a twist" at the La Martinique. Beauty products include; bronze stocking sticks, Pond's hand cream, Jergen's lotion, Dubarry nail polish, Kreml shampoo, Max Factor powder, and Tangee lipstick. What else does a girl need in 1945!

(Marty & Marojorie at the beach, image via myspace)

Summer at Tiffany is a fun read and offers an historical insight of New York City in the 1940's. Great book for a plane ride or lounging by the pool.

Marjorie Hart's blog, myspace

What books will you be reading this Summer?

Bridal look {a simple look}

bridal by beautyparler featuring Badgley Mischka shoes
One of my favourite looks for brides is when they keep it simple...J. Crew offers really pretty dresses at affordable prices. As for makeup I like a nude palette!
What is your favourite bridal look?

Yves Rocher celebrates 50 years

Earlier this month I attended a Yves Rocher event at the Square One Shopping Mall for the unveiling of Ontario's first Yves Rocher Atelier of Botanical Beauty store. Yves Rocher already had stores in Canada however they have revamped their stores, the look is more streamlined and visually easier to identify that the stores also function as spas. This year Yves Rocher also celebrates 50 years of botanical beauty! Recently, I received a selection of products from Yves Rocher's new limited-edition AQUARELLES VÉGÉTALES line; a cute, multi-coloured, sheer, water colour-like collection that adds just the right amount of colour for Summer. Finished look is a natural, effort-less not overly done look, perfect for the hot Summer months. Below is one of my favourite shades from the new collection in Lemon Yellow, yes its yellow but your lips won't be. Shade becomes a beautiful neutral milky nude. Available at all stores July 2010.


Next, I've been using Yves Rocher's Brillance Shampoo (not available in North America, yet! In stores next year 2011). Great smelling, non-drying shampoo, hair feels smooth and soft. This is their #1 selling shampoo in Europe.

Other favourite Yves Rocher products:
Hamamélis Body Collection (love the scent)
Flawless Fluid Finish Foundation (click here for my mini-review, next time I purchase this I would get a different shade though)
Serum Vegetal Fatigue Eraser gel cleanser (one of my past monthly faves)

What are your Yves Rocher favourites? And have you ever experienced any of their spa services?
(images: yvesrocher.ca)

Leighton Meester is Herbal Essences global hair ambassador

Let me just swoon over Leighton Meester's hair in this photoshoot for Herbal Essences....gorgeous! Ok now if only I could copy this look for wedding one of five (yes another invite came in the mail) for Saturday.
Herbal Essences has chosen Leighton Meester as their global hair ambassador and Herbal Essences' North American stylist Charles Baker Strahan recently styled her hair for this photoshoot.

To create the look from the photo here is what you need to do:
Tousled Look-
To get a good base to set this style, Charles used Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Mousse, which helps build in support to make sure that hair has all the strength it needs to hold the wave. He then diffused Leighton’s hair from side to side just to build up that extra body. Pieces of hair were wrapped around a curling iron to integrate those different textures together. He finished the look with the Tousle Me Softly Hair Spray just to make sure that it had a lasting hold that was also soft, touchable and very natural looking.
I wonder if Charles could fit me in his schedule on Saturday and do my hair?

(image: herbalessences)

a closer look at Look of the Week {Gwyneth Paltrow}

The rain is coming down in Toronto and this look on Gwyneth is the perfect look for a night out in this weather. Here she's wearing Stella McCartney blazer and shoes (sure it helps that Stella is her close friend)...I'd also pair this look with nude patent leather heels. I love Gwyneth's style!
(credit: Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Stella McCartney)

the female Crew Cut {Agyness Deyn chops off hair}

Who hasn't contemplated shaving off all their hair on their head? (Had to make it clear I was writing about the top part of the body as we all know beach time is around the corner...enough). But are any of us brave enough or really want too? I remember back in highschool one of the girls did just that, shaved it all off. She was an identical twin and her other half had really long beautiful black hair so it was kinda interesting because if you wanted to see what she looked like with hair you'd look at her sister. However, I'll admit she looked pretty good with an inch of hair. In my case...not so much! Any woman that has short hair is lucky enough to be able to pull it off, I love short hair but find that to balance off a short hair cut the rest has to be ultra feminine. The latest to pull off a Sinead O'Conner inspired look is model Agyness Deyn, who has always had her own unique sense of style so its actually no surprise. I'll admit I kinda like it! Imagine a hot, sweaty, Summer day without having to worry about your hair. Something to think about!

(image: vogue.com)

all in a Night's rest {Branché-the ideal Beauty sleep}

We all know how important getting the right amount of sleep is...I need atleast 8 hours to function which is not always possible with my job. However, if I can get a little help in the bedroom area to help with beauty sleep I'm not going to deny any aid. And aid is in the form of silk! I've read that Madonna only sleeps with silk sheets so if its good enough for her I had to try it. In my case it was Branché Charmeuse Pillow Case, 100% silk pillow slip is meant to minimize morning creases, extend the life of your hairstyle and diminishes frizz. Basically, the creator Donna Hinds was inspired to create these cases when growing-up her mother used similar pillow cases in order to extend the life of her hairstyle in between salon visits and her mom woke with less facial creases so Hinds designed her own "vintage" inspired pillow case with the same principles in mind.

For more information & where to purchase:

Branché-the ideal Beauty Sleep

Perhaps I should get 100% silk sheets too so that my whole body will wake-up crease-free:)
Anyone else use silk sheets?
(image: branche)

Goodbye hair, Hello Smooth skin {Philips SatinPerfect Epilator}

Easy to use and painless are not always terms used to describe hair removal but Philips SatinPerfect Epilator is pretty close to being the perfect at home body hair removal system. Depending on your pain factor you will feel a bit the first few times but no more than waxing, you just get used to it. Back in the early 90's I owned an epilator (the one with coils) now that sucker hurt, used it once and never again. So, I knew I had to try the newest modern version. Not only did the Philips SatinPerfect not have wire coils but its head is made of textured ceramic discs...sounds gentler too! Better yet you not only get the epilator head but a shave attachment for sensitive areas like your underarm and bikini line (unless of course your brave enough to use the epilator head for those areas...moi was just not ready).
Features:

Skin stretcher and two speed control settings for best results
Skin soothing vibrating massaging system
Follows body contours with pivoting optimal performance cap
Compact and portable for everyday use and travel, up to 40 minutes wirefree epilation
Washable head, cleaning brush, and luxury pouch
Opti-light to see and remove even trickiest hairs (also comes with tweezers that have an Opti-light too)

Retails approx. $139.99 cdn. For where to buy visit philips.ca & enter your city or postal code, for the city of Toronto here's the link to all the locations

No more messy at-home waxing kits the Philips SatinPerfect is a keeper, your smooth legs will thank you!
Have any of you used epilators in the past? Share your experiences. What home hair-removal systems do you use?

(image: philips.ca, disclaimer: product received for review, review based on honest personal use & non-paid, no future financial commission will be received)

a Swarovski affair {A/W 2010 Preview}

A Swarovski Autumn/Winter 2010 preview was held recently in Toronto at the Hazelton Hotel, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were amongst the baubles and sparkles! Hosted by Harper's Bazaar executive fashion and beauty editor Avril Graham, who looked effortless chic in her Valentino little black dress paired with a gorgeous Swarovski necklace no less, states that you don't have to spend a fortune to look like a fortune and Swarovski price points are varied that anyone can afford to look great. Great accessories are the key to pull a look together!

I'm in love with those pendant necklaces!

Natalie Portman is the new face of Dior Parfums

One of my favourite Hollywood starlets is Natalie Portman and she has been named as the new face for Parfums Christian Dior. I've been a big fan of Portman's since The Professional not only is she a great actress but she keeps her business to herself. She's intelligent, talented and gorgeous!

"We are extremely excited to have Miss Portman embody our house. She will symbolise with grace the values of luxury and the glamour of Dior," said Claude
Martinez, president and CEO of Parfums Christian Dior.
(source:newkerala.com)

Today also happens to be her birthday...Happy Birthday!

(image: George Pimental/WireImage via Style.com)

Sick Days

sickdays by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

Butterflies and Flowers Tea for One Set

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant Skincare Product at...
skinstore.com

Sulla Honey - Dean & DeLuca
$10 - deandeluca.com

Embryolisse 24-Hour Miracle Cream

LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
Lush.ca

Lara Beauty - Detail
larabeauty.com

Puresa Collagen mask
utenashop.jp

Kleenex® Tissues:

kleenex.com

Been in bed for the last three days (literally) with a cold/flu/notsurewhattocallit and have only been able to get enough strength to get up for about 1 hour at a time, gradually increasing...Anyhow, with a bit of energy these are a few items that are keeping me thru the day!

What are your "go-to-sick day" items?

Always on the Go

With this rainy weather and feeling a cold coming on this is how I feel today....always on the go without my feet on the ground.
Hope everyone has a Happy Sunday & that the weather where you are is sunny & warm.
xoxo
Monica
(image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/niki-lynn/)

Vogue Paris-June/July'10 {inside pages}

While in Paris I took cover while the rain poured down and took shelter in a cafe... forgot an umbrella...Vogue Paris kept me company.
Kate Moss in Dolce & Gabbana
photographer by Mario Sorrenti

Isabeli Fontana in ETRO

photographed by Mikael Jansoon

(images: theFashPack, vogue.fr)

J'adore Paris! {travel}

J'adore Paris....all in 24 hours.
With little time to explore the city of lights I managed to squeeze in a bit of sightseeing, a few purchases (due to cold rainy weather, atleast that's my excuse to shop since I wasn't properly dressed), and dinner with a fabulous friend D'Arcy who has lived in Paris for the last 4 years. Read a bit about what D'Arcy loves about Paris here!
Still recovering therefore more about my mini-layover to come. The weather here in Toronto is not co-operating for picture taking thus haul pictures to come. However, my shopping haul is not that exciting...
bisoux,
Monica
xoxo

Get Clear Skin with CLEAR from Paula's Choice {review}

If you haven't heard of Paula Begoun your not the skincare junkie I thought you were. Any beauty care junkie has heard of the Cosmetic Cop, Paula Begoun, who has written several books on the skincare and cosmetic industry. Books she has written, Don't go to the Cosmetic Counter without Me and The Original Beauty Bible to name just a couple are staples in any beauty junkies library. Several years ago she developed her own skincare line, Paula's Choice, of which I've tried in the past. Products worth trying include;

Paula's Choice One Step Cleanser

Paula's Choice BHA products

also her makeup line (of course the blush I love has been discontinued)

A few months back I was sent her new skincare line CLEAR, formulated for acne skin. Although I don't have pimples I do get the occasional clogged pores and blackheads on my nose. I highly recommend the CLEAR system, why? Very gentle, non-drying, and non-irritating which is hard to find in anti-acne products. Two formulations are offered, I used the regular strength which is always a good idea for beginners or those that are sensitive. An extra strength formula is another option. Products I received for review:

CLEAR Nomalizing Cleanser-clear, liquid cleanser that lathers. Doesn't strip skin and doesn't dry out my skin. I prefer to use this cleanser as a morning cleanser as its too gentle to wash away all my makeup. Does contain Triclosan which is an anti-bacterial agent so another option without this ingredient is to use her One Step Cleanser. Would purchase the CLEAR or One Step Cleansers again.

CLEAR Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner-this is the star product in the CLEAR skincare line.

I love this toner and will purchase when finished. Contains 2% salicylic acid in an effective pH level. In general the BHA products offered by Paula are all great, the only BHA product I wasn't a fan of was the BHA gel item in her Paula's Choice line.

CLEAR Acne Fighting Treatment-contains 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide, a must for acne sufferers. As mentioned I don't suffer from acne in the sense of red pimples. But in order to provide a review I dabbed this on my cheeks to prevent clogged pores from forming. I've never been able to use benzoyl peroxide in the past (I actually thought I was allergic to it) but this formula didn't cause a rash, redness or itchiness as other products have. Thus, it was gentle & non-irritating.

In general CLEAR by Paula's Choice is a great anti-acne skincare line and a viable option for acne sufferers. Contains all the right ingredients in an effective pH balance to properly treat your skin.

If you have acne would love to read your comments on what you've tried and what works for you. I'm sure other readers would love to read your comments on acne.

To purchase CLEAR visit http://www.paulaschoice.com/

(image via paulaschoice.com, non-paid review)