Jeremy Laing for Arts and Crafts 10th Anniversary Collection

ARTS & CRAFTS Jason Mclean X Dan Mangan T-shirt

Another cool step in Arts and Crafts 10^th anniversary is their collaboration with Jeremy Laing for an exclusive t-shirt collection recently launched online and at two Toronto Hudson’s Bay locations (44 Bloor St E and 176 Yonge St). Five artists – Derek Sullivan, Jessica Eaton, Sojourner Truth Parsons, Niall McClelland, and Jason McLean – created images inspired by musicians including Broken Social Scene and Timber Timbre, which were then translated into a printable design. Retailing for $75, the t-shirts’ profits will be donated to MusiCounts, an organization dedicated to providing music programs to all children in Canada.

The above tee is called “Mental Maps” from artist Jason Mclean.  He teamed up with celebrated Canadian singer-songwriter Dan Mangan in this bold and colorful piece. This shirt features McLean’s piece titled “I’m As Normal As Blueberry Pie”, as chosen by Dan Mangan for the collaboration project.

ARTS & CRAFTS Jessica Eaton X Bss T-shirt

I like this tee as it is said to be a stunning visual from Canadian photographer Jessica Eaton.  It translates as an ode to super-group Broken Social Scene. Composed through a range of variables including light, shape, and exposure, Jessica Eaton’s piece titled “”Interrgb”" boldly lives front and center on this extra soft T.

A tad pricey at $75 CAD a pop.  But they are cooler than purchasing horrible concert tee’s on a curb after a show. 

On Saturday, June 8 Broken Social Scene will make a one-night-only return from hiatus and be joined by label mate Feist as well as a host of other A&C artists for a one-day celebration of music and culture at Fort York & Garrison Common. Tickets for Field Trip are on sale now at FieldTripLife.com.  One month to go!

http://www.arts-crafts.ca/

http://www.fieldtriplife.com/

http://www.thebay.com/eng/search/EntireSite-jeremy_laing

Royal Blue Lark Dress

This would be a lovely transitional dress from spring to summer.  Bare legs or with wooly tights.  I love the colour and the wee larks print.  The tie sash at the collar reminds me of blouses my mom wore in the 80′s.

2013 Summer Music Festival Outfit Ideas

I know it’s April bit I’m starting some early planning to get my Lollapalooza outfits in order.  I have learned from going to Lolla for the last two years is that comfort, breathability and also looking cute is important.

I’m not 20 anymore so I’m not interested in wearing shorty shorts – but mini’s and dresses are always good especially in 45 degree Celsius Chicago heat.  Being able to sit on grass, walk miles between venues, manoeuver in and out of 90,000 + people crowds, be able to do my business easily and fast in a porta potty without a lot of fuss and most of all be able to rock out are all equally important.

Here are some 2013 Summer Music Festival Outfit Ideas for you to ponder and as you start your brainstorming.

Intersections Day Dress http://www.anthropologie.com

So this dress maybe too pricey at $68.00 USD for Lollapalooza.  But it is pretty and comfy.  Perfect to wear with a sandal and then switch up later in the day with a KEDS sneaker if your feet start to ache.  If it rains and your legs need some warmth you can bring a long a legging to slide into which can be done easily without much fuss.

River Island Misha Mexican Dress from http://www.asos.com

One thing you can always be guaranteed to find me in every summer is a cool Mexican inspired dress.  The ones I like are always mini, adorned with some kind of embroidery and beading.  They tend to be pricey but you can find some neat varieties on ebay.  I like this dress to travel in.  You can pop a cardigan on top or the day of the music festival pair it up with a jean jacket when it gets colder at night.  With a gladiator you will look super swish.

Very By Vero Moda Denim Shorts With Embroidery from http://www.asos.com

On a day you know will be super-hot and you want to be able to sit in the shade without people looking up your skirt or be able to lie down on grass and get your tan on – a cotton tee and denim shorts is always a win.  I like the mini suede or leather cowboy boots to finish the look too.

Women’s The Rockstar Bermudas (12″) from http://www.oldnavy.ca

If the shorts above are too short – I like the Women’s The Rockstar Bermudas (12″) from www.oldnavy.ca.  Still cute and yet preppy.

Whatever you decide, ensure you try your looks on before you depart for the festival.  There is nothing worse than showing up at an event and knowing within the first 5 minutes you haven’t dressed appropriately.

Have fun!

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day is weeks away so it’s time to get a leg up on how to celebrate the mom in your life.  Here are some gift ideas to start you off.

If you live in Vancouver check out The Urban Tea Merchant’s Mother’s Day Tea Service.  It features a splendid selection of handcrafted tea-infused tea sandwiches, petite savories, and delightfully luscious sweets. Offered in the tea service is an optional sparkling tea cocktail infused with TWG Tea.  Each mom will receive a 50g TWG Tea gift to take away. There is no better way to show your love and appreciation for the most important woman in your life. This special tea service is available from May 10^th to May 12th at The Urban Tea Merchant’s Downtown Vancouver Tea Salon.

If you can’t take your mom for tea, maybe pick her up a tea stash from The Urban Tea Merchant. My favourite tea of the moment is Bain de Roses Tea from TWG Tea.

 

Bain de Roses Tea from TWG Tea

In the month of May, the roses of Grasse come to bloom, enveloping Provence with an incomparable and luxurious perfume. Masterfully blended by TWG Tea, this sensual Darjeeling is a magical union of extraordinary roses and hints of vanilla and sweet spices. Show your gratitude for mother’s feminine touch with this outstanding tea.  You can also couple this tea with the Bain de Roses Tea Scented Candle which will add to a lovely ending to her day.

http://www.urbantea.com/

What lady wouldn’t like a posh eau de parfum on her special day?  I like Penhaligon’s Artemisia Eau de Parfum.

 

Artemisia Eau de Parfum 100ml

Head Notes

Nectarine and Green Foliage

Heart Notes

Green Apple, Lily of the Valley, Jasmine Tea, Violet and Vanilla

Base Notes

Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Musk, Amber and Vanilla

Created in 2002, Artemisia is both floral and fruity with a beautifully sensual powdery dry down. Caramel soft, sweet, powdery and silky. A tumble of green apples and nectarines washed with jasmine tea and sprinkled with a luxurious medley of violet, cyclamen and lily petals. All this softly unfolds with great subtlety surrounded with layers of honeyed vanilla, warm spices, a touch of amber and a hint of musk. Haunting and addictive.

http://www.penhaligons.com/shop/fragrance/artemisia-eau-de-parfum-100ml-496881.html

For a gift that will keep giving, consider giving her the latest and greatest book from Kate Atkinson entitled ‘Life After Life’?

Life After Life

by Kate Atkinson

How do writers tell a story? How do they choose the minute details to make time’s arrow chart a straight path? Take a fork in the road, make a mistake, deal with it. Kate Atkinson, who keeps reinventing herself, has created a character who spans Britain’s course through the two “world wars,” who keeps dying and being reborn into the same person, who with each subsequent rebirth retains atavistic cellular memory of past experience, and thus the pageant of history unfolds through the same eyes with differing results. Her family core retains its shape as does her personality, but with each variation there is further insight into life at its moments of indelible change with Ursula at the center. This is a rich, satisfying book that resonates with intelligence, humor and compassion. Atkinson has never let me down — I’ve been reading her since the late ’90′s, and continue to be amazed at her virtuosity.

http://www.randomhouse.ca/books/211671/life-after-life-by-kate-atkinson

I like the idea of picking up a cool note card and using your own words to convey why your mom is important to you.   Check out Cath Kidston Mini Notes.

Cath Kidston Mini Notes

These irresistibly petite notes are perfect for dashing off a quick, pocket-sized message or adding a little card to a mother’s day gift.

http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/paper-goods/stationery/notecards/cath-kidston-mini-notes.html

Finally, pop on top of a Cath Kidston mini note card a cool Rimmel London:  Royal Gloss Lip Gloss.  It will sure put a smile on your mom’s face for those on the go days.

Rimmel London:  Royal Gloss Lip Gloss

Rimmel Royal Gloss Delicious Lip gloss is deliciously sweet and fabulously juicy.

http://us.rimmellondon.com/

Happy Mother’s Day from Thirty Four Flavours!

Toronto Eaton Centre (Cadillac Fairview) Celebrates with LOULOU Magazine at the ‘Shop ‘Til You Drop Event’

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The Toronto Eaton Center was bustling last night.  Tuesday night is the new Thursday night when it comes to having a good time out at the mall and  having a giggle with your girls over fashion, sweet eats, drinks and fab deals.

I popped over on my dinner break alongside a gaggle of other excited ladies and took in the hot pink chaises, lovely mini manicures, MAC make up consults at the splashy, fun and youthful  LOULOU Magazine Shop ‘Til You Drop Event.

For eight fun-filled, fashion-fuelled shopping-filled nights this April, LOULOU and Cadillac Fairview are bringing the ultimate shopping experience to eight centres across Southern Ontario. In addition to the retail discounts (up to 30 per cent), the events will feature complimentary food and drink, fashion advice, makeovers, giveaways, swag bags and contests.

The mood on the floor was exciting!  It’s remarkable how a lil shopping, giveaways and fashion inspiration from a cool fashion magazine like LOULOU can bring out a united sisterhood with female shoppers in one of Canada’s biggest shopping malls.

What I loved when I checked out the ultimate LOULOU closet for the latest trends was that the fashion included were in stores right now in the Toronto Eaton Centre, fashion forward and economically priced.  I wasn’t stepping into ‘too much try’ territory.

Now, the best part of this event was that 200 shoppers who spent $100 received a coveted LOULOU gift bag valued at $200 and a full year (eight issues) subscription to LOULOU magazine!

Some of the items in my gift bag (which weighed close to 10 pounds) included of:

Valentina by Valentino perfume spray – the good stuff you can pop in your purse for a night and not have to worry it is going to leak inside your purse.

Nina L’eau perfume spray

H&M Magazine

Lush Magazine

Pop Chips – perfect for an afternoon at work snack.

Bench Notebook – a great travel companion for note taking on the run.

Kernels Popcorn – no words, just happiness.

Microsoft Notebook

Sunrype Slim Cranberry Twist Juice – a yummy full size addition to keep in the fridge when you need something light and fruity with your Canadian Club on a Friday night.

TreSemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Condition 700 ml x 2 – these were generous full sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner.  I’m guessing they will last me 6 months each.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume 120 ml Fine to Full Hair Blow Out Spray – fantastic as the summer is coming and my hair will need a lift for my summer music festival fashion.

One Coconut Water – a refreshing companion for on the go in the city.

Lacoste Socks – these socks retail for $40 and were included free in my gift bag.  Did someone make a mistake? 

Bath and Body Works Shower Gel:  Warm Vanilla Sugar – perfect timing as I change up my shower gel for the Spring.

Mendocino $20 Gift Card – Again, did someone make a mistake?

Guess $20 Gift Card – Um, it happened again!  I can’t wait to use this!

Nivea Body Milk – a neat lil sample to keep in my suitcase for travel this summer.

Batiste Dry Shampoo – I have always wanted to try a sample of this.

Lush Soap – a decadent soap for a spa night in.

Aeropostale Boom Box – a lil surprise to pop on my desk and plug my ipod into when I’m alone in the office.

Nivea Roll On – when a girl realizes in the morning she has run out of roll on and there is none left in the house.  A nice safe guard for those moments.

Blistex Renew and Restore Lip-gloss – a sweet addition to my purse for after a night out application.

Yves Rocher Élixir 7.9 – I love new finds – worthy of seeing the results.

Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp – nice for a summer night out with friends.

Bourjois Soirée A Versailles – we girls always need a variety in nail colour and Bourjois is all class.

Devil Wears Prada Lip-gloss – this  lip-gloss is like a golden nugget in a girl’s purse for work and play.

Ladies, I felt like J. Lo walking into a gift lounge and getting the best of the best product to try out at my leisure.  This Gift Bag was serious and I’m sure I will never get anything close to the same again.

The bag also came with a stack of coupons.  The best coupons I know I will use include of:

Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp Lipstick

15% off Mr. Greenjeans

20% off one item at H&M

Complimentary Coffee at Aroma

2 for the price of 1 offer at Kernels

There were a stack of other coupons in my bag which I will pass onto my co-workers.  Let the ‘winning continue’.

If that is not enough to sell you, I’d encourage you to attend and once you spot the LOULOU squad at each shopping centre to receive a code to unlock the LOULOU safe for thousands of dollars in prizes at XXI Forever, GUESS, JACOB, L’OCCITANE, Trade Secrets, BitterSweet Jewellery, Winners/HomeSense and SoftMoc.

Lastly, don’t forget to pick up your passport at any participating Cadillac Fairview shopping centre the night of the event and visit all the retailers and partners featured on the passport for the chance to win a $500 shop! card® and more.

Depending on where you are in the province – your day is coming so I encourage you to pop the following dates and times in your agenda, smartphone and fridge calendar.  Now only was it fun, who doesn’t like to get free stuff!

Southern Ontario Spring Shop ‘Til You Drop (all events run from 5 p.m.to 9 p.m.)

•Wednesday, April 10: Promenade, Vaughan

•Thursday, April 11: Fairview, Toronto

•Friday, April 12: Markville, Markham

•Tuesday, April 16: Sherway Gardens, Etobicoke

•Wednesday, April 17: Masonville Place, London

•Thursday, April 18: Fairview Park, Kitchener

•Friday, April 19: Lime Ridge, Hamilton

If you attend, send me a note and tell me what you bought and all the fun you had! 

For more on what is happening at each participating stores at all shopping centres, and to sign up to win prizes, visit: louloumagazine.com/shoptilyoudrop

http://www.shops.ca/

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick By Kate Moss: Kiss of Life

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick By Kate Moss: Kiss of Life

For weeks I have been standing at St. George subway station in Toronto and staring at a Rimmel London poster advertising Rimmel London Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick By Kate Moss.  It made me really want to get my hands on a tube so I did!

This is the very first lipstick collection created by Kate Moss.  It is a high intensity color and lasts up to 8 hours.  The formula is infused with Black Diamonds, it reflects light and captures all the flair, edge and timelessness of Kate’s unique look.

Sounds like a super heroine to me!

I picked up a colour in 111 Kiss Of Life from the new spring collection Rimmel London Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick By Kate Moss.   This line comes in 10 beautiful shades ranging from neutrals, pinks, reds and oranges. 

I really liked the 111 Kiss of Life.  It was creamy and it went onto my lips quite easily.  I have often stayed away from matte finish lipsticks in the past but this one had a nice sheen once applied that made my lips feel moist and not like I applied chalk to them.  I often pop on some Vaseline before I add my lipstick for the day – if you are looking for that little extra shine.

I loved how this lipstick also once applied didn’t require another go around.  This saves on product plus it lasted 6 hours on my lips during my work day.

The packaging was sexy too.  I loved the deep red matte finish of the tube with Kate’s signature.  When I slid open the top a lovely berry smell which reminded me of a doll I had in childhood greeted me.  Very soothing and yet a very sweet scent to start my day.  The crown on top of the tube reminded me of English days and nights on the town.  I’m looking forward to wearing this to Lollapalooza in Chicago this summer.

http://us.rimmellondon.com/

Vanessa Paradis for H&M

Vanessa Paradis is the new H&M lady!  H&M released a few select pieces from the H&M Conscious Collection featuring the lovely Ms. Paradis wearing fun, flirty, fresh trouser, dress, shirt and short playsuits. The collection is filled with natural greens, flower prints and delicate materials, perfect for spring!

Marks: Wind River Rain Boots

I was in my local Marks store on the Danforth over the weekend in Toronto and was floored by the gorgeous Wind River Rain Boots on display.  It’s been such a slushy and rainy Toronto of late.  We are ready for the Spring and these boots will sure get you off on the right foot.

When I showed my co-workers the snaps of the Wind River Rain Boots, my one co-worker stated ‘What are they doing?  Those boots are so cool!’.  Agreed.

Marks as I have stated before is rejigging their whole design esthetic and is truly worth a check in.

Wind River Rain Boots

Not only are they spiffy and modern – the Wind River Rain Boots are made with FRESHTECH®.  This technology uses an anti-microbial to keep apparel fresher and longer. 

The colors are rad too.  These boots come in Navy, Turquoise, Red, Yellow and Black/White Houndstooth.  My favorite are the Black/White Houndstooth booties simply for the fact that they look bad ass with skinny black jeans and will look great during downpours at summer 2013 music festivals.

For $44.99 – this is enough permission to stay away from those horrible Hunter boots that everyone has.

Lastly, check out your Marks receipt when you leave the store.  If you fill out their survey online you can get $10 off your next $40 purchase.  Now they are giving away merchandise – what more does a fashionista need?

http://www.marks.com

Easter Eggs? Nah – pick up a eos Smooth Sphere Organic Lip Balm Duo instead!

 

Get a leg up on your Easter shopping and pick up a eos Smooth Sphere Organic Lip Balm Duo instead of Easter eggs this year.  Who needs more chocolate anyway?  J

My favourite are the Strawberry Sorbet and Passion Fruit Lip Balm Duo.  I usually have one in my bag for work and my other purse for kicking it around town.  It’s perfect for this time of year when moisture is a necessity in the harsh winter months.

I love that eos is:

• 100% natural, certified organic

• Filled with moisturizing shea butter and jojoba oil

• Soft-touch, ergonomic, recyclable packaging is easy to find in even the largest of bags

• Revolutionary smooth sphere applies directly on lips, so it’s more hygienic than pot lip balms

• Paraben-free

• Gluten-free

• Recyclable          

I’m giving these babies to my girlfriend’s this Easter.   ;)

Major Retailers Include:   Rexall, Giant Tiger, Jean Coutu, London Drugs

$7.99

 

The Future of the Fashion Show – Topshop Unique AW13