Sunday 9 December 2012

Ten Luxury Items Below 50$


Could the holidays be coming any faster? I’m counting the days of shopping left and I’m realizing that I might not make it! (I’m freaking out a little.) What calms the nerves better than a little web surfing slash internet shopping? Killing two birds with one stone, I say! Unsure about what would please your BFF, your sister or even your mother-in-law? Keep it simple by opting for one of these ten decadent luxuries, all below the price point of fifty dollars! It’s a guaranteed hit!

1. Louis Vuitton travel guides / 2. BeautyBlender sponge / 3. Tassel Key Chain from Coach / 4. Intense Therapy Lip Balm by Jack Black / 5. Ciaté Paint Pots in Cupcake Queen / 6. Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Awakening Blush by Dior / 7. Legacy Leather Card Case from Coach / 8. Michael Kors iPhone Cover / 9. Jewelbar Ring by Kate Spade / 10. iPod Suffle  

Wednesday 5 December 2012

Bringing Colour Back (Green)

 
Do you know what I did today? I wore white floral pants to work! Bold. As of today, December 5th, I would like to announce that I am boycotting winter. BOOM. That’s right! Where has the colour gone? Why do I stop wearing bright lipstick when the leaves fall? Why suddenly reach for my black pants, shirt and jacket instead of spunkier options? Spruce it up ladies – from your home to your clothes. I'm bringing colour back!


All these lovely images can be found on my Pinterest. Be sure to follow me by clicking HERE.


Sunday 2 December 2012

Burgundy Nails


As any fashion aficionado knows, this season is all about deep shades of reds. Personally, I have fallen hard for burgundy nails as they are classic with a punky edge. Danina totally turned me on to Essie’s Bahama Mama (shown below)... I tell you, that girl knows where it’s at!
 
 
To keep this look on trend, I think it’s best to keep your nails short. Remember that once dried, the colour will appear much darker than in the bottle. Let me know which one you are planning on using!
 

1. Deborah Lippmann Good Girl Gone Bad / 2. Dior Graphic Berry / 3. Chanel Vamp / 4. YSL La Laque Couture Fuchsia Cubiste / 5. Essie Bahama Mama / 6. Sephora by OPI Beauty Junkie
 
 

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Holiday Wish List


PANIC ATTACK. How did the holiday season creep up on us so fast? Less than a month to go and I still haven’t started gift shopping... For those who know me: your jaw just dropped! I’m normally a nauseating on-the-ball shopper. By December, my tree is up, gifts are wrapped and I’ve sent my cards to friends and family.  This year: nothing. Eek! Time to get on it! To get us in the mood, here’s my Holiday Wish List:
 
 
1. Lauren Elan’s Everly necklace / 2. Agnelle Pony leather gloves / 3. Feathers, feathers, feathers! If money was not an issue, this Alexander McQueen feather trimmed top would be mine / 4. I’m loving all shades of grey (pun unintended... get your mind out of the gutter!) I sure love this Rag & Bone Lund Pullover / 5. Kate Spade gold iPhone case / 6. Nine West Cosy Bootie in black / 7. Chanel's Vamp nail polish / 8. Oh-so-glam Diptyque Feu de Bois candle.
 

Sunday 25 November 2012

When life gets in the way...


I don't like the expression “When life gets in the way...” It makes no sense... of course life gets in the way... it IS the way... no? That being said, I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed these past weeks (hence my sporadic posting). Things at work are crazy (in the best way!), Hubby and I are planning on buying our first home (major milestone, peeps!), we’ve also been running all over town catching up with friends and family... and while all of this is great – it’s also INTENSE. It is as though I have too many things on my plate and can’t seem to focus on any one in particular. Tell me I’m not the only one feeling this! ...Anyways, here are a few snapshots I haven’t had the time to share; hope you enjoy!
 
 

1. Walking into the bedroom to find that Hubby placed our watches one next to the other... it’s the small things that make us love our men so darn much. Am I right? / 2. Testing out BB creams and coming to the clear conclusion that Giorgio Armani’s Maestro Skin Perfector is the way to go. Read my review by clicking HERE / 3. Great quote: Aim for awesome! / 4. Beautiful Montreal / 5. My faithful Longchamp and Michael Kors shoes while traveling to San Diego a few weeks back / 6. Whatisadam’s Halloween wheat-paste spotted in Old Montreal with my friend MC after dinner at Gandhi.
 
 
 
 

Monday 19 November 2012

Winter Ready


No doubt about it: winter has arrived in Montreal! I got to enjoy a little shopping this weekend and between every shop I was unbuttoning my coat, removing my gloves... geez, shopping in the summer is so much less hassle! That being said, during the cold months, we get to purchase the best items: coats and boots! Ahhh... a slice of heaven... To get you winter-ready, here are a few suggestions as well as some fellow-blogger-slash-pinterest inspiration. Let me know what you think! Cheers, Emily xo

FAUX FUR: Baukjen Erin Faux Fur Stole / BEANIE: H&M Hat / GLOVES : N. Peal Cashmere Gloves / NAILS: Essies’ Bahama Mama / COAT: Paule Ka Belted Wool Blend Coat (check out the one I just purchased by visiting our facebook page) / JEWELS: Isabelle May Kashmir and Mercury bracelets / BOOTIES: Yves Saint Laurent Gisele 80 Suede Ankle Boots
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday 18 November 2012

Mathieu Levesque’s Puzzle


Saturday was one of those days where I felt hyper in-tune with my love for the art world. I spent the day passionately discussing art with a like-minded client, and finished off at Galerie Trois Points, housed on the fifth floor of the Belgo Building. I’ve said this before: I have nothing but love for the Trois Points owners, their artists and now, especially Mathieu Levesque’s Puzzle...


Jonah Lehrer wrote in his book Imagine “You know an idea has promise when it seems obvious in retrospect.” This is exactly how I felt towards Levesque’s sprayed enamel on wood. His pieces (call them painting, sculpture, installation, architectural prototypes... all rolled into one) redefine the notions of painting and art. With this exhibition, Mathieu Levesque completes his Master’s degree in visual arts and media art at UQAM. If you are in Montreal, I encourage you to head over to Galerie Trois Points; the show is up until December 15th.
 
 
Now... I must really get ready... the lovely Danina awaits me for a girly lunch at Holts!
Happy weekend!
 
 
 

Thursday 15 November 2012

Review: Giorgio Armani’s Maestro Skin Perfector


I’m not sure what this says about my willpower, but most of what goes on my “Currently Craving” posts becomes mine. My latest purchase? Giorgio Armani’s Maestro Skin Perfector, which was described by The Beauty Editor as blowing “BB Creams out of the water.” Sold!
 


 
I, for one, never jumped on the BB cream wagon. I’m not a fan of its greasy finish... In my opinion, Armani’s Maestro Skin Perfector does what BB only hopes to achieve... but for a whooping 68 CAN$. Ouch.
 
Once you get your hands on this product (bite the bullet and doooo it), shake the bottle, place two or three drops on your fingers and simply let them glide on your face. I’m telling you: it’s like giving yourself a massage with fairy dust! It’s by far the lightest foundation on the market. It goes on smooth, like thin fluid oil... Now, if the word “oil” just made you cringe with visions of breaking out, relax. Maestro is noncomedogenic, which means that it won’t block pores. Your skin will feel nourished and soft (oh sooo soft!). As for coverage, I’d be lying if I said it was a one stop shop. I won’t be giving up by Boi-ing Benefit concealor (to camouflage a late night outing) or even my faithful Cover FX to powder my nose. But here’s what I will guarantee: if you try this product, you’ll get a gorgeous glow, long lasting coverage and incredible comfort!
Let me know if you’ve tried it or if you have a new fave product!
 
 
 

Sunday 11 November 2012

Cool Art & Happy Prostates


Have you noticed all the moustaches growing recently? I’m so proud to walk down the street and see such a great number of men participating in Movember! Sounds unfamiliar? Well it's quite simple: every November, men unite to shave off their faces and grow an epic moustache. For thirty days, these men raise awareness and funds for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and male mental health issues. Today, 1.9 Million people worldwide participate in this incredible campaign. If you know of someone growing a nice “Mo,” please share their link in the comment section below. Looking for a team to support? Might I suggest my friends at Station 16 who have rallied wonderful artists such as Stikki Peaches and WIA to create limited edition prints for a teeny tiny price point of 25.00$. All proceeds are given directly to their Movember team. Art and healthy prostates? YES!  


 
Clockwise: Mo Canada by WIA / Mo-Vengers by Station 16 graphic artists / Mo Flanders by Stikki Peaches / Mo Hair Care by Station 16 graphic artists

 
 

Tuesday 6 November 2012

30 minutes: Wake Up!


So... I’m not proud of this... but I haven’t hit the gym since my trip to Europe. Not that I’m sitting at home stuffing my face with potato chips, but the gym has somehow gone from being a priority to “Meh, I’ve got friends to catch up with.” When a certain mother of mine took the time to write on PartyMixTape’s facebook pageI think that we are about due for a new selection of workout music... What with the sneaker theme and all? I find that music really keeps me going...” I have to admit, I felt a little sheepish... So here’s to getting my butt in gear and making time for ALL the priorities in my life! Time for some healthy-body-healthy-mind awesomeness!

Image via
 
Rock out to some of these hits & let me know which songs get you going!
 
Gangnam Style – PSY  (4.13)
Die Young – Ke$ha  (3.41)
One More Night – Maroon 5  (3.43)
Don’t Stop the Party – Pitbull ft. TJR  (3.28)
Trespassing – Adam Lambert  (3.20)
Locked Out of Heaven – Bruno Mars (3.55)
I Cry – Flo Rida  (3.53)
Some Nights – FUN  (4.32)
 
 

Thursday 1 November 2012

For the Men!


I’ve been asked several times to write about menswear... as Hubby lovingly pointed out: “You ALWAYS tell ME what to wear; why not go for it on the blog?” Touché!


For one, if you look like Joseph Gordon-Lewitt and/or rock like Paul McCartney, you can do no harm in my book. Second: if you are contemplating growing a beard, now’s your window of opportunity. When did beards get so HOT? Love them. Fellows: grow them! Please remember that today marks the first day of Movember, which means that you can get a head start by growing a moustache and help raise awareness for prostate cancer. Sexy and caring? Swoon!

Here are some manly bullet points:
·        Yup, bow ties are cool.
·        For men as for women, jewel tones are all the rage... (Yet, somehow, saying “jewel tones” isn’t virile.) Buy your guy a maroon sweater/shirt/jacket/scarf but drop the “jewel” description.
·        Velvet and corduroy are making a comeback this fall: old-world durability meets modern chic!
·        Sweaters: a cozy man is a happy man. But please, do roll up your sleeves: the ladies want to see your sexy forearms!
·        All women love a man in a suit. It’s as simple as that. A well-dressed gentleman is an instant classic (and an instant hit).
·        And finally: Other items for which you should keep an eye out? Plaid, kaki, leather and studs should find their way into your closet this season!



Monday 29 October 2012

Trend Alert: Wedge Sneakers


Now this is a blast from the past! I remember being in sixth grade and wanting to be on the basketball team solely (solely – get it?) for the cool sneakers! Thanks to the designer Isabel Marant, I’m given a second chance to rock the look! Wedge sneakers... a gift from heaven. They elongate your legs and keep your feet comfortable. What’s not to like? Wear them for a shopping date with a buttoned-down shirt and skinny jeans; to a party with a sharp tailored jacket and black leather tights or even to brunch with a contrasting girly skirt! To avoid having your pants bunch up at the ankle, be sure to get them hemmed accordingly.


 
Clockwork from top brown shoes: 1. See By Chloe Tan Wedge Sneakers / 2. Steve Madden Olympiaa Sneakers / 3. Carvela Kurt Geiger Sparkle Wedge Sneaker / 4. Chloe Red Wedge Sneakers / 5. River Island Black Wedge High Tops / 6. Isabel Marant Bazil python basket sneaker / 7. Isabel Marant Betty leather and suede wedge sneakers
 
 

Image via
 
 

Sunday 28 October 2012

An Artsy Fartsy Halloween


When it comes to Halloween, women tend to go down the sexy route. We don’t dress up as cats, we go as sexy pussy cats. Sexy witches! Sexy angels! Bad, bad cops, wink wink… This year, let's do something innovative! My friend Misha once rocked the coolest costume EVER when she dressed in bubblegum pink with a sneaker tied to her head… she was Gum under a shoe! The following year, she went as a Tornado. Animals and small objects were affixed to her clothes with string. She’d twirl around the room and they'd fly out. As you can imagine, it turned out to be quite a dangerous (and tangly) costume...

Here are a few art history related costumes I found on the web: LOVE them! Searching for simpler ideas? How about dressing up as Andy Warhol or Salvador Dali?


1. René Magritte’s Son of a Man a simple yet high impact costume! / 2. Roy Lichtenstein, Girl with Hair Ribbon. Now this takes commitment and a steady hand! / 3. Here is a couple going as Grant Wood’s American Gothic... if they’d only lose the smile, it’d be perfect! / 4. Jan Vermeer’s Girl with the Pearl Earring: If Scarlett Johansson can pull it off, so can you! / 5. Strike the pose! I’m impressed by this recreation of Banksy’s Flower Chucker... it reminds me of Nick Stern’s photographs... / 6. Add flowers and a unibrow, and there you have it: you’re Frida Kahlo!
 
Special shout out to my girl MC: Happy Birthday!!!  

Thursday 25 October 2012

How to Layer Frames & Objects


There is a new trend in home décor: Layering. One would think that it’s an easy style to pull off... simply take a bunch of artwork and place it haphazardly on your mantle or bookshelf. Please, no! Be smart about layering your art. Here’s how: 
 
All images via


Step one: Pick images and objects that you feel would create an interesting grouping. They should be different sizes, but share a similar colour palette.

Step two: When visiting your local framer, keep things simple. If the frames are too ornate or too thick, it will be hard to layer evenly. Use glass and not exposed canvas, as an object could easily poke into an artwork and create a long lasting indentation.
 
Step three: The more you overlap, the higher the chances of losing the images you were hoping to show off. Notice how, in the following examples, there are no more than three consecutive levels.

Step four: Be careful! Sturdy the larger frames to your wall (by adding hooks and nails) or inserting a thin ledge or groove to your shelf. You want to be sure to prevent them from toppling over!

 

Wednesday 24 October 2012

San Diego & Street Art


When I was in California, Hubby and I went to San Diego, where Hubs had a little business to attend, leaving me to my own devices. First stop: the Museum of Contemporary Art! Since I appeared to be the only visitor there, I decided to start up a conversation with the staff. Turns out, like me, they were street art enthusiasts. They were kind enough to draw me a city map, where I spotted some awesome pieces. Check it out: 


Here is a small ceramic piece I found by the French artist Invader in downtown San Diego.
 
 




Top: Shepard Fairey & Invader / Bottom: Vhils & a faded wheat paste by Os Gemeos



Monday 22 October 2012

How to Wear Burgundy Pants


After going through a season of devotion towards green pants (remember this post?), I’ve switched to burgundy. A surprising fall neutral, wine-coloured pants can easily be worn at work or for a night out on the town. Since purchasing mine at ZARA's, I’ve worn them almost daily and have become quite skilled at mixing and matching to give a fresh new look every time. Don't be shy to combine with shades of emerald, marigold, navy, and of course, winter whites! 

Look 1: Stella McCartney Alyss draped silk blouse & Kenzo x Vans print sneakers / Look 2: 3.1 Phillip Lim silk-chiffon and crepe de chine blouse & Gucci Mischa suede ankle boots / Look 3: Etro Tweed Poncho & Marc by Marc Jacobs lace-up shoes / Look 4: 3.1 Phillip Lim satin-twill peplum top & Valentino studded calf hair pumps.


Here are a few wonderful examples of how to rock the oxblood/wine/burgundy (pick your synonym) trend!


Friday 19 October 2012

The Essentials for your Evening Bag


Have you ever gone out with your girlfriends and been asked: “Can I put my ID in your purse? I have no more room in mine.” Yes, we have all been there. I was once an offender myself. That is until I became smart about purchasing cute evening bags that are actually functional.


Here is a picture of my favourite Kate Spade camel clutch, which I received on my 30th birthday.


 
If your clutch does not fit all your needs, i.e your cash, your ID, your makeup, your cell phone, your keys and some form of candy or breath mint: please buy another bag! ...Now, you might have read “candy” and thought “I don’t need candy in my bag,” oh but you do. We women tend to get hungry at unexpected moments. And when we do, we get complain-y. Be a sport, and start chewing on a piece of gum or pass one along when you see a friend start to fade. Please share this wisdom with all the women in your life!

Tuesday 16 October 2012

Sunny Disposition


Oh yeah... Did I mention that I’m the luckiest girl alive and that I recently spent a week in the heavenly state of California? Truth be told, I’ve never travelled as much as this year – I feel both giddy and blessed at the idea. Since fall/winter has so quickly washed over Montreal, it was fun to pack my summer brights before storing them for good and feel the sun on my snow-white skin once again.

 
1. I dare you to name one other tree that can brighten up your day like a palm tree / 2. Welcome to California! Wearing my silver bangles on the plane and my summery Isabelle May bracelet / 3. On trend with Song nail polish by Butter London / 4. Hubby and I’s first stop: yup, In-n-Out! I couldn’t wait to take a bite of my burger before snapping this shot.


Friday 12 October 2012

Currently Craving: Andy & NARS


Hell yeah! Once in a while, I’m bamboozled by pure genius. That's right: I said PURE GENIUS! PartyMixTape readers, feast your eyes on NARS’ new collection inspired by the great pop icon Andy Warhol! Beauty and art rolled into one… Oh dear, this is going to be an expensive weekend! Happy Friday!

 



Andy Warhol , Shot Sage Blue Marilyn, 1964

 

Thursday 11 October 2012

YSL's Controversial Rebranding


Have you heard? Yves Saint Laurent is now Saint Laurent Paris. Clearly, they’ve been hanging out with Prince too long. The name change was announced in June. The brand eagerly published a first look at the new logo on facebook and fans were not pleased. “More suitable for fine chocolate than for luxury clothes” commented a follower. “Why would you change something as iconic as the YSL logo,” said another.
 
 
 
 
Saint Laurent’s CEO later confirmed the news by stating: “This change celebrates our legacy and heritage, while boldly marking our ambition for the future. It will allow us to return to the fundamentals of YSL and revive the spirit and the intentions that reigned over the creation of ‘Saint Laurent Rive Gauche’ in 1966: principles of youth, freedom, and modernity.”
 
 
 
 
In early October, the brand held its first fashion show, presenting their updated image to the world. After months of hoopla about the name-change, critics were expecting something… well, unexpected. Fashion critic Cathy Horyn scathingly wrote that the “clothes lacked a new fashion spirit (…) Even the colors seemed flat, suppressed.” Ouch.
 
 
How do you feel about this so called facelift? Are you missing the YSL logo already?
 
 
P.S. As I write this post, I’m blasting Daft Punk’s mix for Yves Saint Laurent’s fashion show (argh, I mean Saint Laurent Paris…)
 
 

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Interview with Vanessa Sicotte


I met Vanessa Sicotte a few months after becoming addicted to Damask & Dentelle, one of Québec's leading design blogs, which she launched in 2009. When Vanessa entered the gallery where I work, she whipped out her iPhone and said “Let me tweet that I’m here!” It was love at first tweet.

Once in a while, I have the pleasure of meeting people like Vanessa, who are passionate, driven and extremely generous with their time and knowledge. I am pleased to say that since our first encounter, she has become host of Canal Vie’s Sauvez les Meubles, a television show which encourages viewers to reuse and recycle when renovating or decorating their home. Read my interview with the interior designer to find out her tips of the trade and which colour she predicts you won’t want to live without.


Vanessa Sicotte, creator of Damask & Dentelle and host of Sauvez les Meubles
 

What inspired you to create Damask & Dentelle?
I got inspired to create D&D back in 2008 when I was only a blogger writing about my décor boutiques “Coups de Coeur”. The company came later after I saw a need for information in the industry. Damask & Dentelle's website was launched in October 2009 and is now recognized as one of Québec’s leading design blogs and web directory with a devoted following. As the curator of the site I am also a design blogger and trend observer. I created Damask & Dentelle as a way to reach out and share finds of Québec’s design boutiques, artisans and professionals to the consumers as well as people from the design industry.
 

You recently started hosting Sauvez les meubles at Canal Vie. Tell us more about this project:
Sauvez les Meubles is a new TV show airing since September, on Québec’s Canal Vie. Its concept is adorable (hey I am a little biased)! My mandate is to decorate a room in a couple’s home using their existing vintage furniture, hand-me-downs from family members and thrift finds… all for less than $500. I try to suggest as many cool DIY ideas as I can to give people the most bang for their buck and so far we’ve had some awesome reveals.
 
 
Reduce, reuse, recycle! Check out some ideas by clicking HERE.
 
 

Many new homeowners feel overwhelmed when purchasing a house. What is the first thing they should focus on?
With square footage at its peak rate in the city, one must find creative ways to maximize storage and function without neglecting style.
 
Think vertical. A great example of that is to extend your kitchen cabinets to the ceiling to store pots and pans that you seldom use.
Mirror effect. Mirrors have a way to refract light and make a room appear larger. I use them a lot in small places as a way to give rooms sparkle and glamour.
Go ghost or go big. Visual clutter can really hinder a room’s proportions. In order to counter that effect I either make great use of translucent surfaces like Lucite and glass, or I simply use fewer but larger pieces to furnish the room. There is nothing worse than seeing a tiny living room with a slew of tiny spindly chair legs everywhere.
Make a statement. I am a firm believer that small rooms are the perfect place for statements such as bold wall coverings or moody paint colours. Since the area to cover is small, the print will not be overbearing and yet it will give the tiny mudroom or powder room a lot of flair & personality.
 
 
Are there any new trends that you are excited to tell us about?
I am very much into neon right now. Maybe I was too young to really enjoy it the first time around, but I seem to be binging on highlighter colours. Another trend in which I am heading head first, is Kelly Green (I actually would go as far as to say that it will be THE colour of the year in 2013). It is a vibrant, fresh and crisp shade of green. It can be made to nautical, preppy, eclectic or classic, and best of all… all greens go well together. No trouble here trying to match shades of green.
 
 
Check out how Vanessa suggests you decorate with green by clicking HERE.
 
 
What are some of the common mistakes made by homeowners?
Not trusting their instincts and buying everything at once, from the same place. It is better to have a void in the room than to pack it up with things that are just fillers. The perfect piece of furniture will eventually find its way and fill that void as if it belonged there. Also, I often recommend to people to be mindful of the craftsmanship and provenance of the products they buy. Cheap (and I don’t mean inexpensive here) will always be just that… cheap.
 
 
What is a typical day like?
It starts early and often ends very late. My son calls me before 6am every morning and then the hustle bustle begins. I usually get to work around 8:30 and check all of my social media accounts as I rely a lot on social media for my business. On most days I will visit a store or two and squeeze some appointments with clients in the middle. The early evenings are spent with the kids and then work starts again after they go to sleep. I started my own business for the liberty it would give me, but I have to admit, I have never worked so much in my life. Luckily, I absolutely LOVE what I do so it makes it all better.
 
 
Name your top three songs:
Tom’s Dinner
Karma Chameleon
And Anything Ben Harper