Time for some beauty lovin’!

It’s a dull, chilly and rainy day in Montreal today and I feel a little down. So, I thought about sharing some of my favourite make-up goodies that make me happy. I’m a huge fan of Chanel cosmetics. In fact, it was the first brand of cosmetics I had ever used! Of course back then their skin tone range was atrocious. As much as I had loved the product consistency, I had to let it go since they pretty much came in 3 shades – light, medium and dark. Talk about being simplistic, especially considering how insanely multicultural urban cities tend to be! Anyhow, no hard feelings as brands have move forward and have begun carrying many shades. This also means it can sometimes be confusing! You know what they say, too many choices pretty much brings about the same qualms as too little choice. Human beings are annoying like that.

In any case for the past couple of years, Chanel has been doing a great job catering to a variety of skin tones and I’m happily on board again! Nothing beats their face products – the distinct scent, the gorgeous consistency and the fact that it generally delivers what it promises.

So, here’s a review of my favourite summer staples straight from my dresser:

Hydra Beauty Serum: The product is aimed at protecting, hydrating and adding radiance to the skin. I actually bought this one randomly on a whim when I went to buy something else. I LOVE putting it on and I must say it truly holds up on the hydrating promise. Being someone with normal to dry skin it’s a great addition to my make-up bag!

VitaLumiere Aqua: One of my favourite foundations EVER. It’s extremely light! I mean it’s lighter than BB creams as well as many tinted moisturizers I have seen. It really, really feels like you have absolutely nothing on. The effet seconde peau is actually the perfect description, as it really is like a second skin. It can be build-able up to medium coverage. I find it to be the perfect summer face product. It doesn’t wear off, stays put and looks and feels like you have absolutely nothing on! AMAZING.

Sublime de Chanel (mascara) : I love it! I had tried the Dior show a while back and was unfortunately disappointed, considering all the hype. This product pretty much made up for the things I found missing in the Dior Show. A key factor being the packaging. The Chanel mascara closes securely – you can actually feel it click, consequently the product just does not dry out. My dior show had dried out rather quickly due to the typical turning cap. This one does everything while remaining long-lasting. Better bang for the buck! I also love the simple, sleek packaging.

Poudre Universelle Libre: Although I don’t use this product regularly, especially in fall/winter, I do love it for the times when I need it. Being someone with skin that can get dry, I generally don’t use powder product as they make me look dehydrated. Therefore, finding a finishing power was an issue. This product fixed my problem perfectly well! I dust it on lightly during those humid summer days. It is very fine and totally disappears on application which is why it works great for the under eye area as well. Also, it lasts a really long time!

VitaLumiere: Like the aqua, this one is absolutely incredible as well! This is my fall/winter foundation where as the aqua I use in summertime only. I personally don’t like having too much product on the face. With this product, I have to use very little in spite of my dry skin tone and I love that my face stays moisturized all day long. Seriously, this is the perfect foundation for those dry and harsh fall/winter days. It feels amazing and looks beautiful. Gives me the healthy-glowy look in winter, every single time. Love it!

So Angels, these are some of my favourite products. I did a great deal of trial and error before I found them. Finding that perfect skin tone and type match is very difficult (my golden-yellowy-peachy-olive skin tone doesn’t make life any easier). The fact that so many of my make-up products turned out to be Chanel speaks volumes of their product quality and gives me enough proof of their product reliability. Of course for eyes, lips, cheeks there’s a whole slew of other products and some of my other favourite brands that I’ll definitely share in another post.

What are some of your irreplaceable beauty finds? Do share!

Love,

CharLee

PS: During a recent trip to Sephora with CharLie, I was very impressed by some of Givenchy’s make-up products. I SWEAR I’m not being biased due to my general love for Givenchy! Even CharLie can attest to it, she really liked them as well.

(click on photo to view full size image)

NEW ARRIVALS

Easy Ethereal Summer Style: This new, budget friendly, summer jewelry collection features delicate sterling silver necklaces, earrings and bracelets with iridescent mother-of-pearl, rose quartz, or cubic zirconia. All pieces available in either rose gold, yellow gold or rhodium plating.

Dressed up or down these elegant pieces are sure to compliment your summer wardrobe.

Prices from left to right: 1) $49 2) necklace $39, earrings $49, 3) earrings $57, necklace $58 4) $49 5) earrings $58, necklace $49

This collection also make ideal bridal party jewelry gifts; Pretty and affordable jewelry for bridesmaids for day of wedding and beyond.

Available at Zoran Designs Jewellery

285 King St. E

Hamilton, ON

info@zorandesigns.com

1-905-522-2214

What did you wear today?

There’s floral, orange, and great shoes involved. Thanks for the opportunity Erin!

Striped Tee: Forever 21 (similar)
Floral Pants: H&M
Sandals: Kelsi Dagger

Check back for your affordable beauty and fashion fix!

Follow Me on Twitter:  @lexlovescouture

Follow Me on Instagram: @lexlovescouture

Click here to like me on Facebook!

Check out my YouTube channel!

]]> http://ivyprosper.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/style-lingerie-influences-swimwear/ Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:57:10 +0000 Ivy Prosper http://ivyprosper.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/style-lingerie-influences-swimwear/ http://charmingcitystyle.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/summer-style-the-maxi-dress/ Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:00:03 +0000 Katie http://charmingcitystyle.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/summer-style-the-maxi-dress/ HELLO FRIENDS! I can’t begin to tell you how much I have missed this for the last 3 weeks! I didn’t mean to disappear, but sometimes work just needs all of your attention. Not to worry, I’m back now and I couldn’t be happier. So let’s just jump right into this fun week-long series I’ve decided to do, called Summer Style.

Summer is by far my favorite season. Beyond toes in the sand (those are my happy, sandy toes above!) I love the colors, and light breezy fabrics. I love the prints, and the fact that sun kissed skin just seems to make everything better. First on the list for summer style is a personal favorite of mine: The Maxi Dress! Why a maxi? Well I have a few reasons that this is a favorite.

1. It’s easy.
Please notice I said “Easy” not “Lazy.”  When the temperature rises, having simple outfits is critical. The perfect Maxi can do that. It goes with sandals or wedges, and can easily be made more interesting with accessories. Added bonus? It’s super easy to pack for a get away, which we all know, is what summer is made for.

2. It’s comfortable.
I firmly believe that there is nothing more UN comfortable than putting jeans on skin that is slightly damp (be it steam or sweat) and having them stick to you. A close second to that is putting on anything that is tight/heavy/constricting/not breezy cotton when you have even the slightest sun burn (*Side note here- I’m totally guilty of it too, but can we all just agree to really wear sunscreen this summer? Like, for real? and re-apply? I want pretty, unwrinkled skin for as long as I can have it, with the added bonus of not getting skin cancer.**)

I prefer my maxi dresses to be long. Like, border line too long. Mainly because I like to wear heels. But I recently purchased this one at Velvet Pearl (where you should totally stop on your way to Ocean City this summer. The store is amazing, and while it’s in Salisbury, it’s just a short detour off Rt. 50) with the intention of wearing it every day with flat sandals.

Via Revolve Clothing

A few years back I purchased what is probably my favorite dress of all time. It’s by a brand called Eight Sixty, and I picked it up at South Moon Under in Baltimore’s Harbor East. This is the newest incarnation, and I can promise you it’s worth every penny. It is so flattering, with a full skirt, and adjustable straps. I’ve seen this one at South Moon Under in Towson this year, so be sure to check it out if you’re local to Charm City.

I also love this simple maxi…

Via Alternative Apparel

This dress definitely wins out for simplicity, which leaves so many options for how and where to wear it. Add some bangles, a statement necklace, and wedges, and you are ready for date night. Some simple sandals, and big earrings, and you can do brunch with the girls. The versatility here makes it ideal to pack for a long weekend out of town. I’ve tried this on a Brightside Boutique and Art Studio and what makes it even more perfect is that it can easily be cut to the proper length (can I get an Amen from the short girls?) The next time you are in Federal Hill, you should stop in and see if they are still available.

Here’s a few other favorites:
(Clockwise from the title)
1. This strapless dress from Gap uses bright colors and bold stripes to add interest to a simple cut. Bonus? It can be worn 4 ways, including as a maxi skirt. I also like this one,  which comes in solid colors.

2. This is a cheaper alternative to the racer back dress I shared above, although with a defined waist, and more drape to the skirt. I love the slight v-neck too.

3. I couldn’t talk maxi dresses with out including something slightly boho. The floral print on this dress is  bright and fun, and the back is so cute! I also loved this one.

4. This pink dress from Old Navy has an amazing cross front top. I also love the defined waist, perfect if you choose to add a bold belt.

Any of the above options would be great to add to your summer wardrobe. And if you haven’t tried them already, I highly recommend grabbing a maxi dress. You will probably find yourself reaching for it all summer! If you have a favorite dress, or place to shop for them, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

XO

Shoes: Sam Edelman, model’s own

Hat: Carhart

Cuffs: Forever 21

Vest: Bullhead

Jeans, shirt: Model’s own

Necklaces: Assorted, thrifted

I always use a shoulder bag, but I hate it secretly and I had never told anyone until I see this super chic leather bag by Wendy Nichol. But first I have to explain why I hate-and-love shoulder bag because I know some of you are shoulder bag lovers. And I have no intention to make a bag-war on my blog, that would be nasty.

Anyway, I always have this strange pain around my shoulders whenever I carry my shoulder bag (which is obvious because I carry tons of trashes inside my bag, from my DSLR (I never want to use those ugly mainstream camera bags) to old magazines(why the hell I bring old magazines with me everywhere I go?!)) (disgusting!). That’s why I am in my private quest to find the perfect bag for my shoulders.

Well, the best sign I get so far is this Wendy Nichol bucket bag (the black one, not the white). And they’re leather. I know that I have a serious relationship with leather. It seems that every single leather item that I got is either trash or too fragile for my daily activities (or maybe I am a bag-destroyer type of person). But I have quite faith in this one.

What do you think?

P.S: Some people say that this bucket bag is for women (probably true). Well, I think it’s unisex. There are a lot of unisex items that look like for women only. Bah, sexism!

Taken from Garance Dore

Riri Woo:

Haha, that’s me ^

My picks from the Rihanna for River Island collection:

(Shop it at http://us.riverisland.com/women/rihanna-for-river-island-collection?pgsz=240)

For any fellow Rihanna fans, you’ll recognize the emblem on the hat below as the same Isis figure she recently got tatted on her chest!

This collection is so cute, I can’t wait for pictures of this stuff to start popping up on the blogs. Lastly, I am a major instacreep when it comes to this girl, so here’s some looks she’s rocked and ‘grammed recently that I love.

Both her top and skirt can be bought from her River Island collection! ^

Love and chicness to everyone this monday!

Brah warned me the waves might be killer, knowing that I am pretty afraid of things I can’t control, (e.g the ocean.) The last time I went anywhere near a wave higher than my head I wound up topless with a face full of sand.

Surfing dates still make great dates for beach bunnies. After dosing myself in sunscreen I worked on my tan, ate up the latest issue of Nylon Mag in one sitting, wrote a bit, and read a bit, with my feet in the sand admiring the gorgeous Rhode Island shore.

 Beach Bunny: A chick who watches surfers and pretends they can surf.  Hot, tan girl on the beach.

One on one beach dates are a hit or miss. Every time we go there is a 2 hour ride to the beach and back. Luckily brah & I met when I complimented his obscure indie band tee so music isn’t an issue. Also, he doesn’t mind that I make a horrible co-pilot. Things are good.

He’s pretty determined to get me up on a board. I’m thinking I’ll need an afternoon of back to back surfing films to inspire me and rid me of my fear. Starting with Blue Crush and then Blue Crush 2. Brah is in for a treat.

Here is my outfit of the day, my favorite bikini, what I pack in my beach bag, and my beauty secrets for keeping my beach bunny look going strong all day.

Outfit of the day

Top: the Gap, High-low skirt: O’Neil from Pacsun, Sandals: Volcom from Pacsun, Bikini: Mermaid in England.

Mermaid in England: Color changing swimwear 

When I was little I had a mermaid Barbie. Her glitter hair and swim suit changed color in my sink and bath. I loved last summer’s glitter extensions trend and am embracing this summer’s return of the 90′s to the fullest, so I knew I had to have a color changing bikini the minute I discovered Mermaid in England on Instagram.

I chose the gold to leopard pattern in a triangle top and string bottom. When it arrived in the mail (within 7 business days!) first I did a happy dance, then threw it on (it fits perfectly) and hopped into the shower. It turns from gold to leopard in hot or cold water. Brah thought a color changing suit was pretty cool and I’ve never seen another life sized one.

You may order your very own Mermaid in England suit here. Select patterns are up to 70% off!

The manicure

Polish: Superstitious by Revlon with a matte top coat

Rings: Midi ring – Urban Outfitters, turquoise ring – vintage

Bracelet: Urban Outfitters

In my beach bag

Here are the essentials for perfect beach hair, a flawless tan complexion, and sweet salty lips. Keep your style & personality just as radiant with the latest issue of Nylon, a good book, and a cute place to jot your thoughts.

Hair: Organix Moroccan curling perfection defining cream (or their Brazilian keratin oil), bobby pins, and hair ties

Skin: Neutrogena spray water proof sunscreen, Nivea moisturizer

Lips: Burt’s Bees replenishing pomegranate chapstick

I’m hoping to graduate from beach bunny to a real surfer soon. I have the look down, now all I need is some Kate Bosworth and guts.

A fun, light-weight dress with chunky sandals is always a great choice!

These Asos culottes will look great with any basic tank or tee. When in doubt, keep it simple!

On cooler days, pair these J. Crew cotton shorts with a light-weight three-quarter length sleeve shirt!

Pair cute sandals with everything! These Daisy Willow Sandals by Tabitha Simmons with go with various summer looks.

Keep all of your summer necessities in a cute, easy to carry backpack! This one by Marc Jacobs is perfect!

Every city girl knows that you can never leave the house without your sunglasses! Pick out a cute pair and never forget them!

Written by: Morgan Dudkewitz

Photo sources:

httprefinery29.com/bin/entry/b52/350x500b/1040914/01-opener-044-lauren-iino.jpg

http://images-ff.asos-media.com/shmotterstorage/4276/large_2206f22b-d15f-409f-8e21-2c2f0f7b2d40.jpeg

http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/61456_GR6634_m?$pdp_fs418$

http://www.shefinds.com/files/2013/05/TABITHA-SIMMONS%C2%AE-FOR-J.CREW-DAISY-WILLOW-SANDALS-IN-BLUE.jpeg

http://images.bloomingdales.com/is/image/BLM/products/5/optimized/1260855_fpx.tif?wid=1200&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=sharp2&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg

http://g.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/Large/15/_7535355.jpg

Shop all styles at http://www.lamodauk.com

Click here to see more on there Facebook Fan Page

Hello there stylish professionals! I decided to wear this black and white dress because it is perfect to go from day to night. I recommend wearing something like this on a Thursday as it translate well for Happy Hour or dinner with clients!

This dress was perfect for last Thursday. I attended the Nigerian Lawyer’s Bar Association Happy Hour at World Bar in Manhattan. I mingled a bit and chatted with friends and colleagues. I did not stay out as late as planned because I had a trial the next day! You have to look great, have fun, but take care of your business also! A girl has got to prioritize!

Dress: Zara

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Stay chic!

xxR

I was so busy last week! I was preparing for my first hearing that is actually a mini trial. It was an exciting process! Of course I found the time to pull myself together but not to post pictures!

I wanted to play with neutrals and came up with a clean look for this particular work day.  As the summer weather begins and the heat becomes unbearable, I recommend light, sheer, sleeveless tops. I think this is practical especially if you commute on the NYC subways! Also the fabric is breathable!  (Stay tuned for my post for summer work-wear essentials).  Check out my outfit details below.

Outfit details:

Top: Banana Republic

Skirt: Zara

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Stay fab!

xxR

You can also hear all the latest and the nominees from the Scottish Fashion Awards 2013.

 Outfit Details 

T – Shirt – My Own, Jacket – Burfitt,  Jeans – Gina Tricot,

Rings – Katie Lees

Photo Credit

Catherine O’Hara

]]>