Sunday, May 20, 2007

2 Deluxe Samples at Sears Clinique (with Jockey purchase?) until June 1


Wow. Clinique just keeps on giving freebies and GWP's don't they. Very generous! Unfortunately for me, I'm overstocked with both skincare AND makeup. Don't need any more...even if it's free. Don't feel like taking the time to go to the counter, getting a consultation, all that just for a freebie either.

Also, apparently there was also a freebie bag from Estee Lauder@ the Bay where you get samples of skincare in a cute little bag. That was about a week ago or so. If you're at the Bay, check it out to see if there's any left :) I heard it was a good one...but again, no time to check it out.

Oh, and Happy Victoria Day Canadians!

Enjoy the day off tomorrow...and enjoy your freebies if you manage to get 'em. :)

pics/info from sears.ca

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Underrated Beauty: Camilla Belle

Fashion/Style icons typically revolve around celebrities. Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot are classic icons. Nowadays, it's kinda hard to find a modern style icon since very few celebrities don't use a stylist. However, one young, striking beauty gets two thumbs up for NOT using a stylist, but still looking gorgeous at most, if not all events.

Camilla Belle. Most might know her from the thriller "When a Stranger Calls". Others might recognize her from the Miu Miu ads she did with Kim Basinger or the Vera Wang Princess ads. She's been in a lot of movies in her younger days (but I didn't know her then :P). She knows what she looks good in whether it is something young and colourful, graceful & ladylike, or chic & sophisticated. I love how she can look both young and fresh and mature depending on the event. Her thick eyebrows give her character and set her apart from all the other blue eyed blondes in Hollywood.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe this silver dress is by Fendi, as I remember seeing ads of it. I was not impressed by the model wearing it in the ad...but Camilla makes it look so 'cool' here. It's futuristic, yet glam at the same time!
This bright blue Oscar de la Renta dress with pockets is fitting for both her age and a daytime event. The silver Miu Miu shoes were kinda unexpected to go with a dress like this, but together, it looks fabulous.Here she is in another Oscar de la Renta dress. It's kinda cutesy but she looks great in it. I think dark haired girls look beautiful in red. Hilary Swank is also seen wearing this dress on the cover of an issue of In Style magazine this year. However, I think Camilla pulls it off better :)

The dress she wore at The Costume Institute Gala this year has been a hit or miss according to different people. The dress is Gaultier Paris Haute Couture. It's very goddess like IMO. It's actually quite refreshing to see someone who's actually covered up! Finally, a dress that's not strapless, halter, spaghetti strap, plunging neckline or backless. It's not my favourite, but I do like the unique factor of it.
Slightly more casual as this was taken at a Club Monaco event. The jacket is so elegant! I love how she makes the simplest pieces look so good.Something a bit different from all those gowns/cocktail dresses. I think this dress is by Chloe and the shoes are Prada.

It's too bad there aren't many candid photos of her as I'd love to see how her 'casual' style is. I definitely think she dresses in a unique and classy way, based on her fashion choices on the red carpet, fashion show and events unlike *cough* LiLo *cough*. That, or it could be her striking features or her long and lean figure.

Either way, this is a young Hollywood star that I feel has been underrated in terms of her striking looks and fashion sense. What do you think of Camilla Belle's style? What other celebrity do you feel has been underrated in terms of style & beauty?

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Shopping Addict Sample Sale (SASS) May 23-26


Click to view larger images. As usual, it's at their 129 Spadina Ave. store. Check out their website for more details www.shoppingaddicts.ca

School's Out! :D

I finished my FINAL exam early this morning, and to celebrate, I did a bit of shopping (again...cos this IS "Keep on Shopping")!

Purchased this soft sea green cotton Juicy Couture baby doll cami at 75% off. I promise you I'm not a fan of juicy...(I admit I have one of their 'signature' hoodies)...but some of their stuff that doesn't have a huge "JUICY" emblazoned on it look quite nice. I found the neckline quite flattering. The double spaghetti straps make this cami a bit more special than a regular high street store one.

Here is the back view where you see the typical elastic backing that many Juicy shirts have. I do like the pleated effect at the back though.

I adore Mike&Chris stuff for simple reasons. I love wearing plain tees, tanks, zip ups and jeans...but it tends to get a bit boring. THIS though, is casualwear with a twist! I already own a cropped hoodie from Mike&Chris, and adding to my collection is this Cody vest in dark, forest green. I dunno why it looks black in the pic...but for 80% off, it's cheaper than buying through online stores! It's still kinda hard to justify paying $200+ for this....but I won't complain when it's on sale.
Yes...this is a plain ol' wifebeater tank in plain ol' gray. This is a staple in my closet though. I own these tanks in different colours, patterns and brands. They're great to wear under (cardigan/jacket), over (tee or dress shirt), AND out (just by itself). You can even layer them..but I'm sure you all know that. Anyways I usually buy the high street store ones (Old Navy, Zara, TNA, Club Monaco etc.) but I've picked up 2 James Perse tanks in the past 2 months. A neon green one (perfect for summer) and this basic neutral one, both at 75% off.
Alright, I know what you fashionistas are thinking. Yes, this is an AE polo. It fits great and the bright orange is unique. I don't see many people in ORANGE these days. Beats me why all the previous AE customers have gone over to Hollister and Abercrombie...they're all the same to me. In fact, AE is cheaper AND you can actually see what you're buying because they turn on the lights! Maybe I'm just biased though cos I was an AE fan in high school ( I don't wear head to toe though..so I never looked like a beachy kid). Anyways, I should stop talking because I do have a hollister sweater and an A&F tshirt :P Not that I'm a fan...but they were on sale and gd basics y'know? =_=
Isn't he adorable? He was all alone and surrounded by 20 Chicken Littles, 1 Flounder, and a bunch of Cinderella mice. He was only $2.99, but I would've adopted him either way XD (This is Roo from Winnie the Pooh btw...).

Monday, May 7, 2007

John Masters Organics @ Blossom Beauty

After some studying at Starbucks today, I walked into Blossom, the bath and beauty store, just browsing randomly since I haven't shopped there in a long time.

My browsing turned into another small spree when I saw all the 50% off signs in the back.

I spent most of my time deciding what to purchase from the John Masters line. I've only heard of good things about it (and on Oprah)...so for 50% on selected skincare products, I was in heaven.

I purchased the Jojoba & Ginseng exfoliating face cleanser (pic) and French Green Clay & Green Tea Purifying mask for myself and the Linden Blossom Face Creme Cleanser for my mom (Mother's Day is coming up this Sunday guys!). I know what you're thinking, 2 items for yourself and only 1 for your mom?! I have other plans already, so the cleanser is just a bonus :)

I tried to find reviews on makeupalley, but no luck so far. I'll post my reviews when I actually get to using it...dunno when that'll be since I'm a product junkie.

Anyways, I learned more about John Masters on his site and you gotta love his philosophy:

All ingredients must meet my strict guidelines :


1. No sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, DEAs, MEAs, or TEAs
2. No GMOs (Genetically Modified Organism)
3. No petro-chemicals
4. No animal testing
5. No artificial colors, fragrances or fillers
6. Ingredients must be as organic as possible
7. All plant extracts and essential oils must be certified organic whenever possible
8. All essential oils used must be steam-distilled and not extracted with propylene glycol - which kills the effect of the oils
9. All plant oils must be cold pressed, not heat distilled - which kills the therapeutic properties of plant oils
10. All ingredients must be proven to be beneficial to the hair or skin
11. All ingredients must be harvested in an environmentally-friendly manner (wild-crafted)
12. All ingredients must be bio-degradable as possible
13. Fair-Trade ingredients must be used when possible

Find out more at the John Masters homepage.

Also, check out the sales at Blossom Beauty where you can find products from Bloom Australia, Lola, John Masters, Philosophy, Cake, Red Flower, Cherryflip etc. for 40-50% off! There are many great Canadian brands and other brands you won't find anywhere else including Blinc's kiss me mascara.

Have fun shopping!

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Gap x Rodarte Bow Top

Ok...everybody knows that the designer collaboration ( Doori, Thakoon, Rodarte) with Gap has been out for awhile. In fact, most places around the world (or is it the States only?) sold out when it first hit the shelves.

Anyways...I never really bothered looking cos:

1) I didn't know Canada would carry it
2) I don't know if it's worth it to purchase such an expensive cotton top because it's only a COLLABORATION, not the ACTUAL designer piece
3) Tons of people will flock out and purchase these tops/dresses...which means that it's not that unique anymore
4) Gap material is only ok...is it worth it to splurge on nice design, not so nice quality?

I called today, and one location still has one that MIGHT fit me...

So my question is: Should I buy it? It's $88 CAD..for a tank top...albeit a nice tank top. For those who bought it, anyone know how the sizing is? the quality of the top? is it worth the splurge?

*sigh* I need a (office) job. Would anyone like to hire me?

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Pupa Cosmetics

I first learned about this brand 7 years ago, when I took a tour around Europe during my high school summer. I was in Italy, at some random shop...when I saw this cute doll like figure that opened up to several palettes of make up. Unfortunately, the one I wanted (an angel that opened up similar to the one below) was the last one and on display...so I sadly left it.
I encountered this brand recently.. (well, about a year ago) at Shoppers Drug Mart! Gotta love their new "Beauty Boutique". I love Sephora...but it's always nice to help out our local stores (Sephora is owned by LVHM...as if they're not rich enough already :P). Besides, shopping at SDM means Optimum points AND gift with purchases (which you NEVER get at Sephora).
What I love about this brand is their adorable and playful packaging. Their palette sets are especially memorable. From dolls that open up to palettes in the shape of ice cream cones and animals, Pupa cosmetics makes an awesome gift for a friend or yourself. The price is reasonable too! I mean, something that's from Milan, Italy, ALWAYS looks good as a gift.
Their body care line, Miss Milkie is absolutely amazing! It smells great since it comes in scents like vanilla, white chocolate, candy floss, sweet almond or mint and is super hydrating. The little cow on the packaging is cute too!

Canadians, check it out at SDM or Sophie Cosmetics (Times Square Richmond Hill). You'll probably be more comfortable testing and playing with the items at SDM though since service at Sophie...fluctuates...depending on the SA.
International: you can purchase online at strawberrynet.com, though the selection is rather limited.

I can't wait to try more products from the Pupa line!

For more info, check ou the Pupa website.

picture credits: Pupa, http://www.scentsationsoftroon.co.uk, strawberrynet.com