Cold Evergreen

Black and White Shoes

Day

Marino Sunglasses Coffee // Donni Together Double-Layer Scarf

Stripe Pointed Toe Flat // Slouchy Cashmere Sweater // Boyfriend Jean

Night

DVF 440 Envelope // Laced Up Ankle Boot Sandal // Cupro Dress // Colorblock Wool Blend Coat

Still Chilled

I would have worn heels, but then I would have slipped and died.

Beanie: Aritzia // Peacoat: American Eagle // Boots: Hunter

Crewneck: GAP // Skirt: H&M // 

February Favourites

Skin and Hair

L'Oreal Nutri-Sleek for Dry, Unmanageable Hair If you have thick, unmanageable long hair, this product will probably save you numerous headaches. I absolutely need some sort of detangler, regardless of which shampoo or conditioner I'm using. I was really excited about the Kerastaste hair oils, but I figured I'd try the less expensive dupe first. It has a really strong, floral scent (reminds me of YSL's Opium perfume), so if you prefer unfragranced, or citrusy smells, this isn't for you. I usually use a few pumps when my hair is damp, comb out, and then blow-dry. It leaves my hair feeling really soft and there's no need to add in anything more until your next wash. Not sure if it's a combination of hair products I'm using, but my hair hasn't been very frizzy or untamed looking since I started using this. ~$8

L'Oreal Volume Collagen Body Boost I ran out of my volumizing hair mousse (which sucked by the way), so I went for a different formula - this time a root lifting spray. It's a stupid reason to be excited about a hair product, but I absolutely love the smell of this thing. It reminds me of passion fruits. I also really appreciate the nozzle which makes spritzing roots a piece of cake. I'll be honest and say that it doesn't give my hair crazy body, but it does help it from becoming lifeless too quickly. I can wash my hair every other day and not worry that I look like I got rained on in between washes. ~$8

The Body Shop Sink-In Moisture Mask Winter calls for extra hydration and this is now my go-to for when my regular face moisturiser isn't cutting it. It's not like other masks, in that you don't have to wipe away any excess product; water nor wash cloths are required. I essentially use it the same way I would use a thick moisturiser, but I don't massage it in all the way. It kind of sinks in on it's own and I find that my skin feels better if I just let it sit first as opposed to when I rub it in for quicker absorption  After one or two uses, my skin is back to normal (plump and healthy) and I can go back to my regular routine. Smells wonderful, like a mixture of tonic water, baby powder, and roses. It has a jelly texture in the tub, but thins out really quickly when you apply it. ~$22

For your insides

BELL Master Herbalist Help for Skin Disorders If you follow my blog and read the When Less is More: Reviewing Your Skincare post, you`ll know that I have challenges with eczema. After seeing a naturopathic doctor and getting accustomed to probiotics, I`m now very much into finding herbal remedies for skin issues. Your skin reflects how healthy you are on the inside, so it makes sense to fix any problems you may have from the inside out. These capsules have really made a difference, getting rid of random flare-ups during the day. My eczema has calmed over the years, but I do get spontaneous red blotches when the air is dry (I think that`s what causes it anyway). Not any more. What really sold me was that it doesn't have your typical eczema-curing ingredients like olive oil, turmeric, or apple cider vinegar. It's entirely made up of grape root extract, bitter sweet extract, sarsaparilla, juniper berries, and neem extract. It was fairly inexpensive considering how much relief it will give you, but if you're taking it steadily, you'll probably be back for another bottle in about a month. ~$25

Emergen-C Those of you who are in Canada are aware that our winter is seriously dragging on, to the point where it depresses you and/or gets rid of your motivation to get out of bed in the morning. Not only has it been hard to stay focused for the past month, it has also been hard to stay sniffle-free. Emergen-C has been getting around a lot, plenty of bloggers have recommended it. It's an easy recco because it tastes great (think of an effervescent vitamin c tablet in water...like a slightly watered down carbonated orange juice) and it really does work. Not only does it fend off colds, it also gives me a rejuvenating boost of energy in the morning. +1 for packaging too! ~$15

Slimming Your Winter Silhouette

Why is it that all of the YouTube gurus and fashion bloggers just happen to reside in LA?

I'm in Canada. It's almost a painful yearning.

I get cold just looking at the weather forecast, which by the way has warned us of the current snowstorm outside my window. Yay. But like my fellow Torontonians, I can't let the weather stop me. I just refuse to look like my former self in elementary school when I couldn't care less about the size, shape, and colour of my outerwear. Shoes and bottoms included. There is no ski hill downtown, I can't wear snowpants.

So for those of you who also want to demonstrate that you still have a figure, here are some of my tips and tricks.

Unless you don't mind wearing a bomber or ski jacket (which can look equally as sexy if you style it right), here are the simplest rules.

1. Dark colours, like black, charcoal and navy, are slimming colours. Dark vertical lines and stitching can help bring the focus inward, draw in your waist, and elongate your silhouette as well.
2. A coat with a drawstring stitched inside, or a belt on the outside, will tie in your waist.
3. If you're petite, try not to go too long with your coat because you could end up cutting your body in half (same goes for your boots). I have this problem.
4. Fat on the top, slim on the bottom. Fat on the bottom, slim on the top. Never both. Don't be a Teletubby.

Wardrobe Helpers

 A black or charcoal vest  It's a little easier to get the outerwear right when you have a nice coat, but what about those days when you want a chunky sweater? Here is your answer. The black vest will add another dimension to your outfit and also give you some shape. I wear mine with dolman sleeves as well and it really does the job. Sometimes I get lost in spacious clothing and this helps.

Skinny belts  They're like $8 each. I suggest getting one in black and one in a neutral shade (blush pink is a cute alternative to nude). Believe me, you'll use them for everything. Pants, dresses, long cardigans and sweaters, jackets, and skirts...check!

Black leggings  Remember fat on top, slim on bottom? This is your extra versatile bottom. You can wear it with anything as long as your top is long enough. What I love about this pair in particular is that the stitching is so ingeniously placed. There is curved stitching on the thighs and the calves that slim you right down, giving added definition. Just don't make the mistake of wearing these like pants. They aren't pants. Wear something to cover your bum.

You probably have some version of all of these in your closet already. And if you do, consider yourself ready to brave the snow. Good luck!

January Favourites

 Kiehl's Ultra Facial Set  My skin is on the dry, sensitive side. I've had/still have (frustrating) experiences with eczema and rosacea, so I'm very cautious with the products I put on my skin. Keihl's has really lived up to it's bestseller name - these three have been working wondrously on my skin. The facial cleanser, with its creamy texture and a pearl-like colour, foams and lathers well. It leaves my skin feeling clean without feeling taught. Ever since having a derma-specialist comment that my skin was super dehydrated, I've been bent on trying to quench its thirst. Luckily, Kiehl's comes highly recommended, so it was easy to know where to go from there.  I haven't tried the line on myself twice a day, but it definitely seems gentle enough for morning and nighttime use. The toner is milky, so again, very gentle. The cream has a more watery-like texture (not runny, but nothing like a thick night cream). Everything is fragrance-free and inexpensive as far as skin solutions go. Officially one of my favourite trios. ~$25 cleanser, ~$22 toner, ~$56 cream

The Body Shop Aloe Gentle Exfoliator  I've stayed away from harsh exfoliators, with beads and nut shells in them, for fear of going too far. Chemical exfoliators with lactic acid have been a good alternative, but I've found that they can easily dry out my skin and bring back patches of eczema here and there. This exfoliator does the trick. I can exfoliate every day without worry. Fragrance-free as well. $14.50

Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Moisturiser  I had a craving for chocolate that I couldn't avoid. This happened. Just love warm scents in winter. ~$8

Batiste Dry Shampoo  I swore off dry shampoo after my Dove experience, but ladies, I've found one that works! Baby powder helps absorb oil, but I have a bigger problem with just having limp hair after a day of not washing. Batiste helped bring back the clean feeling and puff up my hair enough to give me my confidence back. It will leave a white residue, but it goes away right after a comb out. Fresh hair all day after that. Smells citrus-y, but they also have a tropical version if you're into that. ~$8

Make-up and Minis

Pecksniff's Calm Hand & Body Moisturiser  Since my last trip to Europe, I've been in love with this hand cream. It smells like ginger, which I've learned can be a hit or a miss depending on the person. I personally love the smell because it's so refreshing from the normal perfumed, overly cake-smelling, hand cream. Don't get me wrong, I like cake too. But imagine what a ginger souffle might smell like. This is that. I would recommend Origin's Ginger Souffle Cream for anyone that can't find this particular brand.

Purell Hand Sanitizer  I've had a persistent cold for the entire of January. For fear of getting even worse, and infecting everyone else, this is a staple of my purse and desk. It's a cheap, but no less significant piece of my arsenal. ~$1

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 in Mango  Thank the lord for this product. I've tried Carmex, Burt's Bees, Blistex, and Vaseline in combination with huge intakes of water and yet still, my lips remain chapped and ugly and blistered and hurting. This lip balm is about the only thing right now that doesn't irritate my lipline and cause worse chapping. I can't say that my lips are forever smooth even though I'm using this, but it definitely helps. I think once this cold weather dies down, I will have no problems. ~$8

Revlon Photoready Concealer  If you read my previous posts, you may know that I swore by Bobbi Brown's concealer. That said, I was convinced that there was a drugstore substitute, so I picked up my shade from Revlon and voila! I have a new favourite. It's thick in texture, but glides on really well with the twist-up stick. I really appreciate the fact that it doesn't require extra tools for a perfect application. Just swipe, and pat with a clean finger to blend in. Even without setting powder, it doesn't crease very much. Excellent coverage for dark circles. Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a beginner concealer or just an inexpensive one! ~$13

MAC Perfect Topping Skin Finish  I won't lie. I dug this one out of my make-up bag after a long hiatus. When I first purchased it, I found that it gave me more of a silver-y glow as opposed to a golden one. I usually prefer golden highlighters, but this looks really great in the winter time. Freshens your whole face without looking too silver. I wish I could tell you how much it costs, but I honestly don't remember. I guess what you can take away from this, if not that you want to purchase this item in particular, is that you shouldn't be afraid to try a silver-y highlighter this season. Gold highlighters look great with a bronzed look, but I've found that if you want to go for ``youthful, fresh and healthy,`` a silvery-pink highlighter goes a long way.