Arm-candy: Lena Erziak

More arm-candy to spend my money on...Lena Erziak's Spring 2010 collection. The choice of colour, material and design is superb! I have a magenta-coloured MK bag but the colour doesn't even come close to Lena's Romeo hobo-style bag below!

Lena Erziak is designed by sisters, Leona and Hasna Erziak who opened their first NYC boutique in Spring 2009.

The collection is designed with uncompromised detail, expertise and craftsmanship. This is evident in the vibrant-coloured leather, materials, hardware and finishing touches such as tassels and studs. What's more, all bags are handmade in Florence.

Lena Erziak bags can be found downtown New York at their boutique Stella Filante as well as Fred Segal and Intermix. So far it doesn't look like the bags are available in Canada which doesn't come as much of a surprise.
See the entire collection...

Liberty of London

After anxiously awaiting MAC Liberty of London collection, I went to MAC right away to make sure nothing from the collection was sold out.

First of all, the packaging is crazy nice! I love the white background with vibrant Liberty of London designs. Although, I didn’t end up getting everything I had planned, I wasn't disappointed and did walk away with Blooming Lovely and Ever Hip lipsticks.

Blooming Lovely is definitely unlike than anything I already own or that MAC has previously released. It’s a creamy, matte, opaque lipstick in a light mauve tone. It’s an Amplified Crème lipstick which I’ve never tried before but I am loving the rich creaminess and full coverage on my lips. The MAC artist recommended I wear it with a purple-pink blush so I tried Two Virtues mineral blush from the Too Fabulous collection but wasn’t loving the look for me. Maybe Azalea Blossom from the Spring Forecast 1 collection would have looked better but it was sold out.

Ever Hip is a very wearable peachy-coral Cremesheen lipstick. It is also creamy but a little more transparent than Blooming Lovely. It’s a great colour for spring/summer especially with a tan or some bronzer.

My #1 fav before today was Petals and Peacocks lipstick however after seeing it in person I realized it is almost exactly the same as Show Orchid lipstick. The MAC artist compared them side-by-side and I couldn’t even tell the difference. What a disappointment! They could have made the colour a little different.

I was also planning on buying the Shell Pearl beauty powder but it wasn’t anything special. It’s a great highlighter but I would be pretty much just buying it for the packaging.

I love Nicholas Kirkwood

Get a load of this footwear - Nicholas Kirkwood's Spring/Summer 2010 collection! I love the vibrant colours and contemporary architectural design of the shoes. These are total statement pieces.

Below are my favs from the collection:

Loving these hot pink and abstract animal-print sling-backs! Fun, fun, fun!

The heel and platform are amazing! So modern and sophisticated.

Great colour-combo - kelly green and purple snakeskin. Nice!

Check out the complete Nicholas Kirkwood Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

Purple Pop!

Let’s talk Purple Pop from China Glaze’s new Spring 2010 collection. I usually don't go for nail polish colours other than pinks, reds, sparkles and whites however this colour is AMAZING! Since I put it on I've got compliments from friends, co-workers, cashiers, etc... It is surprisingly neutral for a purple polish.

The colour is super pigmented so you only need two coats for complete and even coverage. For a dark colour the application is great - like most China Glaze polishes.

Another thing I like about this polish, and the entire Up & Away collection, is that they all contain nail hardeners which is a nice extra.

I also bought Peachy Keen and Re-Fresh Mint which I will be trying out later in the week.

Jimmy Choo for H&M

I just arrived at work after lying and saying that I had a doctor's appointment this morning so I could purchase the last remnants of the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection being sold from the window display. I waited in line for an hour which was completely worth it as I walked away with the leather medium sized bag I wanted as well as two of the rhinestone encrusted bracelets. So happy!

Rudsak Vente d’échantillon - Montreal

I just got back from Montréal and had an amazing time. Although it was a trip planned to see my boyfriend’s sister’s new baby, I found some time to do a little shopping. For weeks I had been eyeing these Rudsak caramel-coloured boots but I was not wiling to shell out $400 for them. Low and behold on the way to Bo Bébé for my boyfriend’s sister, in the factory district of Montreal, my boyfriend and I spotted Rudsak with a sign saying “Vente d’échantillon” (sample sale) in the store window! I not only found the caramel-coloured boots I wanted but I also found a pair of thigh-high navy boots – $150 each! I wanted to buy more than two pairs but that would have been a little excessive…apparently. What a score!

They have lots of gorgeous boots, jackets, bags, accessories for men and women! Check it out:

Rudsak9160, ST-LAURENT,
SUITE 400 MONTRÉAL
Québec H2N 1M9

Alexander McQueen for PUMA

I am anything but a running shoe type gal however the new Alexander McQueen for PUMA collection is seriously hot. This collection rooted around 'Power' - physical and mental - is a sport collection with a high-fashion twist. The collection includes both men and women's fashion and footwear.

These shoes are my fav. Love, love, love them!

'Crane vs. Tiger', the new iconic brand image created by fashion photographer Nick Knight and Alexander McQueen.

Want to see more? Click here

F/W 09 Must-haves

Fall is well underway. It's the best time of year for emerging styles and trends. A season of inspiration and experimentation! The season’s fashions are out in full-force and I am definitely inspired. Here are a few of my fav trends - get inspired!

# 1 - Cropped biker jacket



Twenty8Twelve

Victoria's Secret

#2 - Vibrant coloured coats

Carolina Herrera

French Connection

# 3 - Statement jewelry

Bebe

Ranjana Khan

#4 - Thigh high boots

Stella McCartney

Victoria's Secret

#5 - Boyfriend blazer

French Connection

Express

#6 - Dramatic Makeup

Chanel Collection Noirs Obscurs

M.A.C Greasepaint Stick

MAC Style Black Collection

I can't wait for the MAC Style Black collection to be released on September 24! For me, the Makeup Art Cosmetics collection was a disappointment. But this line, especially after seeing the Elle Gossip Girl shoot of Chuck and Blair, is going to be hot and very chic. Not sure if I’ll be sporting the black lipstick but there are lots of other products in the line that are still very edgy and sexy.

Can’t wait to try the Grease Paintstick, Mineralize Eye Shadows in Young Punk (Black with pink purple pearl) and Glimmerglass in Blackfire (Sheer black with pink purple pearl). I am also very interested in the Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask (see below). Beware most products of LE (Limited Edition), so stock up!

Check out the complete lineup:

Lipstick ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)
Black Knight Creamy true black (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)

Mattene ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)
Midnight Media Dense matte black (Limited Edition)

Night Violet Deep purple grape (Repromote) (Limited Edition)

Glimmerglass ($18.00 U.S. / $21.50 CDN)
Bling Black Sheer black with gold pearl (Limited Edition)
Blackfire Sheer black with pink purple pearl (Limited Edition)
Blackware Creamy true black (Limited Edition)

Mineralize Eye Shadows ($19.00 U.S. / $23.50 CDN)
Cinderfella Black with silver pearl (Limited Edition)
Young Punk Black with pink purple pearl (Limited Edition)
Gilt by Association Black with gold bronze pearl (Limited Edition)
Blue Flame Black with blue pearl (Limited Edition)

Grease Paintstick ($17.50 U.S. / $21.00 CDN)
Black Intense black (Limited Edition)

Penultimate Liner ($16.50 U.S. / $20.00 CDN)
Rapidblack True black (Permanent)

Eye Kohl ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)
Smolder Intense Black (Permanent)

Cream Colour Base ($16.50 U.S. / $20.00 CDN)
Black Creamy True black (Permanent at PRO)
Bat Black Burgundy black with pink pearl (Permanent at PRO)

Nail Lacquer ($12.00 U.S. / $14.00 CDN)
Nocturnelle True black (Cream) (Permanent)
Seriously Hip Black with gold particle pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)
Baby Goth Girl Black with pink and purple pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)

Brushes ($23.00 U.S. / $27.50 CDN)
#214 Short Shader Brush Short, rounded, double-chiselled brush with soft, natural bristles. Can be used with shadow to line and smudge around the lash line and very effective for densely shading lids. (Permanent)

Volcanic Ash Exfoliator ($19.50 U.S. / 23.50 CDN)
For all skin types. Volcanic ash (in the form of mineral-rich clay), sugar crystals and natural enzymes combine to exfoliate and remove excess oils from the skin. 3.4oz (Limited Edition)

Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask ($19.50 U.S> / $23.50 CDN)
Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask contains natural volcanic ash to cleanse and treat the skin. The mineral-rich ash works with oat kernel flour to help absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface. A combo of natural oils (lavendar, sunflower, safflower seed and evening primrose) help lubricate the skin, leaving it feeling soft and moisturized. It helps to even out the skin’s texture and leaves the skin feeling smooth and perfected for makeup application. The unique formula glides effortlessly onto the skin, allowing ample playtime. The mask heats up on the skin when used with water and removes impurities from the surface, leaving skin looking radiant and fresh. Use 1-3 times a week. Derm-tested, non-acnegenic and for all skins. 3.4oz (Limited Edition)

Shopping in Sin City

I am planning a trip to Vegas which revolves almost exclusively around shopping! On my first trip to Vegas last year I never expected it to be a must-stop shopping destination, as it is mostly known for the gambling and party-scene. I was however pleasantly surprised to discover unlimited shopping and the most amazing outlet mall - known as the Las Vegas Premium Outlets.

Some of the stores include:

• Dolce & Gabbana
• 7 For All Mankind
• BCBG Max Azria
• Burberry
• Marciano
• Hugo Boss
• M Missoni
• Miss Sixty
• Salvatore Ferragamo
• True Religion
• Stuart Weitzman
• Kate Spade
• Michael Kors
• David Yurman
• Swarovski

Best deal:

• Burberry's Classic Double Breasted Trench for $350!!

Other great deals:

• Burberry mini clutch for $50
  
• Marciano black patent leather pumps from for $15,
  
• Marciano shirts and dress for under $25,
  
• French Connection shirts and dresses for under $30,
  
• Coach silk scarf for $25
  

Last year I was not prepared but this year I am ready!


I will follow up when I get back with a full list and pictures of all my great finds!

Nails: Silk Wraps and neon hot pink

Selon moi, the two hottest trends for nails this season - Silk Wraps and neon hot pink. It's been a few months since I first tried Silk Wraps and now I'm a complete Silk Wrap advocate.

What are they?

A Silk Wrap is quite simply a small piece of silk applied over the natural nail solidified with a gel formula.

What I like about them?

• Protects nails while at the same time adding strength and even length
• Last for up to 3 weeks before needing to be refilled
• Cost: $40 full set, $25 refill
  
• Best thing: neon hot pink nailpolish never chips on them!
  

If you're from Toronto check out Jenny's Nails (5418 Yonge Street - 416-222-5450). Jenny does a great job, and as far as I know, her salon is the only one in Toronto that does Silk Wraps.

For the hottest nailpolish colour this season - neon hot pink - try Essie and China Glaze.

Mascara

I'm a total mascara junkie! So what better to blog about for my first post!

Unfortunately, I wasn't born with naturally long, curly or thick lashes so I am always looking for that one-and-only dream product. Needless to say I haven't found it yet but here are some of my favs:

• Lancôme High Définicils, L'extrême and Hypnôse
• Christian Dior DiorShow
• MAC Zoom Lash
• Cargo Texas Lash
• Clinique High Impact
  

Have you found that one-and-only dream mascara? Let me know!