My Makeup Bag Essentials

Some of my most-asked questions that I get all have to do with my makeup: what I use, what I like, my favourites and my must-haves.  I'm definitely more of a curator than a collector when it comes to makeup, so when Upper Canada Mall invited me to participate in their Style Sessions, discussing my makeup bag essentials, I jumped at the chance!

I'll admit it - at one point of my life, I was a makeup hoarder. I lived for the next big collection, and purchased anything and everything in the cosmetics aisle. The result was an non-cohesive mess that made for a confusing morning getting ready, and actually masked my features rather than enhance them. Now I only choose quality products that not only work for me, but are universally flattering as well. From bronzer, to gel eye, to a signature lip colour; check out what my makeup bag essentials are  in Upper Canada Mall's latest Style Secret video.

Products mentioned:

1. MAC Cosmetic's Girl About Town lipstick
2. A cute makeup bag
3. Benefit's Hoola Bronzer
4. MAC Cosmetic's Fluidline in Blacktrack
5. The Body Shop's All-In-One BB Cream
6. Great quality brushes
7. MAC Cosmetic's Rebel lipstick
8. L'Oréal Voluminous Mascara

What do you guys think?  Do you have some of the same makeup bag essentials, and if not what's in your cosmetic pouch?  Did you like the video?  Let me know!

xo Joëlle

OOTD - Silk Neck Scarf for Spring

You guys know that I'm all about maximizing my wardrobe while staying on budget; so when I was challenged to find an outfit-making piece for under $100 I was up to the task.  Silk neck scarves are popping up everything for Spring, so I headed to the Dixie Outlet Mall right outside of Toronto to scoop one up for myself.  This gorgeous, colourful silk scarf was found at Winners and is the perfect addition to an otherwise plain outfit. I'm also loving how space-friendly the addition of a silk scarf is to your wardrobe - perfect for us condo dwellers.

Silk Scarf - Winners via The Dixie Outlet Mall c/o, Chambray Shirt - Winners via The Dixie Outlet Mall
White Jeans - Old Navy, Booties - Steve Madden

I'm loving the addition of colour that this scarf gives an outfit.  I can hardly wait for the weather to warm up to pair it with a white sun dress or an off-the-shoulder top.  There were so many gorgeous silk scarves to choose from at The Dixie Outlet Mall, be sure to head over and pick one up for yourself!

What do you guys think?  Are you into the silk scarf tied around your neck?  What do you use as a 'stunner piece' to make an outfit?  Let me know!

xo Joëlle

OOTD - Rachel Sin Floral Pencil Skirt

I'm laughing because Mother Nature has a strange sense of humour.  Just as I thought that winter was behind us, we get hit with a massive storm in Toronto that covered the city in a sheet of ice.  Well played, Mother Nature.  Well played.  Just because the weather outside is frightful at the moment, it won't stop my momentum towards spring dressing.  Take this gorgeous floral pencil skirt from Canadian designer Rachel Sin - I don't think that you could get a more seasonal appropriate piece!  Paired with a chambray shirt and some animal print pumps, this skirt looks equally stunning from day to night with the addition of a leather moto jacket. Winter weather be gone - bring on spring!

Floral Skirt - Rachel Sin, Chambray shirt - H&M, Pumps - Marshalls
Bag - Rebecca Minkoff

I've got serious floral fever with the digitized print of this skirt. I love how it almost looks like embroidery - such a cool detail!

This crazy weather may have me laughing, but this floral skirt means serious spring-dressing business.  What piece in your closet makes you most excited for spring?  Do you have crazy weather where you live?  Let me know!

xo Joëlle

OOTD - Spring Casual with Marshall's Canada

If there's one thing that get's me excited, is saving money.  As much as I love treating myself to nice things here and there, it's what I acquire at a bargain that really makes me happy.  Marshall's has always been a go-to of mine when wanting to add new pieces to my wardrobe without breaking the bank.  Take these distressed boyfriend-jeans for example: they're from the brand Joe's Jeans which are typically out of my financial comfort zone for denim, but were completely affordable when found at Marshall's!  Another area that I always have success in at Marshall's is their shoe section - these leopard pumps were just over $30.00 and I've literally worn them at least once a week since I got them!  I'm all for treating yourself, and investing in quality pieces but if those quality pieces are made more budget-friendly by Marshall's then sign me up!

Jeans - Joe's Jeans via Marshall's c/o, T-shirt - James Perse via Marshall's c/o
Blazer - Le Chateau, Shoes - Marshall's, Purse - Chloe Drew

Friends, meet my new handbag addition to the family: the Chloe Drew.  After coveting the bag since its inception, buying a look-alike and wearing it to the ground, and stalking it at our local Saks I've finally made the plunge.  I love how delicate the cement pink colour is, the chain details and how much this little cross body can actually carry!  While the Chloe Drew isn't for everyone, it's the perfect bag for me and I'm so excited to have brought her home.

What do you guys think?  Do you have luck when finding wardrobe pieces at Marshall's?  What are your best money-saving tips for your closet?  Do you like the handbag addition?  Let me know!

xo Joëlle

OOTD - Pink Culottes Jumpsuit

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, Twitter or Snapchat know that this week has been a crazy one for me - yes, it's Toronto Fashion Week.  I had rounded up my Fashion Week survival tips last season, but as always by the end of the day Friday I'm a frizzy, baggy-eyed, swollen-kneed mess.

I wore this incredible pink jumpsuit on Day 3 of fashion week, and I seriously think that this is my soul outfit: pink, jumpsuit, culottes! For my petite friends who are nervous to give culottes a try, I say go for it - just make sure that the pants fall way above the ankle and you pair them with some heels. This shade of dusty pink has quickly become a season favourite for me, and I'm definitely after more items in this colour to add to my closet.

Jumpsuit - TopShop, Heels - Vince Camuto, Blazer - Le Chateau

Although I'll mostly found in flats in my day-to-day life, there's nothing more empowering and elongating than a pair of heels.  Fo those of you who have difficulty waling in heels, give t-straps a try.  The added security of the strap makes walking a breeze - so much so that I actually walked across town in these babies for dinner.  Heels or no heels, one thing is consistent with me: I will always travel for pizza.

What do you guys think?  Are you into the jumpsuit, or is it too retro for you?  What do you think about this dusty shade of pink?  Let me know!

xo Joëlle

OOTD - Grey Coat for Spring

Typically around this time I'm focusing on transitional winter-to-spring outfits, but with the warm weather we experienced in Toronto over the weekend it was straight into Spring.  If only I could write poetry about how much I love this long line, oversized grey coat.  Seriously, this recent Spring wardrobe score has totally won over my heart with its casual silhouette, lighter fabric and the fact that it covers my tushy nicely. Paired with a grey t-shirt dress, nude lace-up pumps and my favourite leopard clutch (dusted off from the wardrobe), I'm ready to take on the new season.

Coat - TopShop, Dress - Aritzia, Shoes - Le Chateau, Clutch - Clare V

If you read my previous post about investment pieces, this leopard clutch from Clare V is definitely a case on why it's good to invest in handbags.  I've had this bad-boy for years and while it isn't in my daily rotation anymore, the clutch always makes me happy when I wear it.  Maybe it's the old Italian lady in me, but I firmly believe that any outfit could do with a little leopard print - am I right?!

I'm happy to have skipped straight from winter to spring and although the weather in Canada is temperamental, I hope that it's here to stay! What do you guys think?  Do you like the neutral shades of grey?  Was your weekend gorgeous weather-wise as well?  Let me know!

xo Joëlle

OOTD - Grid Scarf

Happy Spring!  I may be jumping the gun just a bit, but the temperatures have been so mild in Toronto and with no signs of cooling I think it's safe to say that Winter is done for another season.  As  much as I'm excited for warmer weather, I will miss a few things from winter; mainly the faux fur and blanket scarves.  This grid scarf is a great addition to any winter wardrobe and because it's a lighter palette I may be able to wear it into Spring. Coupled with some over the knee boots and a black shift dress, this grid pattern is great for adding some interest to an otherwise plain outfit and I'm happy to have it included in my last winter outfit of the season!

Scarf - Aldo, Dress - Forever 21, Boots - Zara

What do you guys think?  Are you happy for the arrival of Spring?  What will you miss from Winter?  Let me know!

xo Joëlle

Photos by Janine Co Photography

OOTD - Grey Floral Midi Skirt

I'm going to let you guys in on a little secret, a resolution of sorts that I've been trying to uphold for a few months now: I've really cut back on my fast-fashion shopping. Although tempting, I've made a conscious effort to stay away from my old favourite stores of Forever 21 and Zara in favour or smaller boutiques.  While I have absolutely nothing against Forever 21 or Zara, I found that I just couldn't control myself when confronted with so much variety and would end up leaving the store with bags full of clothes that would ultimately get donated after one wear.

In my quest to step back from my old favourite stores, and to shop a little more mindfully, I stumbled upon Pink Martini.  I love finding an online store that seem to have curated a selection completely for you.  Take this grey midi skirt for example - I couldn't have found a piece of clothing that was more me if I had designed it myself.

So while I'm not totally converted, and I do still plan to eventually go back to my old favourite stores,  I've been loving the results of smaller-shop shopping.  My poor city-condo closet thanks me as well.

Skirt - Pink Martini, Top - Zara, Shoes - Le Chateau, Purse - Forever 21

What do you guys think?  Have you ever taken a break from your most shopped-at stores?  What were the results?  Let me know!

xo Joëlle