Subscribe
Search
Monday
Oct272014

My Clairol Shift-A-Shade Hair Campaign Reveal

Pre-hair/pre-makeup. Let's just call this the BEFORE.

Hair can say a lot. Like clothes, your hair can tell people about your taste (or complete lack thereof), your personal hygiene, and even your ability to make rational decisions. As I mentioned a few weeks back, my hair is usually laissez-faire, and while it’s not extreme in a bad way (since I’ve kept my natural brown and obviously wash it regularly), it also doesn’t really say anything at all. It’s just kind of there. Which, in a way, is just as bad as an actress wearing a little black dress to every single movie premiere. I needed a serious shade shake-up. Luckily, Clairol swooped in to save the day when they asked me to be a part of their Shift-a-Shade Campaign, along with a few other lucky Canadian blogettes. Our mission: show up at Hair on the Avenue in Toronto for a full-day video shoot complete with a colour consultation, makeup makeover and styling session. Um, love my job.

First up was my consultation with owner of Hair on the Avenue, the formidable Luis Pacheco. As he eyed me over, I pleaded to go anything but red (I’ve gone there before and let’s just say I was far from a ravishing redhead). I could see him considering the selection of Clairol Nice ‘n Easy boxes and then he honed right in on a rich brown: 5N/118A – Natural Medium Neutral Brown. My natural hair colour is a light brown and I’ve always wanted to go darker, especially for fall. Luis totally read my mind. Phew.

Next up was my consultation with makeup genius Patrick Rahme. My husband’s currently working on a start-up, we’re living in the midst of a never-ending house reno, and my two kids have just started JK and Grade 1 in a new school in a new city, so the stress and lack of sleep are starting to manifest themselves as subpar skin and under-eye bags. With the magic of a few smart makeup tricks from Patrick, I became a well-rested, bright-eyed beauty. Like I said, genius.

After my new hair colour had been applied, I met with super stylist Alexandra Melancon. I wanted help justifying some more expensive pieces and also hoped to test-drive a jumpsuit, so Alexandra put me in an expensive black one-piece and a cool little bomber, a perfect high-low mix for my new look.

And the darker, deeper AFTER. KaZOW! 

It’s amazing what a difference shifting a shade can make. With my new darker ‘do, I feel more stylish, more sultry, and emboldened to try more Clairol colours at home. My hair is shiny, rich and healthy-looking and I’ve already gotten so many compliments on my colour. Why didn’t I do this before?!

Check out the fun video from my day at Hair on the Avenue below and then try shifting a shade yourself. Oh, and be sure to use this $2 off coupon for Clairol Nice ‘n Easy when you do.

Thanks for the fun, Clairol!

 

Go bolder. Go warmer. Go deeper. Go golder. With our broadest spectrum of natural looking shades, you can change it up and still look like your most amazing you. Get inspired and #shiftashade. Nice n' Easy with Colour-blend Technology is available in 44 shades. For more information visit Clairol.ca 

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Procter & Gamble via Mode Media Canada. The bloggers were compensated for the Clairol Shift A Shade campaign and were asked to review our products. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Procter & Gamble.

Monday
Oct272014

FALL ACCESSORY EDIT: Ear Crawlers

A gorge Smith & Mara ear crawler. Photo via Shopbop

I never jumped on the ear cuff bandwagon. I don't know - I was all over the punkness on Cara Delevingne and co. but they always just felt super awkward on me. The new ear crawlers literally crawl up your lobe, making a more subtle, more refined statement than last season's cuff.

I am LOV-ing the sleek gold versions from Smith + Mara and Elizabeth and James on Shopbop right now. Edgy but not way out there, I'll wear them everywhere this fall. Cool, right?

Here are a few of my favs from Shopbop right now:

 

 

Disclaimer: Real Life Runway occasionally receives vendor/brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.  

Friday
Oct242014

WEEKEND UPDATE: The New Off-Duty Essentials

Off-duty perfection. Photo via GAP

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When Friday hits, it's tempting to just throw on your jammies and be done with it. I mean, seriously, after the torture of control-top tights and the pressure of being buttoned-up all week, it's no wonder we need a little breathing room.

Luckily, off-duty dressing doesn't have to be sloppy. Step away from your saggy-bottomed joggers, ladies - these 10 on trend pieces will help you keep your cool (without sacrificing an ounce of comfort) all weekend long...

READ MORE...

 

Thursday
Oct232014

#WMCFW: My Interview with Caitlin Power

Fashion Week is in full swing and I've been running between Kitchener and Toronto every day to hit the shows. Deadlines? What deadlines? Husband? What husband? Kids? Okay, now I feel guilty. World MasterCard Fashion Week comes but twice a year and while I'm lucky enough to work from home 90% of the time, I wouldn't be much of a Canadian fashion bloggess without being there in the heart of the fashion action for Toronto Fashion Week. I've already seen some amazing shows this week and am furiously snapping pics to share with you. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for all of my live pics throughout the week before I post them here.

In the meantime, I sat down for a chat with Caitlin Power, one of the most exciting new designers on the Canadian fashion scene right now. Read on for my iVillage.ca interview with Caitlin about what makes a #POWERWOMAN, what’s inspired her for Spring ‘15, and why every woman should own a great dress. Okay, off to Toronto for Day 4. Sleep? What sleep?

READ THE INTERVIEW HERE...


 

Monday
Oct202014

Toronto's World MasterCard Fashion Week: 10 Designers to Watch

Photo via Sid Neigum

It's Day 1 of World MasterCard Fashion Week (aka Toronto Fashion Week) and I'll be racing back between Kitchener and Toronto to catch all the shows. I know - commitment, right? Tonight is Pink Tartan, the Mercedes-Benz Start-Up Competition and the Joe Fresh party which I am DYING to figure out. Is it a party? Is it a show? Is it both? I've heard rumours of a big surprise guest but nothing has been confirmed. Eek. Wish me luck and be sure to check back for updates throughout the week. In the meantime, here are the top 10 Canadian designers I can’t wait to watch next week...

READ MORE...