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Entries in Fashion (150)

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.

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

Winter Coat Brands to Watch + WIN 2 Tickets to Heart of Fashion at the Shops at Don Mills

Camel Car Coat, $268, Oak + Fort

While the ubiquitous Canada Goose Parka is a fail-proof bet against the impending 'T-Rex of Winters', it's always nice to be reminded of some of the lesser-known coat brands out there. The Shops at Don Mills got in touch to share some of the amazing coats they carry so I thought I'd share them with you. One of my new favs? Oak + Fort. Have you seen? Have you been? Watch for more from Oak + Fort on Real Life Runway from now on.

Speaking of the Shops at Don Mills, the legendary Heart of Fashion event is coming up this Saturday Oct 25th and aims to raise $680K. Crazy, right? Funds will go to support the acquisition of radioactive seed localization, which offers a non-invasive and extremely precise way of pinpointing and removing small tumours in the breast. North York General Hospital will be the only hospital in the GTA to have this technology. 

Over 500 stylish guests (including me!) will gather this Saturday to experience the fusion of food and fashion in support of North York General Hospital’s BMO Financial Group Breast Diagnostic Centre(BDC). Guests will be treated to a night full of amazing food, cocktails, entertainment, a live auction (including coveted tix to this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in London) and a fashion show featuring exclusive retailers from the Shops at Don Mills and prestigious Canadian designers Christopher Bates, Fotini Copeland and David Dixon. 

Now for the best part: the Shops at Don Mills have given me 2 tickets to give away to you! The prize pack is valued at $500 and includes 2 tickets to the Heart of Fashion event, including the fashion show, cocktail party and fabulous food stations. It's going to be an amazing night out and I can't wait to see you there.

HERE'S HOW TO WIN THE COVETED TICKETS:

1. Leave a comment below telling me your fav winter coat brand.

OR

2. RT the following: '@realliferunway is giving away 2 tickets to the Heart of Fashion and I want to go! RT to win. #HeartofFashionNYGH http://bit.ly/1zhYhtS' 

3. Contest closes 5 pm this Thursday. I'll announce the winner Friday morning!

4. Contest open to residents of Ontario only.

5. Good luck! xx

 

Oh, and if you're currently on the hunt for a cozy new winter coat, check out some the outerwear brands I'm loving right now:

 

Oversized Single-Breasted Coat, $218, Oak + Fort 

Nobis Meredith Coat, $845, Mendocino

Pajar Puffer Coats in Olive & Blue, $675, Leigh & Harlow

Akiva Coat, $850, and Kay Fur-Trimmed Puffer Coats, $750, both Mackage

Moscow Coat, $720, Madame Moje

Friday
Oct172014

The Lovely Joe Fresh Holiday Lookbook

Photos via Joe Fresh

The Joe Fresh Holiday Lookbook arrived in my inbox recently and since I've finally accepted the cold weather, I think it's only right to share it with you. In a word: dreamy. The styling is perfect - the Nordic knits, the chunky scarves, the faux fur trims, and even the socks worn with heels. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it. And because it's all Joe Fresh, it's affordable and wearable, so this fashion dream can actually come true for you (and you and you and you). The holiday collection drops in stores throughout November and December.

Speaking of Joe, I'll be heading to Toronto next week for Spring '15 World MasterCard Fashion Week so be sure to follow me all next week on this blog (and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) for my pretty people pics from the street, the studio and the big shows at David Pecaut Square.

Until then, happy weekend! Isn't it always?