BEST OF: Sheet Face Masks (Sunday's Best)

Sheet face masks are a great alternative to regular wash-off face masks.  They make masking quick and effortless, as it is as easy as taking a sheet out of a pouch and placing it on your face.  They're awesome for on-the-go, and they're super easy to throw in a suitcase or carry on!  I'm totally guilty of being lazy with my skincare routine, so I was excited to try out some sheet masks and share my favorites!

Hydrating Masks

$12, Sephora

Karuna Hydrating+ Mask is a restorative moisturizing mask perfect for those with dry, sensitive and even oily skin, as it is oil-free.  (Oily skin needs hydration too!)  I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical trying this as I have very oily skin, but it just left my skin super hydrated and glowy.  (And who's not all about that fresh and glowy look this season?!)

$4, HB Beauty Bar

The Crème Shop Drink Up, Skin! Animated Animal Face Mask takes a fun and playful approach to masking, with a sheet mask that transforms your face into a penguin.  Fun and games put aside, the mask was really one of the best hydrating masks I've tried thus far, and keep an eye out for it at outlet  shops as I scored 3 of these for CAD$5.99 at Winners!

Brightening/Clarifying Masks

$9, Sephora

Tony Moly "I'm Real" Rice Face Mask Sheet (Clear Skin) works its magic to brighten your skin in as little as 20 minutes!  This mask is great for all skin types, and left my skin looking radiant and clear for the entire day.  With use, I also noticed my redness was diminished, making this a great option for those with dark spots or other blemishes as well.

$11, Mecca

Karuna Clarifying+ Mask delivers a tingling feeling upon application, but made my pores disappear, got rid of my redness, and left my skin feeling soft, supple, and conditioned.  The appearance of breakouts on my face was also reduced.

Pore Minimizing Masks

$10, Sephora

Boscia Charcoal Pore-Minimizing Hydrogel Mask feels cool and refreshing at application, and is enriched with bamboo charcoal to help draw out blackheads and cleanse pores of dirt and toxins.  Using this mask helped me to eliminate almost all of my blackheads!

$6, Ulta

7 Wonders Himalayan Camellia Pore Minimizing Mask has a great fit and clings to the skin, which is really important in a sheet mask.  (You don't want it falling off!)  Upon initial application, the gel (infused with serum-rich Himalayan camellia) feels really soothing on the face, and I would recommend refrigerating it beforehand for an even more soothing feeling.  After use, I noticed that my pores were significantly smaller, and that my skin had an overall cleaner look, exactly as the packaging had promised!

$7.50, Birchbox

Dr. Jart+ Pore Minimalist Mask uses beauty-fave charcoal to purify pores and cleanse oily skin.  I reaped many benefits from using this mask, including: tightened skin, smaller appearance of pores, and reduced redness of blemishes.  It left my skin looking radiant and soft, and feeling smooth!

$7.50, Birchbox

Dr. Jart+ Blackhead Master Patch is a two-step mask, with extraction and moisturizing steps.  I added this in as a bonus because while it is technically a sheet mask, it really only covers your nose and surrounding area.  I found the extraction sheet to be slightly uncomfortable, however; nowhere near the discomfort of actual extractions!  The moisturizing sheet which followed soothed any discomfort I had as well.  The final results were great, all of the blackheads on the area the sheets were applied were gone.

WINTER NAIL TRENDS: Negative Space

As the days get shorter and the cold, brisk weather moves closer, trends tend to move towards layering and extravagance. However, in terms of nail trends, this years spring/summer favorite of the "negative space" mani is sticking around for another season. Everyone loves the simplicity and polish of a clear coat of laquer, and the minimalistic negative space manicure is just that, but with a fun pop of color (or black, because winter). Basically it looks like you spent a long time on your nails without spending much time at all. Most of the negative space styles take less time than your average manicure, and look so much cooler. If you want to get in on this trend, be sure to try one of the styles down below:

Happy painting!

SS 2015 HANDBAG INSPO: EFFORTLESS PASTELS

For spring and summer I'm all about that relaxed, effortless look, so it's no surprise that the same goes for handbags!  (the slouchier the better!)  Also, pastels are on trend right now, so it's great to be able to incorporate some fun seasonal colours into your wardrobe with bags.  I've listed some of my favourites below!

1. Valentino Fringed Tote- $2,995 USD
I can't help but love a good fringe bag!  Fringe is very on trend and gives the "effortless bohemian" look.  The subtle touches of fringe on this tote makes it a practical choice, but also gives off a fun and playful vibe.

2. Chanel Deauville Tote- contact your local Chanel boutique for pricing
I love this bag because it is so different from all the typical Chanel bags everyone has seen before, yet it still has some signature Chanel touches, such as the gorgeous leather woven chain.  It is a great casual/everyday tote for those who appreciate functionality as well as the class and quality that come with a Chanel handbag.

3. Nancy Gonzalez Small Two-Pocket Crocodile Backpack- $3,200 USD
Although not technically a handbag, backpacks have been on the rise for years now, and are becoming increasingly popular among celebrities and fashion icons.  The crocodile exterior keeps this bag classy, while the subdued pink colour adds to it's fun factor yet prevents it from being "in your face".

4. Bottega Veneta Large Intrecciato Hobo- $2,850 USD
Dear Bottega Veneta: if you would like to gift me one of these I'd be really happy.  P.S. I'm not picky on colour...  This bag is my current obsession!  In my opinion, it is the epitome of the perfect spring bag, with its slouchy hobo shape and many pastel colours to choose from!

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs New Q Quilted Karlie Crossbody- $258 USD
This cute Marc by Marc Jacobs crossbody is a great way to get in on the spring handbag trend while still keeping it affordable!  I personally love the quilting and the chain, and I think the size and price make it a great purchase for all ages.

6. Valentino Rockstud Camera Bag- $1,395 USD
I always tend to look past camera style bags, but this one definitely made me take a second look!  I love the classic Valentino rockstud detailing, but also the cute pop of colour.  I think this would make a good vacation bag, as it is small and compact for when you only need the essentials.

7. Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium Fringe Satchel Bag- $1,795 USD
Another fringe pick!  I love this twist on the classic PS1 handbag.  It makes it fun and youthful, and goes perfectly with the rest of the bags details.

8. Celine Lambskin Small Trio Crossbody- contact your local Celine boutique for pricing, Holt Renfrew $1,050.00 CAD
This crossbody is a new favourite of mine.  It is so versatile, with its ability to transform into a clutch, whilst looking polished and chic.  This is a great purchase for anyone who is looking for a simple, casual bag.

9. Stella McCartney Falabella Faux Brushed-Leather Shoulder Bag- $1,195 USD
This handbag is a great choice for those who want a high-end bag, but do not want real leather.  The leather on this bag looks chic, and not the least bit tacky!  I am a fan of the gorgeous mint colour, as well as the edgy chain detailing!

10. Michael Kors Miranda Tote- $1,091
I love every aspect of this tote, from the shape to the minimalistic hardware to the functionality.  The pink colour is the perfect way to add spring pastels into any look.  I think this tote would make a great purchase for anyone looking for a fun and easy handbag.

COZY SATURDAY

As much as I love dressing up, I can't help but equally love a good cozy outfit, especially when it still looks pulled together!  For me, a pair of Uggs and a soft sweater do just the trick when paired with this coat and floppy hat.

I'm wearing: Wilfox Lennon Sweater in Star/Champagne, Wilfred Fei Coat in Black, Ugg Bailey Bow Boots in Victorian Pink, and Topshop Floppy Wool Fedora Hat in Black.

HOLIDAY DRESS GUIDE 2014

It's that time of year again.  All of your favorite department stores have put up their Christmas decorations, and if you live somewhere cold enough, you've probably even experienced your first snowfall of the year.  With the holiday season, comes holiday parties.  As I've been scanning net-a-porter and such, a few dresses have jumped out at me and said "perfect holiday party dress!"  Without further ado, here are my picks for Holiday 2014.  Happy Holidays!:

ALICE + OLIVIA
Tevin Jacquard Mini Dress (sizes 4, 8, 10)
Tevin Jacquard Mini Dress (size 12 only)

SAINT LAURENT
Leather and PVC-embellished crepe mini dress

ALICE + OLIVIA
Nelly Metallic Jacquard Dress (sizes 6 and 8)
Nelly Metallic Jacquard Dress (sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, 10)

OSCAR DE LA RENTA
Wrap-Effect Halter Style Dress

ZARA

Full Skirted Dress

TOPSHOP

Chiffon Pleated Dress

NASTY GAL

Red Alert Metallic Shimmer Dress

A LEATHER JACKET

Leather is one of my favorite materials to wear.  I love everything about it.  The smell of new leather, the texture of it, the way it looks when it ages.  I love this leather bomber jacket with modern details. It looks great with contemporary pieces, but also has the ability to look equally amazing with those fall classics.

I'm wearing: T by Alexander Wang Bomber Jacket in Black Leather, Maje Grafik Smoke Print Crop Top, Babaton Alvin Shorts in Black, and Gianvito Rossi Cap Toe Loafer.

Fall 2014 Trend Watch

Bag Charms

Bag charms are a cute and inexpensive way to revive an old bag or spice up a new one.  They can vary from the adorable (and fuzzy) Fendi monsters to the classy and timeless Louis Vuitton Fleur de Monogram charms.  I personally absolutely adore bag charms and how they have the ability to change up your whole look.

Chiara Ferragni of The Blonde Salad with her Fendi Karlito Bag Charm on her Hermés Kelly bag.

Ponchos
Yes, they're back!  In my opinion, a poncho is the finishing touch on that "quintessential fall look."  I'm loving the Burberry Prorsum blanket and love how Rosie Huntington-Whitely wears it.

Cabin Cozy (and Chic)

Parkas and flannels and fair isle knit sweaters, oh my!  I've always loved a good aspen-inspired look.  This season change up your cozy sweater game by pairing your winter clothes with unexpected items for a fall twist. (I may or may have an obsession with the entire Tommy Hilfiger F/W 14/15 collection!)