A lot of us dream to live and work in a city. Tons of television shows are based on people making it in the big city. These shows portray the struggles the characters go through (even though their stress is not- so- convincing a lot of the time and with quick overnight fixes). Their lives seem 10 times cooler than they really are. In reality most of us wait years to achieve a goal while literally ripping our hairs out of our heads. Perhaps I didn’t realize how influenced I’d been either when I told myself “Pfff…yeah right that happens!”. Maybe deep down I wanted to believe it was real. I’m not saying it can’t or won’t happen, but it will not appear to be glamorous or fast when getting to where you want to be.

Whether we like to admit it or not, there is a certain pride in saying, “I work in the city”, when being asked in a conversation – well at least for those who were brought up outside a city. Here’s the thing, being in the city is linked to silently saying, “I’m young”, “I’m successful” and “I’m making it happen”. And for those who live outside a city, it is usually seen as a negative thing. Maybe I can’t fully understand the negativity because I’ve only ever lived in a suburb, although not that far away from the city. Certainly not your typical “boonie town” but even I get teased often about living outside the city. For this reason I’ve been associated with “not dreaming big enough”, or “not thinking outside of the box”. But in fact, I’m one of the most courageous, creative, goal-oriented, and open-minded people you’d meet. I’ve travelled around the world a lot, immersed myself in different cultures, and even took the scary leap of quitting a job to figure myself out for an entire year. I’ve completed and continue to complete dream goals that not a lot of people even living in a city have the privilege of doing.

Going back to my point – I’m considered to be suburban girl working in the city even though I don’t see it that way. The commute is quite draining physically and mentally yet I still fight for it. We all fight for something we want to stay in our lives even if it’s a struggle to get it. Perhaps I hold on so dearly to my current city job and take pride in it because I want to be seen as an equal to the city dwellers – “I’m young”, “I’m successful” and “I’m making it happen”. Or at least getting there.

Uptown Girls image via ew.com.

Posted by: Hana  Gabrielle

Since I was young, i had always wanted to get into the world of marketing and advertising. The beginning of 2012, I made some daring moves. I quit my decent -paying job after a year, and having just completed my undergrad, decided to go back to school and study what i know has always been my passion. A passion, I was too skeptical to pursue, years before.

Now, having enrolled in a post-graduate program at an internationally recognized college for marketing, I had the opportunity to learn and do things related to all my interests. I got to create ads.

Though, it was my first time in this type of environment, I visualized and to the best of my “newbie ability” at photoshop (with the assistance of few pros), I released some creativity. Though, I took a different approach to Sam Edelman’s sexually provocative advertisements. Instead of exploiting the woman’s sexuality, I empowered it.

It’s finally here, Halloween!! If you’re still looking for a last minute costume, look no further. Perhaps this pop art girl will do the trick. It’s quite easy and is always a crowd pleaser. Here’s how to create this look.

I already applied foundation, concealer, and pressed powder to my entire face. Pop art girls have dark eyebrows so I’m going in with black eye liner pencil to fill them in. And with a black liquid pencil liner I started to outline starting with my eyes.

To make my eyes appear bigger, I used a white liner pencil on my water line. I used a Roy Lichtenstein image for reference to pin point where to apply the expression lines.

You want to create lines in the creases of your eyes, down your nose bridge, around your nostrils, cupid’s bow, and outline of your lips.

Then I started to draw tear drops, and as well, created lines along the jaw line.

Once the outlines are done you can start filling in the tears with a white pencil liner. And with accents of blue, I filled the bottom of the tears. Then I filled in my lips with a red lipstick.

I decided to follow the reference picture a bit more and created the contours of the cheeks.

Now for the fun but time consuming part! I decided to paint on the spots using a brown concealer instead of red. The spots look best applied in a diagonal line. And of course if you want to really go all out, you can do these steps on your neck, hands, or anywhere else where your skin will be exposed for the full effect.

Apply false eyelashes and mascara on your bottom lashes. And if you aren’t already blessed with blue eyes, put on some coloured blue contacts.

And there you have it!

Have a very Happy Halloween everyone!!

Who would of thought that those three-quarter camo print shorts from high school, lost deep in your closet, would be a current fashion trend? (Clarification: I mean the print, and not the three-quarter shorts, of course.)

The print, obviously borne for military and hunting purposes, made its way into the fashion realm more prominently after following the successes of past military-inspired ensembles that included the trench coat and military boot.

I’ve been noticing the trend on both men and women alike. It’s worn in many different ways as seen on the local hipster walking down queen street west and even on the professional corporate employee (especially if they have a knack for style). There’s no denying the print itself – on a coat, sweater, shirt, shoes or skinny pants –  is a statement piece. And, for it to be considered the least bit attractive and stylish, camo print pieces should worn with simple and plain articles. Too many shades and patterns worn all at once, can be busy on the eyes. Don’t torture the onlooker.

You don’t have to search high and low to find a good camo print piece. If you’re looking to be on a budget, check out your nearest surplus store – I’m just skeptical whether or not the fit would be what you’re looking for. I’ve been searching for my own camo print jacket and came across these great finds, all differing in style and fit:

(L-R: Club Monaco, Urban Outfitters, Asos)

All in all, you can already figure that the camo print is definitely a tricky pattern to pull off. It’s bold and modish yet, versatile. It can be dressed up or dressed down. Club Monaco does an excellent job making the camo jacket super workwear chic.  Either way you know what they often say in fashion, “it’s not what you wear, its how you wear it”. It’s such a must-have piece to have in your closet. Don’t be discouraged by the word “trend”; I think we’re going to see these styles run longer than most others.

Let’s just say, I think it’s not such a bad idea if you consider joining the army.

Continuing with my Halloween series – I decided to choose a villain instead of a princess since villains don’t normally get the spotlight. The Little Mermaid is my favourite Disney movie of all time, so I thought it would be perfect to do Ursula’s makeup. Of course I added my own twist and made it an oddly more wearable and modernized Ursula. Here’s how to look devilishly sexy in purple skin (lol).

Begin with flawless looking skin. I went ahead and mixed up the right shade for my complexion and used concealer to brighten up the center points of my face.

Blend the concealer with your brush and using a pressed powder, pack it down in place.

Fill in your brows.

Using my Sleek Glory palette, and with this rich ocean blue eyeshadow (Victoria), I sweeped the colour across my lids and slightly wing it out. Then I applied some of that same colour to the bottom lash line.

Using this shimmery sand colour (Overground), I applied some to my inner tear ducts to brighten up the eyes.

With a matte grey colour (Platform) I went on top of the blue and blended it out in a square motion for a bit of dimension.

And with a dark shimmer blue/grey colour (“Glitz” from the Sleek Oh So Special palette), I went halfway over the matter grey colour from the end of the wing and faded it out towards the inner part of my eyes. Then attached it to the bottom lash line as well, and blended everything together for a smokier look.

Taking a white pencil liner (Rimmel London Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in “Pure White”), directly line your water line so that it gives off the appearance of bigger eyes. Then with a black liquid liner you’re going to create fake lashes. Go in and create 3 lines of lashes.

Option: Some people might not feel comfortable wearing bottom lashes so you can also create some bottom lashes if you prefer to not wear any. This still gives off a great illusion of lashes.

Apply some dramatic top and bottom lashes and top it off with your favourite mascara.

I wanted to add a little extra “umph” to the look so I took a grey/brown shadow (“Matt Patel” The Balm Meet Matt(e) palette) and lightly blended the colour on top.

I popped in some hazel coloured contacts (to be honest I couldn’t determine Ursula’s exact eye colour so I thought this was a good guess). I purchased these from Pinky Paradise.

Now for Ursula’s octopus skin! I decided to use this shimmery purple/lavender colour (Essence in “Disco Diva”) and treated it as if I were to bronze and contour my skin usually. I thought it was a fresh approach instead of fully transforming my entire face and body to pure purple. So I used the colour on my cheeks and the temples of my forehead. Don’t be afraid to extend and go crazy with this, you want to exaggerate as much as possible.

For your nose use your normal bronzer to narrow it down.

Line your lips with the similar lip colour, and apply a deep red lipstick (Rimmel London Kate collection in #11). I use the index finger trick so that there is no lipstick stuck on my teeth.

Finishing touches: Can’t forget Ursula’s signature birth mark on the right side of her chin! Also her silver/white hair (wig purchased from ebay).

Don’t be afraid to add more purple on your body, like on your collar bone, shoulders, sides of your neck, and cleavage (it looks great to add accents of purple on your arms too).

The finished look!

As for wardrobe: I wore a black tube dress purchased from Zara but you can find a tube dress from anywhere else. The seashell is from Michaels Arts & Crafts and I attached it around my neck with a purple ribbon.

Stay tuned next week for another Halloween look!

Last week I attend the exclusive viewing of the MAC Marilyn Monroe collection before it hits stores this coming Thursday October 4^th. It was a small yet very cute event where many lucky ladies enjoyed some cocktails, good company, and delicious canapés. Besides the fantastic atmosphere (they even had a Marilyn Monroe model!), the collection itself is absolutely stunning. The colour selections are spot on to this iconic sex symbol. From eyebrow stain to shimmer shadows, everything is perfection. But of course, the lipsticks are what stood out the most. The variety of reds are amazing and oh so Marilyn! For those of you searching for that perfect red lip, you will most likely find it in this collection. Even for you modest ladies out there, do not shy away from this collection, there’s something for you too! So take a look at what I purchased.

I got 2 products…but I might have to go back for more.

My first purchase was the powder blush in “Legendary”.

When I first laid my eyes on this blush I had to have it! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. Of course pictures never really do justice, but it’s actually way more on the matte peachy side. I’ve been wearing it everyday since I got it (hence the crazy finger prints all over it).

It’s a nice natural light wash of colour.

Second product is a dazzleglass in “Phiff!”

Another peachy colour…what can I say, I love peach colours in the fall ;D (I was going to swatch this on my lips but decided to save it for an upcoming tutorial, so stay tuned for that!)

The checklist of what is in the collection.

Remember to visit your local MAC store on October 4^th to check out this amazing Marilyn Monroe collection! You will not regret it!

The 2012 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) just wrapped up and a lot of us Torontonians are starting to feel the withdrawal – I sure am. It was absolutely an amazing year.

I had a chance to talk with Melanie who designed the t-shirts for the Toronto International Film Festival. An amesome part of her reward was viewing movies of her choice throughout the eventful 10 days. I asked her a few questions about her time at TIFF and this is what she had to say.

What inspired your t-shirt design?

I wanted to evoke the film viewer experience with the facial expression of someone really absorbed in the moving work of art presented before their eyes. I also wanted to capture the cultural significance of the Toronto International Film Festival while injecting my whimsical style.

What were your most memorable experiences at TIFF?

It was awesome having my t-shirt graphic printed on Me To We Style materials since they are a socially-conscious company. As for the festival, having the opportunity to meet directors and cast members after film screenings and ask questions was really cool. Even though language was a bit of a barrier, I chatted briefly with the director and lead actress of stylish and raw Polish film, Baby Blues, who tell me there is great vintage shopping in Warsaw.

Of all the movies you watched, which ones did you enjoy the most? (Why?)

I watched a silent black and white film from Spain called Blancanieves. It was a take on the story of Snow White, set in 1920s Spain, with influences of flamenco dancing and bullfighting. Unique. Another I really loved was The Perks of Being a Wallflower. This was one of the rare times I’ve actually read the book before watching the movie. Plus, author Stephen Chbosky directed it. Perhaps that enhanced my experience because I couldn’t contain myself and I ended up bawling my eyes out in the middle of the packed theatre!

Did you go star searching? Who were your favourite actors/actresses/directors to see on the red carpet?

Yes! In between screenings I looked to see the movie premieres that were taking place. I wasn’t able to score tickets to watch Looper, so I settled for getting a glimpse of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, and director Rian Johnson (who also directed The Brothers Bloom, which I love too) on the red carpet. Other favourites I saw were Kate Hudson, Greg Kinnear, and Zac Efron.

Did you notice any fashion trends happening during TIFF and if so what were they?

I noticed the presence of lace and floral embroidery (Kristen Stewart, Eva Mendes), sequin embellishments (Keira Knightley, Selena Gomez), full-length sleeves (Kate Hudson, Lily Collins), peplum (Naomi Watts, Emma Watson), and sheen (Joshua Jackson, Kevin Zegers).

What were some activities to do before or while waiting for your movie to start?

Besides “star-gazing”, there is also a variety of places to go for a drink or meal. The TIFF Bell Lightbox (TIFF headquarters) houses the O&B Canteen café and Luma restaurant. Food trucks were also stationed near certain theatres. There were promotional booths with freebies and contests (Bell, Orville Redenbacher, Veet). I, myself spent some time at the L’Oreal Beauty Lounge getting a complimentary manicure, along with a full-sized product give-away for signing up to their online newsletter. I may or may not have made more than just one visit;)

What made this special from going to a regular movie?

TIFF offers the opportunity to watch international and independent films that you probably wouldn’t see in your average movie theatre. There is so much talent that is not limited to just North America. And the chance to get up close and personal with these talented people makes it extra special.

Can you explain what typically happens at a TIFF event (from your own experience)?

I learned that lining up a half hour or more before your film is the best way to go in order to get a good seat. A lot of times, the director of the film does an introduction, especially if it’s a premiere screening. When it is over, there Is a Q&A session with the director and possibly cast members and writers. Sometimes they stay a little longer for anyone who wants to go up and say a few words or take photos with them.

My funniest memory at TIFF was…

Having people wanting to get photographed with me after finding out I designed the shirt they were wearing.

Any last words people curious about TIFF should know?

A lot of films that show at TIFF end up being huge successes when they are released for viewing by the general public. How great would it be to say that you called it first!

You can check out more of Melanie’s artwork from her fashion designs to graphic designs on her website at melaniesimon.tumblr.com.

Kristen Stewart image via huffingtonpost.com, Selena Gomez image via justjaredjr.com, Lily Collins image via justjared.com, Emma Watson image via andpop.com, and Kevin Zegers image via tumblr.com.

Move over 80s because the 90s is the new black [insert cheesy cliché line]! Being that I was born in the late 80s, makes me a kid of the 90s – and like any kid/teen of the 90s would know, the 90s had a big movement in music. Whether it was from pop to hip-hop to grunge – they were all influential to our fashion and lifestyle. The 90s were kept pretty simple makeup wise though. Skin was porcelain perfect, eyebrows and lips were defined (the centers of attention), and all while eyes were more on the subtle side. Matte colours were what it was all about. I’ll show you how to take some of that 90s flavour into your everyday school or work look.

The 90s Natural

I believe this was a very common and a fresh everyday look at the time. It was all about dewy skin, and looking like you were barely wearing any makeup. This look is great for you girls who are going back to school since its fast, simple, yet still showcases your natural beauty (your young skin really doesn’t need to be wearing a lot of makeup anyways!).

I already did my base. I used Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream and Tarte Smooth Operator loose powder.

So first off…you got to work those eyebrows, and don’t be afraid to fill them in a little thicker than usual. If you look back at pictures from the 90s you’ll see how thick and naturally beautiful they kept their eyebrows back then.

With a black eyeliner pencil, line your inner lash line. This will help your lashes to appear fuller.

Keep it natural with some demi false eyelashes.

Then coat your top and bottom lashes with mascara.

Lip liner was huge in the 90s so line those babies up with a coffee colour (or similar). Then apply a nude lipstick and don’t forget to blot to get rid of some shine. Yea I know their lips were even more matte back then, but I think it’s ok to have some shine so that your lips don’t look dry or chapped…plus we got to modern this up a bit right?

And there you have it!

If you want to have fun with the entire 90s look, and have naturally curly/wavy hair, add some mousse and let your hair air dry (or blow dry on medium heat with preferably a diffuser). As for wardrobe, I chose to wear a black leotard and a vintage denim jacket.

The 90s Glam

Bright matte red lips were also another big 90s hit. Transiting from the natural look to the glam look is super simple to do.

So go in with a black eyeliner pencil again and line your waterline to complete the tight lining on your eyes.

With a matte black eyeshadow on an angled brush, line as close as you can to your eyelash line.

You may want to reapply some more mascara.

Again, line your lips but this time with a red liner, and apply a bright red lipstick.  I found this great colour from the Kate collection by Rimmel London in number 11.

You can blot again or you can follow this neat trick. Split a tissue part, place one side over your lips, and with a loose powder and a big brush pat it over your lips for a longer lasting colour and more matte finish.

Lightly apply a light matte brown eyeshadow across the lid, and as well along down the starting point of your brow and eye (this brings more shape to your face and also creates a narrower look). Then with the same colour, use a heavy hand and apply the colour into your crease.

You may even want to go in with a light contour powder and dust a bit on the hallows of your cheeks and along the sides of your nose.

For hair, I kept the same style in the natural look. But if you want the real thing, slick your hair back with some gel. As for my wardrobe, I just wore a vintage cream white crop tank top with some high-waisted shorts (if you could see :]).

If you’re not so much into the clean prettiness, then go ahead and take it into…

The 90s Grunge

Using a q-tip and/or your finger, go ahead and smudge your makeup to look like you were partying all night. “Bedhead” is alright here so mess up that do for a less polished look.

I was a little Courtney Love inspired with the tiara but ended up looking more on the prom-ish side (lol). If you can pull off the tiara then go for it. But if you decide to ditch the crown, this look is great with a vintage slip dress and some mary janes.

Hope you enjoyed the looks! Let’s keep the 90s alive

I just couldn’t wait for Halloween to do this look! And if you’re like me and like to think about your costume ahead of time (this way ahead!), then I hope this might help you with some ideas. This was actually my costume last year, but I just had to show it again because it was one of my favourite looks of all time. Even though most people thought I was just some anime character it was still so much fun to be Ramona and walk along side my Scott Pilgrim.

Even though Ramona Flowers is such a badass I kept the makeup quite cute and simple. I enhanced my eye shape to make them appear bigger and went with soft pinks for the lips and cheeks. Here’s how to recreate this easy look.

1. Ramona has quite fair skin so using a BB cream (Lioele Triple the Solution) in a shade lighter than your own skin tone, apply it to your face, 2. Next, prep your eyes with a primer (Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion), 3. Mattify your face with pressed powder (Maybelline Dream Matte Powder), 4. Fill in your brows (Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Ash).

5. Taking a beige shimmer eyeshadow colour (Kat Von D in Enjoy the Silence), 6. Apply it to your entire lid, 7. As well as your brow bone for a little more shine.

8. Now taking a shimmer bronze brown colour (Kat Von D in Pray for Me), 9. Apply it to your crease, 10. You may want to blend it in a bit.

11. Taking a white eyeliner pencil (from Sephora), you want to start lining your eyes, 12. I exaggerated them a bit to make my eyes appear slightly bigger.

13. Begin by winging out with liquid liner (Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner), 14 & 15. From underneath the white eyeliner, start connecting the lines together. We are trying to create a bigger and more cartoon eye just like Ramona’s eyes.  16. And thicken the line a bit to make your eyes stand out.

17. With a medium brown eyeshadow, 18. Apply the colour into your crease, 19 & 20. Get ready to apply some dramatic eyelashes and your teal wig (from ebay)!

Ramona has short hair but I chose to keep the wig long for my own spin.

21. Using a bronzer (The Balm Bahama Mama bronzer), 22. You want to create a narrower and smaller looking nose, 23. And with a pink blush (The Balm Down Boy), 24. Apply to the apples of your cheeks.

25 & 26. Finish your lips off with a cute milky pink colour (Melliesh in 05), 27. Apply mascara to your bottom lashes.

For wardrobe, I’m wearing a blue hoodie from American Apparel, a black choker I had laying around, Geo Honey Wing circle lenses, and some goggles I purchased from ebay.

I hope you enjoyed this easy Ramona Flowers look!

Don’t call it a comeback. Sorry folks! I’ve been missing in action for the last couple of weeks so that may explain the delay in my posts. My, have I missed this.

It’s summer and what most people do when they have some time off is: travel. Who wouldn’t? I heard an awesome quote a few days ago that goes like this:

“The World is a Book. When you do not travel, you only read one page”

As an aspiring self-proclaimed vagabond,  I want to read this book from cover to cover. Even twice.

This summer, I will be travelling to Europe in August, specifically Ireland and Scotland for 2 weeks to visit my sister and her husband who currently reside there.

I like to think I travel a lot, maybe not as much as I want since expenses hold me back, but for the most part, I try to. And, most times when I do travel, I rarely find the time, patience and even space to pack my whole closet – thus, finding ways to be super stylish but also comfortable (especially for the sight-seeing adventures) when you’re in the streets of Paris or Milan seem impractical unless you’re Beyonce or Mariah Carey (who wears 5 inch heels to Disney World? I’m just saying.)

The point is when you travel, you pack light, you pack for comfort and you also pack for the weather.

It would be easy packing for Mexico or any other hot destination because the majority of your luggage would be bathing suits. But Ireland and Scotland in August? Hmmm. That’s a tough one.

In Ontario, Canada where I reside, our summer’s are fairly hot and humid. But in Ireland and Scotland, apparently it’s not so much. Word has it – it rains. Frequently. Often. Maybe, all the time with hints of sun light here and there.

From what I hear though and what I’ve read, all that rain makes Ireland and Scotland what is is; Lush, Green and Beautiful. My sister Nikki has reassured me the scenery is breathtaking.

Is this a perfect opportunity for photo sessions with breathtaking scenery then? I think yes!

But you better believe it –  I plan to be a little stylish tourist ready for the weather and the rolling green hills!

Below, I have compiled 4 different outfits I would probably see myself wearing when traveling to Ireland and Scotland.

Who says you can’t be damn cute in the rain?

T.Babaton – Bergen Blouse in Abstract Animal (originally $120) - www.aritzia.com

T.Babaton – Alvin Shorts (originally $110) - www.aritzia.com

Printed Lace Raincoat (originally $89.32) - www.freepeople.com

Dilute Leopard Loafers (originially $80.00) - www.Anthropologie.com

 The Kinney Reader Eye Frames ($200-500) - www.needsupplyco.com

 Gold Arc bracelet ($80.00) – www.shopsupplyroom.com

Taluta Trooper Jacket – in Surplus (originally $120) - www.aritzia.com

 V-Fringe Brown Purse ($25.00) – www.brandymelvilleusa.com/

 Always in Bloom Dress ($34.00) – www.shopconversationpieces.com/

 Sam Edelman Lisle Ankle Boot (originally $160) - www.urbanoutfitters.com

 Max & Chloe – Emily Elizabeth Jewelery Polished Fern Leaf Bangle ($98) - www.maxandchloe.com

Lizzie Fortunato Medicine Woman Necklace (approximately $200-500) - www.francesmay.com

 Citizens of Humanity – Dylan – San Marco Denim Pants ($236) - www.aritzia.com

 Vivid Beginning Oxfords ($79) - www.Anthropologie.com

Super Duper Strength –  Karen Walker Sunglasses - www.karenwalkereyewear.com

 Sail Me Away Shirt ($21.00) – http://www.conversationpieces.com

 Fashion Rebel Vest by Strong and Dickerson ($78.00) - www.shopconversationpieces.com

River Island Beaded Tribal Belt ($24.86) - www.asos.com

Loeffler Randall Rain Boot ($150) - www.loefflerrandall.com/

 Community Prana Sweater – Finch (originally $85) - www.aritzia.com

 Wilfred Wallis Skirt ($125) - www.aritzia.com

The Classic – Cambridge Satchel Company ($150-250) - www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk/

 Anthropologie Hertiage Rain Coat - www.Anthropologie.com

 Deep Freeze Karen Walker Eyewear - www.karenwalkereyewear.com

Jean Paul Gaultier Umbrella ($75.00) - www.openingceremony.us