The Style Spy

Girl of the Week: Catherine Woron

Rose Wong — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:00:34 +0000

Hometown… Born and raised in Montreal.

Current city … Montreal.

Find me on… Twitter

Occupation… I’m currently a Communications student at Concordia University working as a Public relations account manager at 1milk2sugars PR. I co-founded the non-profit organization Fight 4 It, a charity group dedicated to help those in need in the community. After gradation, I plan to divide my time between Montreal and Toronto, and continue working in public relations.

Wearing… A no name black dress that was a great find at Winners ($20), TOPSHOP jean jacket, blue suede shoes from Aldo, a Ralph Lauren cross-body purse and a BCBG necklace.

My Style is… Simple and black. I love to dress my outfit up with a bright lip or a pair of sick heels.

My Style Idol is… Definitely Audrey Hepburn.

Last Purchase… Ralph Lauren silk floral scarf- flight attendants were the true inspiration for this purchase. I have yet to wear it but I can’t wait for the perfect opportunity.

Next Purchase… When I went up north (“Montreal speak” for heading out into nature) a few weeks ago, I realized that I don’t own a pair of sneakers. I actually went in a pair of Jeffrey Campbell wedges. My poor best friend couldn’t believe her eyes. So, I need to make my way to the nearest Footlocker ASAP.

My most prized possession… My Beverly Feldman black suede, studded heels. I’ve only worn them once and I want to keep these beauties forever.

Splurge vs. steal… I love a great bargain, who doesn’t? I enjoy mixing and matching, an inexpensive outfit with a designer purse or a bold statement piece.

3 items in your bag… Lipstick (I have at least three different shades in my bag. You never know when you have to change it up a little!) my phone charger, and my agenda.

Fave shopping spot… Boutique 1861 is my go-to spot in Montreal but I tend to make my way across the border to shop.

Obsessed with… Hollywood in the 1950s, Chanel, road trips, lipstick and espressos.

Beauty products you swear by… Erno Lazlo’s Sea Mud Face Soap, Chanel Chance Eau Tendre and YSL’s Touche Éclat.

Fave hang outs… My favorite 5 à 7 spot has to be Furco. Good-looking people and great wine! I also love hosting or going to a friend’s place for get-togethers.

Songs on Rotation… The Great Gatsby Soundtrack, Fergie’s “A Little Party never Killed Nobody” is on repeat, Queen B and Andre 3000’s “Back to Black” cover is so sexy and Alicia Keys’ New Day.

My guilty pleasure… Lingot milk chocolates from Leonidas in Place Ville Marie- I double dare you to just have one.

Jewellery Brand to Love: Wolf Circus

Roya DelSol — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:53 +0000

I was pretty overjoyed when I stumbled across Wolf Circus online – I felt like someone had started custom making jewellery just for me. Finding out they were Canadian on top of that cemented that I didn’t want, but needed to own some pieces from them. The Vancouver Island-based brand uses hardware like nuts and raw materials such as quartz and pyrite to give their pieces an edgy, unfinished-on-purpose feel that I love. Wolf Circus is self-described as “jewellery for those without boundaries, for the beautiful, brainy, badass and bold,” and I think it’s pretty safe to say they’ve accomplished their goal. Check out our favourites below.

Fishbone Bracelet, $34 CAD

Quartz Ear Cuff in Gold, $32 CAD

Pyrite Cluster Stud Earrings, $28 CAD

Gold Spear Pendant, $38 CAD

Silver Bird Skull, $24 CAD

Gold Plated Quartz Crystal, $32 CAD

Remix the Timeless Trench Coat

Melissa Chai — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:31 +0000

What’s one piece that has always remained timeless in the world of fashion? The trench coat of course. Trench coats are not just meant for the rain, they can be worn at any time of day. Whether you are wearing your trench coat to the office or as a light coat for an evening out, the trench leaves your outfit looking smart and classy. Contrast sleeved trenches are on trend but for an even more updated look, try mixing it up with a pattern or bold color. As the weather warms up try a sleeveless trench that is great for spring layering! Shop the looks.

Double Trouble Trench Coat, $69.32 CAD, Nasty Gal

Oak + Fort Marissa Trench, $188 CAD

Club Monaco Rose Trench, $249 CAD, Club Monaco

Toronto: hr2 Sneak Peek

Melissa Chai — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:07 +0000

The anticipated hr2 Holt Renfrew has opened in Vaughan Mills and I recently got the opportunity to get a sneak peek. Completely different from Holt Renfrew Last Call, the brand new hr2 is fully renovated in the same 25,000 square foot space. It’s well merchandised with 150 designer brands including Alice + Olivia, Diane von Furstenberg, Splendid, Michael Michael Kors, Cole Haan, and House of Harlow to name a few. What more could a girl want? The concept allows designer shopping to be affordable. I spent the most time in the bags and leather goods department and picked up an Alexander Wang bag. It’s definitely a destination that needs to be checked out.

hr2 is at Vaughan Mills in Vaughan, Ontario.

Top Tier Trainers to Rock This Season

Georgia Wisdom — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:00:43 +0000

When I lived in Japan, my students all wore uniforms, but they were allowed some freedom when it came to their footwear. Girls often took it to the extreme, rocking the biggest, brightest trainers that they could get their hands (or, er, feet) on. At the time, back here in Canada, sneakers weren’t particularly in, but still, I was always envious of their daring footwear. Imagine my excitement when I started seeing bold trainers showing up again this side of the Pacific. Lately I’ve been trading my everyday flats in for streetwear chic trainers, wearing them with jeans, skirts and dresses. Check out my favourites.

New Balance 501 Ballistic Colourblock Running Sneaker, Approx $65 CAD, Urban Outfitters

Adidas Vanity Mid-rise Canvas Sneaker, Approx $65 CAD, Urban Outfitters

Multicoloured Sneakers, $89.90 CAD, Zara

Basket Profi Shoes, $110 CAD, Adidas

Womens’ Vaider, $95 CAD, Supra

Collab To Love: Alber Elbaz for Lancôme

Ali Leier — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:00:07 +0000

“Modernity for me is beautiful and emotional and comfortable and timeless,” Lanvin’s creative director Alber Elbaz told WWD in a recent interview. The French designer, who recently celebrated ten years at the label, celebrates this modernity with a foray into cosmetics. Elbaz has teamed up with Lancôme to release a limited edition makeup collection, which will showcase his love for feminine aesthetics and penchant for witty cartoons.

Composed of nine-pieces, including four of the label’s best-selling mascaras, a Hypnôse Eye Shadow Palette, and a set of false lashes, the limited edition collection will feature Elbaz’ signature graphics on the custom packaging. From a frenzy of fluttering eyelashes, to scribbled hearts, polka dots and stars, each iconic sketch will match its respective mascara: Hypnôse Doll Lashes, Hypnôse Drama, Hypnôse Star and Défincils. While the collection won’t feature any new products or colours, the packaging alone has me enticed! And, in keeping with his love for fashion film (remember this awesome video that went viral on YouTube?), Elbaz will also be releasing a mini animated video to accompany the launch. The collection doesn’t hit beauty counters until June 15^th, but check out the teaser trailer below to work up your appetite for Faux-lashes, rouged cheeks and a full pout.

All of the products will be available at lancome.ca

Images via FASHION Magazine

The Little Printed Shift Dress

Roya DelSol — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:00:05 +0000

It’s pretty cool to see the way digital graphic prints are being used in clothing as of late – they’re pretty perfect for creating the bold, right patterns that I love on my summer clothing. So what happens when you marry those vibrant prints and the classic little shift dress?

The answer: a great summer dress with a breezy cut and bright patterns, whose detailed patterns do wonders to dress up a casual silhouette. Pair it with sandals for the daytime or chunky wooden platforms in the evening, and you’re golden. We’ve found our favourite versions that include everything from the typical graphic floral print to a faux printed belt (trust me, it’s cute.) Check them out below.

You Sent Me Dress, $128 CAD, Nasty Gal

Dress, $39.95 CAD, H&M

Printed Shift Dress, $79.90 CAD, Zara

Whitmarsh Shift Dress, Approx $268 CAD, Anthropologie

Melanie Dress, $198 CAD, Club Monaco

Kaleidoscope Shift , Approx $268 CAD, Anthropologie

7 Bold Bags for Everyday of the Week

Caitlyn McCartney — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:00:59 +0000

Monday… Brighten up your Monday morning with this work appropriate arm candy. Mini Shopper, $45.90 CAD, Zara.

Tuesday… Checking out the new Great Gatsby film, might as well dress the part with a 1920s inspired beaded clutch with strap. Bonus, its still big enough to stash your fave movie candy. Thierry Embellished Clutch, Approx $49.99 CAD, Ever New.

Wednesday… Us ladies are multitasking pros, which means our bags should be too. Go from morning yoga to work with this fun tote that would also double as a great beach bag. Equipped with removable yoga mat straps for your mat or beach towel as well as a padded pocket for your laptop, iPad or iPhone.Vinyasa To Vino Bag, $138 CAD, Lululemon.

Thursday… A little print never hurt anybody, this fun tote is the perfect match for a work day attending meetings and running errands. Dominiak Tote, $60 CAD, Aldo.Friday… Time to stand out in the crowd at the club and on the dance floor with this embellished clutch. Embroidered Evening Bag, $79.90 CAD, Zara.

Saturday… There’s not too many things that beat a beach day! Throw on the bikini and pack up the sunscreen, towel and fashion mags into this beach tote. Pick up a slurpee on your way and you’re officially ready for beach season. Neon Jelly Tote, $23.80 CAD, Forever 21

Sunday… Enjoy your Sunday sipping coffee while checking out the local farmers markets with this cross-body available at Little Burgundy. HANSES Cross-Body Bag, $40 CAD, Little Burgundy.

What to Wear: Weekend Brunch

Ali Leier — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:00:38 +0000

With the warm weather (patio season!), I’ve been heading out for weekend brunches a lot and, naturally, face the challenge of perfecting the effortlessly undone, ‘I just rolled out of bed’ look. Layering and great accessories are key to create versatility for whatever you might have planned later in the day, be it basking at the beach, hitting the shops, or perusing a local art exhibit.

For the base of the outfit, choose something easy but interesting like a romper, or a maxi-dress that can stand out solo, or look chic under a blazer or vest. I love a bold print: a striped maxi dress, floral frock, or graphic blazer is a great alternative to your basic jeans and t-shirt combo. For shoes I typically opt for comfort and, depending on weather or afternoon plans, I stick with either booties or a dressier sandal. I love Rachel Comey’s right now – they seem to go with everything. Complete your look with a light jacket or denim vest, oversized sunglasses and a scarf.

1. Sandal With Metallic Detail, $99.90 CAD, Zara
2. 1969 Denim Vest, $69.95 CAD, GAP
3. Ray-Ban Original Aviator Sunglasses, $164 CAD, J. Crew
4. Long Dress, $39.95 CAD, H&M
5. TOPSHOP Lasercut Waist Playsuit, $84 CAD, The Bay
6. Ombre Square Scarf, $79.50 CAD, Club Monaco
7. Rachel Comey Mars Booties, $404.95 CAD, Solestruck

New Almay Products That We Can’t Wait To Hit Drugstore Shelves

Caitlyn McCartney — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:00:25 +0000

One of my favourite drugstore cosmetic brands, Almay is introducing some great new products and Style Spy has got the deets.

Almay Smart Shade CC Cream (Complexion Corrector), $16.95 CAD – I know, it’s getting a little confusing with all the BB and CC creams available now, what’s the difference? Here’s a breakdown – both BB and CC creams have the benefits of moisturizing, correcting and act as a primer or foundation. However, CC cream works more to colour correct, instantly perfecting the texture and brightness of your bare skin while still hydrating, leaving you with a great glow.

It ‘s heavier compared to a tinted moisturizer so it gives you coverage while still feeling lightweight. You can even use it as primer under your foundation. It’s best applied with your fingertips. It is the perfect product for getting ready in a rush or for a “au natural” beauty look. It goes on quickly and easily and really does leave your skin luminous.

Available in 3 shades, Light, Light/Medium and Medium as of June 2013.

Almay Colour + Care Liquid Lip Balm, $8.95 CAD - Almay is finally introducing lip care to their product line with this tinted, conditioning liquid balm. They’ve combined colour with the loving care that your lips deserve. Most glosses tend to leave your lips feeling dried out, but because of all the moisturizing ingredients in Colour + Care, your lips are left feeling hydrated. Special bonus, this product is gluten-free.

Available in ten pretty tints as of July 2013.

Almay Smart Shade Powder Blush & Bronzer – Each compact consists of three shades that work together to create the ideal shade for you once it’s applied. The powders are buildable, meaning you can apply how ever much you want depending on how bright or sun-kissed you want your cheeks to look.

Tip from Almay’s National Product Trainer, Jacquie Hutchinson: Match your lipstick or gloss tint to the tint of your blush. For example pair the coral Powder Blush to wear with the cantaloupe Colour + Care Liquid Lip Balm.

The powder bronzer will be available along with the powder blush which comes in coral, pink and nude in June 2013.

Almay Intense I-Colour Volumizing Mascara – Almay’s Intense I-Colour Collection has a new addition and it’s a good one, mascara that contains eye-brightening crystals to make your eye colour really pop! When it comes to mascara, I’m one of those more-is-more gals. I’ve been applying my two coats of regular mascara and letting it dry before swiping Almay’s sapphire shade over top. I used this mascara on the tips of my lashes, giving my blue eyes some extra umph.

Available in four shades; plum, mocha, midnight and sapphire.