Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Gala

Last, last Saturday was a pretty good day for me. As I was cashing out at Shoppers Drug Mart the weekend prior, the cashier let me know about the upcoming Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Gala. If I donated $5, I would get to schedule a free beauty consultation, as well as receive swag, a chance to win beauty gift baskets, and $5 off my next beauty purchase! Needless to say, I was immediately on board. I have NEVER had a makeover done. I know they offer them at pretty much every makeup and department store, but the girls are always too busy with other clients, and I'm just not patient enough to wait my turn. So I made an appointment, and I'm so glad I did!

It was great working with makeup artist Julia (@JULESVERNE87 on Instagram!) on my "not too dressy, but good for looking kind of done up everyday" look. She used a variety of Stila products (some of which I ended up purchasing) and urged me to start incorporating certain products into my absolutely non-existent beauty routine. Next on my beauty shopping list: some BB Cream, an exfoliator (she recommended Clinique's 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula), and a moisturizer. I'm going to wait for brand promos to emerge to purchase these items so I can reap the free make-up tester/swag benefits (like the Stila one I'll mention below!). She also suggested adding a cleanser to my routine, which I have but tend to neglect due to sheer laziness... ahem.

At first I was a bit apprehensive about my facial transformation; she continuously asked me how I was liking the look and I have to admit I was a bit worried about the direction it was going in. I knew I couldn't really offer an honest opinion though, not until the mascara and eyeliner finally finished the look. When she applied a nice orange-tinted blush, I felt it was a bit too harsh in contrast with whatever else was on my face and used my fingers to blend and mellow it out. I think she took that as a sign that I totally hated it, but I really didn't! I guess I'm just used to seeing myself with the bare beauty essentials (eyeliner, mascara, and a dab of outfit-complimenting lippy on the way out). Seriously, I only ever apply whatever I can get away with on the short bus ride from home to the subway (and I must admit, even on the TTC, I have quite the steady hand).

Here's my Final Look (after a few hours of thrift store shopping):

Dat cat eye.

It was so awesome to be able to look in the mirror and be like "Hot damn". Thank you Julia!

So in terms of swag I got this great goody bag filled with awesome tester products galore. Mainly Vichy, which is cool. I'm going to do my best to try these new products out. 

Now for my Stila haul!

As Julia was dressing my face, she mentioned that Stila had a gala-exclusive promotion going on, where if you spend $65 or more on Stila products, you get a free gift! I thought this was the perfect opportunity to stock up on some new makeup, especially with the awesome Super Spend Your Points Event going on at Shoppers this weekend! I had enough Shoppers Optimum points to redeem the 25,000 points for $50 offer and got almost $80 worth of Stila make-up for under $30. SCORE. 

A beauty in its own right.

My Stila purchase consisted of Stila's In the Light Palette and Stila's Colour Balm Lipstick in Maya. Julia used a few of the colours from the palette on my lids yesterday, and the Maya lipstick completed my look. I love the palette because it's got all of your bases covered for any kind of natural or smoky eye look you can imagine. I had asked a for a nude lip, and apparently the shade Julia had in mind wasn't available, so out of the suggestions she gave I chose the Maya shade. I felt it not only complimented the blush Julia used on my cheeks, but it was the perfect replacement for my Elizabeth Arden lipstick that seems to be running/wearing out. Huzzah!

The Stila gift with purchase included an exclusive Stila make-up clutch, Stila's Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Stingray (Jet Black), and Stila's Mini Foundation Makeup Brush #35 (which is not sold separately). The clutch is a super soft sueded material, a stylish replacement for my wrist-strapless MAC makeup bag. Ironically, the gifted eyeliner was the same one Julia used for my look, so basically I got half the products in one purchase! When I do invest in some new foundation/BB Cream/Moisturizer, the #35 will be the perfect tool for my TTC beauty looks. 

Don't you just love when life works out like that?

After this whole experience I feel like I've been too cheap and indifferent when it comes to my "look". When I look good, I feel good, so indulging a little more on tailoring my beauty regime and purchasing poppin' products is definitely a sound investment.

What are some beauty products you can't live without?

-Shopaholic

Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Binge!

A few days ago I had wanted to put my hair in braids to get wavy hair for the first day of school, but I was totally out of hair elastics (my cats LOVE to play with them). So, I decided to stop by Shoppers Drug Mart to buy a pack, and I am so very very glad I did. It turns out they had a "$1.00 Beauty Clearance Bin" in which I found the hair elastics I needed, on top of a few other goodies. 

My holy haul from Shoppers Drug Mart.

The back of the mirror has extra magnification! Love it.

Although it wasn't in the $1.00 Blowout Bin, I did find a Secret Collection Delicates Mesh Wash Bag for only $3.00. I love mesh bags because I don't just put my bras and panties in them, I also like to use them to wash a lot of my delicate clothing and some of my hand-wash only items. It helps me get away with doing a lot of my laundry in the machine, saving me a hassle and a half. I already had two other mesh bags, but when your closet comprises of so many delicate items, it's always great to have multiple bags on hand.

I bought two packs of really cute and colourful Stylize hair elastics, which so far haven't seemed to stretch out at all, which is a problem I had with my previous elastics. I prefer getting black or dark brown elastics, because they blend in with my hair, but these were just fine for the overnight braid-to-wave technique I was buying them for. And for $1.00 a pack, I really can't complain about the colours!

I also bought a Stylize brush with comfortable rubber grip and I must say, it really is a great brush. It handles my tangles with ease, and although the grip is very "mushy", I actually prefer it over my other, more solid brush handle grips. It really was such a steal for $1.00.

Finally, my favourite purchase - the Stylize magnification hand mirror. I have one of those stand-up, self-supporting, I-don't-really-know-what-they're-called magnification mirrors on my bathroom counter, but sometimes they just don't cut it. I love the fact that the larger mirror is at normal magnification, and on the back there are two smaller mirrors with 5X and 10X magnification too. It fits nicely in my hand, and offers me the convenience and comfort only a hand mirror can provide. If I need to zoom in, I only move the mirror (or my face) a couple inches, and bam! No more having to pause, rotate the mirror to a higher magnification, and losing that one pesky ingrown in the process!

I purchased a few other things that day, and realized that although I spent almost $30, I had saved over $50 and accumulated quite a few Optimum points in the process!

Fortunately, they do have a "Super Spend Your Points Event!" going on this Saturday and Sunday, so my bonus points couldn't have come at a better time! For those of you who don't know, a super spend event allows you to redeem your Shoppers Optimum points for higher redemption values than they're normally worth. Example: If you've accumulated 25,000 points, you'll save up to $50 during the event - an extra $16 more than normal!

For details on the event, visit: http://www1.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/Home.aspx

Also, I realize that I have not posted a "Back to School Outfit of the Day Part III" today. I'm actually really sick today (battling off an infection), so I wasn't able to make it to school. Wish me all the best so I can make it back Monday!

Love,

-Shopaholic

Outfit of the Day: My First Day of School Outfit Part II

Currently on the most crowded bus on my way to French class.  I had no choice... I had to take a 9AM class, it was the only one that would fit my schedule.  And I'm seriously dreading it.  There isn't much worse than hauling your lazy butt out of bed at 7AM (when you couldn't fall asleep until 2AM) and busting your ass to catch the overcrowded 8AM commuter to make it to class on time.  And of course it's the ONE day you wear heeled sneakers, and of course you don't get a seat on the bus because that would just be too easy.

Soooooo fortunate that I didn't miss the bus taking this...

So I finally have a moment to finish writing this post. I had my French class, an hour break, then I was off to Psychology. I'm really looking forward to Psychology; the professor seems amazing, and I'm very interested in the field. I frequently stumble upon psych-themed articles in my spare time, so to be studying my "hobby" in class seems like a dream. I think it will complement my Marketing major very well, and although I am minoring in Organizational Leadership, it doesn't hurt to broaden your horizons! It also beats taking history and geography courses for my liberals...

Moving on!

My outfit today consists of... mainly metallics. I don't know why, it just felt right. It's like I'm embracing fall, but I'm all "Not too fast now! I'm still gonna do white after labour day. Let's pretend it's just a cool summer's eve, k?".

Alright, from head to toe:

Tom Ford: Harry Full Rim Aviator Sunglasses in Gold

Mac: Dubonnet Lipstick
(Image Source: Allure.com)

La Notte: Tommaso Sweatshirt
(From Aritzia, Similar, Awesome Men's Alexander McQueen Version Here)

Silence + Noise: Foil High-Rise Twig Jean in Gold
(From Urban Outfitters, Similar Brown Version from 7 for All Mankind Here)

Ash: Cool Ter Wedge Sneaker in Silver (Image Source: Polyvore.com)
(Available in Nude at Revolve Clothing)

Barely shown is my Rose Gold Michael Kors Parker watch. I pretty much wear it every day.

And there you have my second first day of school outfit. 

Lemme know what you think!

-Shopaholic

Street Style Trend: Pop of Red

So I'm back on Lookbook.

Being the fashion junkie that I am, I couldn't stay away for too long...

Care to watch me go down the rabbit hole again?

Anyway, whilst perusing the hottest looks, I can see that fall's new favourite colour is already making it's mark with streetstyle fashionistas. From the perfect cherry red pump, to that one piece of red in an all black ensemble, red is making its way onto the streets, giving a taste of what's to come this fantabulous fall (ok, so I may be feigning my fall excitement here, but I do love red...)

Mira B. - A RED SEPTEMBER
Go monochrome or go home!

Anastasia S. - Sweet, sugar, candyman
Am I the only one getting a cool Christmas vibe? Winter musings already?!

Betty A. - Carven
A playful way to break up pops of red.

Zuza S. - Checked shirt and leather skirt
The red checks stand out THAT much more against the black!

Doina C. - Magic of Paris
I love the way she coordinates the background with her shoes.

Bryant L. - INDIGO WALL
So adorable, I just want to tuck him in my pocket, red backpack and all!

Kryz U. - Gusto
A pop of red on the lips, brings out the Louboutin tips!

Jessie K. - Lazy Daisy
A true commitment to the colour.

So many lovely looks, right?

Red has always come off as such a luscious colour to me. Love it!

Here are some of my fave picks for adding a pop of red to your own clothing collection!

J. Crew - Collection Café Capri in Moroccan Windowpane
I can't get over this amazing pattern.

Zara - Checked Blazer in Red
Nothing screams FALL more than a red plaid blazer.

Zara - Studded Ankle Strap Sandals in Red
A glam way to throw some red in the mix.

Forever 21 - Lacquered Heart Charm Necklace in Red
For only $1.80, you can't go wrong!

American Apparel - Leather Bow Clip in Red
Two trends in one!

Armani Exchange - Ruffle Hem Ponte Mini Skirt in Henna
Use the shape and pop of colour to add some interest to your neutrals!

Clover Canyon - Royal Egg Vase Printed Top
Red doesn't need to be stealing the light to stand out.

Diane von Furstenberg - 440 Leopard-Print Calf Hair Clutch Bag
Seriously, what WON'T this go with?!

Red-y or not, we are done!

-Shopaholic

Outfit of the Day: My First Day of School Outfit Part I

Alright, so I FINALLY settled on my outfit for the first day of class, granted it was kind of a pointless endeavour since my class was in an AMC theatre, meaning it's dark so I'm really not showing off much. I braided my hair last night to get lovely waves for today, but it turned out more crimped than curly... I can deal.

I kept it casual, sophisticated, and simple. I decided to wear pink, not only because it's my favourite colour, but I felt that this particular shade would help me stand out and make me seem more pleasant and approachable.

Also, please note that I STILL need a new backpack...

Gucci: Sunglasses Model GG 2517/S

Theyskens Theory: Cashu Fiola Dress

Tiffany & Co: Atlas Cube Sterling Silver Necklace

Michael Kors: Mid-Size Rose Golden Stainless Steel Parker Chronograph Glitz Watch

Michael by Michael Kors: Gray Bromley Python-Embossed Flat Boot in Slate

MAC: Girl About Town Lipstick
(IMG Source: http://thefabulousgiver.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/girl.jpg)

What do you think about my first day look? 1 outfit down, 3 more to go!

Update: I've already made a new friend in my first class! Funniest thing is, we apparently used to go to the same high school, we just never hung out (until now haha). Small world!

-Shopaholic

First Day of School Style

You know, you high-schoolers have it easy. You elementary school kids too. University and College students have the hardest first week of school possible.

Know why?

Because we potentially have up to 6 days of different classes in a row. In my case, 4 days.

Can you imagine having to meticulously plan out four fashionable and fab first day first impressions?

It's freaking me out.

I mean, should I still be rocking a summer style, or have we made an early transition into fall with the whole first day of school, it's finally September sitch?

Do I dare to bring out my most eccentric pieces; to stand out among the crowd of fifty to five hundred faces? Or do I do my best to blend in to avoid that one teacher who will simply pick on you just because you stand out?

Help?

My schedule for this semester consists of: Finance, Economics, French, Marketing, Psychology, and Human Resources. Kind of bummed that I'm taking Marketing online, but it was the only way to A) Avoid having classes on Wednesdays, and B) Get the best possible prof.

So, I need to figure out my outfits for tomorrow, Thursday, Friday, and next Monday (today's a holiday, so my first day of class is getting pushed to next week).

It ain't gonna be easy, and I haven't really done any back-to-school shopping because I've been pretty broke after final clearance. Ah well, I'll make do.

Some of the many of pieces for Back-to-School that I totally covet:

Silence + Noise - French Hip Hop Maxi Dress (Perfect for French class, non?)

American Apparel - Leather T-Shirt (I would buy one in every colour if I could)

Danier - Style # 104030555 (This is that classic jacket that will make your outfit)

Brian Lichtenberg - Black Feline Baseball Cap with Gold Embroidery 
(This would be the be all and end all of my hat collection, I swear)

Silence + Noise - High-Rise Pull-On Skinny Pant 
(That comfy pant that you can just slip on with anything and look awesome)

Nasty Gal - Hieroglyph Ankh Earrings (Just so much love for these, I don't even...)

Somedays Lovin' - Cobra Kimono (Make a ssssstatement)

Wildfox - EXCLUSIVE Gold Sparkle Heart
(Two of fall's trendiest colours side-by-side, love it)

T By Alexander Wang - Supima Jersey Leather Pocket Tee
(Comfy and versatile, what more could a girl ask for?)

I've decided that I'm just gonna "do me" in terms of my look, and review all of the course content before my first day(s) of class. I'll be fashionable, and knowledgeable - standing out for all the right reasons.

Cannot get this out of my head...

I hope you have a fashionable first day!

-Shopaholic