Foreign familiarity

Black check scarf c/o Dresslily / Green winter coat from StyleWe

First of all, I'd like to say that if you're going to Iceland in late September like I did, do not try to be stylish. It's not worth it. "I'm Canadian. I'm used to bad winters. How bad could it be?" Serves me right for thinking that I could get away with a women's blazer and jeans, trying the effortlessly cool. Turns out I was just cold. Maybe it was just my timing, but it was super windy. And rainy. And sunny. And hail-y. Be practical because the weather changes quickly. Now that I'm back, I'm laughing at how I was freezing from getting caught in the rain, yet I have tan lines from spending too much time at Blue Lagoon. But I suppose that's part of the appeal - the unpredictable beauty of the elements and nature. 

I'm a bit of a cranky traveller. I scoff at people who take photos trying to hold up the Leaning Tower, and grumble at how hard it is to get through crowded streets of people stopping every few steps. Here at Black Sand Beach, it's different. It's a little isolated, but well-known enough to attract the tourists. As the majority of people crowd the area right off the parking lot, a few of us wander off to the side. None of us speak the same language, but the generic gestures of "Take a photo for us?" are familiar. Then unexpectedly, the tide comes in and we all scramble to get as high as possible to avoid soaking our feet. Once the tide recedes, we look around to each other and laugh. I gotta say, knowing that you've shared a memorable experience with complete strangers, acknowledging each others' sense of whimsy, is kind of a beautiful thing. 

Fields of gold

Colorblock sweater c/o Dresslily / Green peacoat from StyleWe / Black leggings from Joe Fresh

Does anyone else think that clothing has just gotten awful over the past few seasons? Going into stores is the worst. The amount of times that I've pulled a great coat from off the rack, only to turn it around and have something stupid like "Boy, Bye" written on the back, is unacceptable. Or what about that moment when you go to buy a chunky sweater, only to realize that it has a ridiculous cutout in the back. Do companies realize that sweaters are actually supposed to be warm? 

I'm so glad I was able to find this awesome colorblock sweater. It's cozy, functional, and a little funkier than the boring plain tops that dominate my closet, without being graphic cat t-shirt levels of funky.

If anyone wants functional or funky, head over to Dresslily for their new arrivals by using discount code "DLAnniversay" to save:

• $3 on all orders over $25 USD
• $6 on all orders over $50 USD
• $12 on all orders over $100 USD

What's up, Canada?

As someone who took three Canadian culture courses in university, let me tell you that so far, no one has really accurately been able to stir up Canadian pride in me with a single definition. Lately though, I've been feeling pretty great about Canada. Now, we might not have giant sales or flags bellowing in every other window, but here's what keeps the maple syrup running through my veins:

• Having open conversations about politics at work, but clear rivalries when it comes to sports. 
• Whenever The Barenaked Ladies, Celine Dion, or Bryan Adams are mentioned by international media. 
• Being able to get drunk around dinosaurs and priceless art at the Royal Ontario Museum.
• The inability to think of any "Canadian" food besides poutine. But it's okay because we can get food from all around the world here. 
• Having someone bump into you, but you're the one who says "sorry". 
• The guarantee that someone will say "Am I having a stroke?" when the smell of burnt toast is present (Thanks, Heritage Minutes). 

Gearing up for Canada Day? Want to rock the Canada Day nails look as pictured above? Get yourself some free Canadian flag nail stencils from Whats Up Nails! All you have to do is head over to Nail Polish Canada, then use this code: XL2VN00317NPN.

Hurry though, the code works for the first 10 users! And sorry, this offer is only for Canadians though. Sorry.

Review: Seche Vive Top Coat

I don't think I can go back to using another top coat after this. To really put Seche Vive to the test, I conducted two tests that reflect my lazy and sloppy nail regime. I wish that I had the patience and skill to put nail polish on perfectly every time, but I don't. So for you nail polish amateurs out there, this review is for you.

First, I used Seche Vive over cheap nail polish from Forever 21. Normally without top coat, I'd start to see chipping after about 5 days of wear. Seche Vive managed to double the life of my polish. If this is what it does to cheap polish, I can't wait to try this on top of the nice stuff. Plus, the "instant drying" label really rings true - I was able to go about my normal business in about two minutes after applying.

Next, I was in a hurry one day but needed some colour on my nails. So I sloppily brushed on some polish, including committing the sin of putting a second coat on before the first coat was dry, which caused an uneven mess. With one swipe of Seche Vive, the gel effect kicked in and smoothed over the blotchy patches of nail polish to create one seamless finish. This is a serious game changer. For someone who is a little clumsy with using my hands while my nail polish is supposed to be drying, it's a big plus that my mistakes can be smoothed over so easily.

I tend to get sucked into buying poor quality nail polish from time to time, especially when it comes to bold colours. It's nice to know that I can spend less money on nail polish. But if I invest in a good top coat like Seche Vive, I can prolong the life of my nail polish wear and give it a more professional finish. Definitely would buy this again. Get this from Nail Polish Canada - it's worth it.

Over easy

Olive T-shirt dress c/o Tobi / Ivory sweater dress c/o Tobi / Black lace bandeau from H&M / Wearing NYX Deep Purple lipstick

I was talking to a coworker the other day about how she was agonizing over what to wear for an office event and how easy it must be for guys to just pick a suit and go each day. This is one of those situations where she was looking for someone to listen to her rant, instead of offering solid advice, so I agreed.

But in reality, no. Looking put together can be super quick and effortless as a woman. Throwing on a dress? That's even easier than putting on a suit! So that's why I've lined my closet with mostly versatile pieces that look casual and comfy on their own, but can always be dressed up with a blazer and a good pair of heels. When I know that all my pieces go together, it's hard to ever be poorly dressed.

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Could've been the wine

Off the shoulder sweater c/o Tobi / Plaid skirt from Suzy Shier / Gold necklace from H&M

I'm a strong supporter of the "work smarter, not harder" notion. And part of that is knowing how to go about your day-to-day life with minimum effort for maximum results. Even the smallest things can make a big difference. Like that trick where you leave a knife at the edge of the sink if you plan to use it again so you don't have to wash as many utensils. Or buying a thick oversized sweater so you don't have to wear a bra underneath.

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The weekend suit

Blue velvet top c/o DressLily / Nike Lunar Stelos / Boyfriend jeans from Joe Fresh / Black blazer from H&M

As much as I like having seemingly endless choices of what to wear, I find myself envying how easy it is for guys to throw on a suit and recycle outfits on loop. The other day, someone asked me what kind of suit I would wear if I had the option then. After a bit of reflection, I realized that I have a weekend suit - something that I wear on Casual Fridays that carries me through to the weekend. 

I started off wearing this outfit on Fridays because it's a good mix of polished and comfortable (when I change into my work heels). But why stop there? Why does grocery shopping on a Saturday mean that I have to look like I rolled out of bed? 

I think it's funny when people say that I look put together because they have no idea how much laziness really goes into what I wear. I live in these boyfriend jeans when I can because they provide enough eating space to conquer a buffet. Don't be fooled by the blazer - I'm fake fancy. 

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The sea was angry that day

Boxy striped blouse c/o Zaful / Denim shorts from Target / Sequin bag c/o Dresslily

My recent buys and finds lately have been quite boring. When you spend 5 days a week in a stuffy office, I get more bang for my buck when I buy work clothes over weekend clothes. Blazers in every colour, straight cut pants...boring. So when I saw this blouse, it had been the first time in a while that I had genuinely been excited about clothing. A shirt that I can tuck in and dress up during the office, then dress down for the weekend? Yes please.

Also in an effort to mix fun into my work wardrobe, I've been obsessed with accessories to add a subtle punch to my outfit. And I'm not talking about statement necklaces. When all the "how to add fun to your work wardrobe" guides suggest "bling", guess what - it's not unique anymore. This sequin bag is my new go-to for a truly unique accessory. I love how it adds a classy touch to a boring or casual outfit without being too overwhelming.

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Simplicity over minimalism

"So what's your New Year's resolution?"

I've heard this question a lot lately, like most of you have. But I have the same answer as always: "Whatever, who knows - we'll see where the year takes me".

Sure, my answer is 40% laziness, 10% fear of failure, and 30% indecisiveness, but that still leaves 20% for a genuine desire to be more flexible and nonchalant. And there's definitely space to improve. After being asked what my resolution is so many times, sometimes I wonder whether I'm wrong or missing something for not wanting to make a concrete goal at the beginning of the year. But what is this weird form of peer pressure? Why do I feel the need to tell others that I'm setting objectives for myself if I already like the path that I'm on?

Let's compare this to the minimalism trend. How many times have you heard "effortlessly chic"? And how many of us know the real pain behind the scenes of using pomade, combs, and hairspray to get that Instagramable messy "I woke up like this" look. What is this obsession that we have with trying to make it look like we have it all together without putting in the effort?

So my unofficial attitude (I'm not ready to commit to a resolution yet) for 2017 is that I want to really start living with a simplified thought process. Truly going with the flow and not sweatin' the small stuff.

With that in mind, please accept these photos because I was too lazy to do my nails and I don't want to put on the facade that I did anything productive but eat over the holidays. This gorgeous bar ring from oNecklace is my new go-to piece of jewellery though. It's simple, classy, and matches everything.

The gold name necklace pictured was a gift to my mother, who loved how easy it was for this piece to transition from day to night, even to the gym! It's subtle, but poignant. And it comes in a lovely gift box that gives it an expensive feel, but at under $60, it's super affordable.

I've received a couple of oNecklace pieces before in the past and I love the quality of them all. I wouldn't give it a second thought to order from them again. Now if only I could adopt that kind of certainty in my everyday life...

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Review: UKYS custom shirt tailoring app

Tailor-made fashion is typically associated with a high quality fits, professional experiences, and a high price tag to match. Rarely do I see anything truly worthy of being called "fashion innovation", but UKYS has the potential to shake up the way we consume tailored clothing. UKYS has created an app that takes your photos to create precision measured fitted dress shirts for around $80! And you get to customize your shirt to fit your style preferences.

How it works:

Since UKYS specializes in men's shirts, I went through this process with my boyfriend. With the UKYS app, you start off by choosing the shirt colour you'd like. You then get to choose a series of customizations, including shirt fit, collar style, cuff style, and trim patterns.

Once you're finished your selections, the app plays a video that will guide you through the measurement process. Using a series of photos, UKYS is able to capture your body's measurements, where professional tailors are then able to create your fitted shirt. At a 10 ft distance from your iPhone or iPad, you will need to take photos for your front view, back view, and side profile. UKYS makes it clear that privacy is a priority for them, which is why your face is blurred in photos before they even reach the company. No worries if your photos aren't quite right, because a rep from UKYS will reach out to let you know that the photos need to be redone, so you don't have to worry about processing an order with poor measurements.

The result:

Blown away. I am so impressed by the results. The fit was absolutely perfect, which is especially difficult to achieve with an inverted triangle body type. The cotton material feels like great quality, however the colour was a bit off from what I expected. It looked more like a midnight blue rather than a navy. Overall, I'd order again in a heartbeat. No where else can you get a tailored shirt from the comfort of your own home, at a fraction of the price. I highly recommend UKYS.

Now on Kickstarter, UKYS is looking for backing! At only $76, you can get your own tailored shirt (or get it as a gift) and be part of this revolutionary experience. Seriously, do it. It's so worth it.

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Kissing coffee cups

Red bucket bag c/o Zaful / Striped blouse from Ricki's / Grey patterned skirt from Suzy Shier

As I was going through these photos, I was thinking "Hm, I really should've added a bold red lip to complete the look." But you know what? I haven't worn lipstick in a year. Why? Because the first thing I do on a weekday is grab a cup of coffee that smears the majority of my lipstick off. Then, I'm left with disgusting lipstick residue on my cup that I feel like I'm eating with every sip after. 

"But Sabrina, why don't you just prime or bite a tissue first?" Hello, it's the first thing in the morning. My priorities are injecting myself with caffeine. I don't know about you, but extra steps in my beauty regime are not on my mind. Sometimes, if I'm lucky, I wait until someone talks to me so I know that my lipstick has been seen before it comes off onto my cup. Sometimes you gotta count the small victories... 

I'd also like to highlight my experience with Zaful. Like many other sites, this site has an instant online chat function. Usually, I roll my eyes and assume it's some smart bot or unhelpful contract worker. So I half-heartedly asked what the brand print on the bottom of the bag said (because of image on their site said "Fashion Bag" and no one wants that). To my pleasant surprise, a rep came back with a photo of the bag in question with the print in close up! I double checked, and the photo file name was actually the date, which means that this wasn't some randomly stored picture. This person LITERALLY got up to find the bag in stock, took a photo, and sent it to me. I was so blown away by this experience. I don't always talk about companies in such detail, but after that, I was really happy to do this Zaful review.

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How to: Get easy effortless waves with a hair straightener

Having super thin hair, I like having a bit of volume to my hair without a lot of effort. Reading other tutorials, I don't know what their normal routine encompasses, but I don't consider mousse, hairspray, hair pins, and 10+ minutes to be "effortless". So, I came up with my own trick that only takes 2-5 minutes and no extra fuss.

My Irresistable Me professional flat iron instantly heats up, which really helps when I press snooze too many times. With diamond and tourmaline technology, I actually don't need to spray my hair before use because my hair is truly still smooth and not fried afterwards. 

How to get the look: Instead of wasting time sectioning off my hair, I just grab strands and start curling. To do this, clamp the strand of hair between the straightener and pull the hair while curling inwards, holding the straightening iron vertically. I like really loose waves, so curling from the mid-section of my hair to the end of each strand typically takes about 3 seconds at 370 degrees heat. 

The beauty about these messy waves is that it really doesn't matter if you're a little sloppy with the technique. Some waves bigger than others? Miss a few strands? No problem! Remember, effortless waves should actually be effortless. Just run your fingers through your hair a bit and you're good to go. I still have a few fly-aways in my finished photo below, but I kind of like it like that - it really adds to the "I woke up like this" polished messy look.

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The Ultimate Gift Guide for Beauty Junkies

image via

I wouldn't call myself a makeup junkie, but if you consider having a strict makeup ritual and refusing to leave the house without foundation and eyeliner for a confidence boost...then okay, maybe I am a bit of an addict. Fortunately, if we do know a beauty lover or makeup addict, they will always be easy to shop for. Well, the idea of makeup. But choosing a specific item can be a bit of a challenge. With constant new products and developments, there's always something new to try. Check out the inspiration below if you’re shopping for a makeup maniac:

Palettes and Kits

Makeup palettes have become hugely popular thanks to their cult-status on YouTube and Instagram. Urban Decay’s Naked Palettes are particularly popular, along with Lorac's Unzipped Palette. New releases from Anastasia also regularly hit the beauty headlines. It's easy to see why palettes are so popular. They are compact, attractive, and easy to travel with. With a wide range of colours and textures, it’s possible to create an entire look with the use of only a single palette. They are easy to wrap and feel like a substantial, thoughtful gift. Palettes like the ones listed above are particular favourites because they feature neutral colours. They suit every skin tone and can be used to create a variety of looks.

Gift Cards and Trips

You may find yourself buying for a makeup addict but have no idea where to begin. Perhaps you are a bit of a makeup newbie yourself and don’t have the time or inclination to read the latest blogs on what is popular. But you still want to treat someone to an item you know they’d love. Why not consider an entire beauty experience? A simple experience could mean a trip to a beauty store together. You could have makeovers at the counter together, shop for products, and investigate new releases. You could give your friend a budget and allow them to show till they drop - all on you. Perhaps you could even take a trip to a beauty convention together like the ABA Beauty Show or Beautycon. A gift card can be much appreciated too. It takes the pressure off having to find something suitable, but allows them a gift that they will really love.

The Extras

There are more beauty gadgets and extras around than ever before. Someone might not be able to justify treating themselves but would always love to receive a gift. There is nothing more exciting for a beauty lover than trying out a product or item they have never even heard of! High quality tweezers or eyelash curlers can be a genuine cult favourite. False eyelashes are a wonderful gift for the experienced makeup aficionado too. Check out the hidden parts of makeup stores and websites to discover an unexpected treasure.

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