New in my Jewel Box :: Chanel 2014 Earrings

Hello Everyone!

When I went to the opening of Chanel at Yorkdale Mall I stumbled across these earrings. Due to the price tag, I decided I should sleep on the decision to purchase them (though I realized I didn't have much time since they were a seasonal pair of earrings). Slept on it and decided that I was going to purchase them.

I absolutely adored the filigree finishing on these earrings and couldn't let them go since they are a part of the seasonal collection which makes them unique and unlikely to reappear in the future. They also had a matching brooch (surprisingly for the same price) and necklace which I really loved but the brooch is impractical for me and the necklace was a little disproportioned by the large pearl in my opinion. All three also came in a nude option opposed to the black.

Anyways, here they are!

Edit: Since purchasing these in December, Chanel has made them part of the permanent collection.

$325+taxes

Thanks for reading! 

elle xx

New in My Closet :: Magenta Madness Sale Haul - Burberry Trench Coat

The Magenta Madness Sale was pretty crazy at Yorkdale's Holt Renfrew last night! I originally wanted to go to see if the Alexander Wang Rockie was 50% off, but it turns out that Marc by Marc Jacobs and Burberry (amongst other things too) were on sale!

I went to line up to get a MbMJ Fran, but by the time I was able to get into the leased store, they were sold out :(

But the shopping trip was also a success! I've told myself when I graduate and can afford a Burberry trench coat, I would get one (since they are $1k+!). But it turns out that the Burberry RTW was surprisingly 50% off (which never happens)!!! So I was able to get my hands on it with the money I saved up for my MbMJ Fran! Hopefully, the burgundy/wine coloured Fran will stick around for awhile as it's still a bag on my wishlist. I was the first ones to apparently recognize the Burberry sale (since the Burberry sale starts for 1 hour at 10pm; I grabbed them and put it on hold / suspended purchase at 9pm)... after people saw me get it they were gone like crazy. I managed to help my mom buy one for herself and my dad too - so the whole family matches! :D Anyways, this probably means I should return my Club Monaco Trench I scored from Black Friday.

Edit: I found out later that Burberry went on sale since Burberry is no longer being sold by Holt Renfrew. Burberry has become a leased brand within the company. This means that Burberry rents out their own store within Holts and is responsible for sales and all things associated with it. Holts no longer has control over their merchandise though leased companies can opt to participate in a company wide sale.

Thanks for reading!

elle xx

New in my Closet :: Black Friday Sale Haul

Hello Everyone! 

So for Black Friday, I headed to Yorkdale Mall to check out the deals. Surprisingly, Aritzia also had some sales (as I didn't expect them to have any - does anyone notice that Aritzia is having more sales more often?).

First I went to Club Monaco. They were having a 30% off sale on all their sale merchandise. Regular merchandise was still regular price. I've been wanting a trench coat for the longest time. Well, in particular I want a Burberry trench coat but those are well over $1k! So that will be in my 'later' wishlist when I can afford it. I have yet to decide if I wanted a black, navy, or trench coloured coat but I haven't really found any decent priced flattering trench coats in stores, until today! I found a knee length trench in black in the sales rack! This is also my first item I've purchased from Club Monaco!

Club Monaco Black Long Trench Coat (Size XS) - $210+30% off :)

Tory Burch didn't have any particular sales for Black Friday but I found this zip coin purse/card holder in the sales section for 30% off! (Retailers really do like 30% off on Black Friday, don't they?)

Tory Burch Amanda Zip Coin Case - $56 + 30% off :D

Lastly, while I didn't get this on the exact Black Friday date, luckily for Black Friday week long sales I was able to snag a pair of Varina's from David's for ~15% off. They were a hot item so I had to call the David's at Bloor to put it on hold for me!

Ferragamo Varina Flats in Wine Patent (Size 6.5) - $385 (Reg $450) from Davids Footwear

Thanks for reading!

elle xx

Haul :: Lisa's Cosmetics Warehouse November 2013

Hello Everyone!

It's that time of year again! Lisa's Cosmetics Warehouse Sale has opened its door for the holiday season. This week was the first weekend open and it was packed! I went with my mother at 5pm on Sunday (it closes at 6pm) as we normally run in the last hour to grab what we want and leave. However, this time we had to wait 20 minutes to get in! 

My mother and I wanted to run in for 2 things. I wanted shampoo/conditioner and she wanted her H2O skin care products. We ended up buying a lot more than we both had planned...

Here's my portion of the haul! Pretty crazy. Keep reading for prices!

Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo for Dry Hair ($4.99) and the Evolve Stay Soft Daily Conditioner ($4.99)

This year Lisa's Cosmetics added two new makeup lines to their list: Stila & Anna Sui. I love Anna Sui packaging and picked up the following:

• Anna Sui Lip Rouge V in 460 for $10.99
• Anna Sui Face Color Accent Blush in 400 for $12.99
• Anna Sui Eye Color in 102 for $10.99

Also picked up a Goody Ouchless Brush for $2.99 - Hopefully this is truly ouchless!

Lastly Lisa's expanded their H2O repertoire from the last time I visited them:

• H2O Sea Results Sea Mineral Cleanser (Oil-Free) [169mL] for $8.00 (reg: $23)
• H2O Brightening Toner with Marine Brightening Technology [200mL] for $10.00 (reg: $25)
• H2O Dual-Action Makeup Remover [120mL] for $10.00 (reg: $24)
• H2O Ultra Hydrator [50mL] for $22.00 (reg: $50)
• Note: Hydrating Gel [50mL] is $20 (reg: $48)

Thanks for reading and hope this helps!
elle xx

Birthday Present :: Nike FuelBand SE

Hello Everyone!

So for the longest time, I've been wanting to get back into my exercise grind as I used to be a competitive figure skater prior to university. Since entering university, my exercise regime has gone down and my unhealthy habits were on an increase. 

Anyways, for the longest time I was debating if I should get the NikeFuel Band to be a visual motivator to exercise more often and frequently went into the Apple and Nike store to check it out. Unfortunately, I didn't quite like the appearance of the first generation of Nike FuelBands and opted to wait for a more aesthetically pleasing option (and a more economic version from Fitbit or Jawbone).

However, for my birthday my parents got me the new NikeFuel Band SE! It's a solid black with a slightly apparent electric lime green interior band. While its quite similar to the first FuelBand, this new one is able to be charged directly with the USB that is exposed when you unclasp the bracelet along with other features.

Super happy & grateful to my parents!

Thanks for reading!
elle xx

Wishlist :: Christmas 2013

New in My Vanity :: Sephora VIB + Birthday Haul

Hello Everyone!

So this month is my birthday month so I headed to Sephora to finally claim my birthday gift this year! 

Also, since there was the 20% off discount for VIB members this weekend, I decided to take advantage of that and purchase a new red lipstick - YSL's Rouge Volupté Shine in #4 Rouge in Danger. It's more of a sheer lip balm than a solid lipstick, thus making it excellent for everyday wear. I was tempted to get #43 from Makeup Forever as it was a true red lipstick, however the YSL lipstick was more reminiscent of MACs Cyndi Lipstick from a couple years ago which I used often! Hence based on personal practicality and the allure of the golden designer YSL tube, I got the YSL lipstick. 

I also saw the new NARS x Guy collaboration and I really would like to get the hot pink blush from that collection - but I still haven't finished my NARS hot pink multiple or my MAC Her Blooming Cheeks. 

Anyways, that's all for today!

Thanks for reading!

elle xx

Toronto Snow Show Haul :: Ready for Snow Season 2013!

Hello Everyone!

So today was the last day for the Toronto Snow Show at the International Centre Hall in Mississauga. The sale started on Thursday, October 17 and ended today (Sunday, October 20th). Unfortunately, I couldn't make it on the 17th-19th so I had no choice but to go today.

I had my reservations going since it was a $17 admission fee (though this is cost is off set by a buy 1 get 1 lift ticket coupon at various resorts) and I was also worried that there wouldn't be any stock left on the final day. 

I wanted to go to the Snow Show and pick up a pair of white snow pants for ~$100 and a  white/mint POC helmet (preferably with the little cap or something similar) for less than $60. If there were any nice jackets at around $100 I would get one as well - but I just purchased a jacket for $110 from Sportschek (though still able to return for full refund).

Surprisingly there was a lot of stock left - though unfortunately the cheap deals had limited sizes left. For example, I saw a pair of mint coloured DC pants for $29.99 - but was an XL. Same thing happened for a pair of white Roxy snow pants for $50 - but was an L. I also saw a few yellow Pro-Tec and grey, black, and red Red helmets for $39.99. Unfortunately, I didn't care for the appearance of these and they all lacked the little 'cap' I was looking for.

I went to Harry's (harrys.ca) stall and picked up these Billabong White Snowpants. I liked these cause they were a crisp white, slim around the knees, and quite warm (so all I have to wear is a pair of leggings underneath). These were a little over my budget at $115.50 - but I liked these much more than the pair of Burtons at another stall for $89.99 (and they were too big), and a pair of Spyders that I saw for $99.99 (but were really big and puffy). I also purchased the Billabong pair cause the sales associate at Harry's was really sweet. However, I was dismayed when I went home to find that they were regular $130 - as I was hoping to get a better deal - but I do really like the pants and the little hook feature on the bottom so that the pants won't rise while boarding.

I wasn't planning to get a new pair of goggles, but I saw these cute mint pair of $30 (reg $60) and decided I couldn't go wrong with them. I got these at the Surf Paradise stall. These Scott Dana Goggles are a little on the smaller end, but as long as they cover my eyes and don't fog up (fingers crossed) I'll be happy. I saw a lot of Electric Goggles, and the sales associate tried to sell them to me ($169 + 50% off = $85; gave me $75) - but at this point I just wanted goggles for anesthetics so opted not to get them (although they were nicer). Later, found the 1/2 Off Goggles Stall which had a bunch of nicer big goggles for ~$60; so I was glad I opted for my mint pair.

I also purchased my helmet from Harry's. I opted for this Black/Neon Green Pro-Tec Riot helmet for $55 (half off). I found it more comfortable than the Bern, but more "bubbly". Personally, I liked the look of the Bern Baker (below) in Black ($90) but for the $35 price I chose the Pro-Tec.

Anyways, I hope this was helpful for any folks planning to go next year. If anything don't hesitate to ask any questions in the comments below and I'll respond as quick as I can (even if this happens to be in later years).

Thanks for reading!
elle xx

New in My Closet :: Michael Kors Knee-High Flat Boots

Hello Everyone!

I'm still buzzing from my latest conquest - the Bromley Flat Boot from Michael by Michael Kors! I was particularly ecstatic to pick up this particular boot because Holt Renfew sent me a $50 off a purchase of $100 or more coupon too! So these hot babies set me back $208+tax. I understand that $200 is quite a lot to spend on a pair of boots, but I rather invest a little more in good quality boots that I can wear both casually and formally than spend $100 on a pair of faux leather boots that only last one season. I can attest to the quality of Michael Kors boots cause I've had the black leather Hamilton Boots with silver hardware (below) for a little more than 2 years and those puppies are still doing great (minus the fact that they have signs of wear now).

I've been wanting this particular for approximately 2 years now (but previously opted for the black leather Hamilton Boots 2 years ago and a brown Coach pair last year) but I'm glad I waited! Previously, the Bromley Flat Boots always came with the back portion of the boot made out of nylon (which I didn't care much for - pictured below) but this year it finally came out fully leather (and ironically cheaper than the nylon version). I only wish that the hardware on mine was silver, but I also like the combination of black and gold.

Available at Little Burgundy for $278 + taxes & free shipping here

Also, I also like these boots for their style (though I found the MK version first) and they also mimic the infamous Stuart Weitzman's 5050 Boot ($660!) that are often seen on top fashion bloggers like Wendy from Wendy's Lookbook (here and here). However, the sales associate at Holts who sold the MK boots to me said that the 5050 boot wasn't comfortable for their price and reaffirmed that the MK ones were a much better deal and more comfortable.

Available at Stuart Weitzman for $660 here

Anyways, thank you for letting me share!
elle xx

New in My Jewellery Box :: Autumn 2013 Chanel Earrings

Hello Everyone!

So about a month ago, I finally decided to pull the trigger on these Chanel Autumn 2013 Earrings. I absolutely adore Chanel earrings and one day hope to amass a collection of them! In my opinion, Chanel is the most timeless brand on the market today, as such making such their jewellery pieces worth the investment - especially since designer jewellery is most likely not made out of semiprecious metals or stones. Every season Chanel comes out with a collection of earrings that will only be around for that season - so when I see a pair I really like that is under the $300 threshold I start to seriously debate if they are worthy of my investment (they also have a permanent collection they have - but I've noticed the price increase $50 for the same pair of earrings over the last year or two). These particular Chanel earrings cost $260 CAD + tax. These are the first to make the cut for myself as they fulfilled the following requirements (1) silver - as that is my personal preference over gold (2) the iconic Chanel camellia, (3) relatively small, dainty, and timeless, and (4) studs.

My next wishlist are the following pieces:

*daydreaming*

Anyways thanks for reading!

elle xx

OOTD + New in My Closet :: Shopping Date with Mom & Juicy Couture Horseshoe Necklace

Jacket: Danier, Tank: Pink, Jeans: TNA, Bag: Phillip Lim x Target, Boots: KORS by Michael Kors

Today I went shopping with my mom and I saw these wedge shoes (pictured part of my OOTD)! They were super cute but sale for $179... Going to wait for them to either go down in price or wait for something better since these are relatively high and I don't see myself wearing these everyday (thus making the cost per wear for these boots higher).

What do you guys think of the boots? They are pointy and a wedge - that are high but super comfy. 

On another note, I did pick up this super cute horseshoe necklace from Juicy Couture! It was on sale for ~$27. I've always loved unicorns and mythical horses - plus horseshoes are supposed to be lucky! Hopefully this necklace will bring me a little bit of luck - as I am in dire need of some.

Thanks for reading!

elle xx

New in my Vanity :: Bobbi Brown To Go 500 Point Perk

Hi Everyone!

I hope everyone is having a good day! I saw my friend got this perk and I immediately went to my local Sephora to pick it up (since it s no longer available online anymore). I picked up the Bobbi Brown To Go Palette for 500 points at Sephora. Now, I think some of the point perks are not worth the points, but recently Sephora has been upping their game! I also wanted to pick up the YSL Bracelet for 500 points but I don't have that many points. I am contemplating spending 100 points on a deluxe sample of Benetint though! Half a year ago I also managed to get my favourite lipstick, Dior Lipstick in Lucky, for 100 points. So good job Sephora! Keep it up!

However, without further a do here's the newest 500 Point Perk! I hope this finds those who are contemplating getting it in time to help you make a decision on to spend or not to spend those 500 precious points! (Those points aren't cheap you know!)

This is my first Bobbi Brown product. I've always wanted to try her gel liner - but at the moment I've been using felt tip eyeliner pens and contemplating trying cake liner before I head back to gel liner. The palette combination is perfect for me - I use a lot of neutral colours and really bright blushes (unfortunately my picture was unable to capture the pink). My to go blush is Her Blooming Cheeks by MAC which is a hot pink shade. The downside is that the eyeshadows are really small. It's great for travelling but the shadows are really really small. You will probably use up the eyeshadows within a month or two if used consistently.

Overall the eyeshadows are good quality, however, you can purchase better quality eyeshadows from MAC or even some drug store brands. I personally prefer my NAKED palette over this.

Anyways! Hope this helps! 

elle xx

New in My Closet :: Phillip Lim x Target Collaboration Haul

Hello Everyone!

This was the first time I've ever lined up for a designer collaboration with a mass market store. My friends F & C went with me to line up. I woke up at 5AM and got there by 6:30AM. I was approximately 10th in line. I was super excited to get this purse since its an authentic $35 copy of the Phillip Lim 3.1 Phashi mini bag which costs ~$700CAD! It was the only item I wanted. Despite being 10th in line F managed to snag the last 3 - 2 black and 1 brown. My friend C got the cameo shirt from the mens line. Note to future design collaboration chasers - doesn't matter what position you are in line. Once the doors open - run like crazy to the stuff you want first. The racks were cleaned out within 10 minutes.

I've been using this purse for the last few days and it's wonderful! I love the crossbody option as well as the top handles! I also love the fact the bag is able to be zipped up and the front pocket is magnetic for easy access (it looks like a legitimate locking mechanism too!)

Thanks for reading!

elle xx

Cravings :: Louis Vuitton Indian Rose Collection

Hello Everyone!

In the past, I never was particularly interested in Louis Vuitton other than for its Neverfull GM (the huge tote bag) and the iconic Speedy 25. However, recently they released a collection of monogrammed patent ("vernis") leather in a hot fuchsia called "Indian Rose". Since this collection has come out early this spring/summer, I've been constantly looking at it!

I was debating of getting one of the smaller items, like the Zippy Coin Wallet, Cosmetic Pouch or the Cles Key Pouch (above) such that I can have my very own piece of the collection, but the price is really hard for me to swallow. The Zippy Coin Wallet is $500 and the Cles is $370! Likewise, I was really drawn to this collection because of the Alma BB pictured below.

It was inspired when I was looking at the Instagram of HRH Collection! She makes the bag look so cute. Sigh... why does this bag have to be so expensive!

Aside from the price, considering my student lifestyle, a bag in monogrammed bright patent leather may call into question my financial status. I really like this bag, but I also think that the monogramming is quite ostentatious? But I guess for $1,550, you probably want to most ostentatious bag so you have more bang for your buck (like a pair of Christian Louboutins vs Jimmy Choos - you want the red lacquered sole to show for the amount you paid!). Additionally, I come from a middle-class society, so people around me would most likely recognize the logo but also question my finances for it? Additionally, I also feel its slightly disrespectful to be flashing a pricy bag when others around you can't really afford various necessities or swimming in debt (though that is their problem). Likewise, I wouldn't wear this in a workplace as it is too flashy. So what is the practicality of the bag for me (despite the handles and the crossbody meets my physical handbag credentials)? The other question is how long would I enjoy this bag for? Is this just a phase or something I really really really love? Do I really want to spend a month's worth of rent on a bag that I'm only going to love for a short time?

Anyways, inspite of all my worries, I've also found another bag I really love in the same colour! The Monceau BB.

I also really like this bag! In addition, there are photos online of Miranda Kerr wearing it and it looks really good on her! (Plus it doesn't hurt that Miranda Kerr is one of my fashion icons/celebrity girl crushes)

And the Elle September 2013 feature on Miranda Kerr's closet shows it lounging comfortably in her shoe closet.

And the promotional pictures from Louis Vuitton makes it look very classy dressed up - which means it has the ability to be dressed up or down!

I like this just as much as the Alma BB because the patent leather isn't monogrammed so it isn't quite as ostentatious. But the fact it isn't monogrammed and is smooth patent leather means that fingerprints and scratches are more visible. Lastly it is $1,7300 - $180 more than the Alma BB.

Plus for the same amount of money, I can put this money towards my "Chanel Flap Fund" (where, if I would like to buy it before I turn 25, I need to save $200/month to account for prince increase and taxes by the time I'm able to purchase it -- I'm a little behind on this since I don't save $200/month just for my Chanel bag) or another bag from another designer that is more practical for my lifestyle, like Marc Jacobs (cheaper and less questionable), Prada (more timeless) or the Paraty Bag from Chloe (not well known, no logos).

Anyways, what do you guys think? I'm just trying to write down my thought processes here to see if it's really worth saving up for. It's also a seasonal colour so I don't know how long its going to be in stock for or when it's going to be discontinued since I'm not familiar with Louis Vuitton sales patterns (ie: Chanel season items are snapped up literally within an hour, well not quite but within the day).

Thanks for reading!
elle xx

PS: Wrong colour but I just saw Wendy from Wendy's Lookbook also has the Monceau BB but in Rose Velours! I really like Wendy as a fashion icon as her style tends to be very iconic and timeless. She really thinks about her purchases in the long picture (though recently she's been going more trendy but generally quite timeless).

PPS: I really dislike the Louis Vuitton website! It's really slow and it takes forever to find what you are looking for! >:(

OOTD :: Brunch at Tiffany's

Leather Jacket: Danier, Scarf: Alexander McQueen, Bag: Mom's Chanel, 

Jeans: TNA, Boots: Michael Kors

New in my Closet :: Hot Pink Leather Coach Crossbody Bag

Hello Everyone!

So I recently went to Hawaii and during my trip I bought this crossbody bag from Coach! I've been eyeing this crossbody for as long as I could remember and I was ecstatic when I was able to score a deal on the bag at Macy's! The best part of this bag is that it's versatile! You can wear it as a crossbody, double up the strap and wear it as a shoulder bag, or you can take off the straps and use it as a clutch!

The bag (new collection here) is regular price at $198 + applicable taxes (Toronto has 13% tax). However, I was able to get mine for $120 + 25% off (in store promotion) + another 20% off (Macy's Card Discount) for $72 + Hawaiian taxes (5%)! Pretty awesome right? That goes to show waiting pays off in the end! 

Thanks for reading!

elle xx

OOTD :: First Day of School

Jacket: Danier, Chambray Shirt: American Eagle, Tank: Jean Machine (Black), Aritzia (Heart), Jeans: Abercombie & Fitch, Boots: Vince Camuto, Bag: Longchamp

Today's was my first day of school as a continuing education student! I haven't officially convocated with my Bachelors yet but come November it will be official! For those who are wondering, I'm a Human Health & Disease Major, but I'm currently taking some literature courses in continuing ed! I must say, for any female students - a huge cute tote is quite important! Mine has quite a beating, as I purchased it in Paris (I got the Longchamp bag with the Eiffel Tower on it!) in 2011 - the bag has seen 2 years of abuse. I highly recommend students to invest in a Longchamp as a 'designer' school bag as it is made of nylon and is quite durable and very light. Additionally, the bag can be placed in a backpack as it is easily folded! 

For the rest of you starting school - best of luck in this school year and enjoy it! I feel ridiculous saying it - but school will be the best time of your life! I haven't officially graduated and I miss my school dearly.

With love,

elle xx

Haul :: Mac Warehouse Sale - September 2013

I must say, although my binge warehouse sale shopping has gone down quite a bit (part maturity, part unnecessary; less fast fashion - save up for more worthy fashion investment pieces), the once highly coveted MAC Warehouse Sale is quite a drab. 

My dearest readers, I would not recommend you buying tickets from your sources unless you know that you will be buying and that the savings are worthwhile. Save the $10 to put towards a lipstick from MAC's current collection. The two following reasons are why I recommend you not to go to the sale.

- Not a lot of selection! What used to be multiple tables of eyeshadows are now limited to warehouse sale items that haven't been sold out by the previous warehouse sale. This also applies to blushes, compacts, and lip products. At most there are now 2-3 tables with ~8-10 products on each of them. I also found that the skincare selection has been shrinking as well. Foundations, mascaras, and concealers still have a decent selection. However, if you know that you absolutely need multiple bottles of Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Sand - go for it. For $12 a bottle (retail ~$40+) those are savings worthy of the ticket & gas money.

- Lots of "cheap" & "useless" items! What they do have a lot of in the MAC warehouse are those Clinique makeup pouches from the gift with purchases and the holiday gift tins (the tartan collection from 2 years back if anyone knows of it). Note these are just the pouches and tins themselves - sans the makeup. They are pretty cheap ($1-4), but for that price, you can get a much cuter one at Forever 21 or wait for your own gift with purchase makeup bags.

Aside from that, I was able to pick up 2 angled brushes by EYESBYDESIGN. It was a buy one get one free special. One brush was $8; thus an average price of $4.

I am also disappointed to report that the MAC Warehouse no longer gives out gifts! And for those who were wondering - the charity bag is very similar to the last warehouse - the same 2 duo shadows and same price ($5) - but a different eyeliner pencil/lip gloss (i didn't study the box too well but the box was a shiny brown opposed to the traditional MAC black packaging).

Thanks for reading!

elle xx

PS: For those who are wondering, my mother obtains these tickets from work!

Handmail :: Souvenirs from Taiwan and Hong Kong

Hello!

So my oldest and best friend went to Taiwan and Hong Kong for a month and returned with these goodies for me ! 

From a Taiwanese temple she got me a charm for good luck in love. The other items is a blue nail polish in a teddy bear bottle (so adorable!), a green macaron keychain (addicted to macarons!) and two headphone jacks - my favourite Rilakkuma and Chip (as she is Dale; and she has the matching one). 

Absolutely adore these gifts! Thank you Rizzoli :) <3

Thanks for reading!

Elle xx