blushing.

It's that time of year again.

I'm in the library way overdressed with a scattering of books and notes across my workstation in the hopes of getting a rough draft of my essay done before this evening.

Although I would rather be in several different places than here right now (including sweating the Pacific Ocean at my hot yoga studio) this work has gotta be done.

I find that during exam/study time my peers usually don the typical comfort look of sweats and a hoodie (and I don't blame them! For my friends in very difficult program, this is such a high time of stress). However, no matter how laid back you choose to dress for hours of study sessions, I think that doing your makeup is a really good thing during the exam period.

Think about it: even if you feel not dressed to your best, at least you still feel comfortable that you look gorgeous. And it can be easy, I promise.

1. Rose Silk blush by Covergirl is a universally flattering colour on any skin tone. Swipe across your cheekbones for a dewy and rosy glow. It's under $10 and has a light scent of roses, perfect for thinking and daydreaming of spring. (Shoppers).
- You can also put a touch of it on your eyelids too for a little sparkle.

2. Throw a little mascara on your lashes to open up your eyes - I use two types daily, but if you're in a rush, throw a coat on your top lashes only. This is a product that I really believe doesn't matter what your price point is, I've found some of the cheaper ones work even better than the more expensive wands.
Currently loving: One by One mascara by Maybelline (about $9)
Currently lusting for: Buxom Lash ($18)

3. Squirt on a few puffs of your favourite perfume and a swipe of chap stick.

4. Hair pulled back, and just for fun, tie a square scarf around to make a more interesting headband and keep your bangs out of your face.

5. Happy studying!

jaune.

This spring, I vow to wear more yellow. It's gorgeous!








Keep tuned for my review of Toronto LG Fashion Week (from afar) later this week!

So far, loving the Joe Fresh signature use of orange...

staycation.

I'm sitting with bated breath to find out about what this summer holds for me. My internship applications are passing over the screens of various editors - some have given me the thumbs up, and others are letting me sit. I may be starting a whole new project from the ground up and try my hand at something totally new.

Who knows where the west wind will take me...I'm totally along for any of the rides.

In this, I'm also thinking about taking this time in April when I'm done classes (16 days!) to work at the pool and learn more about who I am. Toronto has been home for the past three years, and I think that it's about time that I actually got to live in with without the hangover of school. I'm really thinking about taking this whole "staycation" into effect for the first time in such a diverse city.

My greatest fear is to move away, and upon meeting people have them ask if I did this or that, and replying, "No, I was too busy."

You're welcome to come for a visit.












Day dreaming of those warm days where you don't need a jacket, and the only thing that matters is what sunglasses you're wearing and what year the wine is that you're serving.

nirvana.

At yoga last night, my teacher said something really interesting that got me thinking. Usually these lessons at the beginning of classes reflect perfectly upon that moment, but not every one hits you across the head in ways of thinking. For whatever reason, this one does for me.

First, Buddhists are always on this path to Enlightenment, and will eventually reach nirvana.

"Enlightenment is collective," she said, whilst pushing my dancer-over-extended-leg into alignment. "We reach it in our own ways, because at the end of the day, we're not all going to be dancing on hilltops with fireworks being all 'Enlightened.'"

At the end of the day, we still have to do the dishes. Take the subway. Write another essay. Walk the dog. Pick up the pieces when a friend breaks down.

But in each of those ways, they are the building bricks to our individual Enlightenment, whatever that may mean or be to you. We know the ultimate end result of this life, so why not make the journey of our steps a continual learning process? Make the next brick even more stable, complex and sturdy to stand on. From there, we can reach for the highest shelf to help ourselves.

You might need to ask for a hand along the way. Enlightenment is collective - you have to put the pieces together to get things moving. They aren't all going to be found at the same time, there may be things coming that we have no clue about and could reroute this trail, but that's part of the journey.

“I haven't a clue as to how my story will end. But that's all right. When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, you don't conclude the road has vanished. And how else could we discover the stars?”

monster.

Happy Birthday Mother Monster!

murmur.

A Day Dream.

My eyes make pictures when they're shut:--
I see a fountain large and fair,
A Willow and a ruined Hut,
And thee, and me, and Mary there.
O Mary! make thy gentle lap our pillow!
Bend o'er us, like a bower, my beautiful green Willow!

A wild-rose roofs the ruined shed,
And that and summer well agree
And lo! where Mary leans her head,
Two dear names carved upon the tree!
And Mary's tears, they are not tears of sorrow:
Our sister and our friend will both be here to-morrow.

'Twas Day! But now few, large, and bright
The stars are round the crescent moon!
And now it is a dark warm Night,
The balmiest of the month of June!
A glow-worm fallen, and on the marge remounting
Shines, and its shadow shines, fit stars for our sweet fountain.

O ever -- ever be thou blest!
For dearly, Asra! love I thee!
This brooding warmth across my breast,
This depth of tranquil bliss -- ah me!
Fount, Tree, and Shed are gone, I know not whither,
But in one quiet room we three are still together.

The shadows dance upon the wall,
By the still dancing fire-flames made;
And now they slumber, moveless all!
And now they melt to one deep shade!
But not from me shall this mild darkness steal thee:
I dream thee with mine eyes, and at my heart I feel thee!

Thine eyelash on my cheek doth play--
'Tis Mary's hand upon my brow!
But let me check this tender lay,
Which none may hear but she and thou!
Like the still hive at quiet midnight humming,
Murmur it to yourselves, ye two beloved women!
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

lioness.

As the days begin to feel more spring-like, I'm still referencing my look to the Chanel show from this past October. Still epic, and I'm on the hunt for the regal, fringe earrings.




Enjoy and happy weekend!

gwen.

STYLE STAR: GWEN STEFANI

There are so many fashionable women (and men!) out there today that it's very easy to be washed up in the epitome of good style. However, I've been feeling like what society and youth consider "fashionable" isn't exactly put-together or flattering for a lot of body and career-types. Not to say that you can't wear some of the really quirky clothes (contrary, I encourage it) but again, I feel that in the effort to be different, people have started to adopt identical "It Girl" looks.

That's where I look to an icon who does it right, every single time.

I've loved No Doubt forever. Growing up, Gwen Stefani emphasized girl power to the max as the lead singer of an all-male band. She wore studs but was still feminine. She always had red lips and perfect eyes. She could really sing. She looked tough, but when she spoke, was as sweet as pie.

With all the celebrity collaborations today, Gwen stands out as a true fashion icon with her clothing line L.A.M.B., which has been sticking punches since its debut in 2003. Every collection is fantastic, staying true to the flirty, rocker sense of style Gwen encapsilates, but still with a nod to being completely wearable.

Although she goes through phases and wears things that may be a little to crazy for the average girl to pull off - fushia hair, Alice in Wonderland dresses...I think we can all stand to take a note from Gwen's book of style. She's herself, whether that means wearing a bikini over a fishnet top, (which I may or may not have tried to interpret at a tween) or a leopard dress.

Oh, and she started wearing Louboutins before everyone went all crazy for them. Oh snap.

So if I was given the choice to raid a celebrity's closet, I would definitely want to take a troll through Gwen's first!

Some of my favourite looks: