Sephora VIB Rouge Holiday Soirée!

Halloween has come and gone which means the retail world is gearing up for the busiest season of the year! The holidays are just around the corner and stores and changing their windows and bringing out the snowflakes, candy canes, Christmas lights, and the dreaded Christmas music. The holiday season is one of my favourites because everyone is reunited and can take a few days to relax with loved ones. Just as I was putting my Mary Poppins costume away I got an email from Sephora inviting a friend and I to their VIB Rouge holiday soirée!

The event was held last night at Sephora locations across the country. The stores were closed for the event, allowing invited guests to enjoy treats, drinks, makeovers and of course shopping! The event is used to kick off the VIB and VIB Rouge holiday discount offered every year in early November. VIB and VIB Rouge members get 20% off all purchases from Nov. 6 - 10.

When I arrived to my local Sephora the store was closed and the employees were working like busy bees to prepare the store for the event and do all the last minute finishing touches. A crowd of beauty addicts like myself had already begun to wait outside the doors to makeup paradise. Once the doors opened, each guest was signed in and the shopping began!

A table of chocolates, water, and sparkling juice were beautifully displayed for guests to consume while browsing the large array of products. The new limited edition holiday products were scattered throughout the store. Most of the holiday items were stocked well except of course one of the items on my list (isn't that always how it is?).

At the beauty studio and certain areas of the store, makeovers were being offered to guests. There were many staff available to help guests find products, the perfect shade, offer advise, etc. There were even brand representatives present to answer any questions about their products. 

I went into the store with a list of items and a game plan! Last year Hourglass had released a limited edition palette of their popular ambient lighting powders. I had planned (along with everyone else) on purchasing the palette during the holiday sale but it was sold-out within minutes! I did finally get the palette when it was re-released as a permanent product at Sephora, but I didn't want to miss out again this year. The items on my list were the Tarte Pin Up Girl Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush  Palette, the Hourglass Ambient Blush Palette, and the Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot Box O' Blushes (can you tell I'm into blush at the moment?). I really wanted to make sure I got my hands on the Hourglass Ambient Blush Palette so I headed to the Hourglass section first. Luckily the store had several palettes in stock! I then picked up the TartePin Up Girl Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Palette which I saw a stack of near the front of the store. Finally I went to look for the Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot Box O' Blushes and found an empty space where I had seen the palette before. Unfortunately they were out of stock but the store put my name down to call when they get more in stock.

After I had picked up the items on my list I took some time to browse the store, have a drink and enjoy the party! Everyone was so excited to be shopping all the new products and of course getting the 20% discount! By the time I was in the checkout line I had also picked up the NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder and the Smashbox Foundation Primer Light that I had been eyeing for quite some time now. At the checkout I received a cute reusable bag, Sashi bracelet, packet of samples, and I used some points to get a mini sample of the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara.

Overall the event was a fun way to shop the new holiday products and get excited for the holiday season!

What's on your holiday wish list?

xoxo

Coral

Pretty in Pink

October is not just about pumpkin spice lattes and halloween, it is also the month for breast cancer awareness. Every year for the past few years I have participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure, but unfortunately this year I could not attend the event. Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women worldwide and many people know someone who is or has been affected by the disease. Breast cancer is a disease that has been a part of my family, so it is an issue that is close to my heart. Scientists are still searching for a cure which of course requires funding. Donating to the cause is the best way to help defeat the disease and many companies have created products which part or all of the proceeds go towards fighting breast cancer. This year there are some great beauty products that have been released in which the companies will donate some of the money towards various organizations to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Makeup

The quadruplet of Bobbi Brown lip glosses are perfect for any occasion. I love the verity of pinks in the set and the mini packaging is great for on the go touch ups! Bobbi Brown will donate $12 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for every set purchased.

Dare to wear a bright pink lip with Shiseido's Dollface lipgloss. $5 from the purchase of this pink gloss during breast cancer awareness month (October) goes towards Cancer and Careers. Cancer and Careers empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events.

Look good while feeling good about the purchase of "The Beauty of Giving Back Blush Palette" from Sephora. This pallet has everything you need to create the perfect flush with powder and cream blushes and bronzer. Sephora will donate $2 from each palette sold to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, with a minimum donation of $10,000.

Nail Polish

Essie will donate a percentage of the collection's sales to City of Hope, which strives to provide outstanding care, conduct innovative research and offer vital education programs focused on eliminating cancer, diabetes, and other serious illnesses. With such adorable names like: Pinking About You, I Pink I Can, and Pink Happy how could you resist picking up a bottle? 

Nicole by OPI and EOS have joined together to create the perfect beauty duo! "Feeling Berry Pink Today" is a pretty pink creme polish that goes perfectly with the EOS strawberry sorbet lip balm. To make the match even better, 5% of the proceeds go towards Young Survivors Coalition. YSC is a global organization that offers recourses, connections, and outreach to young women diagnosed with breast cancer. 

This light pink shimmer polish has been created for this years breast cancer awareness month by OPI the nail polish gurus. OPI will donate $25,000 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

 Perfume

This solid perfume of Estee Lauder's Modern Muse is the perfect size for travel. Easily slip this in your purse to refresh yourself with the perfect feminine fragrance. Estee Lauder is generously donating 100% of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The popular Marc Jacobs perfume Honey has been released in an all-new limited edition pink bottle. For each bottle sold, $3 will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Pick up your adorable perfume before they are gone! 

Skin Care

Have an affinity for the finer things in life? Do your part to help breast cancer research buy purchasing La Mer the hand treatment. La Mer is famous for it's luxurious skincare products and will donate $10 (with a maximum donation of $45,000) from this set to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

This cult classic from Clinique features cute breast cancer themed charms that dangle from the bottle.  $10 from the purchase of this special edition of Clinique's Great Skin, Great Moisturizer will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

 Tools

Breast cancer survivor and makeup artist Sonia Kashuk has created a set of makeup brushes with pink accents for breast cancer awareness month. 15% of the proceeds will go towards the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

Every year Tweezerman comes out with a fresh design to celebrate breast cancer awareness month and this year's design features the iconic pink ribbons on a pure white background on one of Tweezerman's most popular products. A portion of the purchase of a limited edition Precision in Pink Slant Tweezer will go towards the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and CEW Cancer and Careers among other charities across the US.

Of course, any day in any month is a great day to donate to help fight breast cancer and help people who have or have had breast cancer! Please donate or purchase one of these products to help make a difference! 

xoxo

Coral

A Wicked Day

The other day I went to see my absolute favourite musical Wicked. Wicked tells the tale of the infamous Wicked Witch of the West from the classic story of The Wizard of Oz. Wicked originated as a book written by Gregory Maguire and was converted for the theatre in 2003. Wicked shows a different side to the Land of Oz and provides a new perspective into the events that lead to the Wizard, the yellow brick road and of course Dorthy. Wicked the musical became my favourite musical the first time I went to see it with my grandma 9 years ago and has remained my favourite musical ever since. The songs, the story, and the friendship are touching and full of emotion. Indina Menzel and Kristen Chenowith originated the roles on broadway and Menzel won a Tony for her portrayal of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West). 

To prepare for my day in Oz I had to paint my nails green with Deborah Lipman's Elphaba and Emerald City on my ring fingers. Both polishes come from Deborah Lipman's Wicked collection designed for Wicked's 10th anniversary in 2013. The set also includes a pink glitter polish Popular named after the fun and upbeat song that Glinda sings. Elphaba is a beautiful creme green shade that matches Elphaba's skin colour. Emerald City is a green glitter polish that emulates the bight sparkling lights in the Emerald City. Together the Wicked polishes creates a perfect Ozian manicure!

Alyssa Fox played the role of Elphaba and Kara Linday played Glinda at the performance. Although Fox is actually the standby for Elphaba, I thought she was absolutely amazing and really loved her voice. When she sang the famous song Defying Gravity I got the chills and was mesmerized by the performance. Lindsay brought such a bright and bubbly personality to Glinda but also gave touching emotional performances for Thank Goodness and For Good. Both ladies brought down the house and received much deserved standing ovations!

Kara Lindsay as Glinda

Alyssa Fox as Elphaba

After the show I went to the stage door in hopes of getting a glimpse of the stars! Luckily, many of the cast members came out and generously took the time to sign programs for fans and pose for photos. Everyone in the cast was so sweet and kind. Having the opportunity to chat with Kara Lindsay (Glinda), Alyssa Fox (Elphaba) and Matt Shingledecker (Fiyero) was a pleasure and I wish them all the best in the future!  

Have you seen Wicked? 

xoxo

Coral

In Memory of Oscar de la Renta

Yesterday the world lost an amazingly talented designer. Oscar de la Renta passed at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 82. In his years as one of the most sought after American designers he has dressed high profile clients from first ladies to Hollywood stars. Oscar de la Renta was famous for his beautiful, graceful, and elegant gowns and will forever be remembered for the glamour he brought to the world. His last runway show was NYFW this past September where he appeared at the end of the show supported by two of the models.  

His career in the fashion industry began with an internship with Cristobal Balenciaga after he designed a dress for the the daughter of the U.S. ambassador which was featured on the cover of Life magazine. Following his time with Balenciaga, the designer moved to Paris to be an assistant at Lavin. In 1963 he then moved to New York City to work for Elizabeth Arden but moved yet agin two years later to to work for Jane Derby and launched his own ready-to-wear label. He also designed the couture collections for the French house Balmain from 1993 to 2002, the first American to head a French couture house. 

To celebrate the magnificent life and talent of Oscar de la Renta I have chosen a few of my favourite designs from the legendary designer. 

2008 Ocar de la Renta gown 

Amy Adams at the 2009 Golden Globes 

2013 Resort Collection

2013 Spring/Summer Collection

Oscar de la Renta you will be missed greatly!

xoxo

Coral

Favourite Fall Nail Colours

As the colourful leaves begin to fall I can't help but think the cold is coming! Today I want to share a few of my favourite fall nail polishes with you before we have to start wearing gloves for the winter! The beautiful and bright colours of the changing leaves epitomizes the fall season. The polishes I tend to use the most during this season are darker than the colours I would tropically wear in the spring or summer. Below are my fall polish picks!

Essie Bahama Mamma is a gorgeous warm plum colour. It's a cream polish with a beautiful shine. This colour pairs perfectly with gold for accent nails or extra details. 

Nails Inc Franklins Row is fabulous purply blue duochrome microglitter polish. I love how this polish changes depending on the light. 

OPI's The One That Got Away from the collaboration with Katy Perry remains one of my favourite polishes! It's a deep magenta with flecks of glitter. This polish looks stunning in the sunlight and much prettier on the nail than in the bottle. 

Mr. Positivity is a sparkling green multi-glitter polish from the lustre collection of Sephora's Formula X . The emerald green colour is darker for fall but still stands out due to the fun glitter in the polish!

Essie Midnight Cami is a beautiful deep dark navy blue polish. It has microglitter in it which is really only visible in the sunlight and looks almost black in the shade. This colour works well in both the fall and winter months.

Do you have certain nail polishes you love to wear especially in the fall? 

xoxo

Coral

PFW: Chanel SS '15 Handbags

Paris is one my my absolute favourite cities in the world (big surprise) and one of my dreams is to one day attend Paris Fashion Week (PFW). Unfortunately, until then I will have to suffice by live streaming the shows from the comfort of home. Chanel is a one of the most iconic french designer brands and always a must see show. Chanel has products to help everyone look their best from head to toe but my favourite Chanel products are easily their handbags.


At the Spring Summer 2015 Chanel show the runway was dressed as a parisian street with models strolling down the runway chatting to one another as they showcased the new designs. The finale even included a protest with models carrying picket signs with phrases such as "Ladies First" and "Make Fashion Not War" with an overall message to fight for women's rights.

There are beautiful and delicate floral designs on some of the handbags which are perfect for the spring and summer. There is a trend of white handbags in the collection which paired perfectly with the floral designs. I love the fact that many of the bags are larger and crossbody bags which I find are a lot more practical.

This black and white weaved leather and chain detail on this bag is classic Chanel. The chevron stitching is simple and elegant and the metal feet and full zipper keep the bag practical and functional.

These mini colourful clutches are so much fun and different. Leave it to Chanel to make math fun and fashionable with this cute red and pink clutch and make a statement with the "Ladies First" clutch. The bright yellow makes a great contrast to the black background of the bag. Both bags feature the signature CC logo as the closure and a simple chain strap. 

Which bag do you like the most? 

xoxo

Coral

Photos: vougue.com

MFW: Dolce and Gabbana SS'15

I can't believe NYFW, LFW, and now MFW (Milan Fashion Week) are already over! The beautiful city of Milan showcased many amazing designers and their collections this past week. My favourite show from the week has to be the Dolce and Gabbana Spring/Summer 2015 Ready to Wear collection. The designers took inspiration from the Spanish influence on Sicily. The collection was bold, theatrical, and stunning and was full of fierce reds, daring blacks, and bright whites. The embroidery, jewels, and lace were expertly woven into all of the outfits and looked gorgeous on the runway. I loved the bold berry lips on the models as well as the chic slicked back hairstyle. Fresh red roses and carnations were used as hair accessories and looked absolutely striking on the runway! To top off the show, all of the models strut the catwalk in embellished red high-waisted shorts, white shirts, and black ballet flats, which was a spectacular way to end another  incredible show! 

Check out the photos below for a glimpse of the Dolce and Gabbana SS'15 RTW show!

Which show would you want to see at MFW?

xoxo

Coral



Photos: vouge.co.uk