Sanctuary

Sanctuary

If you read my blog on a regular, you might of noticed 6 days out of the week I am in and out of the salon, doing photoshoot content and writing this weeks blog post. 

Although you can say my life is pretty busy, a quiet Sunday at home is most enjoyable. 

Between you and me…POOSH is my new best friend. Warm tea, soft pillows, VOGUE! I put on the coziest sweater, turn up the radio and lounge around indulging in some personal pampering like: singing in the shower, online shopping, watching NETFLIX & experimenting with eye makeup.

Scrub a dub dub, Splish splash I was takin’ a bubble bath…

Soak up in a field of lavender with L’Occitane’s Foaming Bath products

A good scrub & body oil (currently loving this one & this one) will help buff away any unwanted skin cells, is super moisturizing and provides suppleness and comfort to the skin, leaving a mouthwatering scent of fresh almonds.

L'occitanes foaming bath Loccitanes delicious paste L'occitanes body balm L'occitanes almond body oil

If I’m looking to pamper my skin some more, I’ll follow up with a combination of many moisturizers, specifically Muscle Melt & Almond Delightful Body Balm. Its rich and melting texture leaves behind an ultra soft finish and is perfect for regular pampering routines. My skin has never felt so good! 

Take a Deep Breath with one of many Sage essential oils! In essence…this cooling and healing fragrance is used to create a feeling of relaxation, perfect for the mind and body! 

And what a feeling it is to crawl into bed with a soft fluffy pillow, some cozy blankets and a refreshing flavour of peppermint tea – currently wearing Lino’s & Lidea Just Fits, catching up on the latest issue How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days 

or reading an oldie but a goodie: Harry Styles makes his own rules!

As if you’ve been basking in the sun all day long, following in the footsteps of glazed donut skin, latte eyes and popping up on everyones for you page, the strawberry girl trend is all about finding the perfect berry-pink shade of blush or lip product – from dewy skin, flushed cheeks and faux freckles a makeup look is only as good as the products used.

Coming to the blog sometime soon an editorial broken down on how to achieve the new “Strawberry It Girl”.

Listening to the sound of music…singing along to New York, New York, concrete jungles where dreams are made of theres nothing you can do…I can be your hero baby, I can kiss away the pain, I will stand by you forever…because you live and breathe, because you make me believe in myself when nobody else can help, because you live girl, my world has twice as many stars in the sky…and I’m like baby, baby, baby, oooh…It aint no lie, I want to see you out that door baby, bye bye bye…Oh my god were back again, brothers sisters everybody sing…feel free to stop me at anytime…C’OMON GIRLS! Ok now I’m done!

Inner Beauty

Inner Beauty

After a weeks worth of casually dressing up, and a cup of coffee with a side of freshly squeezed orange juice, today on the blog I decided to go in a different direction and take a look in my top drawer. 

From buying three pairs of panties for every one bra, to rethinking your idea of loungewear vs sleepwear – this and a thought I had last week…got me thinking: a topic this delicate shouldn’t be overlooked. Let’s be honest, some of these fashion trends would be near impossible to pull off without the help of certain intimates. Continue to keep’em guessing about what lies underneath? And if so…are we all going to bed naked? As opposed to cotton or satin? Do we just walk around in nothing but a bra and underwear? Does comfort prevail over sexy? After all Isn’t that what this multibillion dollar industry is about? Inner beauty? 

…Then again, we’ve all had a not so great experience with uncomfortable bra’s and panties once or twice before.

When we’re having to travel back and forth between cup sizes, demi vs balconette, pushup and unlined, you soon find yourself trading in a favourite old cotton bra for a pretty lingerie set! YUP I’m looking for one that’s jusssst right! 

ordinary skincare routine
photo studio toronto

The great thing about unlined bras is that they still offer support without the extra weight and bulk of too much padding. Unlined bras are best suited to be worn under anything light and airy. As a result, they feel lightweight and comfortable, while still looking very sexy.

A demi cup bra is designed to cover only half with a straighter neckline and is very popular for lingerie and lace details. It is most likely to be your everyday bra and like a good old t-shirt bra that have subtle and smooth shape, no bumps or lines both are defined by its simplicity and practicality.

The balconette bra has a designer made and most pin up quality with a sweetheart shape neckline. This style reveals a little more than usual because the height of the cups are shorter and the straps are more wider set – meaning this style of bra can stay hidden even under the most plunging of necklines. The seamed cups give an uplifted shape and more support. It is more likely to get away with being embellished with more feminine detailing than other styles, such as pleats, ruffles and bows.

Over or under I have recently found myself loving slips! Through a series of blog posts I have discovered a few updated versions both full (moon) and half slip that just makes sense for the modern woman.

Currently in love with Chantelle and Simone Perele’s absolute must have Caresse 3D plunge bra, located right here at Legs & Lace (14799 Yonge St Aurora). Ask for Patricia!

Tape yourself silly! An item you should always have lying around…just incase! It is perfect for deep V-neck, open back or open side garments. Made with flexible cotton, styling solutions that offer coverage, lift and maximum hold for up to 12 hours, I absolutely love skims! And in fact I shop her entire collection!

Let me just start off by saying…it is not about hiding a woman imperfections but accentuating her curves. Talk about Shape wear…it can go in one of two ways. High waisted slimming shorts or underwear are perfect for just that as they work to flatten the tummy and give the booty a nice lift and can be replaced with an all over one piece (currently loving this one and this one) provided with the same amount of coverage from your bust to your knees. 

No show undies vs no frills? From dresses too skirts, shorts & pants, heres to a simple pair of underwear being able to give you two in one plus one less thing to worry about. A pair of no frill seamless panties, it’s a triple threat!- ranging from the thong, to soft stretch high cut brief now available in boy shorts will help keep your outfit looking streamline and fabulous.

Being at home a little more than usual…its rather simple: a tank top and granny panties. In other terms (shown in the picture above and below) we say welcome to HANRO. Perfect for everything from playing with water to lounging around and reading a book. 

PRO Tip: Tank tops and underwear are fairly cheap, so don’t be afraid to go from white to black, and a little nude. 

Just add some Nike socks and you’ve got your self the most popular outfit on Instagram today. 

Sleepwear vs Loungewear

Sleepwear vs Loungewear

I am bored in the house and I’m in the house bored…with the concept of wearing jeans not entirely thrown out the window – it has already been day 30 since I have last worn a pair of denim. 

It’s time to get a little more creative with our new “normal” daily attire, wearing pyjamas all day, ditching classic grey oversized sweatpants and old college crewnecks…reaching for more exciting tie dye sets and colourful cotton pullovers – even if that means going to work most days from our bedroom to the kitchen table. 

luxury sleepwear

The debate on whether leggings qualifies as fashion, our edit of the best brands will introduce you to labels like: NAMA LuxKnit, Skin and Nap.

So today on the blog lets take advantage of these next few minutes and share a few stay home essentials I am currently living in as of late…comfy loungewear, cozy robes and throw blankets, everything from soft tees, cashmere and knits.

Perfect for the elite, what once was reserved for home furnishings and bedsheets fashion has declared the linen trend “COOL”. A large button up shirt and pant with a classic oversized silhouette is quite comfortable. Keep it open and slouchy which will instantly make you look chic while staying casual.

Not sure how to style them without throwing on slippers and calling it a day? Footwear with the same laidback feel, like mules or loafers, are a super simple addition that look and feel effortless.

There’s nothing wrong with wearing the same old sweatpants from sophomore year…and just when I thought things couldn’t get any cozier around here, I opting for fitted joggers in a luxurious fabric (sponsored by Naked Cashmere like shown in the picture below) – knitted in a single jersey stitch from a 100% cashmere, this super-soft Campbell matching set in charcoal grey is one of my favourites for lounging around. Again opt for neutral hues to keep the look sophisticated and streamlined.

Switch it up or down and wear the new Babaton AGENCY BLAZER, oversize tee and biker short. Feels like BUTTER, keep the colour scheme neutral with muted beige, light grey, black and white.

In 2023 Nostalgia plays a role, ranging from the laid back tomboy side of 90s sitcom characters such as Racheal Green there is an overlay with sportswear and logo, where branding is important. Simply add your favourite pair of white sneakers and sunnies and you will always look like a minimal Norodic fashionista. 

You are my sunshine!

You are my sunshine!

Good Morning, you are my sunshine! I just wanted to say a hi! …and share a few images of one of many recent finds, obsessions and favourites. Besides having to avoid red wine and pasta stains…you know, being Italian and all! I love a white dress and couldn’t resist. 

Cute as can bee, I absolutely love the eyelet details and puffy sleeves. So delicate and sweet, double lined and extremely soft, I paired this dress with the cutest straw boater hat, and the prettiest brahmin bag. Super comfy and extra soft leather made in the mountains of Italy are where you can find fabulous for less, shop todays this years shoe collection.

Oh the possibilities to wearing a white dress. Dress it up, dress it down, wear it to brunch, vacation and summer soirees – from printed tights, beige sandals and sunnies, keep it looking fabulous with a pearl necklace and earrings to match. Also love the way it works as a beach cover up! Best of all, here at the Village, get savings up to 50% off on a mix of designer and affordable brands like Maska and Pellini Milano Paris.

As my love affair for Patricia Nash continues (in todays kitchen located at Mintroom Studios) – think round, circular and lemon wedge, from straw, to wicker, ratten handbags continue to be the basket trend of the season. These natural, grainy textures compliment both neutral and colourful tones, adding a feminine and vintage touch to any look. They are stylish, practical, and utterly charming! Women would take large woven straw bags to the farmer’s markets, garden centres and stock up with fresh fruits and vegetables, sunflowers, honey and lavender. 

Straw obsessed Cantinella crochets and the Antinianna wicker bag happens to be my absolute favourite – with its leather handles, round shape, and accent scarf, a built in mirror, touching up makeup is going to be a breeze.

Nice hat?! 

Currently I am rotating between a fringe trim, wide brim and floppy hat – it is the perfect companion for vacationing across Europe – London, Ireland & Italy! Not only do they keep the sun at bae but are great for hiding perfectly imperfect bad hair days. 

To top it off they’re plenty of hat trends I’m quite smitten with, and this summer hats are big! Really big! Think floppy rather than frou frou, when purchasing your next chapeau.

From straw boaters, wooly fedoras and even a fisherman style cap these lightweight toppers are aesthetically pleasing, while being practical and cool! (pun intended) 

RiverIsland has quickly become one of my favourite brands and retailer. I can always count on for beautiful, unique and quality pieces. Spotted: A cropped mini shirt and right away I added it to my shopping cart. A two in one, what time is it? Summer time…! Swap the “skort” for a high rise white eyelet jean.

My Skincare Regimen

My Skincare Regimen

A few extra seconds…tick tock, goes the cuoco clock! Only to sing and dance my way out of bed in the morning. Buried under a dozen sheets, I tell myself “five more minutes and i’ll get up”

Underneath the dial are ten toes dancing to a thousand little raindrops. Having an effective and efficient morning routine, can be very therepudic. 

This morning…you’re probably wandering, “COMON Girl”! get to the point, what products do you use?!

Down below are just a few easy steps to my everyday skin care regimen. 

I ensure my skin is cleansed, exfoliated, hydrated and moisterized. In additon to drinking enough water everyday and eating a balanced diet. I dont know about you, but most days I dont have time to throw together a healthy breakfast. Which is why i’ll make my own simple smoothie. A perfect combination of milk, bananas, strawberries, blueberries and honey, to start the day off right. 

For more details on eating right and staying fit, visit A happier, healthier me! Coming to the blog sometime soon!

Mix and match for a personalized routine, that fits the needs of your skin type. I am all about adding new products into an everyday beauty routine.

A cleanser to wash your face with foaming texture, such as Lancome Creme Radiance. Give your skin a boost of hydration with Lancome Tonique Radiance, and finally I love to use Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital Cream.

I recently added L’occitanes Reine Blanche Exfoliant. Something I do once or twice a week and i’m lovin it.

After cleansing my skin but before moisturizing I use Lancome’s Genifique Serum formulated with a blend of 7 prebiotic extracts, hydraulic acid and ceramide. A serum that helps give your skin a fresher, younger, healthier appearance.

Take 1/4 ripe avocado and banana, mash it up in a bowl until it turns lump free. Mix 1 teaspoon of plain organic yogurt and 1/2 teaspoon of honey. Stir them well until you get a paste of uniform consistency. Apply the mask onto your skin for 10 – 15 minutes or until it dries out.

This is the perfect me time mask that restores my skin back to its natural glowing radiance. By the end of the day my skin is feeling so baby butt soft!

Im pretty minimal when it comes to makeup. I love a natural look! My go-tos for achieving that everyday no makeup, makeup look is to keep everything natural and lightweight with Bare Minerals Glow and Tint Foundation. This adds a luminous and dewy glow to the skin. Conceal any areas of unwanted pimples and redness. To ensure long lasting results, I like to use a Milk Primer before and after Chanels Natural Finish Loose Powder. Keep it super simple on the eyes by adding a little bit of highlighter. For a pop of color, it is best to use one that is closest to your natural lip as well as a touch of blush and finish off with a voluminous mascara. 

Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.