F21, Our BFF

F21 jeans, jacket/Restoration Hardware faux fur scarf/Zara booties/Louis Vuitton handbag

It's every frugal fashionite's best-kept secret that's actually not so secret. I'm talking Forever 21 y'all! Along with Zara, H&M and a slew of other designer-inspired discount boutiques, F21 offers basic and trendy garb for much less. Is the quality the best there is? No, and I don't think anyone shopping there is under that impression. It's a place to take some fashion chances without the guilt of spending your entire shopping budget on a single shirt. Go ahead and experiment with the peplum silhouette, crop tops and floppy fedoras. F21 is the place to do it.

I'm a strong believer that despite the fashion industry's elitist and exclusionary undertones, there's no reason why average Joes and Janes can't partake in making some style magic, simply because they can't afford $1000 shirts. Forget $1000 shirts....I don't even have the stomach or the means to drop a hundred bucks on a single top, no matter how many angels spun the threads from golden looms. The guilt would just keep me up at night....

Don't get me wrong. If we can afford it, there's something to be said for supporting our local designers and boutiques. They are attempting something I would never have the balls to do and supporting a principle is something that's worth a few extra bucks. But for those of us who can't, we are pretty glad we still have some options.
                                                                   

Five Makeup Faves for March

1. Lancome Hypnose Mascara: A lot of people believe that Lancome makes the best mascara and let me just say, I am one of those believers. This mascara gives me exceptional volume and length and never clumps. Nuff said.  

2. Physicians Formula Eye Booster in Ultra Black: I've never worn too much black eyeliner in my life until recently where I now wear it about once a week. This is one of those products that I bought a long time ago and only now started using. This liquid eyeliner has a very fine tip which is great for creating a thin line and it stays in place. It goes on very smoothly and easily and has a great, dark pigmentation.

3. Elf HD Blush in Headliner: This product has been part of my daily makeup routine for a couple of years now and I own it in several shades. I've been using the light pink Headliner shade for the month of March because let's face it, my skin is at its most pale right now. This creamy blush is perfect if your skin is on the dryer side like mine. I find this blush lasts all day unlike many powdered blushes and it also has great pigmentation.

4. Rimmel lipstick in Bordeaux: In Jackie's recent post, she reviewed a ton of her go-to lipstick's because she is indeed, our resident lipstick guru. I always go to her for lipstick advice and this was one of her recommendations taking into account my recent affection for dark red/burgundy lip shades. If, like me, you are a little uncomfortable with a classic bright red lip, this is a must try.

5. Annabelle Lipsies Strawberry: This is a great everyday gloss that just adds a little girly glam to your face. It has a thick crayon-like applicator and is very glossy with a nice reddish hue. A great lil pick me up when your lips are feeling sad.

Getting A Bit Lippy

Hey Frockers, back when BOF was in its infancy, I posted about some of my go-to lipsticks and I thought it was about time to update you on some of the new additions to my lipstick collection! Some I like more than others, but they all have their advantages and a place in my little lipstick drawer.

Forgive the flaky lips, I did all the swatches at once (not a good idea)! My lips were burning a bit afterwards...

Rimmel Moisture Renew in Nude Delight

I discovered this little gem a couple of years ago and what I like about it is that it's a little bit peachy so it looks really really good on warmer skin tones like mine. A lot of neutral or cooler toned nude lipsticks look terrible on me. The formula's decently moisturizing and I also like to use this shade to layer with other lipsticks to get a nice customizable shade.


Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Dolce

This is a darker toned nude that I wear occasionally that's a bit more on the brown side. What's tricky about this one is the gold flecks in the lipstick can make your lips look kind of metallic. Also, since it is an "all-day" formula, it can get a bit drying so I recommend putting a bit of balm on top, but the staying power is pretty decent.


Annabelle Stay Sharp Lip Liner in Nude

This is new addition to my collection and I have to say, I LOVE the colour and I use it as a lipstick. It's kind of like the Rimmel Nude Delight in that the colour is very light but doesn't wash my lips out. It's the perfect everyday nude shade for my light to medium skin tone with a warm yellowish undertone. It's supposed to be super long-lasting and when I swatched it on my hand, I had a really hard time rubbing it off. On your lips though, you'll have to reapply once in a while, like after eating, but the staying power is pretty decent. The downside is that it's super super drying. I have a hard time even running the liner across my lips cause it's so dry. I recommend applying balm before using this one.


Make Up Forever Rouge Artist Natural in N9

This is more of a deep rosy colour that really just serves to enhance your natural smile. It's not exactly moisturizing, but it's not matte, and the sheerer formula adds just a hint of colour. I usually reach for this one on days when I'm going for a "no makeup" look and just want a touch more colour on my lips than their natural colour.

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 06

This is a nice bright blue-toned pink for those hot summer soirees. It's an amazing pop of colour in anyone's makeup look and although I don't tend to go for cooler toned lipsticks, I find this one works quite well on me. The formula is decently moisturizing, although I don't think the line is meant to be a moisturizing lipstick. And the staying power isn't the best, but it's not the worst either. It's a classic bright pink for anyone's collection.


ELF Moisturizing Lipstick in Coral Cutie

This is a warmer-toned bright pink, really just a classic coral. Honestly, the formula could be better. It's very sheer, you have to really layer on the colour to get the right effect. But I find that the more I layer, the more it accents the dry flakes in my lips. It does look moist on the lips, but I feel like it's more due to the formula being kind of oily. Still, I love this colour for spring!


Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Tesoro

This is an amazing bright orange-red shade that gives you a really matte finish that's smudge-proof. The colour is definitely the winning feature of this lipstick because I have to say, it's not my favourite "all-day" formula. And the colour tends to still rub off nearer the inside of my lips, which gives that unsightly harsh line of lipstick that suddenly just turns into skin. It's not an impossible problem, you just have to reapply periodically, but I also find the lipstick sometimes clumps and gathers into annoying little flakes of colour/skin in the same area. And I can't help but pick at it. Points for the amazing colour and pigmentation, but there's a new kid in town that I think has usurped this one as my new go-to, long-lasting red...


L'Oreal Infallible Lipstick in Infallible Red 

I have just discovered this new lipstick by L'Oreal and it is the best "all-day" formula BY FAR. It doesn't clump or flake and I can literally go all day without a single reapplication. It's so hard to get it off at the end of the day, but I consider that to be a pro and not a con! And where other all-day lipsticks tend to be a bit drying, this one comes with a top coat that's sheer and really just adds a bit of moisture to your lips. And the colour is extremely bright and pigmented which is a major plus for me when it comes to red lipsticks. This is definitely a new favourite for me!

Marcelle Rouge Xpressions Cream Lipstick in Amour

I wasn't sure what to expect from this one, but it's a really nice classic red that will probably enter my regular rotation. It's very creamy and moisturizing, the colour is nicely pigmented and although you do need to reapply a bit after eating, it's a really nice kind of everyday bright, neutral to slightly warmer red that would probably work on most skin tones.

Annabelle Twistup Lipstick Crayon in Cherry

This is a perfect deep red colour, great for fall and winter. It's not quite maroon, not quite bright red. The formula seems to dry out pretty fast and it gets a little more difficult to apply after you've had the crayon for a while, but the colour is lovely! Definitely my go-to wine shade for fall.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Fiery


This is another nice deeper red that I would probably reach for if I needed more staying power. It's not bad in terms of colour, texture or staying power and it may not stand out as much as some other shades for me, but it's a good lipstick to keep around.

Rimmel Lasting Finish in Bordeaux 

This is a nice deep maroon colour, essential for any bold collection of lipsticks! I love this one in particular because there's still a hint of red and it's less purple than other oxblood shades, making it less goth and more chic. And it's also buildable, if you do want it to appear darker with less red, you can just add another layer or two and practically get a different colour!

So there you have it, Frockers! I hope my little review helps y'all in your own personal lip-wear quests. Let me know what you guys think of these colours, or share some of your own favourites, cause I'm always looking to add to the collection! This is one addiction I don't care to squash...

                                                                    

It's Been A Long, Cold Winter

Photos by Kyler Kelly

Coat from China/sweater from Korea/old knit cap/Simons shirt/Winners leather pants/Dizzy rainboots

This winter extension has everyone all bummed out. It gets warm enough for the snow to start melting but then it freezes over into a delightful sheet of ice. It's official. This is the worst winter ever. And that's not even hyperbole. We've broken many a record this winter in Montreal. And just when you think it might be over, BAAAM,....you get slapped in the face with 40km/hour winds and a fresh blanket of the white stuff. We that's not stopping me from transiting from my down armour to some light wool jackets. Keeping looks fresh and fun in the winter is the ultimate stylista's challenge and sometimes the smug satisfaction of spiting the cold weather gods is enough to keep you warm.

In your face winter!

                                                                                                

The National Women's Show

This weekend, the Palais de Congres in Montreal is hosting The National Women's Show and Jackie and I decided to check it out. The show featured countless vendor stations which covered various themes: fashion, beauty, health, food, wellness and more. We had a pleasant time just strolling around checking out all the products and enjoying tons of free food samples. There were also stations where ladies could also enjoy a quick manicure or a even hair session. Jackie and I even picked up a few new makeup products and I came home with so many great tea samples as well...you can never have enough of either! So if you are looking for something to do tomorrow, I suggest checking it out.

For more info: http://www.nationalwomenshow.com

Ditching the Coat

Jeans: Zara / T-shirt: H&M / Kimono: Forever 21 / Sweater: Joe Fresh / Booties: Target / 

Necklace: Smart Set

This week, we had a few days of what we could call almost-Springlike weather so I decided to ditch the coat. It doesn't mean I've officially packed up my winter gear but at least for a brief moment, I could enjoy a Spring day. Instead I went with a layered look consisting of a kimono and a long cozy sweater. I must admit, I was feeling so naked without wearing a hat so I whipped on a new lipstick (recommended by none other than our resident lipstick queen, Jackie), it's called Bordeaux by Rimmel and I love it. I'm calling it now "Burgundy is the new Red." You heard it here first! Have a good weekend, Frockers!

Even More Street Style

Photos by Kyler Kelly

Kate Spade handbag/Michael Kors boots/Restoration Hardware scarf/coat from China

                                                  

This is the End

Scarf: Joe Fresh / Coat: Zara / Pants: Smart Set / Booties: Target / Hat: Thrifted

...Or at least I hope this is the end! For now, I'm wearing my favourite white coat from Zara, it is so light compared to most of my winter coats and so it literally feels like the weight of winter has been lifted when I wear it. Luckily, we are starting to see some warmer weather in the forecast so hopefully we can start fresh with some vibrant spring attire. I just can't wait! 

More Street Style

Photos by Kyler Kelly

Zara booties/Simons mittens/vintage skirt/handmade scarf/coat from Korea