I was both honoured and nervous when Krowd Magazine asked to feature me in their Krowd Street Style series. I wanted to share the gorgeous photos with you, taken by Kerbens Boisette. Man is he talented! These pictures came out amazing! We did the shoot on Sussex in the Byward Market.
Krowd Magazine is an amazing local fashion blog and editorial magazine that has really created an impressive following in the last year. Loads of local collaboration and out of this world fashion inspiration! Make sure you follow them on Instagram!
A few things to get the conversation started. This post will only be useful to you if you can answer yes to some, or most, of these questions:
Do you hate washing your hair?
Are you lazy when it comes to blowdrying your hair?
Does your hair get oily at the root very quickly?
Do you like, need more volume in your roots?
Do you like to lengthen the time between your washes (a.k.a. wash your hair as less often)?
Do you have thick hair?
Do you have blonde hair?
My solution to all of these questions- DRY SHAMPOO!
The problem is, that there are literally hundreds of brands out there that promise to be the BEST dry shampoo. If you ask me, the best dry shampoo is a personal choice, and depends on your intent and your mane! For example, I have thick blonde hair, which means that my faves, may not be yours! Also, some have “Extra hold” formulas which are good for teasing and up-dos only, while others give a more soft and natural look.
I love the tropical one, it smells like coconuts!
I have been using batiste dry shampoo for so many years, and I am super happy with it! The thing is, even though I love it, feel as though I may be missing out on something else (classic case of #FOMO). I know, I know, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it”… but try and hold back a beauty junkie form buying more products!
You can find Batiste dry shampoo pretty much anywhere (Shoppers Drug Mart or Winners), although I usually buy mine online. The price is around $10. Because I use so much and so often, I do find that I go through it very quickly.
Now, I do find this brand goes on very light and powdery, but I like it since it almost lightens my hair. I cannot attest to how brunettes feel about this product. I can tell you however, that my sister has fine light brown hair, and she uses it as well. In fact, she introduced it to me.
Have you heard of EVA-NYC? They recently got in touch with me to test out their shampoo and conditionner as they were launching their products throughout all Costcos in Canada. Their products, including the Eva-NYC dry shampoo, smells amazing if you love the argan oil type smells. This formula is very light and refreshing. It does not have a thick white powdery feel and is truly meant to “Freshen Up” your tired hair. I can see myself using this before my roots gets really oily, I don’t think it could handle that mess. Bonus, it will leave your hair smelling great too!
The EVA-NYC dry shampoo sells for about $19.50 and can be purchased online (in shops like Well.ca).
If you’re looking for that extra hold and volume (think dry shampoo meets hairspray meets voluming hair styling powder), consider the Ruth Crilly Colab Dry Shampoo (extreme hold) line. The different coloured bottles have different scents inspired by fashion cities like London, Paris, and New York. This formula is a touch less intimidating than the XXL volume by Batiste. Please keep in mind that your hair will be super dry and crispy (a.k.a you cannot run your fingers through it). It’s not for everyday use, but when a girl needs volume for an up-do, she compromises softness (am I right?).
I bought London, and love the smell. It’s fresh with an edge and reminds me of the way all Westin hotel smell, like a vibrant citrus or something! I got it on sale at Shoppers for $7.99 (regular price $11.99).
I have tried Oscar Blandi dry shampoo ( number one seller at Sephora), but to my surprise I did not like it. It wasn’t for me.
Next on my list to test out would be Klorane Dry Shampoo ( with Goat’s Milk). This one is a favourite among beauty bloggers. I would also like to test out Cake Beauty Satin Dry Shampoo.
Well there you have it folks, a few options to consider. And if you’re really stuck, you can always use some good old fashion baby powder!
Did you attend Bash Noir last year? Seriously, it was the highlight of all the events I attended. A job well done, with larger-than-life installations, live art battles, chocolate cigars and mesmorizing dances performed by robotic creatures. I know, it sounds out of this world, and it truly was.
This is why I am so excited for #Bash2016. The Bash events annually support the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund and help raise a lot of funds to purchase snowsuits for kids in the city. After the winter we had this year… I am sold!
Bash 2016, ‘London Calls’is an enticing affair taking place on June 10, 2016 at the stunning new Horticulture Building in Ottawa’s Lansdowne Park. This 21+ posh affair boasts an evening of royally outrageous entertainment, special guests, London inspired menus and in true BASH fashion- an event experience that is unrivaled in the Nation’s Capital. The ‘Royal Guard’ will be welcoming socialite guests as they enter past the famed skyline, and straight into the London Underground. With a Beatles Cover Band, a VIP High Tea Party, and London themed Tavern, you won’t find a better excuse to support the Snowsuit Fund, and to get seriously ‘groovy baby’.
Now the question remains… what to wear to the affair?
You would have to confirm with my fellow London fashion blogger living in Ottawa, Flic Taylor from Love A Good Stripe, but based on my research, London style is effortless, expensive with a side of kitsch. And by kitsch I mean colour, pattern, out-of-the-box pairing and just plain old fun! The art is making it look like you are not trying so hard, but you kind of, sort of did.
Quirky London Style-photo credit ellecanda.com
See what I mean? – photo credit ellecanada.com
Without trying to create a formula, I think this is an opportunity for you to really think outside the box and have fun with your closet. Pairing things irregularly and adding bold colours and print can really take your look to a whole new place. Just make sure you have a killer pair of heels and a show-stopping clutch to pull the entire look together.
See what I mean? – photo credit https://selfserviceuk.wordpress.com
My style goal this spring and summer is to embrace the boho fashion trend, and I think these photos taken at The Tech Wall (a.k.a dog park!) prove that Emma and I nailed it!
I met Emma online, through the Rising Tide Society (Ottawa Chapter). It’s a collaborative group for creatives. We organized this shoot in a few days and made some magic happen! Emma primarily does Ottawa wedding photography, but she’s obviously skilled in street style… wouldn’t you say? These photos came out perfect, and the shoot only lasted 20 min! Now that is talent! She has a great eye and I love the way she makes colours so bright and vibrant!
Now, about the outfit!
I bought my off-the-shoulder top last summer inside Fashion Truck Canada during Bluesfest last year. It was a great investment! I’ve worn it many times and the fact that it’s long and flowy means versatility! I’m wearing Paige jeans from Fashion United, a vintage Fendi purse, my new Emu Australia mules, sunnies from Ardene (I know!right?) and my hat from Aritzia.
