New beginnings

Picture source

Everything runs its course and it's time this blog came to an end.

Follow Nathalie's blog - crafty stuff.

Follow Diana's blog - just stuff.

Happy reading,

Nathalie & Diana

Sales Don't Come From Lies

Dear Beyond The Rack,

I ain't a hater. I realize no one's perfect, but you gotta start upping your game if you want people to stop saying crap about you on the internet. How about treating the people who pay for your products better? I also suggest you stop blatantly lying to your customers about what's in stock on your site. On more than one instance, you've displayed a graphic of an item that you're not even selling. Lame!

Check yourself before you wreck yourself,
D

The Clothing Show 2010

Day One: Shop set up. We changed the layout again one hour before doors open.

New product alert! We introduced our collection of handmade, handprinted tea towels at the show.

It's our last day at the Clothing Show and while we're sad to leave, we're just looking forward to going home and relaxing for the remainder of the weekend. Thanks to everyone who's stopped by.

Nathalie & Diana

The Cosmetic Gods Have Forsaken Me

Like a lot of Asian girls, I have stick straight eyelashes that require a lot of effort to curl. The slightest hint of humidity or rain makes them droop. It's really difficult to find products that ensure that my lashes stay curled looking all day long - so when I find something that works, I really stick to it.

For almost 9 years I've used L'Oreal's Le Grand Curl. I had the same tube for 4 months (I know, bad girl) and earlier this month I went to buy a new one. To my surprise my local drugstore didn't have it. I went to several others and they didn't have it either. One of the cosmeticians at Shopper's Drug Mart told me it was discontinued and I almost lost my marbles. Not only was it cheap but it was effective in helping me look like I actually have decent eyelashes. I've tried every brand from Dior to Maybelline and nothing holds a candle to this stuff. I recently purchased MAC's Opulash ($16 CAD) and while it's sufficient, it takes a lot of manipulation with my eyelash curler to achieve what was extremely easy with Le Grand Curl.

So yeah, I'm pretty bummed out. If you've got any tips on a good mascara that holds curl to stick straight lashes, please let me know.

With droopy lashes,

Diana

Review: Pantene Pro-V Aerosol Hairspray for Medium/Thick Hairstyles

I really wanted to like this hairspray from Pantene Pro-V's new line, which is just under $5 on sale at Shopper's Drug Mart. It promises to lock out humidity, give you all day hold and add shine. Sadly, the only thing I really liked about it was the smell.

I curl my hair every morning and hairspray is essential to my every day routine. I styled my hair as I always do and applied this hairspray throughout my 'do. What I found is that it made strands of my hair HARD. When I first started using hairspray in high school, I thought having clumps of stiff hair was normal when using these kinds of products. After using so many kinds of hairspray from different brands, I find it's only inferior products that does that to your hair.

After an 11 hour work day Nathalie and I went to see Sex and the City 2, which was as disappointing as this hairspray. Lindy West's review is probably the most hilarious review I've ever read.

Back to the hairspray.

While observing myself in the theatre washroom, I noticed that my locks were looking lackluster. The curl has begun to droop and though it wasn't raining nor very humid, my hair looked a little frizzy. I asked Nathalie what she thought and she said that my hair looked mediocre at best.
Sorry Pantene, I really like your Shampoos and Conditioners, but your new hairspray is really a flop.

Turns out that if you're not satisfied with any of their new products, Pantene will refund the cost of your purchase and double it. That's pretty cool, so props to Pantene for good customer service.

Back to Ojon,
Diana

Beachy Waves

This one's for Steph. A picture of my 'beachy waves'.

Promise I'll post a video eventually, but in the meantime here are my suggestions on how to achieve a similar hairstyle.

• Get a really good curling iron. I've bought DOZENS of curling irons and if they're cheap, they won't hold the curl and you've just wasted more money. My suggestion is to save for a hardcore one. Mine's a Babyliss Pro Curling Iron. Honestly, I've had it for over a year and I feel stupid for not buying one sooner. It holds the curl so well.
• Use the curling iron upside down and wrap your hair around the iron instead of wrapping the iron around you hair.
• Hairspray is essential. The better is it, the longer your curls will last. I've mentioned Ojon's Tunu Hairspray on more than one occasion. I've tried a lot of hairsprays and a lot just don't cut it. This one does.
• Run your fingers through your style after applying the hairspray to make it look more natural.

That's it for now. Promise I'll post a vid soon.

Doing my part for better hair everywhere,

Diana

Review: Jonathan's Finish Hold Firm Hold Hairspray

People are constantly asking me how I do my hair. I really should take a picture to show you and I know this sounds like I'm bragging, but I've honestly mastered the look of 'beachy waves'. Promise I'll post a 'how to' vid on YouTube one of these days when I'm not so busy.

In the meantime, I gotta talk to you about Jonathan's Finish Hold Firm Hold Hairspray. I can't seem to find it on their website, which leads me to believe it's discontinued (WTF is up with my luck, seriously?!)

A few months ago, Nathalie got a few samples from the Jonathan line at Holts and she went on and on about how incredible their conditioner was. For almost a year I've been using Ojon Tunu Finishing Hairspray. Though I'm a huge fan of the product itself, I'm really upset that the last three bottles I've purchased have crapped out on me halfway through due to a faulty spray nozzle. I looked it up and apparently a lot of people have a similar problem. When I saw Jonathan's Finish Hold Firm Hold Hairspray for $5.99 at StyleSense, I couldn't pass it up (along with a pair of Juicy Couture aviators, but that's another story all together). First thing I noticed is that the product is vegan, which I know is a big deal to a lot of you and of course I give props to companies that take our animal buddies into consideration.

What I noticed immediately when I started to use it is that it doesn't have a super strong smell like most 'firm hold' hairsprays (Elnett, I'm looking at you). The scent is actually quite pleasant. Also, it gives off incredible shine. I like the fact that the amount of hold is buildable and doesn't make your hair rock hard immediately. It hasn't been humid recently, but I think this stuff will hold up to the humidity. Overall, a solid product. Now I've gotta go to all the StyleSense locations in the area to make sure that I have a few bottles on hand. At just under $6 a pop, you can't really go wrong. Now I kinda wish I didn't write this cause I want 'em all to myself.

Too tired for a witty sign-off,
Diana

Fragrance Follies

Damn Marc Jacobs and his limited edition splash fragrances. I've been wearing his summer scent Rain for just over a year now. It's so good that I've been stopped in stores and cornered in hallways asking what perfume I wear.

But no, Marc can't keep making it. He had to release it two years in a row to tease us and now he's moved onto apple, biscotti and pomegranate splashes. Nice try, they're just not as good. Never will be.

In effort to look for a new scent that I love as much, I picked up this Vacation in a Bottle set from Michael Kors. Get this, these 7ml rollerballs were on sale at Shopper's Drug Mart for $20! Each of the fragrances was inspired by a tropical locale: Fiji, Capri, Hawaii and Bermuda. So far, Bermuda's my fav! It's light, feminine yet kind of exotic. Thing is, they all smell good and I'm sure they'd be great layered as well. And guess what, they're limited edition too. WTF. I guess it's just me. It sucks, because they really do smell amazing. Don't hesitate to pick 'em up if you see them around.

Destined to smell mediocre,
Diana

Got my mind on a Mulberry and a Mulberry on my mind

I want a Mulberry bag so much it hurts. But right now, I really don't have $1K+ to spend on accessories. WAA! So you can imagine how much I freaked out when I found out that they're doing a collabo with Target! I wonder what they're going to do? If they're are going to make amazing, affordable accessories that will quell my deep rooted (and disturbing) desire to own one of these pieces or if they'll be super disappointing (please don't be!)

After reading about it, I promptly emailed Nathalie at work and told her to take vacation time on October 20th. Then she informed me that renewing our passports would be necessary to cross the border. Crap. Guess it's true when they say that the good stuff never comes easy.



Dreaming of English Leather (wow that sounds wrong),
Diana

Photo courtesy of the Purse Blog.

Call In Sick, There's a Sale at Holts!

Looks like Holt's has gotten rid of their infamous 'Now or Never' Sales. Don't fret, cause it looks like you can still pick up cool, discounted stuff at their Designer Sale on now.

Sorry I've been AWOL. I got my wisdom teeth out last week and have been a vegetable since. Percocets ain't your friend, yo.

Back from a oxycotin haze,
Diana

Bad Banana for Diana

Aw crap, Banana Republic et al. will have an eCommerce presence in Canada super soon. Like I didn't have enough problems with my online spending. Yikes.

-Diana

Imitation Limitation

I've been lusting after a Mulberry bag for longer than I'd care to admit, particularly the Alexa model. Reality is I just don't have the cash to spend on it.


It makes complete sense that I was drawn to this blatant rip off from ASOS. It's made from 100% leather, costs just over $100 USD and looks like it could be well made, but I'm torn. Can I really buy something knowing fully well that it's a total copycat?


-Diana

Complain for a Happy Ending

This evening I came home to this box:

And inside were these:

And it didn't cost me a thing.

About a year ago, I purchased a pair of Michael Kors Flats. I loved them, but after a little while the seams at the bottom of the shoe began to unravel. I was annoyed and figured it was a loss, until Nathalie told me that I should contact MK customer service.

I sent them pictures of my damaged shoes and explained that I also have a Michael Kors bag that has ripped on more than one occasion. Luckily the bag was purchased as Holt Renfrew and they've been gracious enough to make the repairs necessary. However, my shoes were purchased on a random trip to NY. I maintained that I'm a huge fan of the MK brand, but can't continue to purchase his products unless I know that they take quality seriously.

I received a response a few days later from one of their customer service supervisors, who said that the shoe I purchased is no longer in production, but they'd send me a pair of equivalent value. Having worked in customer service during high school/university and now in eCommerce, I'm highly aware of how seriously people take these things. Well, good companies anyway.

Gotta give props where they're due - so Michael Kors, thanks for making my experience with you a pleasant one. We all know how crazy a scorned girl with a blog can be, and it's no much nicer writing a happy ending.


-Diana

Quitters Never Win (Unless They're Smokers)

My Dad was a smoker for many years. I have memories of driving around in our Toyota Tercel and him smoking with the window open and having the ashes drift into the back and into my hair. Gross, I know. You'd think I would've known better, but I started smoking when I was in first year university. Funny thing is I didn't even like it! I would often leave full packages of cigarettes on the subway vowing never to buy another pack because they made me nauseous. Over time I started smoking entire packs and eventually, I was actually addicted. Bummer.

I've tried to quit several times and actually managed for six months straight a little over a year ago. That was until I started a new job, got stressed, bummed a smoke from a coworker and the rest is history. When I really think about it, the thing I like most about smoking is talking to other smokers. It serves as an excellent excuse for a break and ask any smoker - we almost automatically have a bond.

My BF HATES CIGARETTES for all the obvious reasons. Probably because his Dad smoked too. Unlike me, he was never stupid enough to start. So, for our four year anniversary, he got me an electronic cigarette. Apparently they're not available in Canada because Health Canada is under the impression that people will end up suffering from nicotine poisoning or addition (hey, wait, aren't smokers already addicted???)

The e-cig is a pretty neat device. The individual stick consists of a rechargeable battery, an atomizer, and a cartridge filled with liquid nicotine. You simply press on the black button on the center, inhale and release. What comes out of your mouth looks just like cigarette smoke and you can get the liquid in any flavour you like (right now I have apple and kiwi). The silver case holds an additional battery, an additional atomizer and two cartridges filled with fluid.

It's awesome because I get to go outside with the smokers, but I'm not filling my lungs with crazy toxins. I'm pretty low-key so I try to make it look like I'm smoking a regular cig and most times I succeed. Other times I have to explain what it is and usually people are quite fascinated. Best part? I can smoke it indoors because it leaves absolutely no scent behind. I'm also satisfied afterward because I've ingested the nicotine I was craving. A little while ago, I smoked a real cigarette and found that it's not all that pleasant. I know this'll sound weird, but inhaling the real thing is really hot and pretty gross. With the e-cig, it's a fairly nice experience.

I know that there are less expensive models around, but this one is just under $200 with the liquids. I don't think I would've purchased this for myself (hello, shoes? purses?!)
However, I think it's a pretty awesome device and is worth trying for those serious about quitting.

Smoking the future,

Diana

Turning Into A Bag Lady

At the end of next week, I'll be the only full-time writer at work. The other writer decided to bail and gave her two weeks on Monday. Though I totally support it, it's kinda stressing me out. It means I'm solo till they find a replacement and I'll have to train someone new.

What does Diana do when she's buggin'? She starts spendin'.

I got the pictured MJ tote on sale at Holts and I justified with:
"Oh, it's almost summer and it's lightweight. I'm stressed out. If I'm stressed I'll eat, but if I buy this I won't eat because I won't have money and then I won't gain weight. Yes. Yes. I should buy it."

Totally F'd, I know, but I don't regret it. It's big enough for everything I was squeezing into my much smaller purse. However, part of me wishes I had waited and purchased this:





I found out about Jack & Marjorie after looking for online retailers that may be interested in carrying Lime Shop stuff. Their bags are made from recycled materials and the design is just killer. I dunno, I might just pass on eating for the rest of the week, because I really want that bag!!!

Crazy About Canvas,
Diana

If It's Supposed to Make You Stronger, It Could Probably Kill You

There's no way I'm wearing a bikini this summer. But, when I started seeing tweets and blog posts about Booty Camp Fitness and how their program can get you bikini-ready in 8 weeks I couldn't help but be intrigued. I don't want to say this because it makes me sound weak and cliche, but I've got some issues with my body. I lost some weight last year, only to gain a little under half of it back. I'm hella pissed at myself, but at least I'm starting to do something about it.

I signed up for a 4 week session with Booty Camp Fitness about a month ago and today was my first class. We were told to introduce ourselves within the group and find a buddy. You and your buddy are supposed to see the instructor together, then get weighed and measured. Luckily, the girl I paired up with was really nice and not judgmental at all. We talked about our body issues and turns out we both have a food problem (um, y'know, eating too much of it?). After sitting around waiting for everyone else to complete their weigh-in/measurements, we started the workout. I was seeing a personal trainer and going to hot yoga quite a bit, so I'm totally cool with working hard and being in wicked pain. This boot camp takes it to an entirely new level. The class was held in an auditorium and we were forced to do intense exercises from one end to the other. I drank my entire bottle of water 15 minutes into the class.

To be totally honest, it was brutal but I know this kind of workout twice a week is sure to get you results. A few of the girls were complaining that the pace was too much, and that they had attended the same boot camp before and were eased into the exercises. I've got to agree. I'm not in the best shape, but I generally don't have difficulty keeping up in intermediate aerobics classes so I know this was tough. I even found myself sitting out on one set of exercises due to be lightheaded but that's my fault, I ate a small lunch and didn't have a snack before I went.

Overall, a positive experience. I had a rough time walking around to buy groceries after the class (so awkward, walking like the first time I went horseback riding - but that's another story for another day). All my parts hurt, but I can't wait to go back. And when I want to eat that 600 calorie muffin for breakfast, all I gotta do is look at my weight and body measurements to deter me (ouch!).

Not Dead Yet,
Diana

Making Friends Can Be Too Easy

Dear Blog,

I'm really sorry I've been neglecting you. My personal and professional life have been kinda, well, crappy. Just when things were starting to normalize, I made new 'friend'. This friend has made an unwelcome, pestering impression and now I'm doing my best not to let it get to me.

This 'friend' is actually a distrubing pimple that's made a home above my left eyebrow. It's such a bummer, especially because my bangs fall on the right side of my face, making it look even more prominent.

I'm pretty good with my skin care routine. Recently, I've been using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser, Cucumber Herbal Toner, Ultra Facial Cream, and Avocado Eye Treatment (yeah, I kinda went crazy at Holt's a few weeks ago, don't judge me!). Anyhow, the rest of my skin looks pretty awesome, except for that one dreaded spot. WAA.

Blog, I'll try my best to write more. I know you get sad when we're not around.

Love,
Pimple Girl

With A Little Love

I got my Little City order yesterday of Yulanda Yee's Cinnamon Hearts.

I remember instantly falling for the simplicity of this photograph. Yulanda always had a way of capturing inanimate objects and making them absolutely beautiful by breathing life into them.

Anyway, I'd intended on buying this piece when Yulanda was still with us and it broke my heart to purchase them the day after she passed.

The Little City folks okay'ed it with her family first, and once approved, I was notified and told that proceeds would go to the Lymphoma Foundation of Canada.

I bought 2 pieces, one for myself and one for Diana, who had known Yulanda for years from their younger blogger days.

I'm glad to have this piece to always remember her by. Even if, I don't think I could forget her. She was an amazing, talented, good person. I miss our dear friend a lot.

::: Nathalie

Bye Bye FCUK (kinda)

When I was considerably heavier (we're taking 20 pounds here), I could go into an French Connection store and fit into a size 8 or 10. Um, vanity sizing much? Some of the pieces were cute and it made a chubster feel pretty awesome. Their garment measurements make absolutely no sense. Some of their pieces are teeny tiny, while others could easily fit a family from a third world country (not mine, we're not that small). I haven't shopped there in over a year and kinda forgot about the place in general.

Today, I found out that they're closing all but six of their American stores.

They usually have decent sales, so I can only imagine what it'll be like in the upcoming weeks.

-D

Nail Wars: Liberty of London for MAC & American Apparel

I was very excited when I heard about the Give Me Liberty of London MAC collection a few months back. The time has come and the collection debuted last week. The colours are lovely - vivid, but with a relaxed feel. I wanted to buy the whole lot, but responsible adults don't spend their paycheques on cosmetics now do they?

I opted for both the Nail Lacquers, Vestral White and Blue India. I've never cared for white nails but I instantly fell for this one. I was a bit fearful it'd resemble white out, but I don't believe it does and I did get some compliments. While Diana always vocalizes her distaste for MAC nail polish, I rather like it. My favorite long-wear formula is still Essie (in my opinion, nothing compares), but as long as MAC keeps pumping out awesome colours, I'll continue to buy them.

On another nail polish related note, Diana blogged about American Apparel's collection back in December. Turns out the first run of bottles were prone to breaking, therefore anyone who bought the first run can go back to AA and get a 2 for 1 replacement deal. Not too shabby.

Since Diana had bought 5 bottles, she was looking forward to collecting an extra 5 new colours. But once in the store, she was told her 2nd bottle had to be the same colour as the first. LAME.

Three of her colours were replaced with a second of the same. Her fourth colour, Office, wasn't available so they left her get 2 different ones, Berries and Passport Blue. The fifth colour, Factory Grey, also wasn't available, but she kept the original bottle because she really likes this one. She walked in with 5 bottles and walked out with 9. It's a plus for me since I get to inherit her repeats.

::: Nathalie (and Diana)