My 2021 Christmas List

It's that time of year again? Already?! I've contemplated doing gift guides this year after taking last year off from them. I think I'll refrain from doing them again, but I've already seen so many wonderful ones on other blogs. Gift guide posts do really well with traffic, but it just doesn't feel right this year. If it is something you want, I could gather a master list of ideas instead of themed posts/guides or link you to some of my favorite guides I've seen.

I thought I would keep up with the tradition of sharing a few things on my Christmas list and maybe that will also serve as some ideas for you. That's what I love about posts like these! I always find at least one thing that makes me go, "Wow! How did I not know about that?" or something in that nature. 😄 I find the older I get, the harder it is to come up with a Christmas list. I feel like they were novels written in seconds in my childhood. Now, of course I have a running wishlist of sorts, but it always feels different when putting it into gift terms. If that makes any sense...

Keep reading!

What's In My Purse

I love these old school posts so much. I am still a member of the LJ community (when I actually dust off my account and sign on) dedicated to what is inside people's purses and a huge part of me wishes it was still active. Heck, just LiveJournal in general. I was a member of some great communities and those were the days. I'm just really happy that it allowed me meet some great people that I still get to continue friendships with through other social media sites and our blogs.

The last time I did one of these posts was last April, so it has been a while. So let's see what I am still carrying and what has changed! The purse is from Chapters Indigo and no longer offered, sadly. Also, my phone (a Samsung S8+) is not pictured because I used it for the photo (because I was too lazy to get out my DSLR...). Though to be fair, it is almost always in my hand as opposed to in my bag!

• Kate Spade Battery Charger - I always have this on me. I would love to invest in one that more power, but this gets me through a day, events, or road trips.
• Tic Tacs - Or mints or gum. Just something to freshen up. Especially at my physio sessions, because we get really close while working my knee. Haha!
• Pen and Notebook - Always. I know I can use my phone for notes, but nothing beats pen and paper for me.
• Change Purse - Or wallet, just depends. Right now, this little pouch is holding my cards and change. Also, it just goes so well with this bag. The polar bear is no surprise to most of you that know my obsession.
• Lotion - My anti-bacterial gel must still be in my other purse or it would be right here with the lotion. Note to self to grab it because I can't live without one in my purse. The hand lotions from Bath & Body Works never let me down.
• Makeup - Sometimes more, but never less. You will always find my lip product of the day, eyeliner, and an extra concealer in my bag at all times. Those are the three that make me feel the most put together.
• Mirror - Too many times in my past I have needed a mirror and not had one. Now I make sure this one moves from every bag when I switch. It's just an old double-sided Sephora mirror that I think came with a gift card back in the day.
• Tissues - Never without. I've suffered from chronic nosebleeds since I was 5 and I never know when one will strike. I think the most embarrassing one was 8th grade chorus class and having to sing a note so she could decide which group to put me in, all eyes on me, and the flood gates opened right then and there. Such perfect timing! And my last one was two weeks ago. So yep, can't go without tissues.
• Keys - Obviously. The only thing that really changes in this category is that I sometimes change up the keychains. Right now, it's a Cath Kidston 101 Dalmatians keyfob and a Taylor Swift Reputation lanyard off of my hoodie from the tour.

What are things that always get rotated from bag to bag for you - your essentials?! If I'm carrying one of my bigger bags, what I choose to carry changes quite a bit and I go into "Mary Poppins" mode. I condense it to my true essentials for the smaller totes like this one. Maybe I'll do one for what is in my physio bag at some point!

What's In My Purse?

I haven't done one of these in a long time now. If my search skills are correct, my last What's In My Purse post was just over two years ago. I used to be the girl that carries the kitchen sink and sometimes I still am when I carry one of my bigger bags. That's one of the things I like about choosing a smaller bag though. You only have so much space to delegate to the more important items. It depends on my mood and my daily plans, but my shoulder definitely thanks me when I go the smaller bag route!

Keep reading!

#RMRoadTrip, Holt Renfrew, and the Power of PR

I had the Rebecca Minkoff event on Saturday at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto. She's a favorite of mine, so I was super excited. I got to the Holt Renfrew store early, but she wasn't there yet. They had started setting everything up, though. So I walked back out in the mall and wasted time. Before I knew it the event was almost over and still no Rebecca.

Apparently, she mentioned she wasn't coming on Facebook and Instagram due to her son being sick. Well, I didn't check those sites for updates. In retrospect, I suppose I should have. I did check her and Holt's twitter accounts and found no mention of her not being able to make it. You figure this day and age, that twitter is the first place to check! Not to mention, the store should have put up signage saying she was not coming to the event. Nobody I talked to at the event knew that she was not coming and we commiserated together.

Now aside from that, I assumed the event wouldn't be a total waste and that I would be able to get my bag monogrammed at the very least. I had read several blog posts from the previous #rmroadtrip events that they were allowed to get a previously purchased bag monogrammed. However, I was told that I had to make a RM purchase that day to be included in the painting fun. Seriously? Even after the fact that Rebecca couldn't be there? Shouldn't it have been offered as a way to make up for it?  I was not a happy camper and was ready to walk away.

I don't like being a "negative Nancy", but I think I had a right to be perturbed. Upon complaining that there were no proper signs telling people about Rebecca's absence and the fact that I had been waiting a long time, the person working Holt's PR was quick on her feet. In the end, she did overlook that I did not buy my bag that same day and let me get my bag done.

I had a negative experience and she was quick to rectify it. In doing so, I left the store feeling satisfied that the event was not a total bust. I'm very grateful for how apologetic and kind she was. And that is why good PR gets your brand, company, etc. everywhere! Had she not been so great, this blog post would have gone down a whole different path. I believe in good service and that we all deserve it!

So here are pictures from the event and my bag!

Keep reading!

Around the World in 80 Eyeshadows Week 18

Girls, it's a new year and we're still growing! If you update your blog often and can handle weekly Monday posts, email me to let me know you are interested in joining AtWi80E. :)

Group post time!




Gucci Soho Disco bag in cream - New dream bag! It's so gorgeous.
Tory Burch Caroline Patent Leather flats in pink -  I've only heard good things!
Jo Malone London English Pear and Freesia cologne - Fell in love with this at first smell!

Granted, this is just a wishlist and all three are so very expensive. These are definitely my top 3 loves right now, though! And if money were no option (shame that it always is!), all of them would have a new home with me! Fingers are crossed to at least get one of the three this year. :)

Affairs Magazine : fell in love with a new trendy color!
Beauty & Baggage :  is sparkling with her Models Own Mirrorball collection.
Fashionable Heart : found a red lipstick that might sway those that are terrified to wear red lips!
Massachusetts Mask : finally got her hands on two tricky lipsticks!
Norwegian Elephant : is taking a wee break from blogging!

So how would you answer this week's question?!

In My Purse!

I haven't done one of these in ages, but I posted a picture on my Instagram yesterday of what's in my bag. I thought it to be a perfect opportunity to do another "in my purse" post on here!


Purse: Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac in Taupe

Inside: Michael Kors wallet with no money in it (whomp whomp),  Sephora mirror, NARS Turkish Delight lipgloss, MUFE 24L eyeliner, YSL #1 Rouge Volupte, house key with whistle from my college days and a B&BW panda PocketBac holder with handgel, Hello Kitty notepad (from Antonia!), two pens, and my iPhone.

I love carrying a small purse sometimes. You really have to downsize what you choose to carry. So what do you carry in your purse?

Shopbop F&F Haul: Early Christmas Presents!

Two blog posts in one day? Yep! :) This is an exciting haul to share or maybe haul is not the proper word for it. These were early Christmas gifts from my husband. He took advantage of the Shopbop Friends & Family Sale to get two items off of my Christmas list. And apparently, he couldn't wait to give them to me. I don't mind, because I'm as excited as can be to put these items to use! If you follow my Instagram, then you already know what I got (yay for you getting the spoiler!). There are loads of detailed pictures after the jump! Hint: It involves Rebecca Minkoff and Nicole Richie!

To see more pictures, please keep reading.

Keep reading!

My 2012 Christmas Wishlist!

I know...it's not even Halloween yet, but I've already put together my Christmas list and I thought I'd share it. This is actually a great time to put together your wishlists, because this is the time that most of the Friends and Family sales happen! Even better when you can get what you want at a discount. :)

What's on your list this year? Hope you all have a great weekend!

P.S.- I've seen a few people complain that they are seeing sponsored Christmas wishlists and gift guides. I would just like to say that mine are not sponsored and that I would tell you if they were. No worries here!

OOTD: Mixing Prints 9/21/12

Here's my outfit from yesterday. I went to a get-together for my brother-in-law's birthday. I've been experimenting more lately. I decided to mix leopard and stripes this time!

^ Jeggings: Paris Blues. Tank and blazer: Target. Tee: Old Navy. Necklace: Tiffany. Shoes: AE. Perfume: Stella (a fall staple!). Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs.

The blazer is the one that I picked out in Target while I was away. I'm really kicking myself for not also picking it up in black. It's so comfortable and fits perfectly. I'll pick up where I left off on my travel haul during this coming week! I hope you're all having a great weekend. :)

Buffalo Haul Pt. 2- Clothing & Accessories

This would be the area of shopping that I went the most crazy on, but I found some really great deals! It's probably a good thing that we only cross the border about three times a year. ;) Without further ado, here's the clothes and accessories that I purchased.

I fell in love with the floral dress. It has a detailed zipper on the back! I have mentioned them before, but I live in the Mossimo long tanks and pocket v-necks. They are perfect in every way and come in so many colors. I get some every time I'm in Target!

The dresses, shorts, and sandals are from Old Navy. The belts and ring sets are from Torrid. With Torrid, it was buy one get 50% off the entire store and I had a $10 credit for my birthday. Yay!

I grabbed all of these bracelets at Target for $4 each! They are perfect for layering.

And these would be my favorite new goodies that I got! I got the blush pink Coach bag for 50% off and then an additional 30% off on top of that. All in all, it was just around $56. Besides perfume, this is my first Michael Kors purchase- a pretty white/gold wallet. The gray satchel with rose gold hardware is from H&M. And I'm addicted to iPhone cases now, so I got another Kate Spade one.

Pink and polkadots. If this phone case doesn't scream that it belongs on my phone, then I don't know what does! Love it!

Again, don't forget that I do have a small giveaway open until tomorrow night. I'll let the cat out of the bag now and mention that I do indeed have a little something else put together to give with the magazine! :D My birthday is tomorrow, so I'm not sure if I'll have time to update or not. I'll try, though. ♥

Niagara Falls Haul

Are you completely tired of hauls by now? 'Tis the time of the year for them! ;) Since I don't know when I'll be posting again, I want to wish you all a fabulous holiday season. I hope you have a great time spent with loved ones and stay safe! ♥ Onto a few of the goodies I bought in Niagara!

What I got from the CCO at the Fashion Outlets- Memorabilia and Cross-Cultural eyeshadows and Purple Rite lipstick.

Picked up this black watch at Target. I already grabbed the white one when I was back home in November. I really like this style.

Two nail polishes from the OPI Burlesque collection- Let Me Entertain You and Show It and Glow It! I have Let Me Entertain You on all of my nails with Show It and Glow It! as an accent nail on each hand. Really festive looking!

A big rhinestone ring and braided chain bracelet from Torrid.

I've heard such great things about Morrocanoil, but I've found it to be hard to find here in Toronto. EDIT: Apparently, it's not so hard to find. I only have my own experiences and I couldn't find it at most places I visited! :) I picked up a small bottle in a beauty supply store just to see if I liked it, because it is very expensive. I hate dropping a lump sum of money on something like that before I have tried it. This small bottle was around $10.

F21 accessories. The two headbands were only $1.50! The three pendents are huge statement necklaces. I can't wait to pick out an outfit for the turquoise one. Gorgeous!

I actually forgot to take a picture of one of the other purses that I grabbed, so a stock photo will have to suffice!

It's a silver bow tote from Target. I'm not going to lie...I saw the bow and had to have it. It's so roomy and fun, though!

One of my precious new additions to my handbag collection is this Mulberry for Target crossbody bag. They are sold out online, but they had two left of them at the Target near Walden Galleria. It's a good size for an evening bag with enough room for a cell, wallet, camera, and your makeup.

The best part of my Niagara Falls haul (besides Old Navy having a BOGO on everything in store!!) is this Coach Ashley satchel bag. I got it at the Fashion Outlets for 30% off. It's the factory version of the Sabrina/Sophia bags. I'm in love!

Happy Holidays!!

Vintage Bags

My bag collection now includes two vintage bags. These bags belonged to my husband's grandmother!

A floral tapestry box purse with a snap-top closure. I'm not sure when this one dates back to, so I'll have to ask my mother-in-law. I'm speculating that Nan used it in late 60s-early 70s.

This bag is truly one-of-a-kind because Nan actually made it herself! It's very sturdy and when looking at it, I can see all of the hard work she put into it. I'm very honored that she wanted me to have some of her purses and jewelry and I will cherish them forever. ♥

TIP: To help you know if you have a vintage bag (jewelry, clothes, etc.), it is generally considered that the item must be around 30-40 years old or more. It varies on what the item is.

Have a great weekend! :)

May Favorites

I'm back from Niagara Falls! It was a lovely vacation. :) I went across the border and shopped, so I will share my haul with you guys soon. After that, I ate yummy-but-way-overpriced food and took it easy in our lovely-but-way-overpriced hotel room. Haha! Since I've been quite a few times to Niagara, we decided to enjoy the jacuzzi and view of both Falls from our huge window in our hotel. I hit perfect relaxation mode and it was paradise. Very welcomed after suffering from strep throat for two weeks!

Anyway, that's enough rambling about that. I'll probably post pictures from it on my Flickr and/or the Fashionable Heart Facebook page. Here are my May favorites! Please feel free to share your own, as always!

Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner- I think my goal is to get everyone hooked on this! It's relatively easy and quick to learn how to apply. It lasts all day and it's not a dry formula so it won't tug on your lids as you apply it.

Sigma 224 brush- My go-to brush all month! I'm not sure there is anything it can't do. My favorite use for it is for blending my concealer under my eyes. It does a flawless job and is very gentle on that sensitive area.

MAC Blooming Lovely lipstick- I never would have thought that I could pull off a lilac lipstick, but this is very versatile in color. One coat and it's more of a purplish pink. Two coats and it gets a darker lilac.

Maybelline Dream Matte powder- This is a great setting powder. I still prefer to use my MAC MSF Natural for my face, but I do use this powder on my nose and under my eyes where I tend to get oily skin.

Havaianas Flip-flops- Summer is here! Havaianas are the most comfortable flip-flops I own. They beat out every brand I've tried so far.

Deux Lux Ruffle Satchel- I got this from Urban Outfitters back in March, so I don't think they have this one anymore. They do have a similar one right now, though. It's so big and roomy. The peach color is a fun color statement to my outfits and it's a great color for summer!

DC Haul Pt. 3- Beauty, Skincare, Accessories

I meant to have this posted early yesterday, but time escaped me! Here's the next part of what I got in DC. :)

Flower sneakers from Payless. I thought these were so cute for spring! I always carry hand sanitizer in my purse, but I also give them as parts of gifts to friends. :)

Body Shop! I love that they brought back some of the original scents that I never got to try the first time around (banana, apple, peach, and a few others). Banana smells amazing! I also got some mango lip butter and Nettle Oil shampoo/conditioner.

Sephora and H&M. The two bags are from H&M. The one on the left is my new favorite and I'm using it to carry my daily makeup now. Have you guys smelled Philosophy's new scent, Apricots and Cream? Oh my goodness, it's heaven! I also picked up an argan oil stick to try. I'm a biter, so I'm looking forward to seeing how this works on cuticles. The MUFE eyeshadow is just a basic matte brown.

MAC wipes, a 217 brush, and another eyeshadow palette. I only have the travel-sized Sigma SS217, but I do find it to be very similar to MAC's 217. Both have very soft bristles and are great at packing on color, especially pigments!

I was disappointed in the selections at both Torrid and the CCO. I only found a ring and eyeshadow that caught my eye. I'm in love with the ring!



The biggest purchase besides my camera was my new Coach purse. All of my Coach purses have the signature print, so I wanted something different. I love how simplistic it is and I only had one white purse in my collection (with no grays whatsoever). This was a perfect addition to my collection! The vibrant purple lining is just icing on the cake!