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@hellochesca-blog
Guest Post Alert!
I was given an opportunity to blog with Pastel Dress Party in collaboration with Vancouver blog, Vancity Bride to discuss the benefits of custom bridesmaids dresses.
It's definitely a budget friendly option and it allows for a fully customized dress for your bridal party!
Read the full post here.
KARORA's Gradual Tan: A Review
For some reason tans and I do not get along, but it’s only because for some reason I just can’t tan…I burn. I went on vacation once to Florida and came back to Toronto with a golden tan; that tan left about a week upon my return. The point of this story is that I have not been able to successfully keep a tan, until now.
A faux tan newbie, KARORA's Gradual Tan seemed like the best option. KARORA is an award-winning custom skinwear collection. Using natural botanicals and formulas, their aim is to infuse a bit of that bronzy glow into your life! With their Gradual Tan I would be able to build a sun-kissed look, as I wanted to look as natural as possible.
With no prior experience to any self-tanning medium at all, this was a very interesting experience. One of the most pleasant things to note about KARORA’s Gradual Tan is its scent. It’s sweet (almost reminiscent of a citrus-y smell) and the formula is hydrating. Upon initial application, you’ll notice that the consistency is that of a lotion, with only the sheen as a guide to ensure there’s no overlap. I tried my best to apply it evenly; again this is my first time so I was unsure of what the results would be. After lathering it on for the “first coat” it left my skin with a sweet scent and there was a bit of glimmer where it was applied. I found that my skin looked dewy and hydrated –and in the dead of winter, I’m not going to complain about that.
Since it’s a gradual self-tanner, it takes about a few hours for the tan to kick in. I was very eager to have a tan show, so after a couple of hours, I reapplied the lotion again. The results were evident the next day. With my face looking extra tan and my skin having a bit of a glow to it –it was something I wasn’t used to. What I should've done was wait the full five to eight hours for the colour to kick in before anxiously reapplying the lotion again. My face was more tan than my body! I wanted to wait a few days before taking an “after” photo to show how the colour would progress given a few days.
(Before, no makeup)
(After, with makeup)
After day one, my skin seemed to have a glow without being too obvious. It’s not orange-y (as was my fear) and it gives off more of a sun-kissed shade.
As the days continued with no reapplication of the Gradual Tan, I found that my “tan” lasted about three to four days. The good thing about it is that it faded gradually so it wasn’t too obvious that I applied some sort of self-tanner. Before the "after" picture was taken and my 'fake tan' had faded, I reapplied it again the night before. I applied one coat of the Gradual Tan on my face and two on my body (which is very evident). I found that one coat on my face and neck was enough to give off a very nice "glow" and that was more than enough for me!
(See the difference in my hand vs the rest of my arm and face?)
Overall, I found my experience with KARORA’s Gradual Tan was mostly a positive one. It was an easy application, there was no weird smell, it kept my skin hydrated, and just as the tan itself was gradual, so was its departure. So the million-dollar question is would I use this product again? My answer? Absolutely! It’s easy enough to apply for a beginner and the colour looks natural! I’ll be using this as a pick-me-up for those cold bitter winters and to ease my way into the summer. It was pretty fun seeing a tan show up in the dead of winter, and this will certainly not be my last KARORA Gradual Tan experience.
*Photos taken by Stephanie Lee
Frank Ocean's Aaliyah Tribute is All That and More
(Photo via: Frank Ocean's tumblr, shot by Michael Mayren)
On the 36th birthday of late singer, Aaliyah, the ever-so mysterious Frank Ocean released a cover of At Your Best (You Are Love) by the Isley Brothers, which Aaliyah also covered on her first album.
Released through his Tumblr page, this cover is one that Frank Ocean fans have been waiting for and it’s a great tribute to Aaliyah and the Isley Brothers respectively.
As a Frank Ocean fan, any new music he releases I take and leave on repeat. So let’s just say, I’m going to be listening to this cover for a long time. Even though he hasn’t released anything to the same measure as Channel Orange in the last few years only giving us sporadic music updates, fans are still wondering when he’ll release a full album. Could he be pulling a D’Angelo and wait for a few years to release an album that’s pure greatness on every track? Time will tell, but Frank Ocean, we’re waiting for you.
Titled, You Are Luhh, you can listen to the cover below:
Dry Hands No More
Toronto's cold bitter winter air always leaves my hands aching for some relief from dryness. In the winter, my purse is always full of different types of body butters, lotions, and creams to keep my skin soft and hydrated.
Between cold windy weather and the heater turned all the way up, my hands seem to visibly suffer the most. While I will always have a special place in my heart for body butters, it seems as if a new product has taken its place.
Royal Apothic’s Hand Crème (Holland Park) has now replaced the lotions taking up space in my already over-packed purse. After trying it out for a few weeks to really get the feel for it, one of the most notable things I appreciate about this particular product is that it does not leave a greasy feeling on my hands after application. Eliminating that greasy feeling has completely won me over. Why? As someone who is always on their laptop typing away, it’s really important for me to be able to keep my hands hydrated without trying to rub off that greasiness all over my arms and have it smeared all over my keyboard. My hands and laptop appreciate that.
Royal Apothic has been able to deliver a hydrating formula, without compromising a greasy feeling. It also leaves a subtle scent on my hands without being too overpowering, as I hate it when scented lotions clash with my perfume. It’s also in a convenient tube, which allows me to squeeze every last bit of product out so nothing goes to waste! This product is definitely a staple as we head into the bitter part of winter.
The Gap: Ira Glass
Done by: David Shiyang Liu
I always find myself going back to this video. As someone who is pursuing a career in the creative field, you always doubt yourself and your abilities. Coming back to this video time and time again helps me realize that you just need to keep pushing and that someday it will pay off. The key is consistency.
I wanted to save this post for the new year. A way to ring in 2015 and to remind myself that you just need to keep going. It's a bit of a personal post, but one that I think applies to those who pursue something in the creative field and for those who are just searching for something more.
Happy New Year everyone.
On a Personal Note
This year rather than make resolutions to do the usual “go to the gym more” etc, I have decided to take a different approach.
I’m usually not so personal on the blog –deeply personal anyway. But I think it’s also important to be more open, more human; it allows us all to connect somehow. While we’ve all gone through our own trials and tribulations in 2014, for me, 2015 is about personal growth. I say that every year, but this year it’s more than just on the outside. It’s growth in all sense of the word. I’ve met, known, and even lost a few (great) people in 2014. However, everyone that comes into your life is there for a reason. They’ve all somehow taught me something, no matter how small or big, it was still a lesson I needed to learn.
This year I want to push myself to be uncomfortable because that challenges me to grow, adapt and learn. I’d also like to take more risks and really push myself; you really never know how far you can go. I want to take better care of myself, with my health, my mind, with everything. There is always room for improvement and despite the many challenges I will continue to encounter, i want to rise above it and really learn and grow.
So here’s to 2015. Here’s to taking risks, learning more about myself, and nothing but progress.
Sundays in the City
A song that came to mind while taking these pics was Jay Z's City is Mine, which may or may not have been inspired by the view of the city. I consider this one of the best "hidden gems" in Toronto. Why? Just check out that view and you'll have your answer.
This outfit was inspired by Canadian winter comfort. Yes, that's actually a thing. For me, comfort is key. I paired my UNIQLO flannel with my (brother's) American Apparel chambray shirt on top. I thought it'd be an interesting twist on layering and a bit of a play on the colour palette. Plus, I knew the day would be spent walking around downtown Toronto so I didn't want to have too many heavy layers on. Lately I'm finding that I'm all about keeping things very simple, which is seen in my choice of accessories. As the weather gets colder, simple and comfortable is definitely my new motto.
Parka: TNA Bancroft Warmest Parka | Flannel: UNIQLO | Chambray shirt: American Apparel
Hello Opportunity
Since starting this blog and my writing career I’ve been blessed with a lot of opportunities that I never even thought was possible. That being said, I’ve been working on a little something special with Toronto fashion start-up, Pastel Dress Party.
Pastel Dress Party’s main mission is to provide women with affordable, high quality, custom clothing. They offer women a chance to customize dresses that fit their style. With the chance to choose from their already gorgeous variety of dresses or even creating a bespoke dress, co-founders Janny and Karen are with you every step of the way.
I’m really excited to be working with them on this little project! I can’t wait to share it with all of you in due time. Stay tuned!
LOVEFRESH
As someone who has been striving to live a healthier life from the inside out, I have never taken into consideration what products I’m using on my skin. I always thought that eating right, staying hydrated and exercising regularly were the keys to a healthy life –but healthy also means taking into consideration what products go on the surface of your skin.
Thanks to my little friend, Instagram I kept seeing this all-natural company’s name pop up on my feed, LOVEFRESH. So naturally, I did a bit of research. My findings led me to discover that not only is LOVEFRESH a Canadian company, but its roots stem from a “kitchen experiment” gone totally right. Creator Stacey Davis’ aim was to create something that gave a feeling of glowing skin –naturally. After perfecting her formulas, she released her ‘easy luxury’ line offering products from deodorants to body scrubs and everything in between.
I had the chance to try out the natural deodorants in “Moroccan Rose Absolute” and “Lemon Verbena”. Available in 60mL jars, this product should last quite a while, considering it is used on a daily basis. The application is one that you get used to. Instead of putting on your stick deodorant, this time, you grab a bit of the natural deodorant (about a pea size) and apply it against your skin. Offering a light, breezy scent it lasts you the whole day (even post workout). It doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky or heavy, but rather light and barely there. These jars of all-natural goodness is something my skin is thankful for and let me tell you, it’s a great feeling to know exactly what is going on my skin.
AKLASU
These past two months, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Canadian menswear company, AKLASU. I’ve contributed to their two latest issues, October and November, and I couldn’t be any happier.
AKLASU is all about creating stylish pieces, all while maintaining a sense of timelessness. Handcrafted in Italy, the brand offers the highest quality of neckties, bowties, and pochettes.
I consider myself so blessed to have this opportunity. Not only do I get to work with a Canadian brand, but it’s one that celebrates simplicity and minimalism and its impact in personal style.
The magazine was created as the voice of AKLASU as a way to communicate, inspire, and interact with readers and shoppers alike. Published on a monthly basis, the magazine offers style editorials, essays, short stories, and topics like art, film, literature, and culture.
So as you can tell, I’m really excited to share the pieces that I’ve written for the two latest issues!
Catch them below:
Oct 2014, ISSUE 4
Cufflinks: A Dying Detail
A Barber's Cut
NOV 2014 ISSUE 5
The Rise of the Blazer
It's All in the Shoulders
It's been awhile
It’s been about two months or so since I’ve had any updates on the blog. I know, there’s really no excuse –except for this one. I’ve been busy. Well, everyone has, but I’ve been busy trying to really put in work. So while there is a serious lack of updates, I’ve been racking up posts behind the scenes.
Since I’ve last updated, I’ve had a lot of different opportunities come my way, which of course I’m super excited to share. There are a lot of changes coming my way now and even in the New Year, but I’m really excited for them. Change after all, is a good thing.
The hustle continues.
As I said in my previous post, this summer was all about transitions and I feel a lot more focused now. So while I've been putting all this positive energy into the universe, (luckily enough) it's come back ten-fold. (*praying hands emoji)
I'm happy to announce that I'm now a part of the Sidewalk Hustle team! My main focus will be very fashion-based, but I'm so happy and humbled by this opportunity!
See a few posts I've done below:
Wemoto Fall/Winter 2014 Collection
Must Have: Club Monaco's Updated Varsity Jacket
The Best of +J Fall/Winter 2014
Read all Sidewalk Hustle posts here.
Dear Summer
Summer is officially over. And while Toronto’s summer this year was sub-par saying goodbye to it was still bittersweet. No more sunny patio days or throwing on a dress and Birkenstocks and calling it a day.
On a personal note, this summer was one of (swift) transition. I started the summer with a jumbled up idea of how I wanted the rest of my year to turn out and as the summer (weather) changed, I did too. My goals became clear and I regained my focus. So as we transition into fall, I hope that I'm making a much smoother transition into the future than Toronto weather.
But like all good things, we must come to an end Please show the same love to my friends Dear summer
Dress: Charlotte Russe | Bracelet: Dynamite | Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana | Watch: Casio
Kelly Cutrone Taught Me
Alright, I admit it, I’ve been a closet The Hills fan, but admitting this years later has a point. What really got my attention and why I liked the show so much (okay, not that much I swear) was that Lauren Conrad was doing all these internships and jobs that were closely related to what I wanted to pursue. Particularly, when she worked with fashion publicist, Kelly Cutrone.
Kelly’s “no holds barred” attitude and her success really drew me in. And years after the show I finally have my hands on her book, If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You. They say timing is everything, and this book could not have come at a greater time. At a time in my life where self-doubt creeps up on me, this book is that great big slap in the face that I need to really stick to the grind.
So here are a few of my favourite quotes:
“This was when I learned that you have to give up your life as you know it to get a new one: that sometimes you need to let go of everything you're clinging to and start over, whether because you've outgrown it or because it's not working anymore, or because it was wrong for you in the first place.”
“I advise you to stop sharing your dreams with people who try to hold you back, even if they're your parents. Because, if you're the kind of person who senses there's something out there for you beyond whatever it is you're expected to do - if you want to be EXTRA-ordinary- you will not get there by hanging around a bunch of people who tell you you're not extraordinary. Instead, you will probably become as ordinary as they expect you to be.”
“When you're following your inner voice, doors tend to eventually open for you, even if they mostly slam at first.”
“In breaking away from the familiar and the expected, you'll be forced and privileged to face greater challenges, learn harder lessons, and really get to know yourself.”
“Dreams won't always take you on a straight path to destiny but they're usually related to what your soul wants for you. They'll force you to ask yourself the hard questions, they'll kick your ass and more importantly, they'll turn you on.”
"If you aren’t hearing your inner voice, it could mean you’re overburdened or not stimulated enough, or that you’ve learned to shut it off because the people around you have refused to engage it. Perhaps you’ve had a hardening of the arteries around your soul. I believe the choices we make in our lives and the people and places surrounding us increase the volume of our inner voice, decrease it, or annihilate it entirely.”
Now I wouldn't necessary consider myself a hardcore sneakerhead per se, but I definitely appreciate a good pair of shoes. While I would love wearing heels, the rest of the time I'd rather be comfortable and wear a pair of sneakers. And, it doesn't hurt that this pair gives me about an extra inch or so of height ...*emoji smirk.
Photo via @chescathetype Instagram
TAPAS. SPANISH DESIGN FOR FOOD
While I’d like to classify myself as a foodie, I don’t think I’d be able to. I’m (kind of) a picky eater, which is a bit of a drag if you want to try something new and I’m hesitant –but I promise, I’m working on it. (I can hear my friends snickering at that, but I really am working on it!) But as someone who loves food and style the TAPAS exhibit at the Design Exchange really spoke to me.
Let’s face it, I’m all about style and this exhibit was a great mix of my two favourite things: food and style. The exhibit was all about how stylized the plate itself could be –something visually stimulating (besides the food itself). I appreciate good design, so it was really interesting seeing how things were made for functionality but in a modern, minimalist way.
Curated by Juli Capella and organized by Acción Cultural Española (AC/E), the exhibit was divided into three sections: the kitchen, the table, and the meal. Each section revealed some beautiful pieces – a true test of creativity both in and out of the kitchen. From showing the paella pan, to the more traditional wineskins, to the more modern take on utensils –this was a designer’s (foodie) dream.
Kali Uchis
While my musical tastes change every few months or so, recently I’ve been in the mood for super chill tunes; anything that resembles Erkyah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Jhené Aiko, etc. Just tunes you can chill to. As I was streaming the Twittersphere, I stumbled upon Kali Uchis. I took a listen to “Real” and just from the production, was already digging it.
As always, I try to listen to the artist’s entire collection before making any sort of official comment. Listening to her mixtape, Drunken Babble –I already appreciate her sound. It’s a great take on neo-soul, old school hip-hop, jazz - all the sounds I’m currently digging. It’s a refreshing sound, one that I hope will be around for along time. I'm calling it now. Look out for this girl –she’s about to start somethin.