Jan
01

Farfalle with Kale Pesto and Roasted Squash

[bc_video video_id="6277272958001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"]
Jan
01

5 Hair Dressing Terms You Need To Know Before Your Next Trim

[bc_video video_id="6277080796001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Bond Builder… Shattered Edges… Invisible Layers…. No, I’m not talking about the latest Marvel Comic Super Heroes. I’m talking hair! If these phrases are as confusing this article is for you. People love to re-invent things, even if they’ve been around for a while. However, sometimes there are new techniques that pop up or styles that turn into trends and they sort of need a name or new label.  Too often I’ll be with a client and I’ll say ‘hey, why don’t we add a curtain bang to your look today? Or should we do a money piece?” And they stare blankly at me not really understanding what I’ve just suggested. Let’s bring the world of professional hair salons to everyone so we can all understand this crazy technical language we hairdressers are actually saying! By the end of this article, everyone will feel a little more confident knowing what to go into the salon and ask for.

Term 1: 'Bronde'

Bronde means both brunette and blonde hair colour at once. Bronde is the hottest hair colour right now and everyone is coming into the salon asking for Hailey Bieber's hair.

Term 2: 'Balayage'

Balayage is a hair colouring technique originated in France that gives a natural hand-painted highlighted look to the hair. Balayage means to sweep the colour onto the hair. It's a gradient look that is not going out of style and is here forever.

Term 3: 'Invisible Layers'

Invisible layers are a debulking technique to create seamless layers that don't leave a harsh layer line. In the 90s and early 2000s, layers were like chunky shelves on the hair. As hairdressers, we have invented this natural way of cutting into the hair to create invisible layers so that you don't really see the layers in the hair.

Term 4: 'Hair Botox'

Hair botox is a deep conditioning treatment that fills the hair with protein like Keratin to give the hair a more lustrous appearance. Hair botox is one of the hottest trends right now. It brings your hair back to life by making it strong and healthier.

Term 5: 'Bond Builder'

Bond builder is a repairing treatment that helps damaged, broken hair from highlighting and processing become healthy, beautiful and shiny again. Bonds make up the hair and when we highlight we are breaking down those bonds. If you are getting highlights or any highlighting technique such as balayage you want to make sure your stylist is putting bond builder into your hair as well.  
Jan
01

The 5 Hottest Jewelry Trends of 2021

[bc_video video_id="6277084140001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Like this year’s clothing, 2021’s jewelry trends are all about bigger, brighter, and bolder looks. We often think of jewelry as more classic pieces, this year however we have seen some really great trends. Ever since the pandemic started, we've been hooked on our computers and Zoom meetings. As a result, many outlets have reported a rise in sales of jewellery. Specifically, people are buying fine jewellery that's great for wearing every day. The idea is that people wanted to elevate their more casual looks with chunky necklaces and earrings, relatable pearls, fun charm bracelets and lots of colour—the Zoom-friendly and in-person options. Trend 1: Pearls This rekindled love for the ocean's beautiful treasures has inspired new collections for the fall. New designs from some of the brands today have made pearls more relatable to modern lifestyles. No longer outdated heirloom pieces that remind us of our mother or grandma's estate collection, pearls have become the chic, contemporary choice for every day. Ideal to wear at work, formal functions and even a quick workout. My tip is to wear pearls with a bright coloured dress and the pearls will pop! Some of my favourite pearl pieces are Double Drop Earrings and Pearl Stackable Rings from Maison Birks, and the Ibsen Bracelet from Kim Smiley. [caption id="attachment_246198" align="aligncenter" width="270"] Birks Rock & Pearl Double Drop Earrings[/caption] Trend 2: Oversized Chains & Rings It's all about getting noticed – chains continue to dominate and are refreshed through mixed metals and a larger scale. The return of statement rings and fashion cocktail rings are also back in a “big” way. [caption id="attachment_246200" align="aligncenter" width="240"] The London Chain from Antés[/caption] Pearls Trend 3: Layering Layering is an ongoing trend that encourages pieces of different sizes and shapes to be styled together. We are also starting to see multiple metals like rose, white, and yellow gold layered together to create more of a statement look. Jenny Bird is really good at this. [caption id="attachment_246204" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Essentials Stack[/caption] Trend 4: Beads & Charms The return of the quirky charm bracelet takes inspiration from the '80s friendship trend. It's about mixing your beaded bracelets in fun colours with quirky charms. Sydney Evan (80’s Style), Lisa Gozlan and a trend GenZ made cool. [caption id="attachment_246201" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Daisy Bracelet by Lisa Gozlan [/caption] Trend 5: Colour Story Jewel tones, purples, grass green and fire engine red are some of the colours we saw on the runway. Vibrant stones and energetic enamel provide a fashion pop! Colour instantly updates classic silhouettes and is easily mixed with gold and silver. Some of my favourite colourful pieces are the Rosetti Earrings, Poe Earrings and Oscar Cuff by Kim Smiley, [caption id="attachment_246202" align="aligncenter" width="292"] Rosetti Earrings[/caption]
Jan
01

Create A Gorgeous Fall Wreath in 4 Easy Steps

[bc_video video_id="6276761970001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Are you still pulling out that dusty old fall wreath you keep in the basement? You know the one with poke-y branches and plastic orange flowers? Well, I’m here to tell you to put it down! Put it down people and walk away. I have something fresh for your fall door swag this year. This is something you can do even with a busy schedule. It's that easy! I love this time of year because the possibilities are endless – you can create swag with traditional colours or you can use colours that can match your home décor with fall elements. Here is what you need to make your own fall door swag:
  • meter stick
  • pipe cleaners
  • floral wire
  • decorative mesh (10 inches by 19 ft)
  • 2.5 inch wired ribbon
  • floral stems and greenery
  • decorative elements of choice (apples, signs, etc.)
  • scissors or rotary cutter
  • measuring tape
Step 1: Prepare meter stick 
  • Get meter stick and add pipe cleaners every 10-12 cm
  • You most likely won’t be able to see the ruler through all the ruffles and embellishments once the swag is complete but if you prefer you can spray paint the meter stick in a colour that matches your theme
Step 2: Prepare the base ruffles 
  • To make curl ruffles, take your mesh roll measure and cut strips of mesh into 22-inch strips. Use two rolls - should end up with about 20 strips.
  • Take a mesh strip and roll it about 2-3 times and secure it with a clip or clothespin to prevent the side from unrolling.
  • Roll the other side of the mesh 2-3 times to form a second curl and pinch along the middle of the strip and secure with a pipe cleaner.
  • Repeat with all strips then attach the ruffles to the meter stick
   Step 3: Add flowers and greenery
  • I always love a theme….and monochromatic is always chic.
  • Add various artificial flowers and greenery to the swag by Attaching the stems into the middle of the stick using additional pipe cleaners.
Step 4: Attach sign and other elements
  • Using floral wire and hot glue, attach your sign to the middle of the swag.
  • Add decorative wired ribbon down each length of the swag.
  • Start by pinching the ends of the two ribbons and twist them into the top of the swag using one of the pipe cleaners at the top.
  • After you’re done just do a scan to make sure pipe cleaners aren’t sticking out and you’re done! Hang your swag and enjoy!
Jan
01

4 Must-Have Jackets To Complete Any Fall Look

[bc_video video_id="6276756977001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] The air is crisp and it’s not freezing just yet…we’re ready to transition over to Fall with the perfect Fall jackets. Celebrities around the world have been using orchards as their new backdrops. Now I’m going to show you, with the help of my social media friends, some of fall’s biggest outwear trends with tips to get the perfect shot for the gram. Look 1: Crop Jacket She is wearing the cropped jacket with this monochromatic look,  a staple we’ll be seeing all season. I found this whole outfit from Marshalls. Crop tops were everywhere this spring/summer, and this trend is continuing into outerwear this season. A great way to draw focus to the cropped jacket is to style a monochromatic look. The cropped jacket helps break the eye and accentuate your waist. Look 2: Pattern Rachel is wearing a patterned oversized coat, with beautiful lapels but it’s not completely structured, so it’s comfortable and appropriate for a farm visit. We’ve paired this jacket from Winners with a leather skirt and a high boot, giving us a little bit of that city working girl vibe, but still appropriate for where we are today. Yes, we want our great photo ops, but you can’t visit an orchard and have a great time in 6-inch stilettos. Rachel’s always telling me that a good photo needs great pops of colour, so we’ve given her this slouchy mustard yellow sweater, topped with a green beret from Heirloom hats, handmade right in Montreal! Doesn’t she look amazing against the orchard trees! Look 3: Shirt Jacket "Shacket" The trend that’s going nowhere is the shacket, half jacket half shirt. A great transitional piece for those fall days where it’s a little too chilly in the morning and a little too warm mid-day. It’s lightweight but made with real wool, we got it from Aritzia. Can be layered underneath your winter coats as we head into the winter season! Look 4: Quilted Jacket  This is Jessie, Jessie is a Social Media Manager at Silver Lining Marketing. Quilts are not just for grandma’s anymore, we’ve seen a resurgence of crafting, crocheting, and quilting amongst the youngest and that has transcended into fashion and outerwear. Now you may not want to wear a full quilt like ASAP Rocky at the Met Gala this year. But this jacket here might be. Jessie is wearing an oversized quilted detail jacket. For texture, I’ve given Jessie this cashmere scarf from Lemonwood, a Canadian company. Jessie’s tip is to focus on your shoes! Shoefies are the new selfies, and what better place to master the shoefie than an orchard. Grab a basket of apples or a pumpkin patch, lean over, get that scarf in the shot, and there ya go. #SHOEFIE!
LOAD MORE