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P R E V I E W
NO.1
E M A G A Z I N E
contents DECEMBER
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I’ve found that ‘giving some extra love’ to this new and unexpected space has brought new life to decorations that I’ve has for years. The old feels new again!
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decor
feature
A tour inside Kyla’s festive ensuite bathroom. P18
The Femininity Project founder talks their new Heels Master Course P22
impact
food
Virtual shoeboxes to benefit women affected by homelessness. P30
As seen on Instagram with IGTV Video! P34
My unexpected Holiday Master Bath Retreat
The Shoebox Project for Women
Sarah Bohdanova
Crowd Pleasing Christmas Tree Twist Bread
give
beauty
A few faves to feel good about giving plus local shops you’ll love! P36
Kyla’s lip picks for the Holidays! P43
Local Love Gift Guide
The Seasons’s Hottest Lipsticks
6 How it Works
47 QUIZ: What Lipstick Style
8 In My Words
48 Connection Section
Features of the emagazine
Kyla Getty’s Story
Suits Your Personality?
Instagram Creators Q&A
14 December Graphic 14 December Graphic Print/Mobile Calendar
Print/Mobile Calendar
December Must-Haves
Where Life Styling happens!
42 Nira’s Hot List
54 Workbook
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take note!
This emagazine is clickable! Links in this issue are all active, so if you see something you like... tap it!
Cover and all photos of Kyla: @iulia.agnew Flowers Courtesy of: @deborahleedesigns
from Kyla
WELCOME TO STYLEBOOK! It’s never too late to do something amazing. There’s never a wrong time to be who you want to be! It’s for that very reason that I decided to launch STYLEBOOK in December of 2020 – and not to wait another month, day, or minute. I’m determined to lead by example that good things come to those who create. Especially in 2020! I am beyond thrilled to introduce this emagazine – the newest platform under the I Like Her Style Vancouver media umbrella. It’s available exclusively via email to our subscribers... so click here to make sure you’re on the list! @ilikeherstylevancouver www.ilikeherstyle.com kyla@ilikeherstylevancouver.com
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how it works ONE eMAGAZINE, TWO WAYS TO VIEW. THIS ISSUE WAS DEIGNED JUST FOR YOU!
choose your own adventure: Phone-Friendly eMagazine We polled our community on social media to see how you prefer to read and the results were interesting! Since many of our friends mostly read on their phone, we decided to create a new concept magazine that is designed with your phone screen in mind! But that’s not all! Full Magazine Experience Are you a traditional magazine lover like myself? We got you! The magazine can also be viewed as desktop version, complete with the full fledged page-flipping experience! This is best experienced on a tablet, desktop, or laptop Which Version would you like to view?
MOBILE
LARGER SCALE
TAP TO
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SWITCH
tap away
Select active links to shop, explore and watch video
fun extras
Printables & screengrab artwork for your tech inside
zoom in
Remember to zoom in on the pages if you’d like a closer look
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INMYWORDS F R O M
T H E
C R E A T I V E
D I R E C T O R
We picture ourselves traveling a linear path through life. The more I grow, the less ‘together’ I feel I have it all, but the more at peace I become amidst the unknown. Loving myself and my journey anyway is the true gift of the growth.
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This is my story. I don’t yet know the ending, but I do know that the ‘HAPPILY EVER’ has been within me the whole time. I’ve always been an achiever. I’ve always been driven by doing well. From straight A’s through school to college and landing my dream career at an advertising agency where I worked on some pretty swanky projects at a very young age. I felt safest in my ability to responsibly take care of myself. The achievements along the way were signals that I was on the right path. Except I was riddled with anxiety. I became fragile at the core. I suffered in silence. I even used to study others in the room and try to mimicked them and imagine what it felt like to be comfortable in my own skin. My husband Kyle was one of those people. Kyle was Kyle, no matter the occasion. He showed up unapologetically himself. He was an entrepreneur
and I became jealous that he had that luxury while I felt I had to the consistent 9 to 5 worker. When we became adoptive parents suddenly and unexpectedly to Kaitlyn at the age of one, my world was shaken up in the best way possible. The whirlwind of it all left me no space for anxiety. I was thrust into action as a mother. It was a whole new ‘wild’, and everything changed.
I surrendered and gained control all at the same time. It was thrilling! For the first time, I had lost my ‘death grip’ on feeling in control of my plan and my life and it grew from there. I surrendered and gained control all at the same time. It was thrilling! I started my own business – Gett Creative Inc. and soon after we decided to move to Fort McMurray, Alberta for Kyle’s opportunity in real estate.
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I had clients who were happy to work with me remotely, but other than that – my plan was simply to have a fresh start in a new place I knew nothing about. I could be a stay at home mom and no one would know that I was anything but Kaitlyn’s mommy. My brother in law told me that Fort McMurray is what you make it. I immediately wondered if I’d have to spread my wings and join some beer league softball team. (So not me!) What I didn’t realize was that I would indeed make it my own, by fully living my ‘zone of genius.’ More on that in a moment. At the same time, things fell apart for us on arrival. Once again, a total loss of control. We had moved with very little and lost what we had in a freak Alberta August storm which flooded our tiny place. We were homeless. We literally moved into a townhouse show suite until we could afford a deposit and rent. It was like we were dropped out of an airplane at 30K feet with only a
We were homeless. We literally lived in a show suite until we could afford a deposit and rent. parachute. Luckily, this only lasted for three weeks. Thanks to our drive and the magic that was Fort McMurray at the time, our parachute had opened. I found myself digging in and doing what I do best – creating! I launched a women’s magazine which turned into a 5-year mini empire of publishing, charity galas, social clubs, even a spot on Shaw TV! There were countless 4am work nights, but it was a thrill. The parachute ride was exhilarating. I was sure there would be a soft place to land, but I was having too much fun soaring through the clouds! When I had our daughter Kadence who is now 6, we moved back to BC. Insert a brief ‘tango’ with postpartum depression. I now recognize that I had lost touch with my identity for a time. Fortunately that stint was short-lived and I fell in love with being mama. However, my need to create never left me and uncertainty of what was next made me wonder if there was a hole in my parachute. 11
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Stylebook is here! I present it to you, and invite you along on this ride.
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After nearly two years of ‘trusting the journey’, I rebuilt yet again. I was fortunate to create the I Like Her Style Community alongside my childhood best friend Jody Belanger. For 3 years, we published an amazing magazine in print... complete with the glitz and glamour of events, video, and media notoriety.
I was in a position where I could decide what I truly wanted. I’ve been able to ebb and flow with the needs of my family and focus most on the people in this community. It’s been a year of twists for all of us at varying degrees. My family lost a loved one to the virus. Jody and her family even fell ill with it. Stretched parents, stretched providers... the world has collectively felt that skydive free-fall feeling thats become all-too familiar for me. I’ve learned to trust that the landing will be soft... but also, that the twists and turns along the trip can present you with unexpected thrills.
The night we launched our first magazine issue, I had a ‘pinch me’ moment. I felt like I had finally ‘arrived’, co-owning a Vancouver Women’s Magazine. Wow.
There have been highs, lows and achievements in my life, but the parachute ride never ceases and not once have I been in total control.
When it was Jody’s turn to join the club as a new mom, she chose to step away from the business and devote herself to motherhood, which I respect completely.
My need to create has been the common thread in my life – it grounds me while I’m in flight. Magazines are my passion. Each issue is an achievement, but really, it’s the ability to share my story and also to shine a light on other women that makes me feel that I have arrived where I need to be. The parachute ride continues, but for today... Stylebook is here... and it’s about so much more than fashion. It’s about styling your life. I present it to you, and invite you along on this ride.
I found myself at a crossroads, once again, with a decision to make. Last January, I re-launched I Like Her Style solo, with a new logo, as a purely digital-based venture. I had no idea what was in store for 2020, but I had unwittingly made the best decision I could have. But wow, after all I had been through, I’m even more grateful for that
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BE MERRY INSIDE-OUT
D ECE M B E R
Presenting December’s calendar graphic & message! I began saving the calendar to my iphone’s lock screen myself and it’s been a total lifesaver to have an at-aglance look at the dates ahead. Print and clip it out or screenshot and save like I do. Enjoy! xo Kyla
Photo: Shutterstock.com/Floral Deco + Libellule
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BE MERRY INSIDE-OUT
D ECEM B ER
Print and Clip!
Photo: Shutterstock.com/Margarita Aniskina
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Christmas magic is something that has stayed with me since I was a girl. This year, I think we all deserve an extra sprinkle of wonder, joy and tradition. M Y NA M E I S K Y L A G E T T Y A N D I B E L I E V E
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festive decor:
MY UNEXPECTED HOLIDAY BATH RETREAT
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INSIDE MY HOME
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Decorating your master bath might seem like a completely crazy thing to do. After all, it’s one of your most private spaces... what’s the point? Well my dear, that’s what makes it so utterly indulgent. Plus, it’s 2020, so anything goes, right? It’s finally December of 2020... this year has been a long haul. I don’t know about you, but I was 100% ready to dive head first into holiday mode this year. I think we all deserve to pack in as many ‘merry’ days as we can for what’s left of this year! That was that exact mindset that led me to decorate my ensuite. It’s a place just for me... a place where I spend time at the beginning and end of each day. I toyed with the idea and eventually gave into the urge – and I’m so glad that I did! These festive additions have brought me such joy! It may seem trivial, but the extra sparkle has been such a treat while getting ready. It’s provided a form of self-care. It’s an indulgence that makes me feel grateful for the abundance around me. It’s kind of like my big girl version of an Elf on the Shelf!
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decor I challenge you to decorate an unexpected space just for yourself to enjoy this year. Now I’ll let you in on a little secret... I didn’t decorate the rest of my home quite as much as I usually do. Instead, I chose to pack more punch into small, and unexpected areas. As much as I was looking forward to the season, I had been feeling a little uninspired with my decorations, and was wondering how to make them feel exciting again. I’ve found that ‘giving some extra love’ to this new and unexpected space has brought new life to pieces that I’ve has for years. They look and feel new. If you’re feeling this way... try changing it up! Move things around, mix it up... and decorate somewhere you haven’t before. I know you’ll love it!
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feature:
SARAH BOHDANOVA MASTERING THE ART OF FEMININITY AS THE QUEEN OF HEELS B Y K Y L A GE T T Y
Photos: @allypintucci 22
PARTNER FEATURE
I was recently asked by my friend Sarah Bohdanova to define what it means to be feminine. Words that I think of are sensual, powerful, poised and confident. While I’ve always considered myself to be ultra-feminine, when I think about myself rocking these traits – I have to say it’s a little bit intimidating! I’m not alone… the majority of women feel the same way. That is exactly why Sarah created The Femininity Project along with her signature Master Course: How to Walk in Any Pair of Heels.
sionally for 12 years, is a World Professional Semi-Finalist, and an award-winning instructor. During her years in the dance world, she became a representative for 2 different designers, and has traveled throughout North America helping design outfits and create style concepts for women. The kicker? She has achieved all of these things while wearing 3 inch heels. Pretty incredible!
Sarah has brought this unique course to life to help me – and so many others – make it happen! She comes from an exciting background in the Ballroom and Latin Dance world. She competed profes-
When it comes to feeling confident and beautiful – heels, hands down, have proven to be one of THE most powerful triggers.
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@thefemininityprojectinc | thefemininityprojectinc.com 23
feature Q: Sarah, thank you so much for sharing this amazing opportunity with me and our readers! Let’s dig right in. Tell me the story behind launching the course! Let’s talk states for a minute – as in ‘states of being’. Feeling, and as a result, looking confident and feminine are states. Because you can’t be in the same state 100% of the time, you need a trigger, to be able to tap into the one you want quickly. When it comes to feeling confident and beautiful, heels, hands down, have proven to be one of THE most powerful triggers. There is something so uniquely feminine and sexy about a great pair of heels! But just like with wearing makeup, the degree of success 100% depends on how good you are at it, and the problem is no one ever teaches anyone how to do it! Unless you’ve grown up dancing or modeling, there is truly little out there that gives you the tools and systems needed to master it. So, women just try to piece-meal their way through it. Because of this lack of education, they draw their own conclusions. Either they think they just need to just
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PARTNER FEATURE
feature stumble through it and persevere (blisters and all), or they swear off wearing heels entirely, convincing themselves that their just not the *type* of women who could pull them off. Over the last 2 decades, I’ve taught hundreds of women how to do it. Drawing on my extensive knowledge of body mechanics, aesthetics of angles and shapes, and experience with habit building. All the women that I coach had proved that this was a 100% a learnable skill with the right instruction. Knowing the impact on a woman’s confidence when she realized she could walk in any pair of heels, on any occasion, without feeling self confident of awkward, total game changer. I took my method and went global! I want any woman, wherever she is in the world, to have access to mastering this skill. 25
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PARTNER FEATURE
Q: What can someone
expect from the course? A lot of fun! Seriously. One of my best skills that I’ve honed over the years is to be able to take something complex and simplify it, delivering it in a fun and easy to follow way. This will be the most comprehensive and fun course you can find! You’ll be coached from the beginning about everything you need to know. A stepby-step guided experience, so you won’t have to piecemeal anything together. I will be walking you through every single step (pun intended). We’ll start with the proper mechanics of your legs and feet. Moving on to your posture and poise so you always look polished and confident. Then we’ll add in some hip styling for an oh-so-sexy strut. Next, we’ll style those arms, and ultimately personalize your own style of strut.
Q: What if someone were to say, “I feel hopeless in heels… am I unteachable?”
100% no. That’s a big fat lie, and I’m going to debunk it right here, right now.
I’ve heard it so many times, but I’ve taught women with knee replacements, hip replacements, teens, grandmas, and everything in between. And guess what, they can all rock a pair of heels now. You darling, are completely coachable, you just didn’t have the right coach! You need someone who is both really good at it, and has the ability to breakdown the process for you, to meet you where you are, and understand the vision of where you’re going!
Q: I already feel confident in heels, is this still for me?
First of all, that’s awesome! Second of all, that depends. Do you want to take your walk next level? Like, Beyonce style? Would you want to create an even more powerful impression on other people and feel even better?If yes, then its definitely for you!
Q: Can this improve my life?
Side effects include (but are not limited to) increased confidence, better presentation, and a partner who get caught walking a few feet behind to take in the view. In all seriousness, all of the above is true. My clients have reported massive change in their confidence and presentation. It made a huge impact on their relationships; both personal and professional. Plus, you’re going to have so much fun!
@thefemininityprojectinc | thefemininityprojectinc.com
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Q: When do you need to get started?
Right now, seems like a pretty good time! There is nothing you need to wait for. Anything that involves the body improves by 3 things: correct instruction, practice, and time. I’ve got the instruction handled. So you, lovely, just need to put in a bit of practice and time.
Kyla Says: Let’s do it together! I’m so excited to be an ambassador for the course, and be taking it myself. CLICK HERE FOR COURSE DETAILS + SIGN-UP 28
DON’T FORGET PROMOCODE: KYLA30 - FOR $30 OFF!
A NEW SEGMENT FROM THE CREATOR O F T H E F E M I N I N I T Y P RO J E CT
W AT C H N E X T: J A N U A R Y 8 T H
only on @ilikeherstylevancouver
impact
THE SHOEBOX PROJECT FOR WOMEN
HELP WOMEN IN YOUR VERY OWN COMMUNITY ON E S H O E B O X F U L L O F L O V E AT A T I M E .
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Photo: Shutterstock.com/indira’s work
THE SHOEBOX PROJECT
The Shoebox Project for Women goes virtual for 2020, allowing women to safely donate beautiful gifts to those impacted by homelessness in Canada & the US. Founded in Toronto, The Shoebox Project is a cause committed to collecting and distributing wrapped shoeboxes, filled with gifts for women. Each box donated is beautifully wrapped, containing $50 in thoughtfully curated gift items aimed to raise it’s recipient’s self-esteem and reduce her feelings of isolation. Since it’s 2011, the cause has grown immensely. From gifting 400 to 245,000 Shoeboxes! To date, they’re responsible for distributing over 12 million dollars in gifts. The mission began delivering boxes to residents of four Toronto women’s shelters and now has about 70 volunteer-run Local Chapters globally. The organization credits word of mouth and the support of loyal sponsors for it’s rapid grow.
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THE SHOEBOX PROJECT FOR WOMEN
tap here!
Visit the Shoebox Project’s Website to gift your box today!
Photo: Shutterstock.com/Floral Deco
2020 has presented obstacles, but The Shoebox Project was up to the challenge! The new virtual gifting experience allows you to build your own shoebox to donate to the cause. In an effort to keep volunteers & communities healthy and safe, The Shoebox Project will not be collecting Shoeboxes this year, but supporters will still have the opportunity to give a special gift and thoughtful message directly to a local woman in their community. By supporting their #VirtualShoebox campaign, you can let a local woman impacted by homelessness know that she has not been forgotten this holiday season.
CREATE A SHOEBOX
What is a Virtual Shoebox? A virtual Shoebox is the fun and thoughtful experience of putting together a gift for a local woman in need. The items you select are representations only, meaning your purchase is considered a monetary donation to The Shoebox Project. 100% of your purchase will go directly toward supporting women in your local community.
DONATE
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food Crowd Pleasing Christmas Tree
TWIST BREAD I love how customizable this recipe is! Switch up the filling to try new things that your family will love!
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Christmas Tree Twist Bread Ingredients: • I tube 8oz Pillsbury Crescent Dough •1/2 Cup Spinach Dip •1/2 Cup Shredded Cheese
With a knife, slice approx. 1 inch strips, leaving about an inch down the centre. Carefully twist the strips once or twice depending on length. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Directions Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and unroll dough, smoothing into a large rectangle. Cut dough into a large triangle shape, saving the excess pieces which will be flipped to use as the cover pieces. Evenly spread the spinach dip on the inner triangle and sprinkle with cheese, being careful to leave the edges dry. Place remaining dough on top of the cheese and do your best to press together the centre seam and press down outer edges to seal.
This was shared on Instagram along with recipes from four other creators. I’d love to try making a dessert version simply by filling with chocolate chips, caramel sauce and sea salt... or cinnamon and cream cheese filling!
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shop
LOCAL LOVE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
There are a ho-ho-whole lotta local companies here in BC that could use some extra holiday lovin’ this year. I’ve rounded up just a few of my favourite brands with items that are oh-so giftable! You just might want to do the old “one for you, one for me” routine! I won’t tell! Happy Shopping! xo Kyla
NO.1
MIFA CARDAMOM NOIR Candle shop | mifaandco.com
Experience a moment of ritual when you light your luxury MIFA candle. Our CARDAMOM NOIR candle is scented using only 100% pure essential oils, without a drop of synthetic fragrance.
@mifaandco
NO.2
Reign + Glory Crewneck
shop | reignandglory.com Canadian Made, eco-luxe crewneck sweater. The I Like Her Style Collaboration with Rein + Glory to take a stand against cyber bullying at all ages. Bamboo 70%, Organic Cotton 30%
@reignandglory
NO.3
Door Mat from THE LOCAL SPACE by Monkey Fly shop | thelocalspace.ca
The Local Space is your one stop shop for all your favourite local brands from all over Canada (with a focus on the West Coast); featuring bath & body, apparel and giftware.
@thelocalspace
NO.4
SUPERCRUSH Holiday Glam Set
shop | supercrush.com Bring classic glamour to any winter wardrobe. Including the Sugar Plum, Almond Suede, and Skinny Mulberry scrunchies, great for anyone who loves to dress up and celebrate—even at home.
@supercrush
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LOCAL GIFT GUIDE
NO.5
TWO SISTERS BC Art Cards & Prints shop | link to etsy
Shown: Cabin Holiday bundle 2 8x10 Winter prints: Cabin 1 and Cabin 2 5 5x7 Holiday cards: Dala card, stocking card, twosisters card, Noel card, Be Merry card
@twosistersbc
the story of
TWO SISTERS BC Sisters Tara and Tandis have been painting together for most of their lives, drawing inspiration from plants, wildlife and vibrant colours. Painting watercolour cards for their own personal occasion led them to wonder if there might be a business opportunity for them. About four years ago, they began at a local artisan market, which was a huge success for them. From
there, they took the next step to expand by reaching out to stores that support local artists. It was all so new, and their expectations were low, but to their delight the business grew and flourished, allowing them to realize the dream of sharing their style and passion through art. “throughout the process of turning our art into a business, we’ve had to step out of our comfort zones. We’ve had to trust in ourselves, each other and our art. Each time someone buys our art, it’s like you’re actually giving us a big hug. 39
LOCAL GIFT GUIDE
NO.6
Sweet Avenue Bakery sweetavebakery.com
Look like a true Holiday Superhero with Surrey’s Sweet Avenue Bakery. Their Holiday Graze box is filled with a variety of deliciously pretty goodies and the cookie decorating sets are perfection! 40
@sweetavenuebakery
NO.7
Leah Yard Designs Jewelry
shop | leahyarddesigns.com This is a favourite in my personal collection and I feel that a monogram jewelry piece makes for an extra sentimental gift. Leah’s entire jewelry line is stunning!
@leahyarddesigns
more online!
Tap to see our feature with Leah!
FEATURED LOCAL SHOPS Ambiente
Bee Chic Boutique
Below The Belt
Fine Finds Boutique
Forever Yours Lingerie
Her Society
Little White House Co
Madeline Bee
Mila + Paige
Montrose + George
The Mason Jar
The Passionate Home
South Surrey, BC @ambientess
Vancouver, BC (Yaletown) @finefindsboutique
Fort Langley, BC @littlewhitehouseco
Abbotsford, BC @montrose.and.george
Abbotsford, BC @beechic_boutique
Langley, BC @foreveryourslingerie
Ocean Park, BC @madelinebeehomestore
White Rock, BC @themasonjarhomedecor
Multiple Locations @belowthebeltstores
Vancouver, BC (Yaletown) @hersocietyclothing
New Westminster, BC @ milaandpaige
Langley, BC @thepassionatehome
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NOW LIVE
ilikeherstyle.com CLICK TO GO
Everyone’s fave voice to wake up to, Virgin Radio Morning Show co-host, Nira shares her monthly must haves with us. With impeccable taste and eye for local finds, we love Nira’s Hot List!
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Photo: @brooklyndphotography
beauty
THE SEASONS HOTTEST LIPS P U C K E R
U P
F O R
T H E
H O L I D A Y S
Mistletoe kissing? Singing Christmas Carols? A little lipstick or gloss can go a long way this season! Even digitally, as we talk... our lips are a prominent feature. For the love of lipstick, don’t skip the chance to wow them. Here are some favourites... www.ilikeherstyle.com
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dress up your look.
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HOLIDAYLIPS P U C K E R
U P
F O R
T H E
H O L I D A Y S
FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer Shade: Fussy The Review: This gloss
Dior Lip Glow Oil Shade: Raspberry
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Shade: Original - Berry
The Review: The lip
The Review: I wear
Maybelline New York Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color Shade: Touch of Spice The Review: This
Maybelline New York Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color Shade: Wine Rush The Review: Wine rush
Maybelline New York Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color Shade: Warm Me Up The Review: Warm
has been a favourite of mine this season. It’s juicy on it’s own, and a great topper for lipstick!
range is a great, affordable option that performs well. The shade Touch of Spice is an ideal, rich, winter neutral.
glow oil feels so nurturing yet luxurious on the lips. It gives you the perfect hint of colour, too!
reminds me of a red velvet bow, and makes your lips look about as festive and fancy as can be! Old Hollywood glam!
this lip mask like a lip balm and it’s nothing short of magical. It’s my #1 lip basic must-have.
Me Up has become a daily fave. It’s a little bit nude, a little bit pink – the perfect way to dress your lips, but not over the top.
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“ Lipstick is the quickest way to ‘wake up’ and ‘switch-up’ your look. But the best part is, it non-committal. So don’t be shy! These inexpensive shades are perfect to begin or add to your collection.
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beauty
tap here!
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CONNECTION SECTION
Q&A
If social media makes you feel anything less than good, maybe you need to follow some new friends? I’ve connected with some great gals over the past year, which has helped me through an especially isolated 2020. I asked 12 women:
With 2020 holding in store for us a more intimate Christmas, what tradition are you excited to celebrate the holiday spirit in 2020?
AMY
@popsofgrace
VANCOUVER MOM TOP 30 BLOGGER We are so excited to share the advent with our girls. Whether it’s spiritual or chocolate, having something to look forward to each day is a nice way to end the year. 48 |
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ATHENAS @athenasangulo VANCOUVER MOM TOP 30 BLOGGER
For me this year is all about giving! I’m excited to keep the magic of the holidays alive sending written letters, doing random acts of kindness and reminding people in my life that they are loved, and that bad times don’t last forever. I’m celebrating that we have the opportunity to live in a year that will go down in history – when the world got reminded of the importance of taking care of each other, and be kind one another regardless of race, religion, or gender.
SHALANNA My OLD (but still quite new) Christmas tradition that I am excited about is getting more into Christmas baking while soaking up all the Christmas tunes! Last year, I made trays of shortbread cookies. This year, I am excited to kick it up a notch and try new-yet-old Christmas baking recipes. What better time to share the gift of giving with some baked goods made with love?
@shalannalayne_
MINDSET & CONFIDENCE COACH
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JUDY @lifeisbetterathome HOME + LIFESTYLE BLOGGER
We usually get together for a family outing with drinks and appies afterwards. This year, we’re thinking of trying a different kind of family zoom call. Instead of just staring at our screens, we’re each going to prepare a drink and an easy appetizer, chatting as we go and sharing our recipes. Way more fun and very COVID friendly!
CRYSTAL @hustlewithluster LIFESTYLE BLOGGER
We’ll be amping up our yearly tradition of driving around to view neighbourhood light displays from the comfort of our car, while blaring the Christmas tunes & sipping on hot chocolate (As a passenger, I may or may not be pouring a little something extra festive in my to-go cup!) It’s the perfect safe ‘stay-in-your-bubble’ seasonal activity... and very 2020!
REG
@reglokv
VANCOUVER MOM TOP 30 BLOGGER Santa photos have been a tradition of ours every year but since in-person Santa events have been canceled my husband J will be our Santa this year! I’m so excited to see how it will go but I’ll bet it’ll be hilarious! 50
SOPHIA @onesweetpiece VANCOUVER MOM TOP 30 BLOGGER
Not going to lie, I am so sad I can’t host my family this year for Christmas dinner. Even though our dinner will be intimate, it will still be very special for just the 4 of us. The minis and I have gone all out again with our holiday decor and the hubby and I have already planned out what we will be doing for Christmas dinner. We love to dress up and make the most of any situation, so we will make the most of this! Dinner, drinks, desserts... all a good recipe for full bellies and full hearts! For a new tradition, we will have to facetime the ones we love that we can’t have over.
JAMIE
@jamie.krause
HOME & LIVING BLOGGER, SHOP OWNER My sister Danielle and I had a complicated upbringing, and Christmas wasn’t a magical time for us until adulthood. Now, we have traditions that are just ours! We love to spoil each other with thoughtful gifts, and my husband Tristan always makes the BEST stuffing. I love to decorate our home to the nines and plan a fancy dinner, but the best part is simply just being together. 51
CODI
@creativewifeandjoyfulworker
LIFESTYLE BLOGGER & MARKETING MANAGER
Every year my sisters and I have our kids draw names for each other for gifts. We have nine kids all together, so each child picks out a gift for one of their cousins. This year, we decided to still continue with the tradition even if we can’t be together physically. We will connect online and celebrate our Christmas tradition together virtually.
SHANNON @shannonmannofficial CO-OWNER OF BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE BRAND: PINK ORCHID STUDIO
Every year I host 9-10 families for Thanksgiving & Christmas at our home. As much as I enjoy having the company, I’m usually exhausted from cooking & cleaning for two days. This COVID Christmas, I’m actually looking forward to having a small dinner on Christmas Eve with just the four of us. We’re going to dress up, cook a beautiful dinner together, and take a moment to appreciate that we have our health, a warm home, & eachother.
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DANIELLE
@danilivinglife FOUNDER OF BUSINESS BABES CO. Christmas will look very different this year as we are used to getting together with both sides of the family. One tradition we will keep is that my Husband Brent and I don’t do gifts for each other, we just do stockings and we find small fun gifts that fit! I’m excited to find some fun things to fill his stocking with this year and we will for sure be putting a huge emphasis on shopping local! Christmas morning Brent usually makes us crepes and we open our stockings one at a time while sipping our coffee!
NIRA
@niraarora
RADIO HOST & MEDIA PERSONALITY
I come from an immigrant family and growing up we didn’t really have any Christmas traditions. Being first generation Canadian with 3 kids of my own, I really wanted to create some holiday traditions for them. I’m not a baker, but we do make holiday cookies and treats every year. I’ve also started an ornament tradition with them – they’ve gotten a new ornament from me each year since they were born. One day they will take all these ornaments with them to their own trees and hopefully remember our decorating days together. (But for now, our tree is getting pretty packed! Ha!)
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work book WHERE THE LIFE styling HAPPENS.
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THOUGHTS BECOME THINGS COMPLETE THESE A F F I R M AT I O N S . Repeat these affirmations to yourself each morning and or night before bed. Photo: Shutterstock.com/molotoka
Start with “I am enough”. I am worthy of: I am great at:
I love my: because...
is constantly flowing to me. I am I am
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SOCIALLY DISTANT LIST THE PEOPLE YOU PLAN TO C ONN E C T W I T H THIS MONTH.
Photo: Shutterstock.com/molotoka
who: when:
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call write
who: when:
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who: when:
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call write
who: when:
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call write
who: when:
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call write
who: when:
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who: when:
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who: when:
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call write
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You did it, darling. Jot down a daily accomplishment.
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absolutely It’s December 2021... what are we celebrating for you?
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Screenshot and fill these in on your insta stories. Save them and post to your mobile desktop. Print the booklet to keep and fill out! Feel free to use words, draw pictures, write sentences, use gifs and emojis. Have fun and make it yours!
positively It’s December 2021, what did you do this year?
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“ Happy Holidays, Darling. @ilikeherstylevancouver
Photo: Shutterstock.com/Floral Deco
