Letter from the Editor With December here, the holidays are also among us and it is my favorite time of year. I remember being a teenager and every Christmas meant new clothes as gifts under the tree. One Christmas, my mom bought me these awesome flared blue jeans with a blue turtleneck sweater and a faux-leather jacket that was reversible to a faux-fur jacket. Apparently that was in style back in the early 2000’s. Style at this time of year is something that is almost critical. You have to look your best for the Holiday time, whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukah or any other holiday, anytime you have a gathering of family and friends, looking your best is never optional. And then there’s New Year’s Eve when your little black dress comes out of the closet. Needless to say, dressing up is to be expected. When I think about what I opt to wear, I’ve never really been the dressy type. Dress pants and a nice sweater or top is usually always on my ‘to wear’ list, along with flats or pumps. One look that never seems to fade in the Winter is the Winter Chic. This is where you take boots that go up to your knees and partner them with denim jeans (ladies, do yourself a favor and put some leggings under them. So much warmer!). A winter jacket should always be partnered with a pashmina and matching gloves. Anyway, now that we know what to wear, I’d like to let you know a little about what’s new with Pinkblitz! Special thanks to Natalia Ryan who put this issue together, as we start a new look and design for the magazine. If the New Year treats us right, you might find us in print in the near future. Watch out also for January 2015’s issue, as we’ll be releasing the February 2015 issue alone with it. Surprise! Stay tuned in upcoming issues for more awesome stuff.
Lilly
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In this Issue:
Lilly
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contents
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Staff
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Editor in Chief: Lilly Babineau
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Layout Editor and Graphic Design: Natalia
Public Relations: Ashley
Ryan
Merriam Executive Directors of Operations: Kristina Mallet, Candace Bazowsky Beauty Director: Kristina Mallet Fashion Director: Candace Bazowsky Photographers: Janna Lounsbury, Edward Bowron, Philippe Caetano, Mario-Pierre Gaudreau, Elizabeth Settle, Kimberly-Mai Therrien Lead Stylist: Phoebe Hicks Hairstylists: Kandas Michaud, Kristina Mallet Makeup Artists: Presley McGlashing, Stephanie Carson Contributors: Scott McLean, Casey Donovan, Laurel House Staff Writers: Melanie McLean, Nathalie Testi-Flamin, Kristina Mallet, Presley McGlashing, Angela Vincent, Jennifer Richard, Cassidy Allan, Shawna Cyr-Calder, Natasha Dore, Marisa Echavarri
10 Ways to Love Your Body by Jennifer Richard
Let’s face it, there’s no such thing as a perfect body. The magazines tell us what we’re supposed to look like, but we all know that isn’t how it should be. Plain and simply put, you should love the skin that you’re in. I know, it’s a hard sell, most of want to be thinner, have bigger or smaller boobs, be taller, have longer hair; it’s time we take a stand as women and realize that we’re ALL beautiful and here are 10 ways that YOU can love your body. At the end of the day, isn’t that all that really matters? Decide to love your body. Make a conscious decision to embrace what you’ve been given. Only YOU can tell yourself that you’re good enough. Decide it, and mean it. Stop picking yourself apart. Enough with the “I hate my thighs”, or the “Ug, I wish I didn’t have a double chin”. When you stop criticizing every single detail, you’ll start learning to love yourself just as you are. Stop comparing yourself to others. Sure, you may want Beyoncé’s abs, and J-Lo’s ass, wishing it won’t make it so. Don’t look at the girl next to you at the gym, or in the school yard and compare bodies. It doesn’t do anyone any good and will only serve to make you feel badly about the beautiful vessel that you’ve been blessed with. Choose and wear clothes that you feel great in, that compliment your body type. Choosing the clothing that you feel the most comfortable in will make you feel good, thus putting off a positive vibe. Don’t be swayed by the media! Magazines, commercials, reality shows... These mean nothing in the grand scheme of things. A huge portion of those women you see in magazines and on TV have been airbrushed, nipped, tucked, and photoshopped. This is not reality. Change your thinking. When you change how you THINK about your body, you will then be able to focus on changing how you feel about it. If you wake up and think, “Wow, I feel great today, I really like the way my ass looks in these jeans”, then you will probably strut your stuff while you’re out and about. People notice confidence. Even if you’re faking it!
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Photo by Janna Lounsbury Model Brittany Schofield
Take care. Eat right, have a cheat day, drink lots of water. Whatever choice you make during the day, make sure that it makes you feel good. Take care of your body and it will take care of you. Eat when you’re hungry, rest when you’re tired. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it really is hard to remember sometimes. When you’re hungry, your body is telling you to nourish it. It needs energy and feeding it will only make you feel better. When your body starts to shut down at the end of the day, it’s telling you it needs rest to replenish and rejuvenate. Don’t ignore this. Look at what your body can do! Seriously ladies, we create life. We carry babies, we have our periods, we take care of entire families. When you start to get down on yourself because you’re not a size 2, or you have some stretch marks, look back on why. Your body does amazing things for you, don’t dismiss the fact that we are amazing creatures. Accept it. When you accept the hand that you’re dealt, you not only say that you’re okay with how you look, you’re telling yourself that you’re fabulous, no matter the shape or size.
Eating Disorders: Could This Be You? by Jennifer Richard
tive, or a stimulant. Another scary eating disorder. People with bulimia also often have another psychological disorder or have one or a number of impulse behaviors. It leads to dehydration, oral trauma, be it weak dentition, a torn or ripped esophagus, or halitosis.
When we hear about eating disorders, most of us go straight to anorexia and bulimia as they are the most “mainstream�, or most often discussed ailments. We tend to forget that over eating is an eating disorder as well.
Most over eaters tend to skip meals throughout the day and then binge eat at night. This doesn't give your body any time to digest before you go to bed, often times leading to extreme weight gain. Each and every year, thousands of people, young and old develop eating disorders. It's much too easy to become critical of ourselves, whether it be comparing ourselves to others, staring longingly at the models in magazines, or sadly, from outsiders critiquing us on our appearance. It isn't always easy to pinpoint when careful calorie counting turns into an obsession, or when having that late night snack turns into over indulgence. It's hard to tell when you've crossed the line from being watchful or from just having a treat before bed. For some, constant watching of calorie intake and grams of fat can turn into something far more serious. Extreme diets can turn into anorexia, which is a very dangerous eating disorder. The obsession with having the perfectly thin figure, cataloging eating habits, restricting oneself to a meager amount of calories, and an irrational fear of weight gain can all lead to physical AND mental complications, sometimes leading to death. The body image of an anorexia patient is extremely distorted and sends the sufferer down a scary road. Bulimia is another serious illness, in which a person binge eats and then self-induces vomiting, takes a laxa-
Sometimes it's hard to pinpoint what exactly lead someone down the path to an eating disorder. All that you can do if you suspect a friend of family member has a problem is to talk to them. Talk to your doctor, your parents, family and friends. Learn how your body works, what it needs and when. Be aware of what you're putting in there, how you're feeling, take care of yourself. You might carry some shame if you're suffering, try not to let that stop you. Lead yourself down the road to a healthy you, no matter how hard it might be. You will never walk the road alone. If you need help with an eating disorder, please reach out.
http://www.nedic.ca/ (The National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) is a Canadian non-profit providing resources on eating disorders & weight preoccupation.) http://www.cmha.ca/mental-health/understanding-mental-illness/eating-disorders/ (Canadian Mental Health Association)
Which Hair Removal Method Is Right For You? By Presley McGlashing, Esthetician and Makeup Artist Hair, we all have it and we all hate it! Many women do whatever possible to get rid of hair, but its like weeds in the garden, it just keeps coming back! So how do you get rid of it, and which method should you chose? There are four methods offered that are semi-permanent and permanent, but each have a cost, some are pricey and some are painful. The four popular methods are waxing(this also includes sugaring), electrolysis, laser, and IPL. What is electrolysis? Electrolysis is the only real permanent method, and it is the most feared although one of the least painful. It destroys the hair follicle one by one so the hair cannot grow back, but it may take a few treatments. This method is great for any color hair, on any skin type, and it is best for small areas like hair on the face (chin, upper lip, eyebrows, etc), the underarms, and the bikini line. This method is not very expensive, and is often offered by the minute. For example you could pay $1/minute and request a 20 minute session, or there could be a set rate of $___/15 or 30 or 60minutes depending on where you get it done.
can be virtually unaffected because of not enough pigment. Laser is great for larger areas like arms and legs, as well as underarms an bikini line. This method can be quite costly as well, upwards of $500 to $1000 for a session. What is IPL? Intense Pulsed Light is similar to laser, and it is often confused with laser. It is virtually painless, probably the only painless method. It works like laser with a flash of light and infrared heat that also targets pigment in the hair to destroy it, but this type can be programmed for may different skin and hair types and colors. It is also best for large areas, as well as underarms and bikini line. This method is also costly, could be $200, $500 or more per session.
And we all probably know what waxing is. It is essentially ripping the hair out of the body with good force. Sounds delightful right? This is definitely the most painful, it is semi-permanent because the hair does grow back but not all at once. This method can be either cheap or expensive, it varies, but it is definitely cheaper than laser or IPL. This is the most common What is laser? It is the most talked about method, aside type of hair removal offered, its easy and fast and the results last anywhere from 3-4 weeks. Waxing is great from waxing. It doesn’t hurt as much as waxing, but you do feel a quick snapping on the skin with mild heat. for all areas of the face and body; if there is hair, then it can be waxed! There are a few downsides to this method, it doesn’t work well on darker skin tones or lighter hair colors because the laser targets the pigment in the hair to efSo there you have it! Now you can decide which type fectively destroy it in hopes of zero regrowth. Dark skin you’d prefer to try, you may even want to try them all and pick your favorite! can burn because of too much pigment and light hair
Winter Skin Protection By Presley McGlashing, Esthetician and Makeup Artist
The cool wind of wintery months are upon us, and it can affect more than just the tip of your nose! In the winter our skin begins to change due to the cold, bitter weather, one of the major ones is loss of moisture. When our skin loses moisture it begins to feel dry and tight, and if not replenished it can start to flake and become itchy, no one wants that! Here are the best ways to keep your skin well hydrated during the winter months: 1.
Look for a moisturizer that is slightly heavier in texture than one you might use in the summer months. Heavier creams will keep your skin hydrated and protected from the harsh winds and low temperatures. 2. Try switching your toner to one with soothing ingredients, like camomile and aloe. These are great for even sensitive skin and will help to reduce the tight feeling after cleansing. They are also more comforting in the winter months than products with astringent properties like salicylic acid. 3. Switch your mask from a clay mask to a cream mask. Every time I ask a client which kind of mask they are using at home they often reply a clay mask. This is great if you have oily skin prone to blemishes and you need to clarify and even the tone of your skin, but if you have dry skin or tend to be dryer in the winter this type of mask can wreak havoc on your skin! Using a cream mask can help rehydrate your skin and add extra comfort to dry skin. 4. Finally, don’t forget your sunscreen when doing outdoor activities. I know what you’re thinking, its winter not summer, and why would I need sunscreen if I’m not going to the beach? Well, the sun doesn’t go away as soon as the snow comes in, and in fact the burning rays are just as powerful in the winter. This is because the snow and ice act as mirrors reflecting the UV rays toward your skin. This can also be quite blinding, so don’t forget to wear sunscreen and a pair of fun shades to protect your eyes!
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Nutrition Tips for Busy Women
by Jennifer Richard
In this day and age, we’re all busy. Dropping the kids off at school, heading in to work, trying to catch a bus. We tend to take care of everyone else in the house before ourselves. Your pre-schooler needs a snack? Check. Your little one in grade two needs a full lunch AND recess? Check. Partner needs a ride and some lunch money? Got it. Did you pack anything for yourself? Did you eat before you left? Nine times out of ten, the answer is no. We women are so busy taking care of everyone else that we tend to leave ourselves for last, or we forget altogether.
away from the mayo if you can, it’s much higher in fat content.) and be on your way. You’ve got a quick, easy lunch that is still nutritious and will keep you going until your next meal.
Here are some nutrition tips for all of us busy gals to keep us fueled and ready to go!
4. Dinner time have you in a tizzy? Between soccer practice and gymnastics, it might be hard to find the time to prepare a huge meal for your family. Again, here is where planning ahead makes things easier. On grocery day, tuck away some single portion chicken breasts or salmon pieces and freeze them. The night before, or even the morning of, take them out and put them in the fridge. When you get home, they’ll be thawed and ready for whatever you want to do with them. Pair with some brown rice or a nice side salad and you’ve still got time to be out the door before drills start and somersaults need watching.
1. Plan ahead. Make the school lunches before you head to bed. This will shave off some time in the morning when you could be doing something useful, like showering, or eating something for yourself! There are some fabulous make ahead breakfast recipes all over the internet that will come in handy when you decide that you’re ready to take the reins and start planning ahead. Refrigerator oatmeal or prepped baggies of frozen fruit that you can just toss in the blender to make a smoothie make for super quick and easy breakfasts. Pick a day on the weekend where you have some downtime and make some muffins to freeze. Take one out the night before and voila, it’s thawed and ready to go when you wake up. 2. No matter what time of day you’re eating for, nutritious doesn’t have to mean three course meals and strictly vegetarian. Grab some lean meats from the deli, stock up on cheese and fruit, pack some mustard (Stay
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Image from freedigitalphotos.net user amenic181
3. Snack foods. They don’t have to be chips and dip, or cookies and chocolate bars, although, it IS okay to indulge once in a while. Pack some whole almonds, grab an apple, a container of trail mix even. These will keep you satisfied between meals and serve to give you energy throughout the day. Plus, they’re tasty to boot!
Vitamins are also a huge help for the woman on the go. Taking Vitamins B and D help regulate your immune system and cut down on stress. Vitamin C and D, as well as Magnesium help with bone health, which as we know, is important to the busy woman. We tend to lose bone mass as we age, so it’s a no brainer to take care of yourself. Fatty acids and Omegas 3 and 6 help with skin health, your brain and your heart. Consider adding a multivitamin to your daily routine to keep you fit and strong, and ready to tackle every day of your busy life.
How to Find your Skin Type The best way for your skin to maintain levels of hydration, heal any blemishes with minimal help and prevent signs of ageing from within is to treat your skin with products for your skin type. Sounds easy, right? The real question is do you know your own skin type, if not how do you find it? Tip #1 : All skin types revolve around a natural oil production. Some produce less and some produce in excess. Tip #2 : Acne is a condition, and can be a sign of misuse of product or harsh skin treatments, don’t assume you have acne prone skin if you only get 1-2 blemishes at random times. Tip #3: Normal skin is a balance that we want to achieve by treating out “real” skin type. Normal usually describes skin that is neither too oily, nor too dry. Now to find your skin type! There are 4 basic skin types; dry, combination-dry, oily, combination-oily. Each type is treated differently in order to correct and re-balance the skin. These types can also be sensitive, so I always recommend to treat your skin gently to not over sensitize, even if you don’t have sensitive flare ups. So how do you find out which one is your type? Here are the things to look for with each skin type listed above: 1. Dry Skin Look: This skin type tends to look dull from lack of oil, and have smaller than normal pore size. Feel: The skin will feel rough on more than %70 of the face. There will also be a tight feeling, especially after cleansing, caused by dehydration. Treat: Dry skin lacks oil, which causes the cracking and flaking, so look for products with added plant oils to soothe and nourish. 2. Combination-Dry Look: Do you notice your skin is dull, but not as scaly around the forehead as it might be around the nose. Pores are of normal size, slightly larger around the forehead and nose and smaller on the cheeks. Feel: The skin feels tight after cleansing due to dehydration, but also rough in some areas like the cheeks and nose. Redness may be present is these areas. Treat: This skin type can be treated very similarly to
By Presley McGlashing, Esthetician and Makeup Artist
dry skin, adding oil to the skin will increase moisture levels, relieve discomfort and soothe redness. 3. Combination-Oily Look: Skin looks shiny in T-zone(forehead, nose and sometimes chin). The cheeks are dryer than T-zone, but not scaly. Pores are larger than normal, and are often clogged on the nose and chin. Feel: Skin feels thicker on the T-zone and thinner on cheeks. The tightness remains, but is not as severe as with dryer skin types. This skin type can still become dehydrated. Treat: This skin type should be treated with less oil and more plant extracts to purify the pores. Chose products that are water based to re-hydrate the skin. 4. Oily Skin Look: The skin is shiny on more than %70 of the face. The pores are larger than normal, and the nose and chin are often clogged. Feel: This skin type feels quite oily, it is rare to have a dry patch. Dehydration is still a factor, and can cause a tightness to the cheeks. Treat: Look for products that are water based with plant extracts, vitamins and antioxidants. Vitamin B helps greatly to re-balance oil production while plant extracts soothe and purify. For each skin type, always look for non-comedogenic as these products inhibit clogging and sensitive flare ups. Now that you know the basics, you’ll be able to pick products to help change your skin for the better. Photo by Janna Lounsbury Model Courtney D Alward
Winter Accessorizing by Melanie McLean
The autumn leaves have officially fallen and for most of you have already been preceded by snow. In other words, it’s winter. Whether this upsets you or excites you, one thing we all have in common is the need to dress for the incoming cold front. Luckily style does not have to sacrifice because of the drop in temperature; there are ways to still feel fashionable and keep warm. The key to accessorizing in winter is layering. Find your set staples and mix and match them together to create amazing looks that will also keep you insulated. As for accessories, don’t feel like “too much” is ever a factor. Try wearing your favorite beanie layered with flashy earmuffs, a bulky knit scarf, and mittens. Sound kind of crazy? It can be done! Just focus on matching together cohesive prints and colors. If you work in a monochromatic color palette and accent with pops of color, there is no limit to the lovely layered looks you can create! This season we are seeing a lot of fun trends for winter accessories. Faux fur, flashy gems, clean lines and long jackets are popping up all over. Make sure you stock up on the necessity quality products that will help you keep from getting too chilly. Keep warm and stay stylish!
Photo by Edward Bowron Model Florence Brunet
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Sweater Weather by Melanie McLean
So it’s inevitable, it’s cold, there’s snow on the ground, even though it’s a bit too soon on the calendar for this perhaps (for my liking anyway). It’s most definitely sweater weather. Sweaters are not always so much fun to shop for because they are bulky, sometimes boxy and not always flattering. Don’t worry ladies! Pinkbitz is here to help! Here are our top 5 favorite sweaters so you’re not stuck with that boring, boxy crewneck you have tucked away in the back of your closet.
House of Fraser http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/
1. Cowell Neck: although Cowell Necks are pretty classic they seem to be front and center on allot of hot and fashion forward celebs at the moment. Reality Royal sibling turned runway model Kendal Jenner was seen rocking a Cowell with a leather pant and a bold red lip looking both cozy and chic. Wearing a Cowell Neck can be tricky because they can border on frumpy, to avoid that try paring it with a warm legging, skinny leather pant or even opting for a mini skirt with an opaque pair of tights to show off your shape and not get lost in the fabric.
2. The White Sweater: Gone are the days of no white after labour day, we know this, now we have a new list of “winter withes” so inevitably the white sweater was going to become the next thing on our shopping list. A crisp white sweater is definitely a great way to have a bright and cozy look, when sometimes we can get bogged down in a sea of blacks and greys and dark colours.
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Atterly Road http://www.atterleyroad.com/
3. The Pattern or Bold Print Sweater: As we can see bold prints aren’t going anywhere anytime fast, they are fun, flattering and why would we want to do away with something like that? Investing in a bold print sweater is an easy way to have a sweater transition into evening appropriate. For all those ladies who have a jam packed schedule and want a great transition piece that can easily go from day to night. A bold print sweater is a great way to add impact to your winter wardrobe and H&M has a few that are a steal.
Lookbook Store http://www.lookbookstore.co/
The Hut http://www.thehut.com/
4. Bulky Knit Sweater: Much like the Cowell Neck this sweater can engulf your look but we have seen them from great designers such as Tory Burch and Elizabeth and James. Ensuring you balance your look with a great statement necklace and a slim pant to draw attention to your face and showing off your legs is key.
5. Cardigan Sweater: Don’t dismiss your cardigan sweaters when it gets much colder outside because they are a little breezy. Layering is one of the best ways to make your wardrobe seem much more diverse then it really is. Layering a sweater with a cardigan of similar weight is a great way to make different looks out of the same pieces. Just make sure you’re not layering a light cardigan over a bulky kit sweater, then it starts to look like your wearing everything in your closet at the same time, a crazy bag lady look , unless that’s what you’re going for?
The Hut http://www.thehut.com/
Photo by Mario-Pierre Gaudreau Model Lysiane Nicholson
Curves
ALL ABOUT THE
E I R E G N I L & S T E CORS izes
S s u l P & n o i t c e l e S e Wid
“A woman without Curves is like jeans without pockets... you don’t know where to put your hands!”
WWW.CURVESCORSETS.COM Facebook.com/AllAboutCurves
Warm & Stylish A look at Winter Fashions
by Melanie McLean
Stay stylish and warm this winter with these hot seasonal trends! 1. Coats: The bigger the better Coats this season are meant to be BIG! XXL duster coats and super cozy down-filled coats are totally in. Faux fur is also making a comeback as a statement jacket in pastel hues that will look oh-so charming against newly fallen snow. Try H&M and Zara for affordable locations to pick up these trends. 2. Boots: Black & Buckled This seasons most loved footwear would have to be the black ankle bootie with buckles, and winter sees no exceptions! These chic shoes are a staple in your winter wardrobe and well worth the splurge. Look for a pair that are waterproof and that can handle a nice thick sock for those extra chilly days in the snow. 3. Monochromatic: Charcoal & Fresh Snow Black and white is the stand out colour palette for this winter. These timeless shades are effortlessly stylish and with add a touch of class to your look! Try match-
ing a head to toe black and white ensemble with a pop of pale pink or a dusty grey for a straight off the runway look. 4.Knits: Head to Toe cable. Knitwear is always a winter staple, but this season more so than ever! Runways for Fall/Winter 2015 were covered in knits from top to bottom, drawing inspiration from “Aspen Chic” knit patterns. Try mixing and layering knit sweaters with cable-knit leggings in neutral colors to make the most of this crazy trend! 5. Metallic :Silver Belle The holidays is always the best time to break out your silver and gold accented clothing, but this year designers have put a huge accent on working these metallic into everyday looks in a big way. Silver mini skirts, gold jackets, sequined pants, these are all soon to be daily essentials! If you’re feeling adventurous you can even mix metals, usually this is a huge fashion faux-pas but doing it in a way that shows creativity and class will most definitely pay off!
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Winter Wardrobe Update Nelly http://nelly.com/
By Melanie McLean
When winter comes around it can be hard to motivate yourself to leave the house and brave the elements to update your wardrobe, but with a few impactful pieces you can look like a wintertime trend setter in no time! Ladies still love leather! Leather is still going strong this winter. A great pair or leather leggings can make any boring old sweater or button down look trendy and let’s face it… who doesn’t feel like a rock star and exude confidence!
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Jewel Tones, let’s face it, winter can get a little dreary; grey, black, grey black, repeat. If you want to stand out in a crowd (which is a very possible scenario considering the amount of holiday parties happen this time of year) but you still want to be winter appropriate? When you’re shopping and see yourself going for another basic black, take a second to see if maybe the item you’re shopping for, is available in a great jewel tone. You will be surprised how many pieces you have in your closet actually already go with a great cobalt, ruby or emerald.
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Bold print, you see them in the stores, you see them on the street perhaps, and you wonder “could I pull of a bold print?” the answer is YES! They key to wearing a bold print is shutting out the little voice that says “They make you look bigger.” Much like the idea of matching your shoes and your bag and no white after labour day this is a fashion rule that has gone far, far away, never to come back again (hopefully!) But honestly I’ve never worried about that. Here’s why, the way you look comes from how you carry yourself. If you seem selfconscious and look like you want fashion advice or are unsure about what your wearing, people will usually give you (whether you actually want it or not) fashion advice. But if you present yourself like you should be wearing a bold print or style and just own it, no one’s going to question it.
Photo by Phillipe Caetano Model CloĂŠ Leclair
Photo by Kimberly-Mai Therrien Model Andrea Small
Top
5 Fashion Apps
By Melanie McLean
Take your style into the 21st century with these amazing new fashion apps that are sure to make getting dressed in the morning that much easier.
1. The Hunt (free) The cure for outfit envy! This app allows you to snap a photo of someone’s outfit, clothing item or accessory (or upload from the internet if sneaking a candid shot isn’t your thing) and it will generate an exact match. It is community based and other users help to find links and on sale items!
2. Daily Dress Me Checking the weather is always one of the first steps in deciding what to wear for the day. Daily Dress ME will generate a forecast for your area and then provide you with style inspiration for the weather!
3. Stylebook ($3.99) This app give you the ability to create a virtual closet! Take snapshots of your shoes, clothing and accessories and build collages, packing lists and calendars to plan ahead. It can help you to shop more efficiently and will save you tons of time when trying to figure out what to wear!
4. Whisp Whisp is a great app that allows your friends to give feedback and advice on items in your closet! It has a gorgeous design and answers the age old question “do these shoes match my top?” even if your friends are miles away.
5. Pose Pose is a rapidly growing fashion app that allows users to share their daily outfit posts from around the globe, and that’s not all! With this app you can also buy sell and trade pieces from your closet with others, a few celebrities like Rachel Zoe and Coco Rocha are among the users sharing their style with the world!
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a Chat With 22
Hayley
Hasselhoff
PB: What was it like growing up with a celebrity dad? How did that shape your childhood, and was it difficult to find your own light? HH: It wasn’t anything different, you really don’t know anything else so it didn’t seem different. It’s a blessing and a curse at the same time. It’s amazing because you see your family do what they love, and someone you look up to follow their dreams and see that it’s possible. I grew up on the set of Baywatch, and it was just a big family; they included my sister and me in a lot. You got to see the family aspects, and the love aspects. I got to see the beauty behind it all, and the things that people don’t usually see. There was a lot of negative tabloids and that was something you had to grow a thick skin for. You gotta realize that if you know the truth it’s all that matters. I feel so privileged. A lot of people that come out here haven’t been introduced to the lime light. For me it’s just another day in my life. Things get frustrating and
they always do, but I’m blessed enough to walk away from it. There’s no need to prove you’re someone else, as you know who are already. PB: You’ve been a model since you were 14 and have definitely created your own identity as an actress as well. Who are some of your influences in the industry? HH: I appreciate everyone in the industry and I appreciate them for their passion in what they do. It would probably be my acting coach or my friends who are actors. They inspire you to explore, strengthen your craft, keep going even when times are tough and inspire you to feel those things or not feel those things. You take these things you feel and develop in your own life, into somebody else’s. It’s a huge inspiration when I see all my actor friends. I get so excited by their love for what they do. They all have different work ethics, tricks of the trade. So much inspiration when people do what they love and express it through their work, even if it’s not paid work.
PB: What can we expect to see from you in the next year? HH: A lot! A lot of really great things! A lot of things I’ll need to discuss later when I can. Acting, music, lots of really great things! Really great, really exciting, and I just feel really blessed. PB: What is your advice to aspiring models, of any size? HH: Go to your nearest modelling agency and go to a casting. I feel like if you go to an open casting, whether they sign you or whether they don’t, you’re that much closer. Go with your gut and find that thing that’s right for you. Be open, be free, be yourself. The world is changing, and the ones who shine are the ones who be yourself. Any situation, just be yourself.
PB: You were recently the face of British-based clothing line “Yours Clothing”. What drew you to their brand? HH: I ended up blogging for them, and I remembered them. Their clothing was just so adorable, fresh and young and accessible. They approached me to be the face of their line, and we have such a great relationship. It’s such an amazing crew of people and campaign. It was just an amazing privilege to work with a great campaign. I hope their brand just keeps growing. Great brand and great people. PB:Would you ever consider designing your own fashion line? HH: Oh yea! I talk about this a lot. I’ve always loved fashion. I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, and there’s a lot of things in process right now, but need to keep a secret!
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Cooking with Nathalie “Stuffed Clams”
by Nathalie Testi-Flamin
Most of my friends are foodies, and we love to invite one another over for dinner once a month at a different person’s house, hosting a gourmet dinner. I decided to challenge myself this time around with a five course menu to try to tempt their palates. Three of the main dishes I’d decided to prepare were extremely time consuming, and by the time I finished preparing them, I was exhausted. It was then that it struck me: I’d forgotten to make an appetizer! Due to time constraints, it had to be something quick and easy, using ingredients that I already had in my house. I scoured my fridge, and low and behold I had some leftover clams I’d gotten to use with the main course before deciding to go with something else. Oysters and mussels can be quite difficult to open, but clams tend to be much easier. They are very popular in Spanish dishes, particularly tapas style dinners. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Clam
Ingred
ients
s Melted Butter Fresh P arsley Fresh B readcr umbs
Clean the clams by running them under cold water after opening them (I use a fruit knife to do so!) You have to rinse them out to remove their plankton-filled digestive tracts, which are not the most edible in the world. Remove the top shell, as you won’t need it. Then, prepare your stuffing to go with them. Mix together a few melted spoonfuls of butter, a small handful of chopped parsley, and a few pieces of bread, crumbled into fresh crumbs. Top each clam with the stuffing, gently pressing so help it adhere. Bake until they are golden and crisp on the top (5-8 minute) and watch your guests eyes roll back into their heads with delight then they try them!
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Kinky Tricks He’ll Love By Angela Vincent
I can say with a certain level of confidence that we all experience lulls in the bedroom. Sometimes things can get stale and seem to include much of the same. This is totally normal. However, occasionally changing things up or doing something completely unexpected will drive your partner over the edge. Here are a few ideas to drive your man wild.
control at times, but being completely at the mercy of their partner can be hot too. Wear something unexpected: Men are visual creatures. Go to a sex shop and pick up something that he’d never expect you to wear. My ex once bought me something that literally just looked like a handful of string. I was horribly self-conscious and reluctant to wear it, but every time I did it drove him crazy.
Ask him to ejaculate on a different part of your body: Telling your partner during sex that you want to feel him ejaculate on your breasts, face, Phone sex: Leave him a dirty message or send or back can be an exciting change, especially if him a suggestive photo (or both) while he’s this is out of character for you. at work. Tell him what you want to do to him or what you want him to do to you. Be speGo down on him: The key thing to remember cific and graphic. If you want to be especially is to focus on more than his penis. There are kinky, masturbate over the phone and let him other sensitive parts of his body down there! hear you climax. Give him something to think Lick and rub his thighs, testicles, perenium, about and imagine all day. and if he’s really adventurous, touch his anus as well. Oral sex should be an experience for both Let him watch you masturbate: Some women of you rather than a chore. are very shy about this, but as I mentioned before, men are very visual. Get him to sit in Take control: Dominate your partner. This will a chair at the end of your bed and make him be even more surprising If you tend to be a watch as you pleasure yourself. Don’t let him more submissive type in bed. Hold him down, touch you until after you’ve reached orgasm. tie him up, or blindfold him. Pinch and spank This is guaranteed to drive him into a frenzy. him while you control the pace and intensity The main idea is to do something totally difof sex. Tell him what you’re going to do rather ferent, unexpected, and out of character. It will than asking what he wants. Men like to be in keep him guessing and eager for the next time.
Photo by Elizabeth Settle Model Brittany Schofield
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g n i oL v
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By Angela Vincent
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I’m going to share a secret about myself with you. I dislike inspirational quotes...a lot. When my friends post them on Facebook, my skin crawls. They strike me as being nothing more than common sense and sentimental drivel. But, as much as I hate to admit it, there are some that resonate with me (don’t tell anyone). I identify with the many quotes that refer to the importance of loving yourself before being able to fully love someone else. I believe this to be the absolute truth. I have lived this truth. When you question your value, worth, looks, intelligence, and the like, you assume that everyone else does also. You see yourself as undeserving of attention and love, and so when you get it, you cling to it and guard it as though your life depends on it. You may inflate your partner’s positive traits, while downplaying the negatives. You ignore your instincts because you don’t trust yourself. You become possessive, controlling, and jealous. You’re afraid to let your partner fully experience the world around him because you’re terrified that he might find something or someone better. You’re scared that he’ll figure out that you’re not “good enough”. You become needy and desperate, since you see your self-worth as being irreversibly linked to his love. You feel that, if your relationship ends, your life will too. You stay in relationships for the wrong reasons; to combat loneliness, fear, and self-doubt. I’ve been there. We all have. Conversely, when you love and truly accept yourself, you know for certain that life will go on after each shitty date or relationship. You realize that not connecting with someone is not a reflection on you. You don’t feel overwhelmed or heartbroken by bad romantic experiences. In fact, you can laugh about them. You don’t put pressure on yourself to be loved or approved of by others. Your sense of self-worth is not dependent on how others perceive you, but rather on the knowledge that you’re amazing. You understand that you’re not perfect, but that you’re good enough. Healthy relationships occur between people who are secure and confident. Confidence and self-acceptance allow us to love and accept another person wholly and without fear. Self-doubt and low self-esteem are relationship poison. Another person should never be burdened with the responsibility of finding and maintaining your happiness. Find happiness within yourself first, then share it.
No Date New Years? No Problem!
By Angela Vincent
New Year’s. That magical night where you can tell the previous year to kiss your ass and look forward to a clean slate. There are parties, kisses, food, friends, and often massive amounts of booze. Attending these festivities solo can seem like a shitty start to a new year, but there are lots of reasons why it isn’t. For one thing, you can attend the party you want to attend. I don’t know how many times I dreamed of going to a fancy party where I could dress up in more sequins than Lisa Minneli and dance my ass off, but ended up freezing my ass off in someone’s garage instead. You don’t have to compromise. You can go to one party or bounce around between several. You are the captain of your own party-boat. You can ring In the New Year with the people that YOU want to be with. You can also just stay home if that’s your jam. Sometimes it’s nice to stay in, eat Chinese food, and go to bed at 9:30 pm. You won’t feel pressured or obligated to go out if you don’t want to. There’s nothing worse than getting dragged out against your will when all you want to do is watch Dumb & Dumber in your sweatpants. Another bonus is that you can talk to and flirt with anyone you damned-well please. You don’t necessarily need to be tethered to someone else’s shadow all evening. You can work the room in a way that might not be possible if you attend as a “plus one”. I think the most obvious benefit of being single on New Year’s is reserving the right to kiss whoever you want to at the stroke of midnight. Instead of hunting down or running back to your boyfriend in time for the traditional New Year’s kiss, you can lock lips with whoever you please. Heck, set up a booth! The main thing to remember us that obsessing over what you don’t have will only result in having miserable night. Work it, be confident, and ring in the New Year like a boss!
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Don’t worry about his Ex By Angela Vincent
Ahhh...The dreaded ex. Unless you exclusively date people who were raised by wolves, there is a pretty decent chance that any guy you go out with will have an ex...or, more likely, several. We all have a past. For some women, this is a major cause for concern. I’m here to tell you why it shouldn’t be. For one thing, he is not constantly comparing you to her. Many of us worry that our partner is comparing our looks, sex moves, cooking, jokes, smarts, etc to the other women he has dated in the past. The fact is, he is not filling out mental score cards and filing them in a brain catalogue. We don’t compare everything men do to our past loves, and guys are no different. An ex who who I have managed to stay friends with recently asked me how his penis size stacked up to other men that I’ve dated. I honestly couldn’t answer. I told him that I didn’t measure every one and keep data in a book somewhere. I really couldn’t remember. Secondly, try to keep in mind that he or she has moved on. The fact is, your partner is with YOU now. Their relationship ended. More often than not, arguments about exes are initiated by us and are borne of our own insecurity. If an ex is the elephant in the room, it’s often because we opened the door and waved it in. If he is not hiding your relationship, introducing you to his friends and family as his girlfriend, and not going out of his way to hide you from his ex, it’s because he’s serious about you. He chose you. Period. Take comfort in that. The problem with obsessing over his past is that you run the risk of running your relationship into the ground. He’ll see you as insecure and needy if he constantly has to explain or demonstrate that he only has eyes for you. She’s the past, you’re the present...and if you want to be the future, it’s best to be confident and let go of any petty insecurities regarding his history.
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Photographer: Diana Ragland Wardrobe Stylist: Jordan Grossman Makeup Artist: Agostina Hair Stylist: Candace Bossendorfer
Interviewing
Fagun Thakrar
PB: Did you learn anything unexpected when you co-produced Winter’s Love in 2014 that you didn’t necessarily know as an actress?
FT: I have always loved acting; right back to when I was little a girl at home, but my family placed a high value education: they expected me to go to University and finish a degree. Still, even when I was studying FT: The real lesson I gained from producing was time medicine, I would take acting classes whenever I could. management. As the producer, I really had to manage After I finished my degree I decided I really wanted the timeline to make sure the entire crew could focus on to become classical trained in acting, so I auditioned the serious work of actually making a film. A producer at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and has to maintain perspective and be assertive in terms was very fortunate to be accepted. In fact, I just graduof managing the team and setting priorities, which was ated last month! really a stark contrast to my previous experiences as an actress where I have to be focused on executing the role and following the director’s lead. PB: When staring in ‘Bhopal’ A prayer for Rain’ was it harder than you expected to play a role based on a true story, and such a serious one? (‘Bhopal was based on PB: What would you wish someone would have told you the biggest industrial disaster in human history) when you were first starting out on the acting scene? FT: While the part was extremely daunting at first, I FT: Acting is a long road, so it really has to be your pas- quickly became immersed in all the research; I made sion. It is of the utmost importance to find roles that the role personal to me. The history really spoke to me touch you. and I channeled that connection for this role. PB: You entered and won ‘Bolly Idol’ (the BBC’s nation wide search for new acting talent) at an early age, later put your acting career on hold, to study at the prestigious University College London, to study medicine and again later trained in acting at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Do you remember which passion hit you first in life acting or medicine?
PB: You had said in regards to Bhopal it “changed you” was that something took you by surprise? FT: While doing Bhopal, I really gained a lot of perspective. We take such basic things such as clean air and water for granted, but the tragedy of Bhopal really showed me how privileged I truly am to live in such an affluent society. The poor and weak suffered the worst in Bhopal and I hope the movie increases awareness about the importance of community and environment. PB: You always seem to be absolutely glowing on the red carpet, what is your secret beauty weapon? FT: Thank you…that is a lovely compliment. I truly
can’t point to one thing; it’s really part of an overall holistic approach and a healthy lifestyle; I like to maintain a good diet, exercise, meditate, and, most importantly, to enjoy life. PB: When Internationally acclaimed film director, Shekhar Kapur, hand-picked you to perform and lead the entourage on the official red carpet at the Cannes Film festival for the premiere of his movie, ‘The Greatest Love Story Ever Told’ what was that experience like? FT: I was so in the moment and it happened so quickly; that whole event really came as a huge surprise to me. I was flattered that he chose me to lead his entourage and open his film. I had no idea what a huge sensation it would become when I was performing. PB: You have recently done a Q&A in NYC for Bhopal, what is the weirdest thing anyone has even asked you while on press Q&A tours? Has anything caught you off guard? FT: I was doing a talk show in NYC and for the most part it was such a serious conversation, but then I was asked what food I missed most from England. It led to this whole tangent about fish and chips that was really very odd, particularly in the context of the rest of the interview. PB: What can we expect to see from you in the next year? FT: I have just finished a feature film with Donald Sutherland, Brie Larson, Scott Bakula and Tyne Daly. It’s coming to theaters next summer. PB: Do you have any advice for other people trying to get into a similar career path? FT: You have to enter acting for the right reasons. Acting has to come from within, but it demands hard work and practice as well; my love for acting is what keeps me working and honing my skills.
Follow Fagan on Twitter! https://twitter.com/fagunx
Holiday Gift Giving By Melanie McLean
With the Holiday Season rapidly approaching I am reminded to the vow I made last year “next year I WILL start the gift shopping earlier” ladies I feel this is the year that actually happens! Gift giving can seem like the frivolous part of Christmas, but I like to think positive, and see it as a time to show you friends and family that you love them, you’re thinking of them, and you know them pretty well. I look at gift giving as a challenge and kind of like a hunt for the perfect item for the loved ones I deem appropriate to be on my list. I look at the person individually and make a call, is this person level headed and very responsible? If so, I’m going to get them something luxurious, frivolous and fun they would never get themselves. Perhaps a fierce accessory for that special time they want to go out but don’t have anything to bring that outfit to the next level. If you know your gift receiver well you can probably think of 10 different things to get them in this regard. Maybe this is a new friend or someone you don’t know all that well yet but you still want to get something fantastic. I have a little trick, it’s still early enough in the season, try going to the mall with this person and see what they go to and ask them their opinion and a few things maybe even flip through a magazine and do the same thing. They key for these people on your list, think of something they would wear and then go just outside of their comfort zone, you know what they say “life begins just outside of your comport zone” and
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image from freedigitalphotos.net user anankkml
sometimes people just need someone to blame for wearing something daring “Ohh this? (insert name here) got me this” Personally I would live to be that person to bump someone up a fashion notch. If my gift receiver is already frivolous and doesn’t have a problem spoiling themselves on the regular (which I feel is necessary in life really) then I get them something practical that they probably wouldn’t get themselves but will make their lives easier… remember that doesn’t need to be boring! Think, a chrome dish rack with a matching drip tray that looks like a work of art that you would be proud to leave out on your counter, or a glamorous power outage kit with scented candles, a great book and mini liquor and bonbons to keep warm. Then there are the older people on your list… they can sometimes be the hardest, boss, aunt, grandma, you know who they are. You still want to get them something chic, you can never go wrong with something monogramed. It is classy elegant, and who doesn’t like things custom for them! A Candle, perhaps a shopping tote, the possibility is endless on this one. Hit up the local engraving shop, you might be surprised what they have available. Remember, it’s the holidays, have fun and find great gifts your inner fashionista would be proud to give. It makes the season much more meaningful and going on a hunt is much more fun than fulfilling a chore!
Photo by Kimberly-Mai Therrien Model Émilie LeBlanc Caissie
t s i l y t S
Ask the
With Scott McLean
What are the trendiest accessories for winter 2015? When it comes to winter accessories, they generally stay the same year to year. The changes we see are usually with the use of pattern, material, size and color. This year, the accessory that you shouldn’t be seen without is the ϋber large and extremely oversized plaid or large check scarf. When it comes to this trend it’s the bigger the better. Another must have accessory for facing the cold this year is a pair of driving gloves. Chunky knit mittens were cute when you were sliding down snow banks but it’s time to take it up a notch. A slim fit leather glove will keep you warm and have you looking chic in the winter cold.
What are the top 5 items every woman should have in her closet?
I love this question because I believe a good wardrobe is built around key pieces. The following are what I feel every woman should have as a solid foundation to their wardrobe. The Little Black Dress – This has to be one of the most classic and versatile pieces a woman could have. The right little black dress can be worn at work, to an event, to a dinner, etc. with only a change of accessories and shoes needed. Photso by Kimberly-Mai Therrien, Edward Bowron Models Chanelle Manuel , Lysiane Nicholson
The Classic Black Heel – a well rounded wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without a classic black heel. As simple as it sounds it can be a tricky piece to find. You don’t want the toe to be too pointy or too rounded because that can make you outdated and passé (not a nice look). I would go for a black stiletto with a very subtle pointed toe. This can be worn on many different occasions and will keep you stylish for years to come. The Neutral Knit – A loose sweater in a cream, grey, beige or black is a must have. This is perfect for fall/ winter and can be worn with jeans, skirts and leggings (if long enough). The Perfect Denim – It can be a lifelong journey to find the perfect pair of jeans but when you finally find this almost legendary item hold on to them and never let go. Whether they are a classic blue wash or in black, jeans are THE most essential piece to any wardrobe. They can be worn anytime and to anyplace when styled properly. I would go for a slim/skinny fit. It is flattering on almost any size and is now a staple fit that is here to stay. The Leather Jacket – This is really a wardrobe changing piece. It adds that extra punch to any wardrobe and can be worn a million different ways. Throw it over a dress, a plain tee or a sweater. Whatever your outfit may be, the leather jacket will bring it to the next level.
Monochromatic Patterns – This winter monochromatic is the way to go. Whether its hounds tooth, leopard, stripes, or polka dots, keeping your patterns in the same color scheme is a must. This gives your patterns a more subtle look which is perfect for the season. I never thought I would see the day where I thought leopard would be back in my good books but a subtle monochromatic leopard is not only in my good books but is chic this season.
Out
Chunky Sweater Dresses – I’m sure you could tell from the “In” portion above but I am VERY over chunky knit and big collared sweater dresses. As chic as the above mentioned thin and sleek sweater dress is, the chunky version is outdated. I feel it adds volume in an unflattering way and nobody wants that. If you are having trouble letting go of your chunky knit dresses than make them into a nice pillow or blanket.
What’s “in” What’s “out”
In the past few issues I focused a lot on what to wear to keep warm yet still chic (obviously) on the outside i.e. grandiose blanket coats, chic oversized jackets, and stylish boots. As important as it is to be flawless on the outside, you have to be well rounded and complete on the inside. And I mean that in the most superficial way. You don’t want to be turning heads while roaming the streets with your chic cape only to disappoint with a busted up hoodie and boot cut jeans underneath. No. The following is what I believe to be What’s “in” and What’s “out” for December.
Sequence/Glitter Tops – Now this is a very sensitive trend because even I enjoy a bit of sequence around the holidays and New Years. If you go down the sequence route this holiday season than it should be done tastefully. Stick to black when choosing your sequence and smaller is definitely better when it comes to size. Since this should be a holiday specific outfit only, go for a shorter dress with a long sleeve. Stay away from large sequence and anything glittery. This tends to give off a cheap vibe. Please, keep this trend for the holidays only; nothing makes you look like a failed and cheap attempt of looking glam than sequence tanks, tees, or skirts being worn on the regular.
In
Sweater Dresses – Please do not take this as an invitation to go buy some sort of bright and chunky knit dress with an oversized turtle neck collar. This winter you can stay warm by slipping on a sweater dress that is a thinner knit and hugs the body. It’s all about keeping things simple. Go for a sweater dress that has a crew neckline and ends right above the knee. If you want to take it to the next level you can go for a full length knit dress. To add a little shape to this look there are some great sweater dress options that have a draw string waist which is usually casual but very chic when done right. Your best color options are a burgundy, black, grey, or a mixed black/grey textured knit.
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g i B
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With
Bvane
o n o D y Case Hiya ladies, This month its all about our lushes locks … that’s right ladies - OUR HAIR! Weather we have a little or a lot, I know one thing for sure, when I get my hair done (at the hairdressers or do it myself) I absolutely love seeing the finished product. Coming out the other side makes me feel happy, sexy and confident! For most of my childhood I had short boy hair (not by choice). I was always jealous of girls at my school. They always had the prettiest ponytails, pigtails or pretty bows in their hair, but there I was looking like a little tomboy that dreamt of having hair just like them. It didn’t help that when my hair finally got to a nice length I had these uncontrollable curls that would flip and flop everywhere. I was forever attempting new things with my hair but could never find anything to make it look a little less bird nest. I would end up settling for a boring slick back tight pony tail or bun!
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By the time I was 14 years of age (the age my mum finally said i could dye my hair) I was a little obsessed with dying and styling my hair. One could say I have become quite the chameleon when it comes to my hair because it is still to this day, forever changing. My hair is a curly blank canvas just waiting to be touched, coloured or styled. Anything you can think of has been done to my hair - from dreadlocks to all colours of the rainbow. I have also completely shaved my curls off! At the moment I am content with my natural curls, but I think I’m due for a new colour (hehe) With the Google at our disposal, I have researching what other styles are out there. During my research I have discovered an amazing website called LATESTHAIRSTYLES.COM. This website says they aim inspire you to love your hair. They have some really amazing tips and instructions on how to get your hair ready for any occasion. They have everything on this website - Online Tutorials, Advice, Products, Tools and much, much more! I have picked out some of my favorites styles from LATEST-HAIRSTYLES.COM Spotlighting “Best Of 2014: Curly Hairstyles For fall, By Shannel Mariano”
SOLANGE Solange’s curls are cut shorter in the bottom and longer on the top, following the shape of the head. This gives it the stylish round silhouette that she has. How To Style: Skip shampoo and wash your hair with just conditioner. Apply a super hydrating
leave-in conditioner after. Braid or twist sections of hair. Air dry. Undo your braids or twists. Recommended Products: Curls Coconut Sublime Moisturizing Conditioner softens, moisturizes and detangles even the tightest of curls. Face Shape and Hair Type: Oval face shapes with hair that naturally coils will look fabulous and easily style into this look.
RIHANNA These shiny, smooth, perfectly defined red spiral curls look absolutely fierce on Rihanna. How To Style: Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo. Apply a leave-in conditioner after. Apply products that give curls moisture and hold. Twist sections of hair to promote curl formation. Air dry or diffuse your hair. Apply a product to add shine, seal moisture and prevent frizz. Recommended Products: Grooming Pomade will add shine, seal in moisture, and add more definition when applied dry curls. Face Shape and Hair Type: Oval face shapes with hair that has naturally looser curls will look good and easily style into this look. Tip: Apply your styling product to wet hair. Hair is more easily controlled when it is wet. Once it starts to dry, it begins to have a mind of its own!
KERI Keri’s stunning long layered waves are big and loose. The highlights she has throughout her hair add even more definition to her texture. How To Style: Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo. Condition the hair afterwards. Apply a curl definer to your hair. Scrunch your hair to promote wave formation. Air dry or diffuse your hair. Apply a serum to add shine, seal moisture and prevent frizz.
Recommended Products: Twirl Around is a crunch-free curl definer that contains a hydrating cream and smoothing gel. Face Shape and Hair Type: Any face shape with hair that has some wave and curl will look gorgeous and easily style into this look. I hope this amazing website bring you as much joy and excitement as it has me! Remember, Express yourself and don’t be afraid to stand out in a crowd with your beautiful lushes locks!
Talk soon
Casey D. Xxx Tips are by Shannon Mariano www.latest-hairstyles.com
s y a r r m t e s i M Chr
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with: Chantal Manuel Sam Comeau-Lavigne Jessica Cummings Heather Touchie and Adam Foster
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Talking to the
Twins
Pink Blitz recently got in touch with acting and singing duo Bianca and Chiara D’Ambrosio to ask a few questions about their career and what’s in store for the future. PB: You recently made a horror short, how was the experience working in horror? B&C: The horror short was called ‘Reflections’ which recently debuted at the Atlanta Horror Film Festival. It was directed by our close friend Chris Bryant. It was cool working in horror though when you are shooting it, you don’t realize that it’s scary. After the editing was done, then you realize how scary it is. PB: This short also starred the very prolific Ray Wise, what was your experience working with an actor with his resume? B&C: Ray Wise is a pro. You don’t get to the point in your career where you have a resumes like Ray has unless you know what you are doing. Ray was tremendous to work with and we hope to have another opportunity to work with Ray in the future. PB: You also had an EP come out in September, what is your musical process? B&C: We released our self titled EP, “Bianca and Chiara D’Ambrosio” on September 23, 2014 and it’s really doing well. Making an album is a ton of fun. First we got together with our producer, Andrew Lane, and talked about what we find important in our lives. Then we put down some lyrics, work out the music and we are in the studio recording. We,sing about friendships, our dog and how we feel about bullies. We may only be 9, but we know what makes us happy and what makes us sad. Then we sing about it. PB: Do you have any news on other singles or an album coming out in the future? B&C: The first release from the EP was ‘Package Deal’. It’s a song about us, how we go through life together. Next out is ‘On My Own’, a song for everyone who, whether they are a twin or not, can use to inspire them
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to fight through the tough times and come out proud and empowered. After that will be ‘Best Friend’, our song about our rescue St. Bernard, Max.
series where we can both be in it, acting and singing. We are in pre-production on a project that meets these goals as we speak. More to follow.
PB: How is the experience working so closely together? B&C: We are really close so there is always the good and the bad. There are a lot of times when we get on each others nerves but we can’t imagine a life without the two of us together. We sisters and best friends which is really cool.
PB: What sort of things do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working on your artistic careers? B&C: We love to swim, play tennis and snow ski. We both like to draw and design clothes.
PB: Do you ever consider doing independent project/ have you ever done independent projects/do you have any independent projects on the go? (On your own, without your sister) B&C: We go out on a lot of auditions together as well as individually. There are not a lot of roles for 9 year old twin girls out there so we may be doing projects apart from each other because its just the way entertainment works. We want music to be the thing we can always do together. PB: What is your ideal role/project? B&C: Our ideal project is to do a television or movie
PB: What is the craziest thing you’ve ever seen/experienced while on set? B&C: The craziest thing on set was when we were working on LEGIT with Jim Jefferies on FX. The director Peter O’Fallon was super cool and let us say “ Action” when we were not in a scene. PB: Are there any new projects coming up in the New Year we should be looking out for? B&C: We recently shot a pilot about treasure hunters so we are waiting to see if it gets picked up and hopefully we will be shooting the movie we talked about earlier in March, 2015. We have plans to perform the EP at a bunch of venues starting in January so we’ll see where that takes us.
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Tribute to By Cassidy Allan
Oscar
De La
Renta
On October 20th the world of fashion lost an icon when 82 year old designer Oscar de la Renta passed away after his battle with cancer. De la Renta was one of the industries most celebrated designers, working for companies such as Balmain and Lavin as well as his famed self-titled fashion house. Apart from his show stopping designs, Oscar was also a dear friend to many. He has dressed leading figures from celebrities to royalty for well over a decade, making an impression on Hollywoods finest. Attendees at his funeral included the likes of Hugh Jackman, Barbara Walters and Hillary Clinton as well as fellow designers Valentino, Vera Wang, Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger. Vouge editor Anna Wintour remembers her friend’s true personality and charm in an article she wrote shortly after his death, “ He was happy dining with the rich and famous, for sure, but equally happy playing dominoes with his devoted staff. His designs reflected his extraordinary personality: optimistic, fun, sunny, romantic.”
His spring 2015 line was the last to be released before his passing, and is a perfect reflection of his design aesthetic and personality referenced by Wintour. The line features signature feminine and polished look is effortlessly translated beautifully into pastel ginghams, white lace and bare midriffs. “There is no one on earth who makes a woman feel more beautiful than Oscar de la Renta,” said supermodel Karlie Kloss, after modeling for the collections debut, a true testament to the brilliant work of the late designer. It’s not often to see someone with so much talent, charisma and a genuinely kind heart. And although it is sad for us to see a creative genius like Oscar leave us, it is certain that his legacy will forever be engrained in the face of modern fashion.
s p i h s n o
i t a Relwith Laurel House
“Tis the Season to be Single” You may be surprised to know that this is the season for breakups. From Thanksgiving through two weeks before Christmas, breakups are steadily climbing to the number one spot of most popular time of year to end the relationship. A number that instantly drops to the least popular day come Christmas. Then spikes again in March- spring cleaning! So why all of the holiday heartbreak? The season is all about love and family, plus office parties, overindulging, overspending, stress, and cold weather. All of which can lead to cold feet. Let me break it down for you, drawing connections between the holiday focus and its cause for heartbreak: Love and Family You want to be around people who you truly love, not someone who you’re not so sure about, who you know doesn’t have everlasting potential, or with whom your love has fizzled. You also don’t want to introduce your not-so-serious other half to family members. The more you focus on being with your loved ones, the clearer it becomes that your lover isn’t one of them. Office Parties Sure, a friend’s party would be much more fun. Even a quiet night at home with a glass of wine and some TV would be a welcome break from the hectic holiday festivities. But your significant other’s office party is tonight and, whether you like it or not, you’re going to
go… and like it (or at least act like it). This is important and it’s an expression of your dedication to the relationship. Overindulging You’re eating too much, drinking too much, and your nerves are on high alert. As much fun as the excess can be, it can also lead to blowout fights that quickly escalate to the biter end. Overspending Like Valentine’s Day, there is the expectation of a gift exchange. And when you’re on the fence about whether this relationship is going to last through the end of the season, many opt to end it instead. A lot of it is the un-experienced glee of gift giving! Giving is, yes, oftentimes as great as receiving. Picking out that perfect present that you just know your partner will love leaves you almost giddy! But when the last thing that you want to do is think of something clever, special, or even decent for your partner, you know there is a problem. But it’s not just about the giving. If we know that we are likely going to end it soon, we don’t want them to spend money on us! Yes, many of us are truly that selfless. Stress Your partner is supposed to be your shoulder to cry on, your chest to decompress on, your ear to listen, and the sage advice to ease your stressed mind. But if your partner is actually the last person who you want to go
to for reprieve and comfort, the holiday season will make that repulsion even more obvious. Baby It’s Cold Outside And if you have no interest in snuggling with your partner at night or stealing some romantic couple time by the fire or in a hot tub, you just might feel more iced over when you’re close to their body heat than when on your own. So should you end it or endure the holidays and wait for a “better time?” After all, flights are booked, the family already knows they are coming, and you are honestly really looking forward to that ski trip that you planned… If you truly know that it’s over and that it’s just a matter of time until the inevitable “conversation,” end it. Believe me, you don’t want to force
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Photo by Kimberly-Mai Therrien Model Laurie Coates
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togetherness, deal with the incessant triggers that will definitely confront you, pretend to be happy and in love, wish you could be anywhere else with anyone else, and grate on each other’s nerves to the point of a near breakdown and maybe even a nasty in-the-moment breakup. Breakups are never each to do. Best advice: tell each other what you appreciate about each other, acknowledge the good in them- the reason you feel for them in the first place, thank them for what they have taught you, and authentically and lovingly express why you’re saying goodbye. Tis the season… now get ready for a new year, best you!
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Advice with Christine Hassler PB: You started out as a successful Hollywood agent before becoming a Life Coach and successful author. How did you get into that career? CH: I was very very insecure of being somebody, I wasn’t confident but I knew I was really smart. I was also very driven by insecurity, and not driven by passion. And I think that’s really important, to check what it is that drives you. Eventually what I realized was that I wasn’t dealing with insecurity I felt. I never really thought if I actually liked it or not. I was the youngest agent in Hollywood to be successful, and at the time there was no plan B because plan A was a success. PB: Was being a Life Coach always something you had interest in or did you just wake up one day and know for certain? CH: I never really thought about it. I mean, gosh, ‘life coach’ didn’t even really exist. It wasn’t a big thing like it is now. I minored in Psych, but never wanted to pursue it. I found it fascinating though. I was a personal trainer for a while but for me it wasn’t about helping them work out, it was about talking to them. I had a knack for talking to people. When I was interviewing people for the book, they always wanted to set up an appointment to talk more after. They were telling me I should be a coach or counsellor or something. I started
to think maybe I should take the signs, and my own life coach at the time helped me discover it was a gift. Often when we are meant to do something, our life work kind of finds us. Through our expectation hangovers, let life lead us, and get out of our own heads. There’s so many out there that want to be life coaches because they decided to do it, instead of going through the life experiences it often takes to succeed as one. PB: What challenges did you face while making the transition? CH: Anything! Fear, worry, doubt, shame, paying my bills, I had a huge identity tied in, my sense of worth was all wrapped up in that. My social circle changed, I didn’t know who I was after that. And then I lost everything in the run of a year. I stopped talking to my family and my fiancé and I broke up 6 months before the wedding. PB: In your latest book, Expectation Hangover, you tell us about the expectations we have for ourselves and what happens when life doesn’t always go as we intend it. In your own opinion, why is it critical to address these feelings over ignoring them? CH: If we don’t address them, we’ll just repeat the
same situation over and over, with a different cast and characters or maybe even the same ones. If we don’t deal with things, it just accumulates, the more we suppress the more we have to take care of and we miss out on a big healing opportunity. The book is about transformation; it makes us look at unresolved issues, re-orient us with ourselves and other people. PB: In coaching young people in their 20’s, you’re hitting them in the phase of life where they are just starting get a grasp of the real world. They’re leaving university, getting careers, serious relationships, it’s really a roller coaster of a time. Why is it critical to begin coaching at that stage as opposed to earlier or later? CH: I coach everyone of all ages now. In our 20s we make a lot of decisions that are pivotal to the next few decades. You need to be self-reflective, not selfabsorbed. At the time, we’re still operating by the belief system of our family / society, and we start to question those beliefs and ask if that’s really what we want to be. We are questioning everything, and are given a chance to change it and recreate our story. PB: What can we expect to see from you in the next year? CH: I have retreats in January in Mexico, and April/ May in Costa Rica. I’m launching [what I call] a secret sauce, and it’s building lifestyles and businesses the way I have [in a more unconventional way] as opposed to what others have. I have more speeches about book, and I’m launching a telecast and potentially a podcast. PB: What advice do you have for the young people reading this, currently dealing with some Expectation Hangovers? CH: Read the book, do the exercises. I know it works, I’ve lived through them. Do the work, there’s no quick fix to anything. Drop expectations! Make your own and not live on someone else’s idea of what you should do. A lot of the time that comes from parents, spouses, etc. Also, learn to be nicer to yourself. A lot of people think you need to be hard on yourself to push yourself, but you really need to be nicer to yourself.
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Photos by Phillipe Caetano Elizabeth Settle Janna Lounsbury
The Girls of
PINKBLITZ
Modelled by Lysiane Nicholson Brittany Schofield Kimberly-Mai Therrien Kaitlyn Tavender Salisha Yolande