Posted by geekigirl on February 10th, 2010
Posted in Category: Canadian Content, Clothing, Geekiviews, Tops
Posted in Tags: bamjamz, Holt Renfrew bamjamz Sweet Dreamz print bamjamz send me a tank top in the Sweet Dreamz print from their new line of sleep/lounge wear for review. The line consists of tanks, tunics, shorts, leggings, tshirts and pants. I was interested because bamjamz is Toronto based and they use bamboo fabric. I’m a big fan of bamboo.
bamjamz™ is the latest concept from GUATS Soft Goods™ founders Brad Rudin and Adrian Kraizel, that has redefined the concept of “pyjamas” through a fun, sexy and adventurous concept designed to fit the lifestyle of the modern woman – urban, active and spiritual. Made from the softest, coziest bamboo stretch blend fabric, bamjamz™ delivers a new dimension in natural comfort and performance. This remarkable sustainable and easy to care for fabric breathes, regulates temperature, wicks moisture, controls odour and is hypoallergenic. Sourced from organic and FSC certified bamboo, bamjamz™ is an all-Canadian collection, having been created in Toronto, designed by Vancouver’s Carol Fergusson and manufactured in Vancouver, with fabric knitted in Montreal.
Bamboo is a soft fabric and it’s one of the reasons why I like it so much. I’ve never slept in bamboo so I expected the experience to be like my usual tshirt and sweatpants routine. It’s true the bamboo regulates temperature. This was the first thing I noticed after the first sleep. In the winter I’m either too hot or too cold. I didn’t wake up cold and sweaty with bamjamz, I really liked this about the garment. The small fit perfect too and then I washed it. I should have hanged it to dry but I threw it into the dryer and it shrunk a bit. I did want to see how the tank would stand up to wash and dry cycles. The tank was just as soft.
 bamjamz Bella Donna print The only complaint I have is the Sweet Dreamz print. I reminds me of Ed Hardy and it really turns me off. Even the use of z instead of s irks me. The fabric, fit and function are great but I wouldn’t purchase anything with this print on it. I wouldn’t wear it outside my home either. Ed Hardy is quite popular so my dislike of this print might just be a case of I’m not the target demo. Thankfully there is another print called Bella Donna which I think is much superior when compared.
bamjamz is available exclusively at Holt Renfrew. The Sweet Dreams tank is $74. Prices range from approx $65 – $100.
images: bamjamz.com
Posted by geekigirl on January 14th, 2010
Posted in Category: Beauty, Geekiviews
Posted in Tags: Lancome, skincareI’ve been using the two Lancome skincare products I received from L’Oreal Canada religiously since I returned from India. The products have ridiculously long names, Absolue Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Replenishing Cream and Genifique Eye Youth Activating Eye Concentrate. I wonder about the names of products are created at beauty companies. not only do these products have ridiculously long names, they have big media kits also. The Absolue Precious Cells media kit was the largest I’ve seen for one product.
Absolue Precious Cells is a skincare product geared for the woman in her 50s which uses a proprietary formula to “restore the stem cell environment and re-trigger the skin’s self-regenerative potential.” The media kit talks provides background information on epidermal stem cells. Lancome uses adult skin stem cells for anyone that is concerned. The results of Lancome’s quest to find the perfect combination of ingredients that create an atmosphere that allows epidermal skin stem cells to regenerate is detailed in the media kit. It’s fairly scientific for a media kit, I was a bit surprised to see graphs and detailed clinical study results. Studies with small sample groups can say a lot, the proof would be in the application.
The Genifique Eye Youth Activating Eye Concentrate media kit wasn’t large at all. Instead of stem cells, Genifique targets genes. I’m sure there is a large media kit of this product available somewhere as it formula can “revive gene activity and stimulate production of the proteins of youth.” Genifique Eye Youth Activating Eye Concentrate is targeted to all skin ages.
I’ve used Guinon, Swissline, Dermalogica and Care by Stella McCartney for extended periods of time. Of those lines I really liked Care before trying Lancome. The Lancome duo are the best moisturizer and eye cream products I have ever tried. I should note that I’m using Dermalogica cleanser, scrub and mask products as well.
I’m a fan of the texture of both products. The moistuerizing cream looks heavy and rich but doesn’t have that affect on the face; it’s very light. The eye cream looks as light as it feels. After months of using the products I can say that my skin is smoother and softer. It’s actually the smoothest I can ever remember it being. I’m really amazed with that fact. My skin just feels and looks good to me. Wrinkles aren’t something I’m worried about so I can’t say if these products have any affect on their appearance. I noticed that I had less blemishes using these products which is something I’m always worried about with new skin products.
I don’t spend a lot of money on makeup but I do spend on skincare. Genifique Eye Youth Activating Eye Concentrate ($80/15ml) and Absolue Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Replenishing Cream ($170/50ml) are available at Lancome counters across Canada.
EDIT (Jan 26, 2009): You can purchase the Genifique Eye Youth Activating Eye Concentrate and the Absolue Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Replenishing Cream online at Lancome.ca.
images: macys.com
Posted by geekigirl on January 4th, 2010
Posted in Category: Clothing, Denim, Fashion, Geekiviews, Pants, Spring 2010, Toronto
Posted in Tags: Holt Renfrew, Joe's Jeans, leggings
I received a package containing a pair of Zip Ankle Jean Legging in Black by Joe’s Jeans from Holt Renfrew PR just before Christmas. Jean Leggings were never something I would have tried before this package arrived. I hate to say it, I’ve drunk the koolaid, I like them.
When I pulled them out of the magenta bag, they looked a little small. I’ve come to realize that you need to buy them smaller than you think. They are denim and do stretch a bit. They are comfortable, it was the first thing that surprised me. They are like wearing non-denim leggings. The fabric is stretchy and soft. The zippers on the side make it easy to put on and remove.
I checked out the stash at Holt’s. They have a ton of different styles included distressed denim, acid wash and tie dye. The price range is $116 – $140. The pair I have are $128. I thought it was hilarious that the distressed denim ones cost $140 even though from a production standpoint I can understand.
I hate the term jeggings and you’ll never hear me use it. It makes me angry.
Posted by geekigirl on December 22nd, 2009
Posted in Category: Beauty, Fashion, Geekiviews, Toronto
Posted in Tags: Holt Renfrew, Shu Uemura
I went to the Toronto Meets Tokyo Shu Uemura event at Holt Renfrew a couple weekends ago. I was treated to a make up application that included Shu Uemura lashes. I was going to find out why these lashes are so raved about.
TORONTO MEETS TOKYO shu uemura will come to life this Saturday at Holt Renfrew; our principal makeup artist Taca Ozawa will be there to complete artistic makeup for the women who dare to try! Lashes application will be offered, as well as sketches done by a Japanese Manga Artist. The event will take place in the centre court at Holt Renfrew, with models dressed in kimonos and made up with artistic makeup.
Taca Ozawa wasn’t my makeup artist. Stupid me didn’t ask/remember her name because I loved what she did. I chose something pretty simple for lashes. The Luxe Black style were huge but not over the top. I didn’t feel like feathers or sparkles at the time.
 Luxe Black Shu Uemura False Eyelashes Inspired by the mink false eyelashes custom-ordered by celebrities, this synthetic version features a criss-crossed design to provide the most voluminous lashes. Thicker at the roots, it tapers at the tips for luscious-looking lashes with a defined eyeline. May be worn at full-length for intensity; trim to half-length for an extra lift to the outer corners of the eyes.
You can see the glue in these pictures as there were taken right after the application. The glue dried clear by the time I left for the amazing Christmas party that evening. The makeup was pretty simple: blush, eyes, light foundation for sparkle, and nude lip.
I kinda like the nude lip and I picked up the lip stick and gloss that made it possible (Rouge Unimited BG958 and Gloss Unlimited BR750S). The lashes were durable. I was worried about losing them to the wind on the walk over to the party. They stayed in place and remained that way until I peeled them off at the end of the night. You don’t forget you are wearing them but they look amazing. Not too over the top looking straight on however, the side view is ridiculous.
I’m told they are reusable so I’m going to have to attempt application at home. If you buy Shu Uemura lashes from Holt Renfrew it includes free application.
EDIT (Dec 22, 2009): I forgot to say thank you to Isabelle from L’Oreal Canada who made this story possible with the complementary eyelashes.
Posted by geekigirl on December 16th, 2009
Posted in Category: Geekiviews, Toronto
I received a package containing Nippies by Bristols 6 of various styles from rock-it promotions the other day. Nippies are exactly what you think they are, nipple covers. A few years ago, I had tried a couple brands but never liked the result which was puckering. I decided to give these a shot because maybe someone improved on what was happening then. I was right. Bristol 6 has made some nice ones.
The first time I wore a pair of plain black heart shaped Nippies. I decided to leave the black lace heart ones at home. You couldn’t see them in the dress. I was more worrying about having a wardrobe malfunction with my one shouldered dress. Proof is in the photo as I wore them to Bloor Street Entertains. I totally forgot I was wearing them and there was no puckering.
I also received some silver star shaped Nippies. One was a matte finish and the other was sparkly. I tried the matte finish ones and I liked these better than the heart shaped ones.
The final product was Nippies Nautral an ultra thin silicone nipple cover. It’s apparently “paparazzi proof” because it doesn’t reflect light through clothing. There are two versions one with adhesive and one without. I was trying out the one without. Body head is used to keep it in place. They actually stayed in place too. I wasn’t dancing so I can’t say anything about their usefulness in those types of situations. It would have been nice to receive the darker nipple cover to better match my skin tone. I don’t know if they are paparazzi proof either, I wasn’t taking pictures.
There are a number of styles of Nippies. Some more descreet, others for being exposed. There are shapes to please/cover anyone like butterflies, hearts and stars. There are the neutral colours but many bright and metallics options. There’s leopard print for you fans.
You can get Nippies by Bristols 6 ($14 – $21) at Secrets from your Sister (560 Bloor Street West and 2501 Yonge Street).
image: takemorephotos.com
Posted by geekigirl on December 8th, 2009
Posted in Category: Fashion, Geekiviews
Posted in Tags: Tom Ford
So, I saw A Single Man last night. I’m not going to go into a huge review of the movie but I liked it overall. Tom Ford fans obviously will be flocking to see it. It does seem like a long Tom Ford commercial, not that it’s a bad thing necessarily.
I was really curious to see Tom Ford’s debut. I wanted to see the expression of his aesthetic on film. The movie is shot beautifully. Tom does have a great eye for directing. However, I do think he could use an editor big time. Some shots were a little tedious and a few snips would have been beneficial. A friend of mine actually left halfway through the movie because she felt it was more about the imagery than the story. I can see her point, but every time the movie started to seem tedious, that is exactly when Tom would bring some humour into the situation. I really enjoyed that snap back to reality and it kept me from feeling “New Moon” about the movie.
The movie is beautiful and depressing as all hell. The choices of ending aren’t hard to establish from the beginning but half the fun is the reveal of Tom Ford’s choice of ending. Colin Firth does an amazing job. He deserves an oscar nod for this and I imagine he’ll get it.
Oh, did I mention the hot men in this movie.
image: imdb.com
Posted by geekigirl on December 8th, 2009
Posted in Category: Beauty, Geekiviews
Posted in Tags: Lancome, mascara, Primer
Someone asked me if my eyelashes were fake on Saturday at Shinan’s Boldface Names Party. I knew I had to get my but in gear and post about the Lancome Ôscillation Powerbooster. It’s a godsend.
My lovely friends at L’Oreal Canada send me a sample of Lancome Ôscillation Powerbooster. I’m not a fan of primers in general. My Double Extend Beauty Tube experience didn’t change my mind about primers either. However, a primer based on Ôscillation technology had me instantly interested. I’m a big, big fan of Ôscillation by Lancôme. I was excited about a primer with the same type of application. The idea of primer amplifying the already amazing effect of the mascara AMAZING.
The combo of the Ôscillation powerbooster and mascara is amazing. My lashes are thicker and longer. I usually get a comment or two about how long and curved my lashes are when I use them together. I also use the powerbooster as a primer for my Benefit Badgal Plum mascara. The plum colour pops more with the primer on. It was a staple colour in India.
The first ever vibrating booster from Lancôme to promote natural lash growth. Improves lash surface condition for visibly stronger, denser and longer lashes. A unique step in your beauty routine to instantly amplify the power of every mascara
I received a lot of literature about the technology behind the Lancome Ôscillation Powerbooster.
Lancôme can exclusively reveal an all-new technique: a groundbreaking complex – Crescentia™ – associated with vibration to stimulate lashes at their base, promote their natural growth*, and maximise the make-up results of any mascara.
A lash-product premiere: Lancôme’s Research Laboratories have integrated Madecassosside, a Centella Asiatica extract used in anti-hair loss products, within their formulation complex. Combined with Arginine, renowned for its ability to boost micro-circulation, Madecassosside works to re-densify lash fibres. Ôscillation Powerbooster thus not only promotes natural lash growth, but also strengthens lashes so as to avoid premature lash loss. With each passing day, lashes are visibly amplified, becoming stronger, longer, thicker, denser and more resilient.
The Ôscillation Powerbooster formula works in perfect harmony with the applicator’s vibrations so as to act like a massage at the very base of the lash fringe, thus helping boost micro-circulation and achieve a unique make-up result.
By offering this unique combination of an exclusive Madecassosside-based formula, Ôscillation Powerbooster lives up to its promise of providing visibly denser, longer and stronger lashes, day after day…
I can’t speak to any of these claims and to be honest they don’t matter to me. I got my validation on Saturday. If my lashes look so big they could be fake, I’m very, very happy.
Ôscillation Powerbooster is $39 and available at all Lancôme counters and Shopper’s Drug Mark
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Get your I want – I got Fix
Toronto Fashion Week – Spring 2010
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