Fan Mail Friday

I'm so pleased to offer another round of the hilarity we get in our inboxes almost daily. Despite our poking fun here on the blog, the emails continue to roll in from people who mistake ChickAdvisor for everything from an ice cream store to a deodorant manufacturer.

This one's a stinker...

"I am teaching a grade six class of 23 students and personal hygiene has become an issue and I was wondering if there were any way that I could possibly bother you for some samples of your deodorants to hand out to my students. I personally use your product and find that it works great and I would love for them to have that opportunity too. I have 13 girls and 10 boys."

Erm...

"We would like to come on your show to showcase our products and services. *** (We) provide hair replacement units also known as medical wigs, human hair hairpieces and extensions for men, women and children experiencing mild to severe degrees of hair loss; due to hereditary, chemotherapy, alopecia or other health factors. Our units are not only utilized by individuals experiencing hair-loss but also entertainment performers and upcoming stars."

Thank you for assuming we have one already..

"can you give me your adresse of chickadvisor in montreal .please thank you"

... but we don't.

What's New: Dynamite's 1st Fragrance, Rachel

Are you Rachel?

Rachel 50ml eau de Toilette retails in Dynamite stores for $29.90 along with 10ml rollerball ($14.90) and 125ml body cream ($15.90)

Last night ChickAdvisor attended the launch of Dynamite's first fragrance, Rachel. Rachel has been Dynamite's muse for 35 years, yet she's a twenty something, and not in the 'I'm celebrating the 6th anniversary of my 29th birthday' kind of way. Rachel embodies who the Dynamite customer is: a light hearted, spirited, confident sexy woman.

So what does Rachel smell like? Dolce & Gabbana's popular Light Blue immediately comes to mind, but once it settles in and mixes with your skin chemistry you'll find it changes. On me, the mid notes of white cedar, jasmine and freesia become more predominant than the top notes of lemon verbena and apple leaves. Blonde woods, palissander and clear amber make up the base notes.

Sister chain, Garage also unveiled their signature fragrance, GRG; a lively bubble gum scent that your 'lil sis will go bonkers for.

Here are a few photos from the mini fashion show with Dynamite's holiday collection. As you can see, these models put our pose-off to shame, but hey - they're professionals!

Getting to Know You: Marayna Dickinson

Marayna Dickinson didn't happen by ChickAdvisor; she happened to ChickAdvisor. As our Paris correspondent, she brings her zany but entirely lovable personality to her writing. This is the person you want to travel with - I think she could convince anyone to try anything.

ChickAdvisor
I'm steeling myself for this one: what is your nickname and how did you get it?

Marayna
Radar – press ‘play’ on Britney Spears’ song ‘Radar’ and at about 0:40 you’ll hear for yourself. It sounds like she’s saying ‘Oh, Marayna’ throughout the chorus. I nearly fell off the treadmill when I first heard it.

ChickAdvisor
Who is your #1 celeb crush?

Image via Pop Culture Nerd

Marayna
Hugh Laurie. Call me insane but I thought I was the only one who enjoyed seething sarcasm and nibbling on shirt cuffs.

ChickAdvisor
And your fashion Icon?

Image via Calypso Chronicles

Marayna
“Coco” Chanel. Her passion, independence and absolute refusal to accept ‘no’ for an answer are inspiring.

ChickAdvisor
What is one of the highlights of your life so far?

Marayna
Meeting David Hasselhoff on my 25th birthday in Paris. To everyone’s surprise, he wasn’t eating a hamburger, flying through the air singing or talking to a car with super-powers. He was just taking insane pictures of a completely empty bar sequestered in the back of the bustling restaurant.

ChickAdvisor
What is one thing you never thought you would do?

Marayna
(Indirectly) admit that I listen to Britney Spears while I work out.

ChickAdvisor
I'm sure you're not the only one. *cough*

Highlights from Marayna

The Boyfriend Jean: How to Wear It
* Move over, skinny jean fans

Paris Night Life
* A night on the town in the City of Light

Adventures in French Cuisine
* In her words, "strap on the Depends" and try something new

Jessica Jensen 75% off Holiday Sale This Weekend

Toronto: Looking for a new bag? We recommend you check this one out!

Cozy Things Pose-Off

This pose-off is brought to you by bags of cozy winter samples from La Senza, GAP, Old Navy and Banana Republic. They sent along some kids stuff for photography too, but though Joy may be short, the Stella McCartney kitty sweater in toddler size was asking too much of this talented model.

1. La Senza Plush Booty Slippers, $14.50 CDN 2. GAP Plaid Bag, $54.50 CDN 3. GAP Men's Hunting Hat, $34.50 CDN 4. GAP Scarf

As you can see, Joy continues to out pose me and she always gets the better outfits. I especially wanted to wear the ear flaps hat but it was Men's medium and this noggin needs a large. Thankfully I snatched the pink fuzzy slippers from the bag before she could get her mittens on them and as you can see, I'm a fairly talented foot model. If I'm honest I should disclose that I've sock modeled before. It was socks, in Winnipeg, for Superstore. Truth!

5. GAP Plaid Hobo 6. Old Navy Cable Knit Beanie Hat, $14.50 CDN 7. GAP Head Band 8. GAP Plaid Vest, $74.50 CDN 9. Banana Republic Belt, $50 CDN

Here Joy is laughing because finally there was a hat that fit both heads! We liked the checkered patterns of the bag and vest and I have to admit I was quite tempted to tuck it away in my closet and hope no one would notice.

Now I just need to work on striking another pose besides hands on the hips ala Green Giant.