Can you handle a lymph massage?

That's right, a boobie massage. At the spa. I know. I didn't think I could either...

My favourite place for facials is hands down Pure + Simple. I always see Co-Founder, Kristen Ma who is extremely knowledgeable about skin and body health. So knowledgeable in fact, that she even wrote a book on the topic, Beauty 2.0 - a must read if you're interested in natural health and beauty (I found so many interesting tidbits, I went through mine with a highlighter). Her facials are unparalleled, so when I got a notification in my email that they had a new one they wanted me to try I was really excited. Here's what it said:

" This new facial is designed to give you a beautiful glow inside and out! The Lymphomaniac has all the technical components of a European facial (cleansing, steaming, extractions and balancing mask) and the holistic elements of Ayurvedic facials (aromatic compresses, face, scalp, shoulder and décolleté massage) with the addition of lymphatic and circulatory draining/stimulating massage techniques in a 75 minute treatment."

Then I got to this part: 



"The lymphatic and circulatory stimulating massage techniques involve a relaxing breast, stomach and upper back massage. This stimulation to both systems will detoxify and bring fresh nutrients to your skin and body. "

I read again. Are they planning on seriously massaging my tatas? I can hardly handle doctor checkups without blushing furiously, how would I handle this in a spa setting?

It turns out I had nothing to worry about. Ma assured me she's done hundreds of these and there is nothing awkward about it. The breast massage is only a few minutes of the overall treatment, and promotes lymph drainage, which is good for the total body detoxification.

In truth, she was right and this was actually an incredibly relaxing massage/facial combo. I was so sleepy when we were done I was glad my husband was giving me a ride instead of my dopey self behind the wheel.

I floated out the door with fresh pampered skin and another bottle of my favourite Nourishing Vata Oil and a new exfoliant and face mask combo for sensitive skin. It's only been a few days but my skin is glowing and smooth.

I plan to make these and my favourite, the urban facial a regular indulgence.

Read other reviews about Pure + Simple or add your own here

What's New? Coat Trends for Fall/Winter

Coat trends for Fall/Winter by Levy Canada

Don't let the colder weather get you down! Look stylish and warm with these coat styles.

Military inspired peacoats by Esprit. Both would be great with a skirt or dressed down with jeans. Loving the longer white coat!

Blazer inspired single-button jacket from Laundry. How chic is this? This would be a nice addition to my wardrobe! A light-weight jacket perfect for the cooler Fall weather.

Hot item for Fall: metallics! Betsey Johnson belted parachute trench

Another winner by Betsey Johnson. The red cuffs and buttons add a nice touch to a classic trench.

Remember the old days when winter jackets were extremely puffy and had no shape? This belted puffy winter jacket by Betsey Johnson will give you all the warmth minus the frump!

Need something a little more heavy duty? Try this full-length fitted winter jacket by Laundry.

This Week on ChickAdvisor

Top designers teaming up with department stores to bring their style to the masses

Going green? Check out some of the newest Eco-Friendly products on the market!

Discover the story behind the latest beauty trend: HD Makeup


Turn a boring quiche into a dinner favourite!

Hot Topic: Do you shop online? Check out the list and share your favourite online stores!

Deal of the week: Benefit 24K Gold Set Gift With Purchase

What's New: Lise Watier VIBRATIONS fall collection

Lise Watier's new limited edition collection for fall

Vibrations Quatuour Eyeshadow Quartet ($34)
mixes the classic beige and taupe with vibrant hues of matte pink-mauve and fresh metallic autumn green. Packed in a stylish argyle motif compact, this palette can inspire daring or classic looks.

Metal Ink Long Lasting Eyeliner ($19)
available in Charcoal and Green, is the perfect finish for the polished yet vibrant look. This waterproof eyeliner has an ultra precise tip that makes application easy and smooth.

Duo Bronze and Glow Face and Cheek Powder ($28)
is a multipurpose two-in-one powder that can be used separately or mixed any way you want. The silky powder creates that beautiful post summer glow.

Lise Watier VIBRATIONS collection is available now at selected drugstores.

The Style Box Launches Red Carpet Preview Series!

Canada was treated to its first Red Carpet Preview Event put on by founders of The Style Box, Amanda Brugel and Gail McInnes. The exclusively Canadian designer showroom which outfits celebrities, were joined by a star-studded crowd, on Wednesday, August 19th, as they celebrated the first in a series of Red Carpet Preview events in Toronto's Spoke Club. Musician Sarah Slean, actors Kristin Booth, Tara Spencer-Nairn, Amy Lalonde, Natalie Brown, Opera Sensation Measha Brueggergosman, and Pop Star Ivana Santilli, were among the guests who received a sneak peek of upcoming Canadian couture to fit their red carpet needs.

The intimate runway event, presented by Title Sponsor SPANNER and hosted by The Style Box, took cues from the display traditions of couturier salons and seasonal previews for gala events (e.g. the popular InStyle Awards Season Diamond Fashion Show) and was a first for Canada's fashion industry.
About The Style Box
Promoting Canadian Style Culture is the cause célèbre of The Style Box; a new service available at once to Canadian designers and the celebrity clientele they covet. Founders Amanda Brugel and Gail McInnes connect actors, political personalities, television hosts, and musicians with coast-to-coast Canadian fashions in their exclusive designer showroom, located at the Toronto Fashion Incubator. The Style Box team styles and tracks designer garments as they appear on red carpets the world over, offering the cachet of celebrity relationships and the value of celebrity marketing to designers across the country. This fall, The Style Box will introduce the concept of fashion show previews to Canada, allowing Celebrities a confidential sneak peek at the garments created especially for high-profile red carpet events, such as the Toronto International Film Festival and Gemini Awards.

www.thestylebox.ca
Photo Credit: Raymund Galsim

Does Twitter Make You Stupid?

So muses an opinion on CNBC.com this morning. The idea is that moving rapidly from one subject or task to the next, the shift from deep introspective thinking to gleaning just the crucial information, is bad for your overall brain function.

Naturally, no scientific studies exist to support this theory. However, I have wondered lately about this, as Tweeting seems to be a vehicle for a lot of people to overshare with as many people as possible in as short a time as possible.

What's funny is, Twitter is one of those tools many job seekers use to network. Sort of counter-productive? Personally, I find Twitter has increased my brain activity, as I spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to decode everyone's abbreviations and tag codes.

Bottom line: exercise makes you fat and tweeting makes you a moron. It's true 'cuz I read it on the internet.

Follow ChickAdvisor on Twitter (what the heck, right?)

Open Letter to Border Customs

Since when does customs get to decide what counts as a birthday gift?

Just because the meanies at the border don't have a sister in the U.S who loves her so much she found her two beautiful pieces at BCBG.com, doesn't mean they should take their frustration out on an innocent newly minted 25ish year old like myself.

I mean, come on! Can't two fashionable sisters send each other something like this?


And what have you got against a little 'ole pair of black Prada sunglasses?


I suppose no one ever gifted you anything like these?

But what really rips is that you went and charged duty on used books we are swapping between each other. Haven't you ever heard of a book club?

Psssh! $58 of I-don't-believe-you fees.

Next year for my birthday we'll do what the man at the post office suggested. She'll only send me used clothes (she can wear it for an hour, but no sweating) - or things I forgot on my last visit and mark: "used clothing. return to owner".

*sly winky*

Shiny Shoes = Hazard on the Streets

True story.

Today as I was walking down the street approaching an intersection, a drunk man stumbled up to me and announced, "I love your shoes. They're so shiny I - I need to step on them", at which point he lunged at my foot. I moved my foot back but he tried again saying, "I just need to step on them."

I pulled back further and asked him to please not! He paused for a moment uncertainly, eyeing my shoes longingly while he weighed his options.

A chivalrous stranger aware of the situation inserted himself between me and the drunk. The light turned green and we started to cross.

"I'm so sorry", the drunk slurred. I wasn't actually going to do it. I just wanted to, but I didn't mean it."

"OK!" I responded brightly moving away.

"I wasn't going to, I just said I was going to" he called after me. "I'm soooory!"

Here are the shoes that caused the kurfufel at King/Bathurst on an unassuming Tuesday afternoon:
I suppose they are rather shiny...

5 Taboo Topics

I hereby declare the following topics taboo...

1. You're so old, why aren't you pregnant yet?
Thank you to the 3 relatives who said this to me this week alone. I realize in your world view I should have had 10 children by now (having started at 19, naturally) but I don't share your view that kids are the *only* calling for women or that you have to be younger than 25 before you start.

2. Well?? Have you met anyone yet?
For my single ladies (and men) everywhere. This question is balls and shouldn't be asked. It, like point #1 suggests that the ultimate fulfillment for a person is a romantic relationship and that view should be discouraged.

3. Any plans for marriage?
Any plans for liposuction? Not everyone wants to get married, and if they do, this is salt in the wound, no?

4. Does my butt look fat?
Actually... yes ;) But we should all monitor what we say and think about our bodies - especially around young women/girls who don't need one more person influencing them to feel badly about themselves.

5. We're trying at the moment (giggle!)
Please, I don't want to picture you two naked.

Zoocasa.com's $999,999,999 Listing

Zoocasa.com, a new Canadian search engine for real estate listings announced at their launch today, the sale of the Roger's Center for the low price of $999,999,999. This coveted 1 bedroom, 400 bathroom landmark is listed "as is" and features 25 McDonald's restaurants and a private 40 person shower. See for yourself:



We were especially impressed with the view from the skylight!

Obviously this is a joke and a clever one at that, but it gives you a sense of what Zoocasa can do. If you're on the market for a house or want to know how much your posh friends paid for their waterfront condo, you can look it up on Zoocasa.

The site works much like Google, where you type in the neighborhood or city you'd like to live in, and it shows you what is available in your desired area for your price range and specifications like how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want. In addition, it provides valuable information on the schools in the area and how they are rated. Even if you don't have kids, this matters because the quality of schools in your neighborhood directly impact the value of your home.

I have personally spent hours perusing the site for fun. I love looking at houses even without intention to buy. For example this is one of the houses I'd like to buy in Vancouver... though I'd also be willing to settle for this condo in Toronto.

I highly recommend you take a peek - it's a great distraction from a mundane work day. Just be poised to minimize the browser quickly when the boss comes 'round as it's easy to get caught up for quite some time.

What's your dream listing?

www.zoocasa.com

What’s New? PURE Alfred Sung at Zellers

PURE Alfred Sung - Authentic designer style without the price tag

This fall, Zellers is introducing PURE Alfred Sung, an affordable clothing line designed by Alfred Sung himself.

PURE Alfred Sung also features PURE Adornment, an accessory collection including jewelry, scarves, handbags and hats that will jazz up any outfit.

(Silver Necklace - $14.97, Ombre Scarf - $19.97 )

With prices ranging from $5.95 – $44.97, this stylish line is Recessionista-friendly. New pieces will be introduced each season providing a cheap and chic wardrobe all year long.

(Handbag - $44.97, Black bangle with white pearls - $14.97, Silver chain link bracelet - $14.97 Pearl bracelet - $17.97)

PURE Alfred Sung will be available mid-August at Zellers stores across the country.

Which piece do you like the best?

One Commercial I Actually Want to Watch

Having a tough Monday? I thought so. Does this help?

This Week on ChickAdvisor

We'll show you some last minute summer getaways.

Reinvent your wardrobe for fall.

Our makeup expert will help you put on a fierce face for fall.

Teach you how to make yummy chocolate creme brulee

Hot Topic: Can you handle this heated discussion? For mature minds only.

Deal of the week: Tarte 40% off Friends and Family Sale

Toronto Tornado

In case you didn't watch the news last night and don't live in Ontario, you might have missed the insane storm we had last night.

This viewer video captures a tornado in Vaughn coming right at their house:

Aritzia Fall/Winter 2009 Fashion Showcase

Enter upon 300 girls who could be The Hills cast extras. Cue ruffle skirts, hipster jumpsuits, scoop side tanks with lacy black bras peeking, or more so blatantly staring through, sky high gladiator sandals, or tap shoe-esque laced flats. It became clear the fashion show was almost unnecessary with the live fashion parade happening in the room already amongst the 16 to 30 year-olds.

This is the Aritzia Fall/Winter 2009 Fashion Preview. A home-grown retailer originally based out of Vancouver, Aritzia is features exclusive house brands, TNA, Talula and Talula Babaton, and carries a slew of third party labels like Community and Rock & Republic.

The show opened with black pleather fitted pants, a screen print t-shirt knotted at the waist and a fun fur cropped mini vest – all cute pieces in their own right if you’ve got the style and sass to pull them off. A body conscious lace mini dress made an appearance twice in the show, clearly showing the mini still rules.

The show morphed in to a tribute to the 2010 Olympics with the Park Life (house brand) line, almost making me excited for winter, despite the ridiculously late arrival of summer in Ontario. Long john style leggings, plaid button-ups, puffy fur-trimmed parkas and comfy ‘Flashdance’ fierce sweatshirts donned the models, all sporting long, wavy Lauren Conrad hair.

I felt myself in a ninth grade revival with the appearance of desert boots, slouch socks, woollen ear bands (but worn as a hippie-style head band), and canvas/tan leather trimmed backpacks. Maybe items I personally would have to pass on in 2009, but the Aritzia diehards born in 1994, and therefore virgins to the 90s grunge trend found them to be coveted items for their closets.


The main takeaways of Aritzia’s F/W ’09 trends:

* Woolly ‘cabin in the woods’ slouchy sweaters
* Skinny pants – from pleather, to long-john style leggings ruled (with a supporting role by some slouchy dress pants and jogging pants)
* Black, grey, plum, and beige – with a splash of ‘all American girl’ red plaid
* The day look from Aritzia for F/W ‘09 = comfy layers and intended disarray (bed head hair, wide neck sweatshirts)
* Night look = body con dresses from lace to velvet to back baring scoops



The Hills of the north evening ended fittingly with the ‘Aritziates’ surrounding Jessie Cruickshank, The Hills After Show it girl and perfect front row personality for this crowd, for autographs and mobile snaps.

Known for their pop culture participation, including fashion collaborations with big name bands and designers, store designs inspired by the city in which that particular store resides, and hipster musicians and bands frequenting the store sound systems, this event proved the understanding with which Aritzia smartly operates amongst the world of its consumers.

by Megan Matthews

Would You Buy This? BCBG Scarf-Neck Jacket

BCBG Scarf-Neck Jacket, $168 USD

This jacket popped into my inbox this morning and I can't quite decide if I like it. On the one hand, I think it looks elegant in a European casual sort of way. It's quite efficient when you think about it since the scarf is built right in.

On the other, I'm not so sure about the short waist with long dangly bit.

Thoughts? Would you buy this?

What's New: NUXE

This September, NUXE is introducing two new products to their line - Ultra Comforting Foot Cream Reve De Miel and Roll On Express Aroma-Vaillance.

NUXE Ultra Comforting Foot Cream Reve De Miel ($19.00) contains “Dermato-Pleasure”, a natural nectar that nourishes even the driest of skin. This secret weapon in the Reve de Miel line, is an Anti-Irritant that replenishes and repairs skin. Combined with Acacia Honey and Cereal Plant Oils, NUXE Ultra Comforting Foot Cream Reve De Miel will help your feet feel nourished.

The Roll On Express Aroma-Vaillance ($49.00) is designed to give your skin an instant lift, with long-term effects on wrinkles and fine lines. The Oak Bark works to tighten the skin while the spheres of Hyaluronic acid smooth fine lines. It also contains Optical Corrector Pigments that brighten the complexion. Aroma-Vaillance contains 84% natural ingredients and is paraben and phenoxyethanol free.

NUXE Ultra Comforting Foot Cream Reve De Miel and Roll On Express Aroma-Vaillance will be available September 2009 at The Bay and Shoppers Drugmart.

'Do My Hair' Blow-Dry Bar opens in Toronto

Recession or not, one thing no lady is prepared to skimp on is her hair. It's precisely why you may have noticed trendy blow dry boutiques making their way from New York and L.A to Midtown Toronto. So naturally, I was excited when I got an invite to check out the newest addition 'Do My Hair' at 583 Mt Pleasant Road!

At first glance this trendy hotspot has all of the ingredients to create a 'to-die-for-do", but under the surface it has so much more to offer. Before I even came through the door I noticed the products they buy and trusted them right away. They use and sell ‘Davines’, ‘Eufora’, and the line singlehandedly responsible for saving my bleached and broken hair - ‘MoroccanOil.’ The décor didn’t disappoint either - from the feathery fixtures to the modern white salon chairs, DMH had me running straight for the sink.

If you are the type of girl who’s constantly going from A to B and back again, this haven is exactly what the doctor ordered. Taking you from drab to fab in 30 minutes, the $32 tab includes a wash and choice of style. Paying homage to the most classic locks in history, choose between looks like "the Jennifer" (Aniston of course), "the Fabulous Farrah" and even "Shirley Temple isn't just a drink.” Ladies all around me were getting do’s ranging from big and bold to cute and casual, all of whom left looking beautiful and completely satisfied.

And if a style alone isn’t enough, splurge for an extra treatment (prices ranging $5 - $220) including vitamins, a De-Stress massage, and my personal favorite “Get the Brass Outta Here.”

Another perk - DMH won’t just ‘Do My Hair’ they’ll ‘Do My Makeup’ too! With onsite artists, give them another 30 minutes and leave looking like a total glamazon ($40 - $80).

Fun, relaxing and super fast - I can’t wait for my next big event so I have an excuse to come back!

by Katie Coristine
*All images by Scott Ramsey

Vancouver Cocktails Meet-Up Pictures

Here are a few pictures from our first ever Vancouver meet-up on August 14th! It was such fun to meet you all!

We shared wine, appetizers and some complimentary desert from the wonderful staff at Joeys Bentall One, talked about what's going on in the city and the event we are planning there soon!













Thank you to CARGO for the valuable goodie bags!

Time Traveler's Wife Movie Night - Last Chance!!

If you loved the book, come see the movie with us! Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams heat up the screen in this beautiful story of a love against all odds.

We've swung a group discount, so your $13 ticket will only set you back $10! Don't listen to your hubby sigh in frustration during protestations of love or roll his eyes when Eric's naked; swoon and sob with your girlfriends instead!

There are just 3 tickets and 12 or so hours left, so don't delay. We look forward to seeing you there!

This Week on ChickAdvisor

New Dove Product Review Club offer!

Be Geek Chic with these top tech gadgets.

Explore Paris night life...

Learn how to make old fashioned pancakes

Hot Topic: Do you find it hard to find clothes that fit your petite frame?
Deal of the Week: Urban Decay Friends and Family Sale - 30% off!

What’s New: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Plumping Lipgloss and Glam Shine Diamant Lipgloss

This summer, treat your lips with L'Oreal Paris' new Infallible Plumping Lip Gloss and Glam Shine Diamant Lip Gloss.

Infallible Plumping Lipgloss ($13.95) features a plumping complex that gives you a plumped pout for 6 full hours. Available in 8 shades, this hydrating gloss won't leave your lips dry and doesn't require touch-ups or topcoats.

Glam Shine Diamant Lipgloss ($10.50) is a blend of two exclusive technologies from L'Oreal - Prisma Pearls and Metalshine Silver. Prisma Pearls technology creates a refined yet brilliant shine while Metalshine Silver technology gives the gloss a sparkling appeal. This non-sticky formula comes in 8 shimmery shades.

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Plumping Lipgloss will be available August 2009 and Glam Shine Diamant Lipgloss will be available September 2009.

What’s New:L’Oreal Collagen Moisture Filler Lotion and Cream

This September, L’Oreal Paris is launching its first all over moisturizers to its Collagen skincare collection – the Collagen Moisture Filler Daily Lotion with SPF 15 and Collagen Moisture Filler Day and Night Cream.

This line is designed for women of any age who are seeing signs of aging and want visible and immediate results. Both these products feature Collagen Biospheres that penetrate and plump the skin to fill in facial lines and wrinkles. Pure Marine Collagen, Boswelox and Nylon 66 combine to hydrate the skin, correct lines, and diminish imperfections.

The Collagen Moisture Filler Daily Lotion with SPF 15 ($26.99) is lightweight and fast absorbing. This lotion fills in lines and wrinkles to create a smooth canvas for your makeup application. And don’t forget the SPF 15 that will also work to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

The Collagen Moisture Filler Day and Night Cream ($26.99) provides all day hydrating and ‘plumping’ action to diminish signs of aging. This rich formula leaves your skin soft and nourished during the day and works to help the skin’s restorative process at night.

L’Oreal Paris’s Collagen Moisture Filler Daily Lotion with SPF 15 and Collagen Moisture Filler Day and Night Cream will be available beginning September 2009.

Fan Mail Friday

Another glorious Friday brings another installment of Fan Mail Friday, when people contact us in confusion as to who and what we are. This week we have two goodies to share:

Name that Book
We wish we could help here. Any takers?

"Hi:

I recently read a blub on a book while standing at a B & N bookstore. I thought it sounded interesting, but when I went back to get it, I couldn't remember either the author or title.

Does anyone know what it is?

It was about 3 sisters, one was married and had children, one was single; the single sister found her self attracted to her brother-in-law, and then the married sister gets sick or has an accident.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? I'd love to read more.

Thank you."

Bug Report
The following individual has filed a "bug report". To be clear, a bug report is for problems with our website. This person has not only confused us with an ice cream parlor, they have taken "report a bug" literally. It was written in all caps but for the sake of your eyes, we have converted it to proper case and left the spelling au naturale...

"Was at your store Aug 10 at 9:20pm. Waited at the speeker fr 10-minutes plus in line up. Cusomer in front got sevice and we waited for 10-plus minutes when the girl finally came on ask what we wahted we ordered only for a reply of o-where closed we have a bug problem has health inspector been notified of this is it safe to eat there but the out come we found that McDonalds has just as good of Ice Cream and service without buggs. Shakes are great to this bug problem and service - be reported to proper helth inspection pepole as to futcher our families just loved the McDonalds ice-cream, shakes, sundays and awsome cinimon melts so our sun.-mon,-wed,-and Fri,-treats will be with McDonalds, al 24 family members agree, let me know when its safe to come back. Thank-you your cusomer."

A call for advertising...
Protect Your Home and Family - Your Site For Safety and Self Defense Products. REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM !!! We sell home Safety and Self Defense Products, such as stun guns, pepper sprays, kubotans and numerous other home safety, college safety and personal safety products, that will provide the much needed piece of mind for your home and family.

Hilarious, right? Which was your favourite?

ChickAdvisor Book Club: The Piano Teacher

We're pleased to present our fourth ChickAdvisor Book Club pick: The Piano Teacher, by Janice Lee!

In 1942, Will Truesdale, an Englishman newly arrived in Hong Kong, falls headlong into a passionate relationship with Trudy Liang, a beautiful Eurasian socialite. But their love affair is soon threatened by the invasion of the Japanese, with terrible consequences for both of them and for members of their fragile community, who will betray one another in the darkest days of the war.

Ten years later, Claire Pendleton comes to Hong Kong and is hired by the wealthy Chen family as their daughter's piano teacher. A provincial English newlywed, Claire is seduced by the colony's heady social life. She soon begins an affair ... only to discover that her lover's enigmatic demeanor hides a devastating past.

As the threads of this spellbinding novel intertwine and converge, a landscape of impossible choices emerges--between love and safety, courage and survival, the present, and, above all, the past.

Like what you see? If you loved Memoirs of a Geisha, this is for you. Discussions will begin in a few weeks, so grab yourself a copy and stay tuned to ChickAdvisor for further announcements! This book is available in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audio CD at most major bookstores and online.

Already read this book? Leave your feedback here!

What is the ChickAdvisor Book Club? Look here for details

New Product Review Club Offer: Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash with NutriumMoisture

100 members of the Product Review Club will each receive a free full sized body wash in Deep Moisture!

If you have already signed up with the Product Review Club you will receive an email with further instructions on how to qualify. If not, sign up now or read more about it here.

What's New? L'Oreal HIP High Intensity Pigments Metallic Eyeshadow Duos

L'Oreal Paris HIP Metallic Eyeshadow Duos
Create the look of the season with these gorgeous metallic hues



L'Oreal's HIP eyeshadows are already a hit on ChickAdvisor. We all love the intense pigment and variety of shades. Their latest collection introduces metallics in keeping with the trends.



Gilded, Gunmetal, Sculpted, Magnetic and Platinum duos come in a sleek compact with a mirror and an applicator, which means you can throw it in your bag and do your makeup on the subway... if you are comfortable with that sort of thing!

So how do you wear a glittery shadow off the runway?

L'Oreal Paris Official Makeup Artist, Eddie Maleterre shares a few tips on creating the runway looks he used for LG Fashion Week in Toronto this spring.

Subtle Sparkle: Apply a light dusting of the palest shade of the duo on the eyelid



Feline-Inspired Eye (pictured): Apply the lightest shade of the duo to the top eyelid stopping at the crease and along the bottom eyelid. Line the top and bottom lash lines with the darkest shade of the duo smudging the colour into the lash lines. Take a deep, black eyeliner and apply over the darkest shade of the duo along the top and bottom lash lines and smudgeit into the lash lines too.

Iridescent & Bold: Roughly blend both colours of the duo on the top eyelid so that the palest shade of the duo delicately emerges from the darkest shade of the duo when struck by light.

Available now at select drugstores and mass-market retailers for $9.95 each.

Why Exercise Won't Make You Thin

... is the title of this week's TIME Magazine article on fitness, weight loss and food. Are you howling in protest yet?

While the overall health benefits of exercise are not in doubt here, the writer wonders why, despite a grueling fitness regimen overseen by a personal trainer, he simply can't lose the last of his jelly belly.

Many of us nod our heads in frustrated agreement. The science of metabolism, calorie burn, and weightloss-related sleep needs have us wikipeding those rusty biology terms, somehow more confused than when we started. But before you reach for the bottle of Alli or try yet another exclamation punctuated fad diet (Learn How This Mom Lost 58 Pounds In 12 Days!!!), what you need is to take a good hard look at your post-workout snack.

Yes. That reward snack after an hour of hot yoga or 60 laps in the pool. Cringe.

Since you burned 485 calories on the StairMaster, you can certainly grab a skinny latté, right? Take a lowfat muffin with that-- you deserve it.

Exercising makes me hungry, so I'm packing Quaker Chewy Bars. I can scarf down 2 or 3 low-calorie bars instead of 1 regular, right? And a stop at the smoothie bar, well that's just a given.

Now, we're not saying that reward snacks are evil or that you should feel pride in your flat belly (instead of the tummy rumbles that will accompany it). I personally am a great believer in Everything In Moderation-- including diet, exercise, and a realistic sense of what's healthy and attractive.

This article makes you really want to rethink that congratulatory stop for a McCafé. What's your take?

What's New on ChickAdvisor

We'll explore Paris street fashion...

Show you pale skin gals how to protect your look.

Discover 5 outdoor adventure getaways...

And teach you how to cool down with 3 smoothie recipes.

Hot Topic: What makeup brushes do you use?
Deal of the Week: Lise Watier and Elle contest giveaway!

Your Pics on ChickAdvisor

We have discovered some amazing writers here at ChickAdvisor through our submission program! Our site readership grows substantially year after year, and it's an great opportunity to get your work noticed.

We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting photography submissions. Whether you are an amateur shutterbug looking for experience and exposure or a professional eager to cast a wider net, we are looking for you!

For further information about our writing and photography submissions, please email us with WRITER or PHOTOGRAPHER in the title.

Vancouver Meet-Up: Friday August 14th

Vancouver Meet-Up: Friday August 14th

We will be in town planning our first ever Vancouver event and we'd love to meet up with some of you over a cocktail to talk about it!

On Friday August 14th at 7pm, please join me at Joeys Bentall One (Burrard & Robson) for some drinks, a loot bag with fabulous makeup and gossip!Space will be limited, so please RSVP here no later than Thursday August 13th:
http://chickadvisorvancouvermeetup.eventbrite.com/

UPDATE AUGUST 10th
This event is now sold out. See you there!

Please note
We will be in the Wine Room.

ChickAdvisor Mini Movie Night: The Time Traveler's Wife

Join ChickAdvisor Toronto Book Club Members to see The Time Traveler's Wife in Theatres Tuesday August 18th at the Cineplex Varsity at 55 Bloor St. W.

Save 30% off the regular movie ticket price and join us girls for a fun night out.

Tickets are $10 (all in) and include admission to the movie with us as a group.

Get your ticket here:
http://chickadvisorminimovie.eventbrite.com/

Update August 12th

Only 8 tickets left. Get your tickets now : )

Susan Boyle's Harper's Bazaar Photo Shoot

Doesn't she look wonderful? Susan Boyle the sweetheart of Britain's Got Talent got glammed up for a photoshoot with Harper's Bazaar. What do you think? Will you be snapping up a copy?

This Week on ChickAdvisor

We'll show you the latest hat trends...

Checked out the best deodorants to help you keep feeling fresh...
Teach you how to budget for your big day...

And show you how to impress your friends with this delicious raspberry & honey creme brulee.



Hot topic: Do you D.I.Y?

Deal of the week: Get $10 off when you spend $75 or more at Lush