Chick Lit - The Official ChickAdvisor Blog

Fan Mail Friday

2009-11-06T14:03:00.004-05:00

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

2009-11-05T16:09:00.004-05:00

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

2009-11-05T08:16:00.006-05:00

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

2009-11-04T13:00:00.003-05:00

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

Cozy Things Pose-Off

2009-11-04T10:00:00.001-05:00

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.

Nifty Shoe Storage Invention: Structube's CIAO Shoe Cabinet

2009-11-03T10:08:00.006-05:00

My condo has the tiniest front entrance. You open the door and you are bombarded with shoes. I've tried the traditional shoe rack but it ends up looking like a jumbly mess and more often than not, the shoes end up on the floor like this:

I've been looking for a good shoe solution for awhile and finally found the CIAO shoe cabinet from Structube. It's a 3 drawer shoe system where you stuff as many as you can into tidy little drawers, close them and voila. Now my teeny tiny entrance looks like this:

Are you impressed? It's a bit pricy at $169 but for the visual improvement and the fact that I don't have to kick shoes on my way in and out, I feel it's worth it.

Note: Does not come with orchid... and sadly the shoes are not included either.

What do you think? Is it worth it?

Update:

You've been asking about exactly what kinds of shoes or boots, etc can fit in here and how many so I've included a few more pictures:

Boots!Folded over, you can fit 2 pairs max.

Men's shoes!
You can fit 3 + soccer ball shoe freshener ;)

Heels!
3.5 pairs to be exact!

Getting to Know You: Megan Matthews

2009-11-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Megan Matthews is the girl you immediately like: funny, smart, and unpretentiously stylish. A core member of our fashion reporting team, she always has some zany story to share. Speaking of which....

ChickAdvisor
I always have to ask: do you have a nickname? (Also, can you possibly top K-Dawg?)

Megan
Muff is my nickname. And most people giggle at this, given it’s a name that can mean other things...

It started off as Muffin, a name my family called me as a kid, then shortened to Muff. Now, it’s caught on with friends. My mom used to call in university and leave a message on the voicemail saying ‘hi Muff!’

ChickAdvisor
Do you have a celebrity crush?

Photo credit: Hubert Boesl/Corbis

Megan
Zac Efron. Yes, I’m almost a decade older. And yes, having a crush on him may be bordering on cougar-status; but he is fit, dreamy, talented and well-dressed. In 17 Again he was like the ultimate guy (when he looked 17, yet acted 30 - which sounds so inappropriate as I write it). He’d be the one I’d be cutting out of my Teen Beat Magazine if I still had a subscription.

ChickAdvisor
Who is your fashion Icon?

Megan
The J. Crew catalogue. When it arrives each month, I must find the perfect moment to flip through it. There can’t be distractions. It can’t be when I’ve just paid all my bills, and I’m broke – I need to feel like I can at least get something from its perfect pages, like a bible of perfect styling. If I could, I would buy every outfit in it, and wear it as is. Not original? Perhaps. But would I look darn put together? Confirmed.

ChickAdvisor
How would you describe your closet?

Megan
A mix of classics (10 pairs of black dress pants and counting), with a dash of uber-girlie trends. Ruffles? Check. Lace? Check. Sequins? Check. I mix and match my classic pieces with my trendy pieces.

But the real star of Megan’s closet? Accessories. Bags, shoes, necklaces, cocktail rings, scarves, hairbands with oversized flowers, you name it... I think you can make any outfit fabulous with the right accessories.

ChickAdvisor
The last thing you think about before you go to sleep is...

Megan
... what am I going to eat for breakfast. Shreddies or Raisin Bran? Cereal is my favourite food. Its sustenance got me through university.

Highlights from Megan

How to Host a Clothing Swap
* Bring your totes, not your claws

When to Have the 'Label' Discussion
* Is there a good way to say "so, where do we stand?"

Aritzia F/W 2009 Fashion Showcase
* Canadian boutique success story's fashion show

ChickAdvisor is a Finalist for CNMA Hottest New Digital Kid on the Block

2009-11-02T18:28:00.000-05:00

Yessss! *Fist pump!*

A little bragging is ok, yes?

ChickAdvisor has been named as a finalist for the Canadian New Media Awards as Hottest New Digital Kid on the Block. Hosted by nextMEDIA, the award will go to a startup digital media property that demonstrates innovation, original concept or content and above all, user engagement.

ChickAdvisor.com is Canada's first social network for women 18-40 that has thousands of user generated reviews of products and local services. Over 1.5 million women visit ChickAdvisor every year, participating in online reviews, offline shopping parties, videos and product sampling through the popular Product Review Club. ChickAdvisor experienced 167% growth in the last year and anticipates 2010 will follow suit with an exciting new strategy that will soon be announced.

Color Sensational Kisses Alison Lawler-Dean

2009-11-02T11:00:00.002-05:00

This Week on ChickAdvisor

2009-11-02T09:38:00.003-05:00

A Product Review Club offer you don't want to miss out on - Maybelline New York Color Sensational!

Fashionable Cities: LA and Tokyo S/S 2010 collections.

Want to see the top rated health clubs on ChickAdvisor?

Bring a taste of Parisian cuisine to your dinner table!

Hot Topic of the Week: Would you sleep with a married man? See what our members are saying.

Deal of the Week: Jones New York Factory Coat sale. Expires November 4!

Pictures from the 1st Canadian P&G Beauty Awards

2009-10-30T15:13:00.012-04:00

Warning: This post is the product of FujiFilm saying, "Hey! Why don't you play with our shiny new Finepix F70?" combined with a party and a glass of bubbly. I forget that sometimes it's fun to be behind the camera too. So... forgive that I'm in every shot?

Last night ChickAdvisor attended the P&G Beauty awards at the Carlu. The bash celebrated the best in Canadian fashion and beauty, bestowing Tiffany & Co. engraved awards to magazines, blogs, websites, makeup artists, models and photographers.

The Pros of this photo: I'm with Joeffer Caoc, one of my fave Canadian designers. The Cons: The shadows are making it look like my butt just grew several inches and... Joeffer's hand is on it.

The event was hosted by Nia Vardalos, who kept the crowd in stitches with jokes about her own beauty struggles growing up. She even went so far as to share a picture of herself in the awkward years. You know that school photo aged somewhere between 11 and 14 that we'd die if anyone saw? That one.

I'm with Jennifer Campbell, the online editor for FashionMagazine.com. She was the final vote that convinced me to keep the ginormous necklace when we bonded over foundation at a Clarins event.

For some reason Style By Jury's David Clemmer and I ended up doing a series of impromptu posing. The man is really funny. He was one of the presenters of the evening and this is the only photo you're going to see from our shenanigans.

Well loved Beauty Geek, Janine Falcon took home the award for best Beauty or Fashion Blog.

Julia McEwan of Canadian Living always looks amazing and is willing to pose on command. You may recall we've fashion stalked her before.

Liv Judd, editor of Lou Lou Magazine looks like a Barbie doll in her white cocktail dress. But don't hate - this fellow prairie chick is very sweet.

Sandy Gold of Happiface.com and I with our enormous statement jewelry and matching faux hawk pony tails. Do you love it?

Janine accepts her award with her trademark quip that 'the staff' will be very pleased.

That Nia Vardalos. She even talks pretty. Have you ever seen a picture of yourself mid sentence? Me, I'm an ugly talker. My face contorts, my mouth looks crooked and I purse my lips a lot. Nia is a pretty talker.

So is Jeanne Becker.

Halloween Brings Out Celebrity Sexy, Zany, and OMG

2009-10-30T10:54:00.025-04:00

Celebrities (usually) look camera-ready perfect, so it's a nice change to see them step outside the Hollywood bubble and go all out in costume (some more than others). Gory or ridiculous, these celebs live for the shock factor!

Heidi Montag & Spencer Pratt
Photo credit: Nathanael Jones/Pacific Coast News

The Hills reality stars, "Speidi", poke fun at another reality couple. 3 guesses?

Tyra Banks
Photo credit: Michael Loccisano/Warner Bros.

Tyra as Kim Kardashian is not very exciting, but she does look fabulous! With the hair, camera angle, lighting and a quick glance Tyra's disguise would make anyone do a double take.

Seal and Heidi Klum
Photo credit: EntertainmentWise

Seal and Heidi Klum aren't afraid to go all out. They are so ridiculously cute and in love it makes me gag a little.

Petra Nemcova
Photo credit: EntertainmentWise

Petra Nemcova wants to "walk like an Egyptian"...

Paris Hilton
Photo credit: EntertainmentWise

... while Paris' sexed-up army outfit is so expected.

Mario Lopez
Photo credit: EntertainmentWise

Seriously, Mario Lopez has no shame. If you've got it why not flaunt it, right? The security officer doesn't seem to mind ;)

Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon
Photo credit: Henry Lamb/Photowire/BEImages

Firefighters are definitely sexy, but leave it to Mariah Carey to make it look downright trashy.

Ice-T and Coco
Photo credit: EntertainmentWise

It's like looking at a car crash. You want to look away but you just can't!

Gwen Stefani
Photo credit: EntertainmentWise

I love Gwen Stefani, but as a style icon I expected a little more than sunny-side up. How does she still manage to look chic?

Britney Spears
Photo credit: EntertainmentWise

Yes Britney, this is very scary. We're completely baffled about what your costume is, even.

Audrina Patridge
Photo credit: EntertainmentWise

Hills star, Audrina Patridge, in a classic '80s Madonna get-up. It's unimaginative but I love it!

Angela Bassett and kids
Photo credit: Evans Ward/Berliner Studio/BEImages

Say it with us: awwwww!

Are you dressing up for Halloween? Which celebrity costume has your vote?

Happy Halloween!

Dynamite Holiday Pose Off!

2009-10-29T12:29:00.000-04:00

Staff at ChickAdvisor H.Q. is at it again! Our pose off continues, this time featuring the beautiful holiday collection from Dynamite. We were pleasantly surprised by how many items we loved!

Without further ado, here we are getting our pose on...

No, these aren't mannequins but rather a case of Bad Hair day! The holiday season is all about feminine ruffles and a dash of sparkle. Each outfit has the perfect amount of roominess for those big festive dinners but still shows off your figure. The sparkly sequin bolero and dress add an element of glitz and glam.

Whether it's a shrug or a little jacket, keep warm while looking stylish. The gray bolero can go with a casual tank or dressy cami, but save the cropped jacket for a more formal affair. The striped wrap sweater is a cozy but stylish choice for those bitter cold days.

Which outfit is your favourite? Who do you think wins the mannequin pose off? I'm loving mannequin #2 on the bottom with the awkward pose! Share your vote in the comments.

www.dynamite.ca

Hot or Not? Wedding Gowns with (gasp) sleeves

2009-10-29T10:37:00.005-04:00

Photo credit: EPA/Fred Marcus

Ah, wedding stress. Sleepless nights spent muttering over Mommy-in-law's critique of the exact shade of ivory for the napkins, or your band who has just a few too many Barry Manilow songs on their playlist are bad enough. Worrying about your not-so-toned armpits and underarms creeping out the top of your strapless gown is enough to make you want to strap on that bat cape and sail off the nearest bridge.

These oh-so-hilariously-nicknamed 'batwings' can be toned up by regular sessions with a set of dumbbells, but the multiple cake-tasting sessions are really working against you. Help may be on the way.

Ivanka Trump's gown got a modesty makeover when she converted to orthodox Judaism in time for her October 25, 2009 wedding. Vera Wang added a lace bodice and half sleeves to Ivanka's dress that we are swooning over. Does this signal the decline of the strapless bridal uniform?

What do you think?

LG Fashion Week Highlights: L'Oreal Paris Celebrates 100 Years of Beauty

2009-10-28T11:32:00.002-04:00

L'Oreal Paris celebrated 100 years of beauty by putting on a runway show for Toronto LG Fashion Week's opening night on October 19. The show featured a montage of influential looks from different eras; many were stunning!

1910 look: I heart the porcelain skin, rouge lips, and curly up-do.

1920 look: Ladies of this era were mysteriously vampy. Love the feathers!

1940 look: Only a strong, confident woman could pull off this look! Designer/singer Gwen Stefani draws much inspiration from the '40s.

1970 look: The 'fro is so disco-chic! Love the suit!

1980 look: Gotta love the big, over-teased hair of the '80's!

2000 look: The era of sleek, chic, and simply natural. The revolutionary straightner changed my life!

Present day: Love the beachy-inspired waves and tropical makeup for Spring 2010's day look!

Present day: Evening look for Spring 2010 - picture evening cocktails in St. Maarten!

L'Oreal Paris' Eddie Maleterre and Eric Del Monaco, creators behind the styles. Love!

Which era do you fancy?

Photo credit: Cowan and Company

Designer collaborations: Christian and Jean Paul

2009-10-28T11:08:00.000-04:00

In a perfect world, my closet would be overflowing with high-end designer pieces. Also, ice cream and chocolate would be calorie exempt.

However, I doubt a designer wardrobe makeover is in the cards anytime soon. Now that more top designers are collaborating with affordable brands like H&M, Payless, and Target we no longer have to dream about owning a designer piece!

Christian Siriano for Payless; Photo: Fashion-plate.blogspot.com

Project Runway (US) Season 4 winner, Christian Siriano, has created a shoe line for Payless coming Spring 2010. He debuted his shoe line, which included 5-inch banana heels, in his runway show in September. However, Payless is doing a more toned down version of the collection by simply plastering the the blue and orange ocean-inspired fabric from his collection to plain pumps. Will you be clamoring to get your hands these shoes?

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target; Photo: Styleblog.ca

Jean Paul Gaultier is doing a collection with Target, the third big name designer to join the Designer Collaboration series following Alexander McQueen and Anna Sui. Set to launch March 7, 2010, Gaultier's collection will be available on Target.com and 250 Target locations in the US. His inspiration for the line is the "American woman". Do you think his line will be wearable?

Read more on this topic, at Style for a Steal: Top Designers Bring It To the Masses.

What's New: Lancome Oscillation Powerfoundation SPF 21

2009-10-28T08:15:00.000-04:00

Lancôme's 1st micro-vibrating mineral foundation, Ôscillation PowerFoundation SPF 21

I have to admit, the latest gadgets have made beauty just a little more fun! Life is complicated enough, but can these new high-tech beauty products actually make our lives easier?

What is it?
Charismatic Lancôme creator, Jean-Louis Gueret, is always thinking ahead finding ways to improve today's makeup. With the success of Lancôme's Ôscillation mascara, it was only logical to keep going. Ôscillation PowerFoundation SPF 21 is the first micro-vibrating mineral foundation with a sponge applicator that buffs onto the skin.

Why should you care?
If you've ever used a loose mineral powder foundation you know it can be messy. The sponge contours the face and concentrates the oscillation to the center of the sponge, making it is mess-free! The buffing action easily and evenly smooths the minerals over the face, leaving you looking naturally radiant and flawless. The massaging action encourages circulation in the skin, which improves the overall appearance. It's so quick and easy to use, Jean-Louis did a lovely demonstration...on himself!

The Ôscillation PowerFoundation ($65 CDN) will be available in 9 shades at Lancome online (Canada) and select Lancôme counters starting January 2010. It is now available in 12 shades in the US from select retailers and online (US).

What did you think of the Ôscillation Mascara? Will you try the foundation too?

What's New: La Senza Ohh La Lace No-Show Thong

2009-10-27T12:00:00.004-04:00

Look out, Hanky Panky! La Senza No-Show Thongs are taking you on.

La Senza Ohh La Lace No-Show Thong, $12.50 CDN

Hanky Panky panties have long been an underneath-it-all staple for fashionable femmes; no visible panty line and one size fits all! They are cute, but somewhat pricy, starting at $18 USD each. Luckily, La Senza has also launched their own lacy lovelies, which offer the same benefits for less at $12.50 CAD or 3 for $25.

L-R: Hanky Panky; La Senza Ooh La La Lace No-Show Thong

What is it?
La Senza Ohh La Lace No-Show Thongs are invisible under your clothing.

Why should you care?
A wardrobe staple, these one-size-fits-all thongs really do fit all sizes! They are super stretchy and ultra comfortable. You'll never have to be embarrassed about these invisible thongs showing through your clothes (although they're so pretty you almost want to show 'em off!).

Available at La Senza locations across Canada and at www.lasenza.com.

Hot or Not: Gradient Nails?

2009-10-26T23:18:00.000-04:00

Ladies, I think we can all admit that we've fallen for a trend or two in our lifetime we'd rather not relive (burning photos as we speak). Some trends have reemerged, like the modernized '80s blazer - a wardrobe staple. What about the ones that aren't so hot ,like tapered jeans and frosty blue eyeshadow? Why? is all I can say.

What do you think of the latest trends in nails: gradient colour? Not familiar? Celebrities like reality TV star, Lauren Conrad, have sported this trend on their tips.

Photo: Lovelyish

Nails are painted from light to dark in the same colour family or in complimentary hues. Here's a close-up photo from The Coveted.

Hot or not? Will you try this nail trend or are you way ahead of us and wearing it as we speak?

If you have your eye on a great trend you think everyone should be doing/wearing/saying we want to know! And heck, if you think a hot trend is just so wrong, share that too. Please include a photo with your rant or rave email, and you may see it here on ChickLit!

This Week on ChickAdvisor

2009-10-26T10:20:00.004-04:00

New Product Review Club offer. 100 reviewers will have the chance to review Vaseline Sheer Infusion Stratys-3!

Cook up a delicious Italian cuisine with the hunky David Rocco!

Toronto LG Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 round-up, Read up on the hottest trends coming our way.

What's the right weight for you? Find out from new contributor Kate Comeau.

Don't forget to enter for ChickAdvisor's 3rd Birthday give away.

Deal of the Week: Win 1 of 10 dermaglow Correction Kits! Offer ends October 31st.
Forum Topic of the Week: Jealous...of a baby? Curious? Find out what our members are saying!

New Contributor: Kate Comeau

2009-10-25T22:05:00.003-04:00

We're pleased to introduce our latest expert contributor to ChickAdvisor! Nutritionist Kate Comeau will tackle your questions on health and wellness, from body image to the truth about what's in your lunchbox.

Kate is a registered dietitian and nutritionist, and the Lifestyle Division Director of ATP Nutrition. The McGill and Acadia alum's first article appears on ChickAdvisor this week.

Share your health and wellness questions with Kate, and you may see it featured here on ChickAdvisor!

Yay or Nay: Anthropologie Necklace

2009-10-23T16:32:00.007-04:00

This morning after attending an event for Lancome and the launch of their newest innovation (a vibrating foundation!), I impulsively picked up this statement necklace from Anthropologie.

I was so excited when I saw it in the store but then I got home and now I'm just not sure. Is it too much for my wee upper body? I tend to buy classic clothes and have a lot of black in my closet so I thought this might spice it up. But when I put it on the husband pulled a face, which really blows when you bring home something new you're excited about, doesn't it?

Since I have no shame, I hit the posing wall and hoped you lovelies could help me decide. Yay or nay?

P.S Comments on my frizzy hair are not welcome. It's raining today ok?

Update:

You all suggested I try another neckline and put my hair back, so here it is. I think it would be even better with strapless but I generally wear straps. I think it looks miles better but it's still a whole lotta necklace!

Member Blogs We Love

2009-10-23T14:45:00.001-04:00

Our members are amazing and whenever we get the chance, we like to make a point of showing some love! Not only do they write great reviews, but they also have fantastic blogs we can't get enough of. Interest piqued?

Meet ChickAdvisor member Marsadie! A self-professed girly-girl, she is the beauty editor of Frappelattes.com, a beauty and lifestyle blog.

Why we love it: The name is adorable and the pretty pictures and juicy tidbits on beauty and fashion always leave us wanting more!

Meet ChickAdvisor member Midnight Cowgirl! She'd rather be anonymous but just picture Elizabeth Taylor (according to her profile). This indie fashion blogger is the founder of The Fashion Planner, a blog about pop culture through the eyes of a twenty-something fashionista.

Why we love it: One-of-a-kind fashion finds and themed party looks!

Planning a wedding? You're in luck! ChickAdvisor member Cynthia Martyn is the founder of, Cynthia Martin Events The Blog. Her blog features her stunning work as a pro wedding planner based in Toronto.

Why we love it: Besides all her expert wedding tips, we love gazing at all the pretty brides in their gorgeous wedding dresses!

Here's another anonymous Chick (we're sure she's much hotter than Perez Hilton!)! ChickAdvisor member Nicola has good reason though; as the editor of The Gossip Wrap-Up!, she dishes on celebrity news and juicy gossip!

Why we love it: Nicola's saucy reports on the hottest celebs of the moment are downright hilarious!

Check out these member blogs and let us know what you think. Who knows, you may find a new favourite! We're always perusing our Blog directory for new blogs to love! And always - don't forget to share that love and link back to us! Thank you, pretties!

How to Have a Cool Profile Picture

2009-10-22T13:30:00.016-04:00

There are so many great profile pictures on ChickAdvisor, and there's also lots of default "blue chick" images (which, in hindsight are kind of ugly, no?) The number one reason women don't upload a picture with their profile is they want to be anonymous. Even though my profile has pages and pages (and pages) of pictures of yours truly and my life, I totally get the shy girl thing. BUT, you can still show personality without showing your beautiful face.

Behold a selection of actual member profile pictures that we think pretty much rock:

What's cuter than a wee one? Think Clearly was clever to get her Gerber Baby to represent!

Elle Dias is gorgeous, glamorous and a bit mysterious!
Pinkcrush shows her sexy sassy side but because we can't see her whole face, I probably wouldn't recognize her on the subway. Or at Fashion Week, which I just noticed on her blog, she too is covering.

Makeupkase is retro chic with her popping pink headband and cool photo treatment. Like the 2 lovely lasses before her, we are only getting one eye. A side profile is a bit more anonymous, yet coy.

IshraSharif shows us she is a fun loving city girl without even showing her face!

'SnotFace' is anything but, and um, er... I'll be honest. This beguiling babe has bewildered me with her choice of member name so I'll just leave it at that, stop using the letter "b", and assume it's an inside joke?

stereo_child has demonstrated the art of complete anonymity while still looking totally cool.

Megan Stevens: 1. I have that bikini too; and 2. You look like fun. Can we be friends?

Jessgurl03 - Strike a pose, there's nothing to it, vogue (vogue, vogue). Love, Madonna.

Dear Badfish - another name that thrills me to read - I love this picture and it makes me very happy. Thank you.

Panda, yum! You got any more of those? Panda, this picture is so anonymous for all I know you're a pot bellied middle age man looking for an outlet to express your inner chick, but you know what? I'll take a dozen of these to go.

So you see, Girlfriends, as these lovely chicks have demonstrated there is much you can do to add some zing to your profile without shame or revealing too much. Please be a dear and trot on over to your profiles and add some of your lovely personality stat!

Psst! Which are your favourite profile pics?

LG Fashion Week Ghosts

2009-10-22T10:46:00.004-04:00

This is what happens when you try to take amateur photos from the audience on auto setting. I captured a lot of ghosts that night. Aside from the fact that the pictures aren't usable, they look cool, no?

Boo!