November Favourites

November 30, 2020 No Comments

Before this blog goes in full blown Christmas mode, indulge in my November favourites for trendy fall/winter fashion finds, cozy home decor for the holidays, new music you need to hear and two juicy shows that will have you hooked from the first episode!

Fashion

Let’s start this off with two fashion must-haves for your late fall/early winter wardrobe!

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A post shared by Angela McLean (@angelaaaxo)

* Shackets *

EXACT: Check Shacket, Boohoo, $52.80 // SIMILAR: Keelee Jacket Blue, Princess Polly, $114; Houston Shacket in Khaki Camo, Garage, $54.95

Shackets (“shirt jackets”) are the new it jacket and they’re the perfect solution for wanting to wear a flannel in the colder months while keeping yourself warm and cozy. To get multiple outfits out of one jacket, I recommend wearing it undone with a thermal long-sleeve underneath, or pairing it with your fave plain-coloured sweater as temperatures start to drop.

Girl wearing UGG Winter Boots — (Photo courtesy of tradesy.com)

* UGG Boots *

Adirondack III Boot, UGG, $295 // Yose Fluff, UGG, $195

You’ve likely seen UGG slippers taking over your Instagram feed since the start of stay-at-home orders. In addition to their classic styles, you may be surprised to know UGG also sells a wide selection of traditional winter boots — a wise pick for our unpredictable Canadian winters! The Adirondack boot pictured above is a top seller, temperature rated to -32˚C, while the Yose Fluff (my fave!) keeps your feet toasty — and gives you the on-trend look — for less. 💸

Home Decor

Why wait until December to make your space as festive as possible?!

* Small Tree with Jute Base *

Available from Indigo for $34.50

Decked out with stunningly realistic flocked branches, this 24″ tree is perfect for a table centrepiece or small space in your room. Stay tuned to my Instagram to see how I decorate mine!

* Hockey Moose Ornament *

Available from Indigo for $14.50

I already know this will be the best ornament on my tree. It doesn’t get much cuter, or more Canadian, than a stuffed moose with a hockey stick! He just needs a double double from Tim Hortons to cement his citizenship. 🇨🇦

* Wool-Sock Stripe Throw *

Available from Simons for $45

Once your tree is up, maximize the Christmas vibes with an oversized blanket for your bed or couch — perfect for nights in watching holiday movies. As you can imagine, it was love at first sight with this wool-sock printed throw from Simons. Grab a pair of equally-cozy striped wool socks to complete the best matching set you could possibly own!

Music

Ahead of having your Christmas playlist on repeat 24/7, press play on my picks for the best new music of the month!

* Plastic Hearts by Miley Cyrus (Album) *

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve heard a record with no skips, but Miss Miley brought all the heat for her new ’70s and ’80s pop-rock inspired album, Plastic Hearts. Announced in August alongside the release of lead single “Midnight Sky,” this long-awaited album is Miley’s first full-length release since 2017 and follows 2019’s She Is Coming, which ended up being a stand-alone EP from the scrapped She Is Miley Cyrus project. I’m holding out hope we can see some of these tracks performed live in 2021, especially the powerhouse collab with Dua Lipa, “Prisoner.” (P.S. If 2020 has brought us anything positive, it’s been the amount and quality of these catchy female collabs — from Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B, to Dua and Miley, to Bebe Rexha and Doja Cat. Give it to me, ladies! 🔥)

Must-listen tracks: “Plastic Hearts” (a solid title track!), “Night Crawling” featuring Billy Idol (this was made for being in the pit at a concert jamming out), and “Prisoner” with Dua Lipa (watch the music video above!)

Fashion, Favourites, Playlists

October Favourites

October 24, 2020 No Comments

There’s something spooky in the air! With cooler temperatures and fall vibes in full swing, October is easily one of my favourite months of the year — and best of all, we cap off the month with Halloween!

It was a unique challenge to plan a costume for this year’s pandemic-friendly Halloween… stay tuned to my Instagram to see the reveal. In the meantime, check out my newest fall fashion picks, haircare must-haves, and playlist additions. Plus, new this month, browse through my top picks for fun fall home decor!

Fashion

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Saturdays in October 🍁🎃🍂

A post shared by Angela McLean (@angelaaaxo) on Oct 10, 2020 at 2:30pm PDT

* Corduroy Jacket *

EXACT: Corduroy Shirt, Ardene, $34.90 (currently unavailable in pink) // SIMILAR: Western Cord Jacket Blush, Princess Polly, $95; Corduroy Faux Sherpa Jacket, Ardene, $48.93 (sale)

When I was a kid, corduroy pants were my fall wardrobe staple. Paired with sneakers and a plain tee, I somehow felt like the coolest kid in elementary school ㋡ In one of my impulse online shopping sprees earlier in the pandemic, I found this adorable pink corduroy shirt and just had to have it! Not only is it the perfect piece of nostalgia, it’s also the perfect light jacket for fall.

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Fall weekends are the best weekends, and brown suede jackets are the best jackets 🧥

A post shared by Angela McLean (@angelaaaxo) on Oct 24, 2020 at 9:04am PDT

* Suede for Days! *

EXACT: no longer available, Princess Polly, ~$100 // SIMILAR: BLANKNYC Suede Moto Jacket in Sand Stoner, REVOLVE, $316.07

I’ve underestimated the style potential of a brown suede jacket for far too long! My new suede jacket goes with almost every outfit, but I especially love it overtop a graphic tee (bonus points if it’s fall-themed!), blue jeans and black booties. You may need to splurge for the perfect fit, but I promise it’s worth the amount of wear you will get out of one.

Haircare

Light waves are my go-to fall hairstyle. Here are some of my favourite products that help me prep and hydrate my hair for a natural, air-dried look without the frizz!

Le Labo Rose 31 Products — The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac found the way to my heart with these personalized Le Labo products! Stay tuned for a full blog post on this trip.

* Le Labo Shampoo and Conditioner *

Full-size Rose 31 shampoo, Fairmont Store Canada, $65 // Full-size Rose 31 conditioner, Fairmont Store Canada, $65

I quickly got on the Le Labo hype train when I tried their body lotions while on a recent staycation. That said, there is nothing like walking into your hotel room in a new city and seeing fresh bottles of gorgeous rose-scented Le Labo products, including a shampoo and conditioner, WITH YOUR NAME ON IT! Moment of excitement aside, these Fairmont-exclusive products are the real deal and do exactly what Le Labo promises.

This … will wash your hair. And moisturize it. And make it smell wonderful. And make you look beautiful.

What more could you ask for?!

* Pantene Pro-V Thermal Heat Protection Pre-Styling Spray *

Shoppers Drug Mart, $6.99

Any hairdresser will stress the importance of a heat primer, and this Pantene product was the perfect drugstore find! I wanted a simple, affordable heat-protecting spray for daily use and this has been so effective in keeping my hair looking smooth and shiny through it all. Bring on the healthy hair!

* OUAI Leave In Conditioner *

Sephora & Urban Outfitters, $34

As a weekend haircare treat, I always make sure to spritz in this rejuvenating and hydrating leave in conditioner from celeb hairdresser Jen Atkin’s “effortlessly cool” line.

Highlighted Ingredients:
– Tamarind Seed Extract: Provides weightless hydration to your hair.
– Panthenol and Vitamin E: Condition and detangle hair.
– Hydrolyzed Proteins: Protect against damage.

REMINDER! The can’t-miss beauty sale of the year, Sephora’s Holiday Savings Event, kicks off Oct. 30. This is a great chance to get ahead on your holiday shopping… and why not pick up a few beauty treats for yourself? Check back later in the week to snag inspiration from my shopping list!

Home Decor

Here’s some style inspo to make your space a little more spoooOoOo0ky!

* Glitter Pumpkins *

Available from Pottery Barn for $16 (medium) or $39 (large) [sale]

Pumpkins are a classic decor item for the fall, keeping you and your space on trend from the start of the season through Halloween and Thanksgiving. This year, why not go big or go home with a fabulous set of glittery pumpkins? You know you have to have them!

* Skeleton Photo Prints *

Available from Olive Lynn starting at $10 USD

Coffee has become a sort of personality trait for me (the Tired Girl Life™️ is unfortunately very real), so adding this print of a skeleton holding an iced coffee from Olive Lynn Designs to my room was a no brainer. In fact, it’s a skele-ton of fun 😉

Fashion, Favourites, Playlists

September Favourites

September 30, 2020 No Comments

Farewell summer and hello fall! To kick off this new season, browse through my latest fashion faves, beauty must-haves and playlist additions, plus preview what’s next in my reading pile. There are so many options here for pandemic-approved entertainment!

Fashion

* Leopard Print (and the Jilly Jacket 2.0) *

Jilly Jacket 2.0, Joe Fresh, $89 (currently unavailable online; in stock in select Canadian stores) // SIMILAR: Go-H20 Water-Resistant Narrow-Channel Puffer Jacket in Olive Leopard Print, Old Navy, $60 (sale); VERO MODA Cana Puffer Jacket in Leopard, The Bay, $49.99 (sale)

Leopard print has returned as one of the hottest looks of the season and I’m seeing it pop up in all sorts of styles — jeans, sweaters, cardigans… but nothing is cozier than an oversized, fit-for-fall puffer jacket! Canadian retailer Joe Fresh, with the help of West Coast influencer Jillian Harris, launched the “it” jacket of the season with this trendy, longline leopard print puffer (pictured above), dubbed the Jilly Jacket 2.0. Needless to say, I was in love at first sight — and it was so worth the fight to snag one online! In fact, demand for the jacket broke Joe Fresh’s website, with many customers trying for 7+ hours to get one of the limited quantities available. I’m still hearing reports of restocks at physical stores, so keep an eye out (or check out one of the similar jackets linked above!).

* Masks *

Assorted Styles, Old Navy, 5/$15 (great value!)

In case you’ve missed the headlines, the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is officially underway in many regions, including my home province of Ontario, Canada. To keep everyone safe, face masks will remain the must-have accessory for the fall/winter fashion season. Fortunately, there are now so many cute and comfortable styles that it’s tempting to buy one to match every look in my closet. I’m still a huge fan of Old Navy’s masks, which come in packs of 5 or 10 and are fit for the whole family with designs like tie dye, camo and plaid.

Beauty/Skincare

* Rare Beauty *

Fave products: With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm in Blessed, Rare Beauty at Sephora, $21; Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer, Rare Beauty at Sephora, $18 (mini) or $34 (full)

Singer, actress and business powerhouse Selena Gomez did not disappoint with her highly-anticipated Rare Beauty line, which received great praise from fans and beauty influencers alike upon its launch earlier this month. I’m looking forward to trying more products from the collection but already love the lip balm, which is highly pigmented and moisturizing (so hard to find!), and the illuminating primer, which masks your pores while giving you a beautiful, lit-from-within glow.

* FAB Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel 2% Salicylic Acid | First Aid Beauty *

Sephora, $34

Maskne be gone! This product from First Aid Beauty (a FAB brand, if I do say so myself!) has been a holy grail to stopping breakouts in their tracks, especially around my chin. My skin has always responded well to salicylic acid, so I was super happy to find this. When applying, remember a little goes a long way!

Books

While I catch up on my growing book pile, here are the next two reads on my list!

* My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg with Mary Hartnett and Wendy W. Williams *

Available from Indigo for $24.62 (sale)

Earlier this month, we lost an iconic voice for women’s rights, social justice and a better world following the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a beloved Supreme Court Justice (the second female to hold the title) and co-founder of the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU. I remember wanting to read this book when it came out in 2018 and have since picked it up to learn more about Ruth’s inspiring upbringing and journey. Rest in power, RBG!

* The Meaning of Mariah Carey by Mariah Carey with Michaela Angela Davis *

Available from Indigo for $25 (sale)

Fresh out on bookshelves, Mariah Carey’s long-awaited memoir is Mariah unfiltered. Mariah goes deep into her childhood and shares behind the scenes secrets about her songs, struggles and survival, giving readers an incredible inside look at one of the industry’s biggest stars. Bonus: the 11-hour Audible audiobook is narrated by Mimi herself, with musical moments weaved in throughout the memoir. This may finally get me on the audiobook train!

Fashion, Favourites, Playlists

August Favourites

August 25, 2020 No Comments

Somehow, despite a slow-moving global pandemic, it still feels like summer has gone by in the blink of an eye. Here in Canada, we’re already weeks away from leaves falling, temperatures dropping and having to pull out our fall wardrobes (which, for fellow sweater weather lovers, isn’t such a bad thing). It’s officially time to get down to business and soak up the last bits of summer!

To make the most of the final stretch, check out my latest fashion must-haves, music faves, summer reads plus the hottest TV shows streaming now.

Fashion

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A post shared by Angela McLean ☻ (@angelaaaxo)

* Reppin’ Your Team *

Vegas Golden Knights Violent Gentlemen-branded tee, unavailable online // For basketball fans: Toronto Raptors Junk Food Mickey Squad tee, NBA Store, $46 CAD

Summer sports were not in my plans for 2020, but it’s definitely giving us all something to watch as we continue to socially distance. Personally, I’m happy to continue cheering on two of my favourite teams, the Vegas Golden Knights (hockey) and the Toronto Raptors (basketball). RIP to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins… until next season!

While my VGK shirt has of course been a recent go-to, I’m looking forward to receiving my Disney x Junk Food Raptors tee, featuring a vintage-style photo of Mickey Mouse and his pals Goofy and Donald sporting Raptors jerseys! There’s a set of three designs for each team in the bubble, so act fast while the collection is still available.

* Ex-Boyfriend Denim *

SIMILAR SHORTS: Garage, $25 (great sale!)

It’s so hard to find the perfect denim fit, but I’m obsessed with Garage’s lived-in ex-boyfriend style! I dare you to find a comfier and cuter pair of jean shorts. The best part: several of Garage’s ex-boyfriend denim looks are part of their new Re.Think collection, allowing you to look and feel good as you help lessen the impact on the planet. A win for all!

* Clothing Resale Apps *

Last month, I shared my love for fashion resale apps, particularly Poshmark (I’m shopangelaaaxo!) and Depop (angelaaaxoxo). Shopping for new finds (especially sold out or hard to find pieces) and listing my pre-loved clothing quickly became one of my favourite quarantine activities. As promised, I’ve listed a bunch of new goodies on both apps. Go check them out, and feel free to comment or send me your links!

In case you missed it, I recently compiled a list of nine Black-owned fashion brands with beautiful pieces to add to your wardrobe. Consider supporting one of these talented designers next time you feel like going on a shopping spree!

Books

I’ve been behind on book recommendations, so here’s a double header for the end of summer!

* The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue *

Available from Indigo for $25 (sale)

When best-selling author Emma Donoghue started writing her latest historical fiction novel, I’m sure she had no idea that a similar storyline would be playing out in real life come release day. In a perfect coincidence, The Pull of the Stars, which is set in the middle of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, has several eery parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.

See the publisher’s synopsis:

In an Ireland doubly ravaged by war and disease, Nurse Julia Power works at an understaffed hospital in the city center, where expectant mothers who have come down with the terrible new Flu are quarantined together. Into Julia’s regimented world step two outsiders—Doctor Kathleen Lynn, on the run from the police, and a young volunteer helper, Bridie Sweeney.

In the darkness and intensity of this tiny ward, over three days, these women change each other’s lives in unexpected ways. They lose patients to this baffling pandemic, but they also shepherd new life into a fearful world. With tireless tenderness and humanity, carers and mothers alike somehow do their impossible work.

The same way pandemic-based films like Contagion were must-watch movies earlier this year, The Pull of the Stars is a solid pick for the times — and an important story to highlight the incredibly difficult and selfless work of our frontline workers.

* Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner *

Available from Indigo for $14.32 (sale)

Big Summer is the quintessential beach read with friendship and romance at the heart. Author Jennifer Weiner, who is also behind the hit Mrs. Everything, effortlessly ties in influencer culture, and a surprising mystery twist that I won’t spoil!

Here’s more from the publisher’s synopsis:

Six years after the fight that ended their friendship, Daphne Berg is shocked when Drue Cavanaugh walks back into her life, looking as lovely and successful as ever, with a massive favour to ask. Daphne hasn’t spoken one word to Drue in all this time—she doesn’t even hate-follow her ex-best friend on social media—so when Drue asks if she will be her maid-of-honor at the society wedding of the summer, Daphne is rightfully speechless.

Drue was always the one who had everything—except the ability to hold onto friends. Meanwhile, Daphne’s no longer the same self-effacing sidekick she was back in high school. She’s built a life that she loves, including a growing career as a plus-size Instagram influencer. Letting glamorous, seductive Drue back into her life is risky, but it comes with an invitation to spend a weekend in a waterfront Cape Cod mansion. When Drue begs and pleads and dangles the prospect of cute single guys, Daphne finds herself powerless as ever to resist her friend’s siren song.

A sparkling novel about the complexities of female friendship, the pitfalls of living out loud and online, and the resilience of the human heart, Big Summer is a witty, moving story about family, friendship, and figuring out what matters most.

Fashion, Favourites, Playlists

July Favourites

July 30, 2020 No Comments

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for SHEIN and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking these links.

Without a doubt, we can all say Summer 2020 is like no other. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, restrictions remain in place on travel, gatherings and so many other traditional summer pleasures. Concerts and festivals have gone virtual, including Chicago’s Lollapalooza (which I was finally set to attend!), and most amusement parks remain closed or are opening with highly limited capacity. But despite this summer looking unusual at best (and downright lonely and depressing at its worst), there are still plenty of ways to make the most of it.

Live out your best summer dreams responsibly with my latest fashion and skincare must-haves, streaming recommendations and playlist additions.

Fashion

Who says you can’t look your best during a pandemic?!

Swimsuits for Days — (Photo via @ardene/Instagram)

* Swimwear *

Assorted Styles from SHEIN, starting at $3 (snakeskin set, $9.50; two-tone one piece, $19) // Assorted Styles from Ardene, starting at $5 (floral top, $10; bold blue bottom, $17.43)

Raise your hand if, like me, you also want to restock your entire swimwear drawer every time summer rolls around. 🙋 While you likely don’t need a new poolside ‘fit for every day of the week, an extra bikini top or matching set is the perfect guilt-free pandemic purchase. I’ve linked some super affordable and trendy options from SHEIN and Ardene above for under $20! A nearby beach is surely calling your name — just remember to socially distance and leave if it gets too crowded.

Need a beach read? Head over to my blog post from last summer listing 5 hot titles!

* Face Masks *

Old Navy, $15 for 5 // Gap, $20 for 3

In case you missed the memo, face masks are still the hottest (and, in many cities, must-have 😉) accessory of the summer. Check out my recent blog post where I proved this essential piece of PPE doesn’t have to sacrifice your personal style.

* Clothing Resale Apps *

Did you miss out on your favourite artist’s limited-run merchandise? Have shopper’s regret from a previous purchase? Still looking for the perfect basic tees and vintage jeans? Allow me to pass along my latest quarantine activity! I’ve fully hopped on the clothing resale app bandwagon, both to hunt down new wardrobe staples and make money selling old faves. Check out my profiles on Poshmark (shopangelaaaxo) and Depop (angelaaaxoxo) — I’ll be listing so many more pieces soon!

Skincare

Skincare = self-care — and this is more valuable than ever during a pandemic.

We all need to be in this together!

Clarisonic and Avon Cleansing Brushes — (Photos via Clarisonic *left* and Avon *right*)

* Face Cleansing Brush *

MIA PRIMA Sonic Cleansing Face Brush, Clarisonic, $69.50 // Anew Clean Cleansing Brush, Avon, $34.99

Cleansing is a key step in my daily skincare routine, so it’s surprising I took this long to try out a cleansing brush for some self pampering. I use one from Avon two to three times a week and noticed a difference in my face almost right away.

Cleansing brushes work well on all skin types and help products like your serums and moisturizers absorb better and faster. It’s also painless to set up and use, so why not give it a try?! Clarisonic, one of the original brands in the cleansing brush space, is shutting down at the end of September, so act fast to score 50% off their classic MIA PRIMA brush and save on other cleansing and massaging devices across their site.

Boscia Clear Complexion Blotting Linens flatlay — (Photo via Amazon)

* Blotting Papers *

Clear Complexion Blotting Linens by Boscia, Sephora, $14

Oily sisters, unite! Blotting papers are nothing short of a life saver all year round, but I can’t leave the house without them during the summer when a little extra face shine/beauty sweat is inevitable. Just be sure to dab lightly on any problem areas — and it doesn’t hurt to use setting spray in the morning and a refreshing mist like MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ throughout the day to keep your look extra secure.

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