February Favourites

February 23, 2020 No Comments

With February being the unofficial-official month of love, there is no better time to share the many things I’ve been crushing on lately!

Check out what’s caught my eye in the worlds of fashion, beauty/skincare, music, movies and TV in this month’s Favourites list below.

Fashion

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A post shared by Angela McLean ☻ (@angelaaaxo)

* Floppy Brim Hats *

SIMILAR: Nordstrom Rack, $299 // Free People, $77 (exact from Aldo, sold out)

This impulse purchase from an Aldo in Pittsburgh a few years ago completely changed my fall/winter fashion game. Floppy hats, especially in a bold colour or shade like plum wine, are so cute and versatile and take any outfit to another level.

*** Free People ***

If you’re into boho-chic, fashion-forward clothing, listen up. I found the hack to shopping Free People for less: their online sale section! They have so many good sales and I’ve been finding items still new in store for 30% off or more online — and shipping has been free to Canada every time I ordered. Pro tip: You can also sign up to their email list for free shipping on your first order. Added bonus: Their customer service is incredible!

I’ve already worn their flowy Claudia Blouse (roughly 75% off) and got tons of compliments, and I have another shirt and hat I’m saving for the perfect photo opps. 😉

Beauty/Skincare

* Derm Renewal Cream with 10% AHA | G.M. Collin *

BeautySense, $74

Last month I recommended G.M. Collin’s Derm Renewal Booster with 10% AHA. Meet its daytime sidekick: the Derm Renewal Cream. The Booster is best suited for overnight use since it’s quite drying, while this companion product gives you the same benefits with added moisture. I have no problem dabbing a light layer of this on under my makeup and I really see the results when I stick to my routine!

*** Anew Hydra Fusion 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum ***

Avon, $29.99 (promo price down from $46)

My skin is very dry in the morning, especially in the winter, making it difficult to apply foundation or concealer without immediate flaking. Luckily, this hyaluronic acid serum has saved the day more times than I can count. I spread it evenly on my face and neck shortly after getting out of the shower while my skin is damp, take one more pump after breakfast if I’m having an extra dry day, and I’m good to go!

Fashion, Favourites, Playlists, Reviews

January Favourites

January 31, 2020 No Comments

New year, new monthly series on the blog! In 2019, I shared my favourite tunes with you each month through groovy, curated playlists. There’s one for every mood and occasion, so I highly (and humbly) recommend you go back and listen to all 12 — your music library will thank me later.

This year, I’ll be highlighting a sampling of all my faves — fashion, beauty, books, music and movies & TV — with monthly Favourites lists. Let’s face it: If I’ve been hooked on a product/show/song for a month, I’m in for the long run. So, get out your Notes app and shopping list — the fun starts now!

Fashion

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A post shared by Angela McLean ☻ (@angelaaaxo)

* Blanket Scarves *

SIMILAR: Aritzia, $88 // Aritzia, $29.99 (exact from Aldo, $20 sold out)

I have to be honest — I’m not much of a scarf person. I end up getting super hot super fast and they always give me a bump in the back of my hair. But my outlook on scarves quickly changed when I picked up my first blanket scarf. The one pictured above is from Aldo and it’s a BLESSING — no fuzzies shed, I get the right amount of warmth and it’s a super cute accessory. Even on a bitterly cold night, I can wear a short sleeve shirt under my winter jacket, put this scarf on top and I’m in a perfectly warm cocoon. It also becomes an office-appropriate blanket if I keep it draped around my shoulders. Winning all around.

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* Statement Booties *

SIMILAR (Buckle Booties): Topshop (The Bay), $190 (exact discontinued)

EXACT (Stud Booties) [NOT PICTURED]: Steve Madden, $129.98 on sale

I’ve written extensively about the power of a good pair of booties. The sound! The added height! I could go on and on. These Topshop buckle boots have been my precious babies for more than a year, so I’ve been devastated seeing them fall apart before my very eyes. 😿 While I look for the perfect replacement, I’m currently breaking in an edgy studded Steve Madden look that is easy to dress up or dress down. I just have to remind myself, no pain, no gain!

Giveaways, New Music Friday, Playlists

12 New Christmas Songs That Will Be Instant Classics (+ HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!)

December 20, 2019 19 Comments

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! 🎶

Every winter, I love adding the latest holiday singles to my Christmas playlist. My heart fills with festive joy hearing all the new melodies, lyrics and fresh twists applied to Christmas classics. It’s like the 12 days of Christmas — music edition!

This year, artists like Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves and the Jonas Brothers came through with fresh takes on the OGs and new releases that are sure to be instant holiday staples. Scroll down for this month’s playlist and press play on 12 of the latest and greatest holiday tunes!

Also, keep your eyes peeled in this post for my Christmas appreciation giveaway — you don’t want to miss out!

You’re guaranteed to fall in love with the full playlist, but here are five songs that will instantly warm you up.

“Christmas Tree Farm” — Taylor Swift

If Taylor’s hit single “Lover” didn’t give you enough holiday vibes, “Christmas Tree Farm” will be the best gift to your playlist. I knew this song was going to be incredible when I saw Jimmy Napes, my favourite songwriter and producer, was involved in the production — and boy, was I right. I just want to grab my friends and sway back and forth belting these lyrics every. single. time I hear it… and the fact she wrote this a week before its release? Tay is unstoppable!

New Music Friday, Playlists

Remix Realness — 25 Remixes You Need to Hear Right Now!

November 29, 2019 No Comments

Have you ever listened to a song’s remix and said to yourself, oh snap, this might be even better than the original?

Since many remixes feature groovy new electronic beats, added star power and dozens more unique touches, it’s easy to feel like you’re listening to a totally new song. For this month’s playlist, I wanted to spotlight a few remixes that have soared up my on-repeat list. Keep scrolling for the full 25-track playlist plus five standout songs!

“Good as Hell” (Remix) – Lizzo feat. Ariana Grande

I’d be missing an obvious golden opportunity if I didn’t say that this remix is good as hell! With two of the year’s biggest artists — Lizzo and Ariana Grande — joining forces, it was a given that this collab would be magic to our ears. Lizzo and Ari delivered it all and then some. Whether it’s the original or the remix, this iconic song will definitely be on everyone’s year-end playlists.

Playlists

Last-Minute Spooky SZN Playlist

October 31, 2019 No Comments

Halloween is finally here! You have your costume, your candy supply (which you may or may not keep to yourself), your decorations and spooky spirit. But there’s still one thing missing — your spooktacular soundtrack!

For this month’s playlist, I have you covered with more than 50 perfect tunes for all your BOOtiful Halloween festivities. Go and get your ghoul on, then scroll down for a few hand-picked treats (and several Halloween puns along the way 😊).

“bury a friend” – Billie Eilish

Billie’s entire ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’ era is scary good. Its dark, moody singles like “bad guy” and “when the party’s over,” plus the overall story arc, are very well suited for the spookiest season of the year. “bury a friend” — one of my faves off the album — was inspired in part by an episode of sleep paralysis and written from the perspective of the monster under Billie’s bed. I already have chills!