November Favourites

November Favourites blog post cover

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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* 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 flocked Christmas tree with jute base from Indigo

* 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 from Indigo, featuring a moose fitted with an oversized red and white jersey with a hockey stick and skates

* 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 print throw blanket from Simons

* 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!)

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40 Beauty Products You Need from Sephora’s Holiday Savings Event

Sephora's Holiday Savings Event 2020 Picks angelamclean.ca

If you’re overdue for a stock-up on your favourite beauty and skincare products, or in the mood to treat yourself (as you should!), Sephora’s latest shopping event is here to spread some early holiday cheer. The can’t-miss beauty sale of the year, Sephora’s Holiday Savings Event, is on now (ending Nov. 9) and it’s a great time to get ahead on your Christmas shopping. While you’re at it, why not pick up a few new items to add to your routine?

The biggest cosmetics brands, including Tarte, Yves Saint Laurent, Benefit and celeb-fronted lines Rare Beauty and Fenty Beauty, are taking part and giving Beauty Insiders up to 20% off their products! Rouge members currently have first access, with VIB members having a chance to shop 15% off sitewide* starting Nov. 3. Insider members will still have five full days to score 10% off as of Nov. 5.

I shout out my latest beauty and skincare finds almost every month in my Favourites lists, but this is definitely the time to splurge — especially with these great savings. Not sure where to start? Snag beauty shelf inspiration from my Sephora wish list, organized to the max for all of your skincare and makeup needs!

Skincare and Face Masks

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser - Sephora

* Fresh Soy Makeup Removing Face Wash *

Sephora, $20-$88

Saturday Skin Face Exfoliator - Sephora

* Saturday Skin Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel *

Sephora, $37

As featured on my April Favourites list

First Aid Beauty Wild Oat Hydrating Toner - Sephora

* First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner *

Sephora, $29

As featured on my May Favourites list

Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator - Sephora

* Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator *

Sephora, $16-$100

Perfect for daily use!

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer - Sephora

* First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer *

Sephora, $34

This has saved me more times than I count! It’s quite thick, so I recommend using it only overnight or sparingly on especially troubling skin areas.

FAB Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel 2% Salicylic Acid - Sephora

* FAB Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel 2% Salicylic Acid *

Sephora, $34

As featured on my September Favourites list, this is the perfect product to combat stubborn maskne!

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

new christmas music 2019

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!

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Perfect Last-Minute Holiday Gifts (GIVEAWAY!)

Last-Minute Holiday Gifts header

If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, don’t look at the calendar (spoiler: you have 5 days left). Hopefully your online orders are already on their way (Amazon Prime FTW) or you live close to the mall. Still don’t know where to start? I’ve got you covered with three last-minute gift ideas for everyone on your list that won’t break the bank but will still make a mark.

Read through to the end for a special holiday giveaway!

An experience

Concert ticket

As I’ve grown up, I’ve become a big fan of experiences over material goods. Whether it be a gift certificate for the spa, a local attraction or something that requires a little travel (i.e. a trip!), these types of gifts are super customizable and memorable. Part of my Christmas gift last year was a trip to San Francisco to visit my best friend Jazmin and it was better than anything I could have ever asked for. For something more low-key, you could plan a day out with a friend or a family member or get them passes for a local museum or amusement park. Know a music fan? Get them tickets to a concert for one of their favourite artists! I’m also a big fan of these coupon books I’ve seen people gift their significant other. How cute!

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Playlist: December finds & faves

December finds & faves playlist cover

There are few things I love more than the holiday season. Picture this: being at home stress-free, laying on the couch with a blanket, some eggnog or hot chocolate, the fireplace channel on TV (works just as well!) and Christmas music in the background. Doesn’t that sound amazing?! (That’s been me every day since finishing school and I’m so happy.)

Don’t know where to start with the music? My December finds & faves playlist will be the perfect soundtrack to your winter days and nights. I included some of the latest hits from the year’s top artists, plus a wide variety of Christmas classics and new releases – it’s ideal for every setting!

Scroll on to listen to this month’s playlist and discover six must-listen tracks.

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