May Favourites

May 27, 2020 No Comments

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

As the famous saying goes, the show quarantine must go on.

Let’s start this off with an important PSA: PLEASE keep socially distancing and wearing a mask and/or gloves. If not for yourself, do it for your immunocompromised friends, parents, grandparents and neighbours. The better we keep this up, the sooner we can enjoy our beautiful summer weather!

As you do your part, stay comfortable, entertained and feeling your best with my latest faves across fashion, skincare, music, spring reads and bingeable TV.

Fashion

* Face Masks *

The Weeknd Mask, $20 // DNCE Mask, $18.82

If you haven’t already, get acquainted with our newest must-have fashion accessory. As I said in my last blog post dedicated to finding functional and fashionable masks, there’s no reason your PPE can’t be cute and true to your style.

Since I won’t be front row at their concerts anytime soon, I’m looking forward to receiving the two masks pictured above to show my support for The Weeknd and Joe Jonas’ band DNCE. Bonus: Proceeds from The Weeknd’s masks will be donated to the MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund, directly helping those affected in the music industry.

* Travel-Inspired Clothing *

Anthropologie, $80 // SIMILAR STYLES: Anthropologie, $188 (Hawaii/Aloha print); SHEIN, $17 (New York print)

It may be a total tourist move, but I love travel-inspired fashion pieces that represent my favourite cities.

Pre-COVID, I was supposed to spend the majority of this month jetsetting around Europe. 😢 When I found this Nice, France top while online shopping, I took it as a sign that I’ll be able to postpone my travels to when it’s safe to do so — and snap a picture of this shirt where it’s meant to be (and not in my front yard!).

Also, if you know me, you know I have a small addiction to buying anything and everything related to Hawaii — pineapple home decor, palm tree rings, you name it. I’ll take any excuse to spark my wanderlust and bring back those memories and feelings associated with paradise!

Let me know in the comments below which travel destinations you would rep!

Skincare

* Lip Sleeping Mask | Laneige *

Sephora, $13+ (or try Laneige’s Hydration-To-Go! Normal to Dry Skin set, also from Sephora, $38)

I always feared Laneige’s best-selling Lip Sleeping Mask was just an overhyped lip balm, but I was very pleasantly surprised when I first tried it. To test it out for yourself, I highly recommend picking up a mini Good Night Kit to also score a sample size of their popular Water Sleeping Mask. The lip mask wouldn’t be an immediate repurchase for me as you can get similar results at a lower price point, but it’s a great gift to a friend or yourself (#SelfLoveClub). Bring on the smooches 💋

I’ll report back here and on Instagram @angelaaaxo with my thoughts on the mask!

* Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask | Origins *

Sephora, $17-$33

This Origins leave-on face mask is one of the best I’ve ever used. Formulated with avocado and swiss glacier water, it instantly moisturizes and smooths skin well into the morning, giving you a beautiful dewy glow without breakouts or buildup. I use it as a once-a-week treat, so the $17 mini bottle is a great deal.

* Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner | First Aid Beauty *

Sephora, $29

I raved about First Aid Beauty’s Fab Faves line in my April Favourites post and it looks like I’ve found another personal holy grail. Toner is a recent re-addition to my nightly skincare routine and this FAB pick is gentle, moisturizing and perfect for sensitive skin. Also, can we take a minute to admire this visually appealing promo photo?

Fashion, General, Travel

How To Make Your Face Mask a Style Statement

May 21, 2020 No Comments

How to make your mask a fashion statement

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

For the foreseeable future, face masks will be part of our day-to-day wardrobe. If it’s going to be taking up half your face, it may as well be comfortable, cute and on brand!

I already have friends ordering multiple masks to have a print ready to match every outfit, and I may or may not have more than one on the way as well. There’s no reason you can’t look and feel good while protecting yourself and those around you. Step up your mask fashion game with these *non-medical* statement-making looks!

Rep your fave artists

Fabric face masks have been a fan-favourite merch item every festival season. In light of the new demand, many artists are now giving you the chance to shout out your fandom while supporting organizations addressing the impacts of the pandemic. Net proceeds of The Weeknd’s official XO branded masks (pictured) will be donated to the MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund, directly helping those affected in the music community.

You can also support fellow music fans by purchasing a unique design from a fan-owned shop on Redbubble. They have something for everyone — check out these links if you’re a fan of Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez or Khalid. I can’t wait to get my DNCE mask (Joe Jonas’ highly underrated band) made by Jonas Brothers Toronto.

Get the designer look

Craving your Gucci Gucci fix? Match your face mask to your bag with the help of online boutiques like VSOPCAM that rework authentic designer fabrics, including Gucci, Fendi and Chanel, into durable — and highly fashionable — looks. P.S. I have one of their red Chanel scrunchies and I’m obsessed. Stay tuned for a separate blog post on my latest must-have jewelry and accessories!

Events, Photography, Reviews

A Revival Tour Diary: Selena Gomez leaves her mark on Canada

May 26, 2016 1 Comment

If anyone knows how to have a revival, it’s 23-year-old pop singer/songwriter/performer Selena Gomez. Currently on her worldwide Revival Tour in support of the album of the same name, she’s proving to be a force to be reckoned with. Leaving the Biebs behind – seemingly for good this time – and adopting a much more confident swagger, Gomez rocked the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on May 22 and Toronto’s Air Canada Centre on May 25 – two of the tour’s Canadian stops – reminding everyone in the room why it’s cool to be a Selenator.

Ottawa fans were treated to opening sets from X Factor alum Bea Miller and Canadian singer/songwriter Tyler Shaw. Miller delivered a killer four-song set, smashing out fan favourites including “Young Blood” and her new single “Yes Girl.” Shaw, who you may recognize as the winner of the 2012 MuchMusic Coca-Cola Covers Contest, also performed a selection of songs from his album ‘Yesterday,’ like the hit single “Wicked,” and an awesome cover of Twenty One Pilots’ “Stressed Out.” The Ottawa show was Shaw’s last night on the Revival Tour and the Ottawa crowd definitely gave him a great farewell!

A few days later, Toronto welcomed Bea Miller and the Jonas Brother-fronted DNCE for a triple-decker night of amazing music. Miller added a cover of MNEK and Zara Larsson’s collab “Never Forget You” and gave it a pop/rock edge that Larsson has already taken to Twitter to commend. Afterwards, DNCE played a 40-minute set that quickly turned into an epic party with over 13,500 people. The crowd sang and danced along to the kazoo-driven “Jinx,” the unreleased self-titled track “DNCE” and the new single “Toothbrush.” DNCE saved the best for last, coming out for their encore with a high-energy, jump-around-the-room performance of “Cake by the Ocean” that had Snapchat’s servers running a lap.

Music Monday, Playlists

MUSIC MONDAY: Ones to Watch in 2016

January 4, 2016 1 Comment

Stressed Out - Twenty One Pilots music video screenshot

They are oozing talent, drive, passion and a sound like no other – they are the bands and artists to watch in 2016.

For this month’s playlist, I have handpicked some of my favourite artists who are ready to dominate the music world in 2016. Before you listen to it in full, preview six of my selections and get hyped for a new year filled with incredible new music.

Who Is Fancy

Who is Fancy, you ask? He is Jake Hagood, a 24-year-old pop singer and rapper hailing from Arkansas. In the past year, he has garnered the attention of Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift’s managers and released a single with Meghan Trainor and Ariana Grande. With a debut album in the works, expect to hear a lot more from Who Is Fancy in 2016!

Check out: “Boys Like You,” featuring Meghan Trainor and Ariana Grande

DNCE

It is nearly impossible to not want to get up and dance to any one of DNCE’s catchy tunes. The new music project from Joe Jonas and friends Jack Lawless, Cole Whittle and JinJoo Lee saw great success in 2015 with a debut EP, ‘SWAAY,’ and sold-out club tour. The group has already teased a full-length album and follow-up tour for 2016 and we are SO ready!

Check out: “Cake By The Ocean”