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.

Interviews, Music, New Music Friday, Take 5

Take 5 with Reuben James

June 12, 2020 No Comments

As an accomplished artist, songwriter and producer for the likes of John Legend, Tom Misch and Disclosure, there’s little that Birmingham-based Reuben James can’t do.

Reuben, who many will recognize as Sam Smith’s former pianist and frequent collaborator, broke out onto the jazz scene last year with the release of Adore. His seven-track debut EP cemented his status as a fast-emerging one to watch.

Out today, his sophomore EP Slow Down was originally scheduled for release last Friday, June 5. In solidarity with the #BlackLivesMatter movement, Reuben joined artists like Chloe x Halle and friends HONNE in delaying their release dates by a week. “Proud of the movement and proud to be Black,” Reuben wrote on Instagram.

To celebrate the official release, I called Reuben over Zoom to chat about slowing down, genre labels and Canadian surprises.

How does it feel to have Slow Down out for everyone to hear, especially given everything going on around the world?

It’s a crazy time right now. We’re getting a lot [of news coverage] and there have been a lot of marches and protests going on here as well. It’s time for change and this is all for the right reasons. I feel like people need to use music to escape what’s going on so hopefully my music can bring some healing to people that need it right now. It’s my second baby out into the world and it’s scary, but at the same time I’ve worked really hard to put it together so I’m happy it’s coming out.

Your sound crosses from soul to R&B to jazz and back again. How would you describe it, and what are your thoughts on genre labels?

I’ve got such a broad influence of music, but if I had to pin it down I’d say jazz-influenced R&B. There are so many new names for genres now. People say neo-soul or jazz hop…I don’t even know. But I like to think mine is in the category of good music. I think there’s only two genres – good music and not so good music. Hopefully mine comes in the good category! But definitely the music that I’m making now is R&B with jazz harmony and beats flowing on top.

Does the EP title have added significance for you as we’ve collectively slowed down in quarantine?

When I wrote “Slow Down,” the title track, I’d been touring with Sam for almost seven years, so my life was super fast fast fast, and it was like the world was craving the opposite. Obviously, everyone’s all about instant gratification and ordering things on Amazon and getting it the next day. You’re also thinking about social media and work and there’s just so much going on and so much stress and anxiety. Now everyone’s craving nature and doing yoga, meditation and exercise. I was definitely craving that. This quarantine situation has made it so everyone’s kind of forced to slow down and I feel like people can use the EP as a tool to just escape for 20 minutes and really relax and listen to some smooth sounds.

Are there any artists you’ve worked with who have really challenged you musically, in terms of exploring new influences or recording styles?

Sam definitely challenges me musically. Sam’s an incredible top line lyricist; melodies just flow out so you really have to be on your game and be organic in the moment. As soon as I told Sam that I was starting to put out music, they’d be posting about it, telling people about it and giving me feedback and the best advice. I know that Sam’s got my back and is the most supportive friend I could dream for in the world.

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A post shared by Reuben James (@reubenjames)

Also, working with Bruno Major was amazing. The first time I saw Bruno, he opened for Sam in early 2013 at St Pancras Old Church in London and he was unbelievable. We’ve been friends since then. Bruno is very particular and he really wants to strive for kind of the most poetic and beautiful lyric. I come from more of a chords and grooves background and I’ve got chords going through my head 24/7, whereas I do have a lot to say lyrically but I have to take my time. That’s something that I’ve been working on improving and Bruno’s been a big part of that inspiration for me. His lyrics are like, very expensive sounding.

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A post shared by Reuben James (@reubenjames)

Have you learned anything about yourself being on the road so much that you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise?

You have to be comfortable being away from your friends and family for so long, but you create your new family on the road. I definitely grew up fast and have learned about a lot of different cultures. The joke here is a good friend of mine is in Vancouver and I got out to Canada with Sam, and the first thing I did was called him and was like, I’m here, can you get me at this place? He said, Where are you? I don’t know that place. Anyway, turned out I was in Montreal and just assumed that he’d be around the corner. It was ridiculous. He was like, Bro, Canada’s a big place. I know that now.

Favourites, Playlists

Playlist: Black Excellence

June 10, 2020 No Comments

In place of June’s Favourites list, I will be sharing multiple posts spotlighting Black creators + businesses. Today and every day, Black Lives Matter.

There’s a conversation going on right now that we all need to be part of and it covers racism, discrimination, equality and basic human rights. Why, in 2020, are Black men, women and non-binary people still being treated as “less than”? Why must they live with a weight on their shoulders simply because of the colour of their skin? We need to say their names, know their stories and uplift their legacies: George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin… and we need to recognize that there are far too many stories.

Change starts with each and every one of us. Over the past two weeks, the #BlackLivesMatter movement has spread internationally as people make their voice heard any way they can — through protests, signing petitions, educating themselves and their peers, lobbying government officials, and uplifting the voices at the heart of this movement. I want to do my part on this blog by amplifying my favourite Black creators and brands.

You may have heard several of these artists on previous playlists, but here’s your chance to get to know them better! Press play, check out the full tracklist and read more about three of my favourites below.

Playlist: Black Excellence — Full Tracklist

“Good as Hell,” Lizzo
“Do It,” Chloe x Halle
“In The Morning,” Jay Prince
“Chocolate.,” Kiana Ledé feat. Ari Lennox
“Eleven,” Khalid feat. Summer Walker
“The Worst In Me,” KAYTRANADA feat. Tinashe
“COFFEE,” Kelly Rowland
“When You Hold Me,” Braxton Cook
“Stormy Weather,” Tinashe
“Pretty Little Fears,” 6LACK feat. J. Cole
“B.S.,” Jhené Aiko feat. H.E.R.
“Give Me A Reason,” R.LUM.R
“Addicted,” Jon Vinyl
“Happy Without Me,” Chloe x Halle feat. Joey Bada$$
“Savage Remix,” Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé
“Sunflower Seeds,” Bryce Vine
“Midsection,” KAYTRANADA feat. Pharrell Williams
“Can I,” Kehlani feat. Tory Lanez
“OTW,” Khalid feat. 6LACK & Ty Dolla $ign
“Grinding All My Life,” Nipsey Hussle
“This Is America,” Childish Gambino
“If You’re Not There,” Reuben James feat. Braxton Cook
“Motivation,” Normani
“Die A Little Bit,” Tinashe & Ms Banks
“Boys,” Lizzo
“Boys Should Never Cry,” R.LUM.R
“FDT,” YG & Nipsey Hussle
“Hang on in There,” John Legend & The Roots
“Mad,” Solange feat. Lil Wayne
“Get Up, Stand Up,” Bob Marley & The Wailers
“Freedom,” Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar
“Cold,” R.LUM.R
“All The Stars,” Kendrick Lamar with SZA
“Correct,” MNEK
“Think About Me,” dvsn
“Wrong Places,” H.E.R.
“I Want You,” Tayla Parx
“Build,” Justine Skye & Arin Ray
“Catch Up,” Chloe x Halle & Swae Lee feat. Mike WiLL Made-It
“Love’s In Need Of Love Today,” Stevie Wonder
“Self,” Noname
“Trip,” Ella Mai
“Making A Choice,” R.LUM.R
“Bigger Love,” John Legend
“My Line,” Reuben James feat. Col3trane, Jay Prince, Vula & Soweto Kinch
“Surfacing,” R.LUM.R
“Honeymoon Phaze,” MNEK
“Rocket Man” (Cover), CammWess feat. John Legend
“What If I (Still Feel),” R.LUM.R
“16 Shots,” Vic Mensa
“Moment,” Victoria Monét

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