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, Reviews

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, 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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A post shared by Angela McLean ☻ (@angelaaaxo)

* 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!