Charity begins at home

Bras for the women of the Congo

I received an e-mail not too long ago from Alicia Vianga—successful business woman and the owner of Premier Jour Lingerie—asking if I could lend a helping hand to a cause that she was supporting.

Even though I met Alicia 3 years ago, I remember meeting her like it was yesterday. I appreciated how she put me at ease when she conducted my very first bra fitting.  (pssst...at first I felt a little weirded out about having someone checking out my girls, but then I totally got into it!)  

So when she asked if I could help out with her cause Bras for the women of the Congo, there was no question—I would definitely help out in any way that I can.  The best way that could think of spreading the word was through my blog. 

Alicia is on a crusade to collect 1000 bras for the women of the Congo.  Although a peace accord was signed in 2003 to end a devastating civil war happening in Congo, violence still rages—and women unfairly bear the brunt. These women have been savagely raped and tortured every day.  And if being assaulted wasn’t enough, these poor women were shunned when they tried to go back to their homes and husbands. 

Alicia would like to make these women feel whole again by asking women to donate their gently used bras to send to our sisters. You will receive  $25 gift certificate toward your new purchase.

If you would like to donate your bras, please visit Premier Jour Lingerie at

1288 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto, ON M6C 1E1
416-654-1868www.pjlingerie.com



Thank you

-Michelle

My fave purchases for Fall 2011

I adore the lushness of fall fashions—the luxe fabrics, the barrage of tall boots, and the big snugly, yet chic sweaters—they almost make me forget that old man winter is slowly rearing his ugly head. Boo!

So you shouldn’t be shocked to know that I revel in shopping for fall.  But instead of going out and buying every trendy item for the fall season, I thought that it would be wise to purchase a few key pieces to bring my fall wardrobe to the next level.

Go with colour!

I love that the colour palette for this season doesn’t necessarily stick to boring drab shades (I like greys and blacks, but it gets kinda boring after a while!).  This season showcases rainbow-esque vibrant colours.  This is one trend that I completely welcomed. Instead of opting for clothing in sombre tones, I made a conscious decision to be adventurous and add some daring colour to my life.  I did so by snapping up a bright fuchsia dress to add to my wardrobe. 



I know this dress looks shapeless,
but once it's on, it contours to your curves



I bought this fully lined body-skimming jumper at Joe Fresh (yes, I know, I own every Joe Fresh dress! My bad!) for a measly $39. 

I played up the majestic nature of the colour by accessorizing with gold jewellery. Girls, it looked amazing!

Honorary mention

Yellowy goodness!

While I was shopping at Joe’s I couldn’t help but enhance my wardrobe with even more colour. I had to pick up this insanely intense mustard yellow cardigan (the cost: $19). So cute!  I love that I can choose a variety of colours to pair it with—blue, purple, grey, green...the list goes on and on!

Luxe fabrics

My most fave purchase so far of the season has to be my chestnut coloured leather Valentina bag. Damn this purse is sexy!

It is sleek and sophisticated (read: very grown up)—a purse that I’m not normally drawn to, but I have to admit, it’s scrumptiously bourgeois but I love it!  I know that it’s a good investment and I am sure that I will have for years to come. 

I saw it at Winners, picked it up, looked at the price tag, put it down and walked away. I came back to it, picked it up, modelled it, and walked away. I came back to it a third time, picked it up, looked in the mirror and saw how fab it looked, and ran directly to the cash register. I bought this butter-soft leather purse for $99.99.

Those are a few of my purchases for the Fall season. What purchases have you made for Fall 2011?

- Michelle

Song of Summer 2011

Do you have a song that reminds you of the Summer of 2011?

Summer is my most fave season  of them all (pssssst...Fall is a close second only because it has the most incredible fashions—stay tuned for a fall fashion post!). 

I enjoy summer because of the sunny heat, the baby blue skies and the enticing smell of BBQ meat.  Hmmmmm, BBQ meat! LOL

Even music is better during summertime.  Seriously.  Think about it, summer jams usually epitomize freedom, wild nights and frivolity (think  Summer time- DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince)—everything that makes summer more thrilling.  It’s funny that music during any other time of the year is just as good, but summer music just seems to capture a carefree spirit.

This past summer was no exception. I grooved to countless songs, but only a handful reminded of the 3 months of summery bliss. 

So with no further adieu, I share with you my top 6 songs (couldn’t narrow it down for a top 5!) that are now my soundtrack to Summer 2K11.

1.   Man Down, Rihanna

Hands down, this was my summer song.  I played this every single day and never tired of it.  I made everyone I know listen to the song and watch the video ad naseum.  To all my friends, sorry for being such a giant pain in the a$$!

2.  Beautiful People, Chris Brown

This is simple, house- infused, dance perfection. Love, love, love
this song. 

3.  Give me Everything, Pitbull f/Ne-yo, Afrojack & Nayer

Cheesy, yes, but this song is infectious.  No dance floor was safe from this summer 

staple.

4.    Look at Me Now, Chris Brown f/ Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne

This song reminds of me of driving downtown on a Sunday afternoon with a friend and being hit on by a couple of guys driving in the car next to us.  We giggled like a couple of teenage girls, and then sped off. Yep, I really need to grow up!

5.   Hello, Martin Solveig featuring Dragonette

This song is 4 plus minutes of happiness.      

6.  Last Friday Night (TGIF), Katy Perry

Some may discount her as an average pop singer, but dammit, Katy Perry is the shiznit.  Not only has she scored like a million hits from her cd, she has created not one but TWO summer anthems. Last year it was Teenage Dream, and this year it is Last Friday Night (TGIF). Katy also gets props for the awesome 80’s video!  It’s too cool for school! Heheh.

That’s my short list of summer songs of 2011.  What was your fave song of summer 2011?

Michelle

Lush Shower Gel- It's Raining Men

Doesn’t the name of the shower gel just scream, “Try Me!?”   Seriously, I was dying to know what a bath product with such an outrageous name would smell like.  Thankfully, the good people at Lush satisfied my curiosity and sent me the item right away.

Well, the sweet honey bouquet of this thick, gold-hued gel is reminiscent of a delicate dessert that you and your man would share on a special night. It could be the first date, an anniversary, or a birthday; it’s the type of dessert that you’d want to savour each and every forkful. No rushing allowed. This dessert is meant to last.

Not sure if the name suits the gel, but it definitely feels good on my skin. 

For the ladies looking for a man with a sweet tooth, pick up this shower gel.  I promise you won’t regret it.

Michelle

Song of the Moment: Hello - Martin Solveig feat Dragonette

If I could have theme music blasting everywhere I go, I would looove to walk around all day to Hello from Martin Solveig featuring Dragonette.

Why, you ask?  Dunno.....I just love the song.

I know that the song came out a million years ago (September 6, 2010 to be exact), but I just recently discovered this track (pssst, I’m pretty certain I heard it on a gum commercial) and now I’m hooked.

I love the simplicity and the inanity of the lyrics (hello is said a least a thousand times during the 4 minute track!), and the ethereal quality of the singer’s voice puts me in a booze-filled rave-like trance.  Nice!

This song makes me happy!  Perhaps it should be the theme music for happygrrls?  Okay, maybe not, but I am in love with this track. 

Check out the video here

The Essential Summer Accessory: Sunglasses

I do love prancing around town in my flirty summer dresses and comfy ballet flats, but noooothing completes a summer wardrobe than a great pair of sunglasses.

It takes me FOREVER to choose a pair. Firstly, I have to make sure it fits the shape of my face, but most importantly, it must must must complement my personality.  I’m not into anything too over the top or trendy—I like to keep it practical, yet chic. 

My newest pair of sunglasses is courtesy of Bizou—an online accessory store that offers a wide variety of fashion jewelry, watches, necklaces, rings, and much more.

The frames are huge—think Nicole Richie and Jackie O, but suit my oval shaped face perfectly.  The leopard print on the frames adds a funky boho, 70’s vibe that totally unleashes my wild side!

I really appreciate the versatility of my sunglasses.  It can easily be worn with a long maxi dress, or a cute lil shirt dress.

These sunglasses will definitely be a part of my summer wardrobe.  Thanks, Bizou!

Rest in peace, Amy

When I read online mid-afternoon that Amy Winehouse was found dead in her Camden apartment, I immediately thought it was the work of heartless hackers. 

I know that it’s been said for years that if Amy doesn’t quit drugs and alcohol that she would wind up dead; I just hoped and prayed that it wouldn’t end up like that.  But after scouring the net and checking reputable sites, the truth came out—Amy Winehouse, 27 years old, was in fact, dead.

I became a fan of hers after a friend lectured me time and time again how insanely great and talented she was.  Every time we spoke he would tell me to go to HMV or any store and buy the album (yes, my friend still frequents music stores and actually purchases CDs). 

Before I considered purchasing her music, I youtubed her and listened to a couple of songs. And yes, my friend was right; Amy’s voice was indeed a gift.  But I will admit that I enjoyed her music waaay after the hype surpassed.  I like to make my own decisions about an artist, and not feel influenced by what everyone is saying.

Since discovering her and downloading the Back to Black cd, I have become a bona fide fan.  I listen to at a couple of songs daily.  It’s funny how she can speak of being dependent on alcohol and drugs and make it sound entertaining, sad and tragic—all at the same time. 

It’s incredibly sad that she had to leave us so soon, but I hope that she is able to find the solace and peace that she was seeking.

Rest in peace, Amy

Fave Amy Tracks

Just Friends

Love is a Losing Game

You Know I’m No Good

Me and Mr. Jones

-Michelle