Toronto Fashion Week Inspires with an Elevated Edge.

This week we'll see many fashion hopefuls that have made it in the biz and those that are working to breakthrough scampering through the tents at various Fashion Week events.   This weekend I had the chance to attend a fashion show at Lobby presented by Elevations in Style.  It seems that finally someone has caught on to the fact that people want to see clothes on runways that are wearable, impressive and can deliver a influential edge.  Seeing Lady Gaga inspired attire is great for the entertainment front and to even pick up some ideas that can be incorporated into the everyday ward robe but Elevations in Style brought their best and certainly impressed with designs and accessories the likes of  Toronto night scene regulars could truly appreciate...and wear right off the runway. 
What a refreshing take on how to look good with effortless style...the women were sexy, the outfits and accessories looked as if they were made to be put together and the buzz started immediatly after the show ended.  It was apparent onlookers were quickly trying to determine where to get the goods they had just seen on the runway as well as looking  to familiarize themselves with these quick rising newcomers...  a fabulous duo,  Chris Morgan and Natasha Sen co-creators of Elevations in Style.  Should you find yourself in need of a revamped wardrobe or just require some consultation to rise to an occasion by looking your best, look no further, Elevations in Style can deliver....  Check them out at http://www.elevationsinstyle.com

Vida Glam's Contribution to Reduction in Global Footprints..... How can we help you do the same??

UPDATE!! First and foremost, A big thank you to my Aunt Irene Carreiro for being the inspiration behind this new segment of Vida Glam!

Vida glam has unofficially launched another segment to be added to our website (It's almost here!) The once upon a time line!! This line will feature pieces made from recycled jewelry from clients. You can donate your old jewlery to be used as give away pieces for various charitable events. All jewelry donated will be used for the greater good. No profits will be made from donated pieces.

Often we get requests to donate jewelery for charitable events, contests, raffles etc. Donated jewelry will help in more ways than one. By dontated your used jewlery you will:
1) help reduce your global foot print by bringing new life to old jewelry rather than heading for the dumpster; and
2) help on a charitable basis by being a contributor for pieces made to help not for profit events.

Clients can also request re-invention of old jewelry to be recycled from pieces in their collection for themselves. Vida Glam aims to create artistic wearable pieces while being an active participant in reducing waste. We can all play a small part in reducing our global foot print. This is just one way Vida Glam aims to do just that with your help.

Take a look at the Alice and Wonderland Palette....Limited Edition!

This palette was released late last year to commemorate the Alice in Wonderland story retold through the imagination of Tim Buton, a superior talent. Sephora was provided the opportunity and they jumped on it.  The palette contains the top eyeshadows sellers in the Urban Decay lineup.  I managed to get my hands on one but the search was unfruitful during Christmas and even after releases were announced, within hours the palette was gone.  The phrase "sold out" online and at the retail counters has been a common message when it comes to this brilliant collectable palette.  For those of you who had the chance to purchase one enjoy it as it is a pleasure to work with.  The people that did not have a chance to purchase consider yourself missing out on something absolutely wonderful.  Keep your eyeout for future releases of Sephora/Urban decay palettes.

Points, Points, Points.....I love my Points!

I am a points hog, I love points, shoppers points, airmiles points, aeroplan points, HBC points, Sobey's points, Sephora points...I collect whatever I can and it pays off.  This week I got 13 movie passes in the mail from air miles and purchased over $75.00 in cosmetics from Shoppers Drug Mart but didn't have to pay since my points covered the balance.  I went browsing around the aeroplan site to see if I wanted anything from their merchandise category; I didn't, so I will just keep collecting until I do.  north Americans are among the highest point collectors in the world and it shows with retailers and even banks creating point programs to praise their customers with points that can be redeemed for anything from a vacation trip to a rice-cooker. 

Most of my purchases are done using my Aerogold Infinite credit card which collects Aeroplan points for every transaction , if the retailer has their own points system then I end up collecting points on that program too for the same purchase!.  The trick is to ensure you pay ALL of your credit card balances by the end of the month to avoid interest charges.  I have saved hundreds of dollars over the the years using multple points programs and it is worth carrying all those extra cards.  Most people have multiple credit cards, to save money and keep your credit score high I suggest you cut up and close off all your credit cards expect for one, a card that has the least amount of interest but still allows you to collect points.  Even if there is a annual fee for the card you usually have that paid off several times over within the year if you use your card often to make your purchases.  So readers when economic times get tough people usually become imaginative with ways to curb spending, reduce interest charges and save money.  Just because the tough times look like they are behind us doesn't mean we have to resort to our past way of frivolous spending.  I suggest you all take the time to begin collecting points you will be thrilled at all the things you can buy over time, its like Christmas arrives more than once a year! 

The Mascara Icon Would Agree

Tammy Faye Baker,  the mascara icon would have loved the latest product I purchased.  Lise Watier's Feline Mascara HD is amazing.  I became an instant fan, I can't tell you how many mascara's I have gone through to find the perfect few that deliver the results they claim, leave my lashes lengthened, separated and clump free.  I have a couple of favorites;  Maybeline's Great lash mascara is a long time fav, its staying power speaks for itself.  It has been in existence for over 35 years, and for under $10.00 its definitely a product I would recommend based on price and performance. My new favorite that jumps higher in the price range costing $21.00 but still extremely reasonably priced is the Feline HD Mascara by Watier.  Shopper's Drug Mart carries the Lise Watier line in flag ship stores and can be easily found since it seems that every corner I pass I see another one.

This mascara has been packed uniquely with it's top being a fierce metallic red and the bottom portion in animal print.  The mascara goes on smooth, it lengthens, shapes and separates lashes leaving you with a great finished look without the hideous clumping that make me cringe!  Ah finally another good Mascara on the market that won't completely beat my bank  A great upside in these post recession times when people are still being cautious of how and what they spend their funds on.

Luminese Airbrush System Haul

Premium you say.....???? 

It finally arrived.  After having to pay an additional $28.00 CAD for duties and taxes on top of the $274.00 CAD for the product, a total of just over $300.00, I was thrilled when my system finally arrived but had high expectations due to the price and the claims made about the results.
 I did what I was told despite hating to follow instructions; I read the instructions and watched the DVD provided.  I tried the system and here is the final verdict....  NOT WORTH THE MONEY!!
 First of all the product ads indicate that you only have to use a few drops of the make up ( 3-6) to get the coverage you want...ummm no you don't you have to use closer to 10 drops or more.  Already my product try out wasn't going well. The airbrush needs to be held like a pen and so it seemed slightly awkward when I was trying to apply even coverage. Although the coverage was nice and did seem to go on very well it wasn't  better than the coverage I receive from my beloved (and reasonable priced) MAC Studio Fix foundation and pressed powder.  The bronzer was nice but considering the amount you need to use, the supply you get makes the value plummet!  And finally, the Luminese Air System is not very convenient to travel with.  Though you receive a carry case for the airbrush machine and makeup, the case is much larger than the average carry case for all your basic make up needs i.e. foundation, bronzer, eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner and your brush basics.
 My advice is save yourself the $300.00 and stop by Mac or Sephora.  You can purchase so much more and receive a tremendous amount of value for your money as opposed to investing in a airbrush system that simply doesn't deliver the results it claims to.