Tips

Tips

  • SOS Hair SOS Hair

    0 comments / Posted on by Dom Girard

    HELP your hair

    In one of my recent blog posts, I talked bout my love for statement necklaces and how they add punch to any outfit. There was a time when my punch was a little higher than my neck... in fact it was directly on my head. Yes, I admit it, I was a fan of crazy color dyeing, all the way from pink to electric blue, through to orange-crush and bright purple.

    In my small town, I used to be known as the girl with the colorful hair, and yes I thought it was rather hilarious. If I thought it was funny at the time, I admit that three years later, I'm still paying the price! Let's say that bleaching your hair every two weeks is not the best thing for beautiful and healthy hair! Long story short, for over a year I have tried lots of stuff to bring my hair back to life.. let me share my top 3 products with you.

    Phyto – Phytokératine extreme

       

     

    The first product that I used and that I was impressed with from the first shampoo is Phytokératine extreme exceptional shampoo  from the Phyto brand. This is a range that is quite expensive (about thirty dollars per 100 g), but as it was offered to me for Christmas... I was very happy to try it. From the first shampoo, I only used the Phyto shampoo combined with a conditioner that I already owned. The result was instant: silky hair, extremely soft and without my traditional "crazy flyaways".  I give it A + for the instant result, for the fact that there is no paraben nor silicone and that it smells nice (can't be overlooked !!). Even so, I no longer use it. Why? I admit that the price made me hesitate, but it's mostly because I noticed that when I used another shampoo (even just once!) my hair lost all it's brilliance and flexibility and went back to being as dry as it was before I started using this product. I felt like my dry hair problem was hidden rather than resolved.

     

    Coconut Oil

          

     

    We hear of coconut oil everywhere! While it has many benefits on the culinary level, it also has many cosmetic properties! The one that interests us today: the hair mask! Coconut oil is solid when cold and completely liquid when warm. I find it easier to apply when it is thick, so in the summer I suggest you keep it in the refrigerator. The application is simple: you take a handful of oil in your hand, rub it between your palms to warm it up a bit and you apply it to your entire length, on wet or dry hair (I've always applied it on dry hair, but both are possible). I advise you to avoid going too close to the root as you may end up with a greasy scalp and that's not what you want! There's a limit to hydration!! Once all your hair is covered (paying particular attention to the tips), pull your hair up so as not to grease your clothes and keep the mask on for at least thirty minutes. Be careful: the oil will drip! This is not the time to wear your favorite sweater! Rinse your hair with warm water and shampoo as usual! Note: you must be careful to choose a 100% natural coconut oil; if it has been modified, the results may not be as effective. You will find it in the bio section of your grocery or health food store. You can repeat the exercise every two weeks for best results. You can also cover your head with a towel and keep the mask on for the night! 

    Lush Trip – shampoo, conditioner and mask

     

      

    The last formula is the one I currently use and it is composed of Lush products. I have been a consumer of Lush's fresh masks and bath bombs for some time, but I have only explored their range of hair products recently ... and I regret not having tried it before! They offer several formulas/combos, depending on your needs. My sos hair-dry formula consists of the shampoo Jersey Bounce and the conditioner Retread. Together, they contain a ton of key ingredients for repair / maintenance of hair! Some examples: Sea salt, eggs, honey, agar gel, olive oil, jojoba oil and soooo many others! In addition to the amazing smell (the shampoo is a happy blend of lemon and bergamot oil and the conditioner is a mix of melon and violets), they make considerably softer hair, eliminate frizz (or crazy hair) and nourish the hair for long-term results! And THAT is what we want! For extra hydration, I use the mask Fluff-ease with jasmine and henna once a week that I apply to dry hair and leave for twenty minutes before washing as usual - using my Lush duo. I also use the spray Sunny Day before brushing or during the day to remove stubborn frizz. Every time I use this spray, I get comments ALL day long as to how good my hair smells! It's an amazing product!! I must say, I'm pretty addicted to their products... the shampoo-conditioner duo is enough to see results quickly and for the long term! Prices are around $ 20 for 225g or 290g.

     

    So there you go, I hope it will make you want to take care of your hair! Of course, no product is a miracle worker! It's important to cut your split ends regularly to keep your hair strong and healthy! The use of the dryer and iron (flat or curling) is also very damaging to the hair so remember to apply a cream or moisturizing spray after each use! Let me know, what are your favorite products?

    HELP your hair

    In one of my recent blog posts, I talked bout my love for statement necklaces and how they add punch to any outfit. There was a time when my punch was a little higher than my neck... in fact it was directly on my head. Yes, I admit it, I was a fan of crazy color dyeing, all the way from pink to electric blue, through to orange-crush and bright purple.

    In my small town, I used to be known as the girl with the colorful hair, and yes I thought it was rather hilarious. If I thought it was funny at the time, I admit that three years later, I'm still paying the price! Let's say that bleaching your hair every two weeks is not the best thing for beautiful and healthy hair! Long story short, for over a year I have tried lots of stuff to bring my hair back to life.. let me share my top 3 products with you.

    Phyto – Phytokératine extreme

       

     

    The first product that I used and that I was impressed with from the first shampoo is Phytokératine extreme exceptional shampoo  from the Phyto brand. This is a range that is quite expensive (about thirty dollars per 100 g), but as it was offered to me for Christmas... I was very happy to try it. From the first shampoo, I only used the Phyto shampoo combined with a conditioner that I already owned. The result was instant: silky hair, extremely soft and without my traditional "crazy flyaways".  I give it A + for the instant result, for the fact that there is no paraben nor silicone and that it smells nice (can't be overlooked !!). Even so, I no longer use it. Why? I admit that the price made me hesitate, but it's mostly because I noticed that when I used another shampoo (even just once!) my hair lost all it's brilliance and flexibility and went back to being as dry as it was before I started using this product. I felt like my dry hair problem was hidden rather than resolved.

     

    Coconut Oil

          

     

    We hear of coconut oil everywhere! While it has many benefits on the culinary level, it also has many cosmetic properties! The one that interests us today: the hair mask! Coconut oil is solid when cold and completely liquid when warm. I find it easier to apply when it is thick, so in the summer I suggest you keep it in the refrigerator. The application is simple: you take a handful of oil in your hand, rub it between your palms to warm it up a bit and you apply it to your entire length, on wet or dry hair (I've always applied it on dry hair, but both are possible). I advise you to avoid going too close to the root as you may end up with a greasy scalp and that's not what you want! There's a limit to hydration!! Once all your hair is covered (paying particular attention to the tips), pull your hair up so as not to grease your clothes and keep the mask on for at least thirty minutes. Be careful: the oil will drip! This is not the time to wear your favorite sweater! Rinse your hair with warm water and shampoo as usual! Note: you must be careful to choose a 100% natural coconut oil; if it has been modified, the results may not be as effective. You will find it in the bio section of your grocery or health food store. You can repeat the exercise every two weeks for best results. You can also cover your head with a towel and keep the mask on for the night! 

    Lush Trip – shampoo, conditioner and mask

     

      

    The last formula is the one I currently use and it is composed of Lush products. I have been a consumer of Lush's fresh masks and bath bombs for some time, but I have only explored their range of hair products recently ... and I regret not having tried it before! They offer several formulas/combos, depending on your needs. My sos hair-dry formula consists of the shampoo Jersey Bounce and the conditioner Retread. Together, they contain a ton of key ingredients for repair / maintenance of hair! Some examples: Sea salt, eggs, honey, agar gel, olive oil, jojoba oil and soooo many others! In addition to the amazing smell (the shampoo is a happy blend of lemon and bergamot oil and the conditioner is a mix of melon and violets), they make considerably softer hair, eliminate frizz (or crazy hair) and nourish the hair for long-term results! And THAT is what we want! For extra hydration, I use the mask Fluff-ease with jasmine and henna once a week that I apply to dry hair and leave for twenty minutes before washing as usual - using my Lush duo. I also use the spray Sunny Day before brushing or during the day to remove stubborn frizz. Every time I use this spray, I get comments ALL day long as to how good my hair smells! It's an amazing product!! I must say, I'm pretty addicted to their products... the shampoo-conditioner duo is enough to see results quickly and for the long term! Prices are around $ 20 for 225g or 290g.

     

    So there you go, I hope it will make you want to take care of your hair! Of course, no product is a miracle worker! It's important to cut your split ends regularly to keep your hair strong and healthy! The use of the dryer and iron (flat or curling) is also very damaging to the hair so remember to apply a cream or moisturizing spray after each use! Let me know, what are your favorite products?

    Read more

  • How to survive the end of winter.... and make the most of spring! How to survive the end of winter.... and make the most of spring!

    0 comments / Posted on by Dom Girard

    The days are getting longer, the mercury is rising and we can finally start seeing grass... Spring is on its way but…. it never seems to arrive as quickly as we’d like! We’d love to put away our winter coat for good and not have to bundle up to our ears every time we go out. Here are 3 tips to ease into spring, with style and without getting sick!

     


    Add some color

    Whether it’s a hat, a scarf or a mid-season coat, adding color to your outfit will help you get out of the monotony of winter. Dare the bright red with a coat like Maely from Soïa & Kyo, worn with an oversized scarf like the Foxtrap by Rudsak and voila! An ideal transition look; cheerful and warm!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     





    Choose a leather boot

     

    Along with our big coat, we are also very eager to say goodbye to our winter boots! Large rubber soles, heavy feet and calcium stain... no more please !! The sidewalks are finally clean, add a spring to your step with a light leather boot the Cabot by Rudsak! They will complete any outfit with style and comfort!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    No more long coats!

     

     

     

    I can’t say it enough, a coat that covers the thighs when it's 30 degrees below zero is  wonderful. But when the temperature hovers around 0 ... you want to feel free! A coat like the Mika from Sicily Clothing or the 8518524 ​​from Point Zero will help you out with that. A bit of down to keep you warm, but with a lightness that will make you dream of summer!

     

     

     

     

     

    The time to get our sandals out is not quite here, but extra cold days are on the out (fingers-crossed). Follow these three tips in your daily routine for an efficient transition, a killer look and most importantly ... without getting sick!

    The days are getting longer, the mercury is rising and we can finally start seeing grass... Spring is on its way but…. it never seems to arrive as quickly as we’d like! We’d love to put away our winter coat for good and not have to bundle up to our ears every time we go out. Here are 3 tips to ease into spring, with style and without getting sick!

     


    Add some color

    Whether it’s a hat, a scarf or a mid-season coat, adding color to your outfit will help you get out of the monotony of winter. Dare the bright red with a coat like Maely from Soïa & Kyo, worn with an oversized scarf like the Foxtrap by Rudsak and voila! An ideal transition look; cheerful and warm!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     





    Choose a leather boot

     

    Along with our big coat, we are also very eager to say goodbye to our winter boots! Large rubber soles, heavy feet and calcium stain... no more please !! The sidewalks are finally clean, add a spring to your step with a light leather boot the Cabot by Rudsak! They will complete any outfit with style and comfort!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    No more long coats!

     

     

     

    I can’t say it enough, a coat that covers the thighs when it's 30 degrees below zero is  wonderful. But when the temperature hovers around 0 ... you want to feel free! A coat like the Mika from Sicily Clothing or the 8518524 ​​from Point Zero will help you out with that. A bit of down to keep you warm, but with a lightness that will make you dream of summer!

     

     

     

     

     

    The time to get our sandals out is not quite here, but extra cold days are on the out (fingers-crossed). Follow these three tips in your daily routine for an efficient transition, a killer look and most importantly ... without getting sick!

    Read more

  • A jacket for every silhouette A jacket for every silhouette

    0 comments / Posted on by Dom Girard


    Image source : http://www.thechicfashionista.com/

    There’s millions of women all over Canada with no two the same shape or size. Variety is the spice of life and while its to be celebrated it can become a problem when the time comes to buy clothes. Especially when you’re shopping for a new winter jacket as it’s an investment you don’t want to regret! I went through our most popular jackets and selected three models suitable to the three most common body types.

     

    Hourglass Figure

    Have a small waist? Lucky you, don’t be afraid to flaunt it! Opt for a coat with a belt that accentuates your waist. Avoid boxy cuts as they camouflage your best feature.

    The Gloria jacket by Rudsak is an excellent choice for you!



     

     

     

     

    Pear shape

    Pear shaped (or A shape) is the term used to describe a woman who has larger hips and thighs, but smaller across the shoulders. Choose a coat with lots of details from the waist up, like a big fur collar, leather details at the shoulders, a large hood, chest pockets, etc. The Contessa by Ookpik World is a great example; very few details at the bottom and a big fur collar to balance out your figure. Added bonus, as it sits just above the knee, it does not cut your figure in half!

     

     

     

     

     

    The reversed triangle

    This is more or less the opposite of the pear; broad shoulders with narrow hips. Trick the eye by wearing a coat with lots of detail in the bottom half of the jacket. I love the Caney by Rudsak, its large square front pockets make it a great choice. Jackets with imposing collars or a lot of embellishments on the shoulders are to be avoided.

     

     

     

     

     

    I hope these tips will be useful during your next shopping spree!

    Don’t forget that its always a pleasure for our staff in-store and online help you pick a style and size that will suit you best, don’t hesitate to come see us! And most importantly, remember that pear, hourglass or triangle ... you are all beautiful!


    Image source : http://www.thechicfashionista.com/

    There’s millions of women all over Canada with no two the same shape or size. Variety is the spice of life and while its to be celebrated it can become a problem when the time comes to buy clothes. Especially when you’re shopping for a new winter jacket as it’s an investment you don’t want to regret! I went through our most popular jackets and selected three models suitable to the three most common body types.

     

    Hourglass Figure

    Have a small waist? Lucky you, don’t be afraid to flaunt it! Opt for a coat with a belt that accentuates your waist. Avoid boxy cuts as they camouflage your best feature.

    The Gloria jacket by Rudsak is an excellent choice for you!



     

     

     

     

    Pear shape

    Pear shaped (or A shape) is the term used to describe a woman who has larger hips and thighs, but smaller across the shoulders. Choose a coat with lots of details from the waist up, like a big fur collar, leather details at the shoulders, a large hood, chest pockets, etc. The Contessa by Ookpik World is a great example; very few details at the bottom and a big fur collar to balance out your figure. Added bonus, as it sits just above the knee, it does not cut your figure in half!

     

     

     

     

     

    The reversed triangle

    This is more or less the opposite of the pear; broad shoulders with narrow hips. Trick the eye by wearing a coat with lots of detail in the bottom half of the jacket. I love the Caney by Rudsak, its large square front pockets make it a great choice. Jackets with imposing collars or a lot of embellishments on the shoulders are to be avoided.

     

     

     

     

     

    I hope these tips will be useful during your next shopping spree!

    Don’t forget that its always a pleasure for our staff in-store and online help you pick a style and size that will suit you best, don’t hesitate to come see us! And most importantly, remember that pear, hourglass or triangle ... you are all beautiful!

    Read more

  • 3 tips to appreciate winter (and stay toasty warm) 3 tips to appreciate winter (and stay toasty warm)

    0 comments / Posted on by Dom Girard

    Ahhh winter! The season when you feel like hibernating under your blankets for the next three months. Personally, I like the winter. In fact, I learned to appreciate it when I realized that adding too many layers underneath a cheap jacket was never gonna make me all cosy and warm. Today I want to share my findings and provide motivation to get you out of bed even when its -40.


    1 - Down is your friend !!
    Most coats are insulated with a mixture of down and feathers. The higher the percentage of down, the warmer the coat is. I advise a minimum of 50/50, and you can go up to 90/10 (90% down and 10% feathers). What is really great about the down is that not only does it mold to your body, but it breathes! So if you get a little hot while sludging through the snow, the down will absorb your sweat and you're not gonna overheat! Coats with polyester are more affordable but the thing with polyester, is that it breathes less. Which means that if you get all hot and sweaty, the moisture will get into your coat, and you'll freeze!


    2 – Hide those thighs !!
    Yeah yeah, I know, you want to be all cute and sexy even in winter and don’t want to hide under a jacket all the way to your ankles. But ... the longer your jacket is the warmer you are. I’m sure you’ve all had the experience of walking headlong into chilly wind and thinking you may lose your legs to frostbite. Well the solution to this is (insert drum roll here) to choose a long coat! Slightly above the knee is perfect. Most coats even have a zipper that unzips at the bottom to give you some much needed space when you’re sitting on the subway or in your car. Wonderful, right?



    3 – Hooded comfort
    My last criteria necessary for a good winter coat: a big hood. I’ve never much liked wearing a hat so the quality of the hood is very important to me! With or without fur, your hood will protect your face from the wind and (if like me you never wear a hat) keep the ears toasty warm. Warning, if the hood is large, check that there’s a possibility to attach it. Otherwise you might lose it the minute there’s a bit of wind. Worst case scenario, you can easily head to your local seamstress to add a button. I have a soft spot for Soïa & Kyo’s super comfortable hoods

    And there it is! My 3 little tips for investing in a quality warm coat. Winter becomes much more enjoyable and if you take care of your coat you’ll have it for year’s to come!

    Ahhh winter! The season when you feel like hibernating under your blankets for the next three months. Personally, I like the winter. In fact, I learned to appreciate it when I realized that adding too many layers underneath a cheap jacket was never gonna make me all cosy and warm. Today I want to share my findings and provide motivation to get you out of bed even when its -40.


    1 - Down is your friend !!
    Most coats are insulated with a mixture of down and feathers. The higher the percentage of down, the warmer the coat is. I advise a minimum of 50/50, and you can go up to 90/10 (90% down and 10% feathers). What is really great about the down is that not only does it mold to your body, but it breathes! So if you get a little hot while sludging through the snow, the down will absorb your sweat and you're not gonna overheat! Coats with polyester are more affordable but the thing with polyester, is that it breathes less. Which means that if you get all hot and sweaty, the moisture will get into your coat, and you'll freeze!


    2 – Hide those thighs !!
    Yeah yeah, I know, you want to be all cute and sexy even in winter and don’t want to hide under a jacket all the way to your ankles. But ... the longer your jacket is the warmer you are. I’m sure you’ve all had the experience of walking headlong into chilly wind and thinking you may lose your legs to frostbite. Well the solution to this is (insert drum roll here) to choose a long coat! Slightly above the knee is perfect. Most coats even have a zipper that unzips at the bottom to give you some much needed space when you’re sitting on the subway or in your car. Wonderful, right?



    3 – Hooded comfort
    My last criteria necessary for a good winter coat: a big hood. I’ve never much liked wearing a hat so the quality of the hood is very important to me! With or without fur, your hood will protect your face from the wind and (if like me you never wear a hat) keep the ears toasty warm. Warning, if the hood is large, check that there’s a possibility to attach it. Otherwise you might lose it the minute there’s a bit of wind. Worst case scenario, you can easily head to your local seamstress to add a button. I have a soft spot for Soïa & Kyo’s super comfortable hoods

    And there it is! My 3 little tips for investing in a quality warm coat. Winter becomes much more enjoyable and if you take care of your coat you’ll have it for year’s to come!

    Read more