Wednesday 30 November 2011

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2011 Recap!



The most wonderful time of the year finally arrived yesterday...
You know what I'm talking about!
The 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show!


Every year I watch this amazing show and get blown away by the exquisite work put into it. Everything is always perfect. The outfits, the performers, the stars, the models, the makeup, the set...I could go on forever.


Every year the list of models walking in the show consists of some very popular names and gorgeous women. This year young model Karlie Kloss joined the mix and I coulden't be more excited about it. She is stunning! A real rare beauty (just like Chanel Iman!). Another one of my favorites is Miranda Kerr. She just had a baby and still looks incredible! Here some of the notable models from this year's show: Karolina Kurkova, Candice Swanepoel, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Chanel Iman, Erin Heatherton, Lily Aldridge and many many more. For a complete list check out http://www.listal.com/list/list-victorias-secret-models.
gh

Miranda Kerr modeled the Fantasy Treasure Bra that is worth 2.5 million dollars!
Truly a work on art. The lingerie shown in the annual fashion show is always very intricate and impeccably designed. The lingerie is always adorned with things like crystals and jewels and the show is famous for the wings that the models wear during the show.

The makeup and hair were stunning (as always) this year. The models always have bombshell hair going on and impeccable makeup with a nude lip, alot of mascara, and flushed cheeks. Check out this fun makeup tutorial done by famous makeup beauty guru MakeupbyTiffanyD:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56yIP4IEtlo.
She is one of my favorite youtube makeup gurus and she always creates the best tutorials! Check the video out to learn how to recreate this year's show look. I also love this article on recreating the look by US Magazine: http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-beauty/news/the-victorias-secret-fashion-show-recreate-the-hair-and-makeup-20112911


I loved the setup of the show and the different parts that were included. The ballet inspired beginning was fantastic and made me feel like I was in a magical land! The wings were beautiful this year too. 

To watch the full show with no commercials you can go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDI74Q16FCQ&feature=youtu.be
Also, I love this article from Modelinia on 5 interesting facts about yesterday's show:
Check out Fashion magazine's article on the top 10 reasons to watch the show and their favorite backstage moments from it:
http://www.fashionmagazine.com/blogs/society/2011/11/29/our-favourite-backstage-moments-and-the-top-10-reasons-to-watch-tonights-victorias-secret-fashion-show/

So what was your favorite part of the show this year?
Which outfit was your absolute FAVE?
Hope you enjoyed this fun and sexy post!
xox
- Gen


Thursday 24 November 2011

Black Friday Deals!

Hello there shopping lovers!

I have some good news for you. Black Friday is finally starting to arrive in Canada AND you can shop online for deals too!  Today I want to share my favorite online Black Friday deals. Here we go:

- Thann skincare is offering 20-40% off this weekend only! I recently tried some of their products and love them!!

- 30% off everything at Charlotte Russe! I love their shoes :)


- Betsey Johnson's website is offering 40% off EVERYTHING. It is an amazing deal and the amount is reduced in your cart. Deffinitely some cute Holiday stuff on the website right now so check it out ASAP! Ends Sunday so hurry up! http://www.betseyjohnson.com/home/index.jsp

- Garage Clothing is offering 40% off as well! Plus free shipping when you spend 50$ or more. They have cute things this time of year, I especially love their cute cozy sweaters! Check it out at http://www.garage.ca/home/index.jsp

- The Gap is offering 60% off of EVERYTHING! http://www.gapcanada.ca/

- Sephora is offering 10$ deals on the 25th of November for packs of products from a bunch of brands (such as a Korres lip and body butter duo!). Check out the preview at:  http://www.facebook.com/Sephora?ref=ts&sk=app_7146470109

- Karmaloop.com has some great Black Friday deals. "25% Off Plus Free Shipping on All Orders Over $60, 25% Off Plus Free Shipping Plus $10 Gift Code All Orders Over $100, 25% Off Plus Free Shipping Plus $20 Gift Code All Orders Over $150, 25% Off Plus Free Shipping Plus $40 Gift Code All Orders Over $250" says the Seventeen.com website! 

- Victoria's Secret is offering a free tote that includes 4 beauty items with any 65$+ purchase. Use the code "FRIDAY" to get this deal.

- M.A.C cosmetics has a special black lipstick that they are re-releasing for ONE DAY ONLY! Check it out on their website before it's gone!

- The fabulous nail polish people at Butter London are giving you 30% off your whole order! Make sure to put in the code "CELEBRATE11" to get your discount!  http://www.butterlondon.com/

- Get 30% off at French Connection until the 28th! Use the code "FCBLKFRI" at http://canada.frenchconnection.com/    I recommend looking at their dresses, they're always stunning!

Have you found anymore fabulous online black friday deals? if so let me know and Ill add them to the list!
Happy shopping loves!!!
xo
- Gen

Sunday 20 November 2011

Street Style Sunday #1

Hey guys!
So I've decided to start up a new series here on the blog. Every Sunday, I will feature street style pictures that I have taken in Ottawa or around it (Montreal, Toronto, etc.). These are just people I see anywhere: on the streets, at a movie theatre, etc. Anywhere. They are people that I have passed by and thought they had incredible and unique style.
To start off this series I wanted to share these pictures of two guys I met with awesome style! They both had great Fall style so I figured this would be a good way to kick off this series:



This stylish guy's name is Kraemer. I absolutely loved his jacket. Not many guys try and pull off white but they really should! The plaid shirt he has on looks great poking out from his white jacket and he had an awesome across-the-shoulder bag. His jeans are sleek and his shoes are not flashy and look nice and muted with the rest of the outfit. Love it! 




I actually forgot to get this wonderful guy's name! I saw him while coming out of the movie theatre and just had to stop him. Another men's coat that I love! It looks so cozy but at the same time suited him so well. He had on some nice shoes and I love the white collared shirt. Also, don't you just love that haircut? I really do and I think his outfit really suits him well. Why can't all men dress like this?!


Well I hope you guys liked this first installement in my Street Style Sunday series!
Let me know what you think of these fabulous men and their sense of style.
Remember that you can write me anytime to request posts at genfaveblogger@hotmail.com
and follow me on twitter @canadianbeautyg
xo
- Gen







Thursday 17 November 2011

A Glittery Obsession

Hello again my loves!
So I briefly mentioned my obsession with glitter and sequins in my behind the scenes of the Fave cover test shoot post. Well prepare to be blown away by sparkly things. Glitter is my newest addiction and you can find it EVERYWHERE right now, especially since it's the holiday season. I love how chic and girly glitter is. It's so fun and adds something extra to any outfit. Glitter stands out in a crowd and is a bold statement that says you're not afraid to have a little fun. It is also a huge trend right now and I've definitely seen it all over the runways mixed with the heavy metal trend.

Let me show you a few pieces that I have literally been day dreaming about....starting with the ultimate in my glittery fantasies:


This dress is from Melanie Lyne. I have never even thought about going into this store until the other day when I spotted this absolutely gorgeous number in the window display. It is eye catching, fun, sexy and everything I see in my dreams haha. This dress is exquisite and will definitely make you stand out in a crowd. I know I'm lusting after it! What about you?  It's $285 but honestly the most beautiful glittery number I have ever laid eyes upon. Yes, I am in love.

I know, I know. Toms seem to be the latest "tacky" shoe obsession these days. But I find these utterly adorable. They're a fun and sparkly take on a boring old sneaker and you can wear them anywhere! They add fun to your daily outfit and come in this cute pink color (the black ones are nice too if you want to stick to something a little less crazy but still glittery!).

These beautiful pieces can be found at Suzy Shier and guess what? they're both under 40$! You have to check out their amazing new Holiday collection called "Glitterati". They have alot of cute pieces with fun sequins at great prices. I absolutely love the stuff they have instore right now:
http://www.suzyshier.com/eng/gallery-Glitterati

Glitter heels are probably the biggest thing I am seeing right now. This lovely pair is from TopShop and I adore them. I recently bought a pair of flats that have kind of the same multi colored glitter and now I am dying for these heels! Check these killer heels out at http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=3460507&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208542&parent_categoryId=208492&pageSize=20&refinements=Colour{1}~[multi]&noOfRefinements=1
If you don't wanna go all-out glitter dress you can definitely wear a sparkly top like this! Perfect for going out and you will deffinitely catch somebody's eye.
Even the new OPI Muppets nail polish collection is full of glitter! It's deffinitely a nail trend right now and the colors in this collection are gorgeous. I already picked up the blue and purple glitter ones! Another trend that's been big as far as glitter and nails go is painting all of your nails one color and then putting a glitter polish over one nail per hand. I like to do it on the ring finger and I've been seeing this every lately. It adds a little unexpected pop of shimmer to your nails.



So much glitter, so little time...
I hope you guys enjoyed this fun sparkly post!
Always getting my glitter on,
xo
- Gen

Wednesday 16 November 2011

My Favorite Fall Polish!

Hey guys!
I just had to share this with you all. My absolute favorite Fall nail polish right now is Essie's "Power Clutch". It is from  their Fall collection and retails for around 10$. You can pick it up at salons and drugstores like Shoppers Drug Mart. It is a beautiful glossy grey/green color with no shimmer. I love Essie polishes and it is one of my favorite nail polish brands along with Zoya and OPI. This is perfect for Fall and will look awesome with all your fashionable Fall outfits!

You need to check out this shade! It's to die for and I promise you will get millions of compliments!
xo
- Gen

P.S Have you liked Erica Wark's page on facebook yet? She is a fashion journalist and will be writing a column in the next issue of Fave! Check her out at http://www.facebook.com/#!/ericaonfashion 

Sunday 13 November 2011

A High-Waisted Love

     Hi guys!
Something that I have been noticing around alot lately is high-waisted shorts and pan ts. I know what you're thinking: "Gen, it's Fall...I don't want to wear shorts! Are you crazy?!" I promise you I'm not...most days anyways. You can deffinitely pull off shorts even in the Fall and still make them look classy, chic, and warm. Shorts don't have to just be something you throw on during the summer months because you are too lazy to wear anything else out. I have really been loving high-waisted shorts and the put-together effect that they give an outfit. High-waisted pants can look totally fun too if styled right!


Alexa Chung Clothes
Louise Roe Clothes
Adds a nice little touch of chic doesn't it?
These shorts really shape your frame and enhance it. Any shape or size can make this work as long as they keep their body type in consideration. These kind of shorts can also help make that perfect day to night transition.
Tights and leggings are a perfect way to create layers and keep yourself warm while pulling off the shorts. It is perfect for any occassion and honestly looks great together. 

High-waisted pants/jeans can also play up a casual outfit to look a little more sophisticated. Try it out in your daily life! If styled right, I promise they won't look like mom jeans! Kim Kardashian pulls this look off frequently and it makes her look a little more fabulous in the rather plain brown sandals and white shirt pictured above.



So, what do you think? Will you be brave and try out this look? It's a risk that's for sure but deffinitely worth it in the end!
Lots of high-waisted love,
xo
- Gen

Wednesday 9 November 2011

My Top 5 Flash Sale Sites!

Hi lovelies!
Ever heard of a flash sale website? Well if you haven't then you've certainly been missing out!!
A flash sale website is basically a website that posts new sales everyday that usually last for a few days. You can get amazing deals on things like makeup, high fashion and jewelry on these sites. The prices are always jaw-dropping. All you have to do is sign-up (for free!) and start shopping. I love these kind of sites and buy so much off of them. Trust me, it's worth it. You will save so much money and there's some amazing brands on these kind of websites.
Here are the top ones in my opinion:

#1:  Haute Look:  http://www.hautelook.com/short/Mvgk

#2 Beyond the Rack: http://tinyurl.com/7wzsd8m

#3 Gilt Groupe:  http://tinyurl.com/7z8qo76

#4 The Peacock Parade: http://www.thepeacockparade.com/   
(Canadian!!)

#5   PLNDR:  http://www.plndr.com/Plndr/MembersOnly/Login.aspx


Just thought I'd share these awesome sites!
Happy shopping!!

P.S I'm totally in love with this TART dress that is going on sale on Hautelook tomorrow! (Nov. 10th) http://www.tartcollections.com/product-detail.php?productId=152&categoryId=2
xo
- Gen

Monday 7 November 2011

Behind the scenes of a Fave magazine cover test shoot!


Hello lovely people!
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of a magazine cover shoot?
Well, let me show you!

We recently had a test cover shoot with the top 5 models that were chosen through the competition Fave held. Alcides shot all 5 girls with the same makeup and somewhat similar outifts (the fashion is a suprise!).

The minute I met the gorgeous models, I knew why each had been chosen to be in the top 5. Every model was down-to-earth, professional, mature and had great personality. I absolutely loved chatting with them. Let me introduce you a little to these 5 wonderful young ladies:

Victoire
Favorite Store: H&M, Urban Behaviour
Favorite Clothing Item: Shoes, shorts
Random Fact: This girl has absolutely GORGEOUS skin! Jealousy right here...

Cassidy
Favorite Store: Forever 21
Favorite Clothing Item: yoga pants
Random Fact: She doesn't have a favorite color. Oh and she looks alot like Nina Dobrev, don't you think?

Marielle
Favorite Store: Dynamite
Favorite Clothing Item: Skinny jeans
Random Fact: This girl has brains AND beauty! She is currently studying communication in university. I love meeting models that are just as intelligent as they are beautiful.

Pia
Favorite Store: H&M
Favorite Clothing Item: Skinny jeans
Random Fact: Her favorite color is green which looks absolutely amazing with her bold blonde hair!

Sabrina
Favorite Store: Forever 21
Favorite Clothing Item: Shoes
Random Fact: She is a shoe-aholic like me...when she told me this I proceeded to tell her all about my shoe obsession and the glitter shoes I was currently wearing. Just say the word shoes and I'm there...

So those are our 5 beautiful models! Like I said, I could not believe the maturity of these girls. All 5 girls were professional and handled themselves very well with the Fave team. Kudos to them for being so amazing. I spent a long time chatting with them and can honestly say that their interior deffinitely matches their exterior. These young ladies are beautiful inside and out. Trust me, this won't be the last time you'll see their faces on this blog! Love them all!



Meet our incredible makeup artist for the shoot: Julie Katona!
Julie was so friendly and worked really well with the models. The look she created was flawless and I will deffinitely be trying to recreate it on myself. Here is the look she was working off of:

This look was from Gucci. Very wide-eyed with long spidery lashes. Beautiful bold red lips. The lips were my favorite part. They were such a gorgeous berry color and it really made the models' faces pop. Julie did an amazing job at recreating this look.

Alcides was the photographer and he was assisted by Matthew Treacy. Both are such great guys and really passionate about photography. Alcides worked so well with the models and I felt like they really fed off of his energy.
 This was the hairspray used on the models. It smelled really nice and seemed to give their hair a beautiful shine without making it look greasy. I will deffinitely be checking this one out soon!


The shoot was alot of fun and the whole team worked together and had a blast. The outfits that the girls are wearing are a suprise but I will deffinitely be mentioning it in a future blog post once they have already been revealed. There is a certain other Fave team member that I will mention when the time comes. Until then, get excited because one of these lovely ladies will be on the next cover of Fave!

xo
- Gen


*All models are from Angie's Models & Talent International which you can check out at http://www.angiesmodels.com/*


Tuesday 1 November 2011

Got a date tonight? PART 1


Hi guys!
So you may be wondering: What in the world do I wear when I go on a date?
Well let me be your (fashion) dating guide and give you a few helpful tips!

In this first part I will tell you ladies how to dress for a date. In the second part, which is going to be posted in a few days, I will tell the guys how to.  Enjoy!

LADIES
The key here is don't overdue it! I know barely any guys who actually want girls to pile on a crazy amount of makeup and pretend they're someone they're not on a first date. Be yourself! My go-to outfit for a date night would be a cute feminine top with some dark skinny jeans. It's simple and comfy yet shows off your style and femininity. ALSO, always keep in mind where you are going and what you are doing! NO girl wants to mini golf in heels...trust me. I'm a really big fan of sequins and sheer blouses right now so I've incorporated that into this post.

I love cute tops like these for a date:


Keep in mind to choose jeans that flatter your shape! My personal favorites for a date are dark skinny jeans with not alot of detailing on the behind!
If you're comfortable with wearing heels, I say go for it! I find heels make you look so much more confident and really bring out your figure (and your outfit!). Just don't go for really high 5 inch heels! If heels are not really your thing or you're afraid something will happen and you don't want to embarass yourself, I would opt for flats. They're cute, comfy, and look awesome with a pair of skinny jeans! Never wear shoes you just bought on a date. That's a disaster waiting to happen. A cute idea too is to wear some sexy over the knee boots. They're totally on trend right now and perfect for a cold night out.



For dates I love to bring along a clutch to bring my necessities in. Here are some gorgeous ideas:

(By the way these are super affordale! The one in the middle is from Aldo and the two on the sides are from Forever 21!)


I hope you found this helpful! Happy dating!
xo
- Gen