Wedding Dress Shopping 101

I've been on the dress hunt for just over a month now. I was so intimidated to start because I really didn't know where to begin. I was too busy worrying about how daunting it seemed and psyched myself out of the whole thing! What a silly tactic! I mean I browsed through magazines, but it wasn't until I actually got into the stores that I started realizing which designers stood out to me and which styles I was drawn to. A dress can look so different in a picture, and especially on a hanger! If I could tell you how many times I thought "no way", but tried on a dress to realize how beautiful it has, we'd be here all day!

Shopping for your wedding dress should be fun, special and give you butterflies. While I still have not found the perfect dress, I have a put together a few of my tips to make your dress search go as seamless as possible.

First of all, here is THE LOW DOWN on dress shopping:

You enter the boutique (usually they ask you to remove your shoes). You chat with your consultant on your style, preference, thoughts, ideas, budget, etc. They take you around the store introducing you to designers and collections. You then pick 4-6 gowns and head to changing area to try them on. You usually have an area to yourself.  One by one the consultant will assist you to try on the dresses. Don't be shy here, ladies. They've seen it all. Some of them you can tell before you are even zipped up that it's a no. But, there are others that make your heart flutter and you just don't want to take off. By the end of the try-on, you narrow it down to a few of your favorites. Eliminating the majority of them makes it so much easier, but you still leave undecided. Or do you?...




Here are my tips for wedding dress shopping:

Take your time
Dress shopping is not something you want to rush. It's very important to know that it can actually take around 9 months to get the dress made and sent back to you. And then there are alterations! Do not leave it until the last minute. Even if you just pop into different stores to browse,  you may discover what you like about some and what you dislike about others. Take the time to try on all styles. You only get one chance to do it, so go all out! Trying them all on will never make you wonder "what if...".

Book your appointments strategically
If you want to enjoy your experience and not feel pressured or intimidated by other brides, book your appointments from Tuesday-Friday. Most bridal boutiques are not open on Sundays or Mondays, and Saturday is sure to be the busiest day of the week! I took off time from work to make my appointments. I had the boutiques all to myself, the consultants gave me their undivided attention and I had free reign at all the dresses to try! Again, be strategic and book a few appointments on each day in and around the same area so you can maximize your time out of the office. Also, do you know what makes you bloat, gasey, etc? Avoid eating these foods right before your appointments, because you will not feel the best, and you want to feel your best!

Choose your entourage wisely
Think a max two (or three) people. Each time I went with my mom as the appointments were during the day, but I also had my best friend on speed dial and screenshotted her pictures, real time! I really didn't want to bring many people with me as it's more special and intimate this way. And too many opinions are just no good. I overheard one too many heated conversations while shopping and am so glad I avoided that!

Trust your consultant, they are professionals
If your consultant brings you something to try on and you are appalled, just give it a go. Every time I thought I would hate something it ended up being not that bad! They know what they're doing and how all the dresses look on. It's so hard to judge from off a hanger! Don't be afraid to really try them on. And remember, sizing does not matter. Many gowns run small. Allow the consultant to order appropriate size for your measurements, not what you may think is your size.

Once you find it, move on
Here is a tip one of my consultants told me and it is SO key. She told me that once I find my dress, unfollow every bridal store I've followed on Instagram, stop looking at dress magazines, and move on to the next area of planning. You do not need to get sucked into "dress FOMO". You do not need to keep looking because guess what... there will always be a new collection of dresses coming out. There is no way to avoid it! Just remember the feeling you had when you put on your dress and that's it.

Okay, guys, my search continues next week. Wish me luck!

Luxury Skincare Picks for Summer 2018

I am a skincare-a-holic. It's no secret. I am just obsessed with finding the latest products that do more for your skin than cover up a scar or hid a pimple. I am all about addressing the root causes! And I think you guys like that, too! You want to know what I find to be working really well, and since I love to share, I think we have a great relationship going on, don't you?!

So today we are talking luxury skincare finds. I recently discovered a few brands that I am obsessed with for multiple reasons. For starters, the ingredients-- they are all strongly botanically based, and the results-- they all have proven to work so well for me! If you're looking for anything from a new cleanser, a facial mist, a body oil to save your skin from drying out, or even a way to plump up your lips, I got it covered:

EVE LOM
I had been wanting to try Eve Lom for so long, primarily because I heard such great things about their simplistic approach to skincare. Their focus? Truly radiant, flawless, and cleansed skin, in the most gentle way. The Original Balm Cleanser is a cult classic so I knew I had to start there. Want glowing, radiant skin? Want the most luxurious feeling cleanse you'll ever have? Look no further. This balm feels extremely silky on your face, it exfoliates and cleans, and it comes with a muslin cloth that works miracles for removing makeup (yes, eye make up, too). The smell is so heavenly and it's also packed with plant oils and other great ingredients (cocoa butter, eucalyptus,  chamomile, clove) to work its magic on the skin and target every need. I actually look forward to cleansing my face every night. Using this cleanser has made my nightly routine that much more enjoyable! No joke! I have seen gotten hooked on Eve Lom's other products, such as the Rescue Mask and Face Mist.

NUXE
Oils are truly a magnificent addition to your skincare regime. Ever since I started using them, I have not been able to stop. The Huile Prodigieuse by Nuxe is a dry oil that hydrates your body and hair and leaves the most gorgeous sheen to your skin. It's the summer, and adding a bit of shimmer to my legs is top priority, especially for someone who doesn't sit out in the sun. It's packed with plant ingredients with over 98% of ingredients derived botanically. It's French, it's fabulous and did I mention you'll smell like a French woman? Seriously who doesn't want to smell like a French woman?

PAI
Yes, more oils! The Rosehip BioRegenate Oil by Pai is another luxury skincare essential. It's no wonder this is one of their best sellers. First of all, did you know Pai means goodness? Not only are their products good, but they are good for you! Want firm skin? Glowy, dewy skin? What about riding yourself of lines, wrinkles, patchy skin and scars? Rose-hip oil is known for its regenerative properties so you can watch it heal your skin, and protect against future stressors. I love slathering it on before bed or mixing it into my day cream for a dewy look. It actually creates a bronze effect on your skin! No sun necessary.

RODIAL
Ever since I first discovered Rodial Beauty on The Beauty and the Vlog Podcast I knew I had to try out the line. I was so inspired by founder Maria's story of entrepreneurship and early career days. For my first products, I knew I wanted to try the Dragon's Blood range. I tried out the Essence Mist and the Lip Masks. Could they actually plump my lips? I was intrigued. I was so excited that I tested them out the evening I got them! Looking back I should have waited until I was going out to use the masks! But they actually work! They are packed with hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration and stay moisturized. I woke up and my lips were still plump. Both products are total luxuries, but totally worth it!

Do you have any skincare finds that make your skin feel oh-so luxe? Are any of these speaking to you? Let me know! And like always if you have a specific skin care need, feel free to ask me for suggestions. I love to help!

Brands are also available at Murale by Shopper's Drug Mart. Check out your nearest location for stock! 

S H O P  T H E  P O S T:

Niagara-on-the-Lake Roadtrip

Isn't there just something so picturesque and charming about small towns in Ontario? Sometimes you don't need to go very far to take a mini escape and experience new food, culture, and landscape. That is exactly what I did last weekend. I hopped into a Ford Fusion and set out on the open road with Eleni, my blogger bestie. We escaped the city for one night to discover and explore Niagara-on-the-Lake. We had so much fun cruising around making our way from the city to the countryside. It's so fun going places with like-minded people. I mean who else can you yell "PINK DOOR" at and immediately they jump for joy and start running behind you? Must be a girl thing!



Our Ford Fusion was the perfect vehicle to take us exploring! First of all, it was burgundy velvet (aka purple)! How chic. Second of all, it was packed with all the amenities-- A/C (thank goodness because I swear it was the hottest day of the summer), extra cargo room (because us bloggers like to pack), an easy to use Navigation system, lane-keeping system and more!

We started our journey in Burlington, Ontario, which is a gorgeous town situated on the water. Coming from the city you will pass Burlington on your way to NOTL. We hopped off the highway and hit up Sunshine Doughnuts Co. Everything from the giant doughnut in the sky, the outdoor wall mural, and the gorgeously styled interior made this spot a must-visit. We picked up some donuts and then made our way to discover more of Burlington, Ontario.



Because what does one do after they pick up doughnuts? They need lunch, of course! We walked around Burlington and opted for a healthy lunch at Lettuce Love Cafe. I always make a point to eat here; it's one of my favourite spots for bites, bowls, and salads. Yummie! We may have been extremely full but one does not go to Burlington without making a stop at Kelly's Bake Shoppe. We walked our way over to Kelly's to pick up my favourite gluten-free, vegan, healthier goodies! It was Eleni's first time at Kelly's so I knew she was in for a treat. Eleni picked up the red velvet cupcakes, while I may have got four cookies to go! Haha! I swear I didn't eat them all right away...

Make sure to hit up Anise Apothecary to stock up on green beauty products and Centro Garden for some home decor goodies while in Burlington. And if you have time, check out Amanda Steene Cosmetics to make your own lipstick shade.

A couple of iced coffees, a crazy rain shower and a few stops for photos along the way, we arrived at our destination-- The Queen's Landing Hotel in NOTL. Pulling up into this hotel was breathtaking! The manicured lawns, the columns, it was all so stunning!



We checked into our room, relaxed for a few seconds and hit the town to discover more of NOTL. So much charm! It really is a real live Star's Hallow. We popped in and out of shops, walked along the water, passed by some vineyards and made our way to Balzac's Coffee to, yet again, caffeinate before dinner. If you're in NOTL be sure to explore some of the shops! There are so many vintage finds, one of a kind goodies and delicious eats. After wandering into the shops we made our way back to our hotel for dinner. They had the loveliest patio so we relaxed and had a quiet night after such an eventful day!

The next morning we woke up early and went for a lovely walk to grab coffee and plan our day. Niagra is known for all the fruit trees so we made our way to a fruit stand where we tried the sweetest Sugar Baby plums! We also took home some delicious cherries. The owners were so lovely-- we chatted, they let us try their goodies then we headed back into the Ford Fusion to our last stop, Neob Lavender.





We may have missed the Niagara Lavender Festival by one week, but it's still lavender season and we knew we had to get to the fields nice and early! The smell is intoxicating. I love lavender! It's so amazing for multiple purposes-- headache relief, body aches, relaxation, to induce sleep. I could go on! We stopped in the shop which was conveniently located beside an antique market. We pursued all the goods then finally made our way to the fields. It's a stunning view... the rows and rows of lavender plants!

By mid-afternoon, we were ready for our drive back to the city. It was the perfect girly summer escape! Next time I would definitely check out one of the fabulous spas or vineyards that Niagara is known for. So much to do, so little time! All I know is I'll definitely be back!

Thank you to Ford Canada for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.