Nails Inc. NailKale in Holland Walk

Happy Halloween! In honour of this decidedly Fall holiday, I thought I'd share a new favourite Fall nail polish, Nails Inc. NailKale in Holland Walk.
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This is my first foray into Nails Inc. and I've got to say that I am super impressed. This particular line, NailKale, is infused with kale extract, which is known for its high levels of Vitamins A, C, and K. Kale is already a popular superfood so I'm not surprised to see a beauty company embracing it as an ingredient. Though it might seem like a trendy concept, apparently the kale extract is good for dry nails since it stimulates advanced keratin production. I change my polish too often to say for sure if it actually lives up to its claims but my nails did feel quite strong with this on.

Holland Walk is a deep plum that is perfect for the season (you guys know I like darker colours in the Fall). The formula was opaque in 2 coats, drying to an extremely glossy shine, and wear time was great. I also love the bottles! I used to think Nails Inc. polishes looked kind of cheap with their "nothing special" round bottles, but the brand's repackaging is A+. The new bottles are made of glass and feel very weighty and expensive when you hold them. You remove the silver cap to reveal a smaller round black cap for easy application (similar to Butter London). 

Not that I need to feed my nail polish addiction anymore (owning over 400 nail polishes is only slightly excessive), but I really can't wait to try some other Nails Inc. polishes. Let me know if you have any recommendations!

Pixel Wall

To bring this sleeveless swing dress into Fall, I've been layering it over my black tissue turtleneck (which you might recall got a ton of wear last year too). I love simple tricks like this to make pieces work through all seasons!

Turtleneck: Club Monaco (here) / Dress: Theory (with sleeves)

Belt: Moschino (here) / Booties: Report (similar) / Earrings: Etsy (similar)

Olivier Theyskens:Spring Blouse Trousers 

LUSH Cosmetics Halloween 2014

I've been posting about LUSH Cosmetics' Halloween collections for the past few years (see 2011, 2012, and 2013) so it should come as no surprise to anyone that I was excited to see what was new for 2014. Here are just a few offerings you should check out -- and be sure to get to them quick since they're limited edition...

Clockwise from left: Lord of Misrule, Sparkler Bath Bomb, Sparkling Pumpkin Bubble Bar

I wrote about  the Lord of Misrule Bath Bomb ($7.95 CAD) last year and apparently it was such a fan favourite that it's back again this year (though there does appear to be a $2 price increase). Featuring the world's first Fair Trade Vanilla Absolute, this bath bomb dissolves slowly to reveal a wine-coloured centre and popping candy. Add in a combo of spicy black pepper oil and soothing patchouli and it's a great treat for cold nights.

The new Sparkler Bath Bomb ($6.95 CAD) differs from LUSH's typical spherical bath bombs with its rod-like shape. Its centre is filled with gold glitter and popping candies so it creates the sound and appearance of exploding fireworks as it dissolves. Fun!

Also new for Halloween 2014 is the Sparkling Pumpkin Bubble Bar ($7.95 CAD). It reminds me a lot of the of Golden Egg bath bomb that was out this Easter since it's covered in PET-free gold luster. Unlike Golden Egg's caramel scent, however, this bubble bar is fragranced with Orange Flower Absolute, Blackcurrant Absolute, Juniper Berry and Lime Oils for a more citrus-y kick.

Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow (M-540 and D-640)

Last month, MAKE UP FOR EVER introduced the Artist Shadow range, a collection of eye shadows made with a breakthrough formula of pigment atomization (delivers up to 88% concentrated pigment) and water-blend technology (allows for extreme blendability and even texture). With 210 shades, it's the most extensive range of eye shadows currently available to consumers and comes in 5 different finishes to suit all tastes: Matte, Satin, Iridescent, Metal, and Diamond.

The large round pans are magnetized to fit into single, duo, and trio custom palette cases so you can create your own unique colour combinations for ease of portability. The cases are plastic with a clear cover and carry a nice weight despite how inexpensive they are ($1.00 extra at Sephora).

As I'm a huge fan of neutrals, MAKE UP FOR EVER sent over my own customized duo featuring M-540 and D-640. The naming system is based on the finish and the family number that each shade falls into within the colour wheel -- such a cool art-based concept!

M-540 (worn on my top lid) is a matte greyish beige. I personally love matte shadows and this one is no exception. It applies buttery soft and makes a great base. D-640 (worn on my lower lashline) features the brand's diamond finish in a deep gold hue. I don't typically like glittery eye shadows but I thought this was quite pigmented despite its somewhat gritty texture.

If you're on the hunt for some new eye shadows, I absolutely recommend checking out the Artist Shadow range. At $25 CAD for a single ($39 for a duo and $50 for a trio), they are fairly affordable given the high level of quality and number of colour options available.

Dynamite Style

In celebration of its 30th anniversary Dynamite has undergone a significant makeover, which I learned about a few weeks ago when I was invited to come in and check out the new look. Along with the posh store redesign, Dynamite has also updated its clothing offerings to cater to a more modern, elevated style --  while still keeping the same affordable price point as before.

I absolutely love the brand's new direction and found a ton of pieces I've been lusting after. The Fall 2014 collection, in particular, is full of amazing knitwear... like this sweater coat that I just couldn't leave without. While the pattern is similar to this other (favourite) sweater, I've been loving this as an outerwear piece. Aren't the faux leather accents fab?

Sweater Coat: Dynamite / Tank: TNA (Aritzia) / Jeans: Paige Denim (here)
Booties: Report (similar) / Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (here)
Earrings: Etsy (similar)

Shop:Jury Linen Sweater Sweatshirt 

Wishlist: ShopBop Sale

Shopbop's Friends and Family Sale event is back, which means it's the perfect time to cross some items off your wishlist! Enter discount code FAMILY25 at checkout to enjoy 25% off storewide between October 14th -16th with some brand exclusions (for guys, the sale is on at East Dane too).

Here's what I'm currently lusting over:

1. Leather Tote. My Longchamp has been my go-to work tote for years but sometimes I want to mix things up a little when carrying files and papers to and from the office. This Madewell Transport Tote is such a classic bag and the tan shade is perfect for Fall.

2. Leather Moto Jacket. I already have an awesome leather jacket but lately the moto style has also been calling my name. I especially love this Madewell Perfect Moto Jacket with its all black hardware.

3. Slouchy Beanie. One of my favourite things about cooler weather are the fun accessories, hats included. Shopbop has a ton of great options like this one from 1717 Olive and this one from Hat Attack.

4. Pointy Toe Oxfords. These Rachel Zoe Raven Cap Toe Oxfords are at the top of my wishlist right now (love the silver detailing), with these Matt Bernson Darby Oxfords a close second.

Madewell:Mini Cross Body Pullover Summer 

Garden Picnic

A couple months ago, I shared a few (very red) accessories from British brand, Joules, in this post and am back again today with one of their lovely day dresses and a roll-up picnic blanket that I am totally obsessed with. Both pieces are perfect for outdoor hangouts with friends -- especially if there's a bottle of bubbly in tow!

Dress: Joules (c/o) (here) / Pashmina: Singapore / Booties; Rachel Comey (here)

Picnic Blanket: Joules (c/o)

NY Designed:Mars Wayward Poplin Blouse 

Revlon Jet Set to Shanghai (& GIVEAWAY!!)

This Fall, Revlon has curated a number of fun city-themed beauty looks based around their popular ColorStay line. With New York, Paris, and Stockholm among the available options, I was very curious to find out which look would be arriving in the mail for me... I'm sure you can imagine my delight, therefore, at receiving the opportunity "jet set" off to Shanghai (via makeup, of course). I visited the city a few years ago and absolutely loved it!

This "Shake It Up In Shanghai" FOTD features a deep green smoky eye, which is a departure from the basic cat-eye liner I've been sporting lately but nonetheless an incredibly wearable alternative. I started by using Revlon ColorStay Shadowlinks in Moss (inner corner to centre of the eye) and Khaki (outer corner). Next, I applied Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Jade, using the smudger end to blend out the liner and finished with Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara in Blackest Black.

To complete the look, Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain in Shanghai Sizzle adds the perfect shiny red lip.

For an easy but fun mani, I used alternating shades of Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy in Checkmate and Blackjack topped with Diamond Top Coat. If you haven't tried these polishes before, they dry super shiny and lasted an entire week without chipping. This colour combo, though neutral, is also sure to attract attention. I was actually surprised at how many compliments I received, from friends to random strangers in coffee shops.

WANT TO WIN A REVLON JET SET TO SHANGHAI PACKAGE FOR YOURSELF?

All you have to do is follow me on Instagram and "like" this picture. Winner will be randomly selected from my followers/likers (Canada-only, must be 18 years or older). Giveaway ends October 15. Good luck!!