A Twist on a Classic: Chanel Black Pearl Necklace

Compared to last year's birthday splurge, this year's was a little (okay maybe a lot) more extravagant. However, my birthday this year just so happens to coincide with a number of other important life events... namely, officially being called to the Bar and starting a new job. So let's just say it's justified ;)

I stumbled upon this Chanel black pearl necklace when I had originally gone into the boutique to look at some classic white pearls. Once I tried it on, I knew that I'd be walking out with this one instead. It's just more me.

Mèreadesso Lip Treats

If you're in the market for some luxury lip balm, look no further than Mèreadesso Lip Treats!

Truthfully, I had actually never heard of Mèreadesso before I was sent these products. However, I just love the concept behind the brand, which was founded by a former cosmetics executive who, putting her degrees in Chemistry and Botany to use, came up with a line of "one-step" products packed with enough ingredients to satisfy all your skin's needs. Essentially, you won't have to rifle through a roster of different lotions and potions because there will never be any confusion over what product to use at what time. Great idea, right?

The Clear Lip Treats contain a blend of evening primrose, grape seed, coconut and sunflower oils, enhanced by the added benefits of Vitamins C and E. In addition to acting as a lip balm, they also act as primer for any lipstick, lipgloss, or lipliner. I usually use regular lip balm as a base for my lip colour but sometimes it's nice to use something that's actually intended for that purpose.

I love the slim, sleek, white packaging of these lip balms, which are sold in sets of two so you can keep one in your purse and one in your makeup bag at home. This is perfect for people like me who often have a lip balm in every room of the house so that they're easily accessible at all times.

The Tinted Lip Treats are made with the exact same formula as the Clear Lip Treats, just with the addition of colour. Burgundy (left) shows up as a wine-coloured stain on my lips, which I love. Rose (right), on the other hand, is unfortunately very sheer on my pigmented lips so I don't get much colour pay-off. Both can be used as lip primer as well, particularly to enhance shades in similar colour families.

There is no denying that these are quality products which means they do come at a price: $28 CAN ($14 per tube), to be exact. I recognize that this is more than most people are willing to pay for lip balm but with its double use as a (very good) primer, they're worth a try if you have the extra cash.

For those who are interested in trying some of Mèreadesso's other products, check out their anti-aging Face + Neck Toning Gel, Face + Neck Cleanser, and Beautiful Body Balm.

Exploring the City

One major difference I've noticed between Calgary and Vancouver is that nobody seems to hang out downtown on the weekends. I'm so used to a downtown that is constantly bustling with people everywhere so the relative quiet here is just so strange to me. The other major difference I've noticed is the weather, which is completely unstable. In one day, it will be freezing in the morning, hailing at lunch time, sunny and hot in the afternoon, then raining at night. Makes it hard to plan outfits!

Top: Talula (Aritzia) / Pants: Gap (here) / Bag: Marc By Marc Jacobs (here)
Flats: Bloch (different colour) / Hair Cuff: H&M (similar)
Earrings: Front & Company / Watch: Michael Kors (here)

Since I haven't quite figured out the transit system yet, I've been walking all over the city exploring what I can. Thought I'd share a few shots of downtown: Olympic Plaza with Calgary Tower in the background and me posing with members of the Famous Five installation.