Stripes & Solids Take 2

Every once in a while, I have an inspiration block (i.e. when "winter is coming"). The last few months have been no exception. I've been on permanent defrost since mid-October. Though I have some great holiday inspired outfits, I needed to "feel" warm again. Enter fall throwback. I took these pictures back in October and finally felt a calling to post them, I mean how cute is that elephant necklace?

Little Black Dress

Say hello to my favourite closet staple. This little black dress. You may remember seeing it here, back 2012. Honestly, it never fails. Whether it is to brighten my mood after a ho-hum week, a mediocre dinner at the new spot in town, a failed attempt at making a new dish, this LBD is better than a pint of Ben and Jerry's. And that says a lot.




What I am Wearing: 
Dress: United Color of Benetton
Jewellery: Necklace and Earrings - New York City Street Bazaar
Shoes: Tory Burch

Tweed Trend

Tweed has come a long way from the days of the English countryside, to the catwalk.  Most fashion houses at one point or another have featured tweed in their collections. This year is no different.  Dolce & Gabbana's "Tweed is Chic" Fall/Winter 2014 collection is absolutely stunning.  Feminine silhouettes with modern touches.

And while I can only covet D&G from afar, the tweed trend has made its way into to affordable consumerism...yes. there. I said it.
What I am Wearing:
Dress: H&M
Blazer: H&M
Shoes: Tory Burch
Necklace: Gifted - from Turkey
Earrings: Gifted - from Turkey 

LancĂ´me Grandiose Mascara Review

I have been on the hunt for the perfect mascara for a long time. A VERY long time. I’ve tried everything from DIORSHOW Blackout, to Benefit, to Clinique, to Sephora, to MAC. I’ve even tried out the drugstore brands like Rimmel, Revlon, and Cover Girl. Every time, there has been something that I have been disappointed with when in comes to a staple in my makeup routine – too clumpy, too flaky, does not provide volume, does not lengthen…I was skeptical when I received Lancome’s new Mascara to try and review.It is available to purchase at Sephora for $35.00 CAD

 
LancĂ´me ’s new Grandiose Mascara includes a very interesting and intuitive brush which they have termed the “Swan Neck™ Wand” It’s claim to fame - exceptional length, lift, and volume to all lashes. The curve of the wand mixes the mascara with each twist open, allowing for formula that stays fresh longer. I have to say, I am quite impressed with the brush, super easy to apply!
Rather than create an extremely dramatic look, I applied only one coat of the mascara, something that I would do for everyday use in the office.
Before application of Grandiose Mascara
I have to say I am quite impressed with the amount of coverage the Mascara provided. 
PROS: It did make my lashes look thicker, longer and fuller. I also noticed that it did not create any clumps. 
CONS: While LancĂ´me Grandiose Mascara boasts no flaking, 12 hours later, it was definitely visible, though significantly better than some of the higher end brands that i have tried (namely DiorShow).
After application of Grandiose Mascara
Overall, I would give this a 4.5 out of 5 and would definitely repurchase.

Have you tried LancĂ´me Grandiose Mascara?


Heatwave

Summer is finally here. I mean FINALLY here – albeit its August. It’s hot days and equally warm nights, with heat just dissipated from tarmac, bricks and surrounding objects. Everything is warm to the touch; sun-kissed. I absolutely love how the pictures turned out. Slightly blurred, as if the camera itself was sweating.Soaking in every last drop of sunshine possible and holding out for an extended heatwave. 

What I am Wearing:
Dress: Zara
Heels: Nine West
Necklace: Gifted (from Turkey)
Bangles: COACH 

Segue



After a much long hiatus, I am back and ready to devote some much needed time to this blog. I love it dearly and it has been a source of happiness, a place for contemplation, and venue for my thoughts and ideas. My hiatus from The Fine Balance was not planned, though a much needed reprieve. Many things have transpired over the last little while, and I knew I would not have been able to fully devote to my writing and quality pictures and posts if I had continued. I feel refreshed and ready to get back into it and bring you all aspects this space is supposed to offer – Fashion, Fitness and Food related posts.


I hope I can count on all of you to continue with me on my journey.

What I am wearing:
Polka Dot Skirt: Banana Republic Factory
Blouse: J Crew
Heels: COACH (Nala Pumps)
Necklace: Gifted (from Japan)
Jewelery: COACH

imPress Manicure Canada VoxBox - Review

I recently received two packages of Broadway imPress nails with my latest VoxBox. At first I wasn't sure if these were just the stickers to put on nails, but realised very quickly they're a type of fake nail that says it doesn't damage the nail bed and literally goes on like a sticker. No mess. No added glue. Just peel off the back and apply.
I received two different styles - and it boasts that it lasts up to a week.
some of the nails were a little too short for my nail bed - you can see my pinky finger as an example.
They come in this cute little nail-polish looking container with many sizes and a whole lot of extras. Currently I have been wearing mine for a day and a half, washed dishes, showered, and they haven't budged.
My main complaint about these nails are that they are too square. While the kit does come with a nail file, it was not big enough to complete the job. I would prefer something that had a little more of a roundness to them.
I have only been wearing the nails for a day and a bit, and so far they are comfortable and don't feel too different than my own nails. imPress boasts that it will last an entire week, so I'm curious to see how long it lasts. imPress is available in Canada (yay!) for $8.99 for plain colours and $10.99 for the pattern. What annoys me is that these nails are available in the States for $5.99 USD and $7.99 USD. All in all i would recommend these nails, especially if one needed them for a special occasion.

Have you tried imPress Nails? What are your thoughts?

Sprouted Wheat Zero Low Low OneBun - Product Review

I'm always looking for a new way to enjoy carbs, particularly breads that are lower in calories, high in protein and have no preservatives.  What am I talking about? The Sprouted Zero Wheat Low Low One Bun. It's thin and light, but also has enough substance to hold a sandwich together. For 150 calories and 8 grams of protein, it contains:
Sprouted Wheat Zero Low Low OneBun
  • Zero Added Sugar
  • Low Sodium
  • Low Fat
  • Free of Artificial Preservatives
  • High Source of Fibre
  • Good Source of Iron
Turkey Bacon, Egg, Tomato Sandwich -Delicious way to start the morning!



This is definitely a product I can get behind, whether as a treat by eating half or indulging with an entire sandwich. It's great for mini homemade pizzas too. Best of all, it's available in Canada! 

PB, Sugar Free Jam and Banana - great post workout snack!

Have you tried this before? Would you?

Note: The views with respect to this product review are mine alone, and reflect an honest opinion about the product. 
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