Editors' Blog

A sweet aroma of lavender has taken over Place Ville Marie today! To celebrate the opening of its brand new boutique, L’Occitane has recreated a fragrant field of lavender with over 800 freshly cut bouquets flown from the Provence countryside.

Renowned for its luxurious, deliciously scented body treats, the French beauty brand develops over 100 new products every year, each laced with premier quality, organic ingredients. Until June 30, visit the new L’Occitane flagship in Place Ville Marie and get a 4-piece pampering gift set free with a purchase of $35 or more.

For more information on L’Occitane products, go to http://ca.loccitane.com

By Katherine Lalancette

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Spring is like a new beginning in the fashion world. Gone are the drab colours of winter and in come the brights, the skin-showing dresses and the trends that everyone loves to shop for. I get so excited that I’ll start buying spring pieces in January, as soon as they hit the stores (who doesn’t want a frilly top in the middle of winter?).

But at that time of year (and even now) it’s hard to know what the trends are and what I should be investing in. Enter Scarlett Lounge’s Spring Fashion Preview with the top five trends of spring 2010 - straight from the runways. And because I’ve had many regrets splurging on trends (leather pants at $300!) this spring preview features all items at under $50!

From Paris Hilton’s leopard trench to Naomi Campbell’s frills,  I’ve fallen hard for our versions. Add some florals and the LWD, which are the fashion world’s way of making amends for the hard rocker look you’ve been wearing all winter. Keep accessories simple with layered chains that add a modern touch to any spring look.

Now if only I could get the weather to cooperate with my new look.

Photo: Shutterstock / Lana K

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They’re called everything from the “winter blues” to the “February blahs,” along with some other technical medical terms, but really it just boils down to a boring time of year! Aside from Valentine’s Day, what is there to look forward to in February?

Shopping the same tired winter fashions or awaiting another few months of Canadian winter? You see what I mean. That’s why I’ve decided to dip into the piggy bank and book a much needed weekend getaway right in the middle of February (which also happens to be Valentine’s Day!).  I opted for a Spa getaway at St. Anne’s because it’s close to home with great day spa deals, but you can choose any escape that suits you.  There are lots of last-minute getaway deals with flight and hotel packages for a quick Caribbean destination or something closer to home (maybe a ski package?).

If you really can’t squeeze in a quick retreat, then add some excitement to your everyday with some entertainment close to home. Plan a night at the symphony or a spa day with your love (pedicures for two?).

If all else fails you can shop! While the old winter stuff might not excite you, shopping for some transitional items just might. Look for brightly coloured cardigans, peep-toe shoes, designer bags and shoes (great in any season!) and high quality suits and trousers.

Aren’t you feeling better already?

Check out our bio page to get to know Pegah Aarabi from Scarlett Lounge and our other LOULOU bloggers.

Photo: Shutterstock / Leah-Anne Thompson

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It’s a brand new year, which also means it’s resolution time! Are you one of those people that make the same resolution every year? Usually it’s the typical weight loss, quitting smoking, giving up some other vice and so on. But this year, I’ve decided to make a resolution unlike most: to treat myself fabulously! Sure it’s a little self-centered and won’t make the world a better place (or help me lose that last 10 lbs.) but it’s one resolution I will enjoy sticking to.

Read the rest after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

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How many of us have stayed up until 1 a.m. wrapping and re-wrapping dozens of gifts, cutting our hand on the tape dispenser and finally giving up and resorting to worn gift bags instead? If this sounds familiar then maybe you, like me, need to make a pact to treat yourself this season. I mean, holiday shopping can be lots of fun but I’m committed to getting at least one pampering day in before the 25^th. Maybe it’ll be a massage or manicure, and because cost is always an issue–I mean it is the Holidays–I may go for an at-home version instead (the Scarlett Lounge Splurge vs. Steal Treat Yourself Guide has lots of these tips). 

I’m hoping that this self-indulgent plan will leave me refreshed and ready for one of the most hectic holiday events: Boxing Day! I’m a devoted shopper and will withstand any crowd in order to score that must-have item (last year I scored a cashmere sweater at Holt Renfrew Last Call for $25!!). Nevertheless, even I’m getting too tired (a.k.a. old) to go without a plan, so I first check my local mall Boxing Day hours and visit two malls with the stores I know will have something I’ve been eying. By going to more than one place, I make sure to get in and out fast, and spend less time if there are huge crowds.

Since I’ll be well-pampered this year, maybe I’ll hit a few extra stores; it depends on how many massages I can squeeze in. Happy Holidays and remember to treat yourself!

Check out our bio page to get to know Pegah Aarabi from Scarlett Lounge and our other LOULOU bloggers.

 

Photo: Shutterstock / Ahmed Aboul-Seoud

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