July 2022: Monthly Newsletter

0 - WELCOME

Wearing Comme Si The Studio shirt, Hermes Kelly belt, Frankie Shop denim shorts (similar here), Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock sandals, The Row Half Moon bag

We’re halfway through 2022!

I can’t believe it’s July already, and Happy Canada Day! As you read this, I am currently somewhere in Turkey, traveling from Cappadocia to Fethiye. It’s my first time in the country, and I’m here for the next two weeks. I’ll be sure to do a travel review in an upcoming newsletter! Similar to June, July is also kind of a crazy travel month — after I get back, I expect some work travel, followed by a trip to Toronto (again), and Whistler for weddings. Summer travel: the bane of my existence.

1 - FASHION

Summer Wardrobe

Summer is here, which means that it’s time to swap out the winter clothes. For warmer months, I like to stick to the same style philosophy: classic with a twist. I also gravitate towards lighter fabrics (like linen and silk) along with a bit of colour. Shirts are obviously in my rotation (as you know from my last newsletter), and I also love wearing dresses and slinky shirts. Here are some items that I’m adding to my real/imaginary cart:

Five Things I Bought

To be honest, this month’s feature is somewhat lousy. I’ve been tied up at work and I haven’t really been in the mood to shop, but here goes:

1. Khaite Beatrice Bag: Almost all of my bags are black, so I’ve been looking for something brown to complement my outfits. I love that this bag is fairly spacious and that it’s suede.

2. Tekla Pyjamas: Holt Renfrew (one of my favourite Canadian retailers) is having a big sale. I picked up two PJs on sale from this Danish brand: one in pink (gasp) and the other in dark blue stripes

3. Charlotte Chesnais Lips Ring: I love that this ring looks like a blob

4. New Balance x Aime Leon Dore 991 sneakers: I entered a draw on the ALD website and won the sneakers! I never win anything lol, so this was a surprise

5. Christopher Esber Brown Vneck Sweater and Ruched Skirt: I may return this, but I was in the mood for a matching brown set. This will be perfect for fall (and on chilly summer days)

2 - BEAUTY

New Products

It’s been a few months since I wrote about skincare/makeup (my skincare routine here, my makeup routine here), and I’m happy to report that I’ve tried many new products since. Below are my latest favourites:

For the face: Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence (I use this as a serum), Sisley Radiant Glow Express Mask (this makes my skin feel so clean/bright afterwards)
For the eyes: Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen (love the dual applicator tip)
For the body: C & The Moon Malibu Made Glow Oil (always into good body oil)

3 - TRAVEL

Travel Routine

Given that I travel pretty often, I have my essentials and process down to a T. If I’m traveling for more than a week, I like to check a bag. Otherwise, it’s all about carry-on luggage for me. The last thing I need (especially now given the airport chaos) is to check a bag and have it get lost. Here are some tips I’ve learned the hard way:

Stay organized: For me, this means a passport holder with pockets, a clear makeup bag with compartments, and packing cubes
Bring snacks: I was recently stuck on a plane for 4 hours (pre-flight), and I’m so glad I had some food in my bag, otherwise I would have been extremely hangry
Use makeup/skincare samples: Traveling is my favourite time to try makeup and skincare samples. There’s never enough space to bring my usual, full-size products so I like to pack in as many little samples as possible. Plus, you’ll free up space as you use them
Bring a water bottle: Single use water bottles are so expensive at the airport, and these days, airports generally have water stations
Plan ahead for long-haul flights: When my flights are longer than 5/6 hours, I like to take off my contacts, remove my makeup and slap on a face mask and thick cream. Skin in general gets super dehydrated on flights so it’s important to keep it moisturized
Stay active: I always bring wrist/ankle weights and a pilates ball — sometimes hotel gyms suck and I prefer to work out in my room

Below are my go-to travel items when I fly:

4 - OTHER

Exercise

Working out has been somewhat challenging given my recent travels. Lately, my favourite workouts to do while traveling are B The Method and Pilates by Amanda. Both of them are such nice, slow burns and exactly what I need!

Hermès Nail Polish

As promised in my last newsletter, I bought Hermès nail polish in 95 Brun Bistre a few weeks ago. My thoughts: the packaging and bottle are beautiful. The polish itself is good - it’s long lasting and doesn’t chip too quickly. However, I am not a fan of the applicator brush - it’s thick, which makes it hard to be precise. I’ll probably just stick to my favourite nail polish brand :)

5 - PARTING NOTE

It feels like something crazy and disheartening happens every month in the US. In light of recent news regarding abortion and women’s rights, I’m donating to Planned Parenthood. Here are a few links that feature other organizations that could use your time and/or money: The Cut, Cosmopolitan, W Magazine.

Until next month.