The Art Of Exfoliation

Skin is our protector, creating a barrier against dirt, dust and all external particles/ environmental factors, so there are many things happening inside to keep the epidermis in a healthy condition; cell regeneration is a single piece of the puzzle. Our bodies create new skin cells and shed dead one’s rapidly – up to 50,000 every minute. Most of it sloughs off naturally, but the remaining cells can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Exfoliation combats this issue when practiced properly.

Skincare obsessives are super clued into to their routines and the factors affect their face day to day. One important lesson we’ve learned is that different weather (and seasons) call for different regimes. For the good of our skin, we’re determined to master the art of exfoliation.

Here are a few best practices when it comes to clearing away dermal debris…

1.     Exfoliating 2 – 3 times per week makes a difference (on average). The colder and drier the season, the less you should exfoliate.

2.     Use exfoliants in the evening, before bed and serums – it allows products to penetrate more deeply.

3.     Avoid exfoliating scrubs with large, or harsh particles, as they can be damaging to skin.

4.     Always wear sunscreen if heading out after exfoliating (in fact, always wear sunscreen no matter what).

Street Style: Oxblood

 

Mask Much?

Face masks have the unique ability to directly give your skin a boost of whatever it’s lacking. The product used should depend on the skin type, but regardless of the issue (dryness, loss of collagen, acne etc.) masks are among the most concentrated, results driven ways to deliver the targeted benefits you need – right to your face.

Once you’ve discovered the best type for you, using it 3-4 times per week ensures top-notch results. Masks can be used to moisturize dry skin, detoxify, increase circulation and replenish lost nutrients. They round out the skincare routine in the best possible ways; they work and the results are often more immediate (and noticeable) than other at-home products. And they make home feel just like a spa.

T is for T Shirt

 

The High (est) Style

Couture Week – the fashion pack’s personal runway. With daily looks that run the gamut from crazy individual to endlessly elegant, the inspiration derived from the seven days of street style encourages everyone to up the ante. Here’s to high times, wherever you are.

 

Trend Time – Fall 16

Without dwelling on the wintry-ness of it all (especially during the current heat advisory), we’ve chosen a few of Fall 2016’s more wearable, but still completely inspiring trends. We love the lush velvets, the dangereuse takes on leather, sultry, high-shine patents and latexes, and (naturally) the street wear that just keeps coming (and coming). Stay tuned for the more cold-weather appropriate picks. No need to think about those too early.

+Photos from Vogue.com

Cost per Wear

BC’s entire ethos is based around the fact that spending money on good quality, simple, wear-for-year pieces is not only rather chic, but also really smart. We’re total believers in the Cost-Per-Wear theory, which dictates that well-made, minimal pieces actually save major cash in the long run. For example: Helmut Lang’s black, oversized silk blazer is $955. However, taking into account the exceptional versatility, beautiful craftsmanship and tailored fit, it can be styled in masses of (super sleek) ways. SO, if the blazer is worn 40 times over the course of just one year (to the office, evening events, with slouchy denim etc.), the cost per wear would be 23.88 – a much better ROI than a $100 piece that’s worn a few times before it fall apart/ pills/ fades/ loses shape.

Helmut Lang blazer – worn 40 times/ per year = $23.88 per wear

Iro leather jacket – worn 65 times/ per year = $21.51 per wear

Frame Le Skinny jeans – worn 35/ per year = $7.43/ per wear

Helmut Lang denim jacket – worn 35 times/ per year = $14.29 per wear

When we are all Grown Up…

Which we technically are, however if we kept going and could only exhibit half of the grace, creativity and chic of Linda Rodin, then we’d be a zillion miles ahead of the pack. The former stylist turned beauty guru, creator of Olio Lusso (and the rest of the brilliant Rodin range) is perhaps of one of the most straightforward individuals we’ve come across. With masses of very original, true-to-herself style and a complete lack of pretentiousness, she might just be the coolest girl in the world.

Short and Shorter – A Cut Off Love Story

Get Your ZZZZZs/Get Great Skin

If we take the masses research to heart, a good night’s rest just might be nature’s most powerful beauty treatment. Not only do the optimal seven to nine hours a night result in a luminous complexion, but most hair, face, and body products are most effective overnight because they penetrate more effectively during deep sleep.

If a radiant epidermis seems impossible, our busy lives are active contributors. Skipping out on shut-eye makes skin seem very dull and reduces collagen production (which is an advantage of the human growth hormone our bodies make as we get our zzzzzzz’s). With too little sleep skin is noticeably dryer and wrinkles more apparent, and puffiness and under-eye bags are extra obvious.

We’ve done a little digging and all the experts had this to say about how to get a minimum seven hours in dreamland. Avoid eating large meals late, excess salt and alcohol in the evenings, and drink lots of water throughout the day. Sleep in a cool, dark room under a warm blanket with breathable cotton sheets and make certain to use a gentle laundry detergent (that’s fragrance free is used). The head should be elevated at night elevated to increase blood flow. Keep the most regular schedule possible and ban electronics from the bedroom – they stimulate more than relax. That’s it. We hope it helps. Cheers to a radiant am. And if you need a little help, Aromatherapy Associates, Tata Harper and the BC beauty shop offers serious assistance.

The Coolest Woman in the World!

/

The Truth About Serum

Adding a serum to the skincare routine seems like an extra expensive habit, but the multitude of benefits far outweighs the cost involved. Serums are all killer, with no filler – good ones are crafted from very high quality, often organic and up to 70% active ingredients, making them super effective, and very results-oriented (good for evening tone, reducing fine lines, brightening, firming or getting rid of pesky dark spots).

They’re created specially to directly deliver benefits to the epidermis (way) deeper down than cleaners or moisturizers to achieve their mission more completely, and to much more noticeable effect. Still not completely convinced? Serums are ideal for those with acne prone skin, leaving less residue than other topical lotions for way fewer breakouts, they keep skin super hydrated and lastly, they actually work – so they’ll save money in the long run. Here are a few we love (available, among others at BC.)

Shoes Every Closet Should Have

Black pumps to perfect flats to loafers for pointy ankle boots, there is classic footwear that every woman should own. Amass the right collection and the art of dressing becomes infinitely easier. Here’s our list.

When you want noodles…

Since finding ways to eat healthfully, deliciously and satisfyingly is a constant quest for everyone at BC, we were over the moon when we discovered the spiralizer. The ultra versatile, inexpensive kitchen tool takes fresh vegetables and effortlessly turns them into faux-noodles. We especially adore the zucchini version, which can be paired with anything from meat sauce to arrabiata and is completely delicious – no matter what. Here’s one of our favourites.

Ingredients:

4- 5 medium zucchinis

2 pints cherry tomatoes

extra virgin olive oil

5 tablespoons favourite pesto

2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

sea salt and pepper

grated parmesan to serve (optional)

Method:

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Clean and halve cherry tomatoes and toss in a splash of extra virgin olive oil until evenly coated.  Sprinkle with a generous dash of sea salt and spread on a cookie sheet, seed side up. Roast tomatoes for 90 minutes.

Use the spiralizer to create zucchini noodles.

In a large mixing bowl combine noodles with pesto (more or less to your preference), tomatoes, pine nuts and parmesan, and toss well. Serve and enjoy.

* Simple gilled chicken with lemon is a nice accompaniment to this meal

Re-Defining the Brand: Helmut Lang

After a few quiet years of off-the-runway rediscovery, Helmut Lang the brand has returned with a vengeance. The S/S 2016 collection’s beautifully austere pieces nod to the man whose name stands behind the label with a renewed commitment to high-quality manufacturing, custom textiles including cotton-cashmere, crepes and angora (from Italy, Japan, the U.S.A. and Canada), and a more intense focus on denim (all of the cotton-twill pieces are crafted in the States). Read Vogue’s take on the metamorphosis here.

Shop the ultra sleek, often monochromatic collection at BC. In-store and online.

Streetstyle – Courtesy of Black Caviar

Since BC’s got masses of new pieces to love and long for, and as we’ve been working with a studio/ photographer/ model on photos for shopblackcaviar.com, it’s only fitting that we share our take on S/S 2016 trends (or classics). Here are a few straightforward looks from stripes to off-the-shoulder to flared to boucle – all comprised of new arrivals available in-store (or online). Come visit and we’ll throw together slick style for any event (and have the best timany event (and have the best time doing it).

<img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/5709d5621bbee05d7fc9c22d/1460262250409/” />

<img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/5709d57a45bf2194c86589ba/1460262273073/” />

<img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/5709d594c6fc08eb823d6a1e/1460262301779/” />

<img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/5709d5b262cd9478edbe3b02/1460262330298/” />

<img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/5709d5d01bbee05d7fc9c47f/1460262359138/” />

<img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/5709d63f45bf2194c8658c98/1460262469514/” />

<img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/5709d65845bf2194c8658d0d/1460262499055/” />

 

 

&amp;amp;lt;img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/5709d5621bbee05d7fc9c22d/1460262250409/&#8221; /&amp;amp;gt;<span id=”mce_marker” data-mce-type=”bookmark”></span>

&amp;amp;lt;img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/5709d5621bbee05d7fc9c22d/1460262250409/&#8221; /&amp;amp;gt;<span id=”mce_marker” data-mce-type=”bookmark”></span>

How to Clean Make-Up Brushes – Properly

Cleaning makeup brushes is often a total afterthought. For some reason, we obsess over perfect skin, always use just-washed towels and spend serious dollars on amazing products (RMS anyone?), but forget that the tools we use to apply our day-to-day looks require TLC to be at optimal best. We did a little research and here’s the answer; a simple, effective way to take your regime to the next level.

To properly clean brushes, wet them thoroughly with lukewarm water and rub them gently onto a bar of antibacterial soap. Rinse them with warm water and wash one more time with a gentle shampoo— Johnson’s Baby Shampoo is a good choice. Give them a good final rinse (ensuring no product is left over), squeeze them out gently with fingers, and lay them on a fresh towel to dry completely.

Salad for Dinner

Now that winter is slowly coming to a close, we’re craving lighter, but still satisfying meals that will kick the cold season’s extra pounds. This salad wins on all counts. It’s a lovely, hearty dinner that tastes divine, looks brilliant and is a snap to make. Blood oranges are the undisputed star. Mmmmmmmm.

Ingredients

1 red chile

¼ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

Sea salt, fresh ground black pepper

2 cups cooked, cooled mixed beans (cannellini beans, white beans,

3 blood oranges

2 small celery stalks, very thinly sliced on a diagonal

1 cup sprouts (such as alfalfa, radish, or broccoli), divided

½ cup cilantro leaves

Method

Combine chile, oil, lime juice, and vinegar in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add beans and toss to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to fuse together. Meanwhile, using a small knife, remove peel and white pith from oranges. Cut crosswise

into ¼”-thick rounds. Add oranges, celery, and half of sprouts and cilantro to the bean mixture. Season with salt and pepper and toss once to combine. Serve topped with remaining sprouts and cilantro.

+adapted from Bon Appetit

 

IRO Paris = Left Bank Cool

Fuse together worldly New York appeal and refined French elegance and you get IRO Paris. Experimental materials and unconventional silhouettes typify the collections which ranges from denim to cropped boucle to leather. Textured finishes and masses of understated, but ultra noteworthy shades and textiles lend the line an extra unique edge.

Cool Denim = Frayed Denim

Trends According to Vogue #SS16

Oribe Nourishing Hair Oil – Liquid Gold

Oh Oribe. Whenever we think the luxe line of hair care can’t get better, they throw us some new innovation. The Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil is an ultra light oil that works to restore hair to its best courtesy of nutrient-rich blend of jasmine, edelweiss flower, lychee, sandalwood, cassis, bergamot and argan extracts. One single protective drop penetrates folicles to deeply condition, strengthen and smooth—lending intense nourishment and superior shine. It’s a brilliant antidote to dry, damaged winter tresses—like bottled liquid gold.

H2O Forever.

It’s endlessly on our resolution lists. Our doctors, naturopaths, moms and trainers all tell us to do it, and for great lengths of time, our commitment doesn’t waver, but how much water should we really be drinking? And what counts? Of course our bodies need lots to stay healthy, strong and for optimal function, but how much is enough? Or too much?

We just read a fascinating piece on the many misconceptions about water. And guess what? Coffee counts and so does a sneaky glass of fresh-pressed OJ, and vegetables. And it turns out that 2.7 litres of liquid (Prosecco might be pushing it) is the ideal amount. Read the article here.

RMS Beauty – Versatile and Very, Very Chic

Goth and glam to bronzed, nude and natural, RMS can do it all. The Canadian founder, Rose Marie Swift’s CV reads like the whose who of the fashion and beauty biz (Gisele at the Met Ball for starters). We’re forever impressed by the brand’s versatility, commitment to exceptional ingredients and organic formulations that apply like silk – for long-wearing looks that feel like nothing at all. Living Luminizer and Un-Cover Up are everyday must-haves.

&amp;amp;lt;img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/569afe71a12f44354e05dcae/1452998259075/&#8221; /&amp;amp;gt;

&amp;amp;lt;img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/569afe87a12f44354e05dcfb/1452998282262/&#8221; /&amp;amp;gt;

&amp;amp;lt;img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/569aff6a8b38d4c31b20fdf2/1452998507808/&#8221; /&amp;amp;gt;

&amp;amp;lt;img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/569afe9aa12f44354e05dd38/1452998302928/&#8221; /&amp;amp;gt;

&amp;amp;lt;img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/569afed2a12f44354e05de05/1452998356597/&#8221; /&amp;amp;gt;

&amp;amp;lt;img src=”http://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ce11be4b0c3afb6329b9c/t/569afebaa12f44354e05ddb2/1452998331794/&#8221; /&amp;amp;gt;

The BC Recipe Series – Super Green Dip

 

We don’t go (over) overboard on the detoxing, but adding healthy bits to our diet is a definite feel-good plus. And, it’s a major bonus if the recipes are delicious too. This one is adapted from the website Goop, and it’s so, so good (and extra easy) that I’m pretty if it was served Superbowl Sunday, a room full of chicken-wing eating men would adore.

Ingredients

2 avocados

¼ cup fresh cilantro

1 garlic clove

juice of 1 lime

1 jalapeño, seeded

¼ cup roasted pistachios, salted (optional)

¼ cup olive oil

1 tablespoon water

Method

Pulse in food processor or blender until incorporated. Serve with tortilla chips or crudites. Delicious.

Dare to Flare?

It’s official, BC hearts flares. It’s true. While we will never tire of our figure-hugging skinnies or slouchy boyfriends, our adoration of the slightly seventies bell shape is growing by leaps and bounds. The extra, extra (extra) lengthening and elongating style lends very sleek appeal to everything from t-shirts to fur. Just one catch – in our opinions, heels are absolutely required.

Go Big or Go Home.

On the more voluminous end of the trouser spectrum, culottes have been gaining style momentum particularly since the Spring 2015 shows. The wide leg, lengthy shorts (or abbreviated pants) can be worn year ‘round with warming tights and heavy knitwear or in warmer temps with striped tees and borrowed-from-the-boys blazers, or with a cropped top in monochrome shades – the piece adds tailored cool to every look.

Blow and Go

We just love strolling out of the salon, confident smile and super shiny, perfectly trimmed, blown out tresses trailing behind. There’s just a tiny problem – salon hair last for two days (max three) before it’s back to the listless locks we tussle with everyday. We watch our stylists, attempt to study their secrets, but always miss something. Luckily Refinery29 has our back with this piece on How to Stop Making Common Blow Dry Mistakes (and they give shout out to Oribe, so they def know what they are talking about).

Frame Denim is Three

The much sought-after (and BC’s favourite) denim brand celebrated in style with a dinner in NYC attended by super stylists, super models and editors galore. In their three short years, the label has garnered an impressive following based on superior fits, high-quality fabrications and a line of sleek pieces that have become the basis for jeans-loving girls everywhere.

The Endless Beauty Benefits of Turmeric

Coconut oil may still be going strong, but the western world’s obsession with beauty secrets from the east is catching up – our newest obsession? Turmeric. The bright (bright) yellow spice is anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and generally astonishingly amazing for the skin. It can be used as hair conditioner, to fight breakouts, to even tone and texture and on and on to infinity.

Turmeric & Yogurt Face Mask

BC’s chosen recipe is a face mask which consists of gram (or chickpea) flour, plain yogurt, and turmeric powder mixed into a thick paste. Use it on your face, or any problem areas on your skin. Leave it on until it dries and then rinse off with warm water. The difference it makes borders on magic. Keep it up and everyone will assume you’ve been seeing a derm on the regular.

Off the Shoulder This Season

Jill Sander, Chloe, Giambatista Valli and on and on. Designers chose an attractive-on-everyone erogenous zone for S/S ’16. Easy to pull off and even easier to style, shoulders (that part of the body that rarely sees the light of day) offer a graceful alternative to the (more obvious) over-hyped décolletage, always creating a more elegant line. Together with everything from voluminous trousers to denim shorts, a shoulder-baring top lends every look a hint of grace – very reminiscent of the famous Avedon photograph “Dovima with Elephants”. And who doesn’t want to be reminded of that?

Derek Lam SS/16

Slowly, but very surely, the S/S 2016 collections are hitting BC and we’re especially over the moon about 10 Crosby Derek Lam. The high fashion house is taking a break the extreme minimalism that makes up their usual (and much sought after) aesthetic. The look is still sleek and hardly over embellished, with clean lines and elegant details throughout. Shop pieces at BC, online and in-store.

 

 

Sleepwear = Daywear = High Style

Comment 0 Likes

Share

New Year/New Decisions

Foodie culture (and at BC, we adore food), is all a-twitter about veganism, what it means to be plant based and how healthy/ environmentally aware/ delicious it is. We’ve dabbled in the diet of plants, grains and legumes, but found it lacked variety (or maybe we weren’t imaginative enough, how many chickpea salads can one eat?). However, when we discovered Thug Kitchen, the excellent, super simple, unpretentious, un-sanctimonious food blog and cookbook, we were straight up hooked. The swearing is plentiful and the recipes divine. This one, for Beer and Lime Braised Cauliflower Tacos (with Cilantro Slaw) is so delicious, we quite literally swooned over it. Three-day-a-week-vegan sounds just about right.

A Homemade Mask to Combat Dry Winter Skin

The chill factor just hit sub zero and dashing from overheated interiors to the car and on and on will show up on skin immediately. Dryness comes with the climate, but there are ways to fight it. This DIY mask is ultra simple and super effective with a straightforward ingredient list. Remember to exfoliate first and moisturize after (we go for Eve Lom or Tata Harper).

2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, ½ a ripe avocado, 1 tablespoon of runny honey (if required, warm it for a few seconds in a microwave), 1 teaspoon of almond or coconut oil and 1 ½ tablespoon of dry oatmeal (the real stuff not the instant one).

Mash up the avocado in a bowl until it turns into fine pulp without lumps. Mix all of the ingredients together to form a uniform paste. Spread the mask onto freshly washed skin and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and a clean, warm washcloth. Happy New Year xx.

Grey, Greyer, Greyest – The Must-Have Hue of Outerwear This Season

It’s the colour of blizzard-filled skies, slushy snow and serious style. Shades of dove, charcoal, slate, ash and granite – a.k.a grey, offer the most refined take ever on outerwear this season. From the severely tailored to the oversized and slouchy, coats crafted from fine wools and cashmere of the muted shade are on everyone’s radar.  An easy option for on or off-duty, with slim skirts, cropped trousers, or denim in any shape and size, the warming pieces offer sophistication – even to sneakers and torn jeans.

10 Crosby Derek Lam coat – $1325

Theory coat – $740

 

Long, Longer, Longest – Scarves & Hats

Perfectly polished with a sought-after hint of nonchalant cool, scarves or blankets warm whilst lending chilly looks an extra hint of interest. Heavy woollens or finely rendered cashmere, chunky or delicate, this accessory has been a staple for centuries (ancient Rome amongst other places of origin). Our preference is for lengthier pieces, knotted or looped around the neck, or worn hanging loose – even the most superior of coats is given a new lease on style courtesy of a stellar shawl.

Style Deconstructed – Emmanuelle Alt

If there was a fashion poster child for having the most consistent style, Emmanuelle Alt would have our vote. Extra tall and with a perennial borrowed from-the-boys look, the editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris always looks just like herself, while seamlessly incorporating the trends that work with her aesthetic. Her style steadiness implies confidence – the most attractive of any accessory. Skinny jeans or trousers, collars and t-shirts (mostly tucked-in), heels or booties and sharply tailored blazers or statement coats all make for classic, perfectly balanced, effortless appeal.

Shop the minimalist, super streamlined style at Black Caviar. Online and in-store.

ATM Anthony Thoma Mellilo

Our search for the best and brightest of brands is completely constant, we labour over what to buy, travel to check out seasons, track down small designers, fight with customs and on and on and on. However, the moment we glimpsed this collection, we knew we had to bring it in. ATM Anthony Thomas Mellilo – the tightly curated line of super streamlined separates embodies the designer’s take on elegant, simple chic. What began as a (perfect) t-shirt grew into a complete RTW presentation that shows at NYFW and is carried at the world’s top boutiques, still retaining ATM’s commitment to quality and innovation. Textiles (sublime cotton jerseys and modals) are created specially for ATM and manufactured in Peru. Click to read the Vogue Label Conscious’ profile. Love, love, love.

 

We will always have Paris

Sparkling Paris, glowing always, glittering for certain weeks of the year – Fashion Week, of course. The bright lights of the beautiful city made so much more brilliant by street attire so spectacular, it would surely be picked up on satellites from space.

When Match-y Match-y Works.

We are not the types of girls who like to match our shoes to our belt to our nail polish to our handbag – unless everything is black of course. Definitely not, much of the time we prefer to be tastefully mis-matched. However, we’re making an exception for the winter version of the ongoing skirt/ top combos. Sleek knits styled with bottoms in the same hue, wool textiles, soft greys and creams, the look has vast quantities of ladylike appeal and works as well with sneakers as heels. Just don’t feel the need to make the shoes the same shade as the ensemble. We’re only willing to take this match-y match-y business so far.

Heavy Duty Hardware

Style’s love affair with zippers might be traced back to a number of points, and in fact even the inventor of the now-ubiquitous piece is questionable (there are eight patents on zipper-like contraptions from 1891 to 1936). However, the impact on fashion is not up for debate. Far from simply using them as functional closures, the metal fastener is used to embellish everything from leather jackets to streamlined skirts – always adding a hit of edge, even to the most ladylike of attire.

Oxblood, Burgundy, Wine, Raspberry, Cerise and On and On

The fashion folk call it Oxblood, we call it the perfect cold-weather palette. The deep, richly hued red kept the season’s runways looking sharp from clothes to nails to shades of lip colour. Add the hue when looks require authority and everyone will jump to do your bidding – just make sure to style with equally commanding separates. Our vote is for leather, lots of zippers and body-con pieces. After all, this is a grown-up look.

The Look Deconstructed

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so we’ve decided to take street looks and convert them – BC style. It’s our first, so a straightforward, yet super slick ensemble is in order.  This particular choice is all about proportion. The cropped denim is trim, and hits above the ankle, while the rollneck knit is voluminous and balanced by the camel coat, worn tossed over the shoulders. Block-heeled, pointy boots (shop similar styles here) and an edgy black clutch (shop similar styles here) round out the ideal autumn look.

Get a corresponding (if not better) look at BC.

Helmut Lang camel coat ($1915)

Frame Denim – Le Skinny Film Noir ($245)

360 Lian Sweater ($300)

Camel, Caramel – Whatever you call it, its the sweetest hue

The minute we saw Helmut Lang’s take on classic camel at the fall 2015 appointments, we knew the austere, but super-striking coat ($1915) would be at the top of our buying list. The shape is spectacular, tailored to complete perfection, while the fabrication is a textured Italian wool and alpaca that is warm and sleek in equal measure. But it was the colour, the exquisite, rich caramel that did us in. We were goners the moment we laid eyes on it.

Inspiration below.

 

<!–

Add Comment

–>

Everyone Adores Donald “Drawbertson” Roberston

And with good reason. The Toronto-born illustrator is being lauded for his cheeky, fresh and good-humoured take on popular culture. Already a beauty world iconoclast (co-founder of brash, imaginative and forward-thinking cosmetics giant, MAC), M. Drawbertson currently harnesses his creative powers for the good of Estee Lauder. Giles Deacon discovered his works via Instagram (where he has upwards of 24,000 followers) and showcases his take on everything (and everyone) from Comme des Garcon to Anna Wintour to Coco Chanel (and Coco Pops). We totally get it.

Art and Literature and Style – Talent x A million

Esteemed (and completely brilliant) artist Rachel Feinstein has teamed up with esteemed (and completely brilliant) Pulitzer Prize winning author Michael Cunningham, to create a modern-day fairy tale entitled the Seven Ages of Women, a “dark and beautiful exploration of femininity and motherhood.” Feinstein illustrated the narrative in the most spectacular fashion – with looks from the Fall ’15 collections. We are not kidding.

Printed in New York Magazine, the images are so heartrending, charming and alluring, we can’t tear our (almost-tearful) eyes from them.

Horizontal Stripes – Friend or Foe.

We’ve all known the fashion rules (made to be broken – in most cases, we say), but the one that seems stuck in our collective consciousness is the decree on horizontal stripes. According to widely held beliefs, the cross-body lines make any woman, except one with a very tiny, boyish frame, look extra large.

We did a little digging and discovered widely differing opinions. Our favourite has science as a back-up. According to the Helmholtz Illusion, horizontal stripes flatter – especially on a rectangular shape (like a frock or knit). Still not convinced? Get with the program, this pattern is not going anywhere.

The Lowest of Low Calorie ” Ice Cream”

Even though the season doesn’t technically makes its exit until September 21st, the pressure to enjoy every minute is on. Hours spent at the cabin, in the lake or on the beach are made magical with margaritas, watermelon and frozen treats. In the interest of doing our swimwear justice, we’ve discovered the most delicious (and healthy) banana ice cream ever.

Ingredients

3 large, ripe bananas

3 tablespoons natural peanut butter

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

dash of cinnamon

sea salt to taste

roasted peanuts for topping

dark chocolate, melted for topping

Method

Cut the bananas into small chunks and freeze until solid (minimum two hours). Transfer the bananas to a blender and blend until a smooth and creamy consistency is achieved, making minor adjustments when necessary .

Add the peanut butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sea salt. Pulse the blender quickly to stir the ingredients all together and when everything is mixed, serve immediately. Top with crushed roasted peanuts and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate.

#Grateful

Black Caviar’s time in existence has been amazing. We’ve met the best people, learned tons and figured out a few important things. One (very significant) being that running a successful business requires more than hard work, organization and luck. We truly prize honesty (with yourself and your clients) graciousness and generosity, but we’ve also discovered that being grateful is essential to personal and professional success.

At BC, it’s a huge part of our mission to make women feel good, inside and out. Nothing (not even the perfect outfit for every single day) can make a person glow like counting their blessings in life. Morning and night, it just starts our day off a little bit better. xx

Super Skin? Try Double Cleansing!

From Japan or Korea (or as far east as China), the skin-care regime known as double-cleansing—which involves the practice of using a cleansing oil together with a water-based face wash—dates as far back as the fourteenth century. The cleansing ritual leaves a surface layer of smoother, healthier, younger epidermis, allowing the active ingredients in a serums or creams to penetrate more deeply.

For those looking to incorporate the phenomenon into their daily routine, it’s extra easy: Gently rub an an oil-based formula onto dry skin, circling it over face and eyes for sixty seconds before massaging it off with a warm cloth. Next, use a water-based cleanser that suits your complexion and rinse off for perfect pores. We might just be convincing ourselves. We adore Eve Lom and Tata Harper’s take on the practice.