Product Review: Estée Lauder DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection UV Defense SPF 50

Estée Lauder's new DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection UV Defense SPF 50 ($45, available at Estée Lauder counters) is the skincare equivalent of dark wash skinny jeans: a good basic to have in your routine and pretty much goes with everything.

Fancy name aside, this product is essentially a very effective sunscreen. The active ingredients are chemical sunscreens, not mineral, so regular re-application is a must. But the high SPF and super anti-oxidant complex protect skin from the sun's rays and free radicals, while glycerin and hyaluronic acid hydrate.

The untinted, lotion-y formula goes on with minimal greasiness and smells like cucumber. I personally like wearing it under an oil-controlling, SPF-free BB cream for matte coverage on weekdays. On weekends, if I'm feeling really lazy, I'll wear this with just a light dusting of colour correcting powder on top and some mascara. Like I said, it's a good basic to have.

First Look: J. Crew at Pacific Centre

It's not every day that a girl gets to meet the designer responsible for almost half her wardrobe. So when I was invited for a private tour of the new J. Crew Pacific Centre location with head womenswear designer, Tom Mora, I jumped at the chance. Opening today, the 4,000 foot store is the second J. Crew location in Vancouver and the first to focus on womenswear only.

Leading a small group of bloggers and industry insiders around the store, Mora pointed out some of the spring/summer 2013 collection's highlights (patterns, light fabrics, bright colours, and playful nautical details). The tour wrapped with a Q&A session where we got to ask Tom about his work:

• The inspiration behind this season's bright green "punk floral" print: Tom's old Time Life issues with photos of flowers "where the colours were a bit off."
• The travel destination inspiring next season's collection: Marrakech.
• How he keeps track of ideas: If they come to him during workouts, he'll ask his trainer to text him and refer to the texts later.
• Does the design team listen to customer feedback, and will they bring back popular items by request? Yes and yes, but if Tom and his team feel an item isn't very current anymore, it'll be available online only.
• The company's plans for a British invasion: A pop-up shop opens this week, and a Regent Street location in the heart of London is in the works.

This is where I'm going to stop writing and let the images in this post speak for themselves. For more photos, go to the album on my Facebook page, and make sure you check out the new J. Crew store!

Q&A with Jan Halvarson, Curator of West Elm's Etsy Pop-up Shop

I've become obsessed with decor since becoming a homeowner, so it should come as no surprise that news of the West Elm x Etsy pop-up shop instantly piqued my interest. Curated by Jan Halvarson of the design/lifestyle blog Poppytalk, the event features 18 local artisans selling handmade wares that go far beyond home decor. I caught up with Jan and got the inside scoop.

How did you become involved in the West Elm Etsy Pop-Up Shop project?

West Elm has for years been an amazing supporter of handmade and I'm guessing because of that and their work with Etsy, they were aware of my love for handmade through my blog. I am honoured they asked!

What sorts of unique finds can people expect to find this Saturday?

We'll have some really cool bamboo brooches and pins from Cabin + Cub (whom I've been a fan of for years), floating rings from Colleen Baran, prints and paper goods from Banquet Atelier + Workshop, Lemonni, and The Beautiful Project, gorgeous baskets from Landon Dix Design Craft, and there will even be some market-related products like Feest Home featured at West Elm Market right next door to West Elm.

Is there anything in the shop you're eyeing for yourself?

I've been eyeing the cacti print from Banquet Atelier + Workshop for quite some time and I'd love one of Colleen Baran's stamp rings.

Any final shopping tips for readers?

As each seller will be selling individually, it might be best to bring cash, but I think many of them will have card readers as well. It's always fun to get to know the makers and hear stories about their goods too, so take some time to chat with the makers!

The West Elm x Etsy pop-up shop is happening Saturday, May 25, 1pm-6pm at West Elm and West Elm Market on South Granville. Full details are in the flyer below. I suggest you mark your calendars and set aside some dollars now!