Coat Check

Winter coats and jackets

It's been raining constantly, Daylight Savings is this weekend, and for the first time in a long time we had to turn on the thermostat. All signs point to winter, which means it's time for the heavy-duty outerwear to come out. Every winter I seem to find myself "investing" in a new winter coat (and consequently building up quite a collection!). In a way, it makes sense. A well-made coat not only keeps you warm but forms the outermost and therefore most visible part of any outfit. It's also the most highly complimented piece during colder seasons in my experience. So based on years of coat-buying and compliment-reaping, here are my top picks if you're in the market for a new one.

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My HydraFacial Experience At False Creek Skin Solution Clinic

False Creek Skin Solution Clinic

On Tuesday night, I was thrown out of a liquor store for looking too young and not having any ID to prove otherwise. I'm sharing this embarassing humblebrag with you to illustrate that I'm not exactly in the market for Botox or laser treatments anytime soon, if at all. But that said, I'm always up for a good preventative treatment or product that helps me take care of the skin I have now and prevent problems down the road, which is how I found myself saying yes to a HydraFacial at False Creek Skin Solution Clinic. One Canada Line ride and a short walk from Olympic Village station later, I found myself on the waterfront at FCSSC's doorstep, learning more about the HydraFacial from owner (and former plastic surgeon) Natasa Glogovac.

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Featured in Sing Tao Daily

Solo Lisa in Sing Tao Daily

I had the privilege of being profiled in the beauty/lifestyle magazine portion of Sing Tao Daily 1.5 weeks ago along with a bevy of other Asian fashion bloggers. Perhaps not a big deal to English speakers, but for my parents who follow Chinese media and are regular readers of Sing Tao Daily, it was huge. My mom actually laughed out loud with delight when I called her and told her to pick up a copy. If you can read traditional Chinese, I encourage you to expand the photo and give it a go. Huge thanks to writer Vincent Chik for the honour!

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Latest Outfit: Sunday Afternoon Walk

Casual, effortless weekend layering
Madewell jacket and jeans | Kate Spade Saturday hoodie (similar) | Club Monaco tee (similar) | ALDO boots | Maison Birks earrings | Beausoleil glasses | Nails: Dior Vernis Gel 'Rose Tutu'

After feeling under the weather most of last week, the cold that was threatening to overtake me finally broke. Friday and Saturday were spent at home in my cake flannel pajamas, sleeping and consuming as much soup, tea, and OJ as possible. By Sunday though, I felt pretty stir-crazy after being cooped up in the condo for 2 days. I bundled on whatever layers were close at hand and the boy and I ventured out for brunch and a walk, during which these photos were taken. The day was perfect: crisp fall air, pale sunshine, brilliant foliage all around. I'm still not completely better, but I'm convinced the fresh air did me a world of good.

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Eyeshadow Tips from Diorshow National Artist Pascal Grand'Maison

Subtle eyeshadow look for everyday wear using Dior 5 Couleurs 'Trafalgar'

As I mentioned previously this week, my eyeshadow skills have atrophied the past few years as I've become increasingly reliant on bold lip colours to achieve an evening-ready look. So when I was invited to meet with Diorshow national artist Pascal Grand'Maison at The Bay downtown early Saturday morning, eyeshadow tips ranked #1 on the list. Over the next two hours, the staff at the Dior counter gave me a complimentary facial (did you know they have a skincare cabine where they offer complimentary facials with product purchases on certain weekdays?) and Pascal performed a makeover, focusing on eyeshadow application and sharing tips. Here's what I learned from our one-on-one session.

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Let Them Wear Cake

PJ Salvage 'Fall into Flannel' cake party flannel pajamas

I've been under the weather this week, which means tea, soup, and endless episodes of Gilmore Girls on Netflix. I just finished the episode where Rory is kidnapped by the Puffs in her pajamas, and whisked away to Chilton for her initiation. Do any of you diehard Gilmore Girls fans remember the pink cake pajamas Rory wears in this episode? It was the second time in a week I'd spotted cake pajamas—the other time was on Diane's Lingerie's Instagram—and suddenly cake pajamas became an obsession. I had to have them. Never mind that I'm a 30-year-old woman with her own home and a fiancé; I want my former teen idol's sleepwear, damn it.

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5 Tips From Estee Lauder's Director of Global Makeup Artistry Blair Patterson

Estee Lauder's Director of Global Makeup Artistry Blair Patterson

What do you do when you get to sit down with the director of global makeup artistry for Estee Lauder, Blair Patterson, for an intimate interview? Why, you pick his brain about all things beauty, of course. Blair's CV—which spans more than 15 years—includes highlights such as working with spokesmodels Carolyn Murphy, Joan Smalls, Constance Jablonski and Arizona Muse; traveling the world for new product launches like the Pure Color Envy eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks; editorial work for the likes of Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Harper's Bazaar, to name a few big-name publications; and a growing presence on Estee Lauder's social networks and how-to videos.

So what can you learn from Blair in 30 minutes? Plenty, as it turns out. Details after the jump!

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Latest Outfit: Dish Denim & Life Simplified

Black moto jacket and grey skinny jeans
Zara jacket | J. Crew tee | Dish jeans (c/o) | Aldo shoes | Beausoleil glasses |
Lips: Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy 'Thrilling'

I'm always looking for ways to streamline my life when things get really busy, and this is doubly true when getting dressed. This outfit is a prime example of all my favourite style shortcuts. Glasses instead of contacts: check. Basic white tee: check. A jacket that makes everything else look put together (in this case, a black moto): check. Tassel loafers that are as comfy as sneakers, but look a notch dressier: check. Berry lips: check.

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Product Review: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Blush

MAKE UP FOREVER HD Blush

A creme blush is simply the bee's knees. You don't need a blush brush to apply it, which means one less makeup brush to wash weekly and tote around, and a good formula will deliver a natural-looking flush that stays all day. Many makeup brands do limited-edition ones for spring and summer, but don't fret if you've missed the boat. MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Blush ($31) is available year-round and its formula—smooth, ultra-blendable, highly pigmented—just melts into your skin to create the most natural glow. (It was designed for HD cameras, after all!)

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Shopbop Friends & Family Sale

Shopbop has long been one of my favourite online retailers for its eclectic and extensive selection, from well-known designers to up-and-coming labels and mainstream brands (ahem, Madewell). A Shopbop spree can cost a pretty penny, but there's good news for girls on a budget: They're having their friends and family sale right now with 25% almost everything! Just use the code FAMILY25 at checkout. Better hurry though because it ends tonight!

Sales like these are a great opportunity to nab an investment purchase that'll instantly make any outfit better. To get you started, I've rounded up a few picks based on my own closet essentials. Happy shopping!

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Dior Golden Shock Holiday 2014 Collection

Dior Golden Shock Holiday 2014 Collection

I know we've only just passed Thanksgiving and the trees still have most of their leaves, but here at Solo Lisa headquarters, I'm already dreaming of Christmas thanks to the Dior Golden Shock Holiday 2014 Collection. Beautiful products, exquisite packaging—really, what's not to love? The Golden Shock collection is available in stores October. Whether you're looking for luxe gift ideas, looking to treat yourself, or planning your beauty looks for the holiday party circuit, this collection has something for everyone.

Many more photos and details after the jump!

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Latest Outfit: Fall Colours & Giving Thanks

Fall layering

Yesterday was the sort of grey autumn day that makes small pleasures like cozy knits and hot tea more keenly felt. I finally got to bust out my burnt orange cardigan in a layered look that perfectly matched the fall leaves at the local park. As soon as the boy and I wrapped up these outfit shots, we went for brunch and a walk before heading to his parents' place for Thanksgiving dinner.

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Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend Sales


Happy Thanksgiving, dear Canadian readers! A lot has happened the past year—heck, even the past couple months—and it's lovely being able to slow down and savour the changes. I'll be taking it easy this weekend, relaxing with loved ones and enjoying some good food.

Now, normally I don't post on weekends, but my friends at rewardStyle forwarded the scoop on some sales happening right now that are just too good to miss. I've rounded up a few favourite picks above. Like my fall closet edit, there's a strong focus on basics and staples—this time with a cozy, cognac-leather twist. How autumnal!

Sale details and coupon codes for some of my go-to shopping destinations after the jump...

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Product Review: YSL Touche Eclat Rose Gold

French women are renowned for their taste, their style, and their flawless complexions. And while achieving French chic may be an impossible dream, for the latter there's always YSL Touche Eclat Rose Gold, the new pink-based, gold-flecked twist on YSL's cult fave concealer. It's the same luxe click-dispenser pen, the same brush tip, the same creamy texture—but tinged with pink this time, from the illuminating formula to the rose-gold exterior.

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The Fall Closet Edit

Have you ever heard the expression "It takes money to make money"? I feel like some version of that could apply to streamlining one's closet: It takes acquiring some key pieces to make the most of everything else in a girl's wardrobe. Most of my fall shopping has revolved around replacing staples that don't fit anymore (like my classic khaki trench) and updating others. Here's what I'm adding to the mix to optimize my closet, this season and beyond.

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Latest Outfit: Grey Trench & My Current Self

Oversize grey trench, Breton striped top, black skinny jeans, black Chanel 2.55, black tassel slippers
TOPSHOP trench coat and shirt | Bootlegger curvy black skinny jeans (c/o) | Chanel 2.55 bag | Aldo shoes | Lips: Rouge Dior 999

Wow, you guys. Thank you so much for the tweets and comments regarding last week's outfit post; it's nice to know I'm not the only one with newfound appreciation for great basics as I've gotten older. In the last couple weeks of editing my wardrobe down to what I actually wear, I've discovered that my closet is split between my fantasy self, my past self, and my current self.

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The Max Mara Tailored Suit Project

For those who fantasize about reaching the C-suite—or the women who are already there—the Max Mara Tailored Suit Project is the stuff that dreams are made of. The prêt-à-porter collection revolves around the jacket, available in three styles (single- and double-breasted and tuxedo) and made from soft-as-a-cloud wools using tailoring techniques worthy of Savile Row. (Think hand-stitching, an inner canvas, and lapels reinforced with horsehair loops to give them a gentle roll.) The modern businesswoman can build out a savvy capsule wardrobe from the jackets with trousers, skirts, or lightweight sweaters to mix and match. With power dressing as uncompromisingly chic as the Tailored Suit Project, leaning in has never looked so good.

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Product Review: L'Oreal Sublime Soft Gentle Micellar Solution

L'Oreal Sublime Soft Gentle Micellar Solution

Fresh out of makeup remover wipes, I rifled through my beauty samples the other day and found L'Oreal Sublime Soft Gentle Micellar Solution ($11.99 at London Drugs). Now I wish I'd rediscovered it sooner. This ultra-gentle micellar cleanser not only removes makeup from face, eyes, and lips, it also gently cleanses dirt and oil without rubbing or rinsing.

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