a bit of lusting after someone does wonders for the skin.

After ages of searching, I was finally able to get my hands on Garnier's Miracle Skin Perfecting BB Cream, in Light/Medium. Every store only seemed to have Medium/Dark left....for weeks and weeks! Very frustrating for someone as pale as I am!

I have been using the product for the last little while, and have completely fallen in love with it.

What They Claim:
"Garnier Miracle Skin Perfecting BB Cream is an all-in-one skin care that gives 5 benefits: Hydrates, corrects wrinkles and imperfections, protects with SPF 15, evens and brightens skin tone."

My Thoughts: 
This product really does make a difference. It smooths the skin and adds a nice amount of coverage. It leaves a really healthy, natural glow to the skin. This product also really does hydrate the skin - perfect for me, as I tend to have quite dry skin on my face. If you have oily skin, however, this product may not be a great fit for you.  I also love that it has an SPF in it - great for summer!

The only negative aspect of this product, would be the shade. At the moment, the Light/Medium shade matches my skin perfectly. I happen to be quite tanned at the moment, though. I don't think this product would work well for me during, say the winter months, because of the darker shade. 

Overall, Garnier's Skin Perfecting Miracle BB Cream truly is a fantastic product. Have you tried this yet? What do you think of it? 

love it or leave it?

At the Godiva Chocolate Cafe opening at Harrods in London, Mischa turned heads. When I came across these photos of Mischa Barton, I couldn't stop looking at her outfit. Unfortunately, this wasn't an entirely positive thing.

What I love:

This dress has an amazing print. From the colours to the patterns, it is bold and unique. The collar and shoulder details have dramatic flair, but are still fun and wearable. Also, the shape of the dress looks stunning on Mischa. This dress is completely figure flattering. She looks wonderful! Additionally, the understated but glamorous accessories, hair and makeup really allow the dress to stand on its' own.


What I loathe:

While the pattern on the dress is bold, the zipper detail all the way down the front distracts from the uniqueness of the print. I think this dress would have been a lot more elegant - while still retaining that bold vibe - without the exposed zipper down the front of the dress. Perhaps my biggest issue with this dress, however, is the feather details. They add nothing and unfortunately make this otherwise beautiful dress, look costumey.

What do you think of Mischa's look? Love it or leave it?

xo Shannon

there are three ingredients in the good life: learning, earning and yearning.

It has always been my dream to write. Specifically, to become a novelist. This is an art form I dream about, struggle with, and constantly work on. My dreams were vague until I finished my internship just before Christmas. It was that experience that made me realize just how badly I wanted to write professionally.

Suddenly, things feel like they are starting to come together in my life. The last couple of weeks have been hectic - wonderful, but hectic. I've been working and attempting to maintain some sort of social life, I've been writing non-stop as I complete freelance work, and have been editing the second draft of my novel.

There is another busy week ahead of me.

I am determined to balance everything. I want to make the most of every moment and each opportunity.

Finally, I see the future I want for myself. I plan to go after it with everything I am.

xo Shannon

inspired by: victoria beckham - harper's bazaar china

Victoria Beckham is one of my biggest icons. I am such a huge fan of her elegant and classic style. She always looks polished and glamorous, no matter what she may be doing. When I saw her photoshoot from Harper's Bazaar China, I knew I needed to post about it.

I love these dramatic photos. The contrast of bright and dark colours works brilliantly. I also love the look in her eyes - coy in some, but strong and dominant in others. There is nothing forgettable about these photographs!

Victoria is truly an icon. What do you think of her Harper's Bazaar China photoshoot?

xo Shannon

music is what feelings sound like.

Red carpet arrivals are often far more exciting than the actual award show. This was certainly the case once again, when it came to standouts on the Billboard Music Awards 2012 red carpet. Out of the amazing (and sometimes questionable) fashion, I had three standout favourites.

Three: Taylor Swift 

Taylor Swift, named Billboard's Woman of the Year, looked phenomenal on the red carpet. Wearing a long red dress, with beautiful lace detail, Taylor commanded attention. I love that her dress was elegant but fiery and bold. Her makeup look - deep gold eyeshadow and lots of lashes - was equally dramatic.

Two: Miley Cyrus

Miley looked grown up, sexy, and sophisticated. She has long since separated herself from her Disney Channel roots and is now proving her presence as a red carpet stylista! This look is daring and simple. I love the styling - from her dramatic hair and makeup to her accessories. Such a huge fan of the strength and femininity this look exudes.

One: Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood completely blew away the competition in this over the top, girly Oscar de la Renta dress. The soft colour, the Pricess-inspired silhouette....it completely fit Carrie's personality. I love the sparkly clutch and her girly makeup as well. Such a perfect red carpet look for Carrie!

What do you think of the red carpet fashion from the Billboard awards?

xo Shannon

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other people may not have high expectations of me, but I have high expectations for myself.

Lately I have started running again. I used to run back when I was in elementary school - I took part in Cross Country every year, and in high school the running requirement was the only way I passed gym class.

Physical activity isn't something I naturally enjoy. I'd so much rather be sitting on the couch with a good book. However, being active is something I've been trying to make a priority in my life. I want to be strong and healthy instead of tired and grumpy.

This morning, I dragged myself out of bed - which was incredibly difficult - and put on my running clothes. Getting started is the hardest part. Once I was out there, my sneakers connecting with the pavement and my iPod busting out One Direction, everything became clearer. I felt proud of myself, connected to my body, and accomplished.

When I want to stay in my bed all day, I aim to remember that feeling.

What is your fitness routine like?

xo Shannon

if the shoe fits, buy it in every color!

....and the shopping has begun! With the warm weather approaching, my shopping habits have hit an all-time high. Despite this, I am still trying to be better with my money (Ha!) - I've cut myself off from doing any shopping until my trip to New York next month. Until then, I will have to comfort myself with some of the amazing things I have purchased lately.

Purple tinted Betsey Johnson sunglasses

Sheer printed blouse

GUESS wedges

Betsey Johnson glitter heels

And for good measure, my latest LuxeBox...

Have you caught the shopping bug lately?

xo Shannon

the best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good on you.

Over the past several weeks, I have been using Revlon's PhotoReady Airbrush foundation in 020 Shell as my day-to-day foundation. I was intrigued by the idea of the mousse foundation and of course, the concept of an airbrush finish complexion!

What Revlon Says: 
PhotoReady Airbrush™ Mousse Makeup, an air-light makeup provides a flawless finish, whether it’s on camera or in person. The whipped texture allows you to blend evenly for undetectable coverage, leaving you with a smooth poreless complexion. The formula’s photochromatic pigments bend and reflect light to minimize flaws, leaving you with perfectly airbrushed skin in any light – indoors, outdoors, or under the flash of a camera. Oil free, fragrance free. Use alone or over PhotoReady™ Primers. 


My Thoughts:
Revlon's PhotoReady Airbrush foundation is a great medium coverage foundation. It is perfect to wear during the day, or if you aren't looking for something with a slightly fuller coverage. I love that the foundation is build-able, and that a little goes a long way! This foundation really does look quite natural on the skin. Even though I have combination skin, this foundation doesn't create any flakes over dry areas, the way a lot of other foundations can. I am such a fan of this foundation and will absolutely be repurchasing! 

Have you tried Revlon's PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Foundation? What are your thoughts on it?

xo Shannon

mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.

My mother and I have always been close. Growing up, she was always the friend I could rely on when others let me down. She always supported even my most ridiculous ambitions. I longed to be like her.

When she was younger, my mom was a model and a professional ballet dancer, before becoming a teacher and raising my sister, my twin brother and myself. I remember struggling through ballet lessons, fighting against my uncoordinated limbs - I so desperately wanted to be a dancer like she was.

But it was not to be.

Despite the fact that I will never follow in her footsteps, I am still in awe of her many accomplishments. My mom is one of the closest people in my life. I am so grateful for both the simple and extraordinary moments we share together.

Flipping through her modelling portfolio, I am still as much in awe of her today as I was growing up. Since today is Mother's Day, and I simply had to take this opportunity to show my mom some love.

To all of the mothers out there - Happy Mother's Day! And to my own mother - Thank you for making me who I am. I love you.

xo Shannon

clothed in purple and fine linen.

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I adore Kelly Osbourne. I was recently looking through some pictures of her, and was taken by her daring purple hair. It completely suits her personality! I love the regal nature the colour represents, and the fun but poised energy.

Suddenly, I found myself completely smitten with all things purple! With that, I went on a hunt for some purple inspiration.

What colours are inspiring you at the moment?

xo Shannon

a good model can advance fashion by ten years.

Sometimes you have to be bold.

Recently, I attended the America's Next Top Model: Live event. There were vendors from various jewellery, clothing, makeup, and hair companies, as well as a fashion show featuring some of the contestants from America's Next Top Model: All Stars. As a long-time fan of the show, I was instantly intrigued by the idea of a day devoted to beauty, as well as seeing some of my favourite models!

After receiving enough hair product samples to last a lifetime, purchasing a clamp-free curling iron, and taking in my very first fashion show, the Top Model contestants were ready to do some press and meet some fans.

It being the first day of the event, however, things were horribly organized. The fashion show was 45 minutes late, and meeting the contestants became a free for all. There was a barricade separating the contestants from the fans, and the models were encouraging fans to duck underneath the barricade and take pictures with them.

My only goal was to meet my all-time favourite Top Model contestant, Alexandria. I knew if I didn't duck underneath that barricade, I would regret it. So, I nervously did just that. Even though it was scary, I am very glad I did it.

Here are some of my photos from the event!

Despite the poor organization of the event, the America's Next Top Model: Live event was a fun experience. Have you ever gone to something like this?

xo Shannon

fashion is in the sky, in the street.

After coming across some candid photos of Taylor Swift, I simply had to make a post about her outfit. This look completely embodies fun, retro style. I love that Taylor looks casual, but completely fashionable at the same time. From her adorable headband, red lipstick and pants, and those adorable gold ballet flats, Taylor Swift is stunning!

What do you think of Taylor Swift's retro-inspired look?

xo Shannon

i've been in love three hundred times in my life, and all but five were with books.

My first love was a book.

It was a story of adventure and family, of fear and adversity - the Canadian children's book, The Secret World of OG. I still have my battered up copy, with masking tape keeping the cover intact, the rough pages worn and creased. As a child, my dad and I would read it together - one chapter a night. I think it was my favourite book, simply because of those shared moments.

Books are still my greatest love. Reading them, writing them, and dreaming about becoming a novelist...books fuel my passion.

To anyone whose ideal day is curling up with a good book -
who spends more money in a bookstore than anywhere else -
and who watched Beauty and the Beast as a child, and fantasized about that library...

This post is for you.

xo Shannon