BEAUTY: SKINCARE REGIME FOR CANADIAN WINTERS

As residents of the Great White North we need to treat our skin differently than our friends on the coast and in the south. We have a dryer harsher climate and our skin needs to be treated with care that is catered to our environment. In Calgary we experience long periods of dry harsh cold. This can create dryness, redness and breakouts. 

Up until 4 years ago I was not really that interested in spending time and energy testing skincare products, I would just use what my friends said they used or whatever brand I was drawn to based on their marketing. What I have learned is that almost all mainstream or specialized brands we are exposed to in magazines and advertisements are designed for climates that are more temperate than ours. Designed to cater to the greater population. Many have wonderful qualities and can make your skin feel fantastic. I am sure each of you reading this has a brand or product they love and that is fantastic, please share!

I am writing this blog because I have finally started paying attention to my skin because I now have a skin guru that has designed a specific regime just for this climate. And thank goodness cause I probably would still be lazy around this subject. I am much more obsessed with shoes!

Below I am sharing my favourite products that help me (and my skin) through this YYC winter.

Step 1: Cleanse

This Cyberderm jojoba cleanser starts thick but adding a few drops of water brings forth a milky texture that is lightweight and gentle. $32

View fullsize

Step 2: Tone

I love this Thayers toner because it smells delicious, is not harsh and is very affordable at $20.

Step 3: Mist

XO Treatment Room has expanded their product line to include this Rocket Mist that pulls product deep into the hydrolipic skin layer. Basically it upgrades your skincare regime, giving you more bang for your buck. $62

Step 4: Hydrate

Moisture Mass is another fabulous new face care treatment that XO has launched. XO Moisture Mass is hydration tailor made for dry skin and dry environments. With a three dimensional glycol-matrix delivery system that releases moisturizing molecules sequentially into the stratum corneum, resulting in a highly significant improvement of both immediate and long term skin hydration. $115

Step 5: Day

Obviously the next step for daytime is sunscreen. I used to layer my sunscreen under my moisturizer because I felt I needed both for protection and moisture. Now I just use the Rocket Mist and layer on this Cyberderm Sunscreen because the sunscreen doubles as a moisturizer. Less steps means quicker mornings. $32

Step 6: Night

In my opinion what you do with your skin at night is the most important. Especially how you should never sleep in your makeup! I don't think I need to go into why right? I am sideying some of my friends right now.

Repeat steps 1-3 and proceed to 6. If you follow us on social media you will probably have noticed how obsessed I am with XO Treatment Room's XO PM. It's like a mini trip to the spa when you pat it into your face. The aromatherapy is so soothing and the lightweight texture is just heaven. Designed with a precious blend of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, vitamins and lipids from the highest quality sources this will bring you sweet dreams and fresh, hydrated skin when you wake. $190

If you you're as in need of guidance about your skin as I was than if I tell you one thing this year that you take away please let it be this...go see Annie at XO Treatment Room to get her to put together a specialized skin care regime just for you. Trust me you will love it and her!

Stay warm,

XO ~ Phae

LIFESTYLE: A DAY IN OUR LIFE W/ THE BMW X3

As fashion stylists we spend a lot of time on the road. Driving from client to client, store to store and loading and unloading our vehicles. So when we had the opportunity to partner with BMW and spend the day with their highly anticipated X3 we immediately said yes! 

To really put this ride to the test we brought it along for a day in the life of Styleista. We spent a typical day from start to finish and found that the X3 made our day easy and efficient. 

AM - I picked up the X3 at Calgary BMW and was given the full rundown (aka. BMW Delivery) of the features and attributes of the 2018 model including some of our favourites: Gesture Control, Parking Assistant Plus w/ Surround View and Ambient Lighting. 

Next I went to pick up B for a workout. We like to start our days with fitness any chance we get and if we can we go together. We headed to 9 Round in Marda Loop, with our tunes cranked on the Harman/Kardon Sound System for a  30 min kickboxing sweat fest!

MIDDAY - From there we used the On-board Navigation to plug in Our Daily Brett so we could have a quick power lunch with our stylist Sam and plan the rest of the day. Our favourite part of the navi system was the 'Speak Address' feature. Saves so much time instead of typing it in! 

Of course we had to do a little shopping at ODB because they have the best curated inventory of home and kitchen wares there. The automatic rear hatch made it easy to be hands free while loading up our goodies.

AFTERNOON - Last stop of the day was a pull for a photo shoot that we had in our schedule. We now had a third person in tow and she loved the Adjustable Rear Seats in the back which also folded down easily to allow us to store a rolling rack. Another note on the seats, as the driver I really liked the Lumbar Support feature. It was much more supportive than most I have experienced. Some other notable features that I loved as the driver were; the Lane Keep Assist, Active Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go and the Blind Spot Alert. Oh! And the coolest feature was the Parking Assistant; it senses parking spots in lots or parallel and when you activate feature by holding down the command, the car parks itself for you! 

Overall, for what we do as stylists the X3 fit our needs perfectly! It would also be wonderful for anyone with a small family or who spends a lot of time on the road. The X3 gives the driver and passengers an effortless driving sensation, has powerful agility and optimum traction in every corner. We give it an A+!

For more info click here, if you want to take a test drive ask for Jason at Calgary BMW in the SW or visit BMW Gallery in the NW and tell them Styleista sent you!

X0 ~ Phaedra 

TRAVEL: THE HASTINGS HOUSE on SALT SPRING ISLAND

To me there is no better place in the world than the Pacific North West. The fact that you can smell the ocean air dancing with the aroma of the ancient forests immediately after stepping off the airplane or while driving towards the immense coastline is something that cannot be beat. Pair that with spending your youth on the idyllic island of Salt Spring you can imagine that the PNW calls me back time and time again. 

On my last travels west I wanted to do something really special for my mom for Mother's Day. She still resides on Salt Spring and I visit as much as possible but wanted to give her a new experience. An experience at home, a 'staycation' as some call it. There is a magical little establishment tucked away in the Ganges Harbour called the Hastings House Country Hotel which belongs to the esteemed Relais & Chateaux Group, boutique five star accommodations at their finest. We had visited here a few times during my youth for dinner with friends or family, and I had stayed in the Farmhouse East in 2015 but my mom had never stayed so it was settled, we booked a night thanks to the lovely team at the Hastings House.

The Manor House has been standing since it was built in Sussex-style by the English Naval architect Warren Hastings in 1939 after moving to Salt Spring Island from England.

Other historical buildings comprise the Hastings House propery. The Farmhouse was built at the turn of the century and the Hastings Family lived there until they moved into The Manor House. The Farmhouse was later converted into two premier guest suites in 1980.

The Post Cottage was the first Hudson’s Bay post on Salt Spring Island and originally stood where Manor House stands today. The Barn was rebuilt to its original exterior dimensions when the estate was converted into a hotel and now hosts five guest suites and Wellspring Spa.

You can feel the history and a taste of the 'old-world' in every building, which was the perfect setting for me to treat my mom to some relaxation, luxury and outstanding food. We arrived on Sunday afternoon and got settled in our rooms.

Arriving at the Hastings House - Photo Credit @jonsuk

We stayed in the Manor West rooms which are located in the main building with 2 bedrooms, a view of the harbour and a small balcony off the back. We then set out to wander the grounds, explore the sculpture path in the forest that borders the property where local artists have placed their art around every turn. We took the little trail down to the private beach and beach combed for shells and watched the boats come and go. We then changed for dinner.

View from the Grounds

The Hastings House has two dining options; Fine Dining or The Bistro. We opted for The Bistro which has a more casual vibe and were shown out to a beautiful veranda that is enclosed by large glass windows.

The Bistro

The food at the Hastings House is perfection, I love to eat and I especially love to eat farm to plate style. Salt Spring Island is the best of the best for farm to plate dining, often providing organic options. We started with the House Smoked Albacore Tuna, Onion Compote, Caper Berries, the compote may have been the most delicious garnish in life. Mom had the Goat Cheese, Kale, Pecan Ravioli, Roma Tomato Sauce , Basil Pesto and I had Sautéed Pacific Prawns, Organic Garden Greens, Straw Potatoes.

House Smoked Albacore Tuna

The menu is comprised of primarily local ingredients from fisheries or farms on the island or surrounding areas. Supporting local is something we at Styleista really focus on and cultivate in our fashion community and it is of the same importance in every community, the Hastings House is a prime example of supporting the local food community on the island. Compliments to Chef Kauer and his team!

Pacific Prawns, organic greens and potato straws

After dinner we took a stroll and then turned in for the night where I must say, because I live in the city now, I got one of the best sleeps I have had in a long time. There were no sounds of cars or sirens and no bright street lights shining in the windows. Just the sound of birds and wind. Perfection.

We woke the next morning and went to the dining room for the complimentary breakfast, which in my option, because I am a huge breakfast snob, is THE best breakfast at any hotel. You have the option of a full english style breakfast of eggs (from their chickens), toast, sausage/bacon and potatoes or continental or the feature of the day which was in this case, a salmon benedict. 

Salmon Benedict Breakfast Feature

The northern end of the original barn structure houses the Wellspring Spa which pampers guests with local skincare and floral infusions from the garden. My mom and I opted for a flower petal foot bath on the lawn over looking the pond. Wellspring Spa is rated one of the Top 100 spas in North America and I would definitely agree.

Enjoying the Wellspring Spa - Photo Credit @jonsuk

The Farmhouse

If you are heading to the west coast, maybe you live there already, the Hastings House is a place you must visit. Whether it be to stay the weekend, book a dinner reservation or to stop in for afternoon tea, I am sure you will want to return again and again because of the quality of the rooms, service and food. I am planning for my next stay there to be in the shoulder or holiday season so that I can get super cozy, light a fire and completely get lost in the old world charm that is the Hastings House on Salt Spring Island.

XO, Phaedra

STYLE: Calgary Stampede

It's that time of year again! We are days away from the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! 

                                                   Hand painted by Styleista's Miki Unger

Dressing for stampede is easy if you keep it simple. We always tell people don't make it a costume. Everything piece you wear should be something you would wear anyways, you are just styling it different for Stampede. Still stay true to your own personal style and eat lots of mini doughnuts ;)

The base of any western wardrobe is denim. Whether you double it up and wear it on the top and bottom (ensure that the colours are noticeably different) or you mix it with plaids, lace or a rocker t-shirt you are sure to look ready to stomp your boots to the tunes! Here are some of our favourite Stampede Style looks:

                                                           Canadian tuxedo done right

                    Accessorize with any/all: choker, leather bracelets, western belt, stone rings

                  Distressed denim + a tank top (plain or floral) is a simple + easy Stampede look

                  Of course a denim jacket is a given. We are loving distressed + oversized styles

                       A kimono over distressed denim or a denim jacket over a lace detail dress 

Dress it up with any of the following: denim dress, statement necklace, studded bag, pointed toe boots, strappy shoes

                                                                          keep it simple 

                                                                              go boho

                                   add an ankle boot to your favourite summer dress or romper

                                                                          throw on your favourite kimono to add to your boho western outfit

Even erring on the festival fashion side as we did with miss Ania.B at Coachella, is completely ok too. As this is as much a music festival as any! Be sure to hit up Cowboys Music Festival for the hottest acts in town, country and otherwise. As its the "Most Fun You Can Have With Your Boots On!"

Some additional style tips and do's and don'ts

For the Ladies:

Do wear chambray/denim shirt in a loose boyfriend fit with sleeves rolled up

Do wear it tucked into a cute skirt or your favourite pair of skinny jeans

Do accessorize with a statement necklace (boho or western style)

Do wear dresses and rompers belted at the waist

Do have fun with colour

Do wear denim on denim but...

Don't wear the exact same shade of denim on the bottom and top

Don't wear clothes that are too tight where buttons are about to pop open

Don't wear button up shirts buttoned to the top, leave one or two undone

Do wear cowboy boots or ankle boots but...

Don't wear faux leather boots (look too cheap)

Don't wear tights

For the Guys:

Do wear colourful plaid shirts

Do wear sleeves rolled up twice

Do leave the top few buttons undone

Do leave untucked - unless you have a crazy cool belt to show off

Do wear your favourite, well fitting jeans - get help from a sales associate or stylist so worth it!

Do wear denim on denim as long as shirt is a different shade than jeans

Do wear different colours of denim - black, grey, brown, light and classic blue

Do wear with cowboy boots or motor cycle boots (if thats your style)

Do wear with a big buckle belt

Don't wear top to bottom plaid

Don't wear shirts so tight you look like you are on Jersey Shore

Don't wear jeans tucked into your boots - EVER

Don't roll the bottoms of pants up

Don't wear True Religion or heavy stitching - they are OUT

Do have so much fun!

Happy Stampeding!!!

BEAUTY: XO PM

B and I have been going to see Annie and the girls at XO Treatment Room for 2 years now. I remember the first time I went in, I admitted that for most of my life my skin was an afterthought. First came shoes. 

I learned that all I had to to was put my face in the loving and knowledgable hands of Annie and her squad. I highly recommend seeing Annie, the owner and guru on all things skin, first. She will tell you what you need and my advice is to just say yes to her all the time cause she knows what she is doing. My next favourite thing is any and every facial by Kayla. This girl has magical hands and I pretty much fall asleep every time because I am so friggin' relaxed. Finally, get laser. If you are like me and not ready to jump onto the injectables bandwagon, laser is the way to go. Laser Glow is quick and painless. Titan is what is sounds like, tightening. And IPL makes my face look like a connect the dots game for a few days but will remove sun spots for an all over flawless complexion in the long run.

So this all brings me to my next point...what to do once you leave XO and have to fend for yourself? Annie tells me what to wash my face with, when to use certain serums and creams but mostly she tells me to keep it simple and consistent. That is the key to great skin. She has now designed and brought to market her own serum, PM, and it's the bomb! It's a calming rescue remedy for girls like me and B, we are always on the go. With a mix of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, lipids and vitamins to calm and heal your completion it feels like a mini zen moment when you put it on. To be honest, I just really love the smell so that makes me use it all the time!

If you haven't checked out XO before it's time to go, do yourself a favour...trust me you will love it there!

XO, Phaedra

INTERVIEW: Phaedra Talks to Lainey Lui

The witty author behind the Lainey Gossip blog, Etalk host, and resident co-host on the Social takes some time to chat about LOOK2016, fashion, gossip and 2017 predictions.

Lainey Lui

Let me preface here by saying I really had to refrain from fangirl-ing all over Lainey on our call because it is a fact that I religiously read her blog, like everyday. And when it's a long weekend it's torture because it's one less day of posts anyway, I digress. If you haven't read it yet then you need to jump on it, stat! You're welcome: laineygossip.com

I had the chance to talk to Lainey because she will be the host of Contemporary Calgary's LOOK2016 Gala and Styleista is also involved because we love this initiative and think it is incredibly important to support initiatives like this in our city.

I called Lainey from my BC vacation and with her having lived in Vancouver, it was a great place to kick off the conversation. After some sharing of our love for the weather, ocean and vibe of the west coast we jumped into a few questions...

P - If you could live in any celeb's closet who would it be and why?  

L - Rhianna's because she dictates style. Rhianna is her own trend and nobody can wear Rhianna but Rhianna. She can wear a ball gown (or go street) she is never boring, never predictable. The best dressed lists are so generic, choosing people like Blake Lively all the time. I prefer her (Rhianna's) edge.

P - You have mentioned before that you think there should be a accredited course on gossip in University, do you think that there's a place for fashion's role in gossip and what would the course content consist of?

L - This is a bigger discussion but fashion definitely has a role. Hollywood Reporter is curating a list of hollywoods most powerful stylists and Petra, Zoe Saldana stylist, made sure that her premier outfits and press tour looks were geared towards the audiences of her projects/movies because it is very important in marketing the movies as well. So fashion is very much a part of celebs jobs, it is 100% a part of an actors resume. They are actors and clothes hangers as well. Gossip is not just conversation about who's fucking who and who's an asshole, its about human behaviour and expression, how the actors/celebs choose to express themselves. Fashion is expression. 

P - What would your 'Gossip Christmas' prediction of 2017 be?

L - Taylor Swift already gave us a lot in 2016 with a relationship change and Kanye/Katy beefs. She is due to release an album in 2017 so there may be great gossip on romance and mean girl/bad blood. Katy Perry is also due for an album so a head to head with those two given their current relationship 'narrative' would be great. Also would love to see Rhianna and Drake be open about a relationship together - attending events, holding hands, pictures kissing on social media, That would be a big ass deal!

P - What do you think Steve Martin's personal taste on art is (in his home)? Provocative, edgy, contemporary?

L - If I was to predict what was his personal taste at home I would think edgy and provocative, he has a great eye.

P - What does Steve Martin bring to an event like LOOK2106?

L - He will bring versatility to this event, from SNL to The Three Amigos - he's so successful and he appeals to all. He can move around in every room. I love him in Father of the Bride, it's my favourite movie of his!

LOOK2016 is on October 22 at the soon to be transformed Planetarium with special guests, contemporary art, auctions and an after party. Tickets range in types and prices for all preferences and ages. This is a MUST be at event this year!

For all the details and to buy tickets visit: LOOK2016

XO, Phaedra

DIARY: COACHELLA 2016 - PT. 3 of 3

Final instalment of our Coachella diary concludes with some pics of our outfits for days 2 & 3, some best dressed festival goers and some snaps we took along the way.

On Phaedra: Love of Lemons bralet from APT22, silver necklace from Coutu Kitsch, horn necklace from WYSH Collective, boots from Ron White

On Brenna: G&R men's t-shirt from The Bay, lace slip & sandals from Nordstrom

Ran into this beauty, Ania B

Some of our fav festival fashion!

Day 2 and 3 was filled with snapping beautiful people in their festival finery, snapping for Flare Magazine's Snapchat and chilling in the VIP Rose Garden.

Back chain from Coutu Kitsch

Music side note: G&R was A-mazing! Axle looked a little worst for wear, let's just say he doesn't age like a fine wine (ahem, George Clooney) but his voice was on point and Slash killed it!

On Phaedra: Men's t-shirt from Urban Outfitters, Chanel hip pack, Rag & Bone booties

On Brenna: Shorts from Nordstrom, top from APT22, necklace from Coutu Kitsch, booties from DSW

Day 3 we kept it a bit more casual, me in a men's t-shirt (what else is new) B in her buns!

Just past magic hour and pre Clavin Harris - with surprise guest Rihanna!

Some shots from along the way....

Necklace from Coutu Kitsch

On Phaedra: Dress from UO

On Brenna: Fringe vest from APT22

We made it out alive, day 4 means morning mimosas, a big brunch and a direct flight home! 

Once again we had the best time, thank you Coachella for the weekend of wonderlust!

XO, Phae

DIARY: COACHELLA 2016 - PART 2 OF 3

Once we arrived in Palm Springs we headed directly to one of our favourite starting spots, Tommy Bahama's on El Paseo. You may think it sounds like a hang out for silver hairs (no disrespect intended) but it has the best patio, salads and cocktails to get us into vacation mode.

(L-R) Carmen, Brad, Brenna, Phaedra, Marina & Michelle

This year we made it more of a group trip with 3 other gfs and once very patient husband who actually ended up being forced to be our part time photographer, thanks Brad! So we shook off the travel stiffness, sipped our various bevvies and relaxed into the desert heat. 

From there we headed to our friends gorgeous home, in La Quinta and got settled by the pool for the later part of the day. We then found out our fellow YYC friend Ania B and her hubby, Tyler were also in town so we made plans to meet up with them. After spending at least an hour trying to figure out what, if anything in the greater Coachella Valley was open, we found out pretty much only one place was, The Nest. Think Calgary's The Trop  but in the desert. Lol! It's a bit cheesy and super random but they were open so we went. Added bonus was that we ended up sitting right next to the Weeknd and Bella Hadid.

Day 1 - Festival #OOTD: APT 22, Wysh Collective, and some of our own.

Prior to heading to the festival we made Brad take pics of us haha!

#BTS - Brad looking all pro cameraman

Being responsible individuals we parked the SUV and took the shuttles which was the first time we had done this and surprisingly it was a very seamless process. Arriving at the festival and going through VIP was not however but we did get some good C list reality TV star-spotting in while waiting...we see you RKOBH cast!

We also had the pleasure of taking of Flare Magazine's Snapchat for the entire weekend! 

Once we finally were in we spent most of our time in the VIP area because you have the best view of the main stage. Plus there was just tons of celeb spotting that night, more then the other two for sure. Lenny Kravitz photobombed us, well maybe we made that happen ;)

Oh hey!

Recreating our first Coachella pic (2015)

Free People Dress (APT22), WYSH Collective Wrap Chain, Ray Ban Sunglasses

APT22 Top, UO Bra, Aldo Sunglasses

To sum up day 1, we would say the music was epic; M83, Ellie Goulding, LCD and Purity Ring. The celeb spotting was on lock; Lenny, Jude Law, Chanel Iman, Scott Disick, Tyson Beckford. And our crew was the bomb! 

Day 2 + 3: To be continued...

XO, Phae

DIARY: Coachella 2016 - Part 1 of 3

For the second glorious year, Brenna and I set out to wanderlust in the California desert.

Prior to actually boarding our flights to Palm Springs we needed to visit some of our favourite spots in Calgary to get properly primed for our adventures.

One week prior to take off we visited XO Treatment Room where our skin guru and owner, Annie Graham gave us access to a brand new treatment called the Infusion Facial where she created micro channels to infuse a vitamin rich, sterile serum followed by a hyaloronic acid + collagen mask. There is no downtime and my skin felt fresh and looked oh so dewy! Post Coachella, I'll be back for an IPL to erase the UV pigmentation from being a sun goddess all weekend. Ps. If you book an appointment, mention 'Styleista' for a little deal ;)

After that we popped into the boho destination boutique, APT 22 in Aspen. We chose some super cute items to mix and match with our outfits. We love the attainable price points and versatility of the items Kim Stern picks out on her LA and Bali buying trips.

Next was the pre-party cleanse regime from CRU Juice. Ok, seriously this cleanse is so easy to do it barely feels like you are on one. We chose the 3-day Easy option ($190) which includes 6 juices/day ranging from green - root - citrus juices. It's delicious, not to mention slimming.

With a stop over at the Livery in Inglewood we did a major stock up of Coutu Kitsch which is a go-to for affordable, custom designed jewelry curated by Dorian Kitsch. We each own multiple rings, necklaces and earrings that we love to swap between us, layer and use as statement pieces. We both will basically never leave the house without a piece of Coutu Kitsch on!  

Intermixed into our schedules prior to leaving we hit up Union Athletica for a couple of their hybrid classes. One favourite being the F'AB Ride which is 30 min spin + 20 min abdominals. It's the best for people who love spin but not the full 50-60 min. 

We also stopped by our friend, Kristina Regehr's private studio where she makes WYSH Collective, to select a couple handmade vintage pieces to compliment our primary looks. Kristina signature aesthetic combines raw and natural stones with vintage chains to create unique one of a kind pieces. 

Finally, there is just no way that we could go to Coachella with our 'fair' skin, we must arrive looking like bronzed babes. So the only place we go to is Sundrops in Kensington. They are the best faux tanning salon in YYC. They provide a safe tan by using rich botanical foundations which keep you moisturized and glowing for any event or vacation you have in your calendar. The plus side is the tan is instant and you get a free touch up with select services!

We were set! Skin, clothing, accessories, and health were all on lock an off we went....

...story to be continued...

XO, Phae

Flare.com Feature: Coachella Musts ~ Where to stay, eat, hang, shop and what to wear

We were recently asked by FLARE.com Magazine how Styleista does Coachella and this is what we said - http://www.flare.com/culture/how-to-slay-at-coachella-what-to-eat-sip-and-wear/

Read on for a few more of our favourites.

STAY: The Colony Palm Hotel

A hidden gem, this Spanish hacienda-style boutique hotel with a vintage feel. Poolside plants seclude the French Riviera-chic cabanas at the serene pool and the Purple Palm Restaurant and Bar has a great scene with a Morocco meets old Hollywood feel. Truly a desert oasis!

BRONZE: Spraytanica

If you are coming from Canada, like us, your gonna want some fresh color when you get there! We love Nicole at Spraytanica. She has a room at a Shear Insanity Salon in Catherdral City perfectly situated half way between Palm Springs and Indio. Or better yet she’s mobile and can come to you! Her products are all natural, parabin free, and not tested on animals. The color is customized, last 5 – 7 days and fades evenly. Call Nicole at 310.228.8624 and get your glow on!

SPEND A DAY: El Paseo

The famous El Paseo Shopping District is the Rodeo Drive of the desert. Featuring a mile of over 300 shops, art galleries, jewelry stores and restaurants lined with beautiful manicured flower beds. Our perfect day here would be to grab brunch at Wilma & Frieda in the Gardens and then stroll the stripes locally owned boutiques like Elizabeth & Prince and Blonde Boutique, a patio cocktail at Tommy Bahamas, followed by a peek into some of the fabulous art galleries. A blow out at one of the many salons and then dinner + drinks at Mastros. 

RELAX: The Well Spa at Miramonte Resort

The desert waters derived from a natural well hundreds of years ago, continue to revitalize today at this award-winning spa. It’s intimate Tuscan environment features 13 treatment rooms and a co-ed courtyard with private salt water pool. Check out the spa parties as well!

WHAT TO WEAR: be sure to read the FLARE post we wrote for all of our must haves for your festival look! 

FASHION: #WORKSTYLEYYC with Naka Photography

Kevin from Naka Photography has created a super smart concept that is gaining momentum in the Calgary market called WorkStyleYYC. They describe their services this way...

Authentic, off-beat and creative headshots that go way beyond staged portraits.

Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and other social media platforms are storming the workplace. As a result, our personal and professional lives are blending together more and more. Suddenly, we all have a 'Personal Brand'. No longer just a buzz word, Personal Branding is all about curating your online image, which helps you stick out from the pack. First impressions count for a lot and why not have your online presence to speak to the real you, rather than a staged corporate version.

This genuine approach will help attract like-minded clients, create personal connections and grow your business. Whether you're a musician, graphic designer, carpenter, architect, wedding planner, etc... Personal Branding is a key part of your future!

We are excited to partner with WorkStyleYYC to offer our services to prepare you, your co-worker or colleagues to look the best you can look in front of the lens!

For more details please contact http://www.workstyleyyc.com/booking/ and mention Styleista for a package promo.

XO, Team Styleista

FASHION: HOW TO WEAR A MANS SHIRT AS A DRESS

I stumbled upon the mens department in H&M and thanks to the Beibs they have started making mens shirts in extra long. I found a super cute sweatshirt with a graphic text on the back, long t-shirts with a shirt tail bottom and short sleeve t's with zippers up the side and down the centre back. If styled right they could be mistaken as Helmut Lang, Rick Owens or Rag & Bone.

Tips: 

- Make sure the length is at least at the bottom of your finger tips

- I'm generally a women's size 2-4 so I bought size men's size M

- Pair with OTK boots 

- Add a lace skirt that peeks out the bottom

- Pair with a chunky heeled bootie

- Add sheer tights/nylons

H&M White Zip T-shirt: LINK

H&M Grey Shirt-tail T-shirt: LINK

XO, Phaedra