Idiosyncratic Style

Three make-up artists give us their best tips for flawless skin this Spring.

TINTED MOISTURIZER
Kristin Wayne

Proper skin care is essential to achieving a fresh-faced natural look, but in terms of makeup it all starts with a great foundation. I love tinted moisturizers because they provide a light, sheer coverage while moisturizing and protecting your skin throughout the day. Plus, they offer a hint of color which is enough to even out your complexion while still letting your skin’s natural radiance shine through.

If you find that some areas (under eyes, blemishes) require heavier coverage just pair your tinted moisturizer with a matching concealer. To finish, dusting on a little bronzer, dress up your cheekbones with blush and you’re ready to go.

10$ Budget - Try Marcelle’s Sheer Tint Fluid Moisturizer with SPF 15.
The hypo-allergenic formula gives your skin a luminous natural-looking glow.
$40 Budget - Go for Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moistuirzer with SPF 20.
It’s long-lasting hydration will leave you with a natural, dewy finish all day.

Make Up by Kristin Wayne

SALICYLIC ACID
Vivian Orgill

Try using a solution of salicylic acid or AHA, it gently releases dead skin cells and reveals the new skin underneath. Good choices are Neutrogena RAPID CLEAR® 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Gel, Clinique’s Mild Clarifying Lotion, or MAC’s Oil Control Lotion. Just remember to always wear a UVA protecting sunscreen to take care of that newly exposed skin.

Make Up by Vivian Orgill

A 5 STEP REGIME
Larissa Palaszczuk

1. Use face moisturizer, foundation and chapstick with SPF.
2. Drink lots of water to avoid dryness and dehydration in the skin.
3. Wash your face at least twice a day to avoid clogged pores. Sunscreen, sweat, dirt, and pool chlorine adhere more to your skin in the heat.
4. Wear sunglasses in the sun. Less squinting equals less crows feet.
5. Last but not least, lower your stress level. Problem skin isn’t only caused by exterior elements. Hormonal imbalances and reactions to stress are also to blame. So take a break, go outside and enjoy the sunshine for a few minutes.

Make Up by Larissa Palaszczuk

What are your best secrets for great skin all summer?

Idiosyncratic Style asks a variety of costume professionals and style enthusiasts, “what’s your all-time favorite costume design in in a feature film?”

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Costume Designer: Lala Huete
The creatures are so fantastical!
Michelle Nickolaisen - Style Therapist & Blogger

The Cell (2000)
Costume Designer: Eiko Ishioka
Eiko brought all of her stage, theatre, fantasy work onto the screen. Her costumes are an integral and key part of the storytelling… and they’re stunning to boot!
Adam Smith - Artisan

The Cell

Moulin Rouge (2001)
Costume Designer: Catherine Martin
The costumes are vibrant, add to the energy of the film and compliment the story. I think people under-estimate the power of costuming. I actually had tears in my eyes watching Moulin Rouge because it all looked so beautiful, it was the first time color and movement really struck me first. The film just sparkles.
Emma - Assistant Film Editor & Style Blogger

Brazil (1985)
Costume Designer: James Acheson
The Schiaparelli shoe hat on Sam’s mother was genius!
Melissa Stewart - Costume Designer

Brazil

Funny Face (1957)
Costume Designer: Edith Head
It’s classic Hollywood with beautiful dresses that compliment the storyline.
Kimberly Lyn - Fashion Blogger

The Greay Gatsby (1974)
Costume Designer: Theoni V. Aldredge
Vintage is as vintage does…
Anne Szustek - Fashion Reporter

The Great Gatsby

The Devil Wear Prada (2006)
Costume Designer: Patricia Field
The film has contemporary fashion based costuming, but I love the transition from average girl to fashionista to somewhere “in-between”. I think we can all relate to it.
Hillary - Fashion Blogger

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989)
Costume Designer: Jean-Paul Gaultier
The relationship between the sets and costumes establish a fascinating visual display in which the colors of the characters’ costumes change as they move to different sets. You can see Gaultier’s strong design sense in how Helen Mirren’s costume pieces resonate with how he dressed Madonna on her world tours.
Joanna Syrokomla - Costume Designer

The Cook, the Thief, his Wife and her Lover

Belle de Jour (1967)
Costume Designer: Helene Nourry
The costumes featured Yves Saint Laurent and they were just really gorgeous…
Jai Marshall - Fashion Blogger

Titanic (1997)
Costume Designer: Deborah Lynn Scott
The Hats! It is one of my favorite periods and Deborah Scott did it great justice. The division of class is clearly delineated and the sheer volume of bodies to be dressed and accessorized is mind boggling.
Loreen Lightfoot - Costume Cutter and Milliner

Titanic

Nine (2009)
Costume Designer: Colleen Atwood
Atwood accentuates subtle features, like elongating a collar, shortening a tie, loosening or tightening the fit to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. She accentuates color or the lack thereof, further exacting the use of clothing and accessories to tell a story.
Rose Lagace - Production Designer & Blogger

Romeo and Juliet (1996)
Costume Designer: Kym Barrett
At age 16 the costumes blew me away and they still do.
Eyeliah - Personal Style Blogger

Romeo and Juliet

Vanity Fair (2004)
Costume Designer: Beatrix Aruna Pasztor
I love the exotic costumes created with reds, pinks,  glamour, pomposity and how the aristocratic wealth in London contrasted with India.
Norakaren - Etsy Fashion Designer

About A Boy (2002)
Costume Designer: Joanna Johnston
It has some of the best contemporary costuming I’ve seen in a long time. The movies I love for costumes are not “costumey” productions at all. The Oscars seem to favor period costume, but contemporary needs to be acknowledged.
Anna Dal Farra - Assistant Costume Designer

About A Boy

Out of Africa (1985)
Costume Designer: Milena Canonero
It’s just my favorite. I still get all warm and fuzzy every time I watch it.
Melonie Rainey - Fashion Blogger

Gone with the Wind (1939)
Costume Designer: Walter Plunkett
I love an epic period piece, the massive construction with all the beautiful designs.
Noelle Raffy - Costume Designer & Stylist

Gone With The Wind

What movie features your favorite costumes ever?

Fashion Bloggers answer the question, What is your ‘Holy Fashion Grail’? 
(re: a slightly unobtainable style item you are on a lifelong quest to possess?)

Shopping last year with my sister, she found a fabulous Missoni skirt and ever since, I have been searching for vintage Missoni knits (mostly mini dresses and cardigans). They are intricately beautiful, sublte yet bold, fresh yet classic, sophisticated yet comfortable and would be a ‘forever’ piece in my wardrobe.
KRISTEN - IDIOSYNCRATIC STYLE

Missoni Knits from the Sartorialist & Lookbook

A Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress - so flattering on all shapes and they are only about $300, so I am sure one day I’ll be able to afford one!
EYELIAH - STYLE SYMMETRY

Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress

I have wanted a Vivienne Westwood armour ring for a really long time… since grade eight or something.
MUSSY HEAD - MUSSY HEAD GUILD

Vivienne Westwood Armour Ring

I am a Louis Vuitton enthusiast, so this may be a shock, but my ‘Grail’ is a Chanel 2.55 jumbo bag. It’s almost the perfect bag; it has a flap opening with the ‘cc’ lock, quilted leather, a long double chain shoulder strap and a hidden pocket for love letters. Retailing for over $4,000, it’s no wonder why I have yet to buy this masterpiece. It’s classic, romantic and one day it will be mine.
AMANDA - FASHION, LOVE AND MARTINIS

Chanel 2.55 Handbag

Either a classic Burberry trench coat or a classic quilted Chanel 2.55 (black).
MEG - DON JUAN’S RECKLESS DAUGHTER

Burberry Trench Coats

A wacky pair of Christian Louboutin booties - not only because affording a pair would require a small inheritance, but because I wish I could walk around in four-inch heels all day every day. His shoes are works of art, impeccably-made and would make even a track suit look hot.
RACHEL - THINGS THAT GO BLING

Various Christian Louboutin Booties

I’ve been mooning over Alexander McQueen’s ‘Oyster Dress’ for like ten years, but with a price tag of $30,000, it’s more than slightly unobtainable.
BREEYN - ANOTHER WORD FOR PINK

Alexander McQueen's 'Oyster Dress'

For me, the ‘Holy Fashion Grail’ is not an object that can be purchased in time if you are patient and commited to saving your money for it. My aim is to inspire a respected fashion designer to create a fabulous clothing or shoe collection - to me that is the greatest accomplishment and compliment.
KIMBERLY - THE SOULS OF MY SHOES

Fashion Sketches by Peter Som

What is your Holy Fashion Grail?

The Pink Ribbon Pin Ups 2010 Calendar is a celebration of fabulous women created by Kaitlyn Regehr, burlesque choreographer on Re-Vamped. Each month celebrates the beauty of a woman who has survived or is living with breast cancer.

Kaitlyn Regehr Presents Pink Ribbon Pin-Ups 2010 Calendar

I asked eight of the pin ups “how do you celebrate yourself every day?”

Joanie Raine - I take good care of ME. By doing that, it allows me to be more emotionally present and healthy as a wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Doreen Gruszecki - I start my day making sure my hair looks good and l always put on make up. l have always started my day like that.

Sneak Peek at Joanie and Doreen in the Pink Ribbon Pin-Ups Calendar

Stephanie Gould - I do things I enjoy like walk my amazing standard poodles, run outdoors and savour homemade lattes. I surround myself with people that inspire me and make me feel good and I avoid people that have bad energy or drag me down. I also make homemade glass beads, being creative nurtures my soul.

Andy Street - I celebrate by remembering how strong I have remained throughout this ordeal and that I believe I can survive anything that comes my way.

Jen Vorobiev - I look in the mirror and know that I am more confident, happy and calm. I have learned to be comfortable in my own skin, no matter what I would like to change or not. I try to take a moment just for me every day (not an easy task with a 3 year old). I try new adventures like learning to fly and playing tennis.

Sneak Peek at Stephanie, Andy and Jen in the Pink Ribbon Pin-Ups Calendar

Joanne Lozynsky - I appreciate the good things in life. I’ll treat myself to a special coffee, a piece of chocolate, a few minutes of quiet time, just a small, pretty or comfy treat for myself. I look after myself, do more things for me and paradoxically I have more to give.

Deb Hornby - I love the color purple, so I wear purple eye shadow everyday. A pretty purple with pink or gold highlights makes my green eyes sparkle which makes me feel great. Feeling great is always a cause to celebrate!

Flo Shustack- I do my best and try to “live well”. For me, living well means living consciously, with passion, purpose, persistence and “chutzpah”. Also being grateful for the life I have been given, treasuring the people in my life, honouring my health and sharing my love for music by singing everywhere for everyone I can.

Sneak Peek at Joanne, Deb and Flo in the Pink Ribbon Pin-Ups Calendar

The Pink Ribbon Pin Ups 2010 Calendar celebrates the beauty of fabulous women and 100% of the proceeds go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation! Buy yours today and join the fight against Breast Cancer.

Pink Ribbon Calendar Photography Credits: Photography by Dana Brushette, Creative Direction by Kristen O’Reilly & Key Make-up by Larissa Palaszczuk 

Ten independent fashion bloggers share thier best advice about personal style.

Personal style is ever changing and growing with each new experience and exposure to life. Therefore, don’t be afraid of trying something new and different, but in the end remember to be true to yourself.
KIMBERLY - THE SOULS OF MY SHOES

Have fun with fashion, mix vintage with new!!
SHAKES - THE FASHION PA

Shakes McBeth of The Fashion PA

It has taken me a while to get to the point where I wear what I want, when I want and don’t give a crap what anyone else thinks! That is the true secret to being happy with your personal style, dress for yourself, not for your significant other, friends, blog readers or co-workers, just you. I recently did a post about this crazy lace and sequin tank that five years ago (when my self confidence was lower) I was teased like crazy for and I hid it away in the closet. Now, I wear it and get so many compliments and comments on my blog and wardrobe remix.
EYELIAH - STYLE SYMMETRY

Eyeliah of Style Symmetry

1. Fad Slavery will not take you far, there was a time was spandex was cool and that says something.
2. It is all about your shape, not your weight; just because they make it in your size doesn’t mean it flatters.
3. “A woman’s dress should be like a barbed-wire fence; serving it’s purpose without obstructing the view” - Sophia Loren
CC - INSPIRED BY INSTYLE

Wear what you feel sexy in.
Support local designers.
Have fun dressing up each day.
Be a leader not a follower.
Go for the real deal - don’t be fooled by cheap synthetics.
Accessorize!
RACHEL - THINGS THAT GO BLING

Rachel of Things That Go Bling

I would say experiment with wearing things in unexpected ways: a T-shirt backwards, a tube top as a mini skirt, rugged boots with a sexy skirt, a chain headband as a necklace. Think outside the box! And don’t be afraid of layering. It shows off your styling skills. Like throw on a tee over a dress to create the effect of separates.
MELODY - FAB SUGAR

It’s not about having the piece of the moment or the $800 jacket in Vogue, but about how you incorporate and mix the pieces that you already have that define style. Fashion is based on style and designers are inspired by how we dress, so always remember to dress your personality, not Miuccia Prada’s or Karl Lagerfeld’s.
ASHLEY - BEAUTIFUL FALL

Ashley of Beautiful Fall

Dress for “you” first and “trends” (if at all) second. Consider what’s comfortable for you, what works with your life, and what looks good on your figure before buying anything, even if it’s “of the moment”. Also, don’t wear too much black. Color is a lot of fun and isn’t hard to work in, once you get the hang of it!
MICHELLE - DECLINE DESIGNS

Michelle of Decline Designs

The best style tip that I can give actually has nothing to do with clothing; it’s about being comfortable with your own body, in your own skin, and having self-confidence. Only then will you be able to successfully wear clothing and never have the clothing wear you. Not only that, when you know your body “flaws” and all, you’ll be more honest with yourself about what styles, trends, cuts and shapes works best for you, therefore never being a fashion victim.
TRICIA - TRICIA CAMPBELL

Wear red lipstick. Its an instant boost for your confidence and wardrobe.
AMANDA - FASHION LOVE AND MARTINIS

Amanda of Fashion Love & Martinis

What’s your pearl of wisdom when it comes to personal style?