Spring is officially on its way, according to groundhog Wiarton Willy. Lately, I also see these signs in the weather forecast. With that said, such change in temperature and seasons induces many changes in nature that also reflects/influences fashion and beauty trends. Colour is what I’m talking about!

Colour trends are highly influenced by the 4 seasons. For winter and summer the colours are “cool”; for autumn and spring the colours are “warm”.  

Warm colours are referred to as “earth tones”

• Yellows
• Oranges, browns
• Yellowish greens
• Orange based reds

Cool colours are referred to as “jewel tones”

• Blues
• Greens
• Pinks
• Purples
• Blue-greens
• Magentas
• Blue-based reds

Now that you have the basics for colours, you may now use this guide to determine what colour is suitable for you based on your skins undertone or overtone. One thing to note, is that your overtone (what we see on the surface of the skin) can change due to environmental influences; however, the undertone (what is under your skin/internally) will not be affected by environmental influences.  So, rely on your skin’s undertone when choosing colours. The undertone divides all skin types into cool or warm colours (hues). For example, a skin with a red undertone, but normally shows up as blue undertone will be categorized in the “jewel tones”. Skin with a yellow undertone will be in the “warm tones”.  Skin with a brownish/black undertone will also be in the “warm tones”.  So use this guideline to match your make-up, nail polish and clothing with the new 2010 spring palette by Pantone.

What is Pantone? It’s an organization that is well renowned for their colour matching system widely used by various industries. This spring they have introduced a colour palette to spruce up the fashion industries colour trend.

Here are there top ten Spring 2010 colours:

So let your true colours shine through! Spruce up your beauty and fashion regimes with a variety of hues.

What better way is there to say “I Love You” or “Be My Valentine” with sweet kisses from Estée Lauder’s new “ Love Your Lips” Limited-Edition Collection.

Get ready to pucker up for the Signature Lipstick and the Kissable Lip Gloss that gives you hours of moisture, lustrous shine and a comfortable feel on your lips. Every beauty addict’s heart will flutter over this uniquely designed “L♥VE” message that is engraved on the front and back of the bullet, as well as on the packaging of the lip gloss. What more can a girl ask for. “well there is always more”, but this is super cute. 

-The lipstick will be available for $23 in 12 luminous shades including 3 new shades such as the Cherry Kiss, Coral Kiss and Pink Kiss. Also, the lip gloss is available for $21 in 4 bedazzling shades: Sweet Kiss, Coral Kiss, Pink Kiss and Cherry Kiss.

“Let there be love”, on your lips that is with Estée Lauder’s limited-edition lipsticks and lip glosses available in February 2010 at Estée Lauder counters in Canada and online.

For more information on the different shades available visit esteelauder.com 

It’s been one week since the devasting 7.0 magnitude earthquake that shook the Haitian city, Port-au-Prince. This natural disaster has taken the lives of up to 150,000 Haitian natives.  The nation is still in heaps of rubbles leaving many in dire need of food, water, shelter and medical assistance. Family members worldwide, especially in Canada, have lost many loved ones in this travesty.  

I must say that Canada’s media coverage and emergency response is one of the many that exemplifies how selfless we are as a global nation. Many civilians and organizations have stepped in internationally to aid in relief of earthquake victims. Organizations in Canada such as Canadian Red Cross, Salvation Army, Unicef, World Vision are continuing to accept donations and contributions.  

Canadian Red Cross 

Phone: 1.800.418.111 

Online: redcross.ca            

Text Msg: REDCROSS to 30333 and a $5 charge will be applied to your phone bill.  Simply reply YES in order for the donation to go through.  

Salvation Army Canada 

Phone: 1.800.725.2769 

Online: salvationarmy.ca 

Text Msg: HAITI to 45678 a $5 charge will be applied to your phone bill. Simply reply YES in order for the donation to go through.  

Unicef Canada 

Phone: 1.800.567.4483 

Online: unicef.ca

World Vision Canada 

 Phone: 1.800.268.5528 

Online: worldvision.ca 

“Out of many we are one” so give back out the goodness of your heart.

Dear FC followers,

The continued support and feedback received since the beginning stages of this bloggers-sphere has been a fabulous journey/experience that I am very thankful for.

For the past  few months the time spent away from my bloggers- haven has been focused solely on pursuing and learning about the many wonders of the spa industry. After taking into account the considerable amount of response to this blog, I will be taking some time to bring some changes and improvements to Flagrant Chic in August 2010.

This extended time taken to revamp the site will bring a new flare and concept for all my Flagrant Chic lovers to indulge in. This women’s beauty and lifestyle boutique is going to be here for a long time, so there will be continuous and minuscule entries on a monthly basis. I am so excited about the improvements to come and I hope you all are just as anxious.

My aspiration for you all is: If you believe it you can acheive it, especially in 2010.

Yours Truly,

Keneisha McLean

Founder & Editor-In-Chief

For more information on upcoming store events visit thebay and to find a local store that will be hosting this event, visit hbc.

Without a doubt my song of year is Empire (T.O.) State of Mind by Jay-Z feat Alecia Keys. I have inserted T.O. within the title for a reason that I will explain shortly. I love this song because it is truly inspiring and it’s a great representation of wherever it is that you reside along with your “state of mind”.

 Whenever I hear the song play or should I sing it out loud randomly, I would remix it referring to Toronto. Low and behold I was browsing the web and I found this blog called Toronto Fresh blog. On this blog it had a video/song remake of Empire State of Mind called T.O. State of Mind with Ron-D feat Miss Kim Davis.

Make sure you comment on his blog if you love this remix. It’s definitely contagious whatever it is in the air. It’s our time, Toronto is getting on the map and has been making major movements in every way possible. Whatever it is I *heart* it a lot.

Check out the video below and how he’s reppin all the ‘fresh’ T.O. talents all the way with Miss Kim Davis. 

For the lyrics visit torontofresh. Let me know what you think about it.

Windows 7 has arrived for dedicated PC lovers/users.  According to Business week, this new OS consist of “backing up all their files to an external drive, reformatting their PC, and then reinstalling all of their old programs, assuming they still have the CDs”. On the contrary, Apple continues with their advertising insults towards Windows PCs with their “Get A Mac” commercials.

From what I hear, Mac is less susceptible to viruses and you don’t have to go through all the step to step procedures to backup files like a regular Windows-based PC. Also, in my opinion it is multi-faceted because it works hand in hand with iPhones and iPods. I have a Dell Laptop that has a Windows Vista and I’m seriously considering a Mac based on these commercials, as well as the problems I’ve had with Vista presently. I don’t know if I have faith in Windows OS anymore.

Now I’m not one to follow the “norms” of society or follow the in crowd/jump on the bandwagon, but Mac just seems more functional and has a multitude of products and application to choose from-I’m just like this lady in this commercial at this point.

So which is better Mac or PC? Let me know what you think.

TSS is on a role this year with their sample sales and it’s in ‘my neck of the woods’, York Region. This time around there will be coats, parkas, and leather jackets for sale to get you all prepared for ‘old man’ winter to come.

TSS is hosting a 3 day Winter Designer Clothing Sale on from Wednesday November 11 – Friday November 13, 2009. It will be held at Le Parc Banquet Hall at 8432 Leslie Street in Thornhill.

For more information contact (416) 399-9959 or visit torontosamplesales.com

Oh! and bring your old clothing for the clothing drive. 

Happy – Halloween –  Friday!

So I was at school today and someone walked by then handed me this flyer. Normally, I skim through the flyer and should the information not be beneficial ‘in my eyes’ I toss it. Well this flyer definitely caught my attention.

One, a company called Impression Events is promoting/advertising a  Halloween themed event “Kiss Of Death” where you can get all glamed up with Halloween make up, also have the opportunity to receive hair and nail application by industry professionals. Two, proceeds from this event will be going towards Rethink Breast Cancer. Now how amazing is that? You get pampered and doing it all to support a good cause.

The session begins on Friday October 30, 2009 with a cover cost of $30 that includes all the glamour/pampering you deserve. It will be on from 6 – 10 pm at Chic Lounge on King Street. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment to reserve your spot. So get on it!

Visit impressionevents blog for contact information. The party will continue thereafter at Chic Lounge. Don’t forget to wear your costume. It’s a Halloween party y’all!

I’m a lover of handbags and shoes. If I see it I just got to have it. Yeh, I’m working on the impulsive shopping part of me.

Danier Leather, a leader in the leather and suede design industry has been around for 39 years.  Their years of experience in the retail industry has made them a very reputable company based on the intriguing quality and detail-oriented  merchandise they offer.

With over 90 stores across Canada located in major shopping malls you must know the name and appreciate the style, as well a the garments they design. The ranges from their infamous leather jackets, pant, skirts and handbags.

For ONE DAY ONLY, Thursday October  29, 2009, on all handbags they will be offering a 25% OFF on the lowest ticket price, including clearance items. What are you waiting for?!

For more information on this sale visit danier.com. View some of my picks that are also available in variety of colours to choose from.

Fold Over Clutch Exotic Print - NOW $39.99

Daytime Messenger  to Evening Shoulder Handbag - NOW $69.99

Slouchy Leather Foldover Handbag – NOW $79.99