Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Jewelery Party - Stella & Dot

Hello Ladies,

I hosted a jewelery party and I wanted to let you all know about my event. I held the event at a relative's house with the company called Stella & Dot. It is an american that offers jewelery, accessories, purses and scarf. As well they offer a little girls collection. The company is making its was here in Quebec. By having stylists join them through the company site. There is already a small team established here, but they are looking to expand. 

I found out about this company as they had a booth set up at Weekend De Toute Beauté. At this event they showcased their jewelery, had brochures, and two stylists who were there to answer any questions one may have.  If I did not attend this event I might have never heard about them. 

The topic of hosting a party came up and I was told about the advantage one has with being a hostess for the day. As a hostess, depending on the amount sold at your party, you will earn hostess style rewards. With these rewards, I was able to add 3 new pieces of jewelery which I was able to chose myself. There was not a set selection of the assortment that was set aside only for the hostess to pick from. Which I enjoyed that very much since I was allowed to choose pieces that reflect who I was and my style and add them to my collection of jewelery. 

I wanted my readers to be able to experience it from my point of view as a hostess.



It was a fun filled day, everything was set up beautifully.

I had a lot of people help me when it came to the food. I offered the ladies of the party little sandwiches, different cold salads and a veggie platter. I also provided the ladies some sweet treats from cupcakes to cannolis. Of course the ladies, we sipping on sangria throughout the day while enjoying the sight of stunning gems. I did not offer a lot of food because the ladies were too busy trying on jewelry. 

A personal stylist came and set up all of her jewels. All of these lovely pieces came from her personal collection. She also set up a little table with a lot of catalogues, she had a couple of portable mirrors. The event looked like one was walking into a little jewelry store but in the comfort of your own home amongst all of you girlfriends.

I was able to sit back and relax for the most part of the day. As the stylist helped the ladies try on and pick out which jewelry they wanted to add to their accessory staple pieces. She also handled the order forms, gathering all the ladies personal information and the jewelry item number. 

As a company they have amazing customer service. I received a necklace that had a little defect and contacted the stylist, who helped out during my party. She guided me on the process of how to send it back in order to get replaced. I was so happy cause the one that was defected was my Favorited one I saw. It took about a week to receive the new one and it was in tip top shape and it was the one I had originally wanted. So two thumbs up for that and a really excited and happy customer (me)!! 









Not only is there perks of being a hostess, but if you choose to be come a stylist. They have their own benefits. 

As a stylist, you will have to purchase your own start-up kit that you will be able to use at trunk shows that will be booked under your name. As well, you will also be able to earn extra cash and commission to put towards whatever your heart desires.  

 If you want to plan a day with your girls, I really recommend this company. It was an experience I will not forget. Or if you want to become a stylist here in the Montreal area do not hesitate to check out their website, take a look around and contact the stylist directly on the link that I provided. 


The stylist will be able to answer any questions you may have, either becoming part of the team or to plan your own trunk show.

Insight into the company; 



From Stella & Dot YouTube channel


I hope your day will be as exciting as mine and if you choose to be part of the company I wish you luck on your new career. 



Monday, December 8, 2014

Zen Lash And Spa Divine Beauty - Montreal

Hello ladies, 

Well it is that time of year again, when the holidays are among us. You might be planning to attend a couple of parties this season, or putting on your own. 

With your house all done up, showcasing holiday cheer, with glitter and gold. 

Now it is your turn to put on your sparkle and glam.  Time to make you shine, as a hostess of your own party, or as an attendant at the number of parties you have coming up. 

If your looking for a place to go to receive a professional and personal treatment, you need to head over to;

Zen Lash and Spa Divine Beauty 
5440 Queen Mary Avenue, Suite 110
Montreal, Quebec
H3X 1V6
  





They offer a quaint environment, one-on-one treatment. That the big spa and eye lash companies can not offer all the time.

Their prices are reasonable, and affordable.

Zen Lash Prices;

Senior Lash Tech
Full Set                                   $115
Mink Hair                                $230
Refills/Week                            $15

Junior Lash Tech
Full Set                                  $80
Mink Hair                               $180
Refills/Week                           $10
  


 Divine Beauty Prices;

Nails and Toes
Manicure                                         $20
Mani/Pedi                                        $47
Polish Change                                  $10
Pedicure                                          $32
Paraffin                                            $8
Paraffin Hands and Feet                    $12
Shellac Manicure                              $35
Shellac Pedicure                               $42
Shellac Mani/Pedi                             $72

Make-up
Make-up                                          $20
Airbrush Make-up                             $80

Waxing 
Eyebrows                                         $10
Underarms                                       $10
Full Arm                                           $16
Half Arm                                           $10
Full Leg                                            $18
Half Leg                                            $12
Bikini                                                $18
Brazilian                                            $24
Upper-lip                                            $5
Chin                                                  $5


We do not need the holidays to get pampered, we should pamper ourselves whenever we feel like it. After a hard week, a great accomplished, or just because.  It is always great to have some alone time, or a girls outing.

If you want to get your make-up done, your eyelashes, or have your nails or toes looking pretty, or just to look freshened up. You will not be disappointed with the treatments that  Zen Lash, and Spa Divine Beauty offer.

Call and make your appointments for your spa treatments, before it is too late, as this is a busy time of the year. We all want to look good this season for our parties, and every other day.

Zen Lash - 514-996-2102
Spa Divine Beauty - 450-419-0333

Do not worry ladies, they are both located in the same building. So you can make it a one stop shop to relaxation, and personal attention.

I hope you all enjoy your services at these two wonderful companies, and let me know how it went.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Planning Your HKR Winter Outfit







Winter is almost here, but that does not mean your style and fashion needs to go out the window.

A great place to look for winter fashion and trends, is at your local HKR Collections Store.

It is time to look fabulous in layers. Layers don not need to add extra weight to your style. A great way to figure out how to wear layers, is to check out HKR Collections Facebook Page.
They do not just show you how to layer, but they also showcase colours that are vibrant, in different styles and assortments. These colours will help get you out of these dark and gloomy days, and make you feel amazing.


HKR Collections
HKR Collections
                                       


Not every outfit needs to be layered, check out HKR Collections trendy cosy colourful sweater, that would be good to pair with nice jeans, and they will keep you warm on these cool days.
It might not be the time for your ballet flats, but add a nice pair of fashionable booties or knee high boots to any of these outfits.


You do not need to put your leggings in the back of your closet, pair them with some of the layering options shown on HKR Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/HKRCollections


If your leggings are drab you may also want to check out HKR Collections fabulous colourful leggings.


HKR Collections
HKR Collections



Before going shopping at HKR Collections, look at all they have to offer on their Facebook page. Save the photos you like, and feed off of them to choose your next outfit to sport for this season.

Once you have a good assortment of photos you like, here comes the fun part! Head to your favourite HKR Collections location, and show them to the salesperson. So that way they can help you find everything you are looking for with eases. Try them all on, see what works for you, and walk out with wonderful winter staple pieces.


Think about, sweaters, turtle necks, over sweaters, cute detailed sweaters, and even leggings and jeans. Do not forget to add colour to your outfit. It is always a great way to look stunning and stand out. 

These are just some of the styles that are offered at HKR Collections.




HKR Collections
HKR Collections
         

HKR Collections
HKR Collections
HKR Collections
HKR Collections
  
HKR Collections

HKR Collections


HKR Collections

HKR Collections

























Thursday, October 23, 2014

Inspirational Woman

Dear Readers,

Throughout my time being a student it has been emotional, it has had its ups and downs. Every time I have been faced with a downward spiral of mixed emotions, I go back to the days, that I was lucky enough to be able to meet some amazing people within the industry.


One stood out for me, The President of Michael Kors Canada, Debra Margles.


Kylene Ryan And Debra Margles


She really made a long lasting impression on me. Maybe this is because she is a woman, and a very successful one.

She is the first woman, that I have meet in the fashion industry, with such a high title.

She held the attention of the audience, with her speech and insight in the industry, it reassured me why I have chosen this field. With what she expressed, how she expressed it, and things she has done through out her career. That made no sense to her at the time, but in the end the outcome from these experiences help her to gained knowledge, and better herself in her career.

She mentioned that she was never interested in school, until she found something she was passionate about. Form this I was able to see once you find your passion, and your place in life, it opens a lot of doors. It makes you fell amazing about yourself, and you give everything your all, when it comes to school and/or your career.

She talked about dressing for success, first impressions matter, dress up and stand out. She went out got a new suite outfit, wore it to an interview and she got the job. She kept wearing this suite to work, and was told "you got the job". She was told that she did not need to continue to wear it, but this was her "only suite" she had to wear.

Another thing she mentioned about dressing to impress, she likes to keep things "classic and simple", yet stylish and sophisticated, she keeps to her "black" attire and sometimes she will add in some "navy blue". When it comes to your attire, dress in what makes you feel comfortable and at your best, but just make sure that it fits into where you will be working. You might have to tweak things, maybe by adding bold statement pieces in the form of accessories, or one bold piece of clothing while keeping the rest softer. Just never forget to be true to who you are, and keep it professional.

It was an enlightening story, because one might only thing they get a job by their experiences and how their CV is presented. Yes this is part of the equations, the other part is, how your dressed, if you look the part or not, and your personality. So do not forget about the whole package, it's not just the paper that counts, its you too.

She talked about how she climbed the corporate ladder, and things did not happen over night. She worked hard to get where she is today, and she said that it takes time and patiences. It took her many years and a lot of different jobs to get where she is, but she did not give up.

She spoke about how it is important to surround yourself with positive people, who build you up and not put you down. She mentioned to keep these types of people in your inner circle. Those friends who are not supportive and have a negative persona, she said to keep them in your outer circle.

She keeps a positive work atmosphere around the office, by always having inspirational and encouraging quotes, for everyone to see.

She lives by a "recipe of success", and she spoke about her "keys to success".


"Debra Margles Recipe For Success"

"Debra Margles Keys To Success"


After all of this is said and done, she is a wife, a mother and a successful woman. She said it is important to have someone or if you have a spouse in your life, make sure he or she is someone who you can count on, will understand your line of work and how hectic it can be.

She hit a spark inside of me and just for that short time of being in her presents, and listening to her being so passionate and explaining her struggles through life, and how she over came them. It opened my eyes to see that we faced some of the same struggles in life. This makes me realize, I have found my mentor.

Now I will go and use this experience I had, and everything she spoked about and bring it to my everyday life. I will live by the "keys to success"and "recipe for success", because no one is perfect. It is OK to ask question and show how passionate you are about something. To hear this from someone with such a high title, puts into light that people at this level are just like anyone else, they are human. They worked hard to get there and have not given up. Maybe one day we will all get to that level, just remember to be humble, know where you came from and never forget the path you walked.

We all need guidelines to get somewhere in life, and now I have found mine.

Now it is time for you all to find that one person or it can be multiple people to look up too, and see what they live by and how they got to where they are. Learn from them, let them touch your life in a way you never thought could be possible, enable yourself to grow.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Boutique Monroe, The Store For Full-Figured Women

Dear Readers,

I had the great pleasure of attending the Grand Opening of Boutique Monroe, located in Les Cours Mont Royal on the second floor.






















I walked in the store and felt so inspired, to know that finally someone has been open-minded about offering a line of clothing from sizes 8-18. The boutique also offers "the best denim in the city", from sizes 27-38 ranging from an assortment of well- known labels. The boutique offers clothing from day to night, from informal to evening wear. That someone is "the buyer and manager of the boutique" Arianna Rabinovich.

I asked Mrs. Rabinovich, the following questions;

Question; Is this your own personal line?
Answer; "The clothing we sell is from a variety of brands."

Question; If she designs everything, or had help doing so?
Answer;"We hand select pieces to build a collection that we believe is both on trend, high quality and the right fit! We currently do not manufacture the clothing."

Question; Why did she choose to stock these sizes?
Answer; "We decided to do this store, because we believe that it is an under serviced market. Many boutiques only go up to a size 10-12 and do not carry a large amount of stock in these sizes. However, the average woman is a 10/12, not a size 0!

Mrs. Rabinovich, also added a little portion of her own personal story. How she now fits into this category, because she was blessed with a little bundle of joy. Since then she has seen her body change, and now she is meet with the same disappointment that many women face, unable to find clothing that would "fit my curves".

Question; Why did she choose to address this type of clothing?
Answer; "After many years in the junior market, I was ready to do something different and necessary!"




They have a wide variety of  fashionable clothing, hand bags, and even "spanx".










As you can see from the pictures, the store is not clutter at all, the clothing and accessories are the highlight of the store, with its simplicity about it, and they stand out and are able to shine. The boutique is chic and elegant, it is a "high quality" store. The ambience of the store is inspired by the "Art Deco Movement". This is highlighted with the geometrical shaped flooring, one can also see this theme in their design of their name, with the shape they included in their graphics. They also used it within the decoration of the store in the graphic wallpaper around the cash. "Art Deco Movement", is also inspired by eye-catching colour of gold and graphics.

The Team, is friendly and approachable. They will not hesitate to answer any questions that they are presented with. There are stylists available, to help you out. They will provide the clients with guidance on how to customize an outfit, to make sure that the customer leaves the store looking stunning and feeling outstanding.

No matter what size or shape you are, all women need to feel good in their clothing. Women need to be able to find clothing that hugs their curves and accentuates their figure, and this store offers this to women of these sizes.

I suggest that you take the time to go visit Boutique Monroe, look around try on some of their wonderful clothing, and walk out of there with a new article of clothing to add to your wardrobe.

You will not be disappointed, you will have a great experience and receive one too!

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Weekend Of Beauty And Fun In November


Hello my lovely ladies,

I just wanted to inform all of my fashionista ladies, that there is going to be an amazing weekend long event coming up here in Montreal, at Palais des Congres de Montreal.


It will be held;

Friday November 7th, from 11am-9pm
Saturday Novermber 8th, from 10am-6pm
Sunday Noverber 9th, from 10am-5pm

TICKETS before taxes:
One day only ($13.05)
Weekend ($17.39)
VIP ($65.00- limited quantity) (A special gift, a 3 day ticket for the event, no waiting lines, a photo session, manicure and massage, and more)
Rallye Shopping ($65, not including the entrance ticket) (90 Minutes of one on on shopping with a stylist) 

You can reserve your ticket, and one for your friends and family, at the following website. It will take you directly where you need to go to purchase them;

https://www.detoutebeaute.ca/visitors/reserve-your-ticket.html

It is going to be an amazing weekend to get out with your closest girlfriends, and celebrate being a girl. 

We all need those special and amazing moments , just to be able to embraces and pamper ourselves, and to make time stand still even for a short period of time.

This event will encase everything girlie, from fashion to make-up, a DJ and even a champagne bar.

Come and discover fashion labels or brands you have never seen before all from local designers. As well as being able to interact with products, and be able to learn about up-to-date products and services.

If you chose to recruit a stylists for a while, he or she will be able to dress you and give you tips, while you just enjoy the experience and sip on a little bubbly. 

It is a day to spoil yourself, a day to shop till you drop, to enjoy a good time with your closest friends. 

The best part is to be able to relax, and be able to relieve some stress to what could have been a crazy couple of weeks or even months leading up to the event. 

Come enjoy yourself and treat yourself to an amazing weekend, Let your inner beauty shine.







Thursday, September 11, 2014

Behind the Scenes of the Festival Mode & Design Montreal August 2014

Hello Readers,

As most of you may know, that I am a fashion student. I ventured out into the fashion industry during my summer vacation. To gain more knowledge and see what the industry has to offer.

I was in contact with Groupe Sensation Mode, and I offered my services to volunteer during Fashion Week in Montreal.

I was then sent an e-mail with the dates that fashion week would be running. I was asked which days and times I would be available. I then received another e-mail with the dates, times and tasks I would be preforming throughout the week. So that way I would get a general idea of what I was going to expect.

I did not realize what these events entail for the set up process, and the people it needed to make the whole production run perfectly. This was because I am usually a spectator for other events. These events include, Just for Laughs and the Jazz Festival.

I've never seen Fashion Week before, but I am so happy that I got the chance to see it up close and behind the scenes and not as a spectator.

I wanted to share with you my experience throughout the week, and show you all what happens behind the scenes to prepare for Fashion Week.


Fashion Week Booklet 



Kylene Ryan 
Kylene Ryan 





There is a lot of work that needs to be done for the event to function and run smoothly.

There was about 50 volunteers to help set up the event and help out where need. That does not including other companies and personal that had their own responsibilities. They were also involved throughout the process of the event. From setting up the stages, the pop-up shops, setting up booths and stands, and setting up the VIP section. Some of the personal ranged from designers to stylist, make-up artists to hairstylists, and stage production managers. Everyone had to bring their A game to keep on schedule. This would help prevent conflicts throughout the week, so that way it would run like a well oiled machine, as the saying would go.




DJ Booth - Set up 






















VIP Section - Set Up



Last Minute Touch Ups - Target Mannequin (Also doubled As A Gift Giving Away Prop, With People Hiding Inside To Give Out Gifts To The People Who Approached) 

Behind the stage before the event was on it's way, I've witnessed a lot of meeting being taken place between different parties. In order to communicate what they needed to do, or answer any questions they might have had. These meeting set guidelines for the upcoming event.

Hairstylist - Meeting 














Make-up Artist - Meeting
Back Stage Technicians - Meeting 
Models & Designer - Meeting
After the meetings were finished, the models needed to do a test run with all the props they would be using during the show. They needed to get a feeling on using the prop, and walking the runway with them. During this time, the designer would change it up, and place the models in their proper places on the stage. As well they would receive guidance by the designer who's show they would be preforming in. This allowed for the designer to see his or her vision come to life. This run through would allow them to fine-turn or iron out any issues that the designer has seen before the big event started.


Prop Test




Prop Test 








Prop Test 
Prop Test 










Prop Test 





















Pop-up boutiques, these boutiques consist of local and independent designers. It allowed them to showcase their clothing during Fashion Week. The pop-up boutiques would also preform their own fashion show on a smaller stage. This allowed the spectators to see their articles of clothing and/or accessories on real live models and not just on hangers or in showcases.


Pop-Up Shops 

Pop-Up Shop - Set up 




Pop-Up Shop - Set up 
Pop-Up Shops - Practice Runway Before The Show












The preparation of the clothing for the show, was all sorted out on racks and they were steamed. On these racks were the name of the stores and/or designers that the clothing had came from or was made by. Just to name a few of these stores and/or designers, there was Guess & Marciano, Forever 21, Dynamtie, Le Château, La Vie en Rose, LaSalle College and École De Mode Du CÉGEP Marie-Victorin. There were other designers presenting their independent brand. Ardene was the certified sponsor of accessories.

Another detail on the racks, were that each outfit and accessory was labelled with the name of the model and number it would be worn in the show. The clothing for the show were stored in a location not to far from the runway. 

I added some pictures just to show how the layout worked and to give a visual of what some of the clothing looked like.

Storage Of Clothing - Before Shown On The Runway  










The racks of clothing were brought backstage when everything was finalized. They were all rolled out to the main stage by volunteers, just before the store or designer it question would be putting on their show. They were then set up on the empty racks that were assigned to the backstage area. The models were provided an area backstage were they were able to change between each set. This area was enclosed to offer them some privacy. There was people around to help them in and out of each outfit. Those people would be there to make sure the final look was pulled off and presentable.



Clothing Brought Backstage  


Fashion Week had a lot of sponsors that helped provide products, services and funds for the event. They ranged from beauty product brands, to malls, beverage companies, magazines, well-known companies, and music channels in Montreal.


Some Of The Sponsors Of Fashion Week

During Fashion Week, I was asked to do a lot of different task throughout the event.

I was asked to promote the events to come by handing out the booklet. As well as showing the people where to find the information in the booklet.

My next task was to help prepare the the gift bags, and fill them with all the goodies that some spectators would be able to enjoy. These goodies ranged from beauty products, magazines, coupons, perfume and water.

I was asked to help out the models, if they had any questions or needed anything, and to find out the answers they were seeking.

I also help clean the area where the spectators were able to give themselves manicures.

One of my other tasks was helping out backstage, making props, assigning 2 models names to each of the empty racks. All of the clothing was labelled with names and numbers. The numbers indicated which order the models would be wearing that outfit. I also had to make sure that the outfits went to there perspective model, as they were not in order or were not grouped together by the models names when they first arrived backstage.

I was also asked to hand out the gift bags to the VIP's, who were invited by different companies to enjoy the event up close. The section for the VIP's was elevated off the ground so they were able to see everything, and not have an obstructed view. It was a red carpet experience for them, there was an actual red carpet, a backdrop where they were able to take pictures in front of. A door man to make sure that everyone was invited. The guest that were invited wore a bracelet or had a ticket to be able to enter.

On my last day I was asked to work at the information booth. It was set up with pamphlets, booklets and business cards.  These pamphlets and business cards were all information about the stores participating in the pop-up shops. The booklet indicated the whole week of events and information about the designers and other personal involved in the event. In the information booth I provided answers to the people who had inquiries. About when certain shows started, how long Fashion Week was going on for, and the nature of the event. They also came to the information booth if they were having trouble locating the different booths or boutiques situated in the Quartier des  Spectacles.




Gift Bags (300) - Preparation 
Goodies In The Bag



Manicure Station 







Gift Bag From A Designer Who's Brand Hit The Runway, Given To VIP's
( A Storage Pouch With Coupons)   






















Clothing Set Up Backstage
Fashion Week is a great way to network and meet a lot of well established people, as well as meeting people who share your love and passion for fashion, and the industry. I personally meet a lot of great people through this experience, and they named me as the head and lead volunteer throughout some of my tasks. So hard work does pay off even when you think no one is looking, they are. Volunteers do get acknowledged by the professional people around them. Volunteers need to put 100% into their work, just like any other companies who were hired to help out with the production and set up of Fashion Week.

Fashion Week was very busy and fast-paced for us volunteers. It was a great way to see what happens behind the scenes. It was very informative, and a great way to gain hands on knowledge.  

Even thought my days were long and tired-sum, it opened my eyes in a positive way, to see the process as a whole, and what goes into such a big production. It felt so natural for me to be part of this event. It made me realize that the profession I am studying is the right profession for me. I've gained a lot of experience in such a short time, that I will be able to apply to my future career, as well as my internship. This process showed me what it felt like to work under a tight schedule, and it showed me how this industry moves so rapidly. My week of volunteering exhibited the different type of individuals who I will encounter within the industry, and might have the opportunity to cross paths with or work with again.  I do not regret the decision I made to venture out and offer assistance during Fashion Week. It was a great way to spend some of my summer vacation, out of the books and into the field.  

People sometimes think volunteering will not bring much to the table or bring them benefits, but it does. It is away to see if one has chosen the right path, before entering a new educational program. It is away to see what situations one may come across in the workforce, or what tasks they might have to preform. One is able to learn a lot about themselves throughout the process. The great part about volunteering, is if the outcome is positive and they enjoy the tasks at hand, they can added this to their CV as experience. A lot of companies like to see volunteering on a CV, that is related to the area in question to where the person will be applying to work. It shows that the person takes initiative, they put themselves out there, and that they are gaining additional knowledge within the industry.  

I hope it inspires you all to venture out and find your path. To start volunteering in the area and/or industry that you are drawn to. Where you would like to find more information about, before taking the big step. Or just to add more credentials to your CV with in the industry in question, and be able to gain additional skills. 

I hope you all enjoyed my behind the scenes experience at Fashion Week. That you all have acquired knowledge by reading about my week, and hearing my positive input about volunteering. I hope that this has brought forth a clearer understanding of the process and steps of volunteering, and what it entails.