Have Your Cake

A customer came into the boutique one day and brought with her the most amazing scent.  It was sweet like candy, but not candy, but delicious, like a cupcake, but not a cupcake...sugary, delicious, amazing goodness...but in the air. "What is that amazing scent?" I asked her.  "Oh, I'm trying out this body cream called Cake, my friend gave it to me."

The brand is a popular one, and I had first seen it in Sephora while looking for a new facial cleanser.  I couldn't resist picking up the little bottles with pretty pink writing and squirting a test into my hand. I remember loving the sweet scent but reminded myself  to focus on the cleanser before dangerously letting myself get carried away.

A few weeks after that customer was in the boutique, I coincidentally had an email from Cake Beauty in my inbox.  "We are hoping you would be interested in carrying our line of beauty products." Of course I would! If you know me well, you know that I have never resisted anything with the word "cake".  So off I went to meet the ladies of this delicious brand and learned that not only does it smell incredible, but it is made with 90 - 95% high quality, natural ingredients. And for those who like to indulge without the nasty side-effects, their products are also 100% paraben-free.  If that's not enough, Cake Beauty is Canadian made. 

When the products arrived, my excitement took over as I opened all the testers and started sniffing, rubbing and spraying. I could eat it. Really, I could. I won't though. Instead, I will just use it, and tell you about how great it is. I have two favourites from the line. 

This cocoa coloured hair powder is ideal for beauty queens with red, black and brown hair (to get rid of that day-after-washing-not-so-fresh-ness) and is also available for lighter hues. It can also be used on your body for freshening! 

  I also love the Satin Sugar All Purpose Treatment Balm. Where can you use it? On everything and anything. This concentrated blend will melt into your skin to treat and prevent dry, rough heels, dry elbows, chapped lips, stretch marks, frizzies, flyaways and so much more.

Along with those are Shimmering Creams, Body Mists and Sugar Scrubs...and with prices ranging from $6 to $24, it won't pinch your purse. 

If you already have a fond love for Cake Beauty, then you'll be happy to know that we are now fully stocked with all of your faves and more on the way for the holiday season. If you've never tried it, then you're in for a treat the next time you're in the boutique. Go ahead, indulge a little.

xoxo

With Heart, 

Natalie

Jewel Tones for Fall

When it comes to putting on jewelry, the most common choice I find myself making is between gold and silver. I love both and think I can pull off either, depending on my outfit. However, lately I find myself gearing towards rich, colourful pieces.  This season, trends are really leaning towards gorgeous jewel tones,  especially with accessories in deep pinks, purples, blues and reds.  So far, fall is looking stunning!

In the boutique, we've paired some bright turquoise with some deep reds for a gorgeous transitional look into fall.  Also spotted here (top shelf) is our Animal Print chain by iWEAR...do You? 

We just brought in some beautiful statement pieces from L.A. and I am indeed loving all of them. The blue in this stretch cuff is THE perfect pop of colour to pair up with neutrals.  Cuff - $24, Ring - $16.

 Not one for big "showey" jewels?  We just got a juicy shipment of richly coloured bags and wallets...with lots more coming in as we head deeper into fall. I am head over heels for the Navy Textured Bag below, just $50.

And if you find yourself needing more reasons to drape yourself in regal hues this fall, take a look at what else we're offering at the boutique lately!

Beautiful beaded jewelry - This piece is only $24. For real.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Instant hair-do with these stunners. $16.

And of course - we do heart our scarves.  With all the colours we have to choose from, you'll want one for each of your fall coats! $24.

If you haven't been in to the boutique in a while, you're due for a visit. With new EVERYTHING for fall, we are super excited for this new, crisp, beautiful season!

xoxo

With Heart, 

Natalie

I Heart gets Divafied

We were lucky enough and so very excited to be part of a fantastic event on August 5th: Divalicious 2 at The Roosevelt Room. Hosted by Divagirl Inc. and Shop Socials, this event gave women a night of exciting entertainment and fabulous shopping topped off with martinis...seriously...is there anything better?

Danielle and I were so happy to have a booth and showcase our fab finds at extra special prices.  Divas were swooning over our jewels...and at a couple points in the night, we had little lines forming while others made their picks!

Here's a snapshot of our booth before everyone was let in...

A short time later...let the "Bling Buying" begin...

Of course, it wouldn't have been a Divalicious night without a Divafied Fashion Show.  We were so very excited to be a part of this gorgeous display of incredible designs. Labels included TFNC London by Studio Beba, Samantha Stoncius, and N.S. Designs.  How did we fit in? I Heart Accessories topped off all the looks!

Major thanks go out to our amazing and talented hosts, Tamika Auwai of Shop Socials and and Laura Furtado of Divagirl Inc. These ladies know how to throw a party and make it fab! Also, can we just pay a little attention to how absolutely stunning they are?!

And of course, an extra special thank-you to the other half of the I Heart Dream Team, Danielle. Here we are, all bright eyed (Pre ransackage and Red Bull highs/lows.)

If you haven't already treated yourself and your friends to events by these amazing gals, you should definitely check them out...we CAN NOT wait for the next one!

xoxo

With Heart, 

Natalie

Fab Finds for Fall

It's been an extremely busy past few weeks for us at the boutique as we have begun our transition from summer to fall. If you haven't already done so, come in to check out our end of summer/pre-fall sale. All Jewels are 20% off, along with belts that are 25% off, and a bunch of goodies at half off.

We've already had our first few fall shipments arrive, with many more to come. I have to say that if it weren't for a full season of exciting new trends, I would be extra sad to see summer go.  Here is a sneak peak at some of our new stock, as well as what you can expect in the coming weeks!  

Mixing metals is all the rage this season and it's really growing on me!  This gorgeous 3-tone cuff is my personal fave, and only $24. 

Fascinators are still huge and extremely fun with new luxuriously rich tones.  This one makes my heart skip a beat. $16.

 

Say hello to a bag I will be adding to my personal collection.  This fall, we're all about textured and rich-coloured vegan leather. 

These puppies below are also on my faves list at $25 - $49. Love.

And if you follow our blog, you'll know that we LOVE hats...here's a newbie we're welcoming with open arms at $25

So, are we excited for cooler weather? Nah.  Does the fab fashion make it better? Indeed. Stay tuned for all of our new gorgeosity coming this season!

XOXO

With Heart, 

Natalie

1 Scarf 3 ways

I'm a scarf girl. I always have been. As a teenager, I had a wall full of them and threw one on just about everyday. Scarves give you a great way to have fun with fashion, which is why I'm tres excited for our new collection of them.  Here are a few ways I like to sport mine...

 Hair

I'm loving these three looks by Monique Lhuiller, DianeVon Furstenberg, and, Nanette Lepore.  

It's easiest to achieve this look with thinner scarves, which also makes them less likely to slip off your head.  

 

 

These new sashes with angled edges are perfect for "hair-wear", and are available at I Heart Accessories for just $10.

Waist 

A cinched waist is flattering for any shape...and having a little fun with a scarf or sash can brighten up your look without weighing you down. 

 

 

Worn a little higher, here's how I dressed up my simple black jersey dress today...

Neck

OK..An obvious place to put a scarf, but keeping the look varied is key.  I always love a bow tied to the side for a pretty, feminine look.

I am always encouraging customers to have fun, and play with accessories.  If you think a fabric necklace would look better as a belt, then wear it as one. I will be the first to applaud!

xoxo

With Heart,

Natalie

Blushing Baubles

With the 2010 Wedding Season well underway, I've had the pleasure of helping out a few brides-to-be with their selection of accessories for their big day, as well as some little lovelies for their group of gals. I had never set out to offer bridal services, but given the quality of the accessories we carry and the price points we offer, it's been a natural step in a very rewarding direction.  Here are some bridal trends we're saying "I do" to this season.

Brides are adoring mini veils and feathery, flowery headpieces.  Thank goodness there is a tres chic alternative to the traditional veil and tiara.

From pins and combs to sparkly bands and fabric flowers, our headpiece selection starts at $12

Not that you need help getting noticed on your wedding day, but why not make a statement while all eyes are on you anyway? Many have taken a liking to these beauties at the boutique lately, and while they range in price from $29 - $49, you can definitely see why.

One trend I'm adoring is the crystal brooch topping off a sash, bow or a ruched waist.  It's a great way to add some vintage charm or sparkle to a simple dress.

This little number will warm your heart for only $28

Lastly, we can't forget our girls. I light up with excitement when a customer shows me a dress and asks me to accessorize it with some bridesmaid loveliness.  Here's one I helped with for an October wedding.

 

 

 

Above: Earrings: $24, Dress: Hot, Cuff: $32

Of course, let it be known that I love accessorizing anyone for any occasion, but if you come in to the boutique with a wedding party to decorate - I will a) cry with tears of joy for you, and b) make you and your gals as pretty as can be.

XOXO
With Heart,

Natalie

Future Closet

I'm a big believer in envisioning the things you strive to acquire. 

XOXO

With Heart,

Natalie