Hair Disaster: L'Oréal Healthy Look

Let me warn you, this is not a happy/glamorous post (as you can probably tell from the picture above). 

In fact, as you can probably tell from my face in the picture above, I have been crying my eyes out for the last few hours.

 

You see, I've always considered my hair one of my best features, my pride and joy. It has always been a source of daily compliments and amazement. I considered my golden locks my best accessory and the simplest way to update my look in one easy step. I had also grown to love my given nickname, Goldy locks.

The source of pride was even greater when I mastered the at-home colouring. Never before had so many people asked for my colourist's name. I loved seeing people's reaction when I told them it was my own work. I have always been an advocate for at-home colouring but that was until tonight...

You see, lately I've been craving a darker shade of blonde, something along the lines of a dirty blonde. After thinking it over for a few days, I went over to Pharmaprix to pick up 3 boxes of L'Oréal Healthy Look in the nuance Dark Golden Blonde. BIG MISTAKE.

After putting on the product, I grew more and more concerned as the shade became darker and  darker. By the time it was time to hop in the shower my whole head was a deep shade of dark brown...not even close to the original shade on the box. As I released the towel from my hair onto the floor, my heart sunk. My golden hair was gone and replaced by a strange shade of brown (not even light brown). At this point, I told myself that the new shade would get some getting used to but that I could deal with it. It was an unexpected change. However, the tears started flowing from my eyes as soon as I was done with my usual styling. I could see big spots of uneven washout blonde/dark, nothing that could pass as ombré (trust me, I tried to convince myself it could). Now, I need to book an appointment with my hairstylist asap!!

I think it will be a while until I experiment with new hair products again or I'll stick to my trusty Belle Color by Garnier or Perfect 10 by Clairol from now on.

Style Muse: Jennifer Lawrence

All pictures TFS

I was never too inspired by Jennifer Lawrence all-American cheerleader look. However, after reading The Hunger Games and seeing Winter's Bone back to back I have to admit that I start seeing her look with fresh eyes and she surprisingly piqued my interest. Ok, you're going to tell me that by simply reading a book I couldn't have possibly changed my opinion on her style... not if I was picturing the movie trailer the entire time (I'm so freaking excited for the movie to come out!!!

Since then, I can't resist her doll face and plump features (doesn't she remind you of a prettier younger Renée Zellweger?). It's weird how much somebody can look completely different just by toning it down a bit. With Jennifer, less really is more. Sure, she's got a hell of a lot to learn when it comes to dressing herself IRL and even on the red carpet but the girl has an incredible amount raw of talent so she's all forgiven.

Here's to hoping she gets a good stylist...

Think of this as a style inspiration in the making...or simply a beauty inspiration :)

RBBMM x Le Grand Chemin

Sometimes, life gives you a break without you asking for it. The untimely death of my laptop's hard disk was the cause of my blog absence and my forced vacation. 2 whole weeks without any access to my emails, FB or twitter accounts...5 books later, I'm back and so ready for what the new year has to offer. First of, let's get back in the holiday magic so I can tell you all about one life changing night.

As fashion bloggers, most of us are blessed on a daily basis with generous gifts, extravagant events and out of this world encounters, so much so that I sometimes develop a sens of guilt over it. To celebrate the end of another wonderfully lavish year and the first anniversary of the RBBMM, all 24 members of the group decided it was time to give back. The plan: Spend a memorable evening getting to know the kids of Le Grand Chemin, a youth center for kids with problems of addiction.

The weeks prior were spend amassing presents for all the 19 kids. Let me tell you that I couldn't have been more pleased with the help, generosity and straight-up caring I was met with when contacting most PR agencies. It's nice to know that your voice, as a blogger, matters when it is really important and that the companies we often collaborate with are willing to jump at the chance to work on meaningful projects.

On the evening of the big event, my stomach was in knots and filled with a thousand butterflies. I was extremely nervous as I didn't know if the kids would really welcome us, if they would like their gifts or if they would even be willing to share some of their life stories with us. I'm so glad to report that my apprehension had no reason of being. That night, I met some of bravest most endearing guys and girls. Their will to get better and work on themselves was inspiring and their appreciation for the help they were given at the center didn't go unnoticed. It was easy to feel the love!

As they say, pictures speak louder than words... Please keep in mind that due to the fact that all of these kids are minors, we weren't able to capture their lovely smiles and excited faces as they were opening the gifts. You'll just have to take my word for it, they were beyond thrilled with what Santa brought them. 

 

The smile on Camille's face says it all!

So many gifts, so little time! A big thanks to our lovely sponsors and fellow RBBMMers for giving so generously!

Josiane, Camille, Carolane and myself just before playing santas

The look on the kids' faces upon seeing the gifts was priceless.

Carolane anxiously waiting to surprise the teens

Can't you tell how good giving back feels just by looking at Camille's face.

It was hard trying to take a non-blurry picture... the kids were so excited about opening up their gifts.

Secret tights for every ladies!

Each gift was given randomly

Each of the girls received a very on-trend bag from Aldo. Guessing from their squeals I think it's safe to say they were thrilled!

Until next year...

It goes without saying this wouldn't have been possible without the help of our lovely sponsors. 

Clarins

Lancome

Aldo

Sephora

Secret

Dinstinct

L'Oreal Luxe
Diesel
Bioderma
Pupa
Holt Renfrew 

Yves Rocher
Puma
Sneaker Balls
Yaktrax
Giorgio Armani

Thank yous don't even start to cover the amount of gratitude I feel for your generosity!

My New Year's resolution: try to give back at least once a month during 2012. So far, so good...
.

MIA

 

Sorry I've been M.I.A. lately! The new year gave me my first heart ache, the death of my beloved laptop!! Blogging should resume shortly... 

Until then my friends!

Psst, I've got some amazing things planned for you in the new years and so many exciting projects to share with you!!