December has really flown by! In only two short weeks, Christmas will be here! Time is ticking to get all the gifts wrapped and the stockings stuffed. In this installment of Zestlisted I’ve out together a zestful Christmas Wishlist. These are ten items that I would be thrilled to find under my tree on Christmas morn, and perhaps you Zestlisters will find it useful for crossing one or two people off your last-minute shopping list.

1. The first item on my list is a gorgeous black leather, studded iPad case. As a huge fan of Rebecca Minkoff everything, and this chic little case that looks more like a clutch than a tech accessory ticks all the boxes for me. Rebecca Minkoff Spikey Studs iPad Case. $195

2. I always hope to find NARS under the tree. This gift set is from the brand’s Andy Warhol Collection, and is made up of four beauty bag staples; soft nude lipstick, deep black liquid liner, ultra-pretty blush, and a neutral eye shadow. NARS ”Edie Gift Set” $85, NarsCosmetics.com

3. You just can’t ever have too many Burberry scarves. Or, at least, I can’t. The iconic check pattern of this fringed merino wool scarf is so classic and timeless, no winter wardrobe should be without it. Burberry Check Scarf, $340, farfetch.com

4. What girl doesn’t love getting a piece of jewellery for Christmas? This is a simple two-strand gold necklace with a single chrysoprase teardrop dangling elegantly. Hurry! It’s on sale! Heather Hawkins Two Layered Necklace, $52.50, shopbop.com

5. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you are well aware that I am completely, utterly, and unapologetically, obsessed with cashmere. So it will come as no surprise that the fifth item on this list is a cozy cashmere sweater, in this season’s hottest hue, Oxblood. Vince Boatneck Espresso Wool Cashmere Sweater, $475, jades24.com

6. It has been surprisingly difficult to find a decent case for iPhone 5. Although the 5 has been out for a couple of months now, most of the good cases are still 4/4S exclusive. This one is a rare find. White + skull = awesome. Zero Gravity iPhone 5 Case, $28.98, nordstrom.com

7. How does that song go again… Santa baby, Come and trim my Christmas tree, with some decorations from Tiffany… Something like that. These Tiffany earrings will do just fine, Claus Tiffany Bezet Hoop Earrings, $175, tiffany.com

8. Number eight on this list is from my obsession of the minute - Ciaté. Anyone who hordes nail polishes like I do will LOVE any and all products by this cult British nail brand. Ciaté CAVIAR mini bar, $30, at Sephora

9. This is a staple gift that I have been known to give year after year. Leather gloves are a must for our harsh winter weather, and they make an excellent gift (my mom can vouch). The woven leather and super-soft lining make these a perfect choice! Burberry Woven Leather Gloves, $275 (ON SALE!), net-a-porter.com

10. Last but certainly not least is the wishlist item most ardently coveted by yours truly. I.am.obsessed. This tote from Alexander Wang has everything I desire in a bag. Not too big and not too small. Embossed calf skin. Adjustable/detachable shoulder strap. Stunning hardware. In that perfect shade of Oxblood. If ever there was a reason to be good all year, this is it. Alexander Wang Small Emile Lizard Print Tote, $925, at Forward by Elyse Walker

That’s that. All of my most coveted items for Christmas 2012. Hopefully the list has inspired some gift ideas for you readers! Happy Holidays & Happy Shopping!

By: Amy

My personal favourite adult advent calendar

Regardless of age, and whether we admit it or not, the majority of us never gave up that joyous count-down-to-christmas yearly tradition that began when we were young. As a child, I always looked forward to December first because I knew that on that day, the countdown to christmas was official. What made it so official was of course the fact that for each day forth, until that magical morning, I would get to open up a little cardboard door and receive a deliciously festive chocolate treat. Somehow the novelty never really wore off. I came across this post in my online travels, and it is by far the zestiest thing I’ve seen all week. It’s a list of twenty-five unique and absolutely beautiful advent calendars, compliments of www.remodelaholic.com.

Each one offers a creative way to keep that cherished childhood tradition alive. The only problem is choosing only one! My personal favourite is this one, with the chic white envelopes. It can of course be customized a million different ways, and can have a ton of different fun surprises in store!

By: Amy

Alessandra Ambrosio in Santa Monica

Alessandra Ambrosio was spotted lunching at Kreation Cafe in Santa Monica earlier this week dressed in head-to-toe tan.  The model rocked a pair of  suede skinnies by Joes Jeans ($700) with Chloe wedge sneakers ($845), and a Raquel Allegra shredded top ($325), accessorized with a CC Skye glamor horn pendant necklace ($165). To top off her look (and keep cozy), she donned a toasty-looking  furry vest. She definitely looked terrific, but not all of us have the luxury of being able to grab a bite in an outfit totaling over two grand!

Since we love Alessandra’s monochromatic look so much, we thought we would try to replicate it for a fraction of the cost  in this week’s edition of Get That Look. Check out what we put together.

For our version of Alessandra’s ensemble we started with a pair of Topshop Moto Skinny Jeans for $76, and chose a luxe cashmere crew neck sweater by Uniqlo that’s on sale for $95. The trendy high-top wedge sneaks we found on GoJane.com were quite the steal, costing only $31. The accessories that finish the look are of course the horn pendant necklace and the cat-eye shades. We found almost identical items in this necklace from threadsence.com for a mere $12, and these Asos Kitten Cat Eye Sunglasses, $21. We opted for a shearling vest to keep ya nice and warm (we do live in Canada, afterall), priced at only $32 from artfitshop.com. Although we can’t quite get an idea of exactly what style of bag Ms. Ambrosio is carrying, we went with Aldo’s Strazzullo Tote, $50 to complete this look. All these pieces added together amount to a grand total of $317. Definitely a lot more affordable than the $2035 price tag on Alessandra’s outfit!

By: Amy

Smashbox Camera Ready vs. Marcelle

I’m a big fan of multi-tasking. With the ultra-competitive cosmetics market these days, one trick ponies are not where its at. While we used to have one product to moisturize, one to prime, one to conceal blemishes, and a whole whack of other products to target specific areas of concern (under eye circles, unsightly pimples, etc), these days a girls got some options! As far as I’m concerned, the days of shelling out wads of cash for multiple face-care products are over!

Beauty Balm Creams offer an all-in-one product that has saved me a lot of time and money, not to mention shelf space in my vanity. To my mind, you just can’t beat having your moisturizer, primer, skin enhancer, and foundation all rolled into one. But there is still one very important question. Which one to choose?

Multi-tasking is fabulous. But you know what I enjoy even more? Saving money! So I decided to test a drug store brand, Marcelle, BB Cream ($22.95), up against my previous favourite, Smashbox ($50). When I compared the two, I found that for less than half the cost I could get practically the same product! Here’s a brief summary of what I discovered.

Marcelle’s BB Cream is smooth and light, as a BB Cream should be, and is also hypoallergenic so it can be used by almost everyone. While there are only three shades of the Marcelle product (compared to five from Smashbox), I found that the self-adjusting pigments in the Marcelle cream actually better-matched my skin tone. It also goes on with more of a matte finish than the Smashbox, which I like. Especially in the winter months, I don’t like a whole lot of shimmering going on. One thing I will mention is that the Marcelle BB Cream does not have an SPF. If you are fair skinned, this may be a concern for you. However with my complexion, I don’t worry about that as much. The only major flaw in the Marcelle product is the packaging. Perhaps I had the bad luck of picking the lemon, but my dispenser stopped working after the first week, and now I have to take it off every time I want to apply the product. Not a big deal, just sort of irritating. Overall, it is a great product, and considering the savings you can’t really lose!

Marcelle BB Cream, $22.95 for 1.5 oz. I bought mine at Shoppers Drugmart.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream, $50.00 for 1 oz. I bought mine at Sephora.

By: Amy

1. Poppy Print Tunic Tee, $57. This is such a beautiful, bold print, and it can work for home and the office. I’m picturing it paired with all black, finished off with a top-knot and that poppy-hued lip stain.

Poppy Brass Cuff Bracelet, $40. How gorgeous is this cuff bracelet?! Another awesome etsy find. I would be wearing this every Remembrance Day for sure.

Hunter Tall Gloss Wellies in Poppy, $70 Gotta have a pair of Wellies in this climate! And Hunter has a number of wellie liners that make the boots work for winter too. And I’m a fan because they’re on sale

Essie ‘poppy Razzi Nail Polish, $8. Essie is one of my favourite nail polish brands. I have this colour and get a lot of wear out of it. Definitely a favourite!

Pop Beauty Lip Stain in Poppy Kiss, $16. A great choice for making a statement with a bold lip, this lip stain worn with the nail polish would make for quite the poppin’ pop of poppy!

Kleshna Poppy Bracelet, $32. Silver plated with Swarovski crystals, this bracelet would be a great way to wear your respect on your sleeve year round.

Poppy Hat Pin, $21. I am definitely getting one of these to wear instead of the store bought poppies. Its so beautiful and hand-crafted, and hopefully it won’t become unpinned constantly!

Stella & Dot Signature iPhone Case, $29. Unlike those cases we posted earlier in the week, this is a case that can enhance the beauty of your phone.

Lucky Brand Poppy Gauze Scarf, $69.50. We love the pretty, abstract poppies on this scarf. And much more budget-friendly then the next option!!

Yves St. Laurent Silk Poppy Scarf, $519. For the girl who has mucho dinero kickin around, this ultra-feminine, silk scarf is a classic piece that will last in your wardrobe for a very long time (it better for that price!!)

Stila Convertible Colour for Lips and Cheeks in Poppy, $25. This stuff is AWESOME! I have it in a few different shades (lillium is a favourite of mine), and I use it a lot. I’m a big fan of beauty products that are more than one-trick ponies.

By: Amy

Wear your heart (and respect) on your sleeve this Remembrance Day

This week’s edition of Get That Look is in honour of Remembrance Day, which is this Sunday, November 11. Many of us have been sporting a poppy for the past week or so, and on Sunday we will take pause from our busy schedules to express our respect and gratitude to the members of our armed forces that have fought for our country, and died for our freedoms. The symbolism of the poppy comes from the well-known poem “In Flanders Fields”, written during the First World War by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. We keep our poppies pinned close to our hearts as a way of wearing our hearts on our sleeve. Inspired by this tradition, we have put together a Remembrance Day outfit perfect for expressing this sentiment.

The anchor of this look is the poppy printed blouse from Laura Ashley, which goes for $105. We paired that with some dark denim jeans from Old Navy for $20, and a black cardigan from H&M for $21. The booties are Dolce Vita, and currently on sale for $80. We picked this fringe bag from DSW for its name – The Poppie Jones. It’s reasonably priced at only $27. Finishing the look off we have some bangles from Max & Chloe for $40, and a pair of Kate Spade stud earrings for $38. All combined, this look costs $331, but we think it’s well worth it. Since Remembrance Day falls on a weekend this year, we have kept the look on the casual side, but should you be attending a ceremony that requires a dressier ensemble, the jeans can easily be swapped for some black dress pants, and the cardigan replaced with a blazer. Check out some of the pieces we used in our Halloweeny Work Wear post for some ideas!

No matter what you’re doing or wearing this Sunday, we hope you will pause, for at least a moment, and reflect on what we as Canadians have to be thankful for, and why we have the lifestyles and  liberties we do.

Lest we forget.

By: Amy

#1: In my opinion, this is the ugliest case out there. I mean, why would anyone want this? I can’t see how there are any individuals out there who would find this desirable. The only scenario in which I am willing to consider the purchase of this case acceptable is as a gag gift.

#2. There is simply no need for a Swarovski Steve Jobs anything, let alone a case that, once attached, instantly obliterates all respectability for a device that the man put so much work into. Oh, and did I mention the price tag? This case will run you $299. Just another reason to be ashamed of yourself if you own this atrocity.

#3. If your goal is to bring back the days of awkward and grotesque hand-helds, then this is the case for you. You can literally transform your iPhone into Zack Morris’s Motorola Dynatac. I choose to believe this case is only used ironically.

#4. Your phone is for communicating, not for cuddling. Not only is this case ugly, but it looks like that poor helpless teddy is in some serious discomfort. For shame Moschino, for shame.

#5. Last but certainly not least is the tech accessory equivalent of jeggings. Jeggings are, under no circumstances, acceptable attire. The same goes for this phone case.

You can click on the links to find out more information and where these phone cases are sold, but if you are looking into buying one for use on your own device, may God have mercy on your soul.

By: Amy

]]> http://zestlist.com/2012/11/04/zest-of-the-week-ipad-mini/feed/ 0 zestlist iPad Mini http://zestlist.com/2012/11/02/zestlisted-15-must-haves-for-winter/ http://zestlist.com/2012/11/02/zestlisted-15-must-haves-for-winter/#comments Fri, 02 Nov 2012 13:30:09 +0000 zestlist http://zestlist.com/?p=601 ]]> It’s November. Hey there, Winter! You crept up fast. Even though the snow hasn’t started falling, and the temperatures are still bearable, we all know it’s coming. Another Canadian winter. As Canadians, we have to be prepared for all kinds of wintery-wonderfulness. Sleet, snow, slush, and freezing rain are the norm, but we also have a sprinkling of nice enough weather mixed in there too. The weather in these parts can be unpredictable. So, with this in mind, I’ve put together a list of 15 items every Canadian gal should have in her closet to be fully prepared for what the winter of 2012/2013 has in store. This list is the first of many installments to come in our newly added category “Zestlisted”, where we will feature, (drumroll), lists! Bet you didn’t see that coming. So without further adieu, here are my 15 winter-wardrobe-recommendations. I’ve found some great stuff in my online shopping travels, and have included both pricier items and more bank-account friendly options for each article on the list, in case you’re in the market!

Click to enlarge

1. A parka. Preferably down-filled. For those days when the temperature plummets to unfathomable lows, and just the thought of having to walk from the front door to your car causes you to shiver preemptively. Splurge: Canada Goose Kensington Parka, $695. Steal: Michael Kors Down Filled Parka $190.

2. A long wool coat. Even in the depths of winter, it is crucial to have some outerwear that’s more on the formal side. Can’t exactly show up to your cousin’s New Years Eve wedding in a snowmobile suit. This type of coat is also great for those light blowy-snowy kind of days. The kinds of days that almost make winter seem beautiful. Almost. Splurge: Macakage Kelis-M, $590. Steal: Topshop Utilitarian Coat, $200.

3. A Ski-Jacket. A must-have for ski-trips, building snow forts and having snowball fights. Depending on whether you are an avid skier/snowboarder, you may not find this one as necessary as the first two. Splurge: Adidas by Stella McCartney Climaproff Padded Ski Jacket, $500. Steal: H&M Ski Jacket, $60.

4. A leather jacket. But one with some sort of lining like fleece or shearling so it keeps you nice and toasty. A must-have for nights out on the town when you’re willing to sacrifice some warmth for fashion. Splurge: Muubaa Phoenix Shearling Jacket, $1255. Steal: Topshop Faux Shearling Biker Jacket, $120.

5. A cashmere scarf. I don’t think this one requires any explanation. Its warm, it covers your neck, and its cashmere. Splurge: Burberry London Camel Cashmere-Merino Patchwork Tweed Check Scarf, $485. Steal: H&M Cashmere Scarf, $30.

6. A knit snood or infinity scarf. It will go will all your jackets, and can be worn in early spring/late fall with your lighter jean & leather jackets. Splurge: Romeo Cowl Infinity Scarf, $350. Steal: Topshop Two Tone Zigzag Snood, $26.

7. Leather gloves. Much better for driving in then their knitted counterparts, and go nicely with that wool coat. Splurge: Rag & Bone Chevron Quilted Zip Glove, $290. Steal: Topshop leather stud cuff gloves, $39.

8. Mittens. For when you don’t want to wear the gloves. Splurge: French Connection Cooper Knits Lurex Mittens, $48. Steal: H&M Mittens, $13.

9. A solid toque. Not a beanie, this is Canada, eh. Everyone needs a nice toque, and any suggestions otherwise border on treasonous. Splurge: Eugenia Kim Jill Cable-knit Toque, $220. Steal: Mango Chunky Knit Toque, $30.

10. A knitted headband. Generally inexpensive and a super-cute! Splurge: Rag & Bone Farah Headband, $150. Steal: Topshop Traditional Fairisle Ski Headband, $16.

11. Winter-weather leggings/tights. Can be worn with cute sweater-dresses, or layered under jeans on those extra-chilly days. Splurge: Vince Ponte Legging, $195. Steal: Plush Fleece Lined Tights, $37.

12. An over-sized sweater. Cashmere, chunky knits, merino wool, etc. Splurge: Joie Brenda Sweater, $318. Steal: Topshop Knitted Chunky Fairisle Jumper, $73.

13. Snow/slush proof bo0ts. With traction. Splurge: Burberry Fur Trim Weather Boots, $450. Steal: Sorel “Tivoli High” Waterproof Boot, $147.

14. Leather boots. For those wonderful slush-free days (oh how I love those). Splurge: B Brian Atwood “Dita” Black Leather Jeweled Boot, $695. Steal: Asos Casper Knee High Boots, $80.

15. Warm winter socks. Again, cant beat cashmere. Splurge: Madewell Lisa B Alpine Snowflake Socks, $23. Steal: Charter Club Socks, $16.

Check out our winter wear board on Pinterest for more wintery wardrobe goodies!

By: Amy

Trick! – How to Zombify Yourself

If you are like me, and don’t like to cop out by shelling out a ton of money for one of those sub-par halloween costumes in a bag, then you may be interested in learning this super cool trick that I found on Pinterest. I like to make my own costumes, but wanted to go as something scary today, so I was worried I was going to have to cave and get myself a mask. I’m definitely not capable of doing any intense scary makeup, let alone not touching my face all night. So when I came across this I was pretty damn excited. Pretty easy, and it can be done using items that I already have on hand!

Supplies: Toilet paper, glue, makeup sponge or brush (I used a foundation brush), makeup (I used my regular foundation and some eye shadow for shading), fake blood (you can make your own by using one of the tutorials found here), baby powder or cornstarch (whatever you have on hand).

1: Slather on a coat of glue to whatever surface you are zombifying.

2. Apply some toilet paper on top of the glue. Tear the edges a bit to create that desired rotting flesh appearance.

3. Peruse interwebs for about ten minutes. While your rotting flesh is drying.

4. Apply first layer of makeup.

5. Tear some more holes into your TP “flesh”

6. Apply some shading around the holes of your flesh wounds. I used eye shadows.

7. Apply blood.

8. Apply baby powder or cornstarch

9. Apply any additional blood, and any necessary makeup or glue touch ups necessary.

10. That’s it! You are now a zombie. Or in my case, a burn victim. I used this method to transform myself into the infamous Nightmare on Elm Street villan, Freddy Krueger. Check it out!

Scary right?

Treat! – Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Disclaimer: contains no actual pumpkin, it just looks like one. I made this dish to bring with me to one of the Halloween parties I attended over the weekend and it was a BIG hit. It takes relatively little time to prepare, although it does need to spend some time setting in the fridge before it can be made into a pumpkin. I opted to use that couple of hours of chilling time to perfect my costume. I found the recipe at Fresh Family Meals and tweaked it a little.

• 16oz cream cheese, room temp
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (I used Kraft Cheddar Jack and Jalapeno mix)
• 3 tbsp minced onion (I put 4)
• 3 tbsp salsa (I put 5)
• 1 tsp ground cumin (I skipped this as it can be a little overwhelming and not everyone likes it)
• 2 cups nacho cheese chips, crumbled (I opted for Zesty Cheese, for obvious reasons)
• top of 1 bell pepper for stem garnish

1. Combine cream cheese, cheddar, onion, salsa and cumin in your mixer and mix until creamy.

2. Scoop mixture onto plastic wrap and use wrap to form a ball and chill for at least 2 hours.

3. When you’re ready to serve it, crush up those nachos and roll the cheese ball in them. Add the pepper stem and you’ve got a pumpkin! Serve with tortilla chips, or veggies for a healthier option.

Here’s how mine turned out!

Hope you found these tutorials useful! Happy Halloween!

By: Amy