TIFF beauty essentials
Happy Dirty 30 La Vie En Rose
I was super excited when La Vie En Rose invited me out to their 30th Anniversary event last week. I was able to browse through the concept store with the usual press-posse and check out their 30th Anniversary collection.
[Thanks to SheDoestheCity for the shot!]
Lace, satin and frills are all over my recent vlog of the event below.
I left with some lovely gifts and there will be a few more on the way. What do you think of my picks from their 30th Anniversary collection below.
Elaisha Goes...to TIFF Blog 1: My Picks
I have this thing with movie trailers...I can't get enough of them. I'm insatiable. I decided to check out the TIFF Trailer playlist to choose my top picks hitting screens across downtown Toronto this festival season. Some really stood out and I hope I can fit them into my schedule between industry sessions and press events. Below are my picks and why these picks they made it on my list. Click the title if you’d like to learn more about the film; my blurbs are not a synopsis.
Sicario
Denis Villeneuve nabbed and kept my attention since I screened left the theatre shocked and emotionally drained after watching Incendies (2010). While he didn't write this film, he worked again with cinematographer, Roger Deakins, who was behind the grit of Prisoners (2013). Every time I leave a Villeneuve film I feel like my world is off balance...and I like that a lot. I call him the cliffhanger king.
This film made the cut not only because Tom Hardy is 'Parent Trapping' the whole thing by playing the role of twins in the film (which must have been tiring) but he’s a good actor with a knack for picking out suitable films. Even if his old MySpace pictures are terrible…
I. Can't. WAIT. While this star-crossed lovers tale has been done over and over again I've never seen it from this type of perspective. I've also only seen one film with two directors so it'll be interesting to see how this pans out too.
I have high hopes for the French films this season. Seems like this teen-pregnancy story will be told with a touch of naïveté, grandiosity and heartbreak without the dramatics of, '16 and Pregnant'. Hopefully another gem in contemporary French cinema.
Based on true stories and characters of violent gang crimes by ruthless criminals. No this isn't an American film about American gangs. It's a Canadian film set in...wait for it: Canada. Oh and it's an Indo-Canadian themed movie with a wide North American release starring big names in Indian cinema.
There is no movie-love like platonic love. I find that while romantic love in movies can be riveting and initially attention grabbing, unless it’s a film like 'Like, Crazy' with an unconventional love-story it just follows the romantic comedy or tragic love-story template. From using the London Riots to set the mood of the film to the pain of the social worker as she takes a troubled girl under her wing I'm excited to check this out.
Christopher Plummer must really love his job. He’s still at it. While it seems that this role won’t push any grave limits it will be nice to watch him on the screen again for what may be his final project before retirement. Oh and Nneka Elliott will make a cameo as a news reporter
I'm definitely going to cry when watching this one. Snickers bar in hand. Not sure how the casting and even direction handled
I've never watched a movie set in Ethiopia and the story seemed intriguing. Hopefully I’ll be able watch more Ethiopian cinema soon, but for now I’ll start here.
Honorable Mentions
Box
As I open my Eyes
Homesick
Summertime
Firesong
Downriver
Ville Marie
17 Days of Summer
September 23rd is the last day of summer. There are 17 days left. How are you going to make the most of it? Keep reading for how I'm going to soak up the last bit of summer.
Change things up My extension braids are out and the fro is now free. I may regret taking them out with the busyness of TIFF and the back to school time but I wanted a fun change to usher in the new season. Wear white after labour day 'Cause why not? Not wearing white after labour day is a classist tradition that I've never followed. While evidence of my lunch may be on my ivory pants, at least I looked good for an hour or two. Go somewhere you haven't before... I explored the adorable park in my pictures when out west staying with a family friend. After some investigating I found out that the whole perimeter is turned into a skating park in winter! This year I'm also hitting the industry track at TIFF for the first time and I can't wait. I've gone every year for the past 4 years but this will be a bit different. Some cool updates on TIFF to come soon!
Get organized I just did a big room purge and clean-up so I'll have a clear mind when the busy season kicks in. That way I'll spend less time indoors looking for the perfect booties to wear and more time actually wearing them.
Make a Playlist To celebrate the transition I made a playlist on my Soundcloud (of course). The summer nostalgia is so real.
Even though fall is quickly approaching it doesn't mean that you have to lock yourself away. Embrace it. Make the most of the it's-too-hot-for-this-sweater-why-did-I-wear-it weather before you're swimming in a sea of jackets on the streetcar.
10 VidCon 2015 Memories I'll Never Forget
After retuning from California, I've reminisced many times over the laughter and learning I took part in at VidCon as an industry attendee. 10 memories really stick out to me and I wanted to share them with you as I publish the final vlog from my Elaisha Goes...to VidCon series.
I also loved that he reminded the wanderlust filled audience that travel doesn't change you-you ultimately change yourself. Travel can be a vehicle for change only if you allow it to be.
A photo posted by Elaisha (@elaishajade) on Jul 24, 2015 at 3:39pm PDT
I have some 'lost' footage of that night and I'm debating whether I should put it up.
You can check out all 4 of my VidCon vlogs below!
Watch VidCon Day 1
Watch VidCon Day 2
Watch VidCon Day 3
Watch VidCon Day 4
How to look Cool when it's Hot
Can't beat this view or the heat in the desert. Skinny white jeans are essential in the summer to keep cool. The thin material of my shirt was breezy and was thin enough to not be overbearing under the beating sun. My accessories were kept to a golden minimal with just my rose gold aviators and a gold arm bangle. I decided to go barefoot...'cause why not? I like how textured the shirt was to match the harsh desert around me.
Pants Thrifted similar | Shirt Urban Behaviour Streetwear similar | Bangle EXPRESS similar | Nails Essie California Coral | Sunglasses Forever 21similar
Poolside Beauty
Elaisha Goes...to LA!
I'm super excited to finally announce: I am attending VidCon with the Ryerson Communication and Design Society and FCAD with 3 other students. We will be capturing the essence of VidCon itself with a focus on media education.
I flew out a few days earlier than Kelly, Dustin and Sarah so I could explore this gorgeous city. Of course I'm here with my mum aka my official travel buddy. We took the journey up to Valencia to visit a family friend until I have to head to Anaheim for VidCon. So we've been doing some shopping and walking around here for now until heading into downtown LA on Monday. Woo! I finished designing my business cards and I'm headed out early tomorrow to pick 'em up too. See my LA photo diary day 1 below.
Visiting the Bluffs
bra Anita | shoes Teva | leggings EXPRESS | backpack Jansport
I try to soak up as much of the sun as possible during the few summer months we have in Toronto. This Saturday I slipped on my Teva's and visited the Scarborough Bluffs with Taylor for a quick hike in the heat. Anita had sent me their Extreme Control Maximum sports bra a few weeks back and I've been wearing it for every workout since. While it's designed for high endurance activities that involve a lot of bouncing around (like running) I decided to also rock it on my hike. It's wire-free so I never feel any discomfort when wearing it and everything feels secure with the triple eyelet closure but it doesn't feel too tight.
I was excited to try out my EXPRESS leggings for the first time and of course they're super comfy. The high waist keeps everything in place which is important when you've got a booty like mine and I love the flirty mesh detailing. And my Teva's were a must to show off my pedi while comfortably treading in the heat. My Jansport Watch Tower backpack was stuffed since I was heading out to Whitby after our hike to visit my family. I was surprised that it fit everything I needed for my overnight stay with Taylor while also fitting comfortably. It'll be great as a carry-on for my next trip too since I've had to retire my 10+ year old Obusforme. Everything I'm wearing is linked above!
*Some products used in this post were provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.
What I Wore: The Queens Plate x Rethink Breast Cancer
tank Vero Moda | pants Vintage | shoes Cole Haan | purse House of Harlow | hat April Cornell | Bracelet EXPRESS
Thanks again to Rethink Breast Cancer for having me as a guest at the annual Queens Plate. I donned the black and white uniform of choice under the Rethink tent. I wholly admit to giving come hither eyes to the servers as they carried poutine and other yummy snacks.
Since the weather was set to be sunny and warm I decided to go with a shirt that no bra permits (a post to come about living on the braless side). Before I gave up trying to see over the crowd of lacy fascinators I was sure to grab some reel for you to check out on my vlog.
See more of my Queens Plate 2015 experience with Rethink Breast Cancer on the next instalment of 'Elaisha Goes...' below:
Canada's Wonderland Essentials
Last week Taylor and I braved the rain and visited Canada's Wonderland. Whenever I travel I love to visit different conservation and amusement parks. Attending Canada's Wonderland is one of the ultimate Canadian rites of passage. Read below for my amusement park day essentials.
1. French Connection-Baseball Cap: Even though I had to take it off on rides a baseball cap is needed to protect my face from the sun...and to hide my wind blown hair. My hat came in handy to keep my makeup intact when the torrential downpour started. Taylor went hatless and wasn't as lucky.
2. L'oreal-Sublime Sun Quick Dry SPF 50 Sheer Finish Spray: I am all about sun protection and I annoy my friends about wearing sunscreen all the time. L'Oreal was nice enough to send along their spray on sunscreen for me to try out and I couldn't have been happier with the results. Even with the sun hiding for most of the day I was sure to spray on my sunscreen to protect me from the elements. I can't wait to use it on my upcoming trip!
3. New Balance-Fresh Foam Zante: Comfort is key for a day of walking. While this design is made for intense running I slipped on my Fresh Foam Zantes for my Canada's Wonderland day. They were extremely comfortable and I was able to lace them up tight for rides where my feet would be dangling.
4. Obus Forme-30L Backpack: A backpack is definitely essential for a full day out at the park, especially if you haven't driven to the park or if you have no in-and-out privileges. I've been wearing Obus Forme's ergonomically sound designs for years. While my durable backpack is out of stock I've linked this similar one for you to check out.
5. Forever 21-Mirrored Matte Wayfarer Sunglasses:My eyes are a bit sensitive to the sun (I've got crow's feet to prove it) so I bring sunglasses with me everywhere. This pair from Forever 21 is adorable and cheap (in case of loss or damage while moving from ride-to-ride)
6. Nakd-Berry Delight Bar:I received a box of Nakd bars a while back at a press preview and I haven't stopped eating them since. My favourite flavour is the Berry Delight bar. Unfortunately that's also the favourite of my friends when they come over...and steal them.
7. My Tagalongs Waist Band: I rock this baby at airports, on runs and now at Wonderland. It's perfect for holding all of my cards and fits my cellphone perfectly. That way I don't have to leave my most valuable items in the cubby holes I can bring them along with me for the ride.
A photo posted by Elaisha (@elaishajade) on Jun 25, 2015 at 3:46pm PDT
Watch my adventure to Canada's Wonderland below!
Elaisha Goes...to Club Monaco
Turtle necks, plaid and dark earth tones were the notes of Club Monaco's FW15 collection. Charcoals and forest green tones dominated the adorable showroom in their Toronto flagship location on Bloor. The flat colours were quite the contrast in the naturally lit space where some of my favourite bloggers milled-about with me as we stroked the lush cashmere jackets while on a collection tour.
See my favourite pieces below and watch my video to see what to look out for this coming Fall at Club Monaco.
'Elaisha Goes...' now on YouTube
I'm finally on YouTube guys! I'll be uploading new content this weekend but as a primer check out my preview video.
Subscribe so you can receive alerts when I upload videos to my channel and look out on my social media to see what I'm up to.
Check out my first video below
10 Things I Learned While Training for a 10km
This Sunday I will be running the Sporting Life 10km race in benefit of Camp OOCH for children living with cancer. It is my first race and I only had a few months to prepare for this daunting feat. Here are 10 things I learned while training:
1. Don't try to be the best
If you know you're not in the running (pun intended) for first place then pace yourself diligently and you'll have a more enjoyable run. Your best is what you can do right now: you body differs from day to day and route-to-route. No run is ever the same and whatever you've got right then and there is what you have to work with. Especially as a female my body changes from week to week throughout the month. My iron levels may be low on a run which will slow me down. Take that into account before you beat yourself up over a slower run.
2. What's your run?
I run better with winding streets and steep hills than on a track. I learned that through varying my running locations and trying new routes. When I received a gait assessment from my personal trainer by running on a track for 10km I hated it and it was the worst 10km time that I ran. The lack of variation on the track made me feel like I was back at the gym on a treadmill for 60+ minutes. Not fun.
3. You run what you eat
Growing up in a Canadian-Caribbean household definitely cultivated and nourished my love for eating. However my eating habits were getting excessive and that was affecting my mood and my body. While training for this race while I did eat processed foods if out with friends, I tended to avoid junk-food otherwise. I usually have a vegan protein dense breakfast every morning of low-sugar granola, drown in almond milk and topped with a banana, a sprinkle of raspberries and a dollop of unsweetened peanut butter. I try to eat 90 minutes before I run and restore my electrolytes with a glass of chilled coconut water after I'm finished. My trainer has recommended that I carb load before I hit the race so I've been downing some spuds lately.
4. Track your runs
I use the Jabra Sport Pulse Bluetooth earbuds and App. I reviewed them recently for Tech Analyzer but only recently got use out of them when training for this race. Synched to my phone the earbuds monitor my location, running pace, timing, incline, decline, heart rate etc. This is valuable information affects your run but you're too involved in running to keep track of yourself. You're able to review what spots were harder, where your longest time for a km was and why. Pair this with getting a personal trainer if you have access to one or doing research by reading as many articles by health professionals on running. This knowledge will boost your runs beyond what you think is possible.
5. What you wear changes how you'll run
Everything I wear when on a run serves a purpose from my headband to my favourite running jacket. My usual go-to running leggings got a bit too loose as I was training. They did not absorb my sweat and I started to chafe which is not fun. New Balance is sponsoring me for this race an their Accelerate Printed Capri in pink and black is now a running staple for me. They fit taught against my skin and the drawstring is a must for pear shaped runners like me (my hips are wider than my waist so it's hard to find pants that will stay up). The Ice Short Sleeve running shirt I will also be rocking is perfect for the warm May weather. The cooling technology will keep my sweat at bay and the Bright Cherry colour is sure to turn some heads. Finally the shoes: I'm obsessed with the Fresh Foam Zantes. I own two pairs. My shoes plushly support the heel and feel light on the toe with every step. They're quite snug for a close fit on race-day and I can't wait.
6. What gets you pumped paced?
What do you listen to that gets your head nodding along to the beat? I create a playlist that is filled with drawn out songs I can pace myself to for a majority of my run instead of blasting faster songs that get me running beyond my comfortable timing. I love movie scores especially by John Williams and old classical songs that I used to play when I was a violinist. As well songs that give me chills and a sense of euphoria and are a little sad...ones that end with a mass choir belting out the chorus (cue cry-running here).
7. Celebrate #LegDay
Squat. Lunge. Lift. You need it. You can't just run to run. You've got to train muscles that running doesn't to pick up speed. Your body needs to be challenged and put to the test so you can come out on top on race day. I got better at running when I attended spin classes and started taking the stairs everywhere (sometimes two at a time simulating a lunge) instead of the escalator.
8. Schedule your runs and workouts
Discipline is not my strong suit. I there are many things I could have and really should have done while training for this race that I skipped. Runs I should have gone on. Leg day. Yoga. That's because I didn't keep a schedule. If I had I would have shaved my time per km down and I wouldn't feel as tempted to overtrain. Overtraining is a killer: it revs you up to race day but really slows and pulls you down. If you train efficiently and effectively your runs will be optimized to the fullest!
9. Join the community
People love running. It's like a religion for some. The Sporting Life 10km is one of the biggest runs in Toronto and runners across the province flock to Toronto for it. I've been inspired countless times by runners and fitness fanatics on my Instagram feed when reading their inspiring stories or watching their regime. Check out other runners on Instagram by looking at run or fitness related hashtags. Hashtag your runs so other people can find you. Comment on pictures and start a conversation. Join the community.
10. Love to run
I have grown to love the cadence of my steps and the incomparable feeling of success when hitting a goal. I remember feeling like the overweight 8 year old me the first time I went out for a run. My lungs burned and I felt so fatigued and admittedly defeated. I've run off and on for a few years and never set running goals for fear of failure. But now I'm ready to fly.
*Products used in this post were provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.
9 Things You Should Know About Me
9 Things About Me
 |
| Image by Nik Popalavsky |
- My name is pronounced Ee-lay-sha or Uh-lay-sha
-
I often break out into song. No one is safe.
-
My bucket list includes classic road trip dreams, submitting a Post-Secret and touching Spencer Chamberlain’s dreadlocks.
-
Autocorrect is my BFF
- I am a Christmas-baby and no, I don't feel robbed.
-
I have been writing seriously since I was 8 years old.
-
Podcast listening only comes second to reading dramatic autobiographies
-
I am self-involved but not Mindy-Lahiri-self-involved.
-
I am a feminist
I can see clearly now...
I used sitting in lecture halls and staring at my computer screen for hours on end as an excuse to finally purchase prescription glasses. Gone are the days when I would shamelessly buy 'fake' glasses at Urban Outfitters. I can wear my spectacles proudly...and now everything doesn't have a fuzzy edge to it. My babies were shipped in from the ultimate in online eyewear shopping, Warby Parker. The drool-worthy selection was hard to choose from (GIVE ME ALL THE GLASSES) but I went along with the Percey's.
Apparently my choice makes me look like Harry Potter (that was the point, duh!).
Yay for near and far sight.
The Weekly
I had the best time shooting with my partner in crime, Max Kopanygin for TheLoop.ca at the beginning of the week. Here's a little sneak peek below (makeup by the talented Leo).
I just got to watch our last project this summer up on The Loop's instagram page [@TheLoop.ca] posted below.
Megan Melinda and I all headed to the Rouge Media Speak Easy party and danced to old reggae tunes
I covered Keihl's Rocks for Kids with Simple Plan at the Hoxton with Jayne who was super excited that they played 'Perfect'.
Ended off the week with quick brunch with my mum at Mercatto. The truffle mayo and calamari is so tasty.
#ElaishaGoes to Paris for a Day
On my last weekend off before starting school I spontaneously decided to head to Paris for a day.
After landing I took the metro south from Charles De Gaulle Airport into Paris. We sped through the suburbs and I transferred at another station that would bring me to La Ville-Lumière.
I quickly Vined my first steps in Paris as I rose from the underground to a lush city square.
Getting to my hotel was a bit difficult since I didn't have any data on my cell phone. I relied on city maps and horrible screen shots of directions and maps on my iPhone taken before my flight.
I finally made it to Hotel Du Bois, an adorable boutique hotel right next to one of my favourite European stores, Massimo Dutti. I excitedly passed a Diptique as I journeyed on the cobblestone where I also passed a homeless man peeing right on the sidewalk. I vehemently avoided all puddles in Paris thereafter.
Coppola's indulgent food scenes in Marie Antoinette sold me on Ladurée (also recommended to me by my friend Olivia). On the way to the Eiffel Tower between wandering in and out of shops I made a quick stop in the luxe pâtisserie for a pain au chocolat and a few macarons.
When the Eiffel Tower finally came into view I was star struck; frozen in place my mouth agape in shock. The summer day gave a perfect view of the iconic structure across the water.
I got lost about 4 times on the way back to my hotel and retired to my room to rest. After being up for over 24 hours and touring the city I was admittedly burnt out. After a shower and power nap I began Googling dinner spots until finally deciding on one.
After getting lost around the Arc de Triomphe round about I was 5 minutes late for my reservation but I finally found Brasserie Lorraine which was only a 30 minute walk from my hotel.
The night was definitely alive with guests ordering overflowing seafood plates (a specialty at the restaurant) and pasta dishes. Fresh bread, braised duck and handmade pasta left me stuffed and content. My server convinced me to go with the chocolate lava cake for dessert and I left full and in absolute bliss.
After a 5 hour sleep I was back on the metro headed to Charles De Gaulle; headed home to Toronto after my day in Paris.