Opening Day at Century Downs Racetrack

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After years without racing in the Calgary area, horses are back on the track. Century Downs Casino is so fresh the slots aren’t even sticky yet. And this weekend, it was opening day for the reason behind their existence (aka the help in securing their liquor license): the racetrack. Conveniently located beside Cross Iron Mills outlet mall. I fully supported the opening parade’s emphasis on horse style. In this case, it was zebra-striped everything — even girth straps.The fashion sense continued with the drivers. Standardbred silks just seem to have a certain Evel Knievel super-coolness.No scissors here. This is how ribbon-cutting rolls at the racetrack.I found most of the high-fashion hats inside at a private reception, where the peeps were not only VIP, they were smart, since it was ridiculously cold outside. Hazel Bennett of Borders Racing Stable wore a lovely feathered hat originally worn by her mother in the 1940s. Dr. David Chalack stuck with his ten-gallon, but what would you expect from the man who is not only the Chair of the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency, but a board member of the Canadian Dairy Network and past president of the Calgary Stampede?Sandra Rexilius paired her beautiful brown velvet chapeau with her actual riding jacket. Bien sur!While Premier Jim Prentice stuck to his lawyerly go-to duds, albeit weekend casual with the button down shirt sans tie, it looks like he might have picked up a little fashion advice — and a big belt buckle — from Max Gibb, vice-chairman of the United Horsemen of Alberta and Century Downs.Although he seemed to charm the harness drivers without cowboying up.Finally, the wait was over and the first official race at Century Downs began. The photo finish ended up being a few short feet between new guard and wise guard: 22-year-old Travis Cullen (ladies, he lives in Airdrie) and 60-year old Rod Hennessy.My fave outfit of the day could be winner Rod Hennessy’s lucky orange and blue silks, but my favorite expression is definitely that manure-eating grin on Waitin Ona River’s face. Congratulations, you two! For more on Opening Day, please check my article in the Calgary Herald.

Princess For a Day, Nordstrom-Style

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It’s Beauty Trend Event weekend at Nordstrom. Shopper faithfuls in the US have long enjoyed this princess-for-a-day pampering while being introduced to the latest and greatest in makeup and skin care. Now, with our first-in-Canada Nordstrom at Chinook Centre, Calgarians can too.My first stop was the Armani area. Nordstrom carries a bevy of high-end beauty brands that you can’t get at most other retails spots. The lovely owner of these hands gave me a facial massage with Giorgio’s luxurious moisturizers. Then another person joined Team Pamper, giving me a hand and arm massage with Joe Malone’s decadent scented body cream. Heavenly!Camille Cunningham, who moved from the States to manage the Cosmetics Department, showed me this Hidden Gem, as the realtors all love to say. A full-sized treatment room, where Nordstrom offers complimentary 30 minute facials.Then it was on to the brow department, where Britney did brilliant work with Anastasia products. She only used pencil and gel to whip my caterpillars into shape, but she also has a way with wax, on women and men too.

In Dior, the beautiful Arina did my makeup. And introduced me to primers. I vaguely knew that they have been around a while, but didn’t realize that they can help coverup and makeup stick more, which is a big issue with my nose scar. Makeup just seems to slide off that skin graft. I will do some test-drives on the samples I discovered in my goody bag and let you know how it goes.Two hours and two horses later, it occurred to me that perhaps I should check on my makeup. So I selfied in the dusk for this grainy shot. But look at those brows — the staying power is impressive considering I’d been wearing my polo helmet for an hour.

The Beauty Trend Event runs today and Saturday at Nordstrom. Give them a call — they may still be able to fit you in for complimentary makeup, skincare and fragrance consultations. Even if they can’t, there are about a zillion gift-with-purchase deals on at the store. Have fun!

Spring Makeup Preview

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Canadian products powerhouse ACI Brands came to Calgary recently to introduce the spring/summer lines of their top makeup brands. While our booming city could use a few more luxury boutique hotels, luckily we have Le Germain, located in Cowtown central.

Upstairs, between the fabulous florals and fantastic food offerings, the traveling road show included Stila, Cargo and new-to-Canada PAUL & JOE Beaute, whose beauty was not just on the inside.

They’re big in Japan! Is it any wonder that PAUL & JOE Beaute is flying off shelves in Tokyo when kittens abound on the packaging? Designer Sophie Mechaly, who named the company after her sons, doesn’t let her cat allergy get in the way of turning feline viral video popularity into makeup cult collectible status.

Her main motif, however, is a chrysanthemum, embodying the retro-modern style that Mechaly loves. The products, which range from skin primer to moisturizer to lipsticks, eyeshadows and more, are exclusively available at just four Shoppers Drug Marts in Canada: Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, ON, Robson and Burrard in Vancouver, Richmond Centre in Richmond, BC and Chinook Centre here in Calgary. Take that, Toronto! In the corner window, views of the Rocky Mountains and the Palliser clamored for attention, but new products from Stila and Cargo prevailed.

Stila packaging is all grown up now, leaving their usual cardboard containers behind. I was really digging this eyebrow gel during the preview. I expect to get my hands on some this week, so I’ll let you know how my personal at home trial goes.

Meanwhile, Cargo is taking cardboard casing to a new level. Sophisticated New York cityscapes tempt the turn to find the lipstick within.

While ACI Beauty and National Spokesperson Lyndsay Craig gives the lowdown on Paul & Joe, the founder of OverCat Communications is not partying with a lampshade on her head. Don’t let the wacky perspective distract you from Audrey Hyams Romoff’s amazing dress, which had to be included in a story about ravishing packaging.

Non DIY-er does DIY

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I’m not the DIY type. I like to buy things, not make them. But when the Home+Garden Show approached me to decorate a birdhouse in the name of Ronald McDonald house, I decided to try the DIY horizon, guided by a blueprint from a 2-year old beneficiary of the charity.

DIY inspiration
Materials from Michaels
DIY in the making
DIY done!
Had to sneak in a Blue Besos signature
Et voila! DIY Blue Besos style
All proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House

Inspired by Jet Bug’s love of bold colors, I approached this avian home with Jet’s palette in mind. The feng shui of Jet’s pigment lineup cascades down the roof, from cresting purple to red, with Blue Besos blue as the base color. A secret Jet Bug signature imprint is embedded in the design.

Bidding has already begun, but the silent auction continues all weekend. Make an offer and you could leave the home show with a Home Tweet Home to call your own.

Home+Garden Show 2015 Preview

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The Home+Garden Show 2015 starts on Thursday. Even though it will be at the grande BMO Centre, they chose the peqeuno quaint new bistro of two former food truckers for the media preview. I’ve been meaning to get to Marda Loop to check out the Farmer’s House, so for me it was a cocktail party two-fer!Inside, it wasn’t quite business as usual, with the stars of the upcoming Home+Garden Show blocking the counter. I’ll have to get back to the kitchen and general store for lunch, especially with this weirdly warm patio weather we’ve been having in Calgary.Meanwhile, look who I bumped into around the corner! Home Show poster girl and interior designer extraordinare, Heather Draper. The bedding guru will be a featured speaker this weekend at the show. Spoiler alert: she tells me she’s not into trends. She thinks people should be more confident with what they love. Yes! “I love that dress,” said Tiffany confidently. Black and white stripes are a staple that never gets old. Click here and you’ll see that Heather sticks with what she loves.Further in to the Farmer’s House (which is a charming maze of rooms in an actual house) it was blogger heaven. DIY stations so intense that conversation died down and drinks were ignored.Melissa Wagner of Interiors to Inspire espoused the awesomeness of chalk paint, especially for garden furniture.Terrariums are a hot home trend right now and Ryan Massel, otherwise known as Calgary’s super blogger Mr. Fabulous, was digging it.With all the fixings provided by Blue Grass Nursery, even I couldn’t resist. My fishbowl is up front. Try it yourself this weekend. They’re hosting miniature garden workshops all four days of the show.

Spray Tan Success

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Before my trip to Sayulita, Mexico, I did some pre-beach prep that I’d never tried before: a spray tan.

Lock Into Paris… in Calgary

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Once you’ve got a dog on the runway, your fashion show is a guaranteed success. This French Poodle was a fit parfait for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra fundraising event “Lock Into Paris” last Friday night.

Pink Tartan and Lipstick Pockets

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In a section of Calgary’s new Nordstrom called Studio 121, Kimberley Newport-Mimran delicately wields the mic while describing her designs.

Claire Doty’s Soaring Style

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Claire Doty can make a safety helmet look good.The 17 year old Grand Prix rider is the youngest in the top level class at the Royal West, the elite international equestrian event on right now in the heart of Calgary.

Fearless Abstract at The Heather Co

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Tucked away in Mount Royal, along the 14th Street SW corridor, you’ll find The Heather Company for design and decor. The boutique features hard-to-find bedding, drapery, cushions and fabric.On this particular day, founder and creative director Heather Draper is too busy being hostess with the mostess to take time out for a posey pic. Keeping her clients’ flutes topped with champagne takes priority as she celebrates her latest creative collaboration.The interior designer prides herself on keeping the catalog status quo out of her store. Now, to compliment her own bedding line, The Heather Company Collection, and a curated selection of furniture pieces, she’s found the perfect paintings: abstract acrylics and mixed media on canvas, by a local artist.Glamazon fashionista Samantha Da Silva is that local artist. Originally from Brazil, Samantha now calls Calgary home. Her fearless approach to fashion is a sartorial indication of the art education she also provides, in a course called Fearless Abstract — which is not only a fabulous fit, but also the opportunity for a double entendre.There’s original art in every nook and cranny of The Heather Company. I spotted these glass bowls by another Calgary artist, Michelle Atkinson. They’re part of her Jewel Notes glassware and sculptural pieces collection.In case you’re wondering, all the art at The Heather Company is available for purchase. Except for the painting that sold during the party!