Kathleen Cummings, the executive director of Ottawa’s Hopewell eating-disorder clinic, knows firsthand the stigma around eating disorders.

“The reality is that lot of people don’t see this as a mental health issue. Not a lot funding goes toward this disorder,” says Cummings.

Eating disorders are the most common chronic illness in the female adolescent population. One in five does not survive. Last year, Hopewell received 2,000 requests for help. As the only centre in Eastern Ontario, Hopewell offers hope, guidance and healing to all those affected by anorexia, bulimia and binge eating — individuals, family and friends. It also promotes prevention by helping people understand eating disorders and the importance of healthy attitudes toward body image, eating and physical activity. With no government funding, Hopewell relies entirely on the generosity of our community to keep its doors open.

“It’s so important that we’re here to serve people and their loved ones who are waiting to access treatment.”

The centre was founded by three Ottawa moms in 1999 who met while their daughters were battling with anorexia. The not-for-profit charity offers a range of programs for youth geared toward promoting a healthy body image and self-esteem and ways to cope with anxiety.

Stuntman Stu of Majic 100, who will be the emcee at a fundraiser for Hopewell for his 11th time, is dressed by Harry Rosen and looks dapper in a two-piece Canali suit in charcoal and burgundy check. He is also sporting a white and burgundy Ermenegildo shirt and tie and Bugatchi pocket square. Harry Rosen opened its new store in the Rideau Centre on Oct. 24.

Hopewell’s main fundraiser — Fall for Fashion — takes place Oct. 28 at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club. The festive evening includes dinner, wine, a silent and live auction emceed by Stu Stuntman Schwartz. The annual fashion show features models — well-known local notables — of all shapes, sizes and ages who “strut their stuff”  in a celebration of natural sizes. Smart and casual, dramatic and elegant, the clothing is on trend for fall and winter from Ottawa retailers Anik Boutique, Harry Rosen and Pat Flesher Furs. To get a taste of what one might see at the show, six Hopewell committee members got into the spirit to showcase six looks.

Fall for Fashion

What: A dinner, silent and live auction emceed by Stuntman Stu and fashion show featuring clothes from Anik Boutique, Harry Rosen and Pat Flesher Furs. The fundraiser is for the Hopewell

When & where: Oct. 28, 6 p.m., Royal Ottawa Golf Club

Ticket info: $160 at http://www.hopewell.ca. or 613-241-3428

Maggie Sardelis oozes sophistication in a pewter-coloured silk chiffon top and slacks by Laurel and a carmel and pewter coat from Lafayette. Available at Anik Boutique, 334 Cumberland St.

The black swan has arrived. Hopewell volunteer Linda Mulock takes a dramatic turn in this floor-length black ostrich feather skirt, Erickson Beamon Swarovski crystal and grosgrain belt and Repeat black turtleneck from Anik Boutique, which is celebrating 20 years in the ByWard Market.

Apres-ski, anyone? Sheryl Green Parizeau, a volunteer at Hopewell, is sporty chic in a Penny Black bomber jacket with hood and Versace-inspired leggings from Anik Boutique. The Giuliana Teso mahogany Canadian mink cashmere coat comes with detachable sleeves and can be worn as a vest is from Pat Flesher Furs.

Maggie Sardelis, a volunteer with Hopewell, is toasty warm in a gorgeous black sheared Canadian mink car coat with crystal fox shawl collar and bell sleeves from Pat Flesher Furs on Cooper Street in Centretown. Hopewell’s annual fundraiser for its eating disorder support centre takes place Oct. 28 at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club.

Stuntman Stu of Majic 100 looks oh so handsome in clothing from Harry Rosen’s to promote a fashion fundraiser for the Hopewell eating-disorder support centre.

With ghosts and goblins creeping along dark streets on Oct. 31, Halloween is undeniably the scariest night of the year. But the ubiquitous skulls — in all their macabre glory — never go out of style.

The eerie heads with the empty eye sockets and hollow cheeks are popping up on everything from sweatshirts and ties to trick-or-treat bags, tattooed arms and party napkins.

In true Day of the Dead spirit, we celebrate the goth symbol with a roundup of fun finds.

Light up the night: Cast a moody glow on your front porch with decorative, battery-operated lanterns, $19, from Walmart.

Dressed to kill: Who says formal attire has to be boring? These skull and crossbones cufflinks from Goth Chic Accessories in Milan scream haute couture. $56.40 at Etsy.com

Fear factor: H&M turns plain cotton tees into frightening fashion statements for her, $14.95, and him, $19.95.

Fear factor: H&M turns plain cotton tees into frightening fashion statements for her, $14.95, and him, $19.95.

Fear factor: H&M turns plain cotton tees into frightening fashion statements for her, $14.95, and him, $19.95.

Morning madness: Goth Chic Accessories makes shaving a haunting experience with the Skull Shave Brush. Made of synthetic ivory with fine badger hair bristles, it sells for $149.63 at Etsy.com.

Use your head: Save your coins for a rainy day with this ceramic money bank. $14 at kikkerland.com.

Heavy metal: The Silver Skull Stool makes a perfect side table in your son’s blacked-out bedroom or use as a decorative perch for your glowing jack-o-lantern. $119 from Urban Barn, 22 York St.

Pop the cork: Not even this creepy dude can deter me from drinking wine. Called the Day of the Dead corkscrew, it’s $30 from Kikkerland.com.

Dirt buster: Make it fun for children to wash their hands before supper with the Skull Soap Pump, $19 at Urban Barn, 22 York St.

Holiday spirits: For hard-to-buy dads this Christmas, give a bottle of Crystal Head Vodka with two matching shot glasses. The limited edition gift set will be available Nov. 1 for $64.95 at retailers across Canada.

Pass the salt: Spice up your next meal with these quirky shakers for only $5.99 at Target.

Ottawa perfume maker Matthew Zhuk is hoping to experience the sweet smell of success by taking the bold step of launching a fragrance line in London.

In a market already over-saturated with products, the gutsy Zhuk is convinced his unisex scent Thirty-Three will stand out on the shelf because of its unique blend of aromatic agarwood or oud notes. The fragrant woodsy scent comes from the oil of the agarwood and Zhuk has tempered this with a delicate blend of Chinese rose oil, soft, black pepper notes and candied mandarin.

Zhuk became intrigued by the fragrance world while growing up in Carleton Heights and attending St. Pius X High School. He recalls experimenting with essential oils and perfume recipes on family and friends. After moving to Britain in 2011 to work as a brand marketing consultant, he started to lay the ground work to develop his own fragrance line. Armed with an international management degree from the University of Ottawa and savvy online marketing skills, the 31-year-old launched Thirty Three a year ago under his brand Ex Idolo (www.exidolo.com), which means apparition in Latin.

“Only after moving to the U.K. and getting a real job did I actually have the money to invest into starting something. I used London as a platform as it’s a city with cache. I want to take the perfume international,” says Zhuk, who has managed to keep his budget under $20,000.

He says every day he’d show up for work in London he thought he should be doing something else with his life. So he continued to pursue his goal and worked hard negotiating with suppliers in Singapore to make it happen. When he shared the final blend with friends, they liked what they found and urged him to bottle it. He got a break in April 2013 when a small London boutique agreed to take six bottles. When they sold within three days, they agreed to take more. A 30 mL bottle of Thirty-Three sells for $120.

“Within eight weeks I had sold 40 some bottles and I thought ‘OK, looks like this is going to get somewhere,’ ” says Zhuk, who recently quit his job in brand consulting to pursue his business full time.

Other retailers jumped on the bandwagon and soon Thirty-Three landed in London’s luxury retailer Fenwick. Now the pleasing amber-hued scent is sold at boutiques and select department stores around the world, including online perfume site Luckyscent.com and etiket.ca. He has reached out to Holt Renfrew for a bigger Canadian presence and is waiting for an answer.

In an effort to appeal to North American customers who may find oud overpowering, Zhuk has toned it down with several other ingredients. And while some manufacturers use synthetic aromas to enhance the scent, he uses ouds that have been aging naturally for 33 years — hence the name of his fragrance.

“It is an oud that was distilled in 1980 and had been aged much in the way that you would age a wine or any kind of spirit, like a whisky.”

He has since graduated from combining oils in his London apartment to a small manufacturing space; and plans to reinvest profits into his next scent, now in the works.

“It is a very nice niche perfume and my customers do like it,” says Olga Fedorishcheva, owner of Parfumerie Aylmer at 181 Rue Principale in Gatineau, who carries Thirty-Three. “It’s a nice blend, not too strong, and has a kind of woodsy, spicy scent. People like it.”

The Shaw Centre was filled with rare finds during the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show, billed as Canada’s largest vintage clothing sale.

The event took place Saturday, including vendors from Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and beyond.

Smart customers wore clothes that could adapt quickly to trying on pretty frocks, fur hats or wool coots.

Visit ottawavintageclothingshow.ca for more on the show as vendor or client. Shows are also held in Toronto.

What was your find this year at the Vintage show? Share photos below in the comments section. 

Shoppers look at vintage clothing and jewellery at the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show at the Shaw Centre on Saturday, November 1, 2014.

Shoppers look at vintage clothing and jewellery at the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show at the Shaw Centre on Saturday, November 1, 2014.

Shoppers look at vintage clothing and jewellery at the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show at the Shaw Centre on Saturday, November 1, 2014.

Shoppers look at vintage clothing and jewellery at the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show at the Shaw Centre on Saturday, November 1, 2014.

Shoppers look at vintage clothing and jewellery at the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show at the Shaw Centre on Saturday, November 1, 2014.

Vintage items on display at the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show at the Shaw Centre on Saturday, November 1, 2014.

Winter is coming, it’s time for a new vintage hat.

Women rummage through racks of pretty vintage frocks, but no one has snagged the gold lamé one out front!

After a hectic week, I find myself lying in a comfortable chair at Oresta Organic Skin Care Gallery in New Edinburgh, listening to the soothing voice of holistic esthetician Ludmilla Sawka. Suddenly life’s stresses: work, racing to daycare pickups, making dinners, start to fade away. It’s Friday at 6 p.m. and the next two hours are all about me.

Before Sawka starts the 90-minute Signature Organic facial, she conducts a five-minute skin analysis. Pushing the bright magnified mirror to the side, she says I have slightly sensitive skin and that she will doctor the facial to address my needs.

She explains that during summer months our skin tends to thicken slightly and secrete more oil to protect itself against the sun. In winter, our skin produces less oil and becomes more fragile. Seasonal treatments to regulate oil production and promote cell regeneration will help.

Sawka begins the treatment by using the Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser to wipe away toxins on the surface of my skin. Next is an enzyme treatment that includes a Lime Stimulating Masque with Hungarian paprika, which ignites a slight burning sensation for a few minutes. That may sound counterintuitive, but the treatment helps to even out the skin tone and reduce redness. Once the product is removed, a chamomile toner is applied to soothe the tingling.

Ottawa sisters Oresta and Laryssa Korbutiak practice what they preach.

When a nourishing vitamin C and E serum is applied, I can feel myself starting to unwind and relax. Sawka says the serum helps to prevent the formation of pigmentation and build collagen. This is followed by a calming citrus and kale mask meant to reduce inflammation and refine skin tone. Each product is applied with a gentle touch and removed with a moist, warm towel. As the last application, an acai mask, quenches the skin, Sawka massages my hands and feet, but even more relaxing is the face massage that promotes lymphatic drainage that helps to “reset” the muscles that form expression lines.

At the end of my treatment, I wonder if it’s possible to be too relaxed to drive. My face feels plump and soft with an even tone. A few days later, moisturizer seems to absorb faster than pre-treatment and makeup appears to have a smoother finish. And like any healthy routine, once you’re in it, you’re inspired to keep it up.

The treatment

Spa: Oresta Organic Skin Care Gallery, where they stock a range of organic and gluten-free beauty products.
137 Beechwood Ave. 613-695-0137, oresta.ca

What: 90-minute Signature Organic Facial

Cost: $125

Claims: The treatment hydrates and calms the skin, and protects it against environmental stress endured during the change of seasons.

You are what you eat. Superfoods such as avocados are packed with nutrients and vitamins.

Five skincare tips

Oresta Korbutiak is behind three Oresta spas in Ottawa. Here are her skincare tips and product recommendations.

1. Exfoliation: Throughout the summer, we recommend a gentle weekly exfoliation. Refrain from over exfoliation with products or treatments that contain AHA or enzymes. By fall, skin requires a deeper exfoliation to refine the skin, diminish pigmentation from the sun and stimulate cell turnover.

Recommendation: Eminence five per cent Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel ($40): a weekly home-care treatment to gently yet effectively remove dead skin and target post-summer pigmentation.

2. Hydration: Our rule of thumb is that when the temperature changes, so should your moisturizer. Turning on the furnace combined with drastic temperature changes outdoors results in dehydrated skin. This can be combated with a hydrating day moisturizer as well as the addition of a night cream as skin becomes more dehydrated as we sleep. 

Recommendation: Kahina’s night cream ($116): a restorative, anti-aging moisturizer, which contains antioxidant-rich argan oil and collagen building red wine grapes.

3. Correction: Corrective skincare can be found in the form of masques and serums. Natural pigment lighteners do not bleach the skin. They correct the sun damage that causes pigmentation, on a cellular level. We especially love oil serums for their ability to naturally stabilize high concentrations of active ingredients.

Recommendation: Odacite’s Pa + G (Papaya + Geranium) oil serum ($42) contains papaya enzymes to break down and repair pigmentation.

4. Superfoods for the skin: You are what you eat. We recommend eating kale, spinach, broccoli sprouts, avocado and citrus, which are excellent sources of vitamin C and E; essential for youthful and healthy skin. If daily smoothies are not your thing, a weekly masque and daily serum can supplement your diet for an extra boost of super foods to treat and correct skin conditions.

Recommendation: Eminence’s Citrus and Kale Potent C + E Masque ($70) and Serum ($110) to reduce the appearance of sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles. They penetrate the skin on a deeper level, delivering the antioxidant rich nutrients of kale, broccoli, and citrus directly to your skin.

5. Sun protection:  Even though the fall sun is not as hot as the summer sun, the sun’s rays are still damaging. Keep skin protected with a broad spectrum sun protection product. It is critical that sun protection is reapplied every two hours throughout the day, or before going into sunlight. Remember, UVA rays can easily penetrate windows.

Recommendation: Eminence Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 32 ($68): hydrating day moisturizer for dry skin; or Red Currant Protective Moisturizer SPF30: day moisturizer with tea tree oil for oily to combination skin.

Products used at Oresta spas to help protect skin against the changing elements include an organic skincare line by Eminence.

When a woman shops for a wedding dress she is often fussed over by a boutique seamstress and her bridal party, so it’s only fitting the groom receives the same star treatment.

Ottawa’s newest men’s shop, Surmesur, (surmesur.com) has every angle covered — and measured — for a customer’s big day.

The store customizes high-quality shirts and suits for off-the-rack prices and will be showcased at the Best Day Ever Show Gala (www.bestdayeverottawa.com). Dozens of wedding vendors will work together to create two simultaneous mock weddings in different trending styles, one glam and the other rustic. Surmesur will dress the groomsmen for the event at The Canadian Museum of Nature on Nov. 15.

Surmesur, a modern, hip space at 151 Slater St., is the fourth retail outlet to open since the company launched in Quebec City four years ago. Fabric swatches and colour boards hang on the walls while the product experts walk customers through the steps of buying a suit that not only appeals to their design esthetic but also fits their body to a T. The fitting rooms are spacious, with large mirrors, and an oversized flat screen at the front of the store displays cutting-edge looks on Pinterest for inspiration.

Sample suits and fabric swatches are displayed at Surmesur, Ottawa’s new one-stop-shop for men in need of a custom suit or tux.

Customers can choose from a variety of fabrics and 19 suit collections in casual, business or formal styles. Even fine details like the number of the buttons on a jacket, colour of the button-hole thread, style of lapel and hand stitching can be selected. Prices start at $55 for a shirt, $350 for a suit and $450 for a tuxedo. The cost increases depending on the fabric and extent of the detailing. They also sell accessories such as ties, socks, and cufflinks.

Once the customer chooses the fabrics and style in his computer profile, body measurements are taken with a 3-D scanner and by hand with a tape measure. When the suit is ready, the customer returns in five weeks to have a tailor fine-tune the fit.

Development manager Olivier Thibault says their product experts consider many variables when helping  clients — such as  colour choices that will complement their skin tone, hair colour and eyes; and modifying the suit to create the illusion of a  “V-shape” or athletic look, no matter the body type.

Surmesur sells many accessories to go with their custom suits and tuxes, including socks, cuff links and ties.

Matthew Peyrard, 27, bought a suit at the Montreal location last year when he was in his best man’s wedding party. Now that he’s getting married in December, he went to the Ottawa store because he loved the quality and attentive service.

“The suits are magnificent, they fit perfectly, you get to customize everything about them, pocket location, angle of the pocket, the lining of the inside,” says Peyrard, who enjoyed the special treatment during the fitting process. “So we got to do them exactly the way my fiancee wanted them to look for the wedding, down to the last detail.”

While they make suits for every occasion, the store also holds private evenings for grooms and groomsmen.

“When the bride goes to shop for a dress she’s going to get the glass of champagne, she’s going to bring the girls and they’re going to have fun together for a few hours. We do the same thing here,” says Thibault. “We close the shop at 6 p.m. and they put on their own music, have drinks and then do the consulting.”

Surmesur Development Manager Olivier Thibault is fitted by Peter Greer. Staff at the menswear store strive for the perfect fit and cut by customizing the suit or tuxedo to have the illusion of a “V-shape” or athletic look.

If you drive by Loïc Dewavrin’s organic sunflower farm, you won’t find a stunning sea of yellow at this time of year.

That’s because the golden flower heads have been freshly harvested to produce high-quality organic oil that not only tastes great and is fabulous for cooking, but it nourishes the skin too.

Dewavrin’s farm — Le Moulin des Cèdres in Les Cedres — is located outside of Montreal and supplies area markets and specialty shops, as well to skin therapists.

While some manufacturers use chemical solvents to extract the oil from the seed, Dewavrin’s oil is cold pressed, which means the seeds retain their flavour, aroma and nutritional value. In this case, sunflowers hold a signifiant amount of vitamin E — a natural antioxidant that protects and repairs skin.

“It is organic first of all, which is grown without any pesticides or herbicides or any things that could be harmful to the health,” says Dewavrin, whose oil is used for treatments at spas such as Westboro’s Woman Divine holistic skincare and aromatherapy clinic (www.womandivine.ca) on Churchill Avenue.

“We don’t store the oil, we store the grain itself,” he says. “The oil keeps a lot better in the grain than it keeps in the bottle. Soon as we have an order, we’ll press the seeds and extract the oils so that the oil is always fresh.”

Dewavrin bought the 600 hectare farm from his family when he emigrated from France three decades  ago. He uses 20 acres of land to harvest his sunflowers and the rest for other crops such as soybean, millet and corn.

Despite the wet summer, this was a good year for the fields. But in the case of a crop failure, he stores two years worth of seeds.  The oil is sold at the farm and stores like The Red Apron for $9.50 for a 375 mL bottle.

Dale Horeczy and Brad Daily, who own Kricklewood Farm (www.kricklewoodfarm.com) near Frankville just south of Smiths Falls, were mentored by Dewavrin shortly after they bought the land in 2009. Horeczy agrees that the nutrient-rich oil is not only good for cooking — he’s a fan of using it in a pesto recipe — but also for the skin.

Dale Horeczy started a sunflower farm called Kricklewood Farm located near Frankville. The 15-acre sunflower fields are harvested in late fall. He produces cold-pressed sunflower oil.

“I’ve had ladies with babies who say they use it instead of baby oil because baby oil is petroleum-based. So if you can use something that is more natural, than all the better.”

Horeczy sells a 500-mL bottle for around $14 online and at area stores, including Herb & Spice and Thyme & Again.

One of their customers is the Eco-Honey Bee Spa & Gardens (www.ecohoneybee.com) in Kemptville. Owner Deborah Laplante uses the rich oil with herbs and fragrant essential oils to make products like lip balms, hair serums and body scrubs — as well as for the massage and facial treatments she conducts in a tiny log cabin.

“It’s really protective and great for areas where there’s a lot of dryness,” says Laplante. “It seems to really help to heal and repair.”

Dubbed the smallest eco-spa in Canada, Deborah Laplante’s sweet Eco-Honey Bee Spa & Gardens spa is located in a cabin in the woods in Kemptville. She offers a range of treatments using a host of natural products.

Deborah Laplante of Eco-Honey Bee Spa and Gardens buys organic sunflower oil from Kricklewood Farm, which she then makes into a variety of beauty products, including scrubs, hair serums, lip balms and body balms.

Magdalena Tomczak looks intently at my face, scanning for blemishes while running her fingertips across my cheekbones and forehead. I nod when she asks whether I have a headache.

“I can see it on your face, the stress around your eyes,” says the holistic skin therapist and aromatherapist. “For each client, I make an individual blend from my staples based on what is appropriate, based on your skin on any given day.”

Tomczak plucks ingredients — her handmade concoctions in pretty glass bottles of varying sizes — from a nearby counter to use in my face massage. She is a master at judging skin types and curtailing the treatment to fix any issue.

“Vegetable oils and essential oils are very effective skin remedies and form the base of the majority of organic skincare products you find on the market today.

“They definitely are indispensable in my practice,” says Tomczak, whose welcoming Westboro spa is called Woman Divine (womandivine.ca).

As the cold weather sets in, I’m here to get a lesson on oils.

Growing up in Poland, Tomczak says it was not uncommon for her mother to get monthly half-hour face massages.

“Sadly, training in North America focuses more on product application than massage.”

“It is an old European remedy for aging skin and has played a prominent role in the Eastern practice of Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Face massage is the No. 1 aging preventative technique,” she says.

Nutrient-rich oils provide a pleasing lubrication during a face massage and hydration for those with dry skin.

Tomczak says massage helps to carry the oils with all of their benefits deep into the skin. With so many skincare products to choose from, she recommends you keep it simple and purchase only quality products or even make your own.

“It is good to get creams from someone who knows what they are doing. Base oil on its own is a great way to start and has plenty to offer. If you want to make your own concoction for every teaspoon of vegetable oil, only add a few drops of essential oil.”

In recent years, argan oil has been hailed as liquid gold and a miracle cure for a host of skin conditions. It has also spelled big business for the beauty industry. Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, pure argan oil (harvested from the nut of an argania spinosa tree) was used by Moroccan women to hydrate their skin and to fight the effects of the relentless desert sun. It is said to reduce inflammation, minimize wrinkles and treat acne.

Tomczak began practising holistic skincare in 1996 and opened her business in 2008, merging her background in massage therapy, aromatherapy, herbal medicine and nutrition.

For my treatment, she used a gentle blend of “solar-infused” chamomile flowers in jojoba oil with a touch of argan oil to treat my slightly sensitive skin.

She explained that her flower concoction was made over a period of eight weeks with exposure to the sun and moonlight and stirred daily.

“Chamomile is soothing for both the skin and the nervous system. Since you have mentioned you were stressed, I felt this would be a nice one to use. The chamomile flowers I used are from a local organic herb grower and a lovely lady — Judy of Judy’s Organic Herbs. Both the jojoba and argan oils are organic cold-pressed and unrefined, keeping things simple, effective and beautiful.

“A lot of love goes into making infusions like this one.”

Before purchasing essential oils, Tomczak recommends checking labels for the Latin name and meaning and choosing oils made from organic or wild-crafted plants.

“There are often many species of the same plant. Oils produced from each species are different in their biochemical composition, which determines the healing properties of each oil.”

One of her favourite ingredients is organic sunflower oil from Les Huiles d’Amérique, a farm outside of Montreal.

Related

• Area farmers supply vitamin rich organic sunflower oil to skin experts

“I use this oil in my treatments and in few of my formulas. It is one of the ingredients in my face balm. I also use it in my kitchen. It is very tasty.”

Another item she says everyone should own is a silk pillow, which keeps the face fresh and aids in your sleep. “Cotton tugs and sucks the moisture from the delicate skin on your face and neck.

“When you think of the health of your skin, remember that your body has basic needs: good food, sleep, fresh air and exercise. We need to be kind to ourselves.”

THE ART OF OILS WORKSHOP

What: Magdalena Tomczak explores oils and shows how to select the ones that are right for you.

When & where: Dec. 1, 6 p.m.
Woman Divine, 351 Churchill Ave. N.

Price: $20, 613-216-7676 or email info@womandivine.ca

Magdalena Tomczak offers custom-tailored essential and vegetable oil formulas designed for the face, body, hair, feet, hands or bath.

Oils

1. Vegetable oil

Yes, you could cook with it. Oils pressed from unrefined and organic seeds and nuts, such as argan, sunflower and camellia, have been used on the skin around the world for centuries and have been picking up steam in North America over the past decade. “Oil is full of vitamins A, E, D and K as well as essential fatty acids.”

2. Essential oils

Known as the most concentrated form of herbal medicine, essential oils are produced by the process of distillation to get the essence of the plants. Essential oils offer impressive healing possibilities in skincare in balancing, regenerating, astringent, antiseptic and soothing action and protection of the skin, Tomczak says. “Some of the most lovely oils for the skin and for skin-cell regeneration are carrot oil and frankincense.”

Oils & skin types

DRY SKIN

Base oil: Rose hip, argan

Essential oil: Carrot seed, rosewood

COMBO SKIN (dry and oily)

Base oil: Sunflower, jojoba, camilla

Essential oil: Chamomile, ylang ylang

OILY SKIN

Base oil: Grape seed oil, jojoba

Essential oil: Lavender, rosemary, organic sunflower oil

If the exclusive pre-party is any indication, the Loft Gala set for May 9 is sure to be a night to remember.

Monday’s cocktail party, held at the Loft Urban Salon in Centretown, was filled with a bevy of Ottawa’s stylish movers and shakers enjoying nibbles by The Urban Element and drinks from Barefoot Wine.

Although the inaugural gala is still six months away, more than 300 tickets have already been snapped up for the black-tie affair in support of cancer coaching services at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.

“I’ve never seen anything like it in 30 years of working in this industry,” said Linda Eagen, president of the foundation.

Salon owner Bruno Racine, the creator of the gala, hopes to raise $75,ooo. Tickets are $200 each ($250 in January) at LoftGala.ca for a night of fashion, food, music (mezzo-soprano Julie Nesrallah) and more at the Hilton Lac Leamy.

Photographer/writer Tiffany Smith, left, and scarf designer Krista Norris of K+N Krista Norris Collection enjoy a glass of wine at a cocktail part at the Loft Urban Salon on Nov. 3.

Lawrence Greenspon, left, Mimi Surada, Bruno Racine and Jennifer Graves are all smiles at the launch bash for the upcoming Loft Gala on May 9.

Darcy Boucher, left, and Katherine O’Halloran catch up at a cocktail party to kick off the upcoming Loft Gala.

Makeup artist and beauty expert Leslie-Anne Barrett, left, Alison Hughes of AMH Style and Zarucci designer Nora Zabarah Pucci step out in style at the pre-Loft Gala party.

Bruno Racine, gala creator and co-owner of The Loft Urban Salon, shares a laugh with Lois Lee of CTV on Nov. 3.

Dale Lockhart and Westin Manor looked smashing at the Loft pre-gala bash.

Rania Abdulla and Nadine Matar served up plenty of smiles at The Loft Urban Salon.

Dale Lockhart, left, Melissa Auger, Jenna Burke, and Jessica Lockyear raise a glass at the Loft Gala kickoff on Monday night.

Model Dina Renon, left, and beauty entrepreneur Mimi Surada know how to make a grand entrance.

Actress Karen Robinson, left, Daniel Thompson of Canadian beauty and skincare brand Daniel Thompson Beauty and Brad Hampton, an actor who also works with Thompson, joined local movers and shakers to toast the upcoming inaugural gala next spring.

Desiree Catana, left, and Benjamin Lee are heaven-sent as they greet guests at a cocktail party in support of the May 9 Loft Gala.

Ellie Campbell, left, and her mother Miriam Campbell came out to support the upcoming Loft Gala at a party on Nov. 3.

Sometimes when people hit rock bottom, they never quite recover. For Linda Lundström, losing her company and home was the best thing that ever happened to her.

Once considered Canada’s fashion design darling, with a brand sold around the world, Lundström retreated to her tiny cabin in the woods in despair. After swallowing her pride and connecting with herself and family, she is making a solo comeback, one stitch at a time.

It’s a far cry from nine years ago when she was at the helm of a state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Toronto and oversaw 150 employees. These days she works in a trailer that she and her husband have converted into a space where she can sew and cut material next to their cabin in the woods, overlooking a lake north of Toronto.

After years of financial uncertainty and slipping sales, Lundström, who was committed to producing her fashions in Canada, filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and subsequently lost her company and home.

“The bank phoned us and said they were calling in our loan and that we had 30 days to pay back $2 million.

“At one time I was selling all over North America and then had to go and lick my wounds. I basically went to the lake and bawled my eyes out. But I believe in life and that everything is a gift,” says Lundström, whose company posted annual sales of $13 million at its peak.

For 15 months, she remained on as creative director for Eleventh Floor Apparel, which purchased the designer’s name, assets and plant.

“I had a vision and achieved it. While I was running the brand, I was exhausted but couldn’t stop. I had to keep my guard up at all times, and the pace was frantic.”

With no creative outlet and living in a 750-square-foot cabin with a wood stove and no insulation, she suffered a crisis of confidence.

“I spent a lot of time looking at the lake wondering who I was. I had certain conditions and wasn’t allowed to design for two years.”

Lundström credits her personal struggle with learning what is important in life. An overly ambitious person, she realized she sacrificed valuable family time with her two daughters while working.

Linda Lundstrom, who was a leader in Lean manufacturing, has set up a small studio space on her property north of Toronto.

“Losing the company and surrendering to someone else was humbling. It was beyond our control. But it was the answer to my own prayer. I needed to heal. This is what I’ve learned and has made us strong.”

She taught at George Brown College for five semesters and in 2011 set up a small studio in a 10- by 12-foot tool shed next to her cabin. She began sewing on the same Singer machine she used when she was three years old. The same machine once sat on display in the reception area of her company.

She started designing cushions and then made a funky leather vest for her daughter’s birthday. When her other daughter and their friends also wanted one, she knew she was on to something.

After outgrowing the shed and moving into the trailer, she called up her longtime leather supplier and began work on her first collection in years.

L designed by Linda Lundström (www.lindalundstromworks.com) is a tightly-edited line featuring fur and leather vests and wraps and edgy leather accessories in metallic shades. Born in Red Lake, a small mining town, she often works with First Nations communities, and she draws inspiration from their culture for her designs.

“I work by myself and won’t be putting our lives at risk. I started by going to the One of A Kind Show in Toronto and have been doing pop-up shops. I had three retail stores at one time and don’t want to do retail or wholesale.”

She relishes selling directly to consumers and meeting “Lundström Loyalists” — longtime customers who purchased her signature La Parka design, a layered, Inuit-style parka named for her father’s roots in Lapland.

“In 2006, I was selling 200,000 units of La Parkas a year. My coats were going out into the world and I never met the women who were buying them. I’m loving the connection with people.”

Lundström plans to decorate her booth at the upcoming Signatures Show in Ottawa with birth trees and cedar from her property. She is also taking part in a fashion show during Ladies Who Lunch on
Nov. 12 and will showcase about 12 looks of winter lace, fur-trimmed outerwear and flirty tuxedo skirts of varying sizes.

“A lot of people in Ottawa have supported me, and I’d love to meet them. I think Marlene Shepherd (of Shepherd’s Fashions) is the best retailer in North America.”

When not at work on designs, Lundström is often asked to give keynote speeches. One of her favourite talks is called the F-word.

“It’s not about fashion or fabric. It’s about failure. For me, it was an incredible gift to fail.” 

The L designed by Linda Lundstrom collection features leather accessories, including rings, $29, and wrist and neck cuffs, $89, in metallic gold, silver and pyrite leather.

Signatures Show

When & where: Nov. 11 to Nov. 16, Shaw Centre

What: More than 180 artists and designers showcasing their wares.

What else: Numerous events, including Ladies Who Lunch Nov. 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with fashion show by Linda Lundstrom.

Tickets & times: SignaturesOttawa.ca

Biker glam meets runway ready in a new collection called L designed by Linda Lundström featuring versatile leather and fur accessories in a range of styles. Each piece is handcrafted using unique pelts and skins. The leather duster vest in smoke is $599.

Fur, leather and lace feature prominently in Linda Lundstrom’s designs.

The more you wear it, the softer this washable leather vest gets. Available in black or fawn for $299, it’s from the L designed by Linda Lundström collection.

Linda Lundström, who grew up in Red Lake, a small mining town in Ontario, has long been inspired by aboriginal design and works with many First Nations communities.

In a small, century old building tucked in amongst the grand old piles and newer, tony condos on New Edinburgh’s MacKay Street, a newly engaged young woman beams as she flounces out of the change room.

“What do you think? I just love it. It’s so, I don’t know, what do you think?” she asks, not stopping for the answer.

On a bench running the length of The Handmade Bride, her mother and sister deliberate as she comes out in a parade of gowns. Judging by the sleeveless silk fripperies by Toronto custom wedding gown designer Anais Annette that the bride is choosing, could it be a summer wedding?

“Oh, I don’t know,” the bride laughs, her brown eyes sparkling. “We haven’t set a date. We’re just doing the fun part first.” She turns to her mother again, a traditional type who seems to favour bridal lace and covered shoulders. “I like the top part,” the bride says, smoothing her hands down the bodice of a less-favoured piece, “but I don’t like poofy.”

Owner Meaghan Brunetti nods in agreement. This is, after all, no ordinary bridal boutique stuffed with diamante headpieces, massive couture gowns and overpriced oyster satin shoes. This is a store designed by and for the choosiest generation of them all: Millennials.

A gorgeous vintage-inspired dress is bathed in sunlight in the front window of Meaghan Brunetti small boutique in New Edinburgh called The Handmade Bride.

A selection of bow ties at The Handmade Bride.

“People who come here elope, they go on destination weddings, they don’t get married in a church,” says Brunetti, 30, who operates the one-year-old store with her sister, Jenna. “They choose the alternative, it’s the new norm. This generation wants the custom life, custom job, custom apartment and the same thing goes for the wedding. It’s the ultimate opportunity to express themselves.”

Given that the average Canadian wedding costs $31,000, says a 2014 survey by BMO, the “chance to express themselves” presents a pretty solid business opportunity for vendors willing to tap into the millennial mindset.

Massive bridal shows have answered the call, with varying results. On one hand, hundreds of vendors sign up to offer the ultimate wedding experience to couples walking through the venue. On the other hand, says Brunetti, the experience of shopping for wedding ideas with thousands of other brides-to-be can be nothing short of exhausting.

And that’s where her latest venture, Best Day Ever, covers the spread. Designed to treat just 250 couples to the best possible choices for their “best day ever,” the Nov. 15 trade show at the Canadian Museum of Nature will offer just two of everything: two florists, two dress designers, two DJs, two photo booths, nail salons, hair salons, decor firms, rental companies and two live weddings (vow renewals, actually) that will showcase the glam/romantic versus rustic/alternative talents of two wedding planners, Toast Special Events and When Sparks Fly Weddings & Events.

Team Sparks style story board.

Team Toast style story board.

“I wanted to make this event because the trade shows are super overwhelming for brides, with everyone trying to sell to them,” says Brunetti. “They leave feeling overwhelmed and clutching a thousand business cards. We want them to experience what vendors do on the spot. They’ll be able to touch, feel and see everything and then they leave with a big box full of gifts from vendors with their business information.”

Then there’s the two live “weddings” that will showcase completely different styles of events, both of which have massive traction with the millennials at the moment. Featuring two couples who won a competition called “Ottawa’s Best Couples Ever,” the vow renewals will highlight the hottest new trends — think rustic greenery and floral headpieces versus romantic elegance — that 2015 has to offer.

For Brunetti, that will also mean offering the most ethical, locally manufactured choices around. Having been forced to turn online for the right elements for her own wedding, she decided that when planning nuptials, the tactile experience matters. As such, back at the shop, which is sparely decorated with a simple trestle table, cushions, antique dressers and artsy-crafty paper tassels, she carries only 15 designers, the majority of whom are Canadian-owned and use Canadian manufacturing.

An array of petticoats in all colours can be found at The Handmade Bride.

“I want the dress to have a story, not that someone in China made a thousand million of them. The designers I carry make them by hand — that’s a criteria — and they’re actively involved in the fitting process. If another fabric is needed, they find it and send us the swatch. There are ethical reasons for doing it this way,” she says, “and it mirrors what this generation wants.”

The Best Day Ever: A Wedding Showdown

Where & when: Canadian Museum of Nature, Nov. 15 at 5 p.m.

Who: 40 Canadian and Ottawa-based wedding industry vendors

Cost: $89 for a five-course meal, two weddings, gift box worth more than $100; portion of proceeds go to the Elizabeth Fry Society

More info: http://www.bestdayeverottawa.com/

MEET THE TWO TEAMS:

Rustic/alternative

Thea and Jody represent the rustic couple. They are proud parents to Kira and are lovers of cosplay and performing arts. They are ready to get hitched once again in front of hundreds of strangers due to their on-stage experiences in Murder Mysteries and dressing up in costume at conventions. Their unique personalities will certainly shine through on Nov. 15.

Rustic/alternative: Karen Sagle, When Sparks Fly Weddings & Events

“My vision is for a very natural, organic, simple and clean approach. We are planning to use lots of greenery and natural materials, and to keep things very simple and basic and elegant. I think a lot of brides get hung up on all the extra ‘stuff’ that comes with weddings. I’m hoping to convey the idea that a wedding can be beautiful and simple without all the extra things — just a few really good quality elements can make a really big statement.”

Thea and Jody are parents to Kira.

Glam/romantic

Andrea and Mike are the glam couple. They have two young daughters and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Mike is a local blogger and Andrea is a baker, they are very excited to have a special day planned for them and to have new wedding photos with their children and their new fitter bodies.

Glam/romantic: Elise Schmidt, Toast Special Events

“Glitter, sparkle and shine. ​Our team is hoping to leave our guests with sense of sophistication and glamour. While our style is ‘contemporary romance,’ we do have a few unconventional gourmet surprises and design details, which may challenge your thoughts on the everyday wedding formula. We’re re-defining the wedding experience one bride at a time.”

Andrea and Mike are ready to pull out all the stops.

Tears flowed like Moroccan argan oil Wednesday as Ottawa beauty-product entrepreneur Sihem Benali told her story of hardship and hope to the usually crusty investors of CBC’s Dragon’s Den.

And then the cash flowed, with Benali walking away with a promise of $30,000 in initial backing to expand sales of argan tree oil, known in the beauty industry as “liquid gold,” a vitamin-rich skin and hair treatment for Canadians.

On a program that can seem stagy — it is, after all, a TV show — the Dragons appeared genuinely moved by Benali’s account of coming to Canada with just $100 to escape civil war in her native Algeria, and starting a company that provides a rare opportunity for the Berber women she enlists in Morocco to extract oil from Argan nuts.

“That’s what Canada is all about,” said panel member Jim Treliving. “That’s why I’m a proud Canadian.”

Added investor Arlene Dickinson: “I totally applaud you. As a new Canadian, you’ve kept your culture, and you’ve embraced the country you’ve come to.”

A spokeswoman for Biosecrets, the company founded by Benali, said the cash will allow expanded distribution of the product, now available in Ottawa health and food stores and online at Biosecrets.ca. A 50 mL bottle of Biosecrets costs about $30.

In an interview in February, Benali stressed that her oil is free of chemicals, and has a natural scent.

“It’s from the tree, to the press, to the bottle,” she said. “Nothing has been added or taken away.”

rbostelaar@ottawacitizen.com

Age brilliantly through the decades with these simple tips for your skin in your 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.

In your 20s

As Canadians we love our summer months but more than 80 per cent of premature aging can be blamed on the sun.

If you are outside on a regular basis, wear a minimum of SPF 30. If you seek a sunny glow, opt for a self-tanner over a tanning bed.

It’s time to implement a skincare ritual with light exfoliation, gentle cleansers and non-irritating moisturizers.

Products: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 30, SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, Live Clean (Fresh Face) Refreshing Facial Wipes

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer

In your 30s

Sun, smoking and environmental pollutants are the main culprits on your skin as you age. Fine lines begin to pop up in this decade around your eyes and mouth. Choose products with vitamin C and vitamin A.

Brown discolouring marks may appear on your hands, forehead and around the jaw line. Sunscreen is more important than ever – even in the winter months.

Product: RoC Retin-Ox Wrinkle Correxion Day, Avon Elements Youth Restoring Multi-Purpose Lotion & Serum, Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector, Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, Live Clean (Fresh Face) 24-Hour Hydrating Day Cream

Avon Elements Youth Restoring Multi-purpose Lotion + Serum

Live Clean (Fresh Face) 24 Hour Hydrating Day Cream 150mL, suggested retail $19.99 each

In your 40s

Two words: tighten and brighten. Life with all its joys and stresses can start to show on your face if you haven’t implemented a skincare regime.

The fragility of your skin becomes more noticeable with the gradual loss of collagen and elasticity. You may notice a slight drooping around your jaw line and eyelids and fine lines on your neck.

While there’s no quick fix for cellulite, slimming gels with caffeine formulas are garnering interest. Exfoliate and use antioxidant products with retinol and vitamin C.

Introduce rich anti-aging night creams and extra sun protection. Oscillating devices like the Clarisonic helps exfoliate the skin and draw out impurities.

The words Botox and fillers will likely start cropping up in your social circle. If this is a route you may want to investigate, shop carefully. Speak to your doctor about risks and possible referrals.

Products: Cyberderm H2O Hydration, Prevage Anti-Aging Night Cream, Biotherm Body Sculpter, RoC Retin-Ox Correxion Smoothing Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer Day Cream, Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-Ageing Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream

Korres: Quercetin and Oak Anti-Ageing Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream

Cyberderm H2O Hydration

In your 50s

As you age, your skin becomes drier and more sensitive. Sun damage and hormonal changes cause wrinkles to deepen. Exercise, massage and facials amp up the benefits of good health, which ultimately shows on your skin.

Hydrotherapy (alternating between hot and cold treatments) is a practice with a long history in Europe and Asia for its healing powers in eliminating toxins and improving circulation. Enjoy an excursion to Nordik Spa, a health club or set up your own home spa with cold and warm water.

Hydrating masks and moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, glycerine and ceramides may help pump up the skin. Delicate balms and serums and products with antioxidants with vitamins C and E and stem cell extracts improve the appearance of skin.

Makeup can do wonders on dark circles and age spots. Laser treatments, mini treatments along the brow and upper and lower lids can help make the skin appear younger.

Products: Vichy Laboratoires Liftactiv Serum 10, June Jacobs Intensive Age Defying Hydrating Masque, Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting CC Cream, L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition moisturizer

Vichy Laboratoires Liftactiv Serum 10.

Anti-aging products aren’t just about your face and skin.

Live Clean’s Age Resist hair-care collection has been earning strong reviews since its launch last spring. The line is made with plant-based ingredients (avocado oil and pomegranate, goji and blueberry extracts) and free of silicone, parabens, dye and sulfates.

It’s touted as a balm for aging hair and offering a preventive effect on younger hair. But does it really work?

After using some of the eco-friendly products exclusively for a week, I would buy it again.

The Live Clean Age Resist Shampoo left my hair clean, but feeling stiff. But with one dab of the Live Clean Age Resist Conditioner my colour-treated hair felt soft and untangled immediately.

The Age Resist Miracle Nutrition Oil would be an ideal item to pack for a beach holiday. Apply to the ends of your hair and leave on to enjoy the full effects of this pre-shampoo treatment.

Overall, my hair feels healthy and shinier. For a list of retailers in your area, visit (www.live-clean.com)

Janet Wilson

Live Clean Age Resist Shampoo and Conditioner are $8.99 each for 350 mL.

Live Clean Age Resist Multi 10 in 1 Treatment, 150 mL for $8.99. Enriched with an anti-oxi fruit blend of pomegranate, gogi and blueberry, the treatment also restores hydration with avocado and rosehip oils.
Live-clean.com

Miracle Nutrition Oil, 100 mL for $11.99, is 99 per cent plant derived. Find it at Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaw’s Superstore and Walmart.

Ottawa fashionistas are clearing their closets to donate clothing to The Collective Closet, a fashion fundraiser, and in turn guests can enjoy a night out while partaking in a shopping extravaganza.

On Nov. 21, the Ottawa School of Art will be turned into a cosy boutique with organized racks of clothing and dressed mannequins. Guests will receive an empty bag for $25, which they can fill with as many items as they can. Whatever can’t be stuffed inside will cost extra. The party atmosphere will be amplified with music, appetizers, cocktails and a silent auction.

Donations for the pop-up shop-style fundraiser were provided by style-savvy Ottawa women and dozens of retailers, including Billings Bridge, Twiss & Weber, H&M and The Drake General Store. Shoppers can expect dresses, pretty blouses, shoes and accessories at prices from $5 to $25. Designer items by Michael Kors and Diane von Fürstenberg will be sold separately starting at $50.

Alicia McCarthy, owner of Alfred & Co., an online designer consignment store, appreciates versatility in fashion. This donated BCBG dress combines a comfortable fit with print and colour and it can be dressed up or down. “Talk about bang for your $25. You’d be crazy not to snag this gem in your bag.”

“A lot of the items have been personal donations from people involved in the show and personal contacts,” says Carolynn Lacasse, a digital marketing consultant and OSA alumni who was approached by the school to host the event. “They’re people’s whose closets we would want to raid, like (style guru) Erica Wark who is donating some cool stuff.”

Organizers will be giving away 30 limited fashion sketches by artist and SOA development director Claudia Gutierrez to the first 30 ticket buyers.

Portraits of 14 Ottawa women, including style bloggers, business executives and boutique owners, were photographed with them wearing clothing they pulled together from the donated items, which will all be available at the event.

Andrea Taggart of Taggart Realty Management wears a flirty Forever XXI red and yellow dress. “I would describe my personal style as menswear-inspired during the day and feminine with an edgy twist after 5 p.m.”

“By bringing together this unique group of women we’re able to tap into their fashion sense and help shine the light on these charities that serve the Ottawa community,” says Lacasse, a style blogger.

The proceeds from the sale will support The Ottawa School of Art’s programming and outreach program, which offers art classes to at-risk children and youth throughout the city. The surplus clothing from the sale is being distributed to the St. Joe’s Women’s Centre and Dress for Success, a not-for-profit organization that helps provide disadvantaged women with professional attire and career development support.

The Collective Closet is accepting clothing donations, which can be dropped off at the front desk of the Ottawa School of Art.

The Collective Closet

What: Fill a bag with gently used clothing for $25. Shopping, cocktails and appetizers.

When & where: Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., 35 George St.

Tickets & info:  artottawa.ca/closetcollective

Malika Welsh, curator-in-residence at the Fritzi Gallery, is also a visual arts teacher, artist and stylist. Welsh, who is modelling a Joe Fresh dress, describes her look is classic and gravitates toward knits, patterns, bold colours. “My look here is inspired by my love for colour, bright mustards partnered with classic black pumps, perfect for an evening out in the city.”

Michal Beattie, a hair stylist at Fernando Cellini, wears an Urban Outfitters dress. She describes her personal style as modern class with a vintage mod feel. “I was going for a mix between Alexa Chung, and Edie Sedgwick during the Studio 56 era,” says Beattie.

Claudia Gutierrez, an artist and the development officer at the Ottawa School of Art, chose a black Club Monaco top and Forever 21 pants. “My wardrobe at home has a lot of black and white, (it’s) classic with a dramatic effect,” she says.

Sisters Angie Cambareri, left, and Amanda Cambareri are the owners of Vincent boutique on Preston Street. Angie, also a makeup artist for Bobbi Brown, opted for a classic look with a vintage skirt and sheer black blouse. “I typically layer my looks and dress from the bottom up focusing on my shoes.” Amanda Cambareri went with a school-girl look with a French Connexion sweater. “I love to mix textures and tucking a sweater in high-waisted anything,” Amanda says. “I thought the colours were perfect for this fall season and that grey speckled wool sweater is going to make someone very happy.”

Jennifer Baguss, left, a booking agent for Models International Management, wears Citizens of Humanity Jeans. Megan Fuger is the academy director and talent booking agent at Models International Management. “My outfit was inspired by the Forever XXI blazer I’m wearing, like many things in my wardrobe, it can go with a multitude of other things,” says Fuger.

Alyssa Beltempo, a freelance fashion stylist and author at http://www.msbeltempo.com, rocks a Maxim dress. “My look is almost always inspired by a classic menswear or vintage piece. In this case, it’s a repurposed vintage fur vest that always pairs perfectly with closet basics.”

Renée Morra, co-owner of Viens Avec Moi boutique, is an agent and stylist for Models International Management. She describes her style as boho chic and where feminine meets masculine. Here she mixes a navy blazer with a Ruby X dress and generous arm candy. “I love jewelry and clean lines,” says Morra. “I usually keep my outfits simple and classic and let the jewelry do the talking.”

The Collective Closet host Carolynn Lacasse is a digital marketing consultant and blogger. She describes her look as preppy and nerdy with a pop of femininity. Her mint long-sleeve top from the Gap and check mini skirt is representative of her daily “go-to” outfit.

Laurence de Montigny St-Onge, account executive at Acart Communications, describes her style as bold, which is why she choose this eye-catching emerald H&M dress. “I love to wear vibrant colours and unexpected accessories. I’m a frugal person who doesn’t religiously follow fashion trends. I would much rather shop in my own closet by giving old pieces of clothing a new life.”

Stephanie Vicente, editor-in-chief of Herd Magazine, wears an Urban Outfitters jumpsuit. “Normally, you’d see me in high-waisted ‘Mom’ jeans and a nautical T-shirt,” says Vicente.

Zara Ansar is a videographer by day and creative ninja by night. Her love of mixing of colours and patterns is represented in her colourful Jones New York top and vintage skirt. “My style is basically like a Pokemon character on vacation in Paris.”

With her suspiciously line-free face, altered brow, flawless forehead and bright eyes, actress Renée Zellweger’s almost unrecognizable face set tongues wagging last month reigniting the debate of cosmetic surgery.

Natalie Esau, the owner of Upkeep Shoppe in Little Italy, knows firsthand about customers who worry about their aging skin and are contemplating surgery and Botox.

“People are intimidated by skincare and often don’t start addressing it until they are older.”

One of her newest treatments that is garnering a lot of interest is the hour-long Beyond Botox Facial with its promise of addressing aging skin concerns.

“Our facial is ideal even for Botox users,” says Esau. “We use the latest generation of technology in skincare making this sophisticated anti-aging treatment a perfect choice for those wishing to see significant changes in how they look, without visiting a plastic surgeon.

“This facial will actually help repair the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as age spots. Skin will be brightened to a radiant glow, looking firmer and healthier.”

Esau, who began working as an esthetician in Montreal and later a skincare trainer, which took her to many of North America’s top spas. Her compact space on Preston Street, which opened in 2012, offers a nail bar, pedicure stations, facials, hair removal waxing and massage. There’s also tea on the menu — and some you can take home — with such names as Love Potion, Detox and Upkeep’s Elixir.

In her treatments, Esau, 31, uses products from Montreal-based skincare company B. Kamins. She raves about the line and knows it well after working for the firm as their corporate trainer.

“Beyond Botox was created to address all skin types and to address everything that Botox would target: fine lines and wrinkles. The facial goes above and beyond Botox by addressing hydration levels of the skin, pigmentation, skin sensitivity and the texture of your skin.”

Every spa visitor undergoing a treatment receives a personalized skin diagnosis with a summary of their skin type and a list of recommended products. While Esau touts a number of B. Kamins products from the brightening mask to the BMC Oligopeptide Anti-Aging Complex, she has seen almost instant results in the B. Kamins Lifting Serum, which she refers to as Botox in a bottle.

“It targets areas like the No. 11 — the lines between your brows. The key ingredient is argireline, a peptide responsible for plumping up fine lines and wrinkles. This is a long-term treatment with best results in four to six weeks.”

Esthetician Alex Dykhuizen finishes up a pedicure for Lina Vallejos while Darlene Hunt pours tea during a visit to The Upkeep Shoppe on Preston Street.

B. Kamins products also contain a maple compound rich in anti-oxidants that works to lighten the skin and increase elasticity. Ben Kaminsky founded the line more than 30 years ago after he noticed that the hearty maple trees were the only plant life to thrive in an unforgiving climate while on a canoe trip. This inspired years of research to develop a formula to hydrate and energize the skin.

The 10-step Beyond Botox Facial process includes a cleanser and toner step, exfoliation, extraction, moisturizing, a face mask and massage.

Esau offers happy hour evenings with complimentary cocktails on Wednesday nights and high tea with scones if booked in advance with a treatment.

The Upkeep Shoppe

What: Nail bar, skin care and tea boutique.

Where: 358 Preston St.

Info: upkeepshoppe.com

Natalie Esau offers a number of treatments and services at the The Upkeep Shoppe, including relaxing teas full of anti-oxidants.

One of the big sellers at Ottawa’s new Active Sports Outlets stores is Ottawa Senators hats, jackets, t-shirts and leather wool combo jackets.

The Senators jackets are normally $200 but are on sale at $99.98 – ideal for gift-giving.

Active Sports Outlets stores provide great deals, helpful service, and two large, convenient locations totalling over 13,000 square feet.

“Getting the right shoes and the right clothing doesn’t have to be expensive,” says Jim Macfarlane of Active Sports Outlets. “We actively go out seeking deals from reputable brand names and offer them to our customers at unbeatable prices. Active Sports is about getting top quality name brands at outlet prices.”

The entire store is on sale all the time, with great value every day. “You have all the brands under one roof at great prices,” he said. “We carry winter jackets, a lot of Ottawa Senators merchandise, always 20 to 60 per cent off. Really nice stuff!”

And it’s not just about the super deals. Macfarlane wanted to ensure that his stores offer excellent customer service as well. He knows about meeting customers’ needs; Macfarlane is the owner who brought both Sports 4 and the New Balance store to Ottawa.

Active Sports Outlets strives to bring customers a premium product at a fantastic price. “This is reflected in the wide range of quality name brands we carry and is most prominently displayed in our selection of footwear,” he says. “We carry a vast array of performance shoes in road and trail running, cross training and court segments, plus a generous selection of soccer cleats for various types of terrain.”

When you’re shoe-shopping, you can treat yourself to a full fit session including measurement and optional gait analysis with one of their knowledgeable staff. “We’re like ‘Winners with service’,” says Macfarlane. “We’re there if you need any kind of service.”

There are smart looking retro running shoes for street wear, and a great selection of elegant Lolë jackets and active wear. Especially created with designer details and sophisticated fabrics for style and versatility, every piece features Lolë’s signature combination of femininity and technical finesse, for a chic line celebrating the spirit of yoga, but right for just about any occasion.

Soccer footwear and clothing are also big at both locations.

For running, yoga, crossfit, lifestyle sportswear, or shoes, you’ll find something you love in a location near you, Kanata Centrum or Silver City in Gloucester.

There is a running group that runs out of the Kanata store and there will be one opening up at the Gloucester store as well.
If you bring in your previously worn shoes, you’ll get a $20 discount off a purchase of $75 or more at the store and the old shoes will be donated to the Ottawa Mission.

Drop by one of the stores, or visit http://activesportsoutlets.com/ to see what they have to offer.

This story was produced by Postmedia’s advertising department on behalf of Active Sports Outlets for commercial purposes. Postmedia’s editorial departments had no involvement in the creation of this content.

Before the days of photoshopping and Tyra Banks, there was Monika Schnarre. With her flowing chestnut hair and luscious lips, the 14-year-old from Scarborough made headlines in 1986 after being the youngest girl to ever win the prestigious Ford Models “Supermodel of the World.” For decades, she graced coveted magazine covers, appeared in movies and worked as a television host.

Monika Schnarre’s desire to have a baby made her acutely aware of the type of chemicals she was putting into her body.

Affectionately referred to as Canada’s original top model, the road for Schnarre, who once charged fees of $10,000 a day, has not always been a rosy one. After marrying the love of her life at age 35, she experienced the heart ache of two failed pregnancies and painful fertility treatments. After two years of turmoil, she gave birth to her son, Bode, in May 2013. During this time, she began researching chemicals in skincare and beauty products. The more she read, the interested she became in developing her own line.

“When I was going through the whole process of  looking for non-invasive things that worked for my skin, I was also trying to get pregnant,” says Schnarre, who lives in Muskoka with her husband Storey Badger, a real estate agent, and their 17-month-old son.

Monika Schnarre, who married Storey Badger in 2010, has been open about her struggles to have a family and subsequent miscarriages. She is riding high these days with the birth of her son and a new natural skincare and anti-aging line iampure.

She eventually crossed paths with Guelph cosmetic physician Dr. Keith Burk and was so impressed by his work that the two have teamed up on an anti-aging skincare line called Monika Schnarre iampure.  

After decades of modelling on catwalks around the globe, Schnarre had access to some of the best makeup artists and skincare professionals in the industry. She says this background was vital during the various stages of product development and packaging for her line, which includes a day and a night cream, eye gel, a cleanser and supplements for hair, skin and nails.

“We put all of the money into the actual ingredients. We’re not hiring Elizabeth Hurley to be our model — I’ll model for free.

“I wanted the products to be animal and cruelty free. We took out the emu oil,” she says.

Iampure is available at Evitality.ca and select retail stores. On Nov. 27, Schnarre, 43, will make an appearance in Ottawa at terra20, a healthy lifestyle store at the Pinecrest Shopping Centre.

Free of parabens and sodium lauryl sulphate, the products have a soft citrus scent and include natural ingredients such as desert cactus extract to hydrate and improve the skin’s moisture retention capability; and peptides, an amino acid-rich compound, to retain the skin’s firmness.

Many dermatological-grade creams can cost a few hundred dollars or more, however, Schnarre says her products average between $12 and $38 because they are made in small batches in Ontario with basic packaging and minimal advertising.

Monika Schnarre is launching her new natural skincare line iampure at the terra20 Pinecrest location on Nov. 27

To increase collagen in their products, Burk urged Schnarre to consider an oral supplement with amino acids to boost the anti-aging effect from the inside out.

“The inner beauty supplement takes the guess-work out of the amino acids that you need on a daily basis to build the collagen in your skin and the keratin in your hair and nail,” says Schnarre, who felt her skin was more plump after first taking them for the first month.

“It is hard to wrap your head around all the amino acids that you need on a daily basis. This takes the guess-work out of it.”

Terra20′s Pamela Tourigny says iampure is a good fit for the store and its mandate to sell healthy, natural beauty products to customers. The retailer refuses to carry products that contain ingredients from a list of 15 potentially harmful chemicals.

“Monika Schnarre was like many women who, when trying to conceive a child, looked at her lifestyle and the products she was using every day in a whole different way,” Tourigny says. “Her line is made in Canada and has a compelling story behind it.”

Schnarre’s star quality continues to grow as she expands her personal brand with her clothing line, eyewear collection and now skincare products. And while she took a break from acting four years ago to focus on starting a family, she is planning to get back at it.

“I recently shot a pilot for a Canadian reality series, and being a full-time mom, it’s nice to get back in the game,” says Schnarre, who studied journalism and has appeared in more than 50 films and TV shows.

Monika Schnarre comes to town

What: Monika Schnarre appears at terra20 to introduce her anti-aging line, Monika Schnarre iampure

When & where: Nov. 27, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., terra20, Pinecrest Shopping Centre, 2685 Iris St.

They were born in a Summerhill wine bar, perched briefly on the head of rapper Method Man and are now making their way to Ottawa, London and Montreal.

They’re called City of Neighbourhood toques and according to small Toronto clothing company, Tuck Shop Trading Co, they’re exactly what this hipster millennial generation craves: a sense of customized identity. They are being sold at the new Sporting Life store at Lansdowne Park.

Based on a traditional knit cap and pom-pom toque design, the hats retail for $38 and feature the names of various trendy neighbourhoods, each chosen for their population demographic and general clannish hipster appeal, at least to begin with. In Ottawa, that means toques emblazoned with Wellington West, Westboro, New Edinburgh, Chelsea, Hintonburg, Old Ottawa South, Rockcliffe, Manotick, the Glebe and the Market. Toronto hats feature the Annex, Parkdale and Leslieville, while the planned-for expansion to Montreal will no doubt cover everything from Plateau Mont-Royal and Côte-des-Neiges to Griffintown and Rosemont Petite-Patrie.

Sporting Life opened at Lansdowne Park on Nov. 20.

“This all came from the idea that it’s a lifestyle, splitting your time between the city and being in the natural beauty of the Canadian landscape,” says Andrew Pigott, 29, who recently joined Tuck Shop Trading Co, owned by sister-in-law and new mother Lyndsay Borschke, as general manager and creative director. “The hats were an afterthought to the jackets and scarves Lyndsay was designing.”

That was the case, at least until the company found their chapeaux headlining at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it was offered to celebrities in gifting rooms. Renowned Wu-Tang Clan rapper Method Man grabbed a black, blue and purple Toronto toque, jammed it over his out of control hair and kept it on during interviews for his movie, The Cobbler, co-starring Ellen Barkin. Since then, Hillary Duff and Lena Dunham have both worn City of Neighbourhoods toques.

Method Man wears a Toronto toque during the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival.

“We had no prior connection to Method Man and now we’re talking back and forth. Now we’re branching into New York City, because he gets it. No matter where you put it on, whether in Ottawa, Toronto or New York,” says Pigott, “there’s a sense of community and ‘where you’re from’ that transcends all.”

In the 613, all 10 Ottawa branded toques will be carried at Sporting Life, a Toronto-based chain that opened a new 42,000-square-foot mega-store on Bank Street near Lansdowne Park on Thursday. The area is home to TD Place and the Ottawa RedBlacks and Fury FC.

“We’ve always tried to highlight Canadian brands and we want to celebrate that,” notes owner David Russell, who, with partner and wife Patti, is planning a Canada-wide expansion of the high-end ski, snowboarding and athletics chain.

“If we can find the right partners, that’s been the plan all along.”

Ottawa neighbourhood toques are being sold at Sporting Life for $38 each.

The store, which Russell says is more “big boutique than big box,” employs staff from the now-closed iconic Ottawa sporting goods store, Tommy & Lefebvre, which operated for 56 years in Ottawa. Russell’s 35-year-old company bought Tommy & Lefebvre 18 months ago from Kevin Pidgeon and Nathalie Tommy, who “guided us in the marketing,” says Russell. “Their advice was invaluable.”

According to Russell, expansion over the next few years into every major market in Canada is possible through an arrangement with “the Warren Buffett of Canada,” Prem Watsa of Fairfax Financial Holdings. The deal, for a percentage of the company, “took some of the risk off the table for us personally and has given us the opportunity to do what we always wanted to do with the brand, but we have to build a relationship and reputation with our customers first.”

Of course, to do that, it won’t hurt to have a couple of hip young Canadian designers on board who are looking to expand, as well — albeit guided by millennial sensibilities.

New Edinburgh toque is for sale at Sporting Life.

“We could do every neighbourhood around, but it’s not really interesting or why Lyndsay thought of City of Neighbourhoods in the first place,” explains Pigott. “Then you’re just in it for the money,” he adds, “and that’s not really who we are.”

The village of Chelsea, Que., gets its own toque.

Shopping for eyeglasses can be like trying to find the perfect pair of jeans: Not every style is going to fit your shape. Whether you have an oval, square, heart-shape or round face, there’s a snappy shade suitable for you.

Mary Kitchen, Canadian-born TV personality and trendsetter, says eyewear is fast-becoming the ultimate fashion accessory and can completely change your look in the blink of an eye.

Kitchen has worked for the likes of Fashion File, Canada’s Got Talent, City Television and as an entertainment correspondent for numerous shows and stations in the U.S., including The Insider and Entertainment Tonight.

Mary Kitchen

“It’s not as glamorous as one might think. I’m constantly running around getting the interview, writing and then editing. It’s a tough business. When you’re on the red carpet you have to tweet, send photos to Instagram all with a producer in your ear. But you feed off all the energy,” says Kitchen, who is due to have a baby in February.

In an era where television reporters are almost as famous as the stars they cover, Kitchen has become a trendsetter in her own right with bloggers and the like noting what she wears at every turn. Investing in the latest trend can be pricy. She advises that if you are interested in changing up your style look no further that eyewear.

“Eyewear is another fun fashion accessory, which is accessible and easy to change it up. I love classic frames but a funky pair of glasses paired with a black lace dress can really pop.”

To soften Kitchen’s square face and jawline she opts for oval or round frames. Cameron Diaz, for example, who has a round face, suits a strong-angular frame. Think the opposite of your face shape when buying frames, she advises.

“Go with what you love but take into account your hair, skin and eye colour. Your personality type also plays a role when considering the right frame for your face.”

Major trends this season include patterned frames (animal motifs, houndstooth, marbled, quilted), metallics and deep colours (royal blue, red), as well as, classic tortoise and monochromatic black plastic frames.

“A lot of retailers like Zara and Forever 21 knock off fashion and eyewear trends immediately after runway shows. This stuff is accessible and an easy trend to implement.”

Kitchen breaks down the shapes of four different faces using celebrities to illustrate what frames would work best on them. There are more than 80 independent optical retailers in the Ottawa area to choose from.

ROUND

Emma Stone

Cameron Diaz could try a frame with a slight upsweep at the corners.

Jack Black would rock angular frames.

Characterized by a wide forehead, full cheeks and a rounded chin. The width and length of the face are in equal proportion with softer angles.

Celebrity round faces: Emma Stone, Jack Black, Cameron Diaz, Elijah Wood

Mary’s Tip: “Round-shaped faces look great with strong angular frames that provide contrast to the face. Frames that have a slight upsweep at the corners with colour or decoration on the temples make the face appear longer and bring focus on the eyes.”

Trending frames:

Jill Stuart rose-coloured frames would look ideal on someone like Emma Stone, who has a round face.

OVAL

Meryl Streep

Characterized by a narrow forehead, high and angled cheekbones as well as a lightly curved jawline.

Celebrity oval faces: George Clooney, Beyoncé Knowles, Ryan Gosling, Julia Roberts

Mary’s Tip: “Almost all frames look good on oval-face shapes, so choose the one you feel more confident rocking. The sky is the limit. One rule of thumb for picking the perfect frame is selecting ones that are as wide, or slightly wider than the broadest part of the face. Go bold this season with patterns and colours. Make sure your eyes are in the centre of the glass.”

Trending frames:

Jill Stuart rose-coloured frames would look ideal on someone like Emma Stone, who has a round face.

EARTH

Rhianna has a heart-shaped face. Oval and slightly rounded frames would be a good match for her.

Characterized by an upside-down triangle appearance. Broad forehead and wide cheekbones that narrow to a small chin. Broad forehead that extends down to a small chin, angled cheekbones.

Celebrity heart faces: Jennifer Aniston, Rihanna, Halle Barry, David Spade, Ryan Gosling

Mary’s Tip: “Oval and slightly rounded frames look great on heart-shaped faces as they soften angular features. Light coloured, thin and rimless styles are all keep the face from looking too top-heavy. Modified wayfarer shapes are a fun way to tap into the styles of the season while complementing your face shape.”

Trending frames:

Superflex SF-420 in black and gold are oval and slightly rounded frame that look good on heart-shaped faces.

SQUARE

TV personality Mario Lopez is a square-face fella.

Oval or rounded frames are best for people with a broad-depp forehead and wide cheekbones, such as Brad Pitt.

Characterized by broad deep forehead, wide cheekbones and a horizontal square jawline.

Celebrity square faces: Mario Lopez, Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, Rachel McAdams

Mary’s Tip: “Consider oval or round frames which will soften the face’s angles. Pick styles where the sides set at the top of the frame. Minimal and dark or bold coloured frames look great and help play up strong features.”

Trending Frames:

These Evatik black oval frames would soften the look of someone with a square face like Mario Lopez.

DIAMOND

Johnny Depp has a diamond-shaped face. Frames that work well have a distinctive brow line.

Characterized by a narrow forehead, eyeline and jawline as well as broad cheekbones. The rarest face shape.

Celebrity diamond faces: Johnny Depp, Madonna, Dane Cook

Mary’s Tip: “Frames with detailing or a distinctive brow line are great for highlighting eyes and give this area more width. Upswept styles, especially semi rimless cat-eye shapes would be perfectly suited for a diamond-shaped face.”

Trending frames:

Purple and orange Izumi glasses for the diamond-shaped face, which include Johnny Depp, Madonna and Dane Cook.