Summer style is easy with Reitmans - and even easier with a $150 gift card! Contest!

Floral Print Dress - $65, Earrings - $8, Bracelet - $10, Sandals - $36

Nothing feels better on a hot, sticky day then a flirty little dress - especially if you hate shorts as much as I do! Even better then a flirty little dress is a flirty little dress with a very reasonable price tag and with that Reitmans can help you out! Not only that - the have styles in regular, petite and plus sizing, all the accessories you need to complete your look and you can even shop online now at www.reitmans.com!

Petites Belted Dress - $50, Bangles - $9, Peep Toe Rope Wedge Sandals - $40

Plus Sizes Ruffle Chiffon Dress - $56, Peep Toe Rope Wedge Sandals - $40

Reitmans would like to help one of our lovely readers get your dress on (or anything else you want to wear for that matter) so up for grabs is a $150 gift card to help supplement your summer wardrobe! Ready to start shopping? Then read on...

This contest is open to all our Canadian followers and it's very easy to enter, just leave a comment letting us know that you follow through Google Friend Connect or Facebook Networked Blogs (if you aren't a follower you can do that now - sign up buttons are in the right sidebar).

1 entry for following and answering the question - What is your summer style like? Please also leave your e-mail so we can find you if you win! 

And for an extra entries: 

Follow @BeautyCrazedCan on Twitter and tweet the contest. 
Like Reitmans on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Reitmans

If you prefer not to leave your info on a public post, please leave a post saying you want to enter with your answer to the question and then e-mail your info to info@beautycrazed.ca, please put "Reitmans Contest" in the subject line. Remember to leave the post or you name won't actually end up in the draw! Winners to be decided by random drawing and you have until July 27th to enter. Good Luck! 

- Lisamarie -

Help yourself with some easy wardrobe solutions from Soul Beautiful and Rachel Matthews Burton!

There are many things that go into making a great outfit but sometimes what really makes an outfit work is what's underneath it keeping everything together or in place!

SoulBeautiful.ca agrees with me on that and here are their 5 must haves for your summer outfit:

1. Enhancer Collection- creates natural cleavage, lift and shape.
2. Bathing Suit Enhancer- gives you extra oomph and support in your bikini!
3. Fashion Tape- keeps strapless numbers & any clothing in place.
4. Strap Solutions- transforms your bra into an instant racer back.
5. Nipple Covers- creates smooth looks under sheer and clingy fabrics.

Along with lots of other fashion tools, the site also offers an interactive dressing room so you can try the enhancers on a real model and see for yourself the difference they can make!

My pet peeve is visible bra straps so I'm absolutely addicted to the Strap Solutions that turn a regular bra into a racer back making it much easier to keep everything covered under a tank top - genius! I also love the double sided tape to keep flimsy summer tops from gaping and putting on a show!

Check out these and all of the Soul Beautiful wardrobe solutions online at www.soulbeautiful.ca or in-store at Murale and Walmart.

And while we're on the topic of clothes, Fashion Stylist Rachel Matthews Burton (who works extensively with high profile clients and celebrities both nationally and internationally. Rachel has lent her style expertise to ET Canada, Steven & Chris, Canada AM, E-Talk Daily, Behind the Lens, Daytime Television, CBC Newsdesk, CTV) will be in Toronto July 17, 19 & 20 for a fun fashion seminar where you’ll learn: how to score fab clothes that work for your body, how to spot a winner on the rack, and trade secrets to look taller, thinner and younger.

Burton will be running a two hour FunShop, where she will talk one-on-one with the group and
answer any of your style questions. You can also bring in a troublesome outfit and get her expert advice on how to pull it off- or how to create new looks from your go to wardrobe pieces.
The sessions will be taking place: Sunday, July 17, 2:30 pm, Tuesday, July 19, 11:00 am and Wednesday, July 20, 7:00 pm
Where: The Foundry Lofts|1100 Lansdowne Avenue|Toronto| M6H 4K1
Price: $40 for two hour FunShop and a portion will be donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
To Register: Email info@racktorack.com to register and be sure to leave your name, Funshop date you would like to attend and number of tickets.
*Be one of the first 45 people to sign up & receive a gift bag from SoulBeautiful.ca filled with amazing style tools.

- Lisamarie -

Dryel - turn your dryer into a dry cleaner - without the surly underpaid employee!

Now that the season is changing, it's time for the wardrobe switchover again!  My sweaters have spent the summer in a cedar chest, which is good to keep them moth-free but not so much wrinkle free!  Dryel is my saviour for dealing with this problem - 30 minutes in the dryer in a bag with a dryel sheet and they are wrinkle free, clean and they smell great!  If you aren't familiar with how it works, it's basically an at home dry cleaning system that safely steams and cleans, soils, stains and odors while removing wrinkles.  Best part, the dry cleaner won't be able to lose your clothes anymore! You can use it on anything and everything and what it will be really great for this year is dark denim - you have to be careful about washing it too often or the dye starts to fade, but by using Dryel instead, I can get rid of stains and wrinkles without having to put it in water!  I used Dryel for years and then it kind of disappeared so I am thrilled to see it back again and improved!  They have replaced the plastic dryer bag with a fabric one which isn't nearly as noisy when tumbling in the dryer and they have also added a stain remover pen and touch up spray to their line up!

Available are:

The Dryel Starter Kit - contains 2 ultra-concentrated cleaning cloths that will care for 2 dryer loads (up to four garments in each load for a total of 8 garments), an instant stain remover pen, a re-usable fabric protection bag and an instructional pamphlet including coupons.

Dryel six-load refill packs in Clean Breeze Scent to care for up to 24 garments 

Dryel 3-in-1 Touch Up Spray - is specially formulated to safely care for your everyday and dry clean clothes.  Use to extend the time between cleanings.  To use, simply spray a light mist evenly on fabric (using more spray in heavily wrinkled, smelly or clingy areas).  The, use your hands to press and smooth away wrinkles.  You can then air-dry the garment or place it in the dryer.

Dryel On The Go - helps remove fresh stains, safe even on dry clean only fabrics. delicates and hand-washables such as wools, silks, rayons, linens, cottons and other special care fabrics.

Now I'm told it can be purchased in Canada - they are carrying it at WalMart in the States but I haven't actually been in one lately to look - if anyone has spotted it anywhere, leave a comment and let us know where!  I have found it online at www.well.ca if online shopping is more your thing!

- Lisamarie -

Screw dieting! Seven tips to dressing 7 pounds thinner!

We know how Christelle feels about having a proper fitting bra and for a change, she's not on crack, an expert actually agrees with her!  Bestselling Bra Book Author and Style Expert, Jené Luciani,, has tips on how to look 7 lbs thinner in an instant.  “Just getting the proper fitting bra can take pounds off your figure instantly,” says Luciani.  But there are also some other easy ways to trim your figure, without having to hit the treadmill.  That's music to my ears, you know how I hate to sweat!

Now that we’re shopping for lighter clothes and shedding winter layers, those extra pounds will surely show.  So, before you hit the shops, keep these SEVEN slimming secrets in mind:

 

1. Beat Up the Muffin Man

“Finding the appropriate undergarments is one of the most important parts of looking your best,” says Luciani.  If your underwear or bra is too tight, it can give you that muffin-top appearance or back fat that can make you appear larger than you are. 

2.  Get Waisted
“Adding a belt to highlight your waist – the thinnest part on most women’s bodies -can instantly make you look 7lbs thinner,” she says.  Creating curves can often draw the attention to the waistline creating a slimmer and sexier style.

3. Boost Your Humps

Whether it’s your boobs or your butt, whatever your best feature, flaunt it.  “Wearing something that flatters your figure best will draw more attention to those areas you’re proud of,” says the author.  Bust UP Cups by KYMARO are a great addition to your bra for some extra cleavage.

4. Smooth Your Lumps

Smooth out lumps and bumps with a body shaper that sucks you in and tightens you up in all the right places.  “Not only does it instantly make you look thinner, it also hides the cellulite and bulges you try endlessly to get rid of.”  

5.  Get High-er   
”Heightening those heels can lengthen the look of your legs and give you a slimmer appearance.   A good investment piece for spring that every woman should own is a pair of leg-lengthening, pointy toe, nude pumps.  That’s the key to looking longer and leaner!

6. The Wrong Ruffles

Avoid bulky fabrics and ruffles in “all the wrong places.” “Ladylike trends like ruffles are huge this season but I’ve seen a big emergence of skirts with ruffles in places that aren’t flattering on most women, like the hips” says Luciani.  The last thing you want to do is bring attention to trouble spots.  Instead, opt for a fitted, high-waisted pencil skirt, with some ruffle detailing on the hem.

7. Shine Bright, not Badly

Fabrics with sheen may seem sexy, but can really pack on the unwanted pounds.  “Opt for shiny accents on clothes, as opposed to all over shine,” says the style expert. Also, we all love white pants for spring but if you’re heavier on the bottom, stick to a nice tailored trouser, as opposed to a white pair of skinny jeans, which can make you appear heavier.  It’s also good to avoid big prints (which make you look BIGGER) and pay attention to details like neckline and the ‘rise’ on your pants. 

- Lisamarie - 

It's wardrobe changeover time with a little help from Madame Paulette!

With all the beautiful weather lately, it really is time to start switching over your wardrobes as we prepare for Spring!  John Mahdessian of Madame Paulette offers these tips for a smooth transition next Fall.  The high-end couture cleaner even offers a Closet Concierge service where they will clean and digitally catalog each piece, while storing it in their climate-controlled vaults in New York (how awesome is that?!).  If this isn’t an option for you, try these tips at home. 

1. Now is the time to evaluate your wardrobe for items that you no longer wear, look at each piece and think about the last time you wore it.  If it no longer fits on you or in your wardrobe – donate it!  There are several organizations out there that would welcome your pieces, like Goodwill.

2. Make sure that each piece is clean thoroughly before packing. Particles left on items can stain and set into your clothes after several months of storage. Cleaning the clothes also means that insects will be less likely to take up residence in your sweaters.  Pay attention to care labels and launder or dry clean the pieces before stashing them away.  Any stains should be removed, either professionally or with a Madame Paulette Stain Removal Kit.

2.Place folded items in large plastic containers with airtight lids that can easily be stacked and stored under beds, in closets or in storage.  Bed, Bath and Beyond or the Container Store have bins in all shapes and sizes.   If you don't have adequate room to store these containers, you might want to consider a professional facility.

3.While no pest-deterrent is guaranteed, try cedar, lavender or rosemary in the containers with the clothing.  Moth balls tend to be too harsh for many of your clothing items and have a less than pretty smell when you open up the containers come fall.

4.While you should hang suits and costs, never hang sweaters or other knit items that can become misshapen by long term hanging. If your items can’t be hung, stack them in garment bags away from water and carpeting. Stack your folded items from the lightest items on top to the heaviest items on bottom. Stacking items loosely will allow air to still circulate.

5.Remember Clean, Cool, Dark, and Dry.  Your storage area must be all four of these in order to protect your clothing.  Clean any area thoroughly before storing.  Choose a place that is not likely to be exposed to heat.  A dark place will prevent fading and keep the area and clothing cool.  Make sure the storage area is dry because wetness will attract mildew and insects. 

Up to now, by experience with stain removal has consisted of a Tide-to-Go stick and a (often unanswered) prayer.  Who knew that was actually a science to stain removal?!   Madame Paulette did!  Unlike conventional stain removers, Madame Paulette has taken into account the two most important factors for safe and effective stain removal.

Time: The most important! The sooner the stain can be treated properly, the safer and easier it is to remove.

Stain Identification: Every stain has a different composition. Before anything is applied, it is important to properly identify the stain.

There are three primary stain groups and each one requires a special formula:

• Special Formula 1 - Earth Based Stains: Fruit juices, teas, colas, liquors, etc.
• Special Formula 2 - Protein Based Stains: From the body and dairy products, such as blood, perspiration, milk, eggs, etc.
• Special Formula 3 - Oil Based Stains: From vegetable, mineral, or petroleum oils, such as baby oil, animal fat, salad dressing, mayonnaise, motor oil, grease, etc.

Each formula is conveniently packaged, easy to use and guarantees excellent results. Here is what you’ll find in each foil-sealed packet.

A waffle-pattern absorbent cloth is saturated in the same special formulas that Madame Paulette uses daily in removing stains from the world’s most exclusive couture apparel. Each formula is biodegradable and rinses out with water.

A distilled water rinse, that follows the application of each special formula, flushes out any remaining stain particles. Distilled water, unlike tap water, permits the fabric to dry without a ring. Minerals and iron in tap water typically leave an unsightly yellow ring.

A fourth packet is being added to the kit containing three individual super absorbent cloths. Using this cloth under the stained area will help transfer stain matter through the fabric into the absorbent cloth. This will make the stain removal process even more effective.

The kits are on the website here at $12.50 each and there is a discount for buying multiple kits.

- Lisamarie -