Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics - Cosmetics to Obsess Over

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Published on Tuesday, 01 October 2013 16:14

Written by Elaine Ing

Ask any die-hard, cutting edge makeup enthusiast if she knows what OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics) is, and she’ll give you a “d’uh, of course”.  Makeup artists praise the brand for its intense pigmentation and innovative formulas, as well as edgy, distinctive names.  Best-seller, for example, Lip Tar is a high-opacity lipstick with longevity and unprecedented amounts of pigment with the easy application of a gloss.  Some discounted colors (eg. Belladonna) have become so highly coveted that a tube that normally sold for $18, has been selling for over $100 on eBay.

Makeup artist and the chief executive, creative director and founder of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, David Klasfeld started his line in 2004 based on his vegetarian ethos.  OCC has the distinction of being completely vegan (down to its makeup brushes, which have synthetic bristles and plant-based glue) and “cruelty-free”.  Starting from two vegan lip balms crafted in his kitchen, OCC now has almost 300 products, sold at 240 North American Sephora stores, a stand-alone store in NYC, and wanted by women world-wide.

For Fall 2013, OCC’s Colour Collection launches Moderncraft – inspired by 1920s Berlin (The Golden Twenties), a period associated with the sophisticated, innovative culture that developed in and around Berlin, including highly developed architecture and design (Bauhaus, 1919–33), a variety of literature (Döblin, Berlin Alexanderplatz), film (Lang, Dietrich), painting (Grosz), and music (Brecht and Weill), criticism (Benjamin), philosophy/psychology (Jung), and fashion.

Adding to existing lines are six new shades each for their Lip Tar ($18), nail laquers ($10), and Colour Concentrates ($14) collection.  As always, OCC creates products that are intensely pigmented and long-lasting.  Many of the colors can be worn alone or mixed together with other colors or other products to create new, original formulations.  Lip Tar ($18) now has three finishes: original matte, metallic and stained glass. Matte and Metallic dry to a lipstick finish, while Stained Gloss leaves a long-lasting glossy finish creating a “cellophane” glaze for lips. The 5-free Nail Laquer is also densely pigmented, as well as quick-drying and super long lasting. Color Concentrates feature a new texture innovation – a smooth, blendable, buildable cream coverage product that’s can be used on the eyes, lips, and cheeks.  It’s loaded with emollients and humectants including aloe leaf extract, cocoa extract, and vitamin E, so it protects the skin.

To learn more, go to: www.occmakeup.com or www.sephora.com 

Canadian Fashion Creations

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Parent Category: Travel Info

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Published on Tuesday, 10 September 2013 00:33

Written by Elaine Ing

Being third in the top coldest countries in the world, albeit with varying geo- climates due to its vast expanse (10 million square km), Canada is not for the thin-blooded.  It’s no wonder that the average Canadian goes through more boots than their peers; as well, Canadian footwear manufacturers are globally known for their knowledge and expertise on all-weather and extreme condition footwear.

PAJAR CANADA
Pajar Canada, a 50-year old family company, was specifically created to tackle all weather elements.  Their legacy of superior quality and performance is reflected in its fashion footwear, outerwear and accessories for men and women. Its Heritage Premium boots are 100% lined with genuine sheepskin and guaranteed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -40 C.  The Pajar Sport collections comprise very lightweight rain and snow boots (complete with wool lining and a waterproof construction), as well as top-of-the-line performance outerwear (made with water-resistant construction, and clever details such as inner and outer pockets, side ventilation systems and more).

Women’s 2013 Collection
The Oslo Collection presents luxury footwear with fox, rabbit, and goat fur-trimmings.  The Scarlet and Davos mid-calf boots are adorned with fur-covered uppers. Styles such as the Cher add unexpected color with alternating red, yellow, and beige fringe peeking out of its black, beige, and white fur uppers. Definitely made for the fashion diva.

The Heritage Collection is aimed for the urban woman, featuring a range of boot silhouettes with various heel heights and a modern twist for city chic style. The Sabrina and Shaina booties feature sturdy stacked mid-heels. Equestrian boot styling is seen in the Ceylan, Carla, and Carly.
For the sporty ladies, the highlight of Pajar Women’s Sport Collection is the transformed traditional Riga snow boot, which now has an innovative reversible ice pick built into the boot. With just one click, this clever snow boot is transformed from a regular walking boot to one with a claw-gripping sole to grip the iciest conditions
For the Outerwear Collection, Pajar continues to use suede and fur trimmed accents plus luxurious textures.  The Sasha bomber, mid length Kimmy, and long Cougar come in a variety of rich colors with a removable fully fur lined hood for cozy chic comfort, while the quilting details on the Kiki vest with removable fur trimmed hood are perfect for brisk fall days.

Men’s 2013 Collection
For urban guys, the sleek Scotch slip-on, Othello zipper boot, and lace-ups including the Brandon and Miracle, marry durability with a sporty look and a mink shearling lining for the utmost in comfort and style on inclement weather days.
The men’s Sport Collection showcases weatherproof shoe and boot designs with a memory foam insole for extra comfort. Laurent II and Lonestar give the mid sneaker a performance makeover with textured leather combinations and faux fur lining for a luxe meets street look. Lace-ups like the Bermine and Eugenio refine the hiker boot for the modern urban man, while reversible ice grippers can be found in the Eric, Icegrip, and Sakhaline, keeping men grounded on icy terrain.
For outerwear, the Zach bomber and mid length Eagle both feature a fur hood trim.  For the transitional weather period, the Josh quilted vest and William jacket create the perfect layering ensemble.

MANITOBAH MUKLUKS
Created, owned, operated, and designed by Canada’s First Peoples (Aboriginals), Manitobah Mukluks carry on the centuries-long legacy of traditional footwear.  Mukluks were initially used as a necessary survival tool for Canada’s harsh winters, particularly in the Territories. Now no longer as a survival tool, mukluks have now evolved to one of fashion, function and purpose.  Sean McCormick (a Metis) created Manitobah Mukluks as a way to pay homage to the Aboriginal People, and to ensure the sustainability of Aboriginal culture and traditions.  In a short time, Manitobah Mukluks were soon spotted among the fashionable, including supermodel Kate Moss, Beyonce and singer/actor Justin Timberlake just to name a few. Even British royal heir-in-waiting, Prince George was bestowed two pairs of the wee little ones upon his birth, crafted by a Manitoba artisan. The gifts symbolize “the historic ties between the Aboriginal peoples of Canada and the Crown”.

The 2013 collection consists of new designs in Mukluks, Moccasins, Accessories and the Storybook Project. The Storybook Project is a profit-sharing partnership to better the community.  Working with elders and artisans who create their crafts in the traditional way – by hand, Mukluks then commissions the designs for a limited line of replicas.

Using a variety of distinctive hides, leathers and furs (suede, rabbit skin, deerskin, fur, sheepskin to name a few) and trim (beaver, rabbit, etc), an entire foot bed of 100% genuine sheepskin, and now with Vibram (a world leader in high-performance soles) for a high-abrasion, durable and rugged sole, Mukluks and Moccasins incorporate intricate beadwork and traditional designs of nature to used to reflect centuries-old customs and culture.  

For Winter 2014, “Memento”, a mukluk-inspired women’s snowboard boot, will be the first collaboration boot for Manitobah Mukluks and the world’s leading snowboard brand, Burton Snowboards.  This exclusive pairing utilizes Burton’s snowboarding performance tech (eg Women’s Specific True-Fit Design for ultimate comfort and response) with an authentic Manitobah Mukluks’ design.

Clark Shoes Unveils Fall Collection

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Published on Wednesday, 04 September 2013 16:07

Written by Elaine Ing

After nearly 200 years, Clark shoes remain a relevant and popular brand worldwide.  Originating in 1825, Clark shoes were the brainstorm of James & Cyrus Clark who decided to use remnants from their family-owned tannery in the UK.  Starting from humble origins of sheepskin slippers, Clark shoes have evolved to epitomize fashionable and comfortable footwear.

Six generations of the family firm translates into footwear for the whole family – from babies to kids to adults, and now bags.  Even more exciting have been the collaborations with well-known designers Lisa King, and brands (Harris Tweed, Hanon, Gloverall, just to name a few) to add to their perennial staples such as the Desert Boot and Wallabee.  Whether it’s a new development (eg Clarks Sportwear) or updates of classics, Clarks continues to re-invent itself but remains true to its core.

For the upcoming Fall/Winter 2013 men’s collection, a number of collaborations are available.  In particular, Clark’s Desert Boot has been reinvented in different ways:

Horween x Clarks Originals uses Horween’s luxury premium leather for the Desert Boot and Wallabee.

The Gloverall x Clarks Originals collaboration presents a distinctive shoe – think duffle coat style in a shoe.  Authentic Gloverall wool and suede, with a functional toggle fastening emphasizing the “duffle” identity, is used to create the Desert Duffle.

Woolrich x Clark uses Woolrich’s distinctive plaid, woolen fabric to create a tapestry-covered boot. The Woolrich x Clark is available for both men and women.