Loulou's views

The most wonderful season of all is here, you guys... spring. And by spring, I mean almost summer, which means it's time to re-evaluate what's in your closet to make room for all the new pretty things you'll need to rock this season. Step one:  Empty out your closet. Dedicate a day to pulling everything out of your closet and drawers, and make a few piles: keep, toss, and donate. I did a major closet purge recently and it felt so good... especially because of all the room in my closet now! Hello, new clothes... Step two: Go shopping. Not sure what to buy? Here are some of my favourite things right now to make it easier for you! Here are some must-have pieces for spring: A new pair of jean capris: I received these cute jean capris from Haggar Caanda, and they're super comfortable and fun to wear with a little t-shirt and wedge heels. This Dream Capri, as it's called, is a 5 pocket bi-stretch denim that comes out the dryer wrinkle free (yay!). I love to acc...

It's the most important time of the year—and I'm so excited! No, I'm not talking about summer, although that's pretty amazing, too. I'm talking about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale . If you haven't been to Nordstrom Rideau Centre lately, you should go, like, NOW. Everything else can wait—the dinner you're in the middle of preparing, the house you're furiously cleaning, the backyard summer BBQ you're hosting—just drop everything and go, and everyone will forgive you, I promise. The Anniversary Sale is on until August 3rd , and I don't want you to miss the huge savings on all the fabulous new items you need of fall—boots, jackets, jeans, sweaters, bags... whatever you desire. I was so happy to be invited to Nordstrom Rideau Centre last week for an exclusive behind-the-scenes shopping spree. Thank you, Nordstrom Rideau Centre, (once again!) for the generous gift card and coffee to keep me going all morning long. I had a blast trying ...

Nordstrom Ottawa is opening its doors today, after much excitement and anticipation. I am ALL CAPS EXCITED, you guys! I have been a long-time lover and shopper of Nordstrom—it is my favourite department store, after all—and after attending the #NordstromOTT Gala Wednesday night, it was great to see that all the things I love about Nordstrom will be the same in my hometown, with a local twist. (How amazing is it that $180,000 was raised for United Way Ottawa and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation because of the Gala?) Bright and early today (starting at 7:30 a.m.) you can attend the Nordstrom Ottawa Beauty Bash , to get a look at what's in store for you (no pun intended) and to meet some of the lovely people who will be working behind your favourite beauty counters. (I'm still in awe of this package of amazing products Nordstrom sent my way to review. Best. Gift. Ever. ) From the Nordstrom pre-gala party  (which was a great way to welcome Nordstrom to Ottawa !) ...

On March 6th,   Nordstrom Ottawa will finally open its grand doors in Rideau Centre.  Nordstrom is my favourite department store—Nordstrom carries all the amazing brands I love, from shoes and beauty products to accessories and clothes. Also, the service is always excellent. I frequently visit and shop at south Florida's Aventura Nordstrom, but now I won't have to travel to get my shopping fix. I actually just got back from south Florida and came home to this gorgeous box from Nordstrom Ottawa, filled with the best beauty product must-haves—in anticipation of the upcoming Nordstrom Beauty Bash.   To celebrate the grand opening, Nordstrom is hosting an early-morning Beauty Bash outside the main mall entrance on Friday, March 6th, at 7:30 a.m.,  lasting until the store opens at 9:30 a.m.  Customers are invited to enjoy complimentary skincare consultations, demonstrations, and makeup lessons, and everyone will have the chance to meet wi...

You all know how much I love to shop—and if there was a way for me to shop for a living, well, that would be my full-time job. Since I don't yet make my living as a "professional shopper" I have managed to keep shopping an active part of my life by working as a shopping blogger and expert, and as a Brand Ambassador and Spokesperson for brands and stores I love to shop at and do business with. Next best thing, right? As you also know, Nordstrom (my favourite store EVER ) if finally opening in Rideau Centre this coming March. I am beyond excited for this, because Nordstrom is my go-to department store whenever I'm traveling in the United States. (Special shout-out to the amazing staff at Nordstrom in Aventura Mall!) I think having a job in Nordstrom would actually be a dream come true, because I'd be spending time in my favourite store, doing what I love—helping people find things they need and want—and getting paid for it. Not a bad gig, right? Well, if you...

You all know that I love to shop and you all probably  know that my favourite store is Nordstrom —it's my number one place to shop when I'm in south Florida—so when I found out Nordstrom was opening up in Ottawa it was pretty much the greatest news I'd ever heard. (I tend to exaggerate just a little bit, but still—I'm ridiculously excited to see this department store open in my city, finally!) Today I'm excited to announce that Nordstrom will be having a Grand Opening Gala in a few months—on March 4th , to be exact—and it's going to be THE most amazing event of the year, too. A gala night to celebrate the opening of Ottawa's Nordstrom in Rideau Centre sounds like an amazing idea to me. (As soon as you can buy your tickets—they go on sale in November—I'll post the link here for you to do so!) I was speaking to my friends at Nordstrom today and I'm happy to say that I'll be working with them on spreading the word and getting everyone excited ab...

You all know how much I love to shop, and you know that Nordstrom is my favourite department store. When I found out Nordstrom was coming to Ottawa—moving into my favourite mall, Rideau Centre —I was a little (okay, a lot!) excited. I already know I'm going to be the number-one customer, and I think it would be fitting if I was hired to work there, too. After all, I've got a passion for shopping like no one else I know! Here's some exciting news, Ottawa:  Nordstrom Rideau Centre will open on Friday, March 6th, 2015. That's right... it's almost around the corner. Mark this date down in your calendar, and tell your friends, because you're going to want to be there for the opening day excitement. Of course this new Nordstrom will feature the usual mix of apparel, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children. It's got everything for everyone... really! More exciting news: Nordstrom, Inc. announced John Banks as manager of its Rideau Cen...

It's April—and it's finally time to put away the winter gear, even though there is still snow on the ground. Winter dragged on (and on and on) this year, with never-ending snowstorms and freezing temperatures, but now we're heading into warmer months and that means it's time to celebrate—by making room in our closets for spring and summer. See ya, boots. To the basement you go, Canada Goose parka. I love you, but I'm taking a break for a while, okay? Here are the spring essentials you need: A bright jacket: Everyone needs a spring jacket that can be worn on chilly mornings or evenings when you're on a patio having drinks outside. Think something bright like hot pink, sunshine yellow, or kelly green. Colour is everywhere this season! Florals: What's more spring-like than dressing in florals? Floral dresses are huge right now. After all, it just wouldn't be spring without fresh flowers! When you're wearing a floral dress, keep the rest of yo...

I miss the sun, warm days, and flip flops on my feet. I miss little dresses, patio nights, and the sounds of summer, like my children splashing in the pool. I miss the smells of summer, too, like suntan lotion. I'm over winter—the cold, the snow, the blowing wind, the ice, and all the winter gear that has taken over my house— enough! Sadly, winter is not quite finished with us yet, as is quite evident by the looks of things out there right now. (Just brutal.) Thankfully, I'm leaving winter behind for a vacation down south, to my favourite south Florida resort , where I'll be enjoying the warm sun on my skin, and the fact that we can all wear our summer clothes again... at least temporarily. Bring on the sunshine. Here are some colourful things that remind me of spring that I'm loving right now: Hanky Panky: These are, hands down, the best. They're comfortable, sexy, and come in many awesome colours. These make a great little gift, too and are totally aff...

You could say I'm really passionate about shopping for beauty products. (I'm passionate about shopping,  period .) I could spend hours in stores like Sephora and Murale, and I often get lost in time at the beauty counters in most department stores, like Nordstrom and Holt Renfrew. I have many favourite make-up and hair products that are on my "I could not live without" list. Here's hoping these never get discontinued! Here are five of my most favourite products that I always recommend: Moroccan Oil: I love going to hair salons that use Moroccan Oil . It smells delicious. I also love the Moroccan Oil Body Lotion, because then I can smell yummy all over. The Moroccan Oil I use on my hair leaves my hair feeling silky smooth and soft, and doesn't weigh it down at all.  I use it every day, on wet or dry hair. It takes away frizz, too. You can pick this up at most hair salons. It is totally a hair game-changer. It costs $43.00—a little expensive, but tru...