Really Pretty

 As you may know I do like girly things and I had decided some time ago to visit Pretty Beauty and Books on Markham Street here in Toronto...just south of Bloor, same block as Southern Accent - if that helps you...

I adore trying out new colours and perfumes and these are especially lovely and healthy. They described themselves as "your clean and green beauty counter". Nice.  The lipstick is by Ilia - a Vancouver based line and the tube itself is made of recycled metal with recycled plastic in the interior. And the lipstick or rather "pure lip care" - it's lovely, creamy with beautiful shades - the one I chose (and that was in stock is - "Nobody's Baby"...I wonder if that was Sheila Copps inspired. LOL. As you can see from the blurry photo it's a nice nude shade...I'm waiting for a pretty pink/mauve shade to come in (Blossom Lady)...pink is all the rage in the cosmetic world's spring palette. I think the "Shell Shock" shade looks great too - the proprietor confessed it was one of the only lipsticks where she had ever scooped out the remaining colour from the bottom with a lip brush. I'm not a big lipstick fan - I prefer glosses - but I think this may convert me, especially since it's so soothing!

I also sampled the Tallulah Jane perfume line - which is based in New York and is natural. I am partial to Tallulah and Leotie right now but have the 333 and Gotham as samples as well. I also admired their line of Scotch nail polishes - non toxic and friendly and they come in amazing colours - the colour below is called "Seething Jealousy" - other names include "Kiltlifter" - red in time for Valentine's! They also sell the RMS Beauty line - a raw product line which features lip and cheek tints and a cult favourite illuminator and even offer classes on how to use your newly acquired goodies. 

Visit them online at www.shoppretty.ca. or visit them at 587 Markham Street. The proprietor - Andrea? was also reading an interesting book "The Encyclopedia of the Exquisite" written by a former Vogue staffer....two of my fave things books and beauty!

Speaking of beauties the Satin Dolls will be at Trane Studio tonight - billed as Toronto's only female jazz vocal quartet - and features the talents of Illana Waldston, Liz Tansey, Donna Green and Karen Bell.

I would be remiss if I didn't congratulate all the amazing Juno nominees announced this week including Diana Panton and Fern Lindzon for vocal jazz album, Hilario Duran and Jane Bunnett for best Contemporary Jazz Album along with Phil Dwyer. Dave Young's Quintet, Kirk McDonald's Orchestra and of course one of my fave saxophonists - Mike Murley! The entire list is below thanks to the Ottawa Citizen.



. CONTEMPORARY JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Rest of the Story, Chris Tarry (Nineteen Eight)
New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges, Colin Stetson (Constellation/Outside)
Idiosyncrasie, François Bourassa Quartet (Effendi/Sélect)
Cuban Rhapsody, Hilario Duran & Jane Bunnett (Alma/Universal)
Changing Seasons, Phil Dwyer Orchestra feat. Mark Fewer (Alma/Universal)

TRADITIONAL JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Aspects of Oscar, Dave Young Quintet (Modica/Independent)
Verge, David Braid (Independent)
Deep Shadows, Kirk MacDonald Orchestra (Addo)
Still Rollin’, Mike Murley Septet (Cornerstone/Outside)
Live In Baden, Oliver Jones (Justin Time/EMI)

VOCAL JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR
To Brazil With Love, Diana Panton (Independent/eOne)
Two Kites, Fern Lindzon (Independent)
Le carré de nos amours, Sonia Johnson (Effendi/Sélect)
In The Moonlight, Sophie Milman (eOne)
Skin Tight, The Nylons (Linus/Universal)