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STYLE NEWS: hr2 open at Vaughan Mills

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Elaine

A few weeks ago I was invited to attend the media preview of the the hr2 opening at Vaughan Mills. Let me tell you…that was a really busy week for me and I had planned to take that Thursday as my “rest” day….but I could not and would not turn down this invite! I was so excited!

hr2 Vaughn Mill sign

I arrived early (yay for no traffic that day!) and I was literally the first one let into the store!  I decided to snap a few quick photos before browsing as I KNEW I would be distracted.

My first impression was how big and bright the store was.

hr2 womens area
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I then turned my attention to the pretty jewels some of which were encased in glass displays running down the middle of the store.

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Everything in the store looked beautiful so I was skeptical about the prices. I assumed I wouldn’t be able to afford anything but I was gladly proven wrong when my attention turned towards the shoe and bag sections.
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These Tory Burch shoes were about $130 I believe.
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I remember drooling over this bag that Kelly of Alterations Needed picked up (I *think* it’s the same one) which has a regular price tag of close to $2000 was available for $699. Still pricey for a spontaneous purchase for me but if this bag had been on my radar or my wishlist for a while it would have been an excellent price point!

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Louboutins for $199? Yup, you are NOT dreaming! Of course I tried these on in a 37 but they run small and the 37.5 had already been scooped up but I don’t think they were for me anyway, the heel angle on them is just too sharp for me.
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These Kate Spade beauties however were a perfect fit and for $129 I just couldn’t leave them behind 😉 
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I really loved this Rebecca Minkoff tote too – I believe it was $169. There was a navy version of this that I was eyeing on eluxe.ca but I didn’t jump on it as it was still more then I wanted to pay for a mostly canvas tote – but I thought it would make the perfect travel/carry-on bag. I just might have to go back – hopefully it will still be there!
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My other purchase for the day were these Cole Haan flats for $79. I’m sure I’ll get a lot of use out of these this summer!
These was the most fun shopping I had in a really long time. It’s definitely worth the trip to Vaughan Mills to see this 25,000 square foot store – there’s something for everyone including the guys! While some of the same brands will be available at hr2 as at Holt Renfrew there will be NO product overlap and items come in weekly. I know it’s a bit far for those that live close to the downtown core but did you know that there is a complimentary shuttle bus everyday from Union Station to Vaughn Mills at 10am and 1pm? I drive everywhere so getting to Vaughn Mills really isn’t an issue for me and I think I’m going to find plenty of excuses to head to that area of the city now 😉 
Shopping with friends is always fun too, I’m so glad I ran into a few blogger friends such as Robin, Kim, Elaisha, Gloria, Deanne and Noor.
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Me and Deanne

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Me and my curly haired friend Noor.

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One very happy girl!

I will try to get the rest of my pictures up on facebook and I have quite a few up on instagram. If you make the trip be sure to link or tag me so I can drool over your purchases too 😉  Happy shopping! 

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Gang’s all here! 👯‍♀️ I truly love the Gang’s all here! 👯‍♀️

I truly love these @milkmakeup Cooling Water Jelly Tints and wear at least one daily on some combo of eyes, lips, and cheeks. The color payoff is 🤯, the longevity is 😍. They’ve got vegan collagen and aloe to plump and soothe skin. 

For an easy, juicy burst of color this summer, grab yours at @sephoracanada! 🌊

(And check out my blog to learn more about why I love multi-use products!) 

#torontobeautyreviews #milkmakeup #easymakeup #cleanbeauty #summerbeauty #sephoraca #jellytint
Adventure Day!! One of the most special traditions Adventure Day!! One of the most special traditions in our family. ❤️ 

Such a fun day going from above the city all the way down to a hidden basement game bar! Checking out the CN tower, @littlecanada, @waterworksto, @h20floatstudio, and @lobtoronto. 

See any of your fave spots here? What would your perfect Adventure Day look like? 

#torontobeautyreviews #torontoblogger #torontothingstodo #bestofto #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #dateideas
Proud ☺️🌈 And loud, since I have the privi Proud ☺️🌈

And loud, since I have the privilege of being able to live my life openly, unlike so many of my 2SLGBTQIA+ peers. I’m a straight-passing cis white woman, so my queerness doesn’t threaten most people. 

So, with that advantage in mind, let me use this small platform to say to anyone who is listening:

Never forget that Pride started as a riot. 

That Pride is more than slapping a rainbow on something, jacking up the price, and saying “love is love” for four weeks out of the year. 

That true allyship involves action and accountability, 365. 

That trans women, two-spirit individuals, and queer folks of color are the heart and soul of our community. That they continue to show up, to fight, to love, and to lead while facing very real danger. That we owe so much to their courage. 

Never forget that queer folks have always been here. 

That you can’t erase us, ban us, or legislate us out of existence. 

That queerness is a part of nature. 

That it exists even when it’s no longer trendy or politically advantageous. 

That we notice and remember who speaks up and who is silent. 

That we contain multitudes. 

That we deserve safety, compassion, legal protections, love, joy, and a future - just like every other human. 

That not all of us are “out” and don’t need to be; that we will invite you in if and when we choose to, and if and when we feel safe to do so. 

That queer folks make the world better. 

And that, despite seemingly insurmountable odds, we’re going to be ok. 

Because resilience, creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness are fundamental parts of who we are. 

So we’re not going anywhere. Get on board.

Happy Pride!

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Wearing:
@milkmakeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint in 2
@tower28beauty Swipe concealer in BU + GetSet Powder + OneLiner in Paint My Number
@aboutfacebeauty liquid eye shadow in Take a Trip
@ardellbeauty Bat Those Lashes in Enchantress*
@annabellecosmetics Free Spirit eyeliner* + Master Volume mascara*
#QuoBeauty Rainbow maker 
@makeupbymario MoistureGlow in Rosewood Glow

*gifted 

#torontobeautyreviews #pride2025 #queer  #2slgbtqia #mytbrfave #torontomakeup #tbrcontributors #torontoblogger #canadian
Have you donated blood before? 🩸If you’re cur Have you donated blood before? 🩸If you’re curious, check out this video to learn more about the process! 

It was so easy and honestly not painful at all. And I felt so good afterwards, knowing that my donation will help someone in need. 🥰 I’ll definitely be a regular donor at @canadaslifeline from here on out. 

If you have any questions, ask away! ⬇️

#torontobeautyreviews #canadaslifeline #canadianbloodservices #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #maketheworldbetter #toronto #thingstodo #blooddonation #onegative #firsttimedonor
Whoops - forgot to post for two months 🙈 I’v Whoops - forgot to post for two months 🙈

I’ve been so busy with my day job that I unfortunately haven’t had much time to devote to TBR. 😫 But I’m planning a few new stories (fave SPFs; different lip & cheek formulas) and excited to play with makeup again soon. ✨

For now, here’s a snap of my typical minimal makeup look. Takes 5 mins, tops! 🎨

@annabellecosmetics Master Volume mascara + Kohl matte eyeliner in charcoal* 
@tower28beauty Swipe concealer in BU + oneliner in Paint My Number + GetSet translucent powder 
@rarebeauty Flexible Lifting Brow Gel
@milkmakeup Sculpt Stick in Toasted + Cooling Water Jelly Tint in Splash 
@baileynelsonca August glasses 

*gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #minimalmakeup #cleanbeauty #annabelleugcteam #annabellecosmetics #tbrcontributors #easymakeup #cleanmakeup #tower28 #milkmakeup
Just some casual, everyday makeup 🙃🔷 Wearin Just some casual, everyday makeup 🙃🔷

Wearing @colourpopcosmetics Ultra Matte lip in Jellies and @annabellecosmetics Free Spirit eyeliner in Black*

*gifted 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #bluelipstick #boldmakeup #tbrcontributors #beautyforeveryone #colourpopme
Looking for long-wear eyeshadow with colours that Looking for long-wear eyeshadow with colours that show off every hue of you? Check out @annabellecosmetics new Big Show Multi-Use Eyeshadow Pen! 🎨

✨ Canadian 🇨🇦
✨ Cruelty-free
✨ 12+ hr wear
✨ affordable ($10!!)

#ad #Annabellecosmetics, #AnnabelleUGCTeam #torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #natapr #canadianmakeup #crueltyfreebeauty #easymakeup
Looking to pamper yourself with something unique? Looking to pamper yourself with something unique? ✨ Swing by @touchmassagebar for a seated massage!

Here’s a quick peek into my experience with the « I Want it All » foot, hand, neck, and shoulders massage with the « Free Your Mind » scalp massage add-on. Heaven! 😍

#torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #massagetoronto #footmassage #scalpmassage #touchmassagebar #treatyoself
Putting these on the grid so I can look at them lo Putting these on the grid so I can look at them long after they’ve gone 🥰💐 

@wellingtonfleur did an amazing job creating this custom bouquet! (And @adam__malek did an exceptional job picking things out!)
💙🩵🩶 Wearing: @hauslabs Triclone skin te 💙🩵🩶 

Wearing:
@hauslabs Triclone skin tech concealer in 03
@milkmakeup sculpt stick in Toasted 
@annabellecosmetics kohl eyeliner in black* + Sky Limit mascara*
@tower28beauty GetSet powder + OneLiner in Paint My Number (as blush)
@rarebeauty lifting brow gel 
@lysbeautyofficial bronzer in motivate 
#QuoBeauty Love Is Love palette
@patmcgrathreal Celestial Nirvana palette 

*gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #boldmakeup #blueeyeshadow #makeupinspo #drugstoremakeup #beautyforeveryone #canadianbrand
Little pop of color to brighten the grey day 💚🖤

Wearing:
@annabellecosmetics Kohl eyeliner in Balsam Green*+ Sky Limit mascara* + Perfect Fit setting spray*
@colourpopcosmetics Just My Luck palette
@hauslabs Triclone Skin Tech concealer in 03
@milkmakeup sculpt stick in Toasted + cooling water jelly tint in Splash 
@rarebeauty lifting brow gel
@tower28beauty GetSet powder in translucent + Oneliner in Paint My Number 
@kjh.brand Hyper Shine Highlight kit in Lite Pink 

*gifted products 
#mytbrfave #torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #beautyforeveryone #greeneyeshadow #easymakeup #makeupinspo
Life (and lack of shipping options) get in the way Life (and lack of shipping options) get in the way of your holiday shopping? 😬 Not to fear - TBR’s elves have got you covered! 🙌🏼

Check out our last-minute holiday gift guide highlighting local stores where you can get amazing presents for everyone on your list! ✅🎁

Featuring: @thedetoxmarketcanada @aaniin.hello @goodintentions.to @soccoliving @juxtaposeannex @shoppersdrugmart @canadiantire @wildcraftcare @sharkbeauty @sodastreamcanada @annabellecosmetics @marcellecosmetics (and a pro tip from @calenmikenzie!) 

*some products were gifted for editorial consideration 

#lastminutegifts #holidaygiftguide #torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #shoplocalcanada #torontobusiness
🐛🍎🍐🍓🍉🧀🥓🍭🍰🦋 Hallowee 🐛🍎🍐🍓🍉🧀🥓🍭🍰🦋

Halloween as a librarian who used to be an MUA 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #halloween2024 #theveryhungrycaterpillar #makeupinspo #easycostume #bookstagram
Happy Autumn, from me & the books 📚 🍁🍂 # Happy Autumn, from me & the books 📚 🍁🍂

#torontobeautyreviews #librarian #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #dailymakeup
Looking to shift your skincare routine as the weat Looking to shift your skincare routine as the weather changes? Learn more about why LoLa loves @byoma - and why you should definitely check out this drugstore powerhouse - in her latest piece for the blog. 

🔗 in bio! 🙌🏼

*products kindly gifted

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #byoma #villabrill #brillcom #lexpr #shoppersbeauty #drugstoreskincare
Prague! 🇨🇿 1 - Charles Bridge 2 - St Vitus Prague! 🇨🇿

1 - Charles Bridge
2 - St Vitus Cathedral (took 600 yrs to build; I cried because it was so stunning in person)
3 - Cute lil gargoyle 
4 - Palace gardens
5 - Beer Spa + beer chocolates in Tycho Brahe’s former home! (Check out my recent reel for more on this)
6 - Truffle gnocchi in champagne foam @cafeimperial_praha 🤤
7 - Klementinum Baroque library 
8 - from the top of the Astronomical Tower! 
9 - Astronomical Clock 
10 - Wunderkammer at Strahov Monastery 
11 - Philosophical Hall at Strahov Monastery
12 - c. 1800 Dendrological Library at Strahov (books carved from trees, covered in their bark and lichen & filled with their leaves and seeds!)
13 - 800 yr old natural sandstone water spring underneath Strahov Monastery, now housed in what they call “Hell” restaurant. 😂 @napekle 
14 - Travel friends! @kendranh 
15 - *Immediately* losing at pinball at @joystick_bar_prague 👾
16 - Getting *very* into the all-you-can-drink wine bar (!) @nasklenicku 🍷
17 - obligatory trashy snacks after the wine bar 
18 - peacock chilling on the hotel grounds @hotelupava 
19 - Fun restaurant where you pay by the skewer (sooo tasty) @bistrospejle 
20 - the views were ok, I guess 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #prague #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #praha #europetrip #visitprague
Throwback to the incredible @arianaandtherose show Throwback to the incredible @arianaandtherose show in July ✨❤️ The Lonely Hearts Club tour was an absolute banger. CANNOT WAIT for the next album! Get your glitter ready, friends. 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #lonelyheartsclub #lonelyheartsclubtour #arianaandtherose #torontoevents #synthpop #indieartist
Venice! 🇮🇹 1 - gelato 2 - stunning architec Venice! 🇮🇹

1 - gelato
2 - stunning architecture everywhere 
3 - snacks 
4 - the original horses from St Mark’s Basilica
5 - Ponte dell’Accademia 
6 - 🍝
7 - the staircase of books at the Libreria Acqua Alta 
8 & 9 - canals 
10 - Torcello
11 - Burano 
12 - 1300 yr old church 
13 - casual ceiling in Doge’s Palace
14 - glass art from Murano
15 - St Mark’s
16 - tiramisu cannoli. Italian food turducken!
17 - Vivaldi concert w orchestra in Baroque costumes
18 - 🍕

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #venice #italytrip #summertravel
Come with me to pick up the art piece created from Come with me to pick up the art piece created from the flowers in my bridal bouquet! 🥹❤️

Getting my flowers preserved and turned into this incredible piece was one of the best decisions I made during my wedding planning. ✨

Amanda and her team are extraordinary artists (and wonderful humans!) who give your flowers a new life and preserve memories. Every time I walk past this piece on my wall, my heart glows with flashbacks of my wedding day. 

If you have an important event that includes flowers, do yourself a favor and book with Parched to get them preserved. They accept flowers from across Canada, and have worked on blooms marking all occasions of life, from graduations, baby showers, weddings, and memorials. They can even create pendants using flower remnants! 

Bouquet: @coolgreenandshady 
Wedding photographer: @alexa.studios 
Wedding planner: @karinalemkeweddings 
Preservation artists: @parchedfloral 

#torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #smallbusinesssupport #floralpreservation #torontowedding #weddinginspo #parchedfloral #weddingflorals
Come visit a Beer Spa with us in Prague! 🤯🍻🛁

This was definitely a unique and fun experience during our vacation. And our skin felt soooooo soft after! 😍

#Beer #torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #prague #europetrip #tripideas #spaday 

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