For pretty much my entire life, my mom and I would always stop off at WINNERS to go shopping. As we would bury ourselves in the racks, her in the home decor and me in the juniors section, our shopping cart would fill up. For many, WINNERS has become the go-to place for brand name clothing at incredible prices.
But something has changed, or rather perhaps it is my awareness of the issue. Previously when I used to go shopping with my mom, I’d attempt with all my might to fit into clothes that didn’t fit me, in the hopes that I too could have brand name clothes. But now as an older, self-identified plus-size woman who has a passion for fashion and self-awareness of her clothing size, I had to wonder if WINNERS was still a place I could shop with ease.
As I went plus-size shopping at WINNERS, I decided to check out the following stores…
College Park Winners
According to BlogTO, this is one of the best WINNERS in Toronto and to be honest, they are not wrong. The selection in this plus size section was pretty vast, albeit the style was fairly dated. What do I mean by that exactly? Shirts with lace and trim and beading. Jeans that had either a sprinkling of sequins or various grommets. And do not even get me started on the uneven hemlines, that are meant to “hide” certain aspects of your body. But I dug through the racks and pulled out a handful of items worth trying on.
Yellow sweater (wool or cashmere), $29.99
I really loved this sweater, but the fabric was so itchy. I loved the high-low hemline around the waist and the droopy arms. It would be such a comfy sweater for the winter, but I honestly don’t think I could deal with the fabric.
Military green jeggings, $24.99
Finding pants that fit and then don’t stretch out is the eternal struggle. While I love coloured jeans/jeggings and these did indeed fit perfectly (pictured paired with the yellow sweater), they bunched in the crotch. It created a weird camel toe almost, which meant the pants had too much stretch. You’d be replacing those in a few months and cursing their existence. Take this from someone who has been there and pulled up way too many pants falling down her butt in the middle of the street.
Navy blue floral Junarose dress, $29.99
Okay, real talk? I was low-key obsessed with this dress. It fit perfectly, was made from a cotton/poly blend fabric so it was breathable and was absolutely beautiful. No complaints about this dress other than I don’t know why I didn’t buy it. Really kicking myself here.
Pink patterned dress shirt with zipper detailing, $24.99 and Rebel Wilson denim (size 20), $24.99
I decided to try these two items together, and I have feelings. First and foremost, this dress shirt is something I likely would have worn a few years ago. The fit was actually totally fine, except the arms felt longer than necessary. But the jeans from Rebel Wilson were just a mess. They had this little detailing on the pocket, which I didn’t notice when I picked them up. Immediately, I was enraged. It was unnecessary and just awful. Plus, the pants gave me camel toe. These pants were everything that is wrong with plus size fashion. No wonder they are on sale from $128 to $24.99.
Navy floral dress with purple flowers and cinched waist, $59.99
I saw this on the rack and was immediately obsessed. It has a similar vibe/feel to the Junarose dress I tried on earlier, but this had more of an empire waist. Anyways, the thing that made me hate it immediately? There was a slip underneath the dress which had to go on first, and then the dress had to go on over top. Beautiful dress, but I put the dress on backward at first because I’m a human woman who doesn’t know how to dress themself. Can you imagine doing this every day? No thanks.
Yonge and Dundas Winners
According to BlogTO, this is one of the worst Winners in Toronto and once again, they were not wrong. I walked in and looked around attempting to find the plus-size section, and well: It just didn’t exist. I went up to a sales assistant as I saw some plus sizes mixed into the regular sizes and asked if there was a specific section. She told me no, and mentioned what was on the racks was just what they had.
Well, alright then. What I can say is this: the changeroom lighting at the Yonge and Dundas store was considerably better, so points for that?
Blue and Grey oversized blazer, $39.99
I actually really liked this and thought it fit well. I checked the label, and it was a cotton and polyester blend. I know that those have a tendency to pill the most, so I was uncertain of how it would withstand the test of time. But it was super cute on and fit well — this was a great plus-size shopping at WINNERS find.
Floral shirt in yellow and pink, $24.99 and Rebel Wilson denim in black (skinny fit, size 20), $24.99
So this outfit is everything that is wrong with plus-size fashion. A shirt with competitive patterns and an uneven hemline, with a tail in the back to cover your butt. A pair of jeans that actually fit, but then you look at the bottom and there are all these unnecessary detailings that go half-way up the leg. WHY!?!
Yellow knitted sweater, $29.99
I loved this knitted sweater so much and it was comfortable and not itchy. Honestly, I could imagine this being one of my go-to sweaters for winter. I loved the button detailing on the side that you could undo to reveal a shirt.
So what’s my verdict for plus-size shopping at WINNERS?
Well, it’s clear you can go shopping at WINNERS but akin to Value Village, it’s about the hunt. WINNERS will acquire overstock or items from brands or labels that are off-season or never succeeded for them. The taste in plus-size is questionable, at best. Right now (in my opinion) the plus-size sections seem to skew older, rather than younger. While WINNERS really prides itself on being a store for brand names, the only two labels I recognized while shopping in the plus section were Junarose and Rebel Wilson, which is great, but I went to two different stores. We need more than two recognizable brand names in those sections considering the straight size sections have so many recognizable brands. If you have the time to spend, check it out. But to be honest, Winners is hit and miss considering I only loved three out of the ten things I tried on.
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I am obsessed with playing with my makeup and having fun with it. The thing I am not obsessed with: the cost. So often, you’ll find brand name products at Sephora or Nordstrom that will end up costing you anywhere from $20-80. That ain’t cute.
Although many people have talked about purchasing makeup at the dollar store, one place I kept hearing about on makeup social media was MINISO. If you’re not familiar with the brand, the best way to describe it is the Japanese version of the dollar store, but with Uniqlo’s store aesthetic and MUJI’s product catalogue. Kind of the best, right?
In downtown Toronto, there are two big stores: one on Queen Street West and one at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, so I decided to schedule a trip to check out their skin and makeup section immediately. As soon as I got through the doors, I was captivated by the huge selection of brushes, tweezers, and other makeup/skin accessories.
The makeup selection itself was half-way decent and is front and centre upon entering the store.
You’ll find foundation, powders, lipsticks, highlighters, blushes, eyeshadows, nail polish – and well pretty much everything, really! While there wasn’t as much selection as places like Sephora, the prices were on point (nothing over $10) and everything had cute packaging. As I went through the aisles, I wanted to see if it was possible to in possible to create a whole face from start to finish for under $50, and sure enough — it was.
I grabbed a basket and decided to pick-up a few essential items that would help me to create my finished look for my Miniso makeup review.
- Tone Correcting Pressed Powder, $2.95
- Hydro Light Foundation, $2.95
- Flawless Baked Blusher in Sweet Peach, $2.95
- Flawless Ombre Highlighter in Topaz, $5.95
- The Pink Panther Eyeshadow Palette in Bronze Chic, $7.95
- Moist Lip & Eye Colour in Golden, $2.95
- Colour Stay Lipstick in Coral, $2.95
- Deep-cleansing make-up facial removal cream, $7.95
- Micellar facial wipes, $2.95
Once I got home, I decided to try everything out for my MINISO beauty review.
What I noticed with the hydro light foundation was that it was more of a light to medium coverage which felt very lightweight on the face. It did blend out very nicely on my face, but I did find I had to use a bit more than I liked to build up.
Once I applied the tone correcting pressed powder, it set my face perfectly. One thing I did notice, is there are not a lot of options for skin tones. I was lucky since I’m quite pale with a yellow undertone, so I was able to find a quick and easy match. But others might not be so lucky.
Next up, I decided to give their highlighters and blushes a try to see just how pigmented they were.
I found that the topaz colour I chose (similar to gold) was beautiful but needed to build upon before it could be seen. The blush, I was the most disappointed in. Since the packaging is sealed before you buy it and there is nothing to protect the package, when I opened it, the blush was completely broken. I tried to get as much as I could onto my brush, and the colour seemed like a beautiful shimmery orange. What I got on my face, I really loved. It ended up being super subtle.
So far, my face was turning out pretty well. I enjoyed the look of everything so I was excited to see how my new eyeshadow palette would work.
This Pink Panther eyeshadow set came in Bronze Chic, with three eyeshadows and blush. The pigmentation on the eyeshadows was good and the colours were nice to create a natural look with. Since I wanted to add a bit of pop to them, I added the golden sparkle brush on for a bit more shine. This was a bit wetter than I liked, and the eyeshadows had a bit more fall out. But nothing that couldn’t be course-corrected with tissues and Q-Tips.
For the final touches, I used the Colour-Stay lipstick in Coral which comes in pencil format. It was bright, and super pigmented, which I loved. But the best part? I have only had to re-apply it once since 10 a.m. and that’s after having two full meals. Not too shabby for a $2.95 lipstick. I have spent much more on lipsticks of this quality.
Final thoughts?
Going into my MINISO beauty review, I didn’t know what to expect. I’m actually pretty impressed with the quality but, to be honest, I wish they had more selection. However, if you’re on a budget and want to swap out some of your items, I’d recommend checking MINISO out. You might be surprised at what you’ll find.
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*Disclaimer: This story was written before coronavirus was declared a pandemic. Go to the Public Health Agency of Canada website for the latest information on symptoms, prevention, and other resources.
You probably all know and love her dearly: Tess Holliday is one of the most iconic plus-size fashion models and influencers. She has been a huge part of the body positivity movement since 2014 and has made appearances on magazine covers like Cosmopolitan, SELF, and Parents. But the biggest thing people have been dying to know is: how can you dress like her? Most often, Holliday is wearing plus-size brands that we can all order from online, but let’s be honest, that stuff can be expensive and it’s not always what you want.
Here’s how to get Tess Holliday’s Look for under $150!
Look #1:
My finds:
If you’ve been following Tess for any length of time, you’ll know that she loves a good animal print and has a bit of a rock n’ rock vibe. That’s why we couldn’t resist adding in this outfit that’s super easy to re-create. While we couldn’t find a suitable sequin leopard print dress, the outfit is still hot. Don’t skimp on the fishnet socks either — they add in some major sexiness.
Look #2:
My finds:
One of the things we love about Tess’ style is that she is not afraid of colour at all, or something that hugs her body. This is why we love how this dress fits all of her curves and serves beautifully. If you pair it with a contrasting shoe, like these coral mules from Joe Fresh, this outfit would be popping — figuratively and literally.
Look #3:
My finds:
Everyone wants a comfortable, casual look that they can feel good in. This is why it’s important to go digging around at places like Joe Fresh and American Eagle for basics like a jean jacket, and you can find them for cheap. From there, build up this Tess Holliday look out by adding in a tank and some short-shorts. This outfit is perfect for hot summer days, and honestly for showing off your gorgeous thighs. Best part: throw on your favourite pair of sneakers to add in a pop of colour and you can call it a day.
Look #4:
My finds:
Tess is the type of person who doesn’t back down from taking risks with her fashion choses. If the rules say plus-size folks shouldn’t wear prints, she does it and she slays. This is why we love this dress on her. We found the exact one she’s wearing and it looks totally comfortable for the office or everyday life, and of course, it’s affordable too.
Look #5:
My finds:
With the spring/summer time quickly approaching, florals are obviously going to make a big comeback. So of course, we were inspired by Tess Holliday’s love of florals for this outfit and we are obsessed with how cheery the print is. Add in a classic black sandal, a bright lip colour, and you’re good to go!
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Shopping for pantyhose is one of my worst nightmares, for a variety of reasons. For starters, many places have such a limited size range, to begin with (hello, bodies exist beyond a large or extra-large!) and oftentimes, the plus-size tights that are out there is just plain boring. Trust me, I’ve been down this path one too many times. When you’re plus-size and trying to find something to cover up those bare legs during the fall and winter months, the struggle can be real.
But thanks to a lot of time (and research), I seem to have found 6 brands who are KILLING the plus-size tights game. Take a look!
We Love Colors
The first time I tried on tights from this brand, I immediately fell in love. Not only was I able to get fun and funky styled tights, but they didn’t slouch, or fall down. It was like I had finally found a pair of plus-size tights that – gasp – fit perfectly. Now since you can only order these online, the biggest deal-breaker is the shipping expenses. But my three pairs of tights have lasted nearly two winter seasons, without rips or tears. So consider me a fan who is willing to preach the We Love Colors gospel to one and all.
Sheertex
When I was investigating online about where to find the best tights, many people were raving about Sheertex. I wasn’t sure if the hype was real as the tights are super expensive. But there is a reason! The brand claims that its tights last ten times longer than the competition, and to be honest, they genuinely do. I have pretty long nails, and I didn’t rip into them at all. My only complaint really? The control top is pretty tight, so if that’s not your jam, move along.
Addition Elle
For as long as I can remember, Addition Elle has been my go-to for solid plus-size tights. Not only were they fashionable, but they were also functional. In my experience, they would keep everything in place, and I didn’t have any struggle pulling them up. Over time though, I did find that they stretched a little bit on my body. But otherwise, good value for money.
Hue Tights
After many nights researching in a Facebook group for plus size women, many had recommended Hue Tights as their go-to. I decided it was time to try it out for myself once and for all. Available to directly order via their website, or on Amazon – the tights have several different styles to choose from. They fit pretty true to size with not too much stretch. In the pair I ordered, it came with a control top which was surprisingly comfortable. One thing you may want to consider is that the Hue Tights are surprisingly low rise.
Torrid
Similar to Addition Elle, the tights on offer at Torrid are cheap, cheerful, and necessary. They are surprisingly comfortable and don’t stretch out as much as other tights on the market. It makes them an affordable option for the plus-size consumer who loves to purchase from a brick and mortar store.
Joe Fresh
Recently, Joe Fresh stopped carrying a majority of its plus-size offerings in-store, however, you should still be able to find its tights online and to be honest, I’d grab them. For $6, they are the best value, but probably not the best quality. With that being said, they will get you through a work event or a few weeks in the winter. Besides, if you get a hole in them – who cares? You paid $6 for them!
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A few months back, some people in my local plus-size trading group kept on recommending American Eagle as ‘the place to go’ for jeans. Me, the skeptic, was highly dubious of this recommendation. In my head, all I could think about were my evenings at the Erin Mills Town Centre in Mississauga during high school.
I would go shopping with my friends, and American Eagle was ‘the’ place to shop.
But times had changed since I was 17 years old. For starters, I was no longer the size 16 I once was and now was a full-fledged plus-size (size 18/20, respectively) and would consider myself an apple shape. I really didn’t think this brand, whose entire marketing ethos was appealing to the ‘average American’, would genuinely want to put clothes on a body like mine. But guess what? It does!
While the store doesn’t offer a full range of sizes, there was more selection offered here than at Old Navy which made me shocked. Also, the sales rep greeted me immediately and helped me find a bunch of outfits to try on, without even looking twice at my size or shape. It felt like I had entered the Twilight Zone, to be honest.
So after she consulted with me, we pulled together four different outfits, here are my thoughts about shopping plus-size at American Eagle!
Outfit #1:
Floral pants, size XL – $49.95
Light yellow knitted top, size XL – $34.95
Before we went into the change room, the sales associate told me that most of the items in the store had a loose fit, and she talked to me about the fabrics. The pants were made from a light cotton material, which would be perfect for the spring and I was in LOVE with the pattern! The yellow knit shirt was soft on the skin, and didn’t fit too tight. I did find it a little loose in the arms (for my liking) but overall, this outfit combo was a huge hit for me.
Outfit #2:
Varsity crop hoodie, size XL – $49.95
Black curvy regular jeans, size 20 – $64.95
So prior to heading into American Eagle, everyone was raving about the jeans, so I knew I needed to try them. I scooped up this semi-cropped hoodie to go along with them to give me a sporty look. Overall, I loved the feel of the sweatshirt. Now let’s talk about the jeans! Man oh man, was I disappointed. They fit quite perfectly in the waist but other than that, they were baggy all over, causing weird bunching on the leg and near the crotch — not great.
Outfit #3:
Light blue paper bag pants, size XL – $44.95
Eggplant soft tee, size L – $29.95
The sales associate told me these were her favourite pants, and I was almost positive I had spotted them on Sarah Anne, a plus-size blogger’s Instagram before. I thought I’d give them a try and paired them alongside an eggplant-colored soft tee. The pants were a bit tight to get on, but once they were on, they were totally fine to move around in and super comfortable. Since I sized down in the shirt, I found it hugged my hips and all my curves just the way I liked. My only concern was: would the item hold up in the wash?
Outfit #4:
Black ripped denim mini-skirt, size 18 – $59.95
Oversized white knitted sweater – $54.95
When I originally saw the skirt on the rack, my eyes bulged out of my head a bit. The sales associate said, “Trust me, this is going to look dope on you.” She was not wrong, but also it’s not as short as I anticipated. I thought for sure we were going to have a Britney moment, and I was worried as all hell. The over-sized sweater was comfy as hell. I am not a huge sweater person and I was into this.
Overall, the shopping experience was great — like a lot more positive than I was expecting.
In denim, the retailer carries up to a 24 in store and only an XL in tops, dresses, and some pants. Because so many things were oversized, it was good to try things on. For example – I tried on a size 16 skirt and fit into it but it was TIGHT so a size 18 felt way better. If you, like me, needed convincing to go shop at American Eagle, hopefully, this does it.
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If you’re like me, you’re endlessly trying to achieve your best skin possible and sometimes, it seems like an unattainable goal. The internet is a minefield of tips, tricks, and recommendations that it truly can feel difficult to suss out what’s what. This is why I decided to sit down for a chat with Fran Allen, a Certified Nutritional Practitioner and Skin Therapist who works with Province Apothecary.
Together on the phone, Fran walked me through the what’s what of skincare and entertained even my silliest questions. It’s a big part of the foundational work that she does working at the skin lab for Province Apothecary: talking to clients, answering questions and helping them find effective solutions from conventional products and perhaps, look into new holistic solutions. How cool is that?
Read on to find out 6 skincare myths that were debunked by a pro!
I read that jade rollers are supposed to be great, but do they actually do anything?
Fran explains to me that there’s currently no education on how to use jade rollers, the misinformation can become dangerous.”Yes, they are very pretty, and I would keep it cool. But it’s funny when we use them in our facials because people always comment, ‘Oh wow, this is how you’re supposed to use them?’” Allen also notes that because it’s intended to be cold, it’s you are using one, you should apply light pressure and use it for gentle sculpting and drainage. “It’s really not something that you need to use a lot of, or but a lot of pressure into. People tend to want to be more aggressive with their skin.”
I read all about that Kylie Skin Walnut Skin drama online back in May – is it really that back for your skin?
Listen, there are lots of physical exfoliators containing walnut or even, St. Ives’ apricot scrub. But Allen pleads, “Everybody stop using these scrubs on your face!” She explains that people often want skincare that’s intense, and feels like they’re doing something. “Skincare should often feel subtle and consistent. That’s where you’re going to find the best results.” She also explains that with walnut and apricot scrubs, you have the ability to impact your skin’s protective barrier and compromise the microbiome. So the moral of the story here is: stop using abrasive scrubs. It’s not worth it.
Real talk though: do I need to have different skincare products for day and night?
The short answer: no. The longer answer: you might want to use different products in the day than you do at night. Allen explains, “During the day, having an SPF on is important,” and she recommends using something zinc-based like Drunk Elephant or BareMinerals which packs powerful protection. “Either way, make sure you’re using an SPF on top of your moisturizer or you are purchasing a moisturizer with an SPF.” At nighttime, the products you might want to use on your face are different, than in the morning. Typically, Allen recommends to clients to use more active ingredients in the evenings. These include hyaluronic acid, AHAs, BHA, retinoids, and salicylic acid – just to name a few. “Your skin is kind of like working to repair and regenerate, while you’re sleeping and while you have those products on your skin.” But the long and short answer: if you wear them at night or day, it doesn’t really matter.
People seem to swear by facial steams, but I keep reading that they aren’t great for your face. What’s the scoop on this skincare myth?
Allen believes that steaming can be good for your face, but explains it definitely depends on when you’re using it. “If you are somebody with rosacea or incredibly sensitive skin, using an excessive amount of steam is going to break capillaries in the skin,” noting that skincare is not a one-size-fits-all approach and is more individual. One place Allen does see facial steaming take place and does not recommend, is the shower. “I think is really interesting and a place where steaming goes rogue,” explaining that when people wash their face or take care of their skincare in the shower, they aren’t actually doing anything. “Just because you are washing your face with whatever you’re using, you’re kind of moving the buildup on the skin. It’s just moving it around, and you’re steaming your skin and it’s absorbing it again.” Yuck! Remind us never to wash our face in the shower again.
How true is it that food can affect your diet?
Allen is quick to point out that a lot of time, people have misconceptions about what is causing their skin issues noting, “There can be a lot of fear around this, and I would recommend seeing a professional if you think your diet is affecting your skin.” Often the correlation does not imply causation, so Allen will encounter people who feel really guilty or start restricting foods just so they can preserve their skin. She explains, “I don’t necessarily think that’s always the best place to start.” She notes that if you do suffer from rosacea, acne or cystic breakouts – things like dairy may exacerbate it, but she explains “it usually signifies that there’s a deeper issue happening and they could definitely be related to food, stress, lifestyle, or other things. From there, it’s best to take a holistic approach to skincare.”
I was always told that toothpaste on a zit would help dry it out – is this one of the skin care myths that’s true or false?
Allen laughs and says, “I wonder if it’s the baking soda and the peppermint in the toothpaste?” But to her knowledge, no – it’s just fake news. All these years, you mean to tell me I’ve just been walking around with toothpaste spots on my face for no reason. Dammit.
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Let’s face it: you don’t want to have to shop online all the time when you’re plus size. Besides the exchange rate, duties, and shipping – there are other factors to consider including if things will fit properly. This is why finding stores you can shop in is so important, and one that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg. This is why I decided to go and check out Old Navy. After 11 years, Old Navy decided it would bring plus sizes back to select stores throughout North America with sizes ranging from 0-30, XS-XXL, 1x-4x in Regular, Petite, Tall, Short, and Long.
One of the biggest Old Navy locations in the GTA is at the Toronto Eaton Centre, so I hauled myself down there to check it out.
The brand prides itself on carrying classic pieces with some in fun, trendy styles and funky colours and to be honest, I’ll never forget the yellow jeans I bought from Old Navy way back when. They were one of my go-to’s until they completely stretched out in the waist, so I headed over to the Eaton Centre, excited to check out just what this plus-size section was all about, and just what the situation was.
Wandering the store, there was no specific “plus” section, however, I did find some size 18’s, 20’s and XXL’s on the racks, which leads me to believe the true “plus” sizes can all found online.
I decided to take a chance with some items, and see if they fit on me, since I’m an 18/20 but am fully aware all brands fit differently.
Outfit #1:
Light blue dress shirt, size XL – $29.99
Black dress pants, size XL – $39.99
Both of these items fit tight against my body. I was unable to get the shirt fully done up, and as an apple-shaped body, it fits tightly against my belly. It is clear that I needed a 1X in both of these items, at a minimum. But the fit of both items makes me feel super uncomfortable about my body, and I don’t like them.
Outfit #2:
Mustard cotton dress with pockets, size XXL – $49.99
I adore every single thing about this dress: the colour and the style. While it does fit, it feels a bit baggy in some areas, and not in others. I tried to handle this with the tie provided at the waist. I’m not sure if this is the fit of the dress or just a sizing issue? Unfortunately, I didn’t try an XL so I’m not too sure. Still kinda loved everything about this, as I felt it could potentially be tailored.
Outfit #3:
Animal print dress, size XL – $39.99
As soon as I spotted this dress on the rack, I immediately thought of Monique Heart from RuPaul’s Drag Race saying, “Brown cow, stunning!” and needed to put it on my body. Honestly, I was kind of shocked at how much I liked this dress, and also that it fit. The best part: it has pockets. While it wasn’t tight, my only concern (post-try-on) is I forgot to check the fabric and I’m wondering about possible shrinkage in the dryer.
Outfit #4:
Red ankle-length jeans, size 18 – $44.99
Floral print top, size XL – $34.99
As much as the last top was a total miss, this one fit and gave me the spring vibes I longed for and desired while plus-size shopping at Old Navy. I was really hoping it would sing beautifully with the red pants I had picked out (trying to relive the dream of my former yellow pants), but those were crushed immediately. The fit was off, the length was all wrong, and I could barely get them up. Well, we tried!
Outfit #5:
Red floral dress, size XL – $32.99
As soon as I tried this on, I immediately loved it. It made me long for the spring/summer months, which I think is a good thing! It wasn’t tight around the arms or chest area, which is important. It was light and flowy, which made me personally feel happy.
With all that tried on, what was the final verdict on plus-size shopping at Old Navy?
Well, to be honest, I’m wondering where the actual plus-sizes were? A lot of the stuff I tried on and spied inside Old Navy was cute, but a lot of the items were slightly too small and I had no ability to size up. While I’m not sure if any other Old Navy stores DO carry plus-sizes in-house, I did search online and in some plus-size groups to see if there was any chatter I could find: nothing.
Which starts an even larger conversation about why aren’t more brands carrying plus in-stores because we need basics like these!!
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Ugh, if there is one thing I hate about the winter season, it’s definitely the frigid temperatures. Yeah sure, it’s great for breaking out all those lovely layering sweaters and beautiful thick scarfs to protect your neck, but you know what it’s not great for? Your skin! As temperatures dip lower, as they do here in Canada, it tends to wreak havoc on your skin making it dry, flaky and in some cases, even cracking. If you’re like me and try to have a serious skincare regimen, then there are some simple things you can do to save your skin during the winter season and it includes sometimes indulging in a facial. Sure we could go to any of the many spas that Toronto has, but if you’re looking for a cozier experience, then head to any of these hidden gem places to score a great facial.
Here are 10 great hidden gem spots to get a facial in Toronto.
Dermalogica @ Royal Bank Plaza
Listen, we all have our own skincare routines, but sometimes, there’s no shame in admitting that we need extra help. This is why at the beginning of December, I went to the brand new Dermalogica flagship located inside the Royal Bank Plaza to book my very own treatment. I selected the ProSkin 30, which cost $70 and offers a high-impact treatment customized to my skin concerns. Not only was the facial totally rejuvenating to my skin, but the team also introduced me to a gentle exfoliant that’s perfect for the winter months. Since the skin barrier is compromised during the winter (because of the dryness and the cold air), it’s important to use a gentle exfoliant. Who knew?
Province Apothecary
Our skin is kind of like a map, and the way each person’s skin reacts to different climates is different. This is why I was super interested in Province Apothecary’s holistic approach at its skincare clinic which is located on Dundas West. One of the brands’ facials can cost between $90-$120 for up to 60 minutes, depending on the specific treatment. With that said, the team will customize a unique facial experience for you and use only active plant ingredients and essential oils. My biggest take away here: using gentler, more natural products for your face, especially during the winter is way BETTER. So go ahead, and splurge.
Gee Beauty
Recently I moved into the Rosedale area and came across Gee Beauty, who are known in the city for some of the signature facials it offers. If you’re fighting against the winter skin blues, you’re going to want to book in for the ‘Naturally Gorgeous’ facial for $165 for 60 minutes. This facial will repair the skin while aiming to bring back radiance that’ll enhance your glow. For an additional cost, you can add in a treatment with an LED light device and to be honest, when trying to beat off the winter’s SAD, it’s totally helpful.
The Detox Market
Everyone knows that The Detox Market is the place to go for all your clean beauty needs but did you know that you can now experience a facial in Toronto there, too? At the retailer’s Yorkville location on Scollard Street, book in for the Odacité’s “Temple of Beauty Facial” which uses the brands all natural yet effective products. Expect to see a noticeable post-facial glow that’ll also have you looking majorly contoured. In addition to the relaxing hour-long facial, you’ll also receive a warm and cold gua sha massage which de-puffs the face, and is great for lymphatic drainage.
Blitz Facial Bar
Known for its killer facial menu, Blitz Facial Bar is the place to go for all of your skin needs. My go-to when visiting is “The Micro” facial, which is just 30 minutes ling and costs only $85. While this facial goes through all the nitty, gritty of most facial procedures, it also restores collagen, and uses a diamond tip paired with gentle suction to remove the outermost layer of dead skin. Trust me, it’s pretty cathartic to see and hear that dead skin being removed.
Majesty’s Pleasure
While everyone is town knows Majesty’s Pleasure for its nail art, you probably didn’t know that this hotspot offers a quality facial in Toronto. Stop by for its “Rejuvenating Facial” that’s 60 minutes long and even though it costs $165, let me tell you — the steam, exfoliation and extraction process is incredible. Not moisturizing your skin can leave cracks in the skins surface, so if you’re feeling all the dry skin feels, then this process will be key in helping it stay supple.
SILK + PALM
If you’re in the mood for a unique facial, check out Yorkville’s SILK + PALM and try out it’s Silk Glow facial which includes the spa’s signature acupuncture. It’ll put you out $150 but you can’t really put a price on great skin, right? The acupuncture balances out the skin from the inside out and increases collagen production and it’s followed by relaxing gua sha and jade roller massage that increases circulation and reduces puffiness.
Tips Nail Bar
Another Toronto nail salon that’s known for its nail art is Tips Nail Bar but you can get so much more there besides a fabulous mani. Tips is home to a great hidden-gem spa that offers top quality facials in Toronto as well as microdermabrasion, peels, and more. If you don’t have the time for a full-on facial, Tips offers 20 minute Micro-Zone treatments like flash exfoliation, eye rescue, and lip renewal, among others as well as its classic 75 minute Dermalogica facial which is the real deal.
The Ten Spot
With so many Ten Spot locations not only in Toronto but across the country, you’re never far from a wealth of beauty services. The Ten Spot offers nail services, laser, waxing, and of course, facials at all of its locations. Choose from a quickie detox facial for $60 if you’re in a hurry or indulge in a fully customized facial for $110. Plus, at some outposts you can even enjoy a post-facial cocktail!
Sweat And Tonic
Life is moving so fast these days that we’re constantly searching for convenience everywhere we go. If you’re in need of a facial and a good workout but can’t make it to both places, simply head to Sweat and Tonic that’s located right across the street from the CF Toronto Eaton Centre. The gym/spa/wellness hybrid offers not only HIIT classes, but boxing and yoga, as well as spa services. All of the facials at Sweat and Tonic are just 30 minutes and use Consonant Skincare products, so know you’re getting the best of the best. Even better, if you’re a first time Consonant customer, you can score your first facial for just $45 instead of the regular $65.
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When Uniqlo first opened in Toronto, I was totally pumped. For a long time, I longed to find basics that were affordable. But for some reason, plus size basics were a rare commodity and the ones that did were heckin’ expensive. Prior to making my first trip to Uniqlo, I took a look at the website to see what the sizes were like and what sizes went up to. In-store had sizes up to XL and online sizes carried went up to an XXL, which was promising. I remember having some luck finding clothes, but it was few and far between.
I had heard rumbling that the store’s sizing had changed a bit to fit more North American clientele. Plus, I recently went to check out the UNIQLO X MARIMEKKO collection and found that, shockingly, most of the items fit me. Was this just a lucky coincidence? I decided it was worth an experiment.
Over the holidays, I went back to Uniqlo to check out what they had in stock and shop around for myself. I threw 8 items into my basket and brought them back with me into the changeroom.
Outfit 1:
Chiffon pleated long skirt in purple – $39.90
Rayon long sleeve blouse in light orange – $29.90
I love these two items together because it reminded me a bit of Easter eggs. The skirt fit and still had a bit of room in the waist. I had tried it on in the XL and it had a bit of stretch elastic in the waist which I think helped out. The blouse, on the other hand, was a whole other story. Anyone who has a chest knows that trying to buy a button-up blouse is a nightmare. Not only was this tight in the chest area, but it was tight in the belly. Just a bad combo and a pass all around. Hella cute colour tho!
Outfit 2:
Rayon printed ¾ sleeve shirt dress – $49.90
For some reason, when I walked by this dress, it reminded me of the dress I tried on during my try-on haul at Nordstrom Rack. The XL in this dress actually fit quite large in the chest area, providing a bit of a weird fit. But the rest of the dress was absolute perfection. I didn’t have any issues getting it on or off and I felt super cute in it.
Outfit 3:
Light fluffy soufflé yarn crew neck sweater in purple – $29.90
I am usually pretty picky when it comes to sweaters, and I have to admit — this one way pretty alright. It was lightweight and oversized while still being super cute and not looking like a piece of fabric draped on my body. Not sure about the colour, but that’s my own personal taste.
Outfit 4:
Extra stretch lounge dress (long sleeve) in navy blue – $29.90
Out of all the things I tried on for my Uniqlo plus size test, this was probably the thing I loved the most. For starters, I tried on a size large and it fit. Secondly, it was stretchy and comfortable, and third it was a beautiful, basic dress that didn’t break the bank. Honestly, this is the reason why I like Uniqlo. Although I didn’t end up buying it, it has definitely been on my mind.
So I know what you’re thinking: I brought 8 pieces into the change room for my Uniqlo plus size test but only photographed five items. Well, that is because legit some items didn’t fit.
For example, I tried to put on a pair of leggings and they did not even go up past my ankle. Another shirt felt like my boobs were going to pop the buttons. While my trip to Uniqlo wasn’t totally disappointing, I’ve developed some tips for shopping there:
- Check the fabric — does it have any stretch or give?
- Compare your measurements vs. the ones on the tag — can you fit into the item?
- Some oversized items tend to fit differently than their normal size
With all that in mind, the Uniqlo plus size selection is hit or miss. I hope that they will extend into plus sizes, but until then you will just have to stop in and try things on.
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It has been a good year for plus size fashion, with lots of high-end retailers and mainstream brands expanding their lines. But one of the biggest things that took place was a ton of plus-size collaborations, some which were good (Roxy Earle and Sheertex, yes please!) and some which were downright bad.
One such example of ‘the bad’ was back in November when brand Ashley Stewart announced they would be collaborating with Kendall + Kylie Jenner.
You know them. They’re famous sisters from Keeping Up With The Kardashians. The line, available in sizes 10 through 24, was to feature 7 pieces and almost as soon as it was announced, the plus-size community on the Internet had something to say.
For those keeping track, the Jenner and Kardashian family have had a largely fatphobic past.
When they aren’t promoting fit teas and appetite suppressants via their social media (with complete ignorance mind you), they have used their brands to reinforce unattainable and unrealistic beauty ideals. Who can forget teens rushing to participate in the Kylie Jenner lip challenge in 2015 and seriously injuring themselves?
This is why it is so important when brands do decide to reach out and begin a collaboration with someone for their brand, it is a fit.
Not just for them, but for the community at large. It is so important for brands who talk about being a part of the plus-size community to continue to stay engaged with their consumers and also, the audience they are serving to stay relevant. What do these consumers really want and who would fit our brand?
Let me say this: I would never purchase plus-size clothes from Kendall and Kylie Jenner, and I watch the Kardashians.
I remember when I was growing up, my plus-size idol was Beth Ditto from the band, The Gossip. She had the most incredible style, and to be honest, she was someone I looked up to. So when Evans (a UK retailer) announced in 2009 that it would be collaborating with Ditto for a clothing line, I immediately knew I needed to have it.
I marched down to Holt Renfrew and asking them if they would be carrying it, and they thought I was nuts. But at the time, online shopping wasn’t as sophisticated as it is today. I watched from as far as Beth’s collection sold out and repeat collections followed.
This collaboration kind of set the standard for how plus-size collabs should run in the future, and well, who they should serve.
Just this year, Universal Standard collaborated with Rodarte, J. Crew, and Adidas! When I was visiting New York City, I had the opportunity to go into the showroom and see, feel, and try on the Rodarte collection in-person.
Honestly, I’ve only ever seen Rodarte on the pages of Vogue and it was everything I ever dreamed of and more.
This is why these collabs matter: it gives customers the possibility to have access to contemporary, ready-to-wear fashion in sizes 0-40 from brands we know and love. As soon as I slipped the bright red ruffled jumpsuit while I was at its showroom in New York City, I felt transported into a whole new world.
At the end of the day, as customers, we want to feel excited by the designers or celebrities who are partnering with the brands we know and love.
They don’t necessarily have to be a part of the plus community, but there has to be the right energy for that partnership to make sense. When Christian Siriano teamed up with Lane Bryant, I got that.
All this is to say in 2020, I want brands to take a good hard think before they just decide to collab for the sake of collaborating with someone. Your partnerships need to make sense because at the end of the day, the Internet always talks and you WILL hear it. Sure, Kendall + Kylie Jenner is popular for a lot of people, but they don’t inspire me.
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