Cultivate Your Chi in some lululemon September 22, 2008

Am I the last one to know about Lululemon?

Is it possible for a athletic apparel line to help people live longer, healthier and bring more fun to their lives? Well that is the passion that drives Lululemon. 

I recently learned about this apparel line and I cannot tell you all how much I love it! Lululemon is a athletic apparel line based out of Vancouver, BC. Lululemon gets it’s inspiration from from yoga: Balance, Harmony and Culture. They have an extensive line of apparel for both men and women, along with accessories. With over 80 store locations and growing. I was stoked when I found a smaller showroom location here in Orlando. 

There are so many reasons why I love this line and I already anticipate becoming a loyal customer. They use numerous technical fabrics, the fit is by far the best fitting athletic line I’ve come across and the designs of each garment cater to everyone’s taste. By far the best part is how awesome you look and feet in it. 

I encourage you especially now (they are having a sale right now) to go visit the Winter Park location. I stopped by on Sunday to check it out myself and pick out some gear. The staff was absolutely great in helping me find what I was looking for. Oh and don’t miss out on their complimentary yoga classes they offer to everyone. The store is only open a few days a week and on the weekend they offer free classes. Last weekend 50 people showed up, and they had to move the class out to the park across the street. Call or check online for weekly updates.

Set and discover your personal goals here.

 

Winter Park location:
228 North Park Avenue Suite H 
Winter Park, FL 32789 

tel: 407-539-1627
email: Orlando-community@lululemon.com 
http://www.lululemon.com/orlando/orlando

Global site: www.lululemon.com

lose inches off your waist in 30min September 15, 2008

If you love to pamper yourself as much as I do on a dime, you need to learn more about Spa Buzz. They allow you to select a spa from their online list and for $60.00 you get 3-4 treatments at a value of $500.00 or more. It’s an opportunity to experience different spas and services at a fraction of the cost.



Recently through Spa Buzz, I’ve been trying out Aesthetic Clinique “The Serrao MedSpa.” Located in Orlando, they offer a full range of services from facials, massages, medical grade skin care, body conturing, botox cosmetic and much more.



Check out the services I’m trying right now. The most interesting out of all the services I had, was Visit D – Wellness Clinique Arasys Treatment at a value of $150.00 for one treatment. I was skeptical at the fact it could burn fat to build muscle, but Larissa Serrao took my measurements before and after, and I lost overall within 30 min. 2.5 inches off my waist. Needless to say I was impressed with the results.



While the treatment is going on, your in a nice dimly lit room, with spa like music playing… it’s very relaxing. I laughed because I felt like I was a car battery being charged. I had these cloth pads all around my waist & back, that were hooked up to the Arasys machine. Larissa started up the machine and increased it to the point where I felt comfortable when my muscle contracted. The feeling is something along the lines of when your foot falls asleep, when it makes a contraction to all areas where you have the cloth pads. Basically it contracts your muscles then stops for the duration of 30-45 min.



For those like me who are scared of needles and lipo… Arasys is a great way to loose those extra love handles, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle… that means exercising and eating well. I felt it was a good kick in the butt that I needed to get myself in to better shape. Read more about it here and go try it for yourself.



2905 McRae Avenue Suite 2, Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: 407-896-3772
www.serraomedspa.com

Is the customer still always right? September 2, 2008

What do you think? because that is what I thought while shopping at the Burberry outlet store. I had been a personal shopper, hunting for Burberry deals for my mom. I had specific items on my mine and as I did pick out some fantastic deals on ladies 3/4 pique shirts for $69.00… yes $69.00 is a steel. Along with a three season quilted taupe color jacket, that ended up not being such a deal to me but for others for sure. Did I mention that I am a serial bargain hunter. 

 

Ok here is where it gets interesting… before leaving the store I knew of the upcoming labor day sales from the 29th – 4th, which were get an additional 30% off already reduced prices. I had asked what would be on sale. The sales lady pulled out a sheet and then pointed to all the area in the store that would be an extra 30% off. I was super excited and ran around the store picking the items I wanted to have her confirm that yes they would be on sale. The sales lady confirmed and told me to return on that Friday when the sale started.

 

Friday morning I rushed out before a meeting to pick up the last remaining SALE merchandise I needed. As I get to the cash the same sales lady says… “Oh I am sorry but those are not on sale”…. I am like are you joking me…  you told me to come back to pick these up when they went on sale. She says “well sorry those did not go on sale.” Needless to say I was seriously upset at the fact she did not pull through and give me the items she confirmed where on sale. Where did the rule of “THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT” go? and where did customer service go along the way. I’ve worked on the other side of the fence in retail and I would never confirm something 100% to a customer, then not follow through. Do people just don’t care anymore? Do they not realize what a customer is worth to their brand? Instead I’m forced to write a post about how I had to negotiate even more with the store manager at the cash to get at least 15% off. Yes I got some decent deals but not sure how much more shopping I will do at that location. 

Had some retail therapy lately that ended up making you want real therapy? Tell me your story to monpretaporter(at)gmail(dot)com and the amusing story will be featured on Mon Prêt-À-Porter.

I mastered the master cleanse August 27, 2008

 

I MADE IT! I mastered the master cleanse without cheating. I stuck to my guns for 10 days drinking the lemonade cocktail concoction, which consisted of fresh lemon juice, organic maple syrup and cayenne pepper. I combined the juice with filtered water and drank pretty much all day, about 6-8 glasses. 

 

The master cleanse is designed to detoxify the body as it stimulates healthy tissue growth. The bonus for me was that I lost 10lbs as a result… but i know I will probably put half of it back on again. 

 

I thought the first few days were difficult… because I could not eat anything and had to let my body get accustom to it. Although I did feel kinda cranky at times, I knew was was doing something that would make a difference in the long run. I felt at achy in my legs for a couple of days, which made me think “there must be tons of toxins trying to get out”. Within the last 4 days I felt awesome and full of more energy while feeling a steady calmness within. I guess you can say I had my own intervention with my health. 

 

Bottom line… I never thought I could do it and proud of myself for keeping my focus on the end goal. If your thinking of doing this I suggest doing it along with a friend or two. Trust me you will need some support. Learn about it here http://www.squidoo.com/master-cleanser

 

Are you doing the cleanse or have done it? I am sure others would love here your experience. Feel free to leave a comment that could help or provide insight to others. 

Ok I have to run, because my organic soup I made is almost ready!

Meet Orlando’s Shear genius August 26, 2008

Getting pampered at the hair salon is better than a therapy. It’s a chance to unplug from the daily grind and sift through the latest hair trends, sip some wine and chat with my hair stylist Gail Bates of Zoe Salon. Gail Bates is a very talented hair stylist for over 6 years, who juggles the demands of being a busy stylist, wife and new mom. 
 

On a recent trip to Zoe’s Salon I had a cut, color and partial highlight done. Check out the before and after pictures. Here is a little about our conversation.
 

 

 

What’s the trend right now?
Gail: For color it’s chunky highlights. Going into the fall, blondes will be going a shade darker. As for Cut & Style, it seems to be moving toward a more smooth angular bob, but many are still going for the layered bob or the bangs cut straight across. 
 

Where are we leaning towards for the next trend?
Gail: Still long but playing with highlights near the bottom of the hair, with less contrast and more of the natural look.
 

What is your speciality?
Gail: Color and Style
 

How do you keep up with new techniques?
Gail: When I can, I attend Paul Mitchell classes.
 

What do you wish people would not do with their hair?
Gail: Regarding fine hair, not to bleach the hair out then grow it out. I suggest having a two tone color effect on the hair with low lights and highlights. This gives the illusion the hair has more texture. 
 

Have you ever gone up a random stranger to offer advise? 
Gail: no that’s mean lol.
 

Living in Florida with the sun and surf what is the best product(s) for your hair?
Gail: Hydrating SPF Shampoo & conditioners. Also try a hair treatment that restores and conditions the hair for a few weeks. You will definitely see a difference.
 

What type of salon is Zoe?
Gail: Zoe Salon & Spa is a full service salon.
 

Do you offer any promotions for first time clients booking with you?
Gail: Absolutely, when a first time client books an appointment with me, I will give them a free shampoo & blow dry when mentioning Mon Prêt-À-Porter. 
 

Zoe Salon & Spa
www.zoesalon-spa.com
1910 Alden Rd
Orlando, Fl 32803
407-898-7911

View Gail’s profile here.

A tribute to Yves Saint Laurent August 13, 2008

While visiting back home there was a must see on the top of my list. It was to take a visit to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. I checked out the life and career of one of the most influential fashion designers Yves Saint Laurent.

I was blown away viewing his 40 years of outstanding fashion and also his very own sketches. I had a huge respect for him and they way he created fashion and his inspiration behind all he did. My face was as close as you could get to the garments on the mannequins… and surprised security did not kick me out for being way over the do not cross line on the floor.

Having gone to fashion school myself I know how much work goes into conceptualizing to actually creating a garment. His creations were inspired by other artists, cultures, time periods, nature, shapes and colors. It seemed as though everything he did had meaning and was sincerely blown away by his craftsmanship and inspiration behind each collection I saw.

I left the exhibition feeling so inspired and hope we all could be as passionate in life as he was.

LOVE – Yves Saint Laurent
May 29 to September 28, 2008

Mon Prêt-à-Porter launches July 30, 2008

I cannot tell you how lucky I feel launching mon prêt-à-porter. For the last year I’ve been tossing around ideas from that would incorporate my background in fashion design, multimedia, marketing and yes now event planning. It’s been a crazy couple of years from this Canuck!

Stay tuned as I search out the best fashion, beauty and lifestyle nooks and crannies in and around Orlando… along with special features, who’s having sales, upcoming special events and of course advice!

Salut!