Ella Pretty Blog

This summer's style has been ALL about revealing your shoulder - whether you go totally off-the-shoulder, or you play it safe by showing just a peek in a cold-shoulder top.

Top / Pants (similar) / Sandals (similar) / Bag (similar) / Sunglasses (similar)

While I LOVE the look of off-the-shoulder tops - I personally find them difficult to wear. Firstly - you have to wear a strapless bra - which I ALWAYS find SO uncomfortable. Secondly, any time you raise your arms, your off-the-shoulder top creeps up, and you have to constantly readjust it. But perhaps I'm doing something wrong - as I've seen so many bloggers wearing gorgeous off-the-shoulder tops and dresses!

Top (similar, similar) / Bag (similar) / Jeans (this year's version) / Sandals

Whether you're looking for a cold-shoulder or off-the-shoulder top - I've spotted lots of cute options at ZARA and Forever21. I found this pretty blue top at ZARA - and it's currently on EVEN further discount thanks to their SUMMER SALE! It's sold out in most sizes online, but you could probably still find it in store.

Dress (similar) / Sandals / Necklace (similar)

And since we're on the subject of the ZARA sales - I'd recommend checking out this white lace dress too! I wish it was a tiny bit longer, but it's super pretty and a summer classic!

Do you like off-the-shoulder tops? What's your secret to wearing them?

Longtime readers of this blog know ALL about my skincare struggles (previous posts from 2011, 2013 and 2015). My last acne episode was my worst to date - with 3 separate doctors/dermatologists pushing me to go on Accutane. I chose not to go on medication, opting for self-treatment instead, and while I still break out, when I compare my skin to where it was 2 years ago, I'm very happy.

c/o Top (worn over a lace cami) / Jeans / Sandals (similar) / Bag

I've picked up SO many tips from reading message boards and blog posts - and I want to share everything that has helped me. But when it comes to writing it all down - I keep putting it off, because there is TOO much information! So I've decided to split this topic up into 3 parts:

• My Current Skincare Routine
• What I Did to Avoid Accutane
• How I Cover my Acne with Makeup (since my friends had no idea about the state of my skin - and were surprised to see what I was covering under my makeup!)

I'll link in the future posts as I write them - but for now, let's get started with my skincare:


MORNING

• Wash with Spectrojel
• Use Tria Blue Light Device (read why I love it here)
• Spray with Avene Thermal Spring Water
• Apply Kiehl's Avocado Eye Treatment, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer and Neutrogena Water-Light Sunscreen

EVENING

• Use Pond's Cold Cream to remove eye makeup
• Wash off makeup with Clinique Take the Day Off Balm
• Second cleanse with Spectrojel to remove any greasy residue
• Apply Kiehl's Avocado Eye Treatment
• Apply prescription 0.25% Retin-A
• Pat on Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer mixed with Kosmea Rosehip Oil  
• Apply anti-aging moisturizers on my neck and hands

TWICE A WEEK

• Apply Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleanser as a mask and leave it on for 10 minutes. Wash off, then use Spectrojel and a Clarisonic to cleanse my face.

MY GENERAL THOUGHTS

• These products are tried and tested on my sensitive skin - I've been using them for at least 2 years if not longer. 
• Although Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide are commonly used to treat acne, they don't suit my skin. So for bacteria fighting and spot-healing purposes, I use the Tria Blue Light device and Retin-A.
• I've recently added Pond's Cold Cream as an eye-makeup remover - and it's the most effective and gentle remover I've ever tried. I mix a dime-size amount with a splash of warm water and apply it over my eyes. It instantly melts off my mascara and liner. I then take a wet cotton pad and wipe off the Pond's. This technique keeps my eye area hydrated, prevents unnecessary tugging of skin and keeps my lashes healthy. 
• I use Rosehip oil at night for added moisture, and also because it has anti-aging and scar-repairing properties. I've previously tried using Jojoba oil, but it broke me out. I read many reviews of different Rosehip oils and chose Kosmea because it's cold-pressed and organic.
• I love using the Kiehls Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleanser as a mask. I apply it in the shower and let it sit for 10 minutes, so that the Amazonian White Clay can clean out my pores. I use circular motions to remove the mask - allowing the ground Oat Kernels to lightly exfoliate my skin. My skin always feels so soothed and clarified after using this!

Hope you found this post useful - do you have any must-have skincare products?

It's funny how an Instagram picture can lead to a fun collaboration! As I was leaving last month's Style Pop event, I walked by the cutest store display at Mint Accessories. Of course I had to stop and take this pic to share on Instagram. A couple of days later, the store contacted me and asked if I wanted to work with them!

Shirt / c/o Skirt / Shoes (similar) / Bag c/o MINT / Necklace c/o MINT

Wearing AND sharing cute accessories? My answer was a resounding YES! I headed to the MINT store at Bramalea City Centre to pick out 3 items...AND I got doubles - so that one of my Canadian followers could win my picks too!


How cheerful and pretty is this store? It totally feels like my happy place - I love the mint-coloured walls and the crystal chandelier.


All of their items are carefully curated and so trendy yet reasonably priced. I loved this wall of bags and scarves - it was very hard to choose which 3 items to take home!


I knew I wanted a mini-bag for summer - but I couldn't decide which was cuter - the grey bucket bag or the fringed white bag. Which would you have picked?


In the end, I opted for the grey bag because it came with a cross-body strap. I figured that the grey would work with both summer pastels and winter clothing too. I also picked out the daintiest lace infinity scarf (I'm wearing it in the in-store pic) and a chic grey and white crystal necklace.


Here's a close up of the three items - Charcoal Bucket Shoulder Bag (regularly priced $54 but on sale for $19), Lace Infinity Scalloped Edge Scarf ($19) and Jewel Statement Necklace ($19). If you have a Canadian mailing address and would like to win this, just follow the 3 steps below:

1) Follow @ellaprettyblog on Instagram
2) Follow @mint_accessories on Instagram
3) Comment "I follow both" under this picture

Good luck! Winner will be announced here on June 23rd. UPDATE: Winner is @chels19xo