FASHION Magazine

Until recently, Vancouver brand Narcissist Design Co. (3659 Main St., Vancouver, 604-877-1555, narcissist.com) was known mostly for creating the infamous Pamela dress in 2004, a jersey number that can be worn in a multitude of ways (and that predated the ubiquitous American Apparel cotton version). Now, the company has launched a bath and body line that includes a body wash ($24), body lotion ($24), and my two favourites, a solid scent compact ($16) and a soy candle ($22).

When I get around to it, I’m totally going to wallpaper my dining room. I’m thinking a black and white damask pattern. In the meantime, I can enjoy starting at the beautiful pattern on the bottles of this hand wash ($12) and lotion ($14) by Daub & Bauble (daubandbauble.com).

Though I love a good cup just as much as the next person, I’m really picky about my coffee. Starbucks is way too bitterly strong, Second Cup is, well, meh and I don’t get why Tim’s is such a hit. And having bad coffee when I’m out for brunch can really make or break the meal. (I’m looking at you, Saving Grace.) I’ve recently stumbled upon a killer brew: Reunion Island’s Organic Ethiopia Sidamo, which I buy from a shop on Queen East called Red Rocket. I can even make it at home and it will taste just as delish—the true test.

By Lesa Hannah

Clever, humourous product names are nothing new–Benefit pretty much built their following on it (and it’s half the reason we can’t wait to see what they come out with next). But with so much seriousness taken in beauty, we never tire of seeing a product take the piss out of lofty claims like plumping and slimming.