RAOP Picks // May Edition

May is the month that the April showers bring- the first true month of Spring here in Canada, it seemed fitting that I’d start my newest blog column in this time of new beginnings. Introducing monthly RAOP Picks (aka #RAOPpicks), our take on an Editor’s List!

Though this month is mostly products and special treasures (I’ve been on a bit of a shopping binge lately) you can expect to find everything from current favourite travel destinations, special ice cream flavours, seasonal flowers, recipe trends- really just whatever I’m into at the beginning of each month!

April was a pretty dark time in Toronto this year- we had a few warm days followed by a lot of very cold ones, and now that May has hit things are finally starting to turn green (slowly). There’s a new burst of energy in the air that sends people out to flood the sidewalks on the weekends and pause to inspect the flowering tree buds to see when they might bloom. Inspired by this electricity, all of my favourite items of the moment have a sort of edgy spring feel. I’m all about shades of peach and pink with hints of black, leather, and lace, and both my wardrobe and makeup bag are reflecting the shift.

Lumira Paradisium Perfume // Over the past few months we’ve become close friends with the owners of CONVEY (another power bff duo, but more into leather jackets and black things). Every single time they’re around or we visit their shop I’m taken aback by the delicious scent that seems to surround them, and it turns out they sell it in the shop! Boasting a scent profile that includes bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, fig nectar, vetiver, sea moss and cedarwood, this fragrance is unlike anything you’ve ever smelled before, and I’m thinking it will be my Spring signature!

Bully Boy Lingerie // Locally made and oh so sexy, Bully Boy lingerie is crazy comfortable and beautifully designed. I just updated my collection with a new bra and a bodysuit, and I couldn’t be happier with the amazing craftsmanship.

Dior Balms // I’ve had Dior’s rose lip balm and apricot cuticle cream on display on my dresser for ages, but only recently did I start enjoying the magic of actually using them. With the softest scents and the prettiest colours, these little tubs help me keep my nail beds and lips happy in style.

Uncuffed Leather Choker // Is it just me, or is the choker back in a BIG way? There’s something subtly sexy about having a collar around your neck, and no one does it better than Uncuffed Leather. Handmade here in Toronto, Olga makes everything from gloves to full body harnesses, and they really add the perfect hint of bedroom to any outfit.

Pink Puffs // You know how puppies have been proven to make people happy? I think the same rule applies for the “puff” trend. I’ve been collecting these furry colourful keychains (faux of course!) everywhere I go lately, and they’re such a fun way to add a pop of colour to your look! Bonus: it’s now extremely easy to find my keys in any bag. Get your own in any colour you can dream of on Etsy!

Spring Booties // I’m pretty die-hard when it comes to my love for wearing boots, and even when summer rolls around I’m stubborn about letting the look go. I’ve even been known to wear ankle booties at the pool! It’s weird, I know, but this year I’m finding a happy medium with boot-ish Spring/Summer footwear. My top two picks are Cartel’s Tapalapa and Call it Spring’s Fongora.

Peachy Lipstick // In previous years I’ve shied away from orange-based tones, convinced that they were unflattering with my easily-tanned skin. As I get older though most of these made up “rules” fade into the distance, and peachy pinks and corals are now my go-to lipstick of choice. Pick of the moment: Paul and Joe’s creamy formula!

Christian Paul Marble Collection // It may make me a trend follower, but I’m all about marble, everywhere, all the time. I recently came across Christian Paul’s marble watch collection, and I fell hard and fast for the white marble face with the peachy band. Look forward to seeing this guy perched on my wrist in every photo of me holding something from now on!