The ideology of feminism and the propulsion of female empowerment has, in the last couple years, exploded. Stand silent in the middle of a crowded subway car; walk down a busy street; sit at a sunny patio with more than just bees buzzing around. Listen. Or, as some people might call it, eavesdrop (insert bashful emoji). You might notice how the conversation has shifted. Yes you might also overhear the daily mundane, yet in between those updates and observations are stories with a new type of hero — the empowered female.

As with many things, empowerment starts with awareness, knowledge and conversation. The explosion of modern feminism has lit up so many shared and singular issues, inspiring another statement I’ve come to believe wholeheartedly: Empowerment (female, male or un-gendered) is empathy. As much as we don’t want to admit it sometimes, because it can seem counterintuitive, we need to empower others as much as we need to empower ourselves. It’s how we truly become understood, building a cohesive society that respects and cares for each other.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting my old high school stomping grounds, the Scarborough Town Centre, to check out a pop up celebrating just this. Created by female-driven agencies Kastor & Pollux and August in Bloom, GRL PWR features 15 toronto brands curated specifically for their celebration of this very topic. It was incredible to walk in and immediately be surrounded by both an incredible selection of must-have products as well a like-minded people shopping with a purpose. To be exposed to brands that effortlessly embody this movement is inspiring and motivating — especially since many of them are small, local and still growing.

It was hard to know where to begin, but eventually I was able to hone in on some stand-out pieces. Here are my top ten finds from the GRL PWR pop-up:

1. Ephermal Magazine

2. Orange cantiliever from Make Moves Vintage

3. Gel pens from Paper Plus Cloth

4. Gender Freedom Club merch from NEW FRDM

5. Guschlbauer puffs

6. Love Yo Self tee from Peace Collective

7. Common Goods Studio ceramics

8. Snaffle & Mane’s plant collection

9. Bath salts from Cardea Auset

10. Greenhouse Juice

Photos by Eric Black

Christmas is just a few short days away and if you’re anything like me, that means you haven’t started your gift shopping yet. Although I’ve decided to go a slightly different way this year, I still have my go-to spots when it comes to picking up that perfect present. Sportchek is one of them. It helps that a ton of my friends are into the healthy life, yet that shouldn’t stop anyone from exploring this recommendation. 

From sneakers and coats to headphones and cameras, there’s something practical and special for everyone on your nice list. Here are my top picks for this holiday. Since I’ve been all over the map this year, it’s only fitting that my highlights also range in categories.

SPORTSWEAR

1. Nike Women’s Summit Fleece Crop: I love the classic look of this fleece crop top, which makes it perfect for home, workouts or even on a snowboarding trip. Simple, stylish and warm, you really can’t go wrong with this pick. Yes, I’m wearing it above. Christmas came early for me :).

2. Nike Women’s LunarEpic Low Flyknit 2s: The running shoe of the year may have been the Nike VaporMax‘s, but my go-to has always been the LunarEpics. I love the cushioning and the look. Not to mention that it’s available in a glacial blue colorway that embodies the holidays beautifully.

3. Nike Women’s Aeroloft 3-in-1 Parka: If you’re looking to splurge a little bit, this is definitely the way to go. There may be no 3-in-1 winter jacket that’s more stylish than this one. In addition to its versatility, it’s also quite practical in the sense that it provides great coverage that will shield people from the worst winter has to offer.

ELECTRONICS

1. Apple Watch: High on my list is always the Apple Watch. Although some consider it a luxury wearable tech, I consider it a must-have for active individuals. Not only is it a great accessory that helps keep you off your phone, it has great health features that track your daily routine. And if you’re as on-the-go as I am, it ensures you stay on top of everything easier.

2. Beats Solo Wireless Headphones: Who needs earmuffs if you have a pair of arguably the most covetable headphones on the market. Sleek with powerful audio capabilities, this is a music-loving staple that even stays put while on the run — literally.

3. GoPro Action Camera: Whether capturing insane adventures or everyday life, a GoPro camera is a great gift. Now available in a slew of different models, it’s easy to choose one based on who you’re purchasing it for. If memories are priceless, than surely the equipment used to capture them are as well.

MISCELLANEOUS

1. Gaiam Beginners Yoga Kit: A gift that keeps on giving. This simple yoga kit is perfect for someone who has been wanting to get into the practice…or someone who has been complaining about how tight they’re body has been lately. It not only comes with a mat, strap and block, but also an instructional DVD to help guide them properly.

2. Spalding NBA Slam Jam Hoop: I might be biased since I grew up with a basketball-obsessed dad, but I believe every home is better with a hoop. It immediately turns it into a fun place and anything that takes anyone away from screens for even a minute is beneficial.

3. Skates: In line with the basketball hoop taking people away from their screens, a pair of ice skates is a great winter gift to encourage people to get out of the house to enjoy a seasonal activity. Sportchek offers a wide range of skates perfect for all levels.

Don’t let this list stop you from exploring other options at Sportchek. It’s a one-stop-shop for just about anything needed for a fun and thoughtful gift (or two).

]]> https://meghanyoung.ca/2017/12/18/sportchek-holiday-gift-guide/feed/ 0 https://meghanyoung.ca/2017/11/01/altitude-sports-winter-ninja/ https://meghanyoung.ca/2017/11/01/altitude-sports-winter-ninja/#comments Wed, 01 Nov 2017 11:00:07 +0000 https://meghanyoung.ca/?p=2283

Photos by Eric Black

I think at this point it’s safe to say the weather has been far from predictable this year. Cool and rainy during the summer, hot and sunny for fall — who knows what to expect this winter in spite of all the forecasts going around. Yet as a true Canadian, I can’t help but hope for a white Christmas — even though that hardly happens in Toronto.

Yet miracles do happen and if Old Man Winter decides to keep up with, at the very least, modest traditions, I’ll be a happy camper in my new Canada Goose HyBridge Sutton Parka. As a city girl who loves outdoor adventures, it’s the perfect winter coat for me.

What immediately drew me to this jacket was its slim fit. Although “built for high intensity activities in extreme weather,” as written on Altitude Sports, it seemed to me as though it were designed for the urban dweller. It even has edgy zipper and panelled detailing that set it apart from more traditional parkas. That said, those details were included to increase comfort, movement, warmth and flexibility.

Speaking of warmth, 800 Fill Power Hutterite White Goose Down packed under durable water repellent fabric is the way to go. But I think one of my favourite touches is the face windguard tucked away in the hood. As soon as I slip that on, I immediately feel like a ninja. Confession: When I was little, I wanted to be a ninja.

Aside from all the practical features of the HyBridge Sutton Parka, it’s a badass piece to add to my winter wardrobe. I can wear it with almost anything, it fits like a glove and it’ll keep me all cozy in harsh weather. What more could I ask for?

Photos by Eric Black

I’ve always been pseudo-athletic; meaning, I would workout, run and play sports, but only on a very recreational level — albeit somewhat above average (insert casual chuckle and wink). But up until a couple years ago, you wouldn’t catch me wearing fitness gear outside of these activities — or a lazy Sunday afternoon. I just wasn’t cool enough to be on the come-up of athleisure and the options weren’t as teeming.

But now they are, more than ever. Sports brands are constantly releasing pieces that can be worn both in the gym, at work and even for a night out. A great example are the new colorways for Reebok‘s Floatride silhouette. These running shoes are now available in all-white and all-black.

For anyone who knows me, it’s no surprise I went with the all-whites, although it was a tough call — especially for the fall/winter season. Instead of styling them with workout wear, I decided to pair them with a couple of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe right now: my Monki raincoat and Aritzia camo pants. It’s an outfit I would rock during the day running errands and even at night for certain events.

Aside from these shoes being versatile for many occasions, one of the features that stood out to me as soon as I slipped the Floatrides on was how comfortable they were. Cushioning without compromise, I definitely will be able to wear them day in and day out.

Photos by Eric Black

If you’ve ever met me, you wouldn’t know I grew up in Scarborough. I’m the least East Side ting you’ll ever come across. Just writing that sentence made me giggle. Yet I’m also (contradictorily) Scarborough to the core.  I miss the suburb so much. I miss the long walk up Midland to my nearest Tim Hortons, often catching wafts of heaven from Dad’s Cookie factory up the road. I miss biking the winding road of Birkdale and whipping down the steep hill into the park. I even miss taking the RT to the Scarborough Town Centre when I felt too lazy to walk the 30 mins it took to get there from my house.

So whenever I get invited to the town centre — usually by Kastor & Pollux — I jump at the chance to visit. This time around felt especially nostalgic since the theme was all about back-to-school with KP’s Sole Academy installation. As always, they did an incredible job capturing this vibe in a playfully creative way. #GetSchooled took on a whole new meaning with four photogenic rooms featuring 40 pairs of shoes from all thebest athleisure stores in the mall.  Find your sneaker style from places such as:

You even have a chance to win one of 8 pairs of hype shoes including the Air Jordan Retro DMP Pack, Nike Flyknit Racer and Adidas Ultra Boost
 by following these simple classroom rules:

1. Take a photo at Sole Academy of your sneaker style
2. Follow @shopSTC & tag the shot #STCGetSchooled

You have until September 14, 2017, to check the installation out. And my girl, Anna a.k.a. @atothebed, is dropping some sneaker knowledge this Friday.

Anna Bediones a.k.a. @atothebed

DON’T MISS OUT. FOMO is real, especially when there’s a live DJ, workshops, food sampling and free shoes to check out. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Wearing: Hearts of PANDORA Hoops, Timeless Elegance Necklace, Radiant Teardrop ring, Teardrop Silhouette ring, PANDORA Rose Classic Snake Chain bracelet with Radiant Teardrop, Geometric Radiance and Radiant Hearts charms as well as Shining Elegance Safety Chain. Photos by Eric Black.

ACT ONE

I was drowning. Except instead of water, I was submerged in an ocean of my own emotions. They clouded my vision as much as they suffocated my breath. I couldn’t see my way out of the depths. But this is what I was supposed to feel, fresh out of a 12 year relationship, right?

My world had turned upside down and I was on my own for the first time in my life. I had jumped ship without a lifesaver. It also appeared as though I’d forgotten how to swim. Yet if I took a moment, stilled my anxiety and looked up, I might’ve been able to see the worried faces peering down at me. I would’ve seen caring eyes and helpful hands trying to save me.

ACT TWO

I’m wading. Well, maybe not wading, that’s too active a verb. I was floating. I followed bits of distraction up to the surface as though they were rays of sunshine glimmering mutely through the dense waters. I drank my way up. I partied up. I worked up. But I never woke up, not really. I was still in a daze with water in my lungs. At least I could breathe again.

ACT THREE

Now I’m swimming — with long, strong strides. But don’t be fooled, I’m swimming in circles. The circles get bigger with every plane I board, every friend I see, every family function I attend, but they’re still circles. Yet these circles are clearer. The sting of water is finally washing out of my eyes.

Wearing: Hearts of PANDORA Hoops, Teardrop Silhouette ring, PANDORA Rose Classic Snake Chain bracelet with Shining Elegance Safety Chain.

ACT FOUR

I see land. Solid, fertile land. I’ve traded circles for a straight line to shore. I’m at the movies by myself and I get closer. I’m on a long walk with my puppy and I get closer. I’m at the park meditating and I get closer. I’m almost there. I can see it. It looks wonderful.

ACT FIVE

My feet touch the ground; my legs immediately wobble. It feels so strange to be on something so solid again after so long lost on emotional wavelengths. But it’s ok. I’m remembering all the things I used to love. My feet get steadier. I start writing again. I paint for the first time. I relish solitude and seek honest relationships.

Wearing: Hearts of PANDORA Hoops and Timeless Elegance Necklace.

Wearing: Radiant Teardrop ring, PANDORA Rose Classic Snake Chain bracelet with Geometric Radiance, Radiant Teardrop and Radiant Hearts charms as well as Shining Elegance Safety Chain.

ACT SIX

I’m home. Well, at its doorstep. I look around and everything’s the same but also very different. The colors are more muted here, more vibrant there. There’s a sparkle here where there never was one. And there there’s a bit of rust, but it gives the home some much needed character. Music and laughter sneak out an open window. It’s all so wonderful I hear it, smell it, taste it. I see the wonderful.

Wearing: Hearts of PANDORA Hoops, Timeless Elegance Necklace, Radiant Teardrop ring, Teardrop Silhouette ring, PANDORA Rose Classic Snake Chain bracelet with Radiant Teardrop, Geometric Radiance and Radiant Hearts charms as well as Shining Elegance Safety Chain.

EPILOGUE

It’s incredible feeling how far I’ve come — and yes I mean feeling. It’s been so fun to celebrate my new direction, to revel in all the good things that are in my life instead of staying hung up on the things I think went wrong. And what better way to celebrate these wonderful discoveries than with beautiful jewellery that all say, “I love me,” as much as they say, “I love you.”

The PANDORA Jewellery collection for Autumn 2017 has to be my favorite thus far. With a focus on mixed metals — something I’ve always been a fan of — the line is experimental, playful and whimsical, which mimics my current mindset and style. Stephen Fairchild, PANDORA’s Chief Creative Officer, says, “PANDORA is a celebration of all women and all occasions, no matter how big or small. Beautiful jewellery shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions; wear it wherever you go, however you want. Each piece is special in its own right. Today’s modern woman is more capable of treating herself than ever before. She doesn’t need to wait for someone else to do it. She expresses herself through her style and the different pieces that speak to her soul.”

That’s exactly what I did with my choice pieces:

PANDORA Rose Classic Snake Chain bracelet with Radiant Teardrop, Geometric Radiance and Radiant Hearts charms as well as Shining Elegance Safety Chain.

I was immediately drawn to the Radiant Teardrop, Geometric Radiance and Radiant Hearts charms. I alternated between Silver and PANDORA Rose, placing them on a PANDORA Rose Classic Snake Chain Bracelet and finishing the look with an edgy Shining Elegance Safety Chain. My first set of rose gold jewellery from PANDORA, I felt this mix-and-match style perfectly suited how I was approaching life these days.

Radiant Teardrop ring, Teardrop Silhouette ring, PANDORA Rose Classic Snake Chain bracelet with Radiant Teardrop, Geometric Radiance and Radiant Hearts charms as well as Shining Elegance Safety Chain.

My symbol these days thanks to my efforts with The Sad Collective has been the teardrop. I love the idea of reclaiming this representation of sadness in a liberating way. No wonder I instantly fell for the Radiant Teardrop and Teardrop Silhouette rings, both in silver with clear cubic zirconia.

Hearts of PANDORA Hoops, Teardrop Silhouette ring, Radiant Teardrop ring.

As for the Hearts of PANDORA Hoops in PANDORA Rose, it’s hard not to appreciate a good hoop — especially right now. I couldn’t resist the cut-out heart details either.

Timeless Elegance Necklace.

Last but not least, the Timeless Elegance Necklace with its silver pendant and clear cubic zirconia. The name truly says it all. I think the idea of seeing all things wonderful has a lot to do with grace as well as a healthy understanding that some things will be as they are supposed to be. That’s what this stunning necklace represents to me.

Summertime is easily feminine. It’s a season when both men and women can embrace bright colors, floral patterns and billowy silhouettes with enthusiasm. As someone who tends to sway towards monochromatic palettes, this is saying a lot. Yet as much as I love my black and white, there’s something magnetic about bright blues, pretty pinks and vibrant greens. These colors come alive during the hotter seasons, so it’s only natural that PANDORA Jewellery would embrace them as well.

For its summer collection, I was enamored by two specific looks: floral whites and vivid hues. For my first look, I channeled the orchid. I’ve always been a fan of this exotic bloom, but PANDORA managed to capture its beauty in a singular way. From the silver, white enamel orchid pendant with matching earrings and charms, which are particularly stunning on the ivory white braided double-leather bracelet, it’s hard to resist the pristine look the brand created.

Yet for those looking to stand out in a more colorful way, PANDORA Jewellery has them covered. I couldn’t resist its Radiant Hearts of PANDORA rings in all the colors of the rainbow. I was specifically drawn to the Princess Blue Enamel & Royal Blue Crystals, Radiant Orchid Enamel & Cerise Crystals, Bright Mint Enamel & Royal Green Crystals, and Air Blue Enamel & Sky Blue Synthetic Spinel. I decided to pair those rings with the Mixed Blue Woven Double-Leather Charm Bracelet from which dangled a couple Mosaic Shining Elegance charms in teal and blue as well as a couple CosmicStars charms in the same hues.

All of the pieces were finished with sterling silver details and cubic zirconia gems that made them pop out all the more. Summer just got a lot sparklier thanks to PANDORA.

It’s not easy getting out of the city. I lived in Vancouver for a couple years and the differences between our two metropolises are vast — especially when it comes to the ease and accessibility of outdoor activities. Torontonians have to put in a lot more effort with not as much return to enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. So with that rambling out of the way, I didn’t know what to expect when Keen Canada decided to take a few of us out on a treetop trekking adventure.

We hopped on a bus bright and early, armed with some deliciously healthy breakfast and immediately got a run down of the shoes we were about to test out: the KEEN Terradora`. Not knowing what to expect from the awaiting adventure, we were at least comforted for the knowledge that we had some of the latest and greatest hiking boots on our feet.

The first design made specifically for women, it’s been described as a hybrid between a hiking boot and a running shoe. This is mainly because it’s so lightweight you forget you’re even wearing them. Yet what’s really impressive are the construction details made with the female foot in mind. With it’s cushion panel taking pressure off the achilles to the Low-Density EVA midsole, it caters to a woman’s foot in very thoughtful ways. Of course, it also boasts waterproof capabilities, breathability, high traction grip and a slew of color options that would sell anyone on trying it out.

All this really meant that we were able to enjoy unbridled fun treetop trekking. Why? Because in the end the shoe was so comfortable and effortless that we didn’t have to think about it! Considering that the experience was essentially a cross between American Ninja Warrior and an epic tree fort, that’s saying a lot.

So as a final note, I would say that the KEEN Terradora is a shoe seasoned and unseasoned hikers/adventurers should give a try. Easy, stylish and functional, it’s hard to go wrong with this choice.

Vas (my Sad Collective partner) and I would be the first to admit that we envisioned The Sad Collective launching in a much different way last year. Like a lot of millennial, grassroots companies, we played with the idea of designing a product collection — headlined by tees, of course — that would help us spread the word of what we were building. It works incredibly well, after all!

So when StickerYou reached out to me to collaborate on a project, I immediately knew that this was it.

Yet with our diligent focus on mental health, we wanted to make sure our efforts were transparent, thoughtful and communal first and foremost. Especially since brands like Wear Your Label were already killing the product line game. Fast forward a year later and we’re ready to flesh out our media platforms with fun stuff that really makes people feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. We’re all in this together, right?

It’s astounding to think how much meaning we put into trinkets. How it can represent so much and provide comfort in unexpected ways. Since we’re a nonprofit organization, we wanted to make sure that we started off small as well as right. So when StickerYou reached out to me to collaborate on a project, I immediately knew that this was it. Through their easy-to-use website, I decided to design both a simple patch and sticker that could be placed anywhere anyone wanted. Granted, it was hard to settle on just those two options since StickerYou’s services expand to decals, magnets and even temporary tattoos.

I think we chose right for now since the reception has been amazing. Every patch has been claimed and we’re just about to give out our stickers. Again, these memorabilia are simple, but it’s encouraging to see them have such an impact. It means that The Sad Collective is doing something right for people to want to rep our message as they go about their day-to-day. StickerYou has helped us remember why we’ve adopted their #StickWithIt17 motto for the year. Sometimes it’s overwhelming, but then the support starts flooding in and our efforts are validated.

We’re going to be putting in another order soon, so if you didn’t get a patch or want something different, stay tuned! Until then, enjoy 25% on any of your own orders with this shareable promo code: MeghanStickWithIt17!

Photo by Lily & Lilac

I’m honoured to be featured alongside 18 incredible Canadian women in The Kit‘s most recent issue celebrating “Women Who Do” with PANDORA Jewelry. Truthfully, a part of me doesn’t believe I belong in it. From an author to a neurosurgeon and an artist, their accomplishments and accolades definitely dwarf my own. Yet if anything I’m doing allows me to rub shoulders with this female force, I must be heading in the right direction. A direction that PANDORA Jewellery is helping to foster.

Partnering with The Kit to shine a light on the inspiring work women in Canada are doing, PANDORA Jewellery’s DO campaign is all about empowerment. It focuses on authenticity in an effort to better ourselves and others. Not to mention the brand made each of us sparkle a little brighter with key pieces from its Spring/Summer 2017 Collection.

Stephen Fairchild, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, comments on how this collection is “bright, versatile and strong: like women. Each piece stands for something positive that women can admire and believe in, in terms of roots, actions and aesthetics. What they choose says something about them.” I love how Annette Oppong-Boateng, PANDORA Jewellery Canada’s Stylist, managed to pick out designs that suited our individual tastes perfectly. For me, it was a lot of mixing and matching, which embraced my Gemini personality to a tee. Here were her picks, as seen in the above photo:

Droplets Stackable Ring: This stunning 14ct gold ring studded with cubic zirconia is a piece I would naturally gravitate towards. I’ve always loved gold since raiding my grandmother’s jewellery box. I also wore the silver model.

Forever Love: Self love is something I’m striving towards every day and this silver heart ring captures the commitment beautifully.

Twist of Fate: It’s as though Annette knew the twists and turns my life has been taken when picking out this braided pave silver ring with cubic zirconia. I think it’s important to learn from the tough times as much as it is to celebrate the good.

PANDORA Signature Pendant: Hanging from a silver chain, this silver pendent is stunningly encrusted with cubic zirconia.

Interlinked Circles: These two-tone earrings in sterling silver and 14K gold speak to my love of both the classic and contemporary.

Sterling Silver Bangles: I was artfully stacked with PANDORA Jewellery bangles, two of which Annette creatively combined together to form an interlocked look. Of course, I fell in love with the one finished with a  Gold Clasp. But it was the charms that truly caught my eye. As Fairchild mentioned, they truly capture women’s passions. I was decked out in the PANDORA Signature Heart, Shining Elegance in gold and silver,  and Interlinked Circles.

As for my personal favorites:

Flowers by Tonic Blooms

Hearts Stud Earrings: I’ve been trying to embrace all the love in my life these days from reconnecting with old friends to creating social platforms that foster connections and communities. These silver hearts represent those efforts for me.

Sterling Silver Bangle: I took Annette’s love of this bangle and simplified it a bit to include two Radiant Droplets in Pink and Clear. It’s sophisticated yet playful and full of, well, radiance!

Hearts of PANDORA and Radiant Hearts of PANDORA: This whole line is a stunning interpretation of Spring colors and the promise of fresh starts. I was particularly drawn to the white models for their “clean slate” appeal.

PANDORA Floating Locket: Filled with June Petites (my birth month), this locket is a great reminder of my individuality. The silver details and grey moonstone also complements just about any look, so I can wear it every day.

The Kit’s Women Who Do issue isn’t the only project launching today. PANDORA Jewellery’s DO TALKS is also on the docket. With a female empowerment panel featuring Jessica Mulroney, Janette Ewen and Tracey Moore, DO TALKS aims to encourage “women to take action and be true to who they are and what they want to do.” All proceeds from the event go to Dress for Success.