Celebrity Picks

• Rae Dawn Chong — Fragrance Fave

  October 23, 2009 – No comments

  

  By Kathryn Kates
  
  New England based actress, activist, filmmaker, blogger and Certified Fitness Trainer Rae Dawn Chong (daughter of comedian Tommy Chong) says that somehow fashion became a dirty word to her when it became unaffordable.
  
  "I think being frugal is the height of chic, coupled with smart and sassy, tasteful choices. Thank you to the economic downturn for helping me find my frugal chic self. I am happily off the fashion trend-mill lusting for that next hot item," she says.
  
  One thing Rae Dawn doesn't skimp on is her scent. "Go for the good stuff …but use fragrance sparingly. Make it perfume and make it fine, like Jo Malone or Annick Goutal," she adds.

• Keia Pile — Mom Must-Have

  October 9, 2009 – No comments

  

  By Kathryn Kates
  
  Being the wife of a Toronto Argonaut linebacker (Willie Pile) poses unique challenges for new mom Keia Pile.
  
  "As a busy mom and with a husband that practically travels for a living, the "mom" product I can't live without is our Sit 'n' Stroll 5-n-1 Combination Car Seat/Stroller," says Keia. "With the shove of the handle the wheels pop out and the seat transforms from a car seat to a stroller in a matter of seconds, which has been a life saver for me, especially when traveling alone with a one-year-old and sometimes a dog too!”
  
  "No longer do I have to carry a car seat and stroller through airport security, check them at the gate, retrieve them, carry them all the way to baggage claim to get my bags...you get the picture. If that wasn't enough, the Sit 'n' Stroll can also be used as a dining booster seat, which has also come in handy while visiting restaurants or relatives who don't have a high chair available. I would recommend this product to any busy mom who wants a convenient, worry free way to travel!"
  
  www.argonauts.ca

• Fiona Reid — Tea Anyone?

  September 25, 2009 – No comments

  

  By Kathryn Kates
  
  Multi-award winning actress Fiona Reid, an Order of Canada recipient, is best remembered as the stressed mother-of-the-groom in the hit film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. You can find her in the upcoming CanStage Canadian premiere of Rock 'n' Roll.
  
  What does Fiona use to get her through her busy theatre schedule? Tea! And like many a lover of tea, Reid is particular about her kettle:
  
  "For a long time I was in search of the perfect kettle, one that works and doesn't build up mineral content quickly."
  
  "I found just the thing, at Sears…it’s a Breville kettle. It comes in different styles; I chose a wide, stainless steel, cylindrical shape. It looks lovely, works like a charm and has a neat blue column of light, which illuminates as the water heats. It’s perhaps a bit more expensive than your average kettle, but I think the expense is justified by the longevity and reliability!"
  
  www.canstage.com

• Liona Boyd — Pashmina Frenzy

  September 11, 2009 – No comments

  

  By Kathryn Kates
  
  Not surprisingly, singer/guitarist Liona Boyd is an incurable romantic. As evidenced in her newest CD: Liona Boyd Sings Songs of Love. Her fashion sense follows suit:
  
  "For years, I've found the pashmina shawl indispensible," says Boyd. "I first started wearing pashminas as a teenager, living in the mountain town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. When I started traveling, they were a useful wardrobe addition as they packed so well. Once, when I was in India, I went nuts and bought pashminas in eight different colours!"
  
  "When I lived in Los Angeles and Miami, my pashminas were ideal for both the dry desert and the tropical climates. Now, living close to New York I…haven't been able to resist adding more colours to my collection. I have so many now I could open a pashmina boutique!"
  
  www.lionaboyd.com

• Argo Cheerleader — M.A.C Favourite

  August 28, 2009 – No comments

  

  By Kathryn Kates
  
  Jessica S. has kicked up her heels as a Toronto Argonaut cheerleader for the past two years. She started dancing at six, beginning with jazz and ballet and then moving onto hip-hop and modern dance. To stand out on the field Jessica goes to her makeup bag.
  
  "On the day of an Argo home game, we have to be at the field about four hours before the game begins in full hair and make-up," explains Jessica. "I would be lost without one of my M.A.C Black LiquidLast Eyeliner."
  
  "It is waterproof and can get me through the game without having to re-apply or even touch-up once. It also helps my eyes stand out when I’m dancing on field performing for all the great Argo fans!"
  
  www.Argonauts.ca

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  Kathryn Kates

  Journalist Kathryn Kates has written extensively for national and international publications including the Globe and Mail, National Post and New York Post, and as a celebrity-based columnist for the Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, Hamilton Spectator, Metro Toronto and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's Performance Magazine.