The Best Place for a Manicure in Toronto - Her Majesty's Pleasure

When my friend Aggie arranged for manicures at Her Majesty's Pleasure I was more than thrilled. It's not often that I pamper myself, but I should really make it a habit. Her Majesty's Pleasure has, by far, the best manicure in Toronto.

She gave our boyfriends the hard sell, explaining that there was a separate and extensive bar where they could catch up while we indulged. And there was a beautiful bar with great bartenders, but the view of all the girly things HMP held for Aggie and I was not persuasive for them. Needless to say, they ditched us to go to the nearest scotch bar. Their loss, I say!

My girlfriend, Sarah, of The Coffee Filter, convinced me I needed this bright blue Jelly bear purse pictured here with the bar selection at Her Majesty's Pleasure

The place is absolutely beautiful and pristine. It's like out of fashion heaven I swear to the gods above. Every detail is perfect with polished marble countertops, pictures and paintings of great Queens lining the walls and floor to ceiling windows overlooking King St. West. Aggie and I both just had a speedy mani, but HMP has a full suite of salon services worth considering 

The most beautiful polish selection at Her Majesty's Pleasure

If you haven't been keeping up with Britton Diaries, Periwinkle is my newest obsession. This colour just perfectly encapsulates spring for me, and I sprung to have a periwinkle manicure.

My manicure colour on the far left, "Boxer Shorts"

Aggie and I got to chatting over a pair of Pear Amaretto cocktails which went down far too quickly. Our boyfriends are best friends and so we can relate pretty perfectly with whatever relationship drama, ups and downs and funny anecdotes brought to the table. Talking with her was just so.. refreshing. I'm not sure if it's a Latin thing, but Aggie is such a great listener - when you speak to her, it's like she's really invested in what you have to say.

But best of all were the manicurists. Yes, they did an absolutely stellar job taking their time and correcting any blemishes, but they too were just such great conversation. It's kind of a silly, but whenever I get a manicure I think of Legally Blonde. You know, when Elle stumbles upon Paulette's salon and it's like a therapy and manicures session in one? Well I always want that and never find it, but the girls of Her Majesty's Pleasure are so warm and charming. It really makes the whole experience.



My manicure lasted about a week. I'm always sad when it starts to chip, but isn't that just a perfect excuse to go back to get the best manicure in Toronto?

No. 21 Pre-Fall 2014 Collection

No. 21 is the brainchild of Alessandro Dell'Acqua formerly the creative director for the fashion house La Perla (among others). His take on a modern wardrobe pairs the latest trends with classic looks creating a versatile collection. The Pre-Fall 2014 collection mixes textures and prints in effortlessly layered looks perfect for transitioning into the colder weather. It also looks like the matchy-matchy fashion of Summer 2014 is moving into Fall too.

Out and About Double Date to Yasu

My boyfriend and I may on occasion fall under the category of "foodie". We like to eat, we like to eat well, and we also appreciate the hidden gems.

Top: Tophshop, Skirt: Topshop, Shoes: Joe Fresh,
Necklace: Hudson's Bay, Purse: Chapters Indigo,
 Ring: Thrifted, Sunglasses: Bungalow

Ajay has been talking about Jiro Sushi and the documentary "Jiro Dreams of Sushi". After the success of the film the apprentice-now-chef Daisuke Nakazawa travelled to New York to open Sushi Nakazawa where he serves a twenty-course omakase (Chef's choice) for a limited 10 guests per seating.

Yasu Omakase Sushi Bar is one of Toronto's first (if not the first, I would certainly venture the best) omakase sushi restaurant. Since their exceptional review in The Globe and Mail they have been overwhelmed with reservation requests and it is a wonder how we landed such prized seats.

Seating 10 people our party of four nearly took up half the restaurant. We were greeted with a warm reception by our host for the evening. She took her time in explaining the cultivated list of sakes Yasu has to offer and shared a little of Japanese custom and culture with us as we struggled to be less oafish and act the part of the elegant young professionals we claimed to be.

The chef was knowledgable and patient, answering each of our many questions. He took his time with his creations and from where I was sitting it was a work of art.

Each piece of our 20-course meal was handcrafted and full of intricate and overlapping flavors. I am, as of now, forever ruined in terms of sushi. I can never go back to the ten dollar maki combos and California rolls of my rushed lunch hours.

The mackeral pictured above was especially to die for.

Without a doubt our evening out to Yasu was one of the best experiences of the Summer. The fresh menu and paired dry sake was a perfect balance to the balmy evening. The showmanship, whether inadvertent or otherwise was captivating and by our last course we were already inquiry about second reservations. 

Of course, now they're booked up for the next few months.