MEET ROBYN AND PATRICK
Since Robyn and Patrick first met back in high school, the two have evolved from self-proclaimed rebellious, confused, scatterbrained 17-year-olds into mature, married, career-focused new homeowners. Needless to say it has been quite a transformation. But through all the changes they’ve experienced over the years, Robyn and Patrick have remained committed to each other. “Friends always ask us how we’ve made our relationship work for over 12 years,” says Robyn. “Laughter and sometimes acting like you’re teenagers—full of puppy love!”
Their style, on the other hand, was lacking a bit of that charisma. “I’m lucky to have a witty husband who keeps life fun and interesting. I just wish his clothes reflected his crazy, carefree personality,” Robyn confessed.
2’s mission: Make Robyn and Patrick look as good as they feel with a new Bench wardrobe. And to celebrate their amazing relationship, 2 turned to Marlin Travel to send this pair on a week-long trip to New Orleans. After twelve plus years together, they deserve it!

Style notes: Robyn and Patrick strut their stuff in the clothing that made Bench famous: comfortable urban streetwear with a quirky twist. His graphic bright-pink T-shirt is classic Bench and pops against her grey-on-grey ensemble. Pocket detailing adds interest to both her cardigan and hooded sweatshirt dress. Available at The Bay.

LOVING LANGTON!
Robyn and Patrick’s makeover began with a day of primping and pampering at the très chic Langton salon in Toronto.
When it came to their hair, both Robyn and Patrick were in need of some serious rebalancing. Robyn’s last haircut had long since grown out and lost all of its shape. Hairstylist Robert Langton kept much of her existing length but lightened up the bulk with some long layers, which will help her manage her style in the hot and humid New Orleans climate. Langton also added a soft fringe across her face. Patrick’s cut was a straightforward cleanup mission. Langton neatly tapered his hair, leaving him with a more polished, businesslike look.
Next up for Patrick was a relaxing and hydrating facial. After cleansing and exfoliating the skin, aesthetician Elisabeth Brejnak massaged his face with a refreshing rosemary-based product, which helps tone down visible redness and promotes colour uniformity across the skin. When all was said and done, Patrick’s face was soft, refreshed and radiant. Brejnak didn’t forget Robyn. While her colour was processing, she treated her to a mani/pedi!
Hairstylist and colourist John Farrauto gave Robyn’s hair dimension and a subtle lift with both highlights and lowlights in contrasting tones, a near black and light brown. To cover greys and make her hair super shiny, Farrauto used an all-over golden-brown dye. Patrick got a touch of colour as well in the form of a natural blond gloss, which gave his hair a boost without looking too artificial.

TO CURL OR NOT TO CURL
Robyn’s hair enjoys new-found versatility thanks to Braun’s latest dynamic duo: the Smoothstyler curling iron and Smoothliner straightener. With these cordless wonders, Robyn can give herself that just-from-the-salon look any time, anywhere. Both stylers warm up fast (in less than two minutes!) for instant styling and long-lasting results. The sensor-controlled thermostat in each promotes even heat distribution and helps maintain the professional styling temperature. Whether she chooses bouncy, full curls or perfectly straight tresses, Robyn can rest assured that her hair will be protected from the perils of overstyling. The Smoothstyler comes with a rejuvenating steam option, which infuses moisture back into the hair to boost her curls’ shine, while the Smoothliner’s friction-free ceramic plates save hair from stress and damage during straightening. Available at The Bay.

Style notes: Fall’s warm days and cool nights are no problem for Robyn and Patrick in funky and functional layers by Bench. Their lightweight cotton shirts are perfect for sunny autumn afternoons, while patterned zip-ups and cozy sweaters offer extra insulation when the temp drops come evening. Available at The Bay.

GREAT SKIN. GUARANTEED.
Robyn and Patrick’s makeover continued at The Bay where they met with Clinique expert Rick Felecia for their personalized skin consultations. With eight simple questions, Felecia was able to determine their skin types and recommend products that address their individual needs.
Like much of the population, Robyn has Type II skin: dry in the cheeks and oily in the
T-zone. The solution? Clinique’s 3-Step Skin Care System. Every day, both day and night, Robyn should cleanse with Liquid Facial Soap Mild, exfoliate using Clarifying Lotion 2 and apply Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion to any dry areas, avoiding the T-zone. To combat dark spots left by blemishes past, Felecia suggested Robyn follow her daily routine with Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer, which speeds fresh, vibrant cells to the surface and leaves skin rejuvenated.
When it comes to taking care of their skin, “men are lazy, let’s admit it,” says Felecia. As such, simplicity was key in designing a regimen to suit Patrick’s skin. Felecia prescribed an easy-to-use trio of products from Clinique Skin Supplies for Men—Liquid Face Wash, Scruffing Lotion 3.5 and M Protect SPF 21—to get Patrick’s neglected skin on the road to recovery. Felecia also encouraged him to use Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Lip Balm SPF 15. Without oil glands, the lips are very susceptible to damage and merit extra protection. Finally, for those pesky little laugh lines around his eyes, Felecia instructed Patrick to use Repairwear Deep Wrinkle Concentrate as a spot treatment, which fights wrinkles at their base.
Want skin care advice? Ask the experts at clinique.ca.

PLAY IN THE DARKS
This season, when it comes to makeup, it’s all about drama. Deep, smoky eyes and richly glossed lips are musts for fall. Felecia got Robyn autumn-ready with a sultry new look that’s perfect for the City of Mystery. Here’s how:
“Skin is your best accessory. You want it to show through,” says Clinique expert Rick Felecia. “Start with less and build up if you need to.” With that in mind, he applied Superbalanced Makeup in Sand all over Robyn’s face and set the foundation in place with Blended Face Powder in Transparency 4 Plus.
Next, Felecia went to work on her eyes. Using Colour Surge Eye Shadow Trio in Blushing Nude, he applied the lightest shade as an all-over colour base, swept the medium shade across the lid and used the deepest shade along the crease and corner of the lid for added definition. Felecia finished off her eyes with short, precise strokes of Smoke Grey Brush-On Cream Liner along both lash lines and a couple coats of High Definition Lashes Mascara.
To achieve a matte finish, Felecia employed the Clinique powder rub-down technique. After warming up a bit of Blended Face Powder in the palm of his hand, he applied the product using his fingers, pressing it into her pores in a circular motion, then dusted off any excess. Not only does this method mask unsightly pores, it also helps makeup last longer. A bit of Fresh Bloom Allover Colour in Plum Poppy added a natural glow to her cheeks.
Finally, Felecia gave Robyn’s lips that just kissed look with Black Honey Sheer Shaper for Lips and Almost Lipstick. Apricot Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss was the finishing touch. clinique.ca

(RE)NEW ORLEANS
Two years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area, New Orleans is definitely a city on the mend. But as far as the region has come since the tragedy, it still has a long way to go: Fifty percent of its population have not returned. In the harder hit neighbourhoods, government-issued trailers still pepper the landscape, providing temporary housing for those who lost their homes in the storm. And many schools remain closed. But there are ways you can help. The New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity has plenty of volunteer opportunities on work sites in and around the city. Donations are also always welcome and appreciated. One of the best things you can do to get New Orleans back on its feet is to go there! Eat a po’ boy in the French Quarter, party it up Cajun-style at Mardi Gras and browse the adorable boutiques on Magazine Street. New Orleans is open for business—see it for yourself! neworleanscvb.com, www.marlintravel.ca

IN THE MOOD
If the music of New Orleans doesn’t get you in the mood, the sensual scent of ckIN2U surely will. Calvin Klein’s newest fragrances for him and her are fresh yet warm and oh so sexy. Experience them from head to toe with the complete ckIN2U line, which includes eau de toilette, body wash and skin moisturizer for her, as well as eau de toilette, hair and body wash, aftershave gel and deodorant for him.

HOT PICK!
After a night out on the town, Robyn and Patrick cuddle up with each other and their Panasonic DVD-LS80 portable DVD player. This light, compact gadget is great for travel and features an eight-and-a-half-inch LCD screen and built-in stereo speakers.

Style notes: Bring on the jazz! Robyn is ready to dance the night away outside the historic Preservation Hall in her stunning navy sweater and flirty floral dress. Patrick has no problem taking the lead in this sleek chocolate button-down. All by Fullcircle. Available at select locations of The Bay.

FEEL THE PULSE
The new Braun Pulsonic shaving system is truly revolutionary. The world’s first shaver to be powered by sonic technology, Pulsonic boasts Braun’s closest, most comfortable shave yet, with over 10,000 microvibrations per minute to help capture more hairs in fewer strokes. Its moves don’t stop there: The sensitive, flexing head has twice the pivoting angle of other Braun shavers and easily conforms to facial contours. Available at The Bay.

Style notes: Robyn and Patrick take their drinks to go on Bourbon Street: Her black sweater dress proves comfort can be sexy, while his khaki short-sleeved shirt keeps him cool and casual, despite their rising temperatures. All by Bench. Available at The Bay. Sleepwear by Calvin Klein. Available at The Bay.

CREST WHITESTRIPS RENEWAL
Robyn’s and Patrick’s styles have sure changed since they started dating back in the early ’90s. And though their teenage fashion choices are better left in the past, there’s no reason they can’t reclaim the youthful-looking smiles of their early years together.
Turning back the clock is easy with Crest Whitestrips Renewal. The thin, flexible strips are coated with a tooth-whitening gel, which contains the same enamel-safe ingredient dentists use. You keep the strips on your teeth for 30 minutes at a time, long enough to get at the stain buildup below the tooth surface. Robyn and Patrick saw results after just three days, and full results in 10 days.*
To protect their new, younger-looking smiles, Robyn and Patrick use Crest Vivid White toothpastes. Crest Vivid White not only polishes away stains, but also acts as a whitening protector to help prevent new stains from developing. Crest Vivid White Night coats your teeth to loosen surface stains while you sleep,** so you can brush them away come morning to reveal a whiter, brighter smile. Crest Vivid White and Crest Vivid White Night, with regular brushing, also prevent tartar buildup, fight cavities, remove plaque and refresh the mouth.
* Typical results.
** With regular use and two minutes brushing.

CRUISE CONTROL
New Orleans is almost entirely surrounded by water, and no trip to the city would be complete without some time spent touring the bayou. There’s no better way to experience the wildlife of the Louisiana wetlands than with a Cajun Pride swamp tour (at right). You and the gators will have the place to yourselves as you boat through the Manchac Swamp. Ask for Captain Chaos, swamp guide extraordinaire, who’s been known to hop in the water right alongside the prehistoric beasts! Before returning to the city, swing by the nearby Peavine Snack Shack on Lake Pontchartrain for some tasty soft-shell crabs. 985-652-5099
Back downtown, catch a ride down the mighty Mississippi on New Orleans’ only steamboat, the Natchez (far left). Its dinner/jazz cruise boasts some serious talent, including an award-winning bartender and the world-renowned Dukes of Dixieland band.

ROBYN & PATRICK'S NEW ORLEANS TOP 10

1. Feeding the alligators and raccoons on our awesome Cajun Pride swamp tour.
   
2. Visiting (and petting!) the sharks at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.
3. Sucking back hurricanes and singing along to the classics at the Pat O’Brien’s piano bar.
   
4. Indulging in late-afternoon naps in our cozy king bed at the Country Inn & Suites New Orleans.
   
5. Food, glorious food!
6. Gaining insight from locals on how Hurricane Katrina has impacted their lives.
7. Helium-induced hilarity over lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
   
8. Bar-hopping in the French Quarter with the 2 crew.
9. Live blues and ice-cold brews at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop on Bourbon Street.
10. Admiring the New Orleans skyline from aboard the historic Steamboat Natchez.
    

BIG EATS IN THE BIG EASY
If you’re heading down to the Big Easy, you’d better bring your appetite. New Orleans’ rich culinary history and coastal location guarantee irresistible local fare that is truly unique. French, Spanish, African, Caribbean and Cajun influences give creole cuisine plenty of personality. So loosen that belt buckle, because there’s no way you’ll go hungry in this town!

BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO.
Run, Forrest, run to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for a dining experience like no other. As Bubba told Forrest, “Shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sauté it,” and this place does it all. The shrimper’s net catch is particularly addictive. But the food is only half the fun. Packed to the hilt with Forrest Gump memorbilia, this kitschy restaurant is a cinephile’s dream. You can even show off your movie smarts to your friends during a heated round of Gump trivia led by your server while you wait for your meal.

MURIEL'S JACKSON SQUARE
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Muriel’s Jackson Square offers a feast for all the senses. The historic building is the epitome of decadence, opulence and mystery. It even has its own live-in ghost! Executive chef Guy Sockrider’s entire menu is amazing, but a couple of dishes do stand out. To start, tantalize your taste buds with shrimp and goat cheese crepes. For the main, order the sensational pecan-crusted puppy drum with roasted pecan and Louisiana crabmeat relish. You’ll want to take your time and savour every bite of the tender, moist fish nestled in a pool of lemon-butter sauce. Dessert? Crème brûlée all the way!

GUMBO SHOP
Tourists and locals alike happily line up down the street for a taste of the Gumbo Shop’s classic creole cuisine. Don’t miss the blackened fish nuggets: Succulent catfish served with a zesty creole mustard. The crawfish étouffée is nothing to balk at either. And of course, as the name suggests, they serve a mean gumbo. Their chicken andouille was Robyn and Patrick’s personal favourite. But when all is said and done, don’t despair: You can recreate a bit of your Gumbo Shop experience back north of the 49th parallel with executive chef Richard Stewart’s cookbook, Gumbo Shop: A New Orleans Restaurant Cookbook, which is chock full of all the restaurant’s hearty dishes. Buy it online at gumboshop.com.

Style notes: Don't be afraid to mix and match! Robyn's playful combination of colourful tops gives her outfit dimension and personality. Patrick's grey hoodie is bound to be a wardrobe mainstay: It's soft, comfortable and goes with everything. All by Bench. Availabile at The Bay.