Loubi, Loubi, Oh Baby

So...guess who I get to meet tomorrow?? I've somehow worked my way into the exclusive Press Conference and personal tour of the Christian Louboutin exhibit BY CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN LUI-MêME at The Design Exchange in Toronto tomorrow. Dyyyying. And I don't own a single pair of Loubis yet :( Here's the dilemma: Do I go with something totally inconspicuous (black, simple, understated), or Converse to show that I wouldn't dare wear any heels other than Loubis in the Great One's presence? Or do I jump off the train, hightail it to Holts and break the bank for a 3 hour tour (a 3 hour touuur)? Or do I give a slight nod to the Louboutin aesthetic with some rockstar studs à la sandals I featured yesterday? One thing I do know is that this is no time for a Louboutin DIY. I can picture it now - trailing red paint prints behind me as I flee the Design Exchange, Christian screaming, "Traître! POSEUR!!!" all the way. Sh•t. And you think you have problems getting dressed in the morning...Wish me luck. Pics and the whole Louboutin in Toronto lowdown to come...

Shoe Love: Zara's Gold Studded Gladiators

Isabel Marant sends one of her new It shoes down the runway for Spring '13 - photo courtesy Fairchild Photo Services

Not sure how it happened, but my current sandal sitch is totally de-press-ing. Once-cute flip-flops now look all worn out and while I have plenty of high-heeled sandals, they just don't work for my day to day. I've been on the hunt for the perfect gladiator flat since I saw Isabel Marant's Spring '13 show but have yet to find the perfect pair; Enter these studded gladiators from Zara. They're simple and shiny and a little bit edgy and, best of all, under $100. I can't wait to pick up a pair and live in them all summer - who's with me?

Studded Metallic Flat Sandals, $79.90, at Zara stores nationwide or online at Zara.com

35 Pretty Summer Handbags to Pick Up Now

Photo courtesy Coach

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I'm not sure what it is about handbags, exactly, that gets me so giddy. Anyone get that same feeling when you see the perfect 'one'? Is it because a bag always fits? Or is it the fact that you can go wild with print, embellishments and colour without having to commit to a head-to-toe statement? Or is it because a handbag holds all of the important stuff like your wallet, your phone and anything (and everything) else you need to get through your day?

Somehow, guys don't seem to need handbags - the male species somehow gets by on pockets alone. Women on the other hand require them, we must have them (lots of lots of them), and I'm so glad we do, aren't you?

Read more

Madonna and Daughter, Lola, Announce Rita Ora as the New Face of Material Girl

Exciting news! Madonna (her Madgesty) and her daughter, Lola confirmed today that Rita Ora has been cast as the new face of their junior lifestyle brand, Material Girl. Ora, the internationally renowned singer and protégé of Jay-Z, will star in the brand’s Fall '13 global marketing campaign set to be released this July. 

According to Madonna and Lola, “Rita is a talented beauty but what really drew us to her is the confidence she oozes through her music and her unique sense of style. On stage or off, in photos or on the street - she's a magnet! This is what the Material Girl brand is all about.”

Can't wait to see Ora rock this campaign - love her! The Material Girl brand is available exclusively at Hudson’s Bay in Canada.

Not to Go All Cupcakes and Cashmere On You, But...

...I had to share. Why? Because I made this ice-cream cake last weekend for my son's birthday and I am still thinking about it non-stop. Because it is the best ice-cream cake you will ever (like, ever) taste. Because, if you like the combo of peanut butter & chocolate, this will be your new happy place. And because, it's Father's Day this weekend so I thought you might be able to use this recipe to appear like a freaking domestic rockstar. I know it's not fashion-related in any way but something this delicious just needs to be shared with friends. Thanks to my friends Beth and Chris for sharing the recipe with me last year - I am forever in your debt (and forever 5 lbs heavier)

Here's how you do it:

PEANUT BUTTER BURST ICE-CREAM CAKE (aka. HEAVEN)

1) Bake brownies in a round 8" or 9" springform pan (I used the Ghirardelli brownies from Costco but any brownie mix will do - just follow the instructions for your pan size). Let cool.

2) Add a layer of slightly softened 'Our Finest' brand Peanut Butter Burst ice-cream from Walmart. I know..but I swear that this particular ice-cream is the key to the amazingness of this cake. Smoothe with a spatula. Freeze for 3 hours.

3) Add another layer of slightly softened vanilla ice-cream and smooth out with a spatula. I used Real Dairy brand 'Natural Vanilla' ice cream.

4) Drizzle with chocolate syrup. Sprinkle liberally with frozen, crushed Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. 

5) Freeze at least 3 hours or overnight.

6) Serve. Eat. Repeat.

You're welcome/I'm sorry. Happy Friday and Happy Father's Day! If you have yet to shop, check out my Father's Day Gift Guides here, here, and here. Oh and here. xx