Pump It Up

Part of Banana Republic's Anna Karenina Collection, these kid suede t-strap pumps are so sophisticated, so subtly sexy, that I really can't possibly say no.  I know the word is overused but:  OBSESSED. 

Check out the whole collection, including my soon-to-be Kieley Pump ($128) at Banana Republic.

World Mastercard Fashion Week Spring '13: Went a Lil' Something Like This...

My fave show of World Mastercard Fashion Week had to be Lucian Matis, likely made so by the fact that I scored a front row seat!

Ever wondered what a model sees at the end of the runway?  Meet "The Pit"

Ever-stylish Style Writer Bianca Teixeira, Nelia Belkova of StyleBlog.ca, and Afiya Francisco of The Style House

A model gets contemplative (about her hair) at the always entertaining Korhani Home

Cutest. Couple. Ever.

So I could give a million excuses about why it's taken me so long to post these pics but I won't (ahem..kids. colds. 'nuff said) Instead, let's just say I had a blast at World Mastercard Fashion Week and am ready for Spring '13, if only so I can wear some of the pieces I saw strutting down the runway at Holt Renfrew, Joe Fresh, Pink Tartan, Mackage, Whitney Linen, Arthur Mendonca, and Lucian Matis, among others.

I died over a trench coat worn with a layered pastel leather vest at Mackage.  I swooned over all the pretty Moroccan tile and croc prints at Lucian Matis (more pics coming) and the top (in-stores-now) picks from Holt Renfrew.  I reveled in the feminine silhouettes and cool metallics at Pink Tartan.  And Joe Fresh?  Let's just say he delivered, as always (see my post on the Joe Fresh Spring '13 show here)

Here are some of my fave pics that (mostly) tell my story of the week:

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Fête Accomplie: Part 2

Photo courtesy H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Now that November's arrived (along with a little bit of snow and Starbucks' red cups), it's all about the holidays. Before you know it, you'll be getting invites - whether it's to your office mixer, a New Year's party, or a fun little gift exchange with your besties. There are so many reasons to celebrate in the coming months and since parties generally mean dressing up (yay!), we thought you might need a little inspiration. Here are 3 pretty looks to help get you prepped for the madness. Though dresses are always a safe bet, I love the idea of trying something new and fun, especially around the holidays, whether it's a sweater and skirt combo in chic winter white, an edgy lace blouse with rockstar accessories, or an eclectic mix of printed pants with an easy chambray shirt. The best part? You'll be able to add these pieces into your wardrobe all year 'round. Then, all you have to do is brush up on your Gangnam Style moves so you can properly hit the dance floor. Seriously.

For more pretty party looks, check out Fête Accomplie: Part 1

1. Pattern-Knit Jumper, $39.95, H&M; 2. Studded Collar Blouse, $34.95, H&M; 3. Fuzzy Mini Skirt, $39.95, H&M; 4. ALDO RISE Floral Lace-Up Platform Booties, $195, ALDO; 5. Pastel Friendship Bracelets, $12, ALDO Accessories; 6. Snow Angel Color Palette & Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing Mascara, $51, Sephora

 

Dolce & Gabbana Fall '12 - photo style.com

1. Satin Pleated Clutch, $39.95, Le Château; 2. Ultimate Miracle Skirt, $35.50, Ricki's; 3. Skull Motif Ring, $9.95, H&M; 4. Mesh Boots, $59.95, H&M; 5. Mirror Lace Print Blouse, $32.90, Dynamite

A Holiday '12 look from 3.1 Phillip Lim 

1. Floral Slim-Fit Trousers, $39.95, H&M; 2. David Dixon for Town Shoes Clutch, $69.95, Town Shoes; 3. Jersey Jacket, $59.95, H&M; 4. Denim Shirt, $29.95, H&M; 5. Glitter Nail Polish (set of 3), $10, Call It Spring; 6. Patent-Toe Pump, $67.49, ALDO

Mustache Musts for a Manly Movember

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I know. I know. That's a whole lotta 'm's. But when it comes to 'staches, it's all about the cheesy, the in-your-face (make that, on-your-face), cliché.  Or is it? Since the Movember movement (created to raise funds and awareness for male mental health and prostate cancer) has become a rite of passage for any philanthropically-inclined male, mustaches have evolved from a little bit creepy to, dare I say it, a tad sexy?  While a few years ago, I would have said that the only man who has ever (ever) looked good in a 'stache was Tom Selleck, I now see mustached men and actually kind of get the appeal.  I mean, everyone loves a guy with heart, especially when they're willing to let hair invade their upper lip for a full month in the name of charity.

And what about the women who support their hairy men - or 'Mo Sistas' as they've come to be known?  While men get to go incognito behind a full-blown fu Manchu, the women in their lives aren't quite so lucky.  You've heard of the man cold, right?  Try the man mo'. "It itches", "I keep getting food stuck in it," and the completely unrelated "I need a massaaage" is really just the beginning.  Then try kissing that. Ouch.

Here are some of the cutest mustache must-have's for this month.  Happy, hairy Movember! x

Oh, and if you live in the London area, be sure to tune into BOB FM tomorrow around 7:30 a.m.  I'll be talking men's fashion with 3 stylish looks to help guys avoid the pervy pitfalls of the 'stache. (really)

Mustache Ring, $7.90, Garage

Mustache Straw Set, Claire's

Mustache Magnet Set, $9.75, Claire's

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy Blu-Ray, $17.99, Sunrise Records

Striped Mustache Beanie, $18.75, Claire's

Join the Boathouse team, grow a sweet 'stache, and help raise funds for Movember - join Boathouse here

Hello Kitty Mustache Necklace, $13, Claire's

Von Zipper Mustache Chart Tee, $9.99, West 49

Sunstache Frames with Soul Patch, $13, Claire's 

All Shook Up

Hallowe'en 2012 was a thing of beauty. My little Elvis even had the hip shaking, lip curling thing down.  And my mermaid daughter with her little mermaid dog? Cuteness x 2.  Two things, though 1) I'm pretty sure that sugar sticks shouldn't be over-the-counter and 2) If you're going to draw sideburns on your 2 year-old, maybe don't wear a white coat. Somebody's going to the dry cleaner tomorrow. And somebody else is going in for sugar rehab.

Happy November! x