What Ashley's Wearing

No snow-suits for this girl - Ashley takes a stylish stroll through the park.  (Blazer, Blouse & Hat: H&M; Infinity Scarf: Spring; Cobalt Blue Jeans:  American Eagle Outfitters; Boots: Steve Madden (The Bay); Bag: TNA (Aritzia)

About 3 months ago, a note popped into my inbox from a girl named Ashley;  She told me that she was a Montessori teacher by day and a style addict the rest of the time, devouring blogs, magazines and Fashion Television whenever she possibly could.  Like me, Ashley lives in London, which - let's be honest - isn't exactly the fashion mecca of North America - and was looking for a way to pursue her creative side.  I met up with her, instantly loved her style and sweet personality, and we decided to start a regular little column to chronicle her fab fashion sense.  I don't know about you but none of my teachers ever looked this chic.  

Check back here often for more of the ever-smiling Ashley.   How cute is she?!

Happy Family Day Friday to you!  xo

She Sells Seashells

A sculptural, Chanel-inspired, Starfish Ring, $4.95, H&M

It’s totally tempting to buy into the latest trends - after all, every blog, magazine, and style site (guilty as charged) tells us we MUST have them. While these might not qualify as ‘musts’, read on for 10 spring trends actually worth trying out (for reals) with real life ways to wear each.  Have you started your spring shopping list yet?  

In the Pink

Slim-Fit Trousers, $40, H&M VS. Tibi Tapered Silk-Crepe Pants, $350, Net-a-Porter

Be pretty in pink with a pair of rose-coloured trousers, which will instantly add femininity to your work wardrobe. Try teaming them with a classic white shirt, pointy-toed pumps, and a gutsy graphic necklace. Looking for more low vs. high finds to get a head-start on your spring wardrobe?  Check out my latest gallery at iVillage.ca.

Pack it Up, Pack it In

Originally posted in The CLOSET

If you're lucky enough to have a plane ticket burning a hole in your inbox, you're likely having a hard time focusing on the here and now.  As soon as a vacation looms, we daydream when we should be doing work, imagining the endless possibilities that a trip can bring;  exotic adventure, playful fun in the sun, and perhaps most importantly, time to just chill.  Aahhhh....

Whether you tote the kids along, party with thousands or head off on an urban adventure this spring, choose pieces that mix and match together, so you can pack light without sacrificing an ounce of style.  And for the stay-cationistas out there, remember this:  the warm weather is just around the corner, which means you can start your summer wardrobe planning now, too.   Phew!

Get totally set to jet with these tips from The CLOSET:

• Pick pieces that travel well (ie. jerseys, light cotton blends, and wrinkle-free fabrics)
• Choose neutral separates and add colour with small, easy-to-pack accessories
• Bring the right shoes for wherever the wind takes you...a big-city adventure calls for comfy-chic shoes that you can walk in for hours, while sandals and wedges work best on the beach
• Leave the ratty old baseball hat at home - a cute fedora or classic floppy straw hat look infinitely more elegant
• Smart shades shield your eyes from the sun while giving your make-up free face an instant pick-me-up
• Travel-sized (read:  airline approved) luxuries like frizz-free sprays, dry shampoos, and mini make-up brushes help you bring all the comforts of home without taking up valuable space in your carry-on and keep you looking fresh post-landing.  Hit up Sephora before you take off.

Bon voyage!

Pitter Patter

As I sit here eating my daughter's Valentine's chocolates (come on..she's only 3...), I can't help but feel a little nostalgic.  When I dropped her off at pre-school today, the kids went straight to the mats for circle time.  In her hand, she clutched Valentine's cards for her 18 classmates, on which she'd painstakingly written her name:  C. H. L. O. E.  Accent Aigu.  On each card, she'd attached a little packet of 'hot lips' because 'we just really should, mom'.  It was a true labour of love and she beamed with pride as she handed out the treats to all of her friends.  Though I play the cynic sometimes, I'm rather hopelessly in love with love, and still keep my old Valentine's cards, highschool 'love' letters and every little card, note and e-mail my husband has ever written me.  

Hope you enjoy this Valentine's Day and that it's filled with loads of love;  whether it's the romantic kind, the friend kind, the amazing pair of shoes kind, or the messed up Bachelor kind.  Is anyone else watching that?  Is Ben Flajnik on crack?  He needs to send that nasty biatch home already!  I mean...I'm sure she's really lovely way deep down inside.  Like, waaay deep down...

Okay, back to the chocolates.  Love you!