COACHELLA COOL | The 15 Festival Finds You Need + #WIN with American Eagle

via American Eagle on Instagram

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Festival fashion is like the hipster of the fashion world - so predictable, so ironic and yet, so undeniably sweet that I can't help but love it anyway. Blame it on the feathers, fringe or fedoras (or all of the above), but I look at pics of girls heading to Coachella this weekend and can't help but be jealous. I mean, if I were young(er) and single(r) (I love you if you're reading this, cute husband), unencumbered by the daily grind of jobs and kids (love them, too) and responsibilities, I'd sobe heading to Coachella this weekend. In fact, I'd be going to all of the music festivals this summer, not so much for the music (though I'd pretend that was my reason), but to look as cute as the American Eagle girls. Seriously, look at the picture above. Think they have anywhere to be? Any deadlines? No. Their only goals that day are to spin circles in the dirt, let their floral kimonos catch the sunlight and show off their perfect accessories on Instagram. Vain? Totally. Fun? So fun. 

I've handpicked the 15 festival finds you need right now to score some of that Coachella coolness, whether you've already planned your spring/summer concert season or not. Read on for my top picks from American Eagle and don't miss our giveaway at the bottom of the post. I don't have any concert tix to give away but I can certainly help get you dressed for whatever fun concerts come your way.

Happy FriYAY!

SEE MY FESTIVAL PICKS + ENTER THE CONTEST HERE...

Friday Find: An Of-The-Moment Moto

AE Denim Moto Jacket, $59.95, American Eagle Outfitters

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When it comes to jackets, moto bombers are currently where it's at.  The tell-tale exposed angled zips, oversized lapels and cropped silhouette will make you look like you're ready to hit the open road, even if you actually drive a mini-van.  Shhh...I won't tell. In this jacket, you'll look edgy and cool - like a true biker babe, minus the high insurance premiums and bugs in the teeth.  

I love a moto jacket because it's so super versatile - I wear mine with white skinnies, a buttoned-up blouse and pointy-toe pumps when I want to look polished, or even layer it over my flouncy skirts and floaty summer dresses when I want to add a little edge. Most of the current crop of moto bombers are leather, and thus not super friendly to budget-minded beauties - luckily this AE score is only $59.95 (!) Crazy, right? Now that's a fashion risk I'm totally willing to take...

Happy Friday! Vroom, vroooommmm....

xx

Spring 2013: Accessory Report

ALDO's fun Spring '13 Campaign - Photo courtesy ALDO

As a fashion blogger, I'm  constantly tempted by trends.  I spend a good 8-10 hours each day either staring at, speaking about, shopping for, or writing articles about pretty clothes.  In the beginning, it was total torture;  I wanted every single thing and would rearrange my whole day so that I would just 'happen' to be in the 'hood of say, Club Monaco, just when that to-die-for piece hit stores.  While researching a trend story on shoes online, I would often accidentally click on the 'add to shopping cart' button and somehow click the 'buy' button in the process.  'Whoops!?'  In the beginning, I felt cheated because my fashion blogger salary was nowhere near my Dior/McCartney/Tibi tastes...

For the full story (and the rest of my fave Spring '13 accessories) head to The Fashion Scoop! x

Eagle Necklace, $18, ALDO; Cat-Eye Sunglasses, $18, Laura; Snake Ring, $10, ALDO; Leopard Necklace, $17,Dynamite; Python Clutch, $59, Danier; Jaguar Ring, $15, Le Château; Leopard Belt, $20, American Eagle 

Cuff, $12, ALDO; Linen Blend Clutch, $30, Le Château; Plastic & Metal Link Necklace, $18, ALDO; Rosette Ring, $8, Reitmans; Attitude Jay Manuel Pump, $60, Sears; Two-Tone High-Tops, $26, American Eagle; Cap-Toe Flats, $31, American Eagle; Woven Bracelets, $15, Spring

Statement Necklace, $16, ALDO; Metal Mesh Bracelet, $17, Le Château; Wide Basket Weave Cuff, $21, Cleo; Pointy Cap-Toe Pumps, $100, ALDO; Woven Metallic Band, $15, Le Château; Sterling Silver Ring, $99,People's Jewellers; Metallic Envelope Clutch, $40, Le Château

Sweet Escape

I love our winters and try my Canadian best to enjoy every moment. But, in the middle of a full-blown February Snowmaggedon and spring so close (yet so frustratingly far away), I'm kind of ready to pack it all in. And by pack it in, I mean literally;  I want to snatch my dusty suitcase out of the storage closet, fill it with cute little things, and take off somewhere steamy. Don't you?  Here are 4 perfect looks, ready and waiting for your next spring vacay:

Ray-Ban Wayfarers, $250, Sunglass Hut; Charm Necklace, $16, American Eagle; Floral Corset Bikini Top ($40) and Bottom ($25), American Eagle; Wedges, $100, ALDO; Men's Checked Shirt, $40, American Eagle

Stackable Bracelets, $12, ALDO; Pleated Floral Skirt, $15, American Eagle; Sparkly Thong Sandals, $50, ALDO; Bikini Top & Bottoms, $20 each, Garage

Ray-Ban Wayfarers, $250, Sunglass Hut; Solid Jersey Skirt, $20, Aeropostale; Metallic Flip-Flops, $20, American Eagle; Striped Halter Top & Bottoms, $25 each, American Eagle; Paisley Scarf, $25, American Eagle

Nixon Watch, $200, Boathouse; Polka-Dot One Piece, $37, Garage; Ponte Shift Dress, $150, Le Château; Ankle Strap Heel, $80, ALDO; Tory Burch Aviators, $240, Sunglass Hut; Military Jacket, $80, Dynamite

PS - When that halcyon day arrives and you're ready for take-off, don't forget these 10 warm-weather travel essentials:

1) An Oversized Scarf - this is a chic jet-setter's best friend since it can be used in so many ways - to keep you cozy in flight, as a poolside cover-up, and to dress up any of your neutrals when you head out at night

2) A Perfect Pair of Sunnies - sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the glorious rays, but also instantly glam up any outfit.  If you're going to invest in a designer pair, Wayfarers or Aviators are an always-cool choice

3) A Great Hat - Many of us are intimidated by hats at home but on vacay, somehow, they feel just right. Pack an oversized floppy black hat or cool fedora to go incognito 

4) Sleek Sandals - Forego your grimy old flip-flops and pick up a metallic or embellished pair - they'll look equally at home by the pool or at lunch

5) Maxi Skirts/Dresses - Jersey maxi dresses or skirts are super versatile for a warm weather vacay.  Wear them layered over your bikini, out at the beach bar, or on your next exotic off-resort excursion

6) Statement Accessories - Keep your good jewels at home and hit up a cheap and cheerful accessories store like ALDO, American Eagle or Claire's.  Pick up a great stack of stretchy bracelets (see above), a statement necklace and fun cocktail rings to add instant personality to your tees, tanks and dresses.

7) A Perfect Swimsuit - If you're going to invest in one thing, this is it.  Make sure you pack a suit that fits, flatters and makes you feel like a goddess.  The key? Try, try, and try again (and a little self-tanner never hurt)

8) A Chic Beach Bag - An oversized tote that doubles as a carry-on will hold all your essentials (beach towel? check. steamy novel? check) and is infinitely more stylish than a plastic bag you swiped from your hotel room

9) Mix and Match Neutrals - Neutral tees, tanks, shorts and breezy blouses will all mix and match together so you can pack light.  Go for black, white, and khaki - then give them a makeover with your bright accessories.

10) An Embellished Clutch - A beaded, fringed or embroidered clutch fits easily into your suitcase pocket and makes a major statement when you head out at night.  Mojito on the beach, anyone?

Bon voyage! (Isn't it always?) xo

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Love, Actually

Girl holding balloons - photo by Jodi Miller Photography

Love might make the world go 'round but it also has the tendency to drive us mad.  In highschool, I remember crushing on a guy so intensely that I cried myself to sleep for the better part of 2 years because I 'loved' him so much.  When we finally went on our first date, he ate with his mouth wide open, bragged incessantly about his massive biceps and called me 'babe'. Crush turned to crushed, and that epic one-sided love story exploded in a fiery crash.  Then there was my first real boyfriend, who was a genuinely great guy but at 21, his Greek family was way more intense than I could handle. 'You marry my son, go to Greek school, make lots of babies. Done!'  Um, next?

I'm finally married to an incredible guy with two heartbreaking beauties and have experienced more love than I could imagine in the past few years.  And while I do love the odd OTT romantic gesture (see below for the ultimate), I've had a bit of a grown-up epiphany.  Love isn't all Tiffany boîtes and butterflies, and it isn't even about Ryan Gosling-style makeout sessions in the rain. Tiffany boxes mean we can't go out for dinner for the next 2 months, and kissing in the rain? I've tried it - bit of a mojo-kill when the kids are staring at you, pounding on the windows from the confines of their carseats.  Love is a rollercoaster of open bathroom doors and unwashed dishes punctuated by the occasional fizzy champagne pop on a Wednesday night.  It's about little Post-its left on the kitchen counter with those 3 little words.  And really, in the end, trite as it may sound, it's about loving yourself because once you can do that, everything else somehow falls into place.  

This little gift guide is all about treating you, with perfectly lovable presents you can buy yourself or oh-so-subtly suggest to your +1 (click on the thumbnails below for where to buy deets) Happy Valentines y'all! Whether you're single, hitched or somewhere in between, hope you're feeling the L-O-V-E x

Originally posted in The CLOSET

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