Wander Lusting

A yacht and tropical island all in one? Don't mind if I do. Source: Yacht Island Design

Originally posted in The LOOK

So, it seems counterintuitive to be posting pics of crystal clear waters and pretty bathers in minus 20 weather, yet when I look at all that snow, all I want to do is leave it behind.  I'd board my plane, perfectly packed luggage in tow and take off for somewhere steamy.  I imagine spending my days drinking sparkly drinks, and my nights dining under the estrellas, and in all of my imaginary scenes, I'm wearing a rocking wardrobe.  Day #1 - black bather, floppy sunhat, cute sandals and Persol shades as I read something I've been wanting to delve into like Dickens (or the latest issue of Us Weekly..let's be honest...) Day #2, as vacation mode fully sets in, it's party time with my neon bikini and mad stack of bracelets, ready to hit my noon samba class if I can wake up in time.  The week goes on with a parade of dreamy outfits that you can really only get away with on vacation.  And of course, I have the perfect imaginary beach body to match.

Whether you have a trip planned or just want to dream a little, I have 6 perfect poolside looks ready for your weeklong vacay.  I find it helps get me through the extra cold days...

Cat-Eye Sunglasses, $15.55, American Eagle; Men's Fedora, $22, ALDO; Kismet Maxi Dress, $54.50,Bootlegger; Embellished Sandals, $60, ALDO; Neon Stack Bracelets, $18, ALDO; Polka-Dot Bather, $36.90,Garage

Crocheted Sweater Dress, $60.15, American Eagle; Tortoiseshell Sunglasses, $15.49, American Eagle; Silver Ball Bracelet, $44.95, Vivah, Ankle-Strap Wedge, $90, ALDO; Jantzen Body-Shaping Swimsuit, $44.97, Sears

Ray-Ban Wayfarers, $189.95, Sunglass Hut; Rhinestone Bracelet, $15.55, American Eagle; Flamingo Bikini, $37.80, Garage; Freestyle Killer Shark Analog Watch, $79.99, SportChek; BCBG Paris Sandals, $69.99, Sears; Solid Girlfriend Cardigan, $45.10, American Eagle

Persol Sunglasses, $355, Sunglass Hut; Silver Cuff, $15.98, ALDO; Colour Blocked Scarf, $20, ALDO; DV by Dolce Vita Archer Sandal, $69.23, American Eagle; Ruched One-Piece, $59.95, La Vie en Rose

Stacked Bracelets, $15, ALDO; Tankini, $60.10, American Eagle; Beaded Rope Gladiator Sandals, $30.05, American Eagle; Knit Hi-Low Skirt, $40, American Eagle; Black Aviator Sunglasses, $15.55, American Eagle

Tom Ford New Whitney Sunglasses, $355, Sunglass Hut; Men's Poplin Shirt, $20.06, American Eagle; Beaded Cord Bracelet, $15.55, American Eagle; Metallic Flip-Flp, $25.03, American Eagle; Tommy Hilfiger Floral Bandeau & Striped Bottoms, $109.98, Sears

Fête Set

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Lately, I've been acting a lot more mature, and I don't mean this in a good coming-of-age way.  I'm talking terrifyingly predictable - ie. work all day, make dinner, eat dinner, give kids a bath, stories, bedtime, then we put on a pot of water for tea (Twinings which, for the record, we did way before Fifty Shades of Grey), then work some more, then crash. Zzzzz.  It's not that I don't like being a mom, because I love it.  And I'm not saying I don't like to work, because I really do.  It's just that nothing good can possibly come of the constant routininess of it all, especially when endless piles of laundry are involved. 

What I mean, is that I'm beyond ready to bust it. I'm ready to eat, drink and be embarassingly merry.  I'm ready to sparkle my way into a snowbank somewhere and just chill out there for a minute, then get back up and shuffle my way to the next party. I'm actually even ready to feel tired the next day - in a good way. 

I've got a rocking holiday wardrobe all planned out (which I wholeheartedly encourage you to try on for size btw) should any tempting invites come my way. You hosting?

x

Michael Kors Fall 2012 - photo: style.com

1. Open Blazer, $30, Dynamite; 2. Draped Gown, $129.99, Laura; 3. Studded Loafer, $50, ALDO; 4. Faux-Fur Scarf, $70, Le Château; 5. Gemstone Clutch, $40, Le Château 

Photo: WhoWhatWear.com

1. Necklace, $18, American Eagle; 2. Leopard Bag, $25, American Eagle; 3. Flared Skirt, $40, American Eagle; 5. Patent-Toe Pumps, $42, ALDO; 6. Denim Shirt, $45, American Eagle

Emilio Pucci Fall 2012 - photo: style.com

1. Chiffon Blouse, $35, Smart Set; 2. Tuxedo Pant, $39.90, Dynamite; 3. Studded Clutch, $40, ALDO; 4. Pointy-Toed Pump, $90, ALDO; 5. Snake Bracelet, $12, ALDO

Derek Lam Fall 2012 - photo: style.com

1. Skull Necklace, $12, ALDO; 2. Bouclé Blazer, $120, Laura; 3. Lurex Scarf, $28, Laura; 4. Studded Hi-Top, $120, Le Château; 5. Wide Leg Pant, $60, Laura 

Neutral Territory

Closet filled to the brim with basics? Get inspired by these 3 street style looks to help you raise your winter whites, greys and blacks to an oh-so-chic new level. Let it snow!  (did I just say that out loud?)

Originally posted in The LOOK 

Ice, Ice, Baby

An editrix loads up on accessories at the Milan S/S 2013 shows - photo via show & tell me

Originally posted in The LOOK

As Rachel Zoe says, "An outfit is nothing without accessories. I don't get dressed without them!"  Let's analyze that. So, if Rachel Zoe were to be believed, then if someone took all of her accessories away while she was sleeping (ie. a burglar or perhaps a wily raccoon) the next day would be a total write-off.  I mean, she would rather go naked, stay in bed all day, and call off every meeting if she didn't have the earrings, the shades, the sparkle to help her get on with her day.  Call them the finishing touches, the icing on the cake or the Michelle to your Obama, but no good outfit is ever really complete without rockin' accessories.  And though I will get dressed without them, I'd rather not.  I mean, seriously, where's the fun in that?

Now comes the tricky part.  How do you ice yourself without looking like a Vegas showgirl?  Simply follow these tips for accessory nirvana:

• MATCH YOUR MOOD: Instead of trying to match colours, choose pieces that reflect the mood or tone of your look.  So, try a chunky heel with an oversized bag, or a refined pair of python gloves with pointy-toed pumps.
• OPPOSITES ATTRACT: On the other hand, you can play with opposites to either tone down or edge up a look.  Want to take some of the too-too sweetness out of a floral dress?   Edge it up with a wide statement belt or studded pumps.
• MAKE A STATEMENT: Love your eyes?  Use earrings or a statement necklace to draw attention to your face (and conversely, away from hips, a tummy or any areas you want to minimize).  
• PICK & CHOOSE Did that necklace come with a cute pair of matching earrings?  The general rule is that if you've got a great statement necklace, keep your lobes bare.  Amazing chandelier earrings? Leave the necklace at home.  How about a busy neckline on a sweater or dress?  Try wearing a great stack of bracelets or oversized ring instead of a necklace or earrings.  So many women feel the need to wear a bracelet, necklace, earrings & a belt and the message gets completely lost in the process.   Choose 2 (max) and load up.
• BIGGER IS (usually) BETTER Go big or go home. Instead of a single bangle or bracelet, mix and match to your heart's content for major impact.  
• ADD SHINE  Metallics always add interest to your outfit and a little goes a long way.  If your outfit has yellow undertones, try gold jewels (real or costume..I won't judge) to enhance your look, even if you're not a 'gold person'.  You'll be amazed by how quickly you'll convert. With grey undertones, go for silver pieces to add shine. 

Check out some of my fav new fall accessories for work, after-dark and the weekend.  Speaking of which...Happy Friday!  Time to play! x

(Accessories from American Eagle, ALDO, Ardene, Le Château, Vivah) 

 

PS - Made for toiletries, but makes a great holder for your rings, bracelets & earrings.  Danielle Acrylic Organizer, $16.99, Sears

Totally Shady

Brilliant shades of blue, bordeaux and bright mustard from Nanette Lepore Fall 2012

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

It's funny but every fall I do the exact same thing. Sometime right around now, when the mornings are just starting to feel crisp and the leaves are gradually leaving the trees (is that why they call them leaves?), I find myself doing the fall change-up. I'll pack away all of my bright summer dresses, skirts & tees and shove them into an empty closet in our guest room. The more I pack, the darker my closet gets as yellow, pink and orange make way for loads of grey sweaters and black pants. Um, depressing much?

There's absolutely no reason (especially now!) to live in a black hole for 6 months of the year. I've slowly been building up my colour arsenal and this year, I'm happy to report that my fall/winter wardrobe is equally as exciting as my spring & summer stuff. I can't tell you how much more inspiring it is, especially on a cold, grey day, to have shades of rich yellow, bright reds and deep greens to get me going in the morning. This season, I'm obsessed with bordeaux and mustard and can't wait to work them into my look (see below for cool new ways to wear them).

Since I've been on a bright binge for a few years now, I'm actually equally stoked about the black on black trend for fall - great news for colour-phobes, and perfect for those days when you need a colour detox. The key to keeping it interesting? Try mixing and matching loads of textures - pair a great chunky knit with a pair of leather leggings, shiny patent black boots and a bright red lip. Or, pair your black with either deep navy or bright cobalt blue for a dose of Parisian chic.

Happy Friday!  Is it bad that all I want to do this weekend is shop? x

TRY: BLACK & BLUE

ATTITUDE Jay Manuel Peplum Top, $24.88, Sears 

TRY: MUSTARD & TAUPE

Floral Crepe Pencil Skirt - Petites, $64, Cleo

TRY: BLACK ON BLACK 

Mallia for Danier Wool & Cashmere Coat with Leather Piping, $749, Danier

TRY: BORDEAUX & PINK

Bar Stripe Cardigan, $15, Aeropostale