Super NOVA

I'll be honest. The last two weeks have been great. I've eaten everything and done nothing. You'd think that after all of that doing nothing and eating everything that I would have been primed to jump right back into action yesterday. And yet, there I sat, staring at my computer, continuing to do nothing productive. I picked up Amy Poehler's new book (which I love, btw), went skiing with my husband in the afternoon WITHOUT the kids, and then topped off my epic productivity with a binge 3-hour watch of the new season of The Bachelor, including a 1 hour red carpet featuring Bachelor C-listers to kick off what promises to be the most romantic, shocking season yet. Oh, and I whitened my teeth. Yup. 

So, today, I'm back to work. For real this time. But instead of diving into the deep end, I'm easing my way, inch by inch, into the so-far-calm waters of 2015. My uniform for these first few weeks? This perfectly loungey outfit from Bootlegger's pretty new NOVA Collection. With its Kit & Ace vibe, it's ready for yoga or weekends or any day you're lucky enough to be at home, especially if your holidays weren't nearly as relaxing or stress-free as you'd hoped. And since all three pieces check out for a total of under $100 (remember to use code 'TOONIESHIP' for $2 shipping), I highly recommend you pick up the whole outfit.

It's all about balance. Or at the very least, attempting to restore it. Happy new year xx

10 Ways to Get Your Glitter On

Photo courtesy RW&CO.

Though I've spent most of my week in a Kit-Kat-induced candy coma, I'm now ready to face November, full steam ahead.  It's amazing how the end of Hallowe'en always marks a seismic shift of focus;  where we turn our attention away from costumes and candy and suddenly start to think about the holidays.  It might be almost 2 full months away but it's always amazing how quickly the season arrives.  I've already gotten 3 holiday-related emails about everything from gift exchanges to shopping trips to Christmas wish lists for my kids.  And though I haven't received a party invite quite yet, I know that that's just around the bend, too.  

If it's acceptable to embrace sequins and shine in any season, this is it.  And though you might not fancy yourself a 'sparkly' kind of girl, there are so many ways to get your glitter on.  Read on for 10 chic ways to do it without looking like a Vegas showgirl (heaven forbid):

1. ADD BLING WITH A RING

Sometimes, all it takes is just a little sparkle, be it a ring, necklace or earrings to define a look.  'Tis the season to have fun so try something you wouldn't normally wear (ie. go bigger/bolder/shinier than usual). PS - Don't be afraid to wear sparkly extras in the day - it's way less expected and therefore, so much more interesting, than just busting them out at night.

Jewel-Encrusted Bow Ring, $15, ALDO

2.  BE A DAMSEL IN THIS DRESS

For a holiday fête, it's nice to stand out from a crowd of little black dresses.  Go for the gold with a blouson top dress.  This dress has a chic, sleek silhouette which lets the sparkly detail speak for itself.

Sequin Blouson Cocktail Dress, $240, Le Château

3.  GET NOSTALGIC

This season makes us all a little nostalgic for the good old days.  Channel 1920's Gatsby-era glam with this black and silver cobweb embellished stunner, then finish it off with t-strap heels and a cute clutch to look like Daisy Buchanan and her well-heeled friends.

Beaded Chiffon Cocktail Dress, $169.95, Le Château

4.  BLAZE THE TRAIL

Sure, you could ward off the chill with your standby black or navy blazer but really, isn't it time to shake things up a bit.  This blazer is guaranteed (seriously) to invite envious stares and endless streams of, "Where did you get that?"  Since this piece is such a high-fashion standout, keep the rest of your outfit streamlined and simple.  Try it with all white underneath (see pic at top), taiored black trousers, or even a white cami, pale distressed jeans and pointy-toed pumps. Love! 

Metallic Sequined Blazer, $150, RW&CO. (in stores mid-November)

5.  SPARKLE SOFTLY

This ultra-feminine t-shirt dress is a subtle stunner.  The pale pink and relaxed silhouette provide a perfect contrast to the sparkly detailing.  Wear this with a camel or off-white coat to look like a total goddess.

Pastel Sequined Mini Dress, $98, RW&CO. (in stores now)

6. LEAVE IT ON THE FLOOR

This one-shoulder maxi dress is a figure-flattering genius;  its well-placed pleats and gathers brilliantly conceal your tummy while the sparkly detail at the shoulder draws all of the attention up to your face.  

One-Shoulder Draped Gown, $139.99, Laura

7. COLLAR-ME, MAYBE?

In case you haven't heard, the Peter Pan collar necklace is the It piece of the season.  Wear it over any simple knit to add instant shine to an otherwise basic outfit.  The open rose design on this particular version is perfectly pretty (and blissfully inexpensive) for a fun holiday cocktail party. 

Peter Pan Necklace, $16.50, Bootlegger

8. SKIRT THE ISSUE

If you love your legs and can't wait to show them off, nothing beats a sequined mini.  I love the unexpected combo of a sparkly mini with a great chunky knit and refined, ladylike pumps.  If you can't bear the thought of going bare-legged in the cold, pair the mini with opaque black tights and an oversized grey sweater and pumps for a party or booties for a more casual look.

Sequined Mini, $68, RW&CO. (in stores this week)

9. YOU GLOW, GIRL

This limited-edition spritz-on highlighter is a must for party season. The smart atomiser releases a fine shimmery powder to highlight the face, body and hair so you'll glow from head to toe.

The Sparkler All Over Shimmer in Enchanting Gold, $24, The Body Shop

10. GET A LEG UP

Looking for a way to reinvent last year's little black dress?  These stunning ankle-wrap sandals are your holiday 2012 answer.  What makes them such a brilliant buy?  The mixed metallic bands at the top means you'll be able to pair these with your silver and gold accessories all season long. 

Suede Ankle-Wrap Pumps, $110, ALDO

Fall in Love

Dolce & Gabbana Menswear Fall '12 Ad Campaign - courtesy Dolce & Gabbana

I'm a sucker for a good love story.  Whether it's Romeo & Juliet, William & Kate,  or Emily & Jef, I just love a perfect pairing.  Still, a love story isn't exclusive to people.  In fact, I've already fallen in love several times this fall - with the perfect bag, a pair of pants and countless times in the shoe department.  You see, we're in an open relationship, my wardrobe and I.  We've agreed that as long as they make me look good, I will take good care of them and love them all until they're old.  Win-win.

Have you met your perfect match this fall?  These three runway-inspired looks set my heart aflutter and now I'm playing matchmaker for you.  I hope it's love at first sight for you, too.  Sigh...

 

Burberry Prorsum Autumn '12 Ad Campaign 

Perfect Pairing: Charcoal and Mustard Yellow (with pops of blue)

Love Profile:  Tall, dark Brit seeks fun-loving companion.  An eclectic risk-taker with a penchant for layering.  Loves to cuddle up on a cold night. 

Perfect Date: Danier, American Eagle, Ricki's, Sears, then ALDO.

Natalia Vodianova for Guerlain Fall '12

Perfect Pairing: Black & Red (with tan & gold accents)

Love Profile: Classic beauty seeks worldly partner. Loves market-strolling, long lunches and weekend trips to Paris.

Perfect Date: A shopping trip at Le Château, Garage, ALDO, Bootlegger and Danier.  

Prabal Gurung Fall 2012 - style.com 

Perfect Pairing: Black & Blue (either bright cobalt or navy)with a dash of leopard

Love Profile:  Edgy Sophisticate seeks Commitment-Phobic Daredevil.  Loves the unexpected, especially in the form of a leopard bag or a blue suede shootie.  Looking for a good time.

Perfect Date:  Stops at Le Château, Bootlegger and ALDO at Intercity Shopping Centre, of course.  The sale racks had better watch out.