#WIN IT | A Smart Set Holiday Giveaway

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

The holidays are only a month away (insert panic button here) and while this festive season calls for loads of comfy gear (think PJ's, parkas and plaid scarves), it also requires putting on your party best. From family meet-ups to festive fêtes, it's always a challenge to look unique. Luckily, you don't have to spend a fortune to outshine those twinkly lights. My go-to spot for cheerfully cheap party pieces? Smart Set, of course. This store's always got the season covered with embellished sweaters, sexy dresses and just-edgy-enough accessories to help you shine throughout the holidays.

To inspire you away from your LBD, I've put together 3 pretty party looks that keep style and comfort top of mind, from a bomber worn over a wind-chill-friendly maxi, to a cozy tulle skirt/sweater combo you'll want to wear everywhere.  And to help you shop your fav Smart Set look, we're giving away a $100 Smart Set Gift Card! 

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#WMCFW: My Interview with Caitlin Power

Fashion Week is in full swing and I've been running between Kitchener and Toronto every day to hit the shows. Deadlines? What deadlines? Husband? What husband? Kids? Okay, now I feel guilty. World MasterCard Fashion Week comes but twice a year and while I'm lucky enough to work from home 90% of the time, I wouldn't be much of a Canadian fashion bloggess without being there in the heart of the fashion action for Toronto Fashion Week. I've already seen some amazing shows this week and am furiously snapping pics to share with you. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for all of my live pics throughout the week before I post them here.

In the meantime, I sat down for a chat with Caitlin Power, one of the most exciting new designers on the Canadian fashion scene right now. Read on for my iVillage.ca interview with Caitlin about what makes a #POWERWOMAN, what’s inspired her for Spring ‘15, and why every woman should own a great dress. Okay, off to Toronto for Day 4. Sleep? What sleep?

READ THE INTERVIEW HERE...

Wrecking Ball

Sequined Drop-Waist Dress, $85, Smart Set

If you're like me, you probably don't normally plan your NYE outfit until the 11th hour (literally) but I just bought this glitter bomb dress and think you should, too. Whether we hit up a big party or cute husband and I just end up chilling with Carson Daly 'til the ball drops, I will absolutely be rocking this sparkler on the last day of 2013. 

LOVE the drop waist and the slightly sheer sleeves and you can't even see the best part: a perfect plunging back - sexy but still soignée.  Can't really think of a better way to ring in 2014, can you?

x

Garden Party

Dress with Ballerina Neckline, $125, TRISTAN

At the Ann Taylor and Forever 21 Fall '13 Preview. Photo by George Pimentel

I'm not one to wear my love of flowers overtly on my sleeve - or my skirts or my pants for that matter. It's not that I don't like florals but let's just say I'm pretty picky when picking my posies, petunias and other floral fabrics. Flowers can easily look super young, super old or just super tack; I generally try to avoid looking like any of the aforementioned. 

When I spied this dress at Tristan the other week, I felt like I'd stepped straight into a Giverny scene. It's bright, cheery and perfectly Impressionistic and made me feel instantly happy on an otherwise blah day. On its own, the dress does look a little too sweet, a little too la dee dah for me, so I threw on a biker bomber to tone it down. On a hot day like today, I'd add a sexy black ankle strap sandal for some grown-up edge.

You like? You love? I hope somebody gets married or has a baby stat so I can rock this frock at the next shower...

R.S.V.Perfect

Summer is wedding season and you know what that means? Pretty party dresses and shoes, of course! Get ready to R.S.V.Perfect; whether black tie, ultra-conservative or casual country affair, I’ve got you covered with the perfect dresses and shoes to wear to your next summer wedding. 

Read more (and see my pretty picks) in my full article this week for iVillage.ca here