JET SET | How to Pack Like a Pro

via Victoria's Secret

Originally posted in The CLOSET

February always brings about a collective desire to escape the Canadian cold. Months of snow, sleet and frozen feet - been there, done with all that, right? Whether you're just talking about a last-minute trip or have already booked your dream beach vacay, a perfectly packed suitcase makes any getaway that much more dreamy. I've pulled together 20 perfect packables to help you make your great escape in style. Bon voyage, indeed.

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LOVE FOOL | Heartbreaker Fashion

via Sunday Times

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Mention Valentine's to any group and you're guaranteed to score a few eye-rolls and looks of disdain. Valentine's? Seriously? We don't NEED Valentine's to show that we love each other. It's such a cheesy holiday. Red roses are SO obvious. 

And it is. And they are. But there's something about having young kids and never having time for a coffee break let alone a proper night out, that makes me pine for the days of long stems and dinner dates. Sure Valentine's is a little cheesy. But as life gets busier, it's kind of nice to be reminded of the need for romance. As long as they're tulips, not roses. Oh, and I hear Colette is still taking reservations. Ahem. Whether you want to go all Bachelor-style with OTT displays of contrived romance or prefer to pass the day like any other, there's no denying that red & pink is a combo to love. 

This Valentine's I've fallen head over heels for these two pretty shades. I adore either colour worn head-to-toe but especially love when you pair red & pink together. Try a red maxi dress with a little pale pink bomber. Or try popping on a pink sweatshirt with a cute red baseball cap. Scroll through the slideshow below and have fun playing matchmaker. Hearts will be broken (in a good way)...

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SHOPBOP SCORES | 5 Pieces You Need Now

I want more of this Más Tee by Sincerely Jules. 

Since rlr mini feels that it's her sisterly duty to make me spend my money, I wasn't surprised when she texted me yet another stupid cool Instagrammer I should follow. Do you follow Sincerely Jules? Don't. You will want her entire wardrobe. Her pared-down aesthetic inspired me to hunt for chill black & white finds fit for any cool girl, wannabe or born-this-way. Check out these Jules-worthy under-$100 b&w finds avail. at Shopbop right now. So simple yet so good, right? 

Superga Cotu Classic Sneakers, $65, Shopbop

Splendid 1x1 Turtleneck, $54, Shopbop

Más Tee by Sincerely Jules, $49, Shopbop

Cambridge Satchel Tiny Satchel, $85, Shopbop

Converse All-Star '70s Zebra Sneakers, $68, Shopbop

GOOD JEANS | Get to Know Spring's New Cleaned-Up Denim

A relaxed but refined denim look from Chloé Spring '15

Originally posted in The LOOK

When it comes to fabrics, nobody has it as tough as denim. Seemingly gentle women have been known to go to violent extremes to get what they want out of their fav pair of jeans. In fact, I've committed a few heinous denim crimes myself - I'm ashamed to admit that I've thrown acid on, rubbed sandpaper across, even ripped apart the knees of a perfectly innocent pair of skinnies, just because they didn't look cool enough. Well, enough. The guilt is too much. 

For Spring '15, designers must have been feeling a little remorseful, too (or, um, maybe they just missed the seventies). From Chloé to Michael Kors to Stella McCartney, taste-makers opted to return to pure, clean denim in everything from wide-legged jeans to denim shirts to refined little dresses and long skirts. While dark indigo is back in a big way, powder blue denim is right on trend, too. The key? Keep it simple, sweeties. Step away from the sandpaper and give your jeans a break.  I've handpicked 30 pieces from Intercity Shopping Centre to help you as you shop, plus a few slightly distressed picks for those of you who need a little time to transition...

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Happily Ever Après

via Vogue Australia

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I started skiing at Chicopee Ski Club as a tween, and it was all downhill from there; I experimented with powder, drank too much, and I'll admit that at one point, I even turned a few tricks.  Looking back, I blame it on the fact that there just wasn't much else to do in Kitchener back then, especially in the long cold months of winter.   As soon as school was over and pretty much every weekend, my friends and I would get dropped off at Mount St. Chicopee where we'd hit the slopes (okay, fine, it wasn't exactly powder) until our cute, snowpant-clad selves couldn't handle the cold anymore, at which point we'd hit the chalet for some hardcore hot chocolate and serious boy-watching. 

I still ski today but I'll admit that one of my favourite parts of the experience remains the 'après' - the part where poutine is not only available but encouraged, where I get to catch up with my favourites by the fire, and where ski bunny style is embraced in all its cozy glory.

Luckily, you don't  have to know how to step into a pair of bindings to score that coveted après-ski style this winter. From chunky knit sweaters and headbands to the best wind-burn simulating bronzer, every self-respecting ski bunny knows that when faced with a big hill on a cold day (or not), looking good really is half the battle...

SEE MY CHALET-READY PICKS HERE...