JET SET | My Shopbop Vacay (Non)Essentials

A super cute Jonathan Adler passport case.

If you're one of the lucky few to have a boarding pass waiting in your inbox right now, you're likely in the market for some beach-ready packables. Your basic one-piece bather and rubber flip-flops might have sufficed(ish) at the splash pad last summer but when on a tropical vacay, remember the following: you are a beach goddess. Your only mission is to drink heavenly rum-filled concoctions, not do the dishes, and look cute. Drinking and not doing dishes is easily done. The cute part?  You are obviously already cute. But it's tough to completely look the part when you're dealing with unstocked stores and rifled-through racks at Winners. Don't settle for leftovers, goddess. These finds from Shopbop will help you be the prettiest player on the playa. Bon voyage! I personally opt for the 'free shipping' option to avoid having to pay duties/customs up front. No promises but I've gotten away scot-free so far. 

Pitusa Abaya Maxi Dress, $98, Shopbop

Nixon Small Time Teller Watch, $60, Shopbop

Loeffler Randall Sarie Strappy Flat Sandals, $175, Shopbop

Bop Basics Neon Stripe Raffia Clutch, $100, Shopbop

Jules Smith Americana Choker, $98, Shopbop

Ancient Greek Sandals, $185, Shopbop

Marysia Swim Antibes Scallop Bikini

Joie Rose Gold San Remo Sandals, $150, Shopbop

9Seed Tulum Cover-Up, $128, Shopbop

Ray-Ban Mirrored Aviators, $170, Shopbop

Disclaimer: Real Life Runway occasionally receives vendor/brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services. RLR only picks things that she is seriously tempted by - hence last night's binge-shop of the above products. Now all she needs is a plane ticket. Anyone?

THE NEW | 15 Trends to Try in 2015

Kendall Jenner in Vogue

Originally posted in The LOOK

My favourite thing to do in the middle of a deep freeze is avoid it. No, really, I stay as far away as possible from any natural air, sprint to the closest heated car or building whenever I have to be outside, and generally make any excuse I can to not have to go out at all. My dog and I go on winter runs, not walks, so he and I get exercise but limit the potential for frostbite. And when skiing, you can literally only see the tip of my nose. I look ridiculous but my Hot Hands-warmed thumbs are giving the thumbs up inside my oven mitt-sized mittens. 

While avoiding the cold, I spend my time dreaming. Dreaming of warm places, dreaming that a plane ticket will find its way into my cold hands, and dreaming of spring fashion. The spring runways were loaded with temptations that I can't wait to wear. And since 2015 is officially here, I see no reason why we can't start wearing some of spring's pretty pieces right now. 

These 15 finds will help bring you right up to speed for 2015...

READ MORE...

SUNSHINE STATE | Take a Sneak Peek at the Lilly Pulitzer for Target Collection

Photos via Target 

Lilly Pulitzer prints have always been a fav in my family. But while you probably recognize her prints, you might not know the history of the brand. As it turns out, Lilly Pulitzer's foray into fashion was almost accidental. The Palm Beach socialite's husband, Peter Pulitzer, owned several citrus groves, so Lilly turned the oranges into juice which she sold at a juice stand off posh Worth Ave. Not content to look anything but fabulous, Lilly created printed shift dresses to wear while working at the stand, since the pretty prints hid juice stains beautifully. The dresses quickly caught the attention of passersby, including one Jackie Kennedy, she started selling her dresses at the stand, and American resort wear was born. While Lilly passed away in 2013, her legacy continues with her signature beach-perfect prints.  

While some hilariously mad-as-hell Lilly snobs took to Twitter to express their outrage yesterday, the rest of us can rejoice. Lilly Pullitzer is coming to us non-Palm-Beachers at Target this spring! The limited-edition 250-piece collection features 15 exclusive prints (read: works of art) and includes apparel, accessories and shoes for women and girls, plus home accents, outdoor entertaining accessories, beach gear, beauty and travel accessories. 

The late Lilly Pulitzer is famous for having said, “style isn't just about what you wear, it's about how you live.” We're prepared to fully embrace this sentiment when the collection hits stores April 19th. And if the sneak peek pics below are any indication, it looks like we'll be living the good life (and throwing a lot more parties) this spring. Those dresses! The bikinis! The starfish sandals! The patio-perf placemats and cocktail glasses! Can you even?! Follow this blog and @TargetCanada | #LillyForTarget on Twitter are all Lilly-related updates. Eek! 

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STYLE | 15 Resolutions to Keep in 2015

via Bionda Castana

Originally posted in The CLOSET

There's nothing like a brand new year to make us rethink the way we do everything. From getting fit to starting fresh with our family, the hope of change can motivate us to do some amazing things. Luckily, January doesn't have to mean a complete overhaul of the way you run your life. I personally like to keep my resolutions stylish, streamlined and sometimes sparkly. I like getting rid of excess baggage, both metaphorically and physically. Like, I seriously have so many bags to give away to Goodwill. And while a new necklace or pair of shoes isn't going to turn me into the best possible me, I know they'll make me stand taller and slightly shift my point of view. 

Let's all resolve to be a little more stylish this year, shall we? It might be a small thing but you'll be amazed by how 15 pieces will change your 2015 (or at least your 2015 closet) for the better. As for budget, let's just ignore that resolution for the moment. Oh, come on, it's January - it's the best time for dreaming big, don't you think?

SEE MY 15 STYLISH PICKS HERE...

Smart Buy Glasses | Why Not YSL?

In my YSL 6374's

SmartBuyGlasses.ca got in touch last week and asked me to pick out a pair of designer glasses from their site in exchange for an honest review. As someone who breaks everything, I often opt for inexpensive shades to avoid the crush of disappointment which will inevitably come when I scratch/drop/step on/sit upon them. Many $20 shades have come and gone but in my 30's, I've realized that I deserve designer shades. I can take care of two children - I should be able to handle a pair of sunglasses, right?

I waffled between Ray-Bans and Persols, trying to decide between Wayfarers and aviators. I could not have gone wrong with either. But when Yves Saint Laurent gets thrown into the mix, my philosophy is that you always choose YSL. 

I opted for the YSL 6374, a vintage-looking cat-eye that I knew would give me a glam little lift leading into the hols but also fell for the YSL BOLD 2. Each pair retails for around $230 which, for something I'll wear all year, I feel is totally justifiable. 

My glasses just arrived in the mail and as expected, I love YSL shades. They're solidly built, beautifully designed thanks to the interesting frame detail, and instantly flattering. I opted for tortoiseshell but if I didn't already own so many pairs of black sunglasses, would have loved them even more in black. 

Looking for the perfect gift for you or one of your favourites? Be sure to check out the Smart Buy Glasses Christmas Gift Guide. Aaand, since sunglasses are so deeply personal, a Gift Card always fits.

Love this site! Even if I am a little biased...

Yves Saint Laurent 6374 Sunglasses, $224, SmartBuyGlasses.ca

Yves Saint Laurent BOLD 2 Sunglasses, $234, SmartBuyGlasses.ca

Still undecided? Check out these YouTube vids below before you buy: