READ MY LIPS | They Will LOVE These Perfect Valentine's Day Gifts

Photo by Patrick Demarchelier | via Vogue Russia

Originally posted in The LOOK

Like birthdays, Christmas and Mother's Day there's always a guy just wandering the mall around Valentine's. You can spot him instantly, holding a pink scarf up in the air, all 'what is this thing?' here, inching his way, head down, sunglasses on, into La Senza there. Books of poetry are perused, card aisles are scoured. And then an hour later, an 11th hour trip to Laura Secord inevitably ensues, followed by a desperate pitstop at the florist on the way home where he'll pick up the first red thing he sees. Cue the violins. 

Some women mistake flowers and chocolates for not caring but it's the whole painful preamble we often miss out on. The part you see in the movies that makes your heart swell, and makes you wish you had a guy just like that. And quite often, he's standing right there in front of you, box of chocolates and wilted carnation in hand, ready for a nap because it has been a really LONG day at the mall. Okay, make that a really long hour, but shopping time is like dog years for most guys. 

Well, lost souls, this gift guide should help. I've got the most lovable Valentine's gifts picked out for you, whether you're crushing, dating or already fully hitched. Plus, I've got some super sweet ideas for men and the wee ones, too because we get it - we're all busy, too. 

Happy Valentine's Day my loves. Hope your day's full of love, lust and low-to-no stress.

SEE THE GIFT GUIDE HERE...

#SpreadLeLove with Le Château

Alex and I ham it up for the camera. #nopresh

When Le Château asked me to be a part of their #SpreadLeLove Campaign along with some of Toronto's top fashion influencers, I jumped at the chance. I mean, me and my little blog? I didn't know I was on the radar, so YAY! 

The shoot was designed to celebrate the many different types of love, all while wearing looks from Le Château, of course. So, I headed to Le Château at Toronto Eaton Centre and found a gorgeous Made in Canada red coat, & classic white shirt, a perfect pair of black pants, plus a pair of Spiderman-esque webbed booties that I knew my superhero-obsessed boy would appreciate. As for Alex? Well, he didn't have a choice, either in taking part or in what he was going to wear, because I didn't really tell him. There were no pep-talks, no fussing, generally no lead-up at all to the photoshoot except, 'Wanna wear your favourite fox shirt? They're going to take our picture for Valentine's Day.' Fingers crossed.

Luckily, our boy handled it all beautifully. I picked him up early from school, we drove to Toronto, then had a blast hamming it up for the camera. The adorable lookbook just arrived in my inbox and I had to share it with you first. Scroll through the slides below to see all the pics including: 

• Afiya Francisco and her adorable boys
• Power fashion couple Alexander Liang & Justine Iaboni
• Maple Media crew Chris Turner, Sarah Kooner and Marianne Litman
• Daniel Desforges and Julio Reyes
• Ryan Emberley and Sabrina Maddeaux
• Casie Stewart and Lauren O'Neil
• Erica Grenci
• Le Château's Lucy Song and Tu Tieu 

Thank you so much for including us in the fun Le Château! Okay, back to my blogging now. Sigh...I miss my modelling days. I mean modelling day...whatever...

xx

L.O.V.E.

Perfect day to wear my fav heart print pants. RealLifeRunway on Instagram.

It's FRIDAY!!! A very short and sweet post today because I finally just finished my deadlines and am late to pick up my kids (and their cupcakes, which I plan on immediately testing). A huge thank you for all the love you've given me and this blog over the past several Valentine's Days. Because of you, I get to do what I love every single day - a big deal and something I try to never take for granted. Love, love, love you all.

Happy Valentine's  - hope it's extra sweet!

Blurred Lines

Hudson Striped Skinnies, $215, Call 1.800.335.7268 or visit hudsonjeans.com for availability.

The second I saw these striped beauties, I knew I had to have them. First off, they're made by Hudson Jeans, so I know I'll love the way they fit (Hudsons are great like that). But I have to admit, I'm feeling some major black & white fatigue at the moment, so I especially adore that these are navy & white instead of the ubiquitous b&w.

Here are a few ways I imagine I'll wear them this summer: With a white floaty blouse, gold gladiator sandals and a little denim jacket/With a bright yellow sweater/With a red tank and silver sandals/With any of my merlot pieces from last Fall/With a white tee, black bomber and ankle-strap black sandals/With anything coral, etc. etc.

See how I just did that? I've justified them already. 

P.S - Crank up Blurred Lines below and imagine yourself dancing around in your new jeans. Isn't Robin Thicke one super cool mofo?

xx

Prabal Gurung for Target: Lookbook & Video

Photos courtesy Target

I must admit - I'm feeling awfully tempted to head south this weekend for the this Sunday's arrival of Prabal Gurung for Target.  I mean, it's only an hour away and unlike Buffalo, the Port Huronites seem blissfully blasé when it comes to designer collabs.  (I expected chaos on Missoni opening weekend a few years back and the people working there were like, 'Um, sorry, Miss-who?') Love the fun, bright, crazy affordable collection (ranges from $13 - $200) and am especially smitten after seeing the newly released video starring Olivia Thirlby.

So, how about you? Will you engage in a little border-hopping this weekend to pick up some Prabal? Oh, and if they ask if you have anything to declare, be sure to answer with a, 'Why yes, officer! I LOVE Prabal Gurung!'

Happy Snow Day! Happy Friday! x 

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