Sweet Escape

I love our winters and try my Canadian best to enjoy every moment. But, in the middle of a full-blown February Snowmaggedon and spring so close (yet so frustratingly far away), I'm kind of ready to pack it all in. And by pack it in, I mean literally;  I want to snatch my dusty suitcase out of the storage closet, fill it with cute little things, and take off somewhere steamy. Don't you?  Here are 4 perfect looks, ready and waiting for your next spring vacay:

Ray-Ban Wayfarers, $250, Sunglass Hut; Charm Necklace, $16, American Eagle; Floral Corset Bikini Top ($40) and Bottom ($25), American Eagle; Wedges, $100, ALDO; Men's Checked Shirt, $40, American Eagle

Stackable Bracelets, $12, ALDO; Pleated Floral Skirt, $15, American Eagle; Sparkly Thong Sandals, $50, ALDO; Bikini Top & Bottoms, $20 each, Garage

Ray-Ban Wayfarers, $250, Sunglass Hut; Solid Jersey Skirt, $20, Aeropostale; Metallic Flip-Flops, $20, American Eagle; Striped Halter Top & Bottoms, $25 each, American Eagle; Paisley Scarf, $25, American Eagle

Nixon Watch, $200, Boathouse; Polka-Dot One Piece, $37, Garage; Ponte Shift Dress, $150, Le Château; Ankle Strap Heel, $80, ALDO; Tory Burch Aviators, $240, Sunglass Hut; Military Jacket, $80, Dynamite

PS - When that halcyon day arrives and you're ready for take-off, don't forget these 10 warm-weather travel essentials:

1) An Oversized Scarf - this is a chic jet-setter's best friend since it can be used in so many ways - to keep you cozy in flight, as a poolside cover-up, and to dress up any of your neutrals when you head out at night

2) A Perfect Pair of Sunnies - sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the glorious rays, but also instantly glam up any outfit.  If you're going to invest in a designer pair, Wayfarers or Aviators are an always-cool choice

3) A Great Hat - Many of us are intimidated by hats at home but on vacay, somehow, they feel just right. Pack an oversized floppy black hat or cool fedora to go incognito 

4) Sleek Sandals - Forego your grimy old flip-flops and pick up a metallic or embellished pair - they'll look equally at home by the pool or at lunch

5) Maxi Skirts/Dresses - Jersey maxi dresses or skirts are super versatile for a warm weather vacay.  Wear them layered over your bikini, out at the beach bar, or on your next exotic off-resort excursion

6) Statement Accessories - Keep your good jewels at home and hit up a cheap and cheerful accessories store like ALDO, American Eagle or Claire's.  Pick up a great stack of stretchy bracelets (see above), a statement necklace and fun cocktail rings to add instant personality to your tees, tanks and dresses.

7) A Perfect Swimsuit - If you're going to invest in one thing, this is it.  Make sure you pack a suit that fits, flatters and makes you feel like a goddess.  The key? Try, try, and try again (and a little self-tanner never hurt)

8) A Chic Beach Bag - An oversized tote that doubles as a carry-on will hold all your essentials (beach towel? check. steamy novel? check) and is infinitely more stylish than a plastic bag you swiped from your hotel room

9) Mix and Match Neutrals - Neutral tees, tanks, shorts and breezy blouses will all mix and match together so you can pack light.  Go for black, white, and khaki - then give them a makeover with your bright accessories.

10) An Embellished Clutch - A beaded, fringed or embroidered clutch fits easily into your suitcase pocket and makes a major statement when you head out at night.  Mojito on the beach, anyone?

Bon voyage! (Isn't it always?) xo

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Wishing and Hoping

Source: OldSamovar.tumblr.com

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Just when you think you have your shopping list all figured out, it hits you. "Waaaait a sec," you ponder, "there's the teacher and the secretary and my mother-in-law and...who do I have for that gift exchange again?" And then a few days later, as you smugly sit, mentally patting yourself on the back for how super organized you are, your daughter tells you that she really doesn't like Barbie anymore (at all!) and she's totally back to Disney Princesses. "But you already sent your note to Santa, honey," you reason. "Santa can work it out, mom." Hmm.

And don't even get me started on hostess gifts. You're on your way out the door for a holiday party and somehow all your wine is gone (not sure how that happened..) so you rush around and try to find something to re-gift and, for lack of time, end up grabbing an ornament off your tree. True story.

This gift guide should help you in your quest for the perfect present for everyone on your list, whether you've just started to think about tackling it, or are one of those super women who only have a few loose ends to tie up.

Good luck out there, my fearless shoppers. Hope you're enjoying every little minute of this crazy season x

1. 2. Travel by Land Cassis Scented Candle, $12.95, Roots; 3. Tupelo Honey, $21.95, Teavana; 4. Waring Pro Wine Aerator, $29.99, Future Shop; 5. Marrakech Tea Tins, $11.95 each, Teavana; 6. Birdseed Covered Birdhouse, $13.99 each, Green Earth; 7. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce, $20, Coles 

1. Disney Pixar BRAVE, $26.99, HMV; 2. LeapFrog LeapPad 2 Explorer Learning Tablet, $109.99, Future Shop; 3. Ski-Doo Spark Snow Moto Snow Machine, $79.99, Sears; 4. Skylanders Giants Portal Owners Pack for XBOX 360, $54.95, Future Shop; 5. Melissa and Doug Fold & Go Dollhouse, $39.99, Sears; 6. Nakamura Juvy Kids Bike, $169.99, SportChek; 7. Softec Tri-Grip Ice Skates, $89.99, SportChek 

1. Gretzky Duffle in Tribe Leather, $388, Roots; 2. Ray-Ban Wayfarer Shades, $149.95, Sunglass Hut; 3. Titleist NXT Tour 12-Pack Golf Balls, $34.99, SportChek; 4. AE Hooded Down-Filled Puffer, $99.37, American Eagle Outfitters; 5. Nike Classic Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie, $39.99, Champs Sports; 6. Nixon The Banks Watch, $449.99, Boathouse; 7. Jawbone Jambox Speaker, $159.99 (reg. $199.99), The Source; 8. Propel R/C Stinger Indoor Helicopter, $24.99, The Source

1. Baked to Last Blush, $18, The Body Shop; 2. AE Hooded Toggle Duffle Coat, $99.41, American Eagle Outfitters; 3. Studded Cuff, $18, ALDO; 4. Photobooks, starting at $8.99, Black's; 5. Diamond Tennis Bracelet, $199, Peoples Jewellers;  6. Roll Over Boot in Tribe Leather, $248, Roots; 7. Face and Body Brush, $26, The Body Shop; 8. Kobo Glo Touchscreen eReader with Wi-Fi, $129.99, Future Shop; 9. Breville One Touch Tea Maker, $249.95, Teavana 

1. Ginger Sparkle Body Polish, $19, The Body Shop; 2. Striped Sequin Heart Graphic Tee, Aeropostale; 3. Minnetonka Suede Brown Mukluks, $149.99, Soft Moc; 4. Element Garcia Shovel 8.0, $180, West 49; 5. Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette Spray, $75, Sears; 6. Jordan SC-2 Hi-Top, $79.99, Champs Sports; 7. Taylor Swift 'Red', $12.99, HMV; 8. Nintendo Wii U Gaming System, $299.99, The Source

Holiday. Celebrate.

Hermes Boxes - source: Pinterest

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When it comes to gifting, practicality becomes a bit of a bad word around my house.  I could definitely use a new blender and we definitely need laundry detergent - but you see, those things remind me of work and at Christmas, for just one short time during the year, I kind of just feel like not working.  Are you with me?  Can I get a 'woot, woot' for that?  I remember once when my dad got my mom a microwave for Christmas.  She hated microwaves.  And of course, the time when my husband bought his poor mom a new power drill.  Guess who ended up using it?

Now, 'wishes' and 'wants' on the other hand are definitely top of mind.  The best gifts?  The ones that make your sister, wife, husband our bestie feel super special.  These ultra-stylish presents will do exactly that, and although they all technically serve a 'purpose', their raison d'être is really just to make your favourites look and feel fabulous.  Love!  Check back soon for more great gift ideas, including ideas for the athlete, the classic beauty, the kid (and kid-at-heart) and even your dog.  Oh he's going to get so spoiled this year...

1. Twill Parka, $168, Gap; 2. iPhone 5 32GB, $279.99, The Source; 3. Skull Loafers, $120, ZiGi at Town Shoes; 4. Lana Del Rey: Born to Die, $11.99, Sunrise Records; 5. Tory Burch Cat-Eye Glasses, $149,Sunglass Hut; 6. Eva Lace Skirt, $189.50, Club Monaco; 7. Two-Tone Leather iPad Case, $54.95, Gap; 8. Jewel-Encrusted Ring, $15.98, ALDO Accessories; 9. Jonathan Adler All-Occasion Card Set, $15, The Bay; 10. Laser-Cut Barrel Bag, $55, ALDO Accessories; 11. Isabelle Double-Breasted Coat, $369, Club Monaco; 12. Distressed Denim Shirt, $29.95, H&M; 13. Pushlock Crossbody Bag, $25, American Eagle Outfitters; 14. Metallic Sequin Blazer, $150, RW&CO.; 15. Mohair-Blend Cardigan with Sequins, $49.95,H&M; 16. NARS Lipstick in Schiap, $30, Sephora; 17. Delsey Aero-Lite 18" Carry On Spinner, $99.99, The Bay

1. Nixon 51-30 Watch, $599.99, Boathouse; 2. Native Union Soft Touch Pop Phone, $39.99, The Bay; 3. Bowery Quilted Jacket, $448, Coach; 4. Reversible Cotton Belt, $24.95, Gap; 5. Davis Slim-Fit Chino, $69.50, Club Monaco; 6. Soundgarden: King Animal, $14.99, Sunrise Records; 7. Sunglasses, $12, ALDO Accessories; 8. Bleecker Letter Opener, $98, Coach; 9. Mixed Media Camo Bag, $74.95, Gap; 10. Fitted Herringbone Shirt, $69, RW&CO.; 11. Tweed Tie, $34.95, Gap; 12. iPod Nano 16GB, $169.99, The Source; 13. Cable-Knit Sweater, $49.95, Gap; 14. Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Solo HD Headphones, $219.99, The Source