Mom's the Word: A Last-Minute Gift Guide

Photo courtesy HomeSense. Originally posted in The LOOK

I'll keep this brief - I mean, it's only a few days until Mother's Day after all, and no, you are not alone. I haven't bought my mom a gift yet either. This is the woman who changed my diapers, who will watch my children at a moment's notice, who thinks that everything I do is golden. And yet, life happens and suddenly you're stuck, the day before her special day, trying to piece together a cool, somewhat thoughtful gift (click here for my cautionary soap-on-a-rope tale. ugh.)

Don't freak out just yet;  I've put together 15 great gifts for every budget that she's pretty much guaranteed to love this Sunday. Oh, except for the Justin Timberlake CD. She has to be a super cool mom like me to appreciate that one, if I do say so myself. I really hope somebody's paying attention to this gift guide because I really, really want that album. And since my children can't read yet, that means it's all on you, James. Ahem. Ahem. Kidding, we all know that it's 99% about the card, anyway. The gift is just the icing on the Mother's Day cake. No pressure, honestly...though a cake would be lovely...

Happy Mother's Day x

1. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, $29.99, Coles; 2. Lancome Génifique Skin Care Set, $104, Sears; 3. Mirrored Ray-Ban Aviators, $199.95, Sunglass Hut; 4. Glass Storage Box, $12.99, HomeSense; 5. New Balance Walking Shoes, $109.99, SportChek; 6. Quilted Embossed Leather Satchel, $99, Danier; 7. Canadian Diamond Solitaire Earrings, $179, Peoples Jewellers; 8. Fresh Picked Tangerines Antibacterial Mason Jar Hand Soap, $12, Bath & Body Works; 9. KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer, $349.99, Sears; 10. Blackberry Z10 Superphone, $99.95, The Source; 11. Justin Timberlake: The 20/20 Experience, $12.99, HMV; 12. Sweet Indulgence Dessert Teas, $24.50, DAVIDsTEA; 13. Nike Ultimate Yoga Mat, $44.99, SportChek; 14. NIXON The Time Teller Watch, $179.99, Boathouse; 15. Keurig Single Serve Platinum Brewer, $199.99, Sears 

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

Wander Lusting

A yacht and tropical island all in one? Don't mind if I do. Source: Yacht Island Design

Originally posted in The LOOK

So, it seems counterintuitive to be posting pics of crystal clear waters and pretty bathers in minus 20 weather, yet when I look at all that snow, all I want to do is leave it behind.  I'd board my plane, perfectly packed luggage in tow and take off for somewhere steamy.  I imagine spending my days drinking sparkly drinks, and my nights dining under the estrellas, and in all of my imaginary scenes, I'm wearing a rocking wardrobe.  Day #1 - black bather, floppy sunhat, cute sandals and Persol shades as I read something I've been wanting to delve into like Dickens (or the latest issue of Us Weekly..let's be honest...) Day #2, as vacation mode fully sets in, it's party time with my neon bikini and mad stack of bracelets, ready to hit my noon samba class if I can wake up in time.  The week goes on with a parade of dreamy outfits that you can really only get away with on vacation.  And of course, I have the perfect imaginary beach body to match.

Whether you have a trip planned or just want to dream a little, I have 6 perfect poolside looks ready for your weeklong vacay.  I find it helps get me through the extra cold days...

Cat-Eye Sunglasses, $15.55, American Eagle; Men's Fedora, $22, ALDO; Kismet Maxi Dress, $54.50,Bootlegger; Embellished Sandals, $60, ALDO; Neon Stack Bracelets, $18, ALDO; Polka-Dot Bather, $36.90,Garage

Crocheted Sweater Dress, $60.15, American Eagle; Tortoiseshell Sunglasses, $15.49, American Eagle; Silver Ball Bracelet, $44.95, Vivah, Ankle-Strap Wedge, $90, ALDO; Jantzen Body-Shaping Swimsuit, $44.97, Sears

Ray-Ban Wayfarers, $189.95, Sunglass Hut; Rhinestone Bracelet, $15.55, American Eagle; Flamingo Bikini, $37.80, Garage; Freestyle Killer Shark Analog Watch, $79.99, SportChek; BCBG Paris Sandals, $69.99, Sears; Solid Girlfriend Cardigan, $45.10, American Eagle

Persol Sunglasses, $355, Sunglass Hut; Silver Cuff, $15.98, ALDO; Colour Blocked Scarf, $20, ALDO; DV by Dolce Vita Archer Sandal, $69.23, American Eagle; Ruched One-Piece, $59.95, La Vie en Rose

Stacked Bracelets, $15, ALDO; Tankini, $60.10, American Eagle; Beaded Rope Gladiator Sandals, $30.05, American Eagle; Knit Hi-Low Skirt, $40, American Eagle; Black Aviator Sunglasses, $15.55, American Eagle

Tom Ford New Whitney Sunglasses, $355, Sunglass Hut; Men's Poplin Shirt, $20.06, American Eagle; Beaded Cord Bracelet, $15.55, American Eagle; Metallic Flip-Flp, $25.03, American Eagle; Tommy Hilfiger Floral Bandeau & Striped Bottoms, $109.98, Sears