Black + Camel + Gold

Pom Pom Toque, Joe Fresh | Mirrored Sunnies, similar American Eagle | Sweater w Gold Zips, J.Crew | Gorjana Gold Necklace, Shopbop | Camel Coat, Jones New York | Fingerless Gloves, Joe Fresh | Polka-Dot Pants, Joe Fresh | Ankle Boots, GAP.

I love wearing all black but find that unless you change up the textures, it can get really boring, really fast. Which is why I am loving these tone-on-tone polka-dot pants from Joe Fresh. Even if you don't like printed bottoms, the print and the price are palatable. I like to top my black off with a classic camel coat (you need one), and, of course, some cheap, cheerful ski-bunny accessories like these fingerless gloves and pom pom toque, also from Joe Fresh. And while I like certain statement necklaces, the whole massive statement jewel necklace worn over a done-up blouse, worn over a sweater, is all starting to look a little bit been-there-worn-that. My new fav thing? A long gold pendant necklace. I currently own a few beauties - the one pictured is Gorjana from Shopbop, and I also love the Rebel Pendant from Stella & Dot.

As you know, I don't do a lot of outfit posts here (which is why you should follow me on Instagram, svp), because my husband is not the most willing photographer. I don't get what he does with all his time. As if starting a business is more important than taking pictures of my outfits. Honestly....men ;)

Um, is it Friday yet?

HOLIDAY '14 | Your Under-$200 Guide

Photo courtesy American Eagle

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Walking through the mall this month is like a really great binge-watch of Netflix. There's drama (MO-OM, you are SO embarassing!), there's intrigue (will she like it? will she loathe it?), and of course, that edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting terror (only 20 days left?!).

It goes without saying that the clock starts ticking more insistently than usual this time of year, leaving even the most organized among us in a panic. But is this all necessary? Can we just take a collective step back and put this in perspective? Can we try for a minute to remember what this is all about in the first place? Um, no. No we can't. Because unless you're a Saint or happen to reside in Whoville, presents are part of the big Christmas/Holiday/Chrismukkah package. Plus, it's fun to buy things for other people. As long as we're prepared. 

I've found 50 stellar gifts to please the picky, to wow the un-wowable, each for under-$200 so you can keep on budget while you're at it. Scroll through the slideshow below for my top gift picks and dial your panic button down a notch. Remember, it's your presents...er..I mean presence that counts...

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GIVE JOY | Our Top Gift Picks of 2014

Yes, a Crockpot can be cool, but only when done up in rainbow chevron.

Originally posted in The LOOK

It's the most wonderful time of the year. No, really, it is. But sometimes, all of that wonder and joy can get lost in the rush. One look at my December calendar and chances are you'll find me either crumpled in a quivering heap on the floor, seeking advice from my Elf on the Shelf and/or downing another box of Turtles. Between the parties, family get-togethers, work deadlines, school plays and Christmas concerts, I'm left wondering if I'll have time to shower. And don't even get me started on the lists: lists of cards to send, lists of things to do, lists of gifts to buy. And gifts. And more gifts. 

Speaking of gifts, I've put together a great gift guide for Intercity Shopping Centre that should help you as you look around for that perfect present. Check it out and sorry for the poor effort at posting this week. I've been busy (read: crumpled up in a corner, seeking advice from my Elf on the Shelf, eating Turtles)

xx

SEE THE GIFT GUIDE HERE...

HOLIDAY '14 | Stylish Gifts for Her

Carey Mulligan in the Dec '14 issue of Harper's Bazaar UK. 

Originally posted in The CLOSET

She's wonderful. You adore her. And she's a nightmare to shop for. I mean, total nightmare. And since you want to give her something she's going to love, it's a perennial struggle to figure out what to buy for the woman who's already got it all. 

This season, my shopping M.O. is all about giving her exactly what she wants. And while you're never going to get it perfect every time, I've got three tricks that I rely on to please any picky giftee, without having to resort to gift cards: keep it luxe, keep it festive, and always include a gift receipt.

Luxe gifts work because the stylish woman is naturally snobby; she can't help herself. Whether it's an HBC stripe, Prada sunglasses, or a bottle of Tom Ford on her bathroom counter, luxe labels serve as daily inspiration to her fashion-fuelled aesthetic. And luxe doesn't always have to mean expensive - a tiny gift from a respected label means more to the stylish woman than loads of little random gifts. If you want to splurge on a larger purchase but can't make it work for your budget, call on friends and family and go in as a group for a bigger buy.

Another fail-proof way to shop for the style maven is to keep it festive. The holidays are all about a little impracticality which means yes to shine, yes to sparkles and definitely yes to that perfect Christmas red. Whether she wears it all year or not, she'll love being able to bust out that gold lame snood every year when the snow starts to fall. What's a snood? Exactly.

And, of course, be sure to ALWAYS include a gift receipt. This small gesture means you've taken the time to go out and pick something for her (which is always appreciated), while still giving her an exit strategy in case the gift doesn't fit/she already owns it/she had her eye on something else.

Still not sure what to get her? Scroll through the thumbnails below for 50 stylish gift ideas...

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HOLIDAY '14 | The Splurge vs. Save Edit

Photo courtesy Target

Originally posted in The LOOK

Ever get that feeling that you're in a time warp? One minute we're back to school shopping and the next - Thanksgiving, Hallowe'en, first snowfall, Christmas. Um, sorry, what just happened? Suddenly, there we are, white knuckled on the steering wheel, stealing parking spots from grandmas, sprinting through Target trying to score that last Zoomer Dino, pick up more tape (why does tape always go missing, btw?), and find more time. Can you buy time? If you find some, can you tell me where it's on sale?  

It's chaos. And since it's hard to think straight when our heads are spinning, ideas can be tough to come by. So, this year, I've decided to get a jump on shopping so I can enjoy every December minute. I've put together a list of the holiday season's most-wanted gifts to help inspire you while you're out shopping, too. And since, like time, our budgets are always stretched to the max this time of year, I've found splurges and saves for each perfect gift.

Time to put your slippered feet up, grab a glass of wine and remember your yoga breaths. It's not even December yet. You've totally got this...

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