Stunna Shades On

They say it's worth it.  They say that a good pair will change you.  But $400, $500, even $600 on plastic that I will at some point sit on, scratch or otherwise maim seems irresponsible. 

I have a $300 credit at NET-A-PORTER. Is now the time? Am I old enough to handle them? Fashion blogger self says NO, this is something you MUST try on.  It's so obvious.  Dreamy self says, 'Goooo, get theeemmm. The Alex Wang ones. Those are pretty. You will liiiike them. Nooo, you will love themm!"

Then again, I am wearing an eye patch today thanks to ingrown eyelash surgery (yes, this actually happens) Perhaps this is impairing my judgment...

(ps - Pirate jokes appreciated. The worst is pity. Yargh)

Oliver Peoples, Thierry Lasry and Alexander Wang Sunglasses, all at NET-A-PORTER

It's Black. It's White.

H&M's super gorge, super graphic Spring 2013 Campaign - photo H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I remember it well.  Toronto Fashion Week, Fall 2012 (my powers of recollection are staggering) and the editors, bloggers and remaining fashion flock were rocking their finery in front of the wind-blown tents at David Pecaut Square.  Girls in neon short shorts, sky high heels and super bold frocks and of course, the too-cool-for-school editrixes in their bright coats, flat brogues and crazy expensive shades.  As always, it was a rainbow of notice-me hues as the peacocks (myself included I'll admit) tried to get captured by the street style paps. 

Then out she walked.  A blonde, bobbed 20-something.  Stark black and white striped pants, a black sweater and red lips.  Simple, cool, in a throw-back Mary Quant meets Taylor Tomasi Hill kinda way.  And while the bloggers all backflipped their way around the windy square,  she simply stood there and waited.  And the mesmerized photographers all circled the girl, lured to her like moths to a super fierce flame. 

As much as I love colour, black & white can be equally striking.  Whether you opt for graphic stripes, checks, polka-dots or fearlessly wear them all together, nothing looks more modern, more right, right now.

Check out some of my fave black & white finds in stores now - a perfecly seasonless way to get a jump on spring (no backflips required) x

Studded Barrel Bag, $50, ALDO

Stripe Chiffon Shirt, $29.90, Garage

Statement Ring, $6.95, H&M

Slim-Fit Printed Trousers, $24.95, H&M

Python Print Sneakers, $29.95, H&M

Ponte Knit Stripe Dress, $79.95, Le Château

Faux Leather Tote, $49.95, H&M

Graphic Striped Top, $14.95, H&M

Printed Trousers, $49.95, H&M

Legacy Leather Tanner Tote, $498, Coach

Striped Knit Moto Jacket, $69.95, Gap

Leather Crossbody Bag, $69, Danier

Houndstooth Pointy Toe Pump, $39.99, Le Château

Printed Chiffon Blouse, $24.99, Smart Set

NIXON The Rubber Player Watch, $199.99, Boathouse

Printed Scarf, $14.95, H&M

Zipper Tote Quilted Box, $398, Roots

Renee Top, $79.50, Club Monaco 

Nella Bella Giveaway

I'm always on the lookout for great Canadian brands, so when Nella Bella got in touch and asked me to test drive one of their clutches, I was totally game.  The brand's all about sleek, on-trend designs with a decidedly urban flair.  And while the bags look leather-like luxe, the entire line is 100% vegan, making them not only eco-friendly but blissfully affordable. This clutch is capital O Oversized, with a detachable chain strap and smart interior pockets.  But the best part? The colour - a rich, ruby red.  Love!

Now here's the good news: We're giving away this Nella Bella Ivy Clutch.  Simply leave a comment below telling us your fave Nella Bella handbag to win.  Contest closes 5 pm tomorrow (Friday). We'll announce the winner Monday morning!  Bonne chance

xx

A Sporting Life

Iselin Steiro for Hermès Spring 2013 by Photographer Nathaniel Goldberg

How ridiculously pretty is the Hermès Spring 2013 campaign?  Shot by Nathaniel Goldberg just off the Villa D'Este (bucket list) in Lake Como, Italy, the campaign features Iselin Steiro at play on the dock in tennis whites, pops of blue and brilliant mosaic prints.  Kind of like summer camp, except with really great shoes. And in Italy. And all by yourself with a really hot guy.  So, not really like summer camp at all then...

Green with Envy

Naomi Watts covers Vogue Australia - image Vogue.com.au

So long, farewell, old burgundy.  I tried (really I did) but if I'm honest, we've had our fun and now I'm ready for a change.  Luckily, Pantone has declared pretty Emerald as the colour to covet in 2013.  They say it’s not easy being green, but wearing green? That’s a whole other story. The rich hue, said to promote balance and harmony will help you feel enlivened, elegant and positively renewed. Can’t think of a better way to kick off the new year!  Check out my top 10 emerald finds at iVillage.ca this week, guaranteed to make people (pun intended) green with envy. Soooo glad I decided to wear emerald for my headshot. Now if only I could take back that Puerto Rican haircut... (I'm still not over it)