14 Resolutions Worth Keeping in 2014

Source: Pinterest

Originally posted in The LOOK

At -21 degrees (windchill notwithstanding), 2014 is off to a very chilly start. While you huddle up indoors, away from the deadly polar vortex swirling around outside, I think now's a pretty good time to take stock of the year ahead. If you're like me, my grand New Year's resolutions never really pan out the way I plan. All good intentions for eating like Gwyneth Paltrow and working out like a ninja usually fall by the wayside sometime around next week and by then, I'll likely already be back to my 2013 ways. 

So this year, I resolve to make more realistic goals - small little things that will make a positive impact on my day-to-day, from wearing cooler jeans to updating my playlist. If you're looking to refresh, recharge and renew, too, read on for the 14 New Year's resolutions that might actually be worth keeping this year...

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Where There's Smoke, There's Fire: Pics from the Greta Constantine Fall '13 Show

My favourite look from the collection - super fun way to edge up a formal dress...

A model gets primped and polished backstage by the M·A·C Cosmetics beauty team

The crowd gets a little judgy (it's their job) as a model struts it in lime green at Toronto's Parts & Labour

The Beckerman sisters (aka, the life of every fashion party)

The gorgeous host of Top Chef Canada, Lisa Ray

As one of Canada's leading design duos, Stephen Wong and Kirk Pickersgill are renowned not only for their figure-hugging frocks but for their over-the-top runway shows. In seasons past, I've been on the Greta Constantine guestlist because the guestlist has numbered in the 100s, not 10s, with impressive shows held in places like Toronto's Distillery District or The Century Room. For their Fall '13 presentation held last week in Toronto, Stephen and Kirk kept it decidedly more exclusive. And so, while a handful of Toronto's top editors and socialites headed to Parkdale's Parts & Labour for the formal runway show, the rest of us flocked to The Hoxton for the Stoli-fueled after-party. Whether A-list or B, I must admit that I feel pretty lucky to be on GC's list at all - dudes know how to throw a party. Click on the thumbnails below to see which well-heeled VIPs made the cut to the main event and, of course, get ready to lust after the lovely Greta Constantine Fall '13 collection. I am loving that maxi dress with the belted fur stole and the hide and chic origami-like vest with the wide-leg white trousers. Oh, and dying over the fierce jewel art by Dandi Maestre. Et tu? Any faves? Be sure to also check out the video below - a super interesting glimpse at the triumphs and challenges of building the Greta Constantine brand. Enjoy!

All photos by George Pimentel

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Never Say Never

Chambray Blazer, H&M; White Shirt, Banana Republic; Scarf, Club Monaco; Belt, Banana Republic; Pants, Zara; Polka-Dot Socks, Winners; Shoes, Johnston & Murphy

When I first met my husband way back in 2000, I had a serious style challenge on my hands. He was like a badly-kept, beautiful old home, except instead of shag-covered hardwood and dropped ceilings, his gorgeousness was hidden away by a bowl cut and tragic Eddie Bauer pleated khakis. 

I loved him right away, penny loafers and bad 'do notwithstanding, and could definitely see loads of potential in his tall/dark/handsome looks, but wondered if he'd ever actually let me make him over. Here's the thing with guys - they don't like to ask for directions, they prefer to find their own path, get lost along the way, and take a really, really, long time to do it, and then eventually, 10 - 12 years later will finally come to you. And when they do, you will be there, armed with a pair of slim-fit trousers and a chambray blazer. 

This outfit is what I consider James' graduation day. I have taught him what I know over the past few years, and this morning, this is what he came up with ALL BY HIMSELF. #proud #sniff

I'd give him a cap & gown but I'd hate to cover up all of this hotness.

Happy Friday, y'all! Any fun plans for the weekend?

Feeling Blue

Photo courtesy H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

What is it they say, 'If you think it, it will come,' or something like that...

Well, I don't know about you but I'm thinking about summer and I subscribe to the philosophy of dressing for the season, even if The Weather Network disagrees. Once I've put away my winter coats, they're away for the next 5 months. Once I've stopped wearing socks, it's pedicure time from here on out. People might stare at my bare legs and sandals in the middle of a mid-May hailstorm but you know what I say to them? Stare all you want, I am not, repeat NOT, going back to tights and winter boots. Fuhgeddaboudit, donezo, screw you winter, we've had our fun, but I am more than ready for patios, sunhats, heatwaves and blasting A/C. Though Mother Nature might be waffling, I, for one, am fully committed to the hotness ahead and when the pavement sizzles, nothing cools me down quite like blue. I've always loved the serene colour in all of its many hues, reminiscent of crystal clear lakes, cloudless skies and a bottle of Bombay Sapphire (well, maybe not the whole bottle...)

Are you feeling blue like I am? Read the full article here for my favourite blue finds, from breezy cobalt dresses to easy striped espadrilles, perfect for shuffling to the pool and back again. Sigh...doesn't it just make you want to dive right in? 

The Vogue Festival 2013: Meet Victoria Beckham and NET-A-PORTER's Natalie Massenet

Photo and videos courtesy Vogue UK

The Vogue Festival 2013 just wrapped up in London and I've been given access to all of the style sessions from the prestigious event held last week. Lucky me - I feel like I'm back in University except instead of being scruffy and disheveled, the profs are wearing Céline!  If you love fashion (which I'm assuming you do, since you're here) and have a lunchbreak or evening free this week, check out a few of the fantastic sessions from the event including NET-A-PORTER's stylish and inspiring founder, Natalie Massenet, plus a glimpse at the surprisingly charming Victoria Beckham. Wait 'til you see N.M's dress - drool! 

Class is now in session. Enjoy! x

(P.S - I just added the Michael Kors session, too, just b/c I love him so)