Get an Early Jump On Spring with These 15 Playful Picks

via Dynamite

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Okay fine, it's only February. And I know I should live for the moment and seize the day and do all of those things I'm told are good for my mental health. I love the snow. I love the winter. I love the cold. Repeat after me: we love the snow and the winter and the cold. Brrr...is it March yet? As I look at all of the pretty pieces coming into stores for spring, though, I think I've found my silver lining. These finds let me embrace the present while looking to the future, too. They let me have a cute spring fling while still making the absolute most of winter. From a fashion perspective, shopping for spring in winter is a win-win: it allows you to buy pretty new things now and wear them way longer.  Scroll down for the items on my want-list right now. So much cuteness, you'll have a really hard time waiting. And you really shouldn't. Carpe diem.

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LOVE YOURSELF | 45 Sweet (But Not Too Sweet) Red & Pink Picks

via American Eagle

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Each year, right around this time, my husband and I have a little tête-à-tête. It's usually in the kitchen, in the morning, as we frantically make our kids' lunches and toss our breakfast dishes in the dishwasher, while I beg him to please make us cappuccinos so I can get my sense of humour back.  I'd make my own but he does it better. The conversation usually involves one of us saying something like, 'So, Valentine's Day...' and the other one of us being all like, 'Let's just do something little. Honestly, do NOT get me anything.' At this point he usually launches into his anti-Hallmark-Holiday tirade to justify not buying gifts, claiming that he doesn't like the pressure of having to prove our love in such a premeditated way. He usually gestures towards the expertly frothed cappuccino in his outstretched hand at this point, as proof that he does romantic things for me all year round.

And I tend to agree. I mean, romance should not necessarily be inextricably tied to holidays. It should be the thoughtful little things that we do on the daily for our loved ones that prove that they matter to us.  And while my 'do NOT get me anything' used to translate to 'I actually hope you get me something and if you don't I'll be annoyed,' I legitimately mean it now. He knows that I love a card with a sweet message written inside. He knows how much I adore mid-week champagne. Both of us usually cave and end up buying each other something little and occasionally something big, which I will never turn down, because DIAMONDS (HINT, HINT - no seriously, do NOT get me anything), but he understands that no matter what, I will likely go out and buy myself a gift anyway, because I've learned the importance of loving myself. That, and I have a shopping addiction. Finally, when I come home wearing my new cute new red kicks, he knows to notice and tell me how cool I look, even if he'll never, ever understand my excitement surrounding shoes. Now that's love.

Whether you're fully committed or flying solo, whether you want to surprise your bae or just want to treat yoself, you're going to love these on-point red and pink picks. Click the thumbnails to scroll through. (Oh, and also Love Yourself video below because no matter what you think of the Biebs, you have to admit he makes the best music videos.) Happy Valentines, lovelies! xo

SEE MY RED & PINK PICKS HERE...

MOVE IT, MOVE IT | 5 Active Looks We're Loving Right Now

via Reitmans (really)...

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I have my reasons. I mean, there was Christmas and all of the holiday sangria and cookies and boxes of Turtles that came with it. Then, there's the weather. I mean, I tell my kids that running on ice is dangerous, so what example would I set by doing the same? Then, of course, there's simply the fact that until this very moment, I just haven't felt like working out.  But then, I went shopping. And I've started seeing the coolest new leggings that I have to have. And looking at all the rad new running shoes that make my current kicks look old-school in the worst possible way. Sexy cut-out tops make my old workout tees look so 'mom' it hurts. Not to mention the fact that my pants are so much harder to do up these days. Sigh....

All signs point to the fact that it's time to finally get moving again. First, the mall. Next the yoga mat where I'll finally conquer that headstand. Then, the Zumba class where I'll shake what my mama gave me. And finally, a run that doesn't involve getting anything with the word 'grande' in it when I'm done.

Check out these 5 workout looks I'm loving right now. After all, looking the part is half the battle ;)

SEE THE LOOKS HERE...

GIVE JOY | Our Lovely Last-Minute Guide

via theofficialpandora on Instagram

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Whether you've finished all of your shopping or haven't even started yet, I'm not here to judge. After all, life is busy and December? Well, judging by my headache and ever-growing list of things to do/places to go/people to see, it's even busier. Since my job involves shopping and research, I love putting together gift guides each year. It's a win-win: I get to figure out what I'm buying everyone, I think of ideas to give people who ask what I want, and I get to share all of it with you in case you're super busy, too. 

These gifts are luxurious but come in all shapes and sizes for a wide range of holiday budgets.  My favourite thing to do when I can't afford to go it alone? Round up my family members or friends and go in on a bigger gift - strength in numbers, as they say. I found tech gifts and sweet gifts, fun gifts and fashionable, expected gifts and some not so much. Take a look and hopefully it will inspire you as you head out into the snow to pick up things for the ones you love. Good luck out there and remember, the best gift of all is you. And my daughter would argue a hoverboard...

SEE THE GUIDE HERE...

FAVOURITE THINGS | What We Really (Really) Want Right Now

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Forget needs for a minute and let's talk about wants. Whether you're trying to give people gift ideas or just feel like treating yo self, November's the perfect time to dream. From a cozy cold shoulder to endless good hair days, read on for what we want (what we really, really want) right now...

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