Twenty Twelve

2012 has been a great year, one filled with a lot of change that has me looking forward to the new year. I made the scary decision to change careers and go back to school, which so far has been so exciting, and have settled into my new home, Vancouver. I continue to love writing this blog and appreciate all of the amazing opportunities that have come along with doing so. Thank you again for reading and for all of your lovely comments and support.

I'm looking forward to 2013 and hope it brings much more excitement, opportunities and happiness. Happy new year lovelies!

xo

Lookbook Love: NYE Party Dresses

one: Haute Hippie | two: Alice and Olivia | three: Diane Von Furstenberg | four: Nanette Lepore | five: Alice and Olivia | six: Alice and Olivia

If there is any night that requires sequins, metallics and red lips, it's New Year's Eve. The one night you can never be too glamorous, and of course the perfect excuse to buy a new party dress. Shopbop has so many I'm loving right now, it's hard to pick just one!

Also, make sure you check out two online shopping destinations I've been loving lately, Official Watches and Rebus Signet Rings 

xo

Blogger Brunch Date

Plaid Shirt: Urban Outfitters | Jeans: J Brand | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: J.Crew

My first week in Toronto seemed to fly by. Coming home is always a whirlwind of visits with family and friends as well as running around all over the city. I left all of my Christmas shopping to the last minute (typical) so that has kept me busy as well. Oh the holidays! 

One day last week I had the pleasure of spending the day with one of my favourite gals, Danielle, of the blog Denj. We went for brunch, checked out her adorable new place and took her pup Coco for a walk (cutest little guy ever). 

Merry Christmas Eve!

xo

Lookbook Love: Rag and Bone

1. Tuxedo Jacket 2. Floral Pants 3. Platform Sandals

The resort collections featured on Shopbop lately have me craving a new spring wardrobe. I love how Rag and Bone has paired feminine floral prints and pastels with edgy leather jackets and platforms. The perfect transition from winter to spring, or if you're lucky enough to skip off to a beach somewhere!

Also, make sure you check out two online shopping destinations I've been loving lately, Triples Clothing and Gift and Wrap.

xo

Holiday Decor

owl and tray: West Elm | metallic trees and reindeer ornament: Anthropologie | candlesticks: CB2

When I was little trimming the tree was always special. Every ornament had a story behind it that held a happy memory from a Christmas before. My mom made a point of carefully handing each one to my brother and I, instructing us to find the perfect spot on the tree. It took hours to complete, and I loved it almost as much as Christmas morning.

Now that I have my own home to decorate, I've held on to how special each decoration can be. Slowly layering on new pieces each year, carefully selecting each one. I find I often take my time when it comes to decorating, but am always happy with the result, even if it takes a little longer to complete!

xo

I Heart You

Jacket: Anthropologie (old) | Sweater: J.Crew | Pants: Aritzia by T. Babaton | Shoes: Nine West (old) | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: J. Crew 

I'm going nuts for all of the graphic sweaters at J. Crew right now, I mean how adorable are these hearts? Not to mention the french bulldog sweater they did! I could buy every single one of them. Perfect for Christmas day with family, or dressed up for work, you can't go wrong.

xo

Shades of Grey

Sweater: Aritzia | Blouse: Aritzia (old) | Necklace: Anthropologie | Jeans: Club Monaco | Boots: Modern Vintage | Lipstick: Mac "Ruby Woo" 

I purchased these jeans in the spring (worn here), and have lovingly worn them through the summer and into the fall. There is nothing better than finding items that you can carry through the seasons, as long as you style them right! I'm sure if I took a better look in my closet I could find quite a few more pieces I could wear all year long.

Also, make sure you check out two online shopping destinations I've been loving lately, Pepper Pink and Rocks TV.

xo

November Photobook

- Cake pops and Christmas cups at Starbucks

- An antique store in Rail Town

- Unexpected potted paper whites 

- Outfit outtake

- Enjoying mulled wine at the Christmas Market

- A giant Christmas tree

It's beginning to look a lot like.... As soon as November started I wanted it to end. I love December and LOVE the holidays (have you noticed?) I've been playing Christmas music since mid November and did everything in my power to hold off putting up the tree. November in Vancouver usually means lots and lots of rain, and this year was no different. So goodbye November, hello holiday season! 

This December is filled with lots of birthdays, hosting a Christmas party, heading home to Toronto (yay!!!) and lots and lots of eating! What are your plans for the holidays?

xo

Cozy Sophisticated

Sweater: Banana Republic (old) | Pants: Aritzia (similar) | Pumps: Nine West | Bracelet: J.Crew | Watch: Michael Kors

I need to own these pants in every colour. Seriously.

xo

Lookbook Love: Winter Closet

Striped Top: Wetherly | Scarf: Bop Basics | Blouse: Equipment |Dress: Rag and Bone (similar) | Pants: Alice and Olivia | Coat: Mason Scotch | Booties: Rag and Bone (similar) | Boots: Sorel | Skirt: T by Alexander Wang | Purse: Alexander Wang

I don't know about you, but I constantly feel like I have a closet full of nothing. I try on everything in my closet and conclude that I have nothing to wear, meanwhile I can no longer see my floor. Then I see something clever like this lookbook from Shopbop and I realize there is so much you can do with a few good basics. I've also now decided that I must own a pair of leather pants.

Thank you to everyone who entered and tweeted my $100 Shopbop giveaway! I wish everyone could win, but, the lucky girl is...
Holly of Holly Dolly! Congrats lovely!

xo

Baroque

Blazer: Monk and Lou c/o Plenty | Blouse: Free People | Jeans: Big Blue c/o Plenty | Purse: c/o Plenty | Necklace: Urban Outfitters (similar) | Boots: Modern Vintage

When it comes to dressing up for the holidays I normally go straight to dresses, an easy go-to. However, after finding these amazing baroque printed jeans at Plenty, I knew they would be a perfect alternative to a dress this season. Paired with a perfectly cut blazer and some sparkles of course. 

Dont forget to enter my $100 Shopbop giveaway! Today is the last day to enter. Good luck!!

xo

Hosting a Holiday Party

Video via Rue Magazine

I have always loved being a hostess. Maybe because I love to cook, especially for others, or maybe I just enjoy a good party so why not throw one?! After trial and error with appetizers, cocktails, music, etc, I have learned a few tips I'd like to share. 

Menu Ideas

- Spinach Dip

- Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

- Devils on Horseback

- Chips with Smoked Salmon and Avocado Salsa

- Marinated Figs with Brie

- Tomato and Bocconcini Skewers

- Brandini Toffee

- Chocolate Crackle Cookies

Drinks

Although we would all love to provide all of the drinks for my guests, sometimes that is just not budget friendly. I like to share a favourite cocktail or a large punch as well as some non-alcaholic choices, then they can bring more if they would like! I also like to set up a space in the kitchen as the designated "bar". 

Decor and Mood

I've already started on my holiday decorating, but when throwing a party I like to add a few extra special touches.

- Tea lights in mason jars (I love this DIY idea for some extra sparkle)

- Fresh flowers, paper whites are my favourite this time of year.

- Rustic touches such as pinecones and fresh garland

- Some fun holiday napkins.

- Don't forget some music! 

Tips

- Clean the day before the party so you are not rushing.

- Consider where your guests will hang their coats, make room in your coat closet if possible.

- Make some space! Bring out any extra seating you have available.

- Turn down your heat. With a house full of guests your home will warm up quickly.

- Have all of your serve ware, napkins, glassware, ready to go. 

- Place appetizers around the room(s) to encourage guests to mingle and walk around.

- Have fun! Don't stress so much that you can't enjoy yourself.

Happy holidays! Don't forget to enter my $100 Shopbop giveaway!

xo

Rain Storm

Sweater: c/o Plenty | Blouse: Free People c/o Plenty | Jeans: c/o Big Blue by Plenty | Necklace: Stella and Dot  (similar) | Bracelet: c/o Plenty | Watch: Michael Kors | Clutch: c/o Plenty | Booties: Dolce Vita 

There is something so pretty about that glow after a big rain storm. Yesterday the sky just opened up and poured down and of course I was caught in it, which I was not too happy about, but at least it looks pretty after! Just maybe next time I won't get soaked in the process.

I'm in love with these jeans from Plenty right now, the perfect dark and skinny blue jean, not to mention they feel like leggings! So comfortable. One of the things I love about Vancouver is how it embraces it's local designers, I've mentioned before  how much I love to eat local, and now I'm trying to shop local lots too! What are some of your favourite local designers?

xo