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

$100 Shopbop Giveaway & A Sale!!!

Elizabeth and James Sweater | Michael Kors Watch | Alexander Wang Bag | Karen Walker Sunglasses | Club Monaco Coat | Marc by Marc Jacobs Skirt | House of Harlow Necklace | Tibi Pants | Marc by Marc Jacobs Earrings | Club Monaco Gloves | Jean-Michel Pumps

I am so excited to announce that not only is the amazing online shop SHOPBOP having a HUGE sale today, but I am also giving away a $100 gift card to one lucky reader! The sale is exclusive for email and social subscribers of Shopbop, so make sure to subscribe!

Above are a handful of my favourite pieces currently available at Shopbop (I mean a heart print sweater and cat earrings, how could I resist!?) 

To enter the giveaway:

- Comment bellow with a link to your favourite Shopbop item(s) and your email address

For an additional entry:

- Tweet the link to the item(s) (make sure you include @girlcrushblog and @shopbop in your tweet!)

- Follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook Page

- Follow me on Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered! 

xo

Trend Crush: Toques

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I have never been much of a hat person. I love them, but they don't seem to love me back. Maybe it's the way my hair falls, or the shape of my face, or maybe it's my own silly complex, but they just never seem to work for me!

Wool hats are my favourite, cozy, stylish and functional. So I've decided to find one that looks good on me. It is my mission. To find a toque.

xo

Lookbook Love: Cabin In The Woods

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M Missoni Diamond Dress / Luxury Rebel Booties / Rag & Bone Fedora Tess Giberson Crochet / Rebecca Taylor Gown / Roseanna Shirtdress Candela Maxi / Joie Top / Vince Coat 

With the Holidays right around the corner, all I can think about is drinking hot chocolate, decorating my home and of course starting my Christmas shopping. I'm loving these picks from Shopbop, perfect for getting cozy by the fire and watching the snow fall! I love this time of year, don't you?

xo

Twisted

Sweater: Joe Fresh (recent) | Necklace: Anthropologie | Lipstick: Mac Ruby Woo

There is something so romantic about hair up in twists, as I mentioned in this post a few months back. I've been playing around with a few different styles ever since, and I think this twisted ponytail is my favourite, which is funny because I can remember styling my hair like this as a child! I guess my grown up version with curls is a little more sophisticated then when I was six (I hope).

Happy Friday! 

xo

Get The Look: Neutral Palette

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This month's issue of Rue Magazine featured the home of Kelly Moore, which included her beautifully styled neutral living room. I've always loved a softer colour palette, there is something so subtle yet impactful about the simplicity of it. Something I'm hoping to create in my own home eventually. But for now, here are a few pieces on my wish list to create this look, all from CB2.

xo

Combat

Sweater: Aritzia | Jeans: J Brand | Scarf: Joe Fresh (similar) | Boots: All Saints | Jewelry: Michael Kors and J.Crew

So far November (and the end of October) has been nothing but rain. (With the exception of yesterday) As much as I try not let the weather affect me, it has. Getting out of bed or staying awake longer is so much harder when it's dark and grey outside ALL of the time. Not to mention trying to get dressed! All I want to do is crawl under the covers in my pyjamas and stay there until the sun comes back out.

Until then, I'm trying to brighten my mood by trying out new recipes, and planning some sparkly outfits for the holiday season. Nothing like the excitement of dressing up for Christmas parties and NYE to keep me inspired!

xo

Daily Hair Care

1. Hair Mask 2. Shampoo and Conditioner 3. Hair Oil 4. Round Brush 5. Curling Wand 6. Dry Shampoo 7. Hairspray 8. Boar Brush

A few months ago I shared my Daily Makeup products and thought it was about time I share some of my favourite hair products. For the most part I wear my hair down either straight or in curls, or throw it in a ponytail or a top knot, so I don't go too crazy on hair products. A little hairspray and some oil are the extent of my styling products, and the occasional hair mask to keep things silky and soft! I try not to over wash my hair (to not dry it out) so dry shampoo is my best friend. I've tried a few, including sprays, but have found that this powdered version works best for me. (It smells great too) 

When it comes to my curls, I swear by this Sultra curling wand. I've tried regular curling irons and using a straightener to curl my hair, but nothing would keep a curl. Then I found this curling wand at Sephora and it works wonders. My hair stays in curls for two days!

What are some of your favourite hair products? I'd love to know!

xo

October Photobook

- Beautiful Vancouver

- Mini pumpkins on Granville Island

- Top knots

- Thanksgiving in Whistler

- Farmers Markets (of course) 

October is always a busy month, Thanksgiving, birthdays, Halloween... It doesn't end! That's why I've decided to take it easy for the month of November. Lots of dinners and weekends at home, some DIY projects, and getting ready for the holidays. As much as I love being busy, there's something comforting about having no plans for a little while. December will be another month of craziness (I seriously love the holidays) so I'm happy to take it easy for a little while. 

Hope you all had a Happy Halloween!

xo