{Style} Red + Green

Plaid jacket- Zara | sweater c/o LUSH Clothing | denim shirt- TopShop | leather skirt- vintage | cap toe heels- Zara | clutch- 3.1 Phillip Lim | necklaces- Barefoot Contessa + vintage (borrowed from The Pretty Secrets) | rings- Winners + gifted



Photos by The Pretty Secrets

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{Christmas Week} Treat Yo' Self

Drawstring bag- 3.1 Phillip Lim | sweater- Pink Martini | jeans c/o Forever 21 |  bangles- J.Crew | rings- Erica Weiner + Urban Outfitters | watch- Michael Kors

Naughty as it may seem, I like to subscribe to the treat yo' self philosophy this time of year. Think about it: You're running around trying to get gifts, everywhere you go is mayhem (ick) and you're basically perma-stressed between social and work obligations. So to keep morale high as the mercury (and my patience) drops, a little retail therapy can go a long, long way.



I'll let you in on a little shopping secret of mine, but only if you promise not to go all credit-card happy and make me regret telling you about this, ok? Here it is: I'm obsessed with Vaunte. It's my favourite online haunt, and for those unfamiliar with the site, it's basically what you would get if Vogue and Ebay were to have a baby � for reals. You can shop the closets of all these different designer/stylist/socialite-types for some seriously deep discounts, avoiding all that pesky buyer's remorse I get from my Shopbop addiction. Long story short, I lusted after this floral bag all last year but couldn't justify the cost for a cotton bag. So when it popped up on Vaunte for half the price, I snagged that puppy without a second thought � Merry Christmas to me.

  Suddenly all the annoying parts of the holiday season seem bearable again � Seeeeee? Treat yo' self. xx

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{Christmas Week} Gift Guide Under $100

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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Christmas is literally around the corner, so if you find yourself in need of some gift ideas for all those stylish ladies in your life, I've got you covered � and for under $100 no less! From cocktail rings and leather gloves, to horse-emblazoned clutches and pom pom-topped beanies (adorbs!), I would be pleased as punch to open any one of these items from French Connection come Christmas Day... Wouldn't you?

Happy shopping! xx
 
Necklace | leather gloves | T-shirt | leather belt | scarf | cocktail ring | Eau de FCUK | beanie | clutch


This post was sponsored by French Connection. All opinions shared are my own.

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JEWELRY CRUSH: JENNY BIRD | F/W 2013

Crushing on all these statement pieces from Jenny Bird. My favorites have to be the RiRi collar necklace and basically all of the chain bracelets- they stack together so perfectly. Speaking of perfect, how great does the jewelry look with all the black basics in the lookbook?!

Some of my top black basic picks...

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{Style} Tiger Eye

Coat- Forever 21 | tiger sweater- Kenzo | plaid pants- Uniqlo | pumps- ShoeMint | pearl necklace- Zara | lips ring- Forever 21 | bangles- J.Crew | watch- Michael Kors


Photos by Brittney Le Blanc

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{Wardrobe Wednesday} Hats Off

Hat- French Connection | turtleneck- Zara (old; similar here) | plaid cape- Urban Outfitters | ring- Michael Kors

In keeping with last week's winter-fuelled Wardrobe Wednesday, I thought I would pay further homage to one of my favourite cold-weather accessories: The hat. The eternal warmer-of-heads and disguiser-of-bad-hair-days (you know what I'm talking about), the hat is the most versatile and transformative accessory at your disposal� and don't you forget it. And by you, I really mean me, because I'm the worst for neglecting even my most beloved accessories (#hoarderproblems). But that's why I love both you AND this WW column � you guys keep me honest.



If you're looking for some good, winter appropriate hat options, I really love this Catarzi wool hatand this Brian Lichtenberg beanie (case in point)... Happy (Wardrobe) Wednesday, friends! xx


Photos by Sandy Joe Karpetz

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{Homemade Holiday} Rosette Ring DIY

In the spirit of last week's animal ring holder, I thought I would put together an simple gift idea to accompany it � et voila! The rosette ring was born. It's the perfect little add-on to give a girlfriend or pop into a stocking, and it even functions as a last-minute gift if you're in a pinch (oh who am I kidding, when you're in a pinch). So if you want to make a rosette ring of your own, here's what you'll need:

Supplies:

 - Adjustable rings (available at any craft or jewelry supply store)

 - Rosette cabochons (mine are vintage, but there are lots to choose from on Etsy!)

 - Jewelry glue

Glue your cabochons to the base of the ring, pressing down firmly to adhere. After about an hour of dry time, you've got yourself a simple, yet oh-so cute gift to brighten up someone's holiday season... It's as easy as that!   Box up your rings with a pretty gift tag to add some oomph, then just stand back and humbly admire your gift-making prowess � you've earned it. xx

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{Style} BRKLN

Moto jacket- Gap | tshirt- Rag & Bone | trousers c/o French Connection | pumps- ShoeMint | bag- 3.1 Phillip Lim | beanie- Aritzia | necklace- J.Crew | ring- CC Skye | bangles- J.Crew | watch- Michael Kors



Happy weekending! xx

Photos by Brittney Le Blanc

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{Homemade Holiday} Animal Ring Holder DIY

The holidays have a remarkable way of sneaking up on me each year, and all those lofty goals of baking, crafting and general merry-making often go unactualized. That's why I thought it would be fun (and mutually beneficial for readers like me!) to launch a homemade holiday series consisting of a DIY gift idea each week to get your yule-tide juices flowing (so to speak). First up? The Animal ring holder.


I love giving loved ones jewelry, but it never dawned on me before that a playful jewelry holder could be just the ticket to up the ante when gifting baubles. So off to the dollar store I went to pick up some plastic animals to make this simple, yet impactful gift idea.

Simply spray paint your animal any colour you wish, and adhere it to a pretty plate (mine came from Home Sense) using powerful glue... It's as easy as that! Top things off with a pretty ring or some sparkly earrings, and your friends are sure to love you all the more this holiday season!
I hope you enjoyed this new DIY series � stay tuned for more fun projects in the weeks to come! xx

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{Wardrobe Wednesday} Lips Rings

This Wardrobe Wednesday features a save or splurge component which doesn't quite apply to me because � let's face it � I had to go be all greedy and buy both. To be fair, I ordered the CC Skye version online before I knew Forever 21 carried a fun, Lulu Frost-inspired version for a fraction of the price. Woe is me. Regardless, I felt the need to have both. Because really, after shelling out over 100 big ones for a trend item, what's five more.

The verdict? Despite the aforementioned trend (read: fleeting) nature of the design, I actually much prefer the CC Skye version. It's smaller, more streamlined and far more flattering to wear, translating to 20x more use than it's inexpensive counterpart... So on a cost-per-wear basis, the CC Skye version is actually a way better deal, right? Oh come on, humour me.

In other news, congrats to Kirsten Butler for winning a copy of Alexa Chung's new book, "It" � Enjoy, girl! 

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{Wardrobe Wednesday} Winter Wear

Knit beanie + double-sided scarf- Zara

Tis the season for bundling up, and when you live in a winter city like I do, one thing is abundantly clear: mo layers, less problems. This year I plan on making this jumbo, double-sided scarf my new bf (don't we look good together?), with plenty of room in my life for this slouchy beanie... It's a big love situation here, people.  

So when it comes to staying warm without compromising style, all you have to do is grab a great plaid scarf, slide on some slick gloves and thrown on a cute beanie... Your day two hair will thank you. xx 

Photos by Andrew Tarver

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{Halloween Week} Studded Cat Ears

This week's Halloween-inspired Wardrobe Wednesday is all about the cat ears... More specifically, this studded cat ear headband that I picked up on a whim at Forever 21 many moons ago. Naturally I had no use for it until this very week, but it's precisely that kind of dedication towards "rainy day shopping" (aka- The I may need this someday approach) that keeps this blog populated with content, but that's an issue for another day.

Not only can this headband (coupled with this makeup tutorial) save the day during a particularly busy Halloween season (testify!), but it's pretty darn cute draped over mirrors and side tables (how I justify frivolous purchases). If you're looking for a last minute costume, look no further, and if you feel like getting your craft-on, check out this easy DIY � Happy Halloween Eve!

Studded cat ear headband- Forever 21 | sweater- Topshop | necklace c/o T&J Designs

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{DIY} Easy Statement Earrings

I was craving an easy DIY this weekend, so I decided to whip out my trusty Shrinky Dinks and try my hand at a simple, lucite-inspired statement earring. I have a hard time wearing larger earrings because I find them too heavy and taxing on my lobes, so this fun, lightweight solution really appealed to me. Read on for instructions!

 

 Supplies: 

• Shrinky Dinks (available at any craft store)
• Scissors
• Holepunch
• Paper + pen
• Jewelry glue
• Decorative gems
• Jump rings + earring hooks 

 Instructions:

1. Trace your shape onto a Shrinky Dinks sheet, making it three times larger than your desired end result.
2. Cut out the shape, taking care to even out the edges.
3. Punch a small hole into the top of your shape, then bake the shapes according to the instructions on the Shrinky Dinks package.
4. Once cooled, start gluing decorative gems and pearls onto the surface of the earrings.
5. Secure the earring hooks to the base with a jump ring.
6. Give yourself a pat on the back � you're done!

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{Wardrobe Wednesday} Phillip Lim Clutch

{ My go-to, the 31 Minute pouch }

This week's WW is all about the neutral, go-to clutch, which for me has recently become the Phillip Lim 31 minute pouch (they actually call it a cosmetics case, but who would be crazy enough to spend 300 big ones on a makeup bag?!). Anyway, I decided to update my previous staple � this vintage YSL clutch that I scored for $4 at a thrift shop � because I wanted to reduce the amount of wear it was inevitably getting. I don't know about you guys, but I like to preserve my things for as long as humanly possible, which means being mindful not to 'overexert' anything... Makes sense, right? I'd like to think so, although I'm sure Mr. AiF would tell you that's just me enabling my shopping addiction. Potato, potato.

Thanks for reading, and happy Wardrobe Wednesday!

Photo by Andrew Tarver 

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{Wardrobe Wednesday} The F�line Beanie

 

Something about Brian Lichtenberg's quirky, tongue-in-cheek approach to apparel design has captured the hearts of many a fashion phile, earning him a cult following for his Homi�s, Ballin and � my personal favourite � F�line Meow roster of designer-inspired logos. Equal parts homage to, and rejection of, the Herm�s, Balmain and C�line power labels from which the line was built, Lichtenberg's tees, sweatshirts (I have my eye on this one) and head wear are undeniably undeniable.

 

I don't know about you guys, but for me, it's official: A new obsession is born... So burrrr-ing (get it?) on the Lichtenbergs!

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