Crop Star

When it comes to fashion, there are some trends I bypass entirely (ie. culottes), and some I latch on to right away (ie. crop tops). This little white top from last summer made a return appearance for our trip to Cuba, this time paired with one of my favourite skirts ever, a midi/maxi (mixi?) I picked up in a post-Christmas Anthro sale. I love long skirts but I often find it tricky to decide what to wear them with -- so often, a tucked-in t-shirt can look kind of awkward when it bunches up around the waist, I find. So thank God for crop tops! And I love that this plain white one is the perfect backdrop for a big, statement necklace.

Crop top - H&M

Necklace - Aldo

Skirt - Anthropologie

Bag - Kate Spade

Sandals - J. Crew

Sunglasses - Forever 21

Lipstick - Posh Pink (Lancôme)

Little Things I'm Loving: February

Hope you've all had a fabulous February! I'm loving the longer days and the occasionally springlike weather we've been getting  -- there's nothing like a bit of winter sunshine to cheer the spirits. 

Here are five other little things that put a smile on my face over the past month...


1. I didn't want to be this girl on the beach for our holiday to Cuba a few weeks ago, so I made sure to slather on a liberal amount of St. Tropez' Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse in anticipation. St. Tropez has always been my brand of choice for fake tan, and this new product is miraculous, transforming me from Celtic to Hispanic (kinda) in a record-breaking three hours. 

2. Is it just me or has Forever 21 really upped their shoe game of late?! Not long after purchasing these black beauties, I was back for a second hit -- this time, returning with these faux patent leather ankle strap flats (also available in black) in tow. I've always had a thing for red shoes, and it was love at first sight.

3. The food in Cuba was terrible (and this is coming from a girl who actually kind of likes airplane and theme park food), so I pretty much lived on drinks the whole time we were there...and piña coladas were my poison of choice. The ones served at the all-inclusive we stayed at were fairly good, but the real deal we had a roadside stop on the way to Havana was a game changer. Served in a coconut and garnished with a slice of pineapple, it was ambrosial. 

4. Target, as a store, has never been a particular favourite of mine, but the fact that they're shutting down their 133 locations in Canada means massive liquidation sales, with 20-40% off everything in store. Well worth a visit!

5. This Burt's Bees Rosewater & Glycerin Toner is one of my new favourite products -- it doesn't irritate my super sensitive skin, and it smells heavenly. (When it comes to scents, my taste can sometimes verge on the geriatric -- I'm a big fan of anything lavender or rose-scented).

Little White Pleated Dress

As anyone who follows me on Pinterest knows, I'm a big fan of white dresses (I have a board solely dedicated to images of perfect LWDs). The ubiquitous little black dress, while a classic for obvious reason, can easily veer into funereal/frumpy/lacklustre territory, in my opinion, but the little white dress, in all its iterations, always seems so fresh. 

This pleated J. Crew dress, a sales-score from last summer, is incredibly versatile -- I love changing up the vibe of it by pairing it with different accessories and jackets. If I want to enhance its preppy vibe, I'll wear it with a blazer, while tossing on my leather jacket instantly edges it up. 

Which are you more a fan of -- the LBD or the LWD? 

Dress - J. Crew

Necklace - Forever 21
Sunglasses - Forever 21
Shoes - Forever 21
Bag - Kate Spade
Lipstick - All Fired Up by MAC

Neon Peach

I scored this vibrant little number in the post-Christmas sales last year, and it's easily become my favourite coat to wear once Christmas is over and the new year has begun. It's even more highlighter-esque in real life, if you can believe it, and I find it to be the perfect transitional item for this dreary time of year: warm enough to keep the chill at bay but bright enough to feel fresh and springlike. Some people are convinced it's a pinkish colour, but I consider it a part of the orange family -- a neon peach if you will. To tone it down, I wear it with basic pieces in neutral shades...but I can't resist the addition of a punchy orange lip. 

Wool coat - J. Crew

Sweater - Dynamite

Jeans - Dittos via The Bay

Shoes - Forever 21

Sunglasses - Ray-Ban

Lipstick - So Chaud by MAC

Little Things I'm Loving: January

How have you all been enjoying 2015 so far? Although January is without a doubt my least favourite month of the year, this one hasn't been so bad. I'm feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the New Year (long may my positivity last ;).

Here are five little things that have been brightening the grey days of this past month...


1. I didn't have any intention of buying a new pair of shoes when I wandered into Forever 21 last week...but somehow that's just what I ended up doing! These pointed ankle-strap flats (also available in nude) are pretty much my dream shoe. And they're super comfortable too! I find that most shoes I buy (even flats) require a torturous breaking-in period, but these happily did not.

2. I'd been on the look out for a new highlighter for a while, and NARS' Albatross highlighting blush is exactly what I was searching for: something that I can lightly dust on my cheekbones and nose to give a bit of a luminous glow without being garish.

3. I've always been fascinated by other countries and cultures, so this beautiful book by Lonely Planet -- which gives a one-page low-down on every country in the world, complete with stunning photography -- is right up my alley. 

4. I know there's no real need for a print planner, as anything worth noting, like appointments and the like, can be tapped into a phone in 2 seconds...but I'm a sucker for an aesthetically pleasing product, and Katie Daisy's 2015 Live Simply Planner -- filled with uplifting quotes and gorgeous illustrations -- makes planning ahead that much more fun for me. 

5. Have you guys heard of the app Trivia Crack?! Basically, you play against an opponent to answer a series of questions from six categories -- Art, Science, Sports, Entertainment, Geography (my favourite!), and History. Whoever correctly answers the questions from all categories first wins! It truly is addictive...

Festively Nautical

While I'm fond of the classic nautical-inspired combination of blue, red, and white, there's something just so intrinsically summery about those colours together that it puts me off wearing them this time of year. However, if you exchange the blue and red for navy and burgundy (and add a dash of sparkle somewhere), you've got yourself a look that's decidedly more festive and wintry. And hey, I'm even getting a head start on 2015 with my marsala-coloured jeans ;)

Sequin-collared Breton tee - Banana Republic

Blazer - Dynamite

Coated jeans - H&M

Boots - Steve Madden

Silver cuff bracelet - Forever 21

Nail polish - La Moss by Butter

Lipstick - mix of Rebel (MAC) and Majella (NARS)

Give Me the Slip

Last autumn, I fell in love with this silky little slip skirt from Zara, but balked at the steep price tag. Fast forward a few months, and I was able to snag it in the post-Christmas sales (it was the last one on the rack and just so happened to be in my size...score!!). 

I'm a big fan of that whole boudoir-chic trend, and I love how surprisingly versatile this little skirt is -- I like to brighten it up with this powder-blue shirt, but I'm also fond of pairing it with a dark blazer to make it more formal, or a big, chunky sweater for a casual look.

Shirt - Forever 21

Skirt - Zara

Tights - Gap

Boots - Steve Madden

Lipstick - Posh Pink (Lancôme) 

Plaiditude

For someone who had to wear a kilt every day throughout high school (and even at one of my jobs for a whole summer), you'd think I'd be sick to death of all things tartan by now. But nope, not me! My love for this cosy classic is still going strong, and has only increased over the past few months, what with the plenitude of plaid-inspired pieces around. While plaid shirts have always been an autumn/winter staple, it seems that this year, more than ever, the design has found its way onto everything from skirts to scarves and trousers to coats. 

While the only tartan I currently have in my wardrobe is this shirt (I love the lace detailing on the shoulders), I'm on the look-out for the perfect plaid scarf...and I wouldn't be averse to a skirt, either. The hunt is on! 

What are your thoughts on this tartan trend? Love it, hate it, indifferent to it?

Plaid shirt - Winners

Leather skirt - Forever 21

Necklace - Aldo

Boots - Steve Madden

Lipstick - Ruby Woo (MAC)

Neon Pops

Even though fall is (nearly) here, I can't shake off my love of brights just yet, so I'm still incorporating them into my outfits--just in smaller doses and tempered with darker pieces. This leather jacket is one of my favourite items of clothing, and I'm excited to be able to wear it again after months of sweltering, 30+ weather. I bought it in March when I was over in Ireland, after nearly a year of searching for the perfect leather jacket. I was looking for something that was buttery soft, with subtle zips, and sleeves that weren't too short (this is actually my biggest problem when looking for jackets/coats). The moment I tried this one on I just knew it was the one! (And, most importantly, it also happened to be within my budget, which was fantastic as even faux leather jackets can be so expensive). 

Leather jacket - River Island

Scarf - H&M

Lace skirt - Forever 21

Black top - Penneys/Primark

Tights - Gap

Boots - Steve Madden

Lipstick - Grace, Hourglass

5 Favourite Shops: Budget

I'm excited to introduce a new series today: 5 Favourite Shops! Here, I'll be giving a breakdown of my top stores in a variety of categories, from the best budget places to check out to the pricier spots that I can really only window shop in most of the time. 

For today's instalment, I'm going to share my favourite budget stores (which, to be honest, are where most of my clothes come from). When it comes to purchasing on-trend, budget-friendly pieces to update my look, these are my go-tos.

Penneys/Primark

Where: This budget retailer has its roots in Ireland (where it's branded as Penneys), but can be found all over the UK and parts of Europe, too (where it's called Primark). 
Great For: Everything! My go-to place in Europe for basics like t-shirts, pyjamas, tights, and underwear at insanely cheap prices. (Trust me when I say that in terms of quality and selection, their lingerie section can rival that of Victoria's Secret). Obviously, some of their stuff will look its rock-bottom price tag, but I own some big item pieces from Penneys (ie. a black brocade coat I've worn a gazillion times) that I always get compliments on. 

H&M

Where: This Swedish company is pretty much everywhere now.
Great For: I've yet to go into an H&M and not be able to find at least 10 items I'd be very happy to take home--in terms of selection, trendiness, and wallet-friendly prices, they're tops. For me, I find they're great for summery dresses, pretty skirts, and interesting tops (as well as basic tees and the like). They have a good swimwear section in the summer, and I love how most of their bikini tops come in actual bra sizes. 

Forever 21

Where: Founded in the US in 1984 by a South Korean couple, Forever 21 can now be found all over North America and parts of Europe, Asia, and Australia. 
Great For: Most styles are catered to, from girly-girl to boho to edgy. As to what I like to buy there...well, let's just say that half of my 50+ skirts have a XXI tag. While their dresses can be hit and miss (sizes tend to run a little on the small/short side), I find their skirts usually fit well, and the selection is incredible. They're also great for jewellery, accessories, and other random little necessities like make-up bags. 

Old Navy

Where: The cheapest of the Gap Inc. trifecta, Old Navy is found across North America.
Great For: They do seasonal stuff really well, like pretty sundresses and shorts in the summer, and cosy pyjamas and sweaters around Christmas. Great for colourful, cheap and cheerful basics, as well as work-out gear. (And I'm also a fan of their shoes).

American Eagle Outfitters

Where: Founded in 1977, this chain is found throughout the US and Canada.
Great For: When I was a teenager in the early 2000s, American Eagle was the place to shop at (and I remember thinking how expensive it was!). These days, I find I'm a bit old (and big!) for a lot of their stuff (ie. their skimpy tops and teensy skirts), but I'm still a fan of their jeans--they're good quality, not too pricy, and many of them come in a longer leg length. 

Floral Farewell

Well, first of all, let me apologize for the bad quality of these photos -- I guess having a photo shoot at night wasn't the greatest idea. The darkness just seems to creep up so quickly these evenings! I always have slightly mixed feelings this time of year (and I say slightly because fall is my favourite season), but there's something about summer coming to a close that's bittersweet. And for me, it always ensues a slight panic as I try to cram in as many wears of my bright, summer-only clothes -- like this skirt -- before packing them away for 6 months.

Shirt - Forever 21

Skirt - Banana Republic

Bag - Kate Spade

Ring - Aldo

Tights - DIM

Shoes - J. Crew

Lipstick - Schiap, NARS

A Teal Tale

Teal is a colour I rarely gravitate towards when it comes to clothes (for no good reason other than being put off by the Aer Lingus vibe the shade evokes). But after happening upon this little dress in Vicky's wardrobe, I began to see the appeal of this most versatile hue, which pairs beautifully with gold jewellery, hot pink lipstick, and lilac nail polish (or so I choose to believe!)

Teal dress - Forever 21

Gold spiky necklace - River Island

Owl ring - Aldo Accessories

Black tights - Express

Black heels - my Fergalicious Louboutins

Lipstick - "Schiap" by NARS

Nail polish - "Lilacism" by Essie

Hearts & Sequins

An unspoken rule of mine (actually, scratch that, I'm pretty vocal about it), is that I have to wear something sparkly for New Years. I know, I know, it's not exactly a unique notion, but it's one I adhere to quite devotedly. However, after wearing the same glittery black-and-silver leopard-print top (it sounds so much more gruesome than it was...I think/hope) since the mid-noughties, I decided I needed to change things up a wee bit, and felt that NYE was the perfect occasion for my new sequinned collar shirt to make its debut. Since black and navy makes for a rather subdued palette, I livened things up with my new favourite lipstick - a punchy coral - and a pair of old M&S shoes that had been gathering dust in the back of my wardrobe.

Navy sequinned collar shirt (worn with bandeau underneath) - Forever 21

Black lace skirt - Jacob

Heart print tights - Glassons

Red shoes - Marks & Spencer

Lipstick - "So Chaud" by MAC

Anna Karenin-spired

Vicky recently had a Banana Republic work event to launch the store's Anna Karenina-themed Holiday collection, and, naturally, the dress code for the evening was "Russian." And, more specifically, black with touches of grey or red. A touch of fur, dash of red lipstick, and strand of pearls did the job nicely, giving a basic black outfit a winter-glam vibe.

Black dress - Kensie via The Bay

Black, fur-collared cardigan - Forever 21

Red belt - Aldo Accessories

Red earrings - Aldo Accessories

Pearl necklace - borrowed from our mum

Silver watch - Seksi

Black heels - Call It Spring

Black tights - Express

Lipstick - "Ruby Woo" by MAC

Nail polish - "My Italian Love Affair" by OPI

Flexible Lace

Layering a jumper/sweater over a dress is a simple way of getting more use out of your dresses and prolonging their wear right into the cooler months. It's also a great way of making a dress more daytime-appropriate, as Vicky demonstrates here. What appears to be a white lace skirt is actually a dress with long sleeves and a high neckline - a bit dressy for a 9am lecture, but instantly more casual when worn with a jumper and scarf.

Mint jumper - H&M

Melon scarf - BCBG

White lace dress, worn as skirt - Zara

Black tights - Express

Brown leather boots - Aldo

Earrings - Forever 21

Lipstick - "Candy Pink" by Revlon

Subdued Sparkle

Mixing greys and blacks is one of the simplest ways of throwing an outfit together when you're in a rush. Just have a rummage through your closet and layer clothes of varying textures in these tones for an understated, work-appropriate look. To keep it from looking too sedate, pair with a strong lip colour, silver jewellery, and jewel-embellished ballet flats. 

Black top - Twelve by Twelve at Forever 21 (via sister Claudia ;-)

Grey skirt - Gap

Grey tights - Gap

Ballet flats - Next

Silver ring - Suzy Shier

Silver bracelet - gift from India from my godfather

Lipstick - "Desert Rose" by Elizabeth Arden

*The out-takes from this little photo shoot are totally mortifying, by the way. I am terrible at posing for the camera. When I tried to smile without teeth I ended up having this creepy little smirk reminiscent of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, but when I smiled with teeth, I somehow chanelled the Obsessive Girlfriend Meme. Not the best of looks.