Little Things I'm Loving: November

Can you believe it's nearly December already?! Wow, this year has just flown by! Here are the five little things I've been enjoying this past month... What were your favourite discoveries this November?



1. I was devastated when the Gingerbread Latte didn't make a re-appearance this season at Starbucks' in BC (although I hear it's been brought back due to the subsequent outcry?!). Anyway, I thought I'd try out the new Chestnut Praline Latte as a replacement...and it was actually delicious -- those "spiced praline crumbs" they top it with are delightful! I think the GL may just have a run for its money with this one...

2. Do you guys read Porter? This is a new magazine on my radar and I really enjoy it! Launched by Net-a-Porter this past spring, it's published six times a year and its glossy pages are crammed with all the things I love in a magazine: gorgeous fashion, interesting articles, and good but unpretentious writing. I think I'll definitely have to add it to this list. 

3. After months of searching, I've finally found my perfect plaid scarf! Gap had a 50% off all items deal a few weeks ago, so I was able to snag this super cosy little number for half its original price. 

4. My skin gets really dry this time of year, and I find Vaseline is the best cure for everything from chapped hands to flaky lips. This cocoa butter-scented one is amazing: it has the same consistency as the original, but with a yummy scent that will transport you to a Caribbean island (although I'm also fond of the distinctive smell of ordinary Vaseline). 

5. I love this delicate Chilled Sky Mug from Anthropologie -- an early Christmas present from my mum (thank you, Mama!!). The icy blue colour feels so appropriate for this time of year and will be the perfect way to enjoy a Christmassy cup of hot chocolate.

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)

Slouch City

In this post, I mentioned my love for my new sweater/dress from H&M...now, here she is in action! For me, I find there's no happy medium when it comes to wearing new clothes -- I either wear them to death or not at all (case in point: while I've easily worn this sweater maybe 25 times since I bought it a month and a half ago, I've yet to wear the white shirt I bought on the same day even once. Oops). 

It may not be the most flattering thing I own (it's a far cry from my favoured fitted waist look), but because it's so delightfully comfy I'm willing to overlook the fact that it kind of makes me look pregnant (and handless).

Sweater dress - H&M

Leather trousers - H&M

Hat - Topshop

Boots - Steve Madden

Bag - Chapters/Indigo

Necklace - Aldo

Lipstick - Pinkberry (Estée Lauder)

Little Things I'm Loving: October

I'm excited to introduce a new feature to the blog today: a round-up of some of my favourite new discoveries over the past month. 

What little things have you been loving this October?!

1.  A few weeks ago, I bought a slouchy grey knit sweater (dress? sweater dress?) from H&M similar to this one and I have to restrain myself from wearing it every. single. day. because it's just so incredibly comfy. I love how it's both long enough to wear with just tights or leggings, and, well, sweater-y enough to wear with jeans.

H M women top - hm.com

2. Call me basic, but I'm a sucker for a good Bath & Body Works candle, and their new holiday collection doesn't disappoint. With jewel-toned glass and gemlike names (such as Sparkling Amber and Topaz Waters), these candles look just as pretty as they smell. Smoked Berries and Incense -- the red one -- is my favourite.
3 wick candle - bathandbodyworks.com

3. I had a small sample size of this lying around in the bottom of my drawer for ages, but it wasn't til recently that I finally, on a whim, decided to try it out. And let's just say I loved it! I probably have the most sensitive skin on the planet, so I usually stick to Cetaphil, but sometimes unscented products can be a bit...boring. This cleanser, on the other hand, is probably the only one I've ever tried that smells amazing and leaves my skin feeling refreshed and revitalized without irritating it. 
Burts Bees body cleanser - debenhams.com

4. I love apples and I love cinnamon, so my new favourite snack -- crisp, crunchy slices of apple with a sprinkling of cinnamon on top -- is a match made in heaven. Not only does this combination smell amazing, but cinnamon also happens to have a multitude of health benefits (it apparently really boosts your metabolism!). 

5. I loooove Butter's nail polish, but it's definitely on the pricy side, so you can imagine my delight when I found a whole bin on sale at my local London Drugs. I'd been looking for just the right dark, almost-black shade of burgundy polish for ages, and this colour -- La Moss -- couldn't be more perfect. 
Butter london nail polish - butterlondon.com

Autumn Wedding

A few weeks ago, Maria, one of my best friends from high school, got married in Calgary and I was delighted to attend her beautiful wedding. I hadn't been back to Calgary since I left it 10 years ago, so it was so weird being in the city again -- a lot had changed but so much was still the exact same. And even though I hadn't seen my old classmates for a decade, it was like no time had passed at all -- it just felt like we were all back at school again! So surreal. 

Aaanyway, I knew I wanted to wear something suitably...autumnal...and this dress, with its dark floral pattern, sheer polka dot overlay, and fit and flare shape was ideal! (Thanks, Claud, for helping me find it!). As I had no idea what the weather would be like (Calgary's climate is notoriously unpredictable -- just a few weeks prior they'd had an epic snowstorm), I brought along my trusty old brocade coat, but as it turned out, I didn't even need it, as the day couldn't have been more sunny and perfect. (I did need it, however, for this little photo shoot today -- it's gotten so chilly here in Vancouver! I'm loving it ;).

Dress - Eliza J at Nordstrom

Coat - Penneys/Primark

Clutch - Aldo

Shoes - Penneys/Primark

Earrings - vintage clip-ons

Lipstick - mix of Sweet Violet (Burt's Bees) and Rebel (MAC)

Nail Polish - La Moss (Butter)

10 Trends for Autumn/Winter 2014

Hello! Sorry for the lack of posting these past few weeks...I was in Calgary for my friend's wedding at the beginning of the month (more on that later!) and things got a little sidetracked since then. Anyway, I'm back now with a post I've been looking forward to writing for quite some time...my personal take on this season's trends! Back in June, I did a similar post for Spring/Summer's trends, and now here are the looks I'm excited to try this fall (as well as the ones that I don't quite think I can pull off). 

What are your favourite trends of the season? And which do you think you'll pass on?!

1. Moody Florals
While I love big, bright, splashy prints for spring/summer, this time of year calls for something a bit darker and moodier. Whether it's in the form of a dress, skirt, top, or trousers, I'm glad that the dark floral trend is sticking around for another season. 
Topshop midi dress - nordstrom.com

2. Chelsea Boots

Chelsea boots have been kicking around for quite some time now, but are enjoying a resurgence in popularity thanks to the '60s trend that's been permeating the fashion scene this season. I love the sleek look of a classic black pair, but red would be fun, too.

Church's leather booties - barneys.com

3. Winter Pastels

I love pastels year-round -- I love how they can look so crisp and refreshing in springtime, yet so cosy and marshmallowy in the colder months. While I love the rich hues traditionally associated with this time of year, I'm also a fan of these more unexpected sugary shades.

Ted Baker pink coat - harrods.com

4. A-Line Minis

Funnily enough, I prefer shorter skirts in the winter and longer, midi lengths when the weather's warmer (probably because I prefer minis with tights and midis with bare legs). The '60s-inspired A-line skirt is flattering on all shapes, and looks great paired with a chunky sweater or turtleneck. 

Carven short a line skirt - flannels.com

5. Over-the-Knee Boots

Despite my love for this look, I've always found it hard to find boots that actually go over my knee (and not awkwardly hit right at it). Last year, however, I was lucky enough to score the perfect black suede pair at Aldo...and I have a feeling I'll be getting just as much wear out of them this winter as I did the last.

Tory Burch distressed leather riding boots - toryburch.com

6. Fast Food Fashion

For someone who loves McDonald's (and junk food in general) as much as I do, you'd think I'd be more enthusiastic about a Golden Arches-embossed handbag. But nope, this trend doesn't appeal to me in the slightest. What can I say? I guess I'm just not playful or rich enough for fast food fashion.

Moschino quilted chain handbag - monnierfreres.co.uk

7. Colourful Fur

Back in the early '00s, I sported a subtle take on this trend (a denim jacket trimmed with a lurid red fur collar), but these days I'm way too sensible and boring to give it another shot. Another trend best left to the Cara Delevingnes of this world, I think. 

Oui Odile blue faux fur jacket - farfetch.com

8. Cocoon Coats

I think this mannish look is definitely cool, but really not the most flattering for my type of figure (I generally prefer a more feminine style with a defined waist). And in my books, flattering trumps cool every time.

Violeta by Mango wrap coat - johnlewis.com

9. Monk Strap Shoes
What the ugly sandal was to Spring/Summer, the monk strap shoe is to Autumn/Winter...and again, I'm just not attracted to the ugly footwear staple of the season. Yes, it's cool, but as far as I'm concerned, this is one style that can stay in the monastery.
The Office Of Angela Scott low heel shoes - neimanmarcus.com

10. Turtlenecks
Turtlenecks, roll necks, polo necks...whatever you call them, they're back with a vengeance. While I'm including this look in my "No!" section, I'm actually more on the fence about it... Generally, I think turtlenecks look the most flattering and elegant on those with a flatter chest, but I think I could just about pull one off if I layered it under a jacket. 
Silvian Heach knit sweater - houseoffraser.co.uk

Five Favourite Quotes for October

Happy October, everyone! It finally feels like autumn is well and truly here, and I couldn't be happier! Here are five quotes (actually, make that four and a poem) that really capture the magic of this time of year. 

Casual Lace

While the weather has taken a decidedly cool turn (yay!!), I'm still clinging on to some of my more summery items, just paired with heavier pieces. Actually, I find I get the most wear out of this lace dress when the weather is that bit crisper, because I can only wear it with tights (it's suuuper short and would be kind of indecent otherwise), and I feel that dark tights can look a bit heavy in the dead of summer. 

Parka - Aritzia

Floral scarf - H&M

Lace dress - American Eagle

Brown tights - Penneys

Boots - Steve Madden

Lipstick - Kate Moss 08, Rimmel

5 Favourite Nail Polish Colours for Fall

Last week, I shared some of my favourite beauty trends for this fall; today, I thought I'd put the focus on some of the nail colours I'd like to try out over the next few months. These five rich, deep shades will work well with the more muted tones of autumn, but they're a bit more unusual than my typical go-to fall nail polish shades of burgundy and black.




1. Jungle Green
Marc Jacobs: Jungle - pinterest.com

2. Navy
Christian Louboutin: Wherever - selfridges.com

3. Chocolate
Essie: Partner in Crime nail - beauty.com

4. Plum
Opi: Skating on Thin Ice-land - amazon.com

5. Gunmetal
Butter London: Chimney Sweep - thehut.com

5 Favourite Beauty Trends for Autumn/Winter 14

As well as seeing what fashion trends are emerging for a new season, I love finding out what beauty trends will be prevalent, too. While there are some A/W 14 trends I wouldn't be the hugest fan of (I'm not quite confident enough to pull off the whole bare-faced look that's apparently a thing, for example), there are a handful that I'm excited to test out at some point this season. Here are my top 5 favourite looks:

1. Spidery Lashes

Decade-wise, the '60s seems to be dominating the fashion scene this season, and with it comes some of the beauty trends from that era. I've never been a fan of false eyelashes, but I think I'd be willing to try that spiky, mascara on the lower lashes look.

2. Navy Nails

To be honest, I'm not really a "nails" person (more often than not mine are bare), but I do like experimenting with new colours, and I love this matte navy look for fall. A lot of the time, I'll hesitate to paint my nails a certain colour because I feel I'll have to base my outfits around it for the week or so that I'm wearing it, but navy just seems to go with everything.

3. Violet Eyes

This look is ideal for those with green or hazel eyes, as purple apparently enhances greenness. I love the idea of trying out different shades, like a subtle lilac for day and a smoky plum for night.

4. Graphic Blue Eyeliner

I have yet to muster up the patience to perfect a cat eye look, but this trend may just inspire me to do it. (Vicky, on the other hand, has the cat eye down to a fine art and recently tried out a cobalt-blue winged eye that looks amazing). 

5. Nude Lips

I'm definitely a bright lip as opposed to strong eye kind of person, but I like the idea of shaking up my make-up routine a little bit and testing out a more neutral lip. (If anything, it'll mean I can eat things like apples and burgers without fear of smearing lipstick all over my face, for once).

10 Items Inspired by Pantone's 2014 Fall Colours

It's that time of the year again! Once again, we've compiled a list of 10 items for fall based on Pantone's Colours. (You can see last autumn's picks here, and this past spring's here, if you're interested). 

What are your favourites of these 10 shades? I think I'm kind of feeling the purples, interestingly enough! It's not a colour I wear too much despite my love for it, so I'd love to find some way of incorporating it into my wardrobe this season...

1. Radiant Orchid

This warm purple is not just Pantone's Colour of the Year; it's also made it on to both the Spring and Fall colour charts. For the cooler months, consider incorporating it into your wardrobe via a leather handbag. It's actually a surprisingly versatile colour, and would look fantastic paired with a coat in navy, camel, grey, or even a deep forest green. 

Purple leather purse - chikoshoes.com

2. Royal Blue

This classic colour just lends itself to outerwear, whether you opt for a classic peacoat or a modern wrap.

Miu Miu royal blue wool coat - mytheresa.com

3. Aluminum

Unexpected use of leopard print is big this season, so why not consider wearing a swingy dress in a putty shade of print?

Mango dress - mango.com

4. Aurora Red

This rich red would look fantastic in a midi skirt (a style that's still going strong for the fall). 

Oasis red midi skirt - oasis-stores.com

5. Misted Yellow

For those of you who secretly think midis are frumpy and unflattering, rejoice! The '60s, A-line mini is making a comeback, and would look fab in this autumnal shade of yellow. 

Victoria Beckham wrap skirt - farfetch.com

6. Sangria

This warm wine colour is perfect for accessories; consider incorporating it into an outfit with a pair of suede pumps.

Tory Burch pointy pumps - toryburch.com

7. Mauve Mist

Instead of your classic grey oversized cardigan, why not consider one in this lavender shade? 

TIBI peach cardigan - tibi.com

8. Cognac

Chances are, you probably have a black leather jacket, but have you thought about updating to a moto style in a rich brown? 

FOSSIL leather biker jacket - fossil.com

9. Bright Cobalt

A shade or two lighter and brighter than Royal Blue, this hue would look fresh and unexpected on your fingertips this fall.  

NARS Cosmetics bright blue nail polish - beauty.com

10. Cypress

Exchange your dark-wash denim for a pair in this always autumn-appropriate deep olive green.

Violeta by Mango slim fit khaki pants - johnlewis.com

Pantone Colours image via:http://itsthreethirty.com/nail-polish-fall-forecast/

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

Autumn Uniform

Autumn seemed to creep up so quickly this year--this time last week we were dying of heat exhaustion here in Vancouver, and now here we are shivering on the first day of September. Not that I'm complaining though! Fall is my favourite season, and I way prefer dressing for colder weather. I find I gravitate towards a uniform of sorts this time of year, and in the spirit of all things back to school, here's a little equation: jacket + patterned top + skirt + tights + boots = the perfect outfit combination for early autumn!

How about you? Do you veer towards certain clothes this time of year? Let me know in the comments! 

Leather jacket - River Island

Top - French Connection

Tweed skirt - Banana Republic

Boots - Steve Madden

Tights - Express

Pearl earrings (clip-ons) - Claire's

Lipstick - Ruby Woo, MAC

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

In general, traditional hearty breakfast food (think bacon, sausages, and eggs in any form) has never really done it for me, but I've always been a big fan of pancakes. Despite my love for them, however, I usually end up having them only once a year (on Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day, naturally). However, I was inspired by Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere's recent take on Apple Cinnamon Pancakes (using this Smitten Kitchen recipe), to try this seasonal variation out for myself. Perfect for this time of year, they are not only tasty and comforting, but leave your kitchen smelling heavenly as you whip them up. (Note: the recipe calls for three apples, but I found one was plenty, as I didn't want them to be overwhelmingly apple-y. And I used one teaspoon of cinnamon, which was perfect).

{Gathered ingredients--those random sachets on the right are salt btw...what can I say, I use what I've got!}

{The finished product...I wish you could smell them!}

Embellishment

I've gotta say, I'm a big fan of the whole embellished-sweater trend that's going on right now. While I'm attracted to shiny, glitzy things, I'm actually pretty lazy about wearing jewellery (I'm not one for multiple necklaces and stacked-on bangles), so a top with built-in bling is right up my alley. Also, this post has just made me realise that I totally have a uniform for this time of year, as evidenced here. I guess a black top + grey skirt + berry lip is my comfort zone! Breaking out of this grey and black rut is definitely going to be one of my New Year's resolutions...

Floral beaded pullover - Banana Republic

Grey tweed skirt - Banana Republic

Rose-patterned tights - XOXO via Winners

Black patent flats - J. Crew

Lipstick - "Rebel" by MAC

10 Items Inspired by Pantone's 2013 Fall Colours

Inspired by the colours chosen by Pantone for Fall 2013, we've compiled a selection of items in these autumnal hues...

1. Emerald

Rich jewel tones are perfect for this time of year, and an emerald-coloured handbag would be a sophisticated accessory for an autumn outfit.

Mulberry handbag - mulberry.com

2. Mykonos Blue

In case you don't already know, the midi skirt is where it is at right now. Love it (Ali) or loathe it (Vicky), this demure length isn't going away any time soon. Save the feminine florals and pastel shades for spring and summer, and try one out in a deep, fall-appropriate shade like the Grecian-inspired Mykonos Blue.

J W Anderson skirt - net-a-porter.com

3. Linden Green
Unlike the other nine colours, Linden Green has a decidedly springlike air; a bit unexpected, perhaps, in a sea of saturated jewel tones, but surprisingly refreshing. A t-shirt in this shade would look fresh peeking out from a charcoal-grey or navy blazer.
J Crew j crew t shirt - jcrew.com

4. Acai
Try this dark, moody purple on your nails for a slick autumnal look.
Butter London dark purple nail polish - thehut.com

5. Samba

A deep, vivid red adds a powerful punch to any ensemble; if you find it a bit too overpowering in large doses, consider incorporating it into your look via a smart accessory, like this felt hat.

Wool felt hat - e4hats.com

6. Koi

While bright orange is one of those colours that seamlessly crosses over from summer into fall, the cooler temperatures of this time of year require pieces in heavier materials. Consider working this colour into your wardrobe with a chic leather skirt or knit sweater.

Richard Nicoll side slit skirt - net-a-porter.com

7. Deep Lichen Green
Bright colours are all very well, but sometimes your mood calls for something a little more subdued--this soft, earthy green colour is perfect for such times, and a long, cosy cardi is the perfect piece to chill out in.
H M cardigan - hm.com

8. Vivacious
Pink is kind of the colour for coats this season. The runways for a/w 13 were awash in oversized outerwear in delicate, sorbet shades, but if pastels aren't really your thing, why not consider a coat in the vibrant Vivacious?
Dkny coat - farfetch.com

9. Turbulence
It almost seems like no one wears plain blue denim anymore, what with the overwhelming variety of coloured and patterned jeans out there. However, nothing is more flattering to the figure than a solid dark wash, and if dark blue and black are a bit too boring for you, why not try out a pair in a dark grey?
Mango dark grey jeans - johnlewis.com

10. Carafe
Brown boots are an autumnal staple, and you're bound to get great mileage out of a pair in this rich, coffee-brown hue.
Tory Burch boots - toryburch.com

Ten Things to Do in November

Sorry for the radio silence, guys! We've had a not-quite-completed 10 Things November post just chilling in drafts for the longest time...and even though there is roughly an hour left of the month, it's still better late than never, right?! 


1. Vote (Either Actually or Vicariously)

No, we're not American, but we still find Election Day exciting!

2. Observe Remembrance Day

Wear your poppy with pride in the weeks leading up to this poignant holiday, and take a moment to remember those brave people who fought in the war.

3. Celebrate (American) Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving, American readers! We hope you enjoyed a day filled with turkey, love, and giving thanks.

4. Celebrate Bonfire Night

Remember, remember the 5th of November! Happy Guy Fawkes Day/Bonfire Night, English readers! 

5. Indulge in a Christmas Beverage at Starbucks

Gingerbread/eggnog/caramel brûlé lattes, peppermint mochas...heck, even Christmas Blend coffee...Starbucks Holiday Drinks are back in town and we couldn't be happier!

6. Listen to Christmas Music

It's a very special moment when you hear the first Christmas song of the season on the radio...it fills you with a happy, joyful feeling you should savour because within a month you will be guaranteed to Never. Want. To. Hear. Another. Christmas. Song. Again. 

7. Partake in Black Friday

Score some super deals at all your favourite stores with this annual shopping extravaganza/mall brawl.

8. Send Off Your Christmas Cards

If you send out Christmas cards, do it sooner rather than later - not only does it take the stress off you to have it done but it's nice for the receiver to have your card up on the mantel-piece/wherever for as long as possible.

9. Deck the Halls 

Sure, you could wait til December to put your Christmas tree and lights up, but the more mileage you get out of your decs the better, right?!

10. Get a Head-Start On Your Christmas Shopping

Shopping for other people can be stressful at the best of times - beat the mid-December crowds and lessen the stress by getting it done as soon as you can.

Images:
http://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/donkey-vs-elephant-partisan-home-decor
http://www.6harrow.org/2010/11/remembrance-sunday-parade/poppy-field-before-the-storm-floriana-barbu/
http://itthing.com/history-of-thanksgiving
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/england/travel-tips-and-articles/76144
http://fashionistarchitect.blogspot.ca/2011/11/i-love-starbucks-christmas-drinks.html
http://idlermag.com/2011/12/09/the-war-against-christmas-music-part-2/
http://www.searchenginejournal.com/black-friday-whack-o-alert/52645/
http://butlergirl.com/press/2012/11/13/6-proper-etiquette-tips-when-sending-christmas-cards/
http://titus8.com/2011/11/01/indoor-christmas-decorations-for-living-room/christmas-living-room-design-christmas-tree/
http://blog.ebags.com/holiday-center/online-holiday-shopping-tips/