Jumpsuits!

For those days when you just want to throw on something casual without having to worry about matching, try on a jumpsuit. Here's a few that I am eyeing on ASOS.com - UK's largest independent online fashion retailer (they offer express delivery worldwide):

How sexy is the back?! - ASOS Cheesecloth Beach Jumpsuit (USD41.38)

A cozy and fashionable way to lounge around at home - ASOS Off Shoulder Sweat Lounge Jumpsuit (USD48.28)

If you want and can splurge, this one screams class and sophistication - Lisa Jayne Dann Pussy Bow Cowl Neck Jumpsuit (USD258.63)

Have fun browsing on: http://www.asos.com/

Jessie Steele Aprons

I am totally digging Jessie Steele's vintage kitchen aprons:

This is such a cute way to dress up in the kitchen. Who wouldn't want to cook up a storm wearing this pretty thing?

Jessie Steele aprons are priced at USD32.95 and can be purchased from various retailers or on her website (http://www.jessiesteele.com). But an equally cute alternative can also be found at Anthropologie:

I am definitely putting in an order for the Three-Star Apron (USD44.00).

Nude Love - Jimmy Choo 24:7 Collection

For almost 6 months now, I have been on a hunt for the most perfect pair of nude heels. I think nude heels are just about the most sexiest and versatile pair of heels a woman can own. It elongates your legs and can be warn pretty much with any colour for any occasion.

After months of due diligence, I finally made up my mind and committed my mind, body and soul to purchasing a pair of Christian Louboutin's nude patent leather pumps but these came across my radar and suddenly, my commitment to Louboutins has been shaken:

These are Jimmy Choo's Private patent leather sandals from the 24:7 Collection. Not for everyday wear but my gosh, the little peep toe design does add just the right amount of sex appeal to any outfit. What's a girl to do ... Louboutins or Choos. Dilemma, dilemma.

Jimmy Choo 24:7 Collection - Private Patent Leather Sandals (USD950.00)

** Updated: Here's a pic of the Louboutin pumps (just for you J-l!):

Flip Flaps

Meet my plant, Flip Flap. It's the only plant I can't kill.

Never seen it before? This is a solar powered ornament that resembles a plant. A small solar panel powers two leaves that bounce up and down continuously until the light source to the solar panel is stopped. I would like a row of Flip Flaps to put along my kitchen windowsill.

But these babies aren't easy to come by and are definitely not cheap. I received mine as a gift but a quick search online tells me they are sold by various retailers for prices ranging from USD25.00 - USD45.00.

Ski Goggles

A must-have accessory when you are planning to hit the slopes is a pair of stylish ski goggles. I have been dying to get my hands on a pair of these:

Dragon DXS Ski Goggles (USD80.00)

And if you want to rock out on the slopes sporting a brandname, try Gucci's unisex goggles (I prefer the white):

Gucci (USD195.00)

Louis Vuitton - Raindrop Besace

I realize the fashion powerhouses like to get in on the trends and compete to be a leader but really, have they taken fashion too far with this?

Introducing Louis Vuitton's latest bag called Raindrop Besace (USD1,960.00) designed by Marc Jacobs. It is meant to look like a trash bag. It captures the very essence of our consumerist society: people are willing to wear anything even remotely similar to the original Louis Vuitton products. The bag comes in green and brown, with a leather handle, and it is waterproof, hence the raindrop name. What more could you want for the cost of a month's rent (or a month's mortgage payment)?

Canada Goose Parkas

I can't stand the cold. If I had to choose between being stuck on a sweltering summer day without air conditioning or standing outside on a freezing cold winter day, I would choose the former. And being an ex-Torontonian, I get a lot of comments from people when they find out how little tolerance I have when it comes to the cold weather. "But you are from Toronto! You should, like, be immune to freezing temperatures!" Umm ... nope. I hate being cold.

One of the reasons why I despise the winter season (apart from the cold temperature) is the fact that you can't look fashionable if you want to be warm. I've stayed away from purchasing parkas for this very reason - I do hate the cold but I'd much rather freeze a bit than look like the Michelin Man. This season, I found an answer to my problem: Canada Goose. Not only are their parkas super warm but their Trillium style (which is the one I bought) has a coyote fur trim and is slightly fitted around the waist so it looks oh-so much more fashionable than any other parka I've tried on. And I just found out that Canada Goose has upgraded their Trillium style to all duck down fill (mine was only 60%) so it is even more super duper warm.

Canada Goose - Trillium Parka (CAD490.00 - 520.00)

Don't be fooled by other designs like this Expedition Parka. It is much bulkier around the waist BUT you do get the Canada Goose logo on the front (which is missing on the Trillium Parka).

If I could purchase another Canada Goose, I'd go for this Kensington Parka because it is similar to the Trillium but is slimmer and slightly longer (but still no Canada Goose logo on the front) AND Canada Goose has also upgraded this to all duck down fill.

Tip: Canada Goose Parkas are high in demand. Call around for retailers who carry the style you want and have them preorder it for you before the season starts (usually in September). If you wait until the winter season, almost all of their popular styles will be out of stock by November of each year so think ahead and purchase one earlier.

LuLu*s

If you haven't heard of LuLu*s, you've been missing out on some great deals and cheap finds. Ever since I came across their website a couple of years ago, my hunger for affordable and trendy items but not-so-mainstream-and-cheap-looking-as-H&M has been satiated by periodically visiting and purchasing items on http://www.lulus.com/

I will be posting items from this website from time to time but bookmark it for your personal enjoyment. Here are the goodies that I found today and will be purchasing for my personal enjoyment:

LuLus - New Scene Top by Collective Concepts (USD44.00)

LuLus - Martha's Vineyard Jacket (USD42.00)

LuLus - Chasing the Blues Top (USD27.00)

LuLus - Report Leon Gold Girly Oxford in Perforated Mixed Leather (USD66.00)

Total for all goodies - US179.00!!!

Jennifer Behr - Hair Accessories

My mother always used to tell me when I was growing up that I look much smarter with my front hair pulled back. She would either clip a hair pin to hold my bangs in place or hand me a hairband for me to wear. I used to hate having my front hair pulled away from my face. Little did she know that I took out the hair pin or the hairband as soon as I was inside the school.

But now that I am much older and wiser, I am beginning to notice how beautiful some hair accessories can be if worn appropriately and properly. While browsing online for potential hair pieces to wear on my wedding day, I came across Jennifer Behr's seductively ethereal and romantic headpieces:

Most of her head-turning pieces are priced at over CAD200.00 (and there are so many beautiful choices!) but how priceless would this gorgeous hairband look on a blushing bride? I wouldn't dare take this one off.

Jennifer Behr - Nerissa (CAD625.00)

Lack Jacket Love

From time to time, I get obsessed about an item that I see somewhere, somehow on someone and can't let it go until I get my hands on it. I came across this beautiful lace jacket while browsing various fashion blogs and it instantly became an obsession of mine:


Unfortunately, I will have to wait until it becomes available at the end of April. I will have to beg one of my girlfriends in London, UK to hunt it down for me. I simply must have it!

Karen Millen - Lace Jacket (Price Unknown)

Precious Pieces

I do love hunting for cheap, affordable pieces of jewellery that I can mix and match. I never turn away from an opportunity to go straight to the accessories section of H&M, Topshop and Forever21. It is always a thrill when I do come across pieces that I think are timeless, no matter the price. Here's just a few that I am adoring:


Anthropologie - Olympian Cuff (CAD41.69)

Forever 21 - Netted Gems Necklace (USD9.80)

Banana Republic - Smokey Beads Necklace (CAD59.50)

Tiffany & Co. - Jean Schlumberger Rope Ear Clips (USD5,700)

shu uemura

Everyone has heard the raving reviews of shu uemura's eyelash curler (although, I have to admit, I am still a Shiseido fan when it comes to eyelash curlers) but since we don't have a shu uemura cosmetic counter at a department store - only available at Sephora - most of us Canadian gals have not had the opportunity to explore this internationally loved cosmetics line.

During my past trip to Asia, I added two new items to my regular skincare/make-up routine. The first is the eyebrow pencil that only releases pigment when it interacts with the oils in the brow hairs. The result is a very natural looking, smudge-proof and super defined eyebrows that will make even professional make-up artists stop and ask you what you use to sculpt your eyebrows (ahem, I'm speaking from experience):

The second item I picked up is the high performance balancing cleansing oil. I know the idea of cleaning your skin with oil doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, especially if you have combination or oily skin but trust me, this stuff works like a charm. Two to three squirts of this stuff removes all traces of waterproof make-up (so toss out those eye make-up removers and cotton pads!) and leaves the skin soft and supple. I tend to prefer a more squeakier feel to my skin so I follow this with just a normal drugstore brand facial cleanser (currently using Aveeno's face wash) and voila, I am ready for bed.

shu uemura - Eyebrow pencil (US22.00) and Cleansing Oil (US72.00)

Cute Housewares

How cute is this idea - a glass water bottle that looks like a plastic water bottle:

And another really cute item to have in the house - a ziplock bag made out of glass:



Chapters - Glass bottled water (CAD14.99) and Glass ziplock jar (CAD24.99)

Karen Millen

If I could be transported to a Karen Millen shop in London, UK, this is what I would buy in a heartbeat:
Or this:




Known for her clean and structured designs, Karen Millen's signature dress is made of stretch satin with diagonal seaming and layered fan detail over one shoulder. I bought mine a couple of years back (different colour, similar design) and have received countless compliments on it. So if you are ever in the UK, USA or Asia and happen to come across a Karen Millen shop, take a moment and browse inside. You may end-up picking up an item or two that are bound to be sure keepers.

Karen Millen cocktail dress - 180.00 pounds

Vera Wang's Audrey

Who doesn't love Vera Wang?

Personally, I've always been a huge fan of Monique L'huillier (I absolutely LOVE her Scarlet dress!) but when I first saw Vera Wang's Audrey from her 2007 Luxe Collection, I fell in love with it immediately. When I tried it on, it left me breathless because the amount of detail and craftsmanship on this beautiful creation is incredible. Love at first sight, just like my soon-to-be hubby.

Isn't she lovely? Unfortunately, Vera Wang's Luxe Collection costs anywhere between CAD7,500 - 14,000 (Audrey's price tag is around CAD14,500 for brand new or CAD6,500 for used) so this beauty doesn't come at a cheap price but perhaps if a few of us are lucky, we may be able to snag one of 8,900 Vera Wang's "The Romanticist" Barbie doll from Barbie's 2008 Gold Label Collection.

Embellished Corsage

A necklace isn't always a necessity when it comes to accessorizing a cocktail dress but a bracelet is almost always a must to add just the right amount of detail. How fabulous is this sparkling corsage? No need for a fresh flower to tie around your wrist. Just clip this baby on and you will be a dazzling diva!

BCBG - Rhinestone Embellished Cuff (CAD$138.00)

Coco Cocoon

It sounds a bit cliché coming from a twenty thirty-something year-old self-proclaimed fashionista but I can't help but profess the truth: I love Chanel.

And I love Chanel even more now thanks to the Chanel Coco Cocoon handbag line which was launched in October 2009. The reversible, puffed, quilted tote looks like a stylishly bundled-up sleeping bag and is reversible from grey horizontal quilting to dark red diamond quilting.

Coco Cocoon comes in lambskin and nylon, and normally, I would recommend against purchasing luxury items made out of nylon but in this case, nylon wins hands down over lambskin. Why? Because the most fabulous part about nylon is that it is unbelievably lightweight. Even after stuffing a pair of running shoes, empty Pyrex glassware and thick cardigan, Coco Cocoon (in nylon) remains incredibly weightless.

For those of us gals who can't stand the weight of leather handbags (however fabulous they may be), the Coco Cocoon in nylon is definitely a keeper.

For less than CAD1,500.00 (including tax), it isn't exactly cheap but if you are a true lover of Chanel or if you've always wanted to own a Chanel, this is an everyday bag and one that you will reach for more often than a Chanel classic flap bag.