List No.1

Every single year up until last, I've made a Christmas wish list. And usually, these wish lists are about 5-7 pages long consisting of clothes, shoes, perfumes, purses, jewelry, hair products, hair tools, iPods, laptops - pretty much anything a girl could wish for. My parents hate when I give them a list because they say "it ruins the surprise because you already know what you're getting." So last year when the holidays rolled around, I decided that I would bring back the element of surprise and not make a list. Let me tell you - it was a BIG mistake; I ended up with a powder blue, cable knit sweater, some sort of book and a bunch of stuff that I'm sure is still sitting in a corner somewhere collecting dust. This year, to ensure a repeat doesn't happen, I'm making lists! Lists with pictures, prices, sizes, colors and I might even throw in a map to each store. Realistically, I can break it down into two stores - Aritzia and Holt Renfrew.

Aritzia:
- T.Babaton Watson Cape

- Talula Kent Blazer

- Wilfred Azania Kimono

- T. Babaton Deuce Long Sleeve Tshirt

- Gift Card

Holt Renfrew:

- Marc by Marc Jacobs Too Hot To Handle

- Frye Melissa Button Boots

- Christian Louboutin Double Platform Pumps/Volpi

- Gift Card

Other:

- Jennifer Zeuner Large Swirly 3 Initial Pendant

- Cocktail Ring

- Scarf

Mom and Dad, if you come across my blog, please print this!

Happy Shopping.

Home for Christmas

"I’ll be waiting under the mistletoe
while you’re travelling here through the winter snow;
baby think of me if it helps to get you warm.
When the only thing that I really need
is to have your arms wrapped around me;
baby think of me if it helps to get you home,
home this Christmas."

Once again, it's that GLORIOUS time of year; the snow is falling, the fireplace is on, the little red cups are back at Starbucks and I refuse to leave the house without my puffy, black Canada Goose. AND all of 'the boys of Summer' that got whisked away to further their education are back! So, what does one wear when welcoming him home? I'm sure every guy's dream is an all-lace ensemble from Victoria's Secret but that wouldn't be practical in negative-degree weather. Of course you know what's the best to meet your man in but for those of you who aren't up for catching hypothermia, I've put together a little something for you to grab inspiration from. A few words that come to mind when I look at this outfit are: casual, cozy and classy.

Now, don't all go wearing the exact same thing or it will be an attack of flannels, chunky knits and red Hunter's at the airport come mid-December.

Chunky Knits

If I had to choose my favorite piece of clothing for everyday wear, it would have to be a chunky knit! By chunky knit, I don't mean something my grandmother made or the powder blue, cable knit sweater my mom decided to buy me from the Gap one Christmas [she honestly did]. I'm referring to the sweater you throw on as soon as you get home; the one you dress up with a pair of leather leggings and wedge booties; the one you dress down with thermal pants. That sweater.

As Winter creeps upon us, I notice my chunky knit collection growing. From sweaters and eternity scarves to earmuffs, beanies and socks! With so many to choose from, I can't seem to get enough.

On the hunt

As you may already know, I am on the hunt - for a house! So far it has been a very exciting, nerve racking, stressful and enticing experience. I began looking for humble abodes thinking it was going to be a breeze and that I would fall in LOVE with the first place I set my eyes on but it definitely hasn't been easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy... I have yet to find a place and my time crunch is getting tighter. Not only have I not settled on a house, I haven't even settled on a city! At least not every decision is a tough one. Putting together the perfect outfit for this coming Sunday's House Hunt was nearly effortless. I chose jeans and a cardigan because I want to be comfortable while still looking put together. If I were fully going for comfort I would probably show up to meet with the realtor in sweatpants but there's a good chance he'll be wearing a suit; even if I didn't just roll out of bed, compared to him it will look like I had. Next, I chose loafers. These are my favorite style of shoes at the moment so maybe I am biased and trying to wear them with everything but how can you not adore these shoes? They're like the fancy version of slippers! Lastly, I've dressed up my look with some statement jewelry and added a structured bag [because I am here for BUSINESS]. Now I'm just praying that the weather holds up so I won't have to sub my loafers for rain boots!

List it out

I love lists! I seriously write, type and plan everything out. If you saw my work desk you would think I have some sort of list-disorder. Since I'm going to be in school next semester, I need to learn how to be money-savvy. To prevent mindless spending, I've decided to create a visual list of things I plan to purchase and then prioritize them by labelling each either 'need' or 'want'. To ensure that I'm not cheating myself by saying I need everything that I want, I've thought up reasons for why each is labelled the way it is.

Need. Red lipstick. Because - at the moment I am scrounging out the last bit of my MAC Red with a q-tip and a red lipstick is a must have in every girl's makeup bag.
Need. Baggy sweater. Because - Winter is just around the corner. It's time to trade in my tanks and tee's for something a little more weather appropriate.
Want. Striking beret. Because - I would like another beret/beanie in a bright color except I already have like ten sitting in a drawer somewhere. [Unnecessary purchase.]
Want. House Of Harlow earrings. Because - I could do without a new pair of earrings. I usually just wear studs anyways.
Want. MK tortoise ring. Because - I have a bunch of rings that I barely wear; they interfere with my typing and while I'm a working woman, I type all day. [Not practical.]
Need. Canada Goose HyBridge Lite jacket. Because - once again, Winter is coming! I don't want to freeze to death - hense this ultra soft, goose down, flexible, breathable, form-fitting jacket. I'm going to vouch twice for this jacket because I truly think that everybody needs one of these to make it through a Canadian winter. Sometimes a leather jacket, a cotton bomber and a cashmere peacoat just don't suffice.
Need. Thermal pants. Because - right now I sleep in a boy's graphic tee. I'm not too sure if these are actual pants or if they're for lounging. Regardless, I think they make for cute pajamas. [I know I swung this one to a need but I actually don't own pajama pants, therefore, this is a need.]
Want. Prada Candy frangrance. Because - I just purchased Viktor Rolf's Flowerbomb literally two days ago. To purchase another fragrance right now [no matter how beautiful it smells] would be excessive.
Want. Nail Polish. Because - I still have nail polish that I haven't even opened yet. Until I use the rest at least once, I am not allowing myself to purchase another.
Want. Justin Bieber Under The Misletoe. Because - Christmas is still two months away. Come December and this will become a 'need' but until then, it can wait.
Need. Lanvin flats. Because - I actually do need a new pair of simple, black, ballet flats. These shoes aren't exactly cheap but I think that if you're going to invest in something, it should be something that you're going to get good use out of. I could literally go on all day about how great these flats are but you won't ever fully pick up what I'm putting down until you go stick your feet in a pair of these. The best way I can think to describe it is the comfort of an Ugg boot with the impecable style of a Louboutin shoe.

Well, now that my LIST is done, it's time for the best part - shopping!

Ketchup And Mustard

One of the most popular trends you'll see this Fall season is ketchup and mustard. No, not the condiments... And I'm not talking about stains on your shirt either - those are never in style. Wear these colors together, wear these colors separate, I don't care just WEAR them! If you're a little fashion shy, do a ketchup lip or a mustard earring. Who knew hot dogs would inspire a trend!

Punch Of Print

Mulberry: scarf

Topshop: tee

JBrand: jeans

Hermes: Birkin bag

Frye: boots

[pearl earrings, spiked bangle]

There are two staple items I cannot live without: JEANS and a classic white TEE! My Fall go-to outfit is my JBrand skinnies, a loose white tee and a great pair of boots. The best way to liven up this classic look is with a print of some sort and/or a pop of color! Lastly, add some unique jewelry and you're good to go.

So simple!

Fall For Me

Topshop: hat, necklace, heels

Aritzia: blouse, pants

Michael Kors: ring

If you haven't noticed, FALL is upon us! It's time to trade in your limb-less attire for something a little longer, looser and lengthy. My absolute favorite fashion season is Fall! During the Summer, it's hard to be fashionable because you practically live in a swimsuit. During the Winter, the extent of a fashionable wardrobe ends at your parka [which everything is hidden under] and your snow boots. Fall, however, is the best season for fashion because 'it's not too hot, it's not too cold, all you need is a light jacket.' If you're anything like me, you probably have a date every weekend [just kidding...] and are starting to run out of date night outfit ideas. Here is a tip: stay classy! Especially on the first date. While this is typical, every day style for me, some of you need a little help. If you opt for the sheer blouse, wear a nude color bra underneath. We are not trying to give the impression that you are a hooker. Also, drink a sauvignon blanc instead of a red or rosé, just in case if you have a little spill. Whether you're 5'4" like me or 5'11" like Giselle Bundchen, throw on some heels! As painful as they may be at times, a good stiletto will do you wonders; your legs will appear longer, therefore making you appear thinner, therefore making you look and feel sexier; who doesn't want that? Last [but not least] if you've decided to go with a style other than that of my own, do yourself a favor and save the body-con mini dress for the bar... that is, unless this date is one of those 'one-time' things.

Now, you are ready...

Go get 'em tiger!