All I want for christmas

Not even close to ALL, but I like to think SOME of these items are attainable...

Love love love Zara's winter coats. May or may not have purchased one to be wrapped and given to me on xmas morning...

2.5 inch, diamond Tiffany key.

Sometimes dreams DO come true.

Attention: EVERYONE! A very chic and very practical shearling boot.

Courtesy of Tory Burch.

Topshop boyfriend blazer.

Would make a lovely New Years item, would it not?

Perfectly practical Oxfords.

(shopbop)

A hunting hat for doing everything BUT hunting.

(shopbop)

It seems like I am all about practicality these days...I mean come on, we are just exiting a recession. Clearly why the Tiffany necklace is soooooo needed.

Lets hope Santa is nice:) Happy Holidays!

If only, if only

If only I could go on a net-a-porter shopping spree, this would be my wishlist...

Clearly studying is NOT going so well. My favorite piece is a toss up between the incredibly practical See by Chloe over the shoulder bag or the insanely not so practical embellished sandals.

Ottawa's Treasures

Just when I was doubting the fashion-abilities of humble Ottawa I stumbled across "The Clothing Secret". The name does not lie. The store is stuffed to the ceiling with seemingly junk but with a little browsing, scavenging and excessive flipping, one will head to the changing room for over a good hour. I loved so much I did not know what to choose...and the bank account restricts this as well. So for now, I got....

A Diane Von Furstenburg wrap dress, J Brands, Gold statement necklace AND an 18th century to the floor long sleeve, low back velvet black dress WHICH I took my scissors too make it a mini dress, and kept the long sleeve and deep-v back. PRICELESS...

Where do you find strings of leather?

I bought another pair of thigh high boots awhile back...thinking that these new leather ones would be much more behaved than my suede ones purchased last year. I imagined us pounding the pavement, shopping, schooling, walking, with the boots in perfect position above my knee. But just like my suede ones, they disappointed me! So? What is my newest idea to solve the problem? Buying long strings of leather, tying them in a knot, wrapping them around the knee of the boot and tying them in place!

Will look like gucci, non?

Not so big a secret...

1/4 bitchy, 3/4 stylish. Olivia Palermo is my favorite City girl, New Yorker, socialite, celebrity and just all around girl in tabloids. This post is not that original as she does star in one of the most watched reality shows but I just need to point out that she is MY style-icon. She is my go-to girl on a Friday night when I just don't have any clue what to pull out of the closet. She has never worn an outfit that I do not goggle over and has 100% delivery rate when giving me ideas of what to wear or buy. Her personal style on and off the screen exudes sophistication. Wouldn't it be nice if her personality matched?

I feel like I have done this...

I feel like this needs to be done.

(Note to self: add necklace to christmas list)

Please hold the snow for a FEW more days so I can attempt this...

Done and Done. These exact pants are at Le Chateau, necklace already on list and faux-fur vest is already in possession (though I do like the grey color...).

Risky Business

Some people think that even light, nudes, pinks and peach lipsticks are pushing it for everyday makeup. Dark lips are a whole new ball game. While you should try to stay away from rockin' the dark lips during the day, for night time, they are THE new red. Beautiful matched for this seasons looks of jewel tones and sparkly accessories, dark purple-plum lips are the hottest new fashion statement. And I mean statement- you need to have confidence to sport this trendy look. Big purple lips, simple hair, and not too much black (this look IS flirting with gothic)...will have you standing out at all the holiday parties.

 But stay away from the mistletoe...smudges are just not attractive.

Memoirs of Toronto

An amazing weekend with amazing friends in an amazing city. I thought that these were the perfect souvenir.

Black suede, 4 inch heel, zip up booties. So divine with my new emerald green tights or no tights at all...

However, I am not sure if I can rock these in the Ottawa scene...I mean, is Harper really ready for that?

Regardless, Thank you Toronto!

Consider this...

Starbucks christmas cups are out.
Mall and city street light decorations are out.
My christmas wishlist is in the works! (stay tuned)

It must be that time of year!!!

As much as I love holiday dresses and plan to find many occasions to wear several of them, a new idea for the season had my heada' turnin'.

Rather than the traditional, black, red or green, with sparkles and sequins, silk or chiffon dress of some sort for your holiday events, maybe mix it up a bit?

Personally Im not a fan of the whole ensemble, I just dig the vest. It would look fabulous with a black mini skirt, tights and simple cami or t for a holiday event!

Again I would dress this up a bit more for a party. But for lunch or the office, the paparazzi would probably be chasing you for wearing this...

My Reward

As a reward for focusing and completing 2 essays and one outline, I decided to style.com stalk Diane Kruger...you can see why....

What a beautiful man- I mean smile, I mean dress! Seriously, her outfit is gorgeous, but I do suddenly feel the need to watch seasons 1-6 of Dawsons Creek.

If only grad could be redone.....

Whenever I try to wear plaid I look like a farmer... but don't you love this? Maybe the chiffon material rather than flannel/cotton helps prevent the milking cow effect.

Sorry Lee Angel

A little DIY.

We wear them in our hair on clips and headbands...but until now I had never seen fabric flowers on jewelry. The thought of a colorful, flowered statement necklace is quite exciting and wouldn't a bracelet be beautiful? This Lee Angel piece is so lovely, but for $168, I think I would rather make the trip to Michaels....I think it would be quite easy to assemble.

Maybe one day I will move past Michael's and buy some real Lee Angel. If you haven't seen this New York designers jewelry, check it out . From gorgeous statement accessories that will make any outfit stand out to simple everyday pieces crafted with exquisite detail to perfection.

Until then, Im heating up my glue gun.

I take it all back..

Remember that thing I said that time.....about Hunters....and like not..wanting them...?

I take it back. Jimmy Choo for Hunter is rockin' my world. These wellies look like they could help conquer the world.

Jimmy does it again. Oh and AGAIN, Jimmy Choo for H&M!!!

I am going to Toronto next weekend and I cannot wait..please still have stock, please still have stock!

Teasing my addiction

When I am in the mood to learn about new trends and look at clothes that are a bit out of reach (store based in U.K - yes there is overseas shipping I know), I go to asos.com. On my most recent visit, I discovered an attraction that I had not yet been to. Their ONLINE free (!) magazine. I figured this may be just a lookbook that they decided to name magazine to seem cool but no, no, no. It is a full fledge fashion magazine. And because it is online, if you like a dress, scarf, bag or studded suede platform sandal- you just click and voila you are looking at it close up, choosing your size and pullin' out the card. This is taking out all of the work of looking through magazines, searching online, scowering blogs and celebrity pictures and searching for products on the hundreds of online shops. This is like the ULTIMATE shoppers guide. Just browse, admire, love, click, punch numbers, confirm address and you have the hottest trends on the way from the U.K. I have a feeling asos.com has become a little bit more to me than a site in my "browsing" list. How will I ever restrain myself? Must repeat 7 steps to recovery...

Follow link to the best magazine ever! http://www.asos.com/Women/Asos-Magazine/Cat/pgehtml.aspx?cid=8647

Lovin Lepore

Which is your favorite? Nanette Lepore fall 2009 is to-die-for. Blair Waldorf meets boho chic. Plaid, yellow, sparkles, earth tones, wavy hair, even animal print is thrown in there- what else can I say? The clothes do most of the talking. These 3 outfits have made my brain flourish with ideas for November and holiday style. Thank you Nanette!

At least its made well

Madewell-- an all-american, easy living line. Everything in this brand brings a "yet" to me, you think its one thing but it is also entirely another... simple yet unique, relaxed yet beautiful. Intricate designs on tank tops and t's, cozy knit cardigans and shawls, sparkles and color on beautifully draped scarves to add chic to an outfit of their relaxed denim and workers boots and practical yet jazzy leather bags. Shopbop  has a wonderful collection for online shoppers. Be sure to also check out their lovely website ... the christmas theme is so cute and already has me excited! This brand is a great new discovery and will not even break the piggybank...and you know its worth it, is IS made well.

On your marks get set...GO

My newest lust-after accessory? Driving gloves. Despite the fact that I would never need them for the actual sport of driving (I usually like go to several km's under the speed limit), leather gloves are soooo needed for my fall wardrobe. The ones above are from Coach, and are lined with cashmere to add warmth. I particularly love this maroon color as it goes with everything and clearly I am one for versatility. But leather gloves seriously look amazing in every color -red, tan, black, blue, green, even prints like leopard and bolds like orange and pink. An extra bold color or pattern looks especially great to spice up a modest outfit. Another very note-worthy pair especially for the Winterpeggers is UGG Australia's new leather gloves in tan, black and brown lined with shearling! Once I find the perfect pair, I just may get a little need for speed.....