It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas: Holiday Gift Guide for the Fashionista

This is my first installment for the Holiday Gift Guide series. Who doesn’t like a guide to help them out with the pickiest receivers? I’m the type of person who will accept pretty much anything and then write a 10 page thank you letter expressing my utmost gratitude – but that’s just me. I’ve included a wide price range so whether you’re buying on a budget, or rollin in hundos, my picks are with you in mind. I’m starting out with the toughest of them all – gifts for the fashion maven. It’s hard to please a self proclaimed shopaholic but these gif tables will do it for just about anybody (unless she already has like, 2 of each thing, which in that case, b*tch better be giving to charity this season). Anyways, fashionista, stay at home hermit, techie and Secret Santa – check out the first of them all.

Tis the season of giving, among other much more important tenets, so if you’re stumped – you’re welcome.

*Each photo is clickable and will send you directly to the item you’re drooling over gifting.

Happy Shopping

Burberry Giant Check Scarf

Soludos Jason Polan x Soludos Wink Smoking Slipper Espadrilles

Elizabeth & James Croc Embossed Cynnie Wallet on a Chain

Wildfox Sleep Mask

Smythson Busy Bee Notebook

Kolloquial I Wanna Shoop Tote

White & Warren Cashmere Rib Trim Gloves

Anine Bing Charlie Boots

Markus Lupfet Gnome Sequin Natalie Jumper

Adidas Superstar Sneaker

Saint Laurent Monogram Credit Card Case

Chloe Marcie Cross Body Bag

 

Nasty Gal Rockefeller Collar Necklace

Tory Burch Aberdeen Fur Lined Slipper

The Reformation Brixton Coat

Hermes Silk Scarf

Fendi Fur Handbag Charm

Burberry Tech Leather Globes

Anthropologie Felted Zafira Turtleneck

Wilfred Montpellier Sweater

Wilfred Free Gail Dress

Wildfox Classic PJ Set

Elizabeth & James Vago Ring

Color Me Good by Kate Moss Coloring Book

The LDRS Fuzzy Coat

Marc Jacobs Heart Notebook

Veda Calf Hair Bootie

Superga Wool Sneaker

Where’s Karl Book

Catbird Threadbare Rings

Tales from The Back Row Book

Vince Melange Basic Sweatpants

Nasty Gal x Nila Anthony So Catty Crossbody Bag

Rebecca Minkoff Little Lottie Coin Purse

Jonathan Adler Muse d’or Candle

Bag-All Weekend Getaway Set

MinkPink Head In The Stars Legging

Markus Lupfer Sequin Fox Face Beanie

 

 

Friday Favorites: Weekend Edition

It’s been almost a month since I’ve posted and it’s gross because I have so many purchases to share and review and get all emotional about. Gross. I’m not going to shame myself any further so….

Favorite Outfit

Birthday Style

My Birthday was last Tuesday and I had a champagne “tea party” planned during the day so I didn’t have to turn up entirely. The TopShop skirt I’ve had sitting in my closet since last summer was the perfect accompaniment to my relaxed V neck and fresh out the box Louboutins. Easy yet polished. The pleats are everything.

V Neck – Aritzia/Midi Skirt – Topshop/Pumps – Louboutin

Favorite Purchase

Christian Louboutin Iriza D’Orsay Pumps

Duh. See above. Full details are being assembled right now so I won’t get all sweaty over it but I found these absolute gems after over 6 months of being met with continuous dismay – they were sold out all over the damn globe. I chose the Iriza because of the cut and major toe cleave, the white for the edgier take on a classic, and the pump because it’s pretty much the most essential shoe you can ever own. Plus, you could be wearing cropped sweats and a baseball cap with a pair of pumps and you’ll end up looking dignified as shit.

Favorite Beauty Product

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

How have I not been using this forever? I should be put away. Because it’s been warmer, I’ve been noticing that my shadow was fading a lot quicker than usual (I use it on both my lids and lash line) and having your pricey shadow fade halfway throughout the day is pretty emotionally taxing. A light shone down on my sister as she oh so nonchalantly asked why I don’t use primer – this one to be exact. Speechless, for one of the first times. Fast forward – I’m using it and simply refuse to wear shadow on my lids without it. The color is more vibrant, it stays where I applied it, and it doesn’t make me look like a hot sweaty mess. Must have arsenal.

Favorite Meal

Buddy V’s Ristorante

I indulged in Buddy V’s Ristorante fare when I was in Vegas. And it did not disappoint. Probably the most amazing flatbread I’ve ever had. Worth every gram of carb. I had initially asked for the most delicious looking sandwich (without the chicken because I’m vegetarian) and after the server murdered me with her eyes and flat out refused to do that to me (and the sandwich) she suggested this delectable item that would be more appropriate. I usually don’t give two tinkling turtle doves about someone else’s opinion but I went for it. She looked like she was part of the WWE federation and I wouldn’t be able to complete my #ootd’s without my legs so I obliged. So pleased I did. Perfect parts of every ingredient. And it was my first time trying a Cannoli (ha ha) and it was akin to the feeling you get after an epic Sephora purchase (but in my mouth). By the way, if you were my server and you’re reading this – everything I’ve described about you here is with the utmost respect.

Favorite Scent

Diptyque Eau Duelle

I’ve probably mentioned this fragrance before but I have to do it again because it’s one of the most unique scents my nose has ever sniffed. Musky, with Bourbon vanilla, rockrose, and ambrosian. I honestly can’t explain it but it’s the most sublime mixture of musky and fresh. I like the Eaux de Parfum (it comes as a Eaux de Toilette as well) Try it.

Favorite Look

Shabby Chic

Hands down the strategically shabby chic look is my most esteemed look. It’s easier to pull off when you have your face on otherwise it can end up as a straight up shabby look – but your hair doesn’t have to be in place either so it’s a huge break. Any more give and you’re asking for a little much. Layering can be effortless even in the Summer months and this monochromatic look is a perfect example if adding some dimension to your layering. Love everything about it.

Happy Weekend

xo

Friday Favorites: Weekend Edition

A little pathetic that I’ve been pulled away from consistently blogging (I swear it’s not solely due to me binge watching Bloodline), but I have a ton of items I’ve claimed as my favourites this week.

See?

Favorite Scent

Lush American Cream

So I’ve been trying to stay away from Lush because every time I’m in there I act like a douchey kid whose parents let him run amok in places populated by highly annoyed patrons. But when you’re shopping with someone and they need to pop in, you soldier up and pop in with her. I mean, this doesn’t necessarily apply to shops you don’t want to waste time in – just the ones that benefit you as well. Obviously. Anyway, I left with this delectable smelling American Cream conditioner. One hard whiff and I want to go back and trade it in for a bigger size. It’s like vanilla musk mixed in with a light strawberry scent. I actually can’t smell strawberry but it invokes these cozy feelings that I seem to have become obsessed with. You’re going to have to smell it for yourself to pick up what I’m putting down. The best.

Favorite Beauty Product

Laura Mercier Cavier Eye Stick Color

Just when I thought there was nothing comparable to my beloved Marc Jacobs Twinkle Pop this little thing meets my eye. While it doesn’t have the same cool touch as the Twinkle Pop (I mean, not everybody can jet out to the Swiss Alps for makeup ingredients) it’s smooth and creamy and glides on just as easy. The colours are absolutely gorgeous and my favourite quality about the shade selection is that they’re so many wearable ones – day or night. 7 neutrals and like, 3 or 4 shades to really enhance the look. I’m going to need every single one. Any less is blasphemy.

Get it here

Favorite Outfit

Indio Fashion Week 

I’ve already compiled my outfits for Vegas in a couple weeks and shame on you if you think they include body con and/or sequins. I’ll be at Rock and Rio so trust me when I tell you I’m full on dressing like it’s Coachella Weekend One. A f*cking selfie stick, frayed denim, boho blouses, crochet and statement strands, with fringe splattered on everything. And I’m only slightly exaggerating. This look was one of my favourites. Stay tuned for my re-creation.

Favorite Purchase

Matiko Fringe Booties

So I pre-ordered this fringed perfection last month thinking they wouldn’t ship until the end of May. Clearly they wouldn’t cut it as my birthday shoe because of the large date discrepancy – but I had to have them in my life so I settled for them coming in a little late. Anyways, the shoe Gods clearly recognize all my support and investment throughout the years so they’ve come together with Revolve and shipped them to me early. I’ve never owned a pair of Matiko shoes so I’ll give details once I prance around in them. I’m loving the sandy grey suede and the fringed cuff.

Favorite Photo

Wildfox/Shabby Chic

Just when I thought that I had created quite the snuggly little sleeping space for myself – I come across this gilded cotton candy land masterpiece. If you scratch the pillows they smell like Strawberry Shortcake. I just know it.

You can check out the rest of the spread (in agony) here.

Favorite Food

Turned Up Rabbit Food

I want to say I’ve been on a diet for the past month but since I’m planning on adopting this lifestyle I don’t want to quite call it that. I could say that I’ve been contemplating just eating delicacies and embracing what Americans call a “curvy” body type (AKA 300+ lbs) but it’s just not in my DNA. I’ve been into health and fitness for the better part of the past 10 years and while I love an occasional treat (think churros and Menchies with a smattering of pancakes) I‘m usually eating clean. I’ve taken it to the extreme this past month for my upcoming trip (and because I like looking good in general) and because I’m seeing results like never before – I’m sticking to it. Next week has me seeing my naturopath (AKA the rude d*ck  whose going to limit pretty much all my food intake – clean or dirty) because I have some intolerances so I’ve been keenly preparing myself for it. Anyway, before this becomes a post about #fitfam #cleaneating #iposteverymealeventhoughallithasisapieceofchickenandaproteinshake I just want to shut up and share my favourite rabbit food.

xo

Wear Me: Spring Shoe Game

Me saying that I have a thing for shoes is like a junkie saying they don’t mind snorting coke. Tis a blatant misrepresentation.

I feel that a good pair of shoes can instantly lend a hand to an otherwise simple outfit. And c’mon, when you’re fashioned in black, grey and white all the time, you need something to stand out. I chose shoes. I’ll wear a white tee to it’s last threads but pair it with 50 different styles of shoe. Instant revival.

When I’m watching my spending (I know – hilarious, but humour me here), I limit myself to a shoe purchase a month. I’m not talking Louboutin or Valentino, but a pair or two from Zara are what I like to call thrifty and right now, underhanded. Whatever.

Anyway, I have my eyes on these styles that are big for Spring. I’m one of those assholes that wears strappy sandals in the dead of winter so nothing is safe from my vice-like grasp. If you can get away with spending as little time as possible traipsing around outdoors then why not go HAM on an open toe? (I’m talking to you East Coast).

One of each please.

The Espadrille

The espadrille is timeless. It’s the perfect relaxed shoe to throw on with a springy dress, a pair of cutoffs or skinnies. It’s the close relative of the flat, one that resides in Southern California. I find that most are pretty comfortable too – so you don’t look like you’re enduring the highest form of torture while walking through the mall. The mall is a happy place, The two just don’t mesh well together.

Soludos Classic Leather Espadrille Sandals/65

Shopbop

Loeffler Randall Mara Espadrille/195

Shopbop

Valentino Rockstud Leather Espadrille Flats/895

Nordstrom

The Gladiator

I feel that this style makes an appearance every year during the warmer months. You can’t go wrong. It’s feminine, trendy, and will do up the simplest of outfits. Rebecca Minkoff vamped it up last year with her runway versions and I don’t see why you can’t take that same vision to the streets…

Free People Sunever Gladiator Slip on Sandals/85

Free People

Zara Leather Gladiators/159

Zara

Stuart Weitzman Caged Up Suede Gladiator Sandal/535

Neiman Marcus

The Flatform

Calling all former lovers of Baby Spice and asian women who are known to pair them with fanny packs and sun visors. I’m only kidding. Kind of. I owned a few pairs of these in the late 90’s for sure. Now long gone, along with my smiley face jewellery and Sailor Moon memorabilia, these b*tches have found their way back from the depths of your high school wardrobe. I’ve picked the ones that I wouldn’t mind wearing. I’ve purposely left out the 5 inch sandals made of scuba material. I really didn’t think I could stand mentally transporting myself back to Grade 10.

Shoe Cult Frequency Flatform/29

Nasty Gal

Jeffrey Campbell Aurelia Flatforms/110

Shopbop

Stella McCartney Lindsey Wedges/368

Stella McCartney

The Slide

The slide is probably one of the easiest shoes to slip on (duh) and pair with just about anything. Grasshopper legged girls are clasping their hands with glee while ones with half the height may be a little weary with this particular type of footwear. Either way – there’s a style that’ll be easy to work with. I’ve pulled a few designs that give off a nice range…these aren’t your typical slip on sports sandals.

TopShop Pool Sliders/15

TopShop

Kaanas Susu Two Band Slides/79

Shopbop

Vince Orion Flat Leather Slides/195

Intermix

The Nude

For me, “send me nudes” refers to shoes. If I could only pick one shade of shoe to wear it would be nude. It’s flattering, natural yet chic, and goes with absolutely everything. Nude is definitely my go to when black is feeling too vampy for me. Spring 2015 agrees….

Mary Janes with Bows/39

Zara

Schutz Cadey Lee Sandals/180

Shopbop

Barbara Bui Fringe Suede Heels/945

Forward by Elyse Walker

The Mule

The mule came back this fall and is still on trend for the Spring/Summer months. If you don’t like teetering in a pointy toe then a mule is your match. They’re easier to walk in and versatile enough to take from day to night. It’s a nice transition shoe when you’re just getting familiar with a heel (what are you? 12?) Kidding, kidding.

Truffle Ely Peep Toe Mule/53

ASOS

Michael Kors Burnett Leather Mule Slides/395

Neiman Marcus

Maison Martin Margiela Open Toe Leather Sandal/424 on sale from 865

Forward by Elyse Walker

Laces

One of my favourite styles. A lace up heel is a shoe and accessory all in one. I like pairing mine with basic wardrobe choices otherwise the whole ensemble ends up being a little too trendy and busy looking. Whether they’re in flat or heel form, these are perfect for accentuating a pair of skinnies, a flowy midi skirt or fluttery shorts ad skin tight leather leggings.

Jeffrey Campbell Shay Lace Up Flats/165

Free People

Soles x Skin SJP Heel/204

Revolve Clothing

Christian Louboutin Impera Laser Cut & PVC Lace Up Heels/1295

Barneys

Detailed Flats

Flats can honestly never go out of style. There is always a requirement for a flat shoe. Ballet, menswear inspired, laced, or an intricate pointy toe. You can pair a flat with anything. Keep them clean – that’s my one pet peeve when it comes to flats. They shouldn’t be falling apart, scuffed up or flopping around your foot. A well worn, proper fit will always make you look polished whereas a sh*tty looking, banged up flat will always make you look like you robbed someone on skid row.

Kimchi Blue Elastic Cross Strap Flats/39

Urban Outfitters

Valentino Intrigate Mesh Flats/428

Forward by Elyse Walker

Isabel Marant Leo Snake effect Leather Ballet Flats/650

Net A Porter

I’m eyeing a couple of these for purchase once Spring is in full on beast mode. Use them as a guide line and your #ootd will be on point.

xo

Purchased: January Favorites

So much for my goal to act like a peasant last month. I can commend myself for not making as many clothing related purchases but as a treat for accomplishing that, I’ve bought myself makeup and decorative items. I’ll never succeed. And I don’t quite care. The fact that I’m making the attempt is enough for me.

Whilst mourning the lack of shoe, bag and clothing purchases I managed to accumulate some pretty impressive effects. So cutting through the chatter – these are my January purchases that were too good to not share. (I’d like to mention here that I should be ashamed but am not).

*I know it’s February 8th. Better late than not at all.

Makeup

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Polish in Milk and New Wave 

After my first Enamored polish, there was no way I couldn’t have just the one. My purchase justification rests upon the fact that this stuff is heavy duty. It lasted more than two weeks, and then some. And that’s mostly because I decided to change colors, not because it was chipping. I chose Milk (which you can only get as an exclusive on the MJ site here) and New Wave, which is available in stores as well, specifically Sephora. Milk is a really different shade for me. It’s an almost nude but a luminescent, truly milky finish. Kind of an iridescent pearl look. Very chic, and a really nice shade to wear day to day. It’s understated but definitely stands out. New Wave is the most majestic royal blue shade. It’s deep and carries some pretty major drama. I can’t wait for Spring to arrive so I can hook myself up with brighter shades like Shocking and Snap! These two are gorgeous Winter shades…

Lush Solid Conditioner in Jungle

Each time I went into Lush looking for a conditioner I looked right past this one. I didn’t think a solid could do much for hair restoration. I have always used conditioner in a liquid form, a true creature of habit. Anyway, I broke the product mould. I have been shamed by a solid conditioner. This is amazing. I made the purchase early in January and still have 70% of the little round bar left. The smell is so fresh and clean, as I find most Lush face/hair products to be. It doesn’t seem like much but when it’s worked into a lather (which is effortless might I add) the cocoa butter in it starts working it’s magic. It’s been known to slide onto hair easier and once it dissolves into the water it leaves your hair feeling like you’ve just performed an intensive mask treatment. No squeaky feeling, no dryness. Just soft, completely detangled, fresh feeling hair. It’s the cocoa butter, avocado extract, passion fruit & kumquat you’d like to send a thank you note to….here

 

Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Creme in Oh Miley and Infamous

You better believe I dropped everything to ensure I got my greedy little hands on these highly anticipated lipsticks. I had added the ones I liked to cart (Sephora online – because the stores didn’t have the full collection just yet) and clearly didn’t move my shaking fingers fast enough. They were selling out as I was browsing so I consider myself lucky to have scored these two shades. You can head over to the MJ Beauty website to look for yourself because out of the 20 shades sold online at Sephora there are only 7 currently available. Oh Miley is described as a Strawberry Spice and Infamous is soft peony. I have yet to receive them but I’ll make sure to do an in depth review before you make the purchase. I’m almost positive Sephora will be re-stocking online and in stores but until then you can make your purchase here. The selling factor? 10 hour stay put lipstick that coats your lips with a buttery, velvety pigment with just one swipe. And they stay moisturized with the effects of sea berry, cocoa butter and Meranti. I can’t wait to try these out. *Update – Check out my review, awe-struck is the lesser way to describe my reaction here

Decor

Faux Hydrangeas

I’m still annoyed that I’ve gone against my die-hard, adamant belief that fresh blooms are the only flowers you should be working with. I’ve always thought that faux flowers were tacky and too dollar store décor for me but I was wrong. I stand corrected – actually I sit corrected because I don’t feel like shaming myself to that extent. I’ve realized that it’s all in the style, the make-up, and the type of flower arrangement you pick. The more realistic they look – obviously, the better. I tend to lean towards hydrangeas, peonies and roses (when I do purchase fresh). They compliment any space, look elegant and fresh and are neutral enough to add a natural, clean focal point to the surrounding area. I ordered these from Amazon because I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for in any of the stores I went to. They look so real that I don’t feel like such a hypocrite every time I pass by.

Trinket Tray 

I picked up this little trinket tray from Chapters during their after Christmas sale. It was under $10. So necessary. Very Kate Spade. I like anything with a simple gold accent, especially against a white background. It’s easy to work into whatever décor you have going on, whereas I find a black base a little kitschy. I have it sitting on my bedside table – a nice catchall for my jewellery.

How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are – Anne Berest, Caroline de Maigret, Audrey Diwan & Sophie Mas

Caroline wrote this book with her 3 girlfriends as a tongue in cheek guide on how to deal with the first world problems every fashion (and unfashionable) girl has. A blasé undertone. My favorite kind. Also, it looks really chic displayed on my vanity (admit it – this is an Insta-worthy read).

Strand Lights

I came across these at Urban Outfitters while Christmas shopping, but – because I was only making purchases for others, I held off until a few weeks ago. I first had the idea to string them around my throne bed, but realized I have a padded headboard which clearly didn’t support such a thing. (A downfall of tunnel vision shopping). I decided to string them around my vanity and I can confirm that said lights were a superb buy. Complete transformation. I like how they give the look of actual bare bulbs, but a softer more subdued version. I would love the real deal but these are doing a good job in tiding me over…

Clothing

Wildfox Teddy Sweater

It’s a teddy bear sweater. With swingy sleeves and a nubby material you can just wrap yourself in. C’mon.

Wildfox Superbowl Baggy Beach Jumper

I know I said I wasn’t clothes – shopping but this had to happen. My favorite brand comes out with a Superbowl capsule collection? It’s a no brainer. Really. I didn’t even have to enter in my info, just add to cart and purchase. I hope everyone experiences that simple pleasure at least 357426 times once in their lifetime.

I love reading about everyone’s favourite monthly products. I usually mention mine in my Friday Favorites posts but there were too many this month. Again, sorry to my 2015 Resolutions. My bad.

x0