Sunday relax at the beach day...

I'm off to the beach where I will lay on my neon pink air mattress, close my eyes and pretend I'm back here....






floating around the Mediterranean off Red Beach in Santorini Greece, surrounded by soaring red lava cliffs and where bathing suit tops are optional...

My Summer Essentials...

Ah summer, my absolute favorite time of the year; breezy dresses, delicious bbq's, sand in my toes, cool lake swims, the perfect tan, dining alfresco, lazy bike rides... just sublime...
Every year when this glorious season approaches I hunt down a few essentials that go hand in hand with this splendid sunny weather.

The first and in all probability the most important, are a fabulous pair of sunnies, like these ones...

Urban Outfitters $10

Chloe 2123 appr. $200

The next, almost equally important summer essential is an outrageously bright and wicked nail color, like these ones...

Essie nail color, Fruit Sangria (yum!)





Revlon nail color, Sweet Tart

Now with any luck you'll be spending an excessive amount of time laying on the beach doing absolutely nothing which means you'll need the perfect sunscreen/tanning oil combo to give you a flawless tan minus the excruciating and slightly embarrassing sun burns...

Banana Boat Tanning Oil with SPF 15 (this stuff is genius!!)

To keep you somewhat preoccupied while slaving away on your tan, you may want to immerse yourself in some easy reading material, something fun with a little romance, a bit of intrigue and a touch of whimsy...

"Love the One You're With" by Emily Giffin

A fun book that raises the question: How do you know if you’ve found “The One”? It’s about a woman who is happily married — or so she thinks — until she runs into an ex she never quite got over. He’s a real bad boy so the reader doesn’t want her to be tempted, but we can also understand why she is.

"What Happened to Anna K." By Irini Reyn

A mesmerizing debut novel that re-imagines Tolstoy's classic tragedy, Anna Karenina, for our time.

One last oh so important summer essential is left... a gigantic, over-sized beach bag that can hold all previously mentioned items, PLUS everything else you could quite possibly be carrying around on any random summer day; a towel, a bathing suit, your camera, a six pack of MGD... These things are important!

Forever 21 Floral Peace Tote, $2!!

Aldo Accessories Camo Bag, $45

The Loveliest Blazer that I just have to have...

Every fashionably stylish woman knows how important it is to have a lovely blazer as part of their wardrobe, be it a slouchy, over sized boyfriend blazer, a refined work appropriate suit blazer, a military inspired, shoulder accentuated blazer or a shrunken tuxedo blazer, it is a must have item.
Now I will admit, my closet is pretty well stocked with all of the above, but I've just come across an incredibly fantastic blazer that I have to get my hands on...





It's from Rag & Bone and retails for approximately $450, which is usually too pricey for me to even consider, but here is my justification (I'm really good at this...)

I will get an obscene amount of use out of it, pairing it over dresses and wearing it with skinny jeans, it is a standout piece that I can just throw on over an all-right outfit and immediately feel sexy, it works from day to night and it's just so damn amazing that I will force myself to find a way to work it into my wardrobe for many seasons to come.



You can find this bad boy at Shopbop, Holt Renfrew and Nordstroms.

Side note: You know when you say a word over and over again it loses it's meaning and just sounds funny... blazer, blazer, blazer, blazer... what an odd word...

The not so bold statement...

When it comes to jewelry, the current trend revolves around making a bold and brave statement with one overwhelmingly large piece of jewelry being the center of attention. Normally I'm a devoted enthusiast and supporter of all jewelry that can make such a statement and stand out in a crowd. On a daily basis, you will undoubtedly catch me wearing either an armful of bangles up to my elbow, or sporting an enormous pair of earrings that leave my poor little ears throbbing at the end of the day, or perhaps both if I'm feeling extra bold!

But every now and then, I feel like making a more subtle statement, one that doesn't involve sore arms muscles and red ears... I just love slipping on a beautifully delicate and dainty piece of jewelry that makes me feel equally beautiful and dainty. I have acquired a lovely collection of jewelry like this, mostly pretty little necklaces coming from Urban Outfitters.
Here are my favorites:

Antique Camera Necklace $28 Urban Outfitters










Mail Envelope Necklace $24 Urban Outfitters







Message in a Bottle Necklace $24 Urban Outfitters
(the message reads; "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...")
(a quote from Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 43).




Perfume Bottle Necklace $20 Urban Outfitters





Antique Chair Necklace $17 Urban Outfitters

The Loveliest Leading Lady...

I recently watched the exquisite Marion Cotillard in La Vie En Rose and was absolutely taken by her perfect portrayal of the great French singer Edith Piaf. Cotillard completely and brilliantly immersed herself in Piaf's character which earned her multiple acting awards including an Oscar for Best Actress in 2008.

I was incredibly thrilled to learn that she has two fantastic movies coming out this year that I cannot wait to see. Public Enemies, out July 1st, is the story of notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd. Set in the Depression era of the 1930's, Cotillard plays Billie Frechette, the girlfriend of Johnny Depp’s Dillinger.

And Nine, a vibrant and provocative musical that follows the life of world famous film director Guido Contini played by Daniel Day-Lewis, with Cotillard taking the role of his wife, Luisa Contini.

Cotillard most recently starred in the latest trend in the fashion world, a video counterpart to a traditional print ad called "The Lady Noire Affair," a cinematic campaign for the "Lady Dior" bag.

Not only is Cotillard an exceptionally gifted actress, she is also the picture perfect depiction of a French woman's undeniable sophistication, class and charm. At every event, premiere and award ceremony she attends, Cotillard looks fantastically feminine, perfectly refined and wonderfully enchanting. I'm sure you'll agree she is one magnifique femme fatale!

Marion Cotillard in Jean-Paul Gaultier at the 2008 Academy Awards

In a belted Couture Dior dress at the 2009 Academy Awards

In Nina Ricci at the 2008 SAG Awards

Who needs a BF, when I have wine...

Picking out a bottle of wine can be a daunting task, especially if you’re trying to impress your friends, family or someone special with your superb wine selecting choices. If you’re like me, when picking out a bottle of wine, you either a) make a bee-line to your one and only go-to wine that’s relatively cheap and tasty and has never let you down… or b) decide to take a risk by trying something completely different and then spend the next 45 minutes roaming up and down the aisles like an idiot attempting to understand labels that don’t make much sense while trying to narrow down a vast selection of wines that seem endless.

To avoid this dreadfully embarrassing situation from recurring on a regular basis, I’ve decided to be a bit more prepared before venturing out on my next wine selecting excursion. After completing the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Foundation Certificate instructed by sommelier extraordinaire James Cluer that involved an impressive amount of tastings that regrettably had to be spit out, he confirmed that my fear of picking out the perfect bottle of wine was extremely universal and tremendously easy to overcome.

To start he suggested to look for labels and signs that mark award-winning wines. These wines have been chosen by professionals in the field and will usually have a brief description of the taste, what to expect and food pairing notes. As well, don’t be too proud to ask for help (my biggest problem), especially at a private or specialty wine shop. The employees love giving suggestions and will make the process painless.

I’ve researched (and tried more than I'd like to admit) some amazing award-winning wines from The 2009 Okanagan International Wine Festival and The 2009 Vancouver Magazine Wine Awards and these were the wines that won over the most critical of judges:

Best of the Whites:

Summerhill Cipes Brut, BC

Lake Breeze Seven Poplars Sauvignon Blanc, BC

Thornhaven Gewurztraminer, BC

Mission Hill Five Vineyards Pinot Gris, BC

Villa Maria Private Bin Unoaked Chardonnay, New Zealand

Wild Goose Pinot Gris, BC

Best of the Reds:

See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Noir, BC

Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir, California

Township 7 Merlot, BC

KWV Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa

Burrowing Owl Meritage, BC

Sumac Ridge Black Sage Vineyard Merlot, BC

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan SunRock Shiraz, BC

Cin Cin!

The CFDA's Lovliest

The Council of Fashion Designers of America annual awards ceremony was recently held in New York and honors excellence in fashion design. It brought together a glorious array of well-dressed celebrities, fashion designers and other talented figures in the fashion community. All attendees, presenters and nominees looked impeccable showing off some very lovely red carpet looks. Here are my favorite of the night;

Blake Lively in a
Michael Kors fushia dress





Kirsten Dunst in a
Rodarte mini






Diane Kruger in a
Jason Wu mini






Bradley Cooper in Calvin Klein
(just thought I'd add a little testosterone to the mix...
and he looks ridiculously handsome... Oh and if you haven't
seen the Hangover yet, go immediately)

The awards of the night went to:

~Kate & Laura Mulleavy for Rodarte for Womenswear Designer of the Year.
~There was a tie for Menswear Designer of the Year: Scott Sternberg for Band of Outsiders and Italo Zucchelli for Calvin Klein Collection.
~Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler took home the Accessory Designer of the Year Award.

Can somebody take me here...

A Marrakech Souk

Or here...

A Parisian Cafe

Or even here will do...

A Greek Island

pretty please...

The Loveliest Maxi Dress

When I put on a maxi dress, I feel instantly feminine, remarkably untamed and subtlety sexy. The fact that you can just throw on this one piece and immediately feel summery, sophisticated and most importantly, absurdly comfortable has me praying this trend will last forever. I've seen a million different styles, beautiful prints and lovely versions out there, but these are my favorites...

Daughters of The Revolution Mermaid Dress
$242 available at Shop Bop



T-Bags One Shoulder
$240 available at Shop Bop



Satin Silk Bloom Maxi
$29.80 Forever 21 Canada




Tie Burst Maxi Dress
$33.80 Forever 21 Canada

Too Many Options...

With wedding season here and in full force, I am fully prepared for the endless complaints from girlfriends about how difficult it is to find the perfect dress to attend in. And I agree, it is a complicated task, especially when left to the last minute and you're scrambling, tearing apart your closet trying to find that random dress you wore to a wedding four years ago and crossing your fingers it still fits OR left sprinting to the nearest boutique to drop an outrageous sum on a dress you don't even like...

The dress you decide on should:
~ be feminine and appropriate (no leopard print, spandex or solid white)
~ make you feel confident enough to start chatting up the cute second cousin of the groom (after a few champagne toasts)
~ without a doubt, be comfy enough to tear up the dance floor till 3 am
~ not have to cost you a small fortune

With two summer weddings already RSVP'd for, I know exactly where to find the perfect dress; www.asos.com
If you've never heard of it, I highly suggest taking a look. Asos is the UK's largest independent online fashion and beauty retailer. They have an unreal selection of amazing fashion forward pieces and the loveliest collection of jewelry, shoes and accessories. If I ever need an adorable, unique and compliment worthy new dress, this is the first place I check!

I've narrowed it down to four gorgeous choices and I'm a bit afraid they will all end up in my shopping basket...

pink strapless $67 US

electric blue silk maxi $150 US



light pink with ruffles $143 US



silver silk with ruffles $148 US

I'm no expert...

As someone who adores all things lovely and girly, I find it odd that I have never had the slightest fascination with make-up. I’m a bit ashamed to admit this, but I’m still not quite sure of the significant difference between concealer and foundation! My make-up routine every morning is remarkably minimal and revolves around conquering my stubby eyelashes and hydrating my parched lips. Now I may not be a connoisseur of proper eye shadow application or have the skilled ability to apply fake eyelashes without the risk of actually losing an eye, but I can confidently say that I know a thing or two about mascara and lip chap. Here's the best of the best!

Telescopic Carbon Black by Loreal Paris $8-12

~Does an incredible job of separating each and every lash and lengthening my lashes beyond belief! My ultimate favorite recommended by mom~

Colossal Volume Express by Maybelline $ 7-10

~Gives great lash volume with a very dramatic effect~

Covergirl Professional $4-7

~A classic mascara with a great value, perfectly curved brush and no sign of clumping~

Smith's Rosebud Minted Salve $8

~I use this stuff like it's going out of style. It is a multi-purpose balm that can be used as a body, hand and lip moisturizer. It is always within an arms reach~

Blistex Lip Medex $4

~An all time favorite of mine. I keep a container of it by my bed and apply before I doze off. It is a medicated balm that leaves my lips feeling soft and conditioned. Not the loveliest of smells, but works incredibly well~

The Summer Short

The second I sense a glimmer of summer start to unveil, I go on a bit of a frenzied spree, buying every cute, ridiculously summery and vibrantly colored dress that crosses my path. But, after living in my ripped, over-sized, absurdly comfortable boyfriend jeans for all of spring, I was immediately on the prowl for a short version that would undoubtedly become my new summer staple. I adored the Current/Elliot version, but was a bit dazed at the $200 price tag attached. I was officially on a distressed denim short mission that wouldn't break the bank. Here are my favorite options I found that most certainly won't cut into your buckets of corona/summer sangria/patio hopping budget!







Urban Outfitters Urban Renewal Studded Short $58






American Eagle Destroyed Denim Short $34.95



Forever 21 Marcy Denim Short $23.90

The Studded Belt

When purchasing any clothing, jewelry or accessory item, I always ask myself 'Is it compliment worthy?' before pulling out the Visa. This usually eliminates unnecessary purchases that I would eventually regret and it must work, because I have yet to regret buying anything in my wardrobe! One of my most highly complimented pieces is this pyramid studded belt I bought from Zara in Montreal.





I wear it more than I'd like to admit and every time I do, without a doubt, I receive numerous compliments and the obvious question that follows 'where did you get it?'. After all my close girlfriends snatched up my version from Zara, I'd like to offer a few other options...




www.asos.com $25.28 US

www.canada.forever21.com $10.80 CAD


www.canada.forever21.com $11.80 CAD

Bangles, bangles everywhere...

I had a bit of problem and it involved bangles. I had somehow, over the last few years acquired an obscene, if not ridiculous amount of them. They had started to take over my apartment, everywhere I looked I would find them, even in my couch cushions! They were just begging for a home among my neatly organized earrings and perfectly positioned necklaces. I was scarily close to just dumping the lot of them off my balcony when I had a bit of a light bulb moment!

In one of my many 'attempts' at spring cleaning, I noticed I had a growing collection of candle holders that I never used. Voila! Instant bangle holders! Placing the bangles on the candle holders not only lets me see every bangle up close, it looks quite lovely as well!

Before: empty, lonely candle holders...






After: stacked and ready to go!