Thursday 29 November 2012

a white christmas in the red rock

'Tis the season for glam glitter polish, sparkle dusted dresses, outrageous rhinestones rings and faux-fur stoles. At least that's how it looks in my Winter Wonderland. This coming Christmas my family is, yet again, attempting to escape the misery that comes with winters in this city - sheets of ice in place of roads, snow stacked driveways, and conversations of how "this -20 degrees really isn't too bad for [insert-terribly-named-and-equally-as-horribly-located-city-here]." When one's perfectly mascara'd lashes begin to freeze to what was once a nicely tanned cheek, we've got serious problems. 
So, to avoid the above mentioned catastrophic climates, we leave for two weeks each year at Christmas time to some sunshine filled state down south. For Christmas 2012, I plan on parking my soon-to-be sun kissed booty on a cushioned chaise in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. 
But don't you miss Christmas? one might ask. My answer - No. Every resort we've ever stayed at decorates in such a way that is so whimsical and quite literally breath-taking, that you don't notice the absence of real snow on the front lawn. The one thing I think I will always miss when it comes to celebrating Christmas; waking up at the crack of dawn, racing down the stairs with my little sister in tow, and shredding apart a ridiculous amount of wrapped paper and tissues to uncover all the great little presents beneath all the fuss. Mom, our resident Santa, was a party planner in her younger days, and so "Santa's" presents were always beautifully wrapped and arranged quite picturesquely under the equally as decadent tree. 
So in the spirit of this upcoming fabulous holiday season, I've put together a few photos of mani's I'd like to try, fun festive makeup, and a few gifts I'd like to see under the Christmas-palm-tree this year! 

I've heard that people use actual aluminium foil for these type of designs....really?

LOVE this.

Essie, you tease.

I usually hate this design because it reminds of those cheap, nasty, fat, ugly gel nails... But I'm kinda feeling it....

If I ever learn how to properly apply eyeshadow, I'd love to try this.

Mum used to say, "Black don't crack." 
God this woman is gorgeous. 

Pucker up.

This is too fantastic. It reminds me of a Sheri Hill dress I saw a few years ago.
LOVE.

So pretty.
  
This is sooo my sister I can't believe it. Stocking stuffer idea?

I almost bought these off a girl I follow on instagram... 
....I can't remember why I didn't.....

Christmas Wishlist item #3!

Very Kim K.

Stumbled upon a new blogger on instagram @schultzoffical
GREAT stuff.

So classy.

Christmas Wishlist Item #4!

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!
love xo

Friday 23 November 2012

metal mania

I've always had a love for all things glam, and metallic material encrusted with studs is definitely that. A splash of sparkle and shimmer, and a dash of delicious diamonds are enough to make any girl swoon at the sight of these seductive shoes...

metal mania


much love xo

Monday 22 October 2012

let me hear you scream

I hate Halloween. No, let me clarify.... I really hate Halloween.
I've never been one for the ghastly and ghoulish games of this day. Call me a scardy-cat or whatever you wish, I much prefer a day of glitz and glamour and all things nice. Which is why I have never dressed up as anything even remotely terrifying (with the exception of the time I went has Hermoine Grainger and my poor little sister went as Harry Potter...). 
Having said that, I love dressing up. Any excuse to get all primped and pampered is A-Okay with me. 
And being the good little procrastinator that I am, I have given myself a sold five days to come up with a costume for this weekends festivities. 
Oh Fashion Gods, please let there be a latex-free, semi-attractive costume at the Halloween store. 
In years past, I have successfully avoided the 'Halloween Store' and made my own costumes. 
2011 - Princess Jasmine
2010 - Lady Gaga
2009 - Cute Nerd
2008 - Bumblebee
2007 - Bat Girl (along with six of my girls, we made a Fab Superhero team)
2006 - GoGo Dancer
Anything that predates 2006 is just not even worth discussing....

Being a good sport, I've put together a few designs in the spirit of Halloween.

Enjoy!











love xo

Sunday 21 October 2012

one vote for love

There are two things my father has always made very clear to me:
1. Never discuss politics or religion with friends 
2. Never discuss politics or religion with friends while drinking

Growing up, complying with these two 'rules' was very easy. What twelve year old girl discusses such things when there are much more pressing matters to attend to Ie. frizzy hair and changing fashions.
Seeing as how I now work with 40 plus year olds with very prominent and proud religious and political views, the subject seems to come up more than it did in grade school.

Tuesday November 6th is election day for Americans. 
Though I am no longer considered American (not that southern Ontario is in any way part of the US, we like to think of ourselves as unofficial-part-timers), I stumbled upon this picture and fell in love with Barack Obama and the lovely First Lady Michelle, all over again.
I've decided not to get into the political aspect simply because it's not my job to convince people who to vote for. This is a post for Barack and Michelle and the understated elegance of this photo. 
What happens on Tuesday November 6th is a matter of personal opinion. 
And in my personal opinion.... they are really quite lovely. 

Saturday 20 October 2012

call it what you wanna call it, baby im a polish-aholic.

There comes a time in every young divas life, when she has to make a decision; a decision that will affect her for days to come, if not weeks! A decision that may keep her up at night, tossing and turning contemplating the hardships of such a choice. 
And today, I faced such a decision; do I get the gorgeous black suede perfectly formed stiletto peep toe Sam Edelman's, currently marked down 60%, or do I order the James Bond Skyfall Lacquer Collection by OPI ?

Laugh all you want, mock me if you may, but I know me. And me is a terrible decision maker. Being the polish-aholic that I am, I opted for the nail collection. Seeing as it was an incredible offer (sorry Sam, maybe if the decimal was one more place to the left, I would have walked home a diva), I couldn't resist. 
The collection includes 12 polishes, plus one top coat, making it the perfect lineup of lacquer I have ever laid my eyes on. From bright, vibrant, sexy hues of reds, to deep, tantalizing shades of metallic green and silvers, this collection is truly stunning. 
And girl, the top coat ain't just no top coat. Swirling around an otherwise common clear coat are real flecks of gold. OPI, you have truly outdone yourself with this collection. 
Feast your eyes on this lineup up mouthwatering lacquers 
that make this addict swoon at the sight.


From Left to Right :
Golden Eye
The Spy Who Loved Me
Die Another Day
Casino Royale
You Only Live Twice
Skyfall
Moonraker
Tomorrow Never Dies
The Living Daylights
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Live and Let Die
The World is Not Enough
*The Man With the Golden Gun*

Within the next week, a pretty little parcel will be arriving at my place filled with these lovely lush lacquers. And let me tell you, it cannot come quick enough! 
More posts to follow on these shades!

love xo

Wednesday 3 October 2012

#OOTD - school daze

Thought I'd start a little outfit & nail journal this season. And since I now have that fantastic app that let's me share on-the-go, this should be fun and easy! Here's a look at todays outfit - just a casual look for class. Comment or question if you like!

#OOTD - school daze


Rut m fl oversized shirt
$26 - welikefashion.com



Hollister Co. cuffed jeans
hollisterco.com


TOMS beige shoes
$78 - jades24.com



Gorjana stud earrings
piperlime.gap.com


Rachel Essex chain collar necklace
$89 - fashion-conscience.com


House of Harlow 1960 cross jewelry
$57 - the-dressingroom.com



Retro eyewear
$180 - vintage-brillen-shop.de


Autumn Photography, Yellow Fall leaves, Rustic Decor, Nature...
etsy.com



Some notes - I couldn't find some of the items that I'm actually wearing, but these look identical! Here are the details!

Top - Forever21
Jacket - Levi's Collection
Jeans - Garage jeggings collection
Shoes - Call it Spring
Necklace - Paris Jewellers (and it obviously says 'Sidney'...not 'special'....)

love xo

Wednesday 26 September 2012

fall in love

I never thought I'd see the day when I would actually say that I'm excited for fall.
Having grown up in city that experiences all four seasons quite perfectly, it was a huge adjustment to move here and basically scratch spring and fall, and put summer and winter on seasonal-stereroids. This year however, it seems as though the transition from those smouldering summer nights to the bone chilling winter weather, is flowing just a bit more fluidly. Here are some quick looks at what to expect this season. Oh, and heads up; you just might fall in love...

Cognac Ankle Bootie - Call it Spring

Chevron patterned mani !

Taupe Knee-High Boot - Call it Spring

Never been a big fan of hats, however I love these warm little wraps.
Aldo Shoes - online

Sequin Embellished Ankle Bootie - Aldo Shoes

Chevron Painted Pumpkins!
Courtesy of lovemaegan.com (great blog!)

Mustard Yellow Shoulder Bag - Aldo Shoes
(If you didn't already know, I used to work for the Aldo Groupe...hense the extreme brand promoting lol I am however,  deeply in love with all things Aldo & Spring. Great finds, great prices, and always trend appropriate.)

Stud Embellished Calf Boot - Aldo Shoes

A fiercely fab way to dress up an otherwise blahh mani.
I'm sure Monsieur L. would be trés jolie. 

The colour trend this fall : hues of blue! And may I just say, this colour is fantastic. 
Oh and guess where it's from.....
Aldo Shoes.
;)

LBC.
Little Bling'd Clutch.
Aldo Shoes.

A quick snapshot of the river through Bridge City.

Neutral Colour. Fantastic Wedge. Trendy Zipper. And track protection bottoms??
Thank you, Aldo Shoes.


And finally, the pièce de résistance...
The German Collection from OPI.
(Left to Right) : Don't Talk Bach to Me, Schnapps Out of It, Deutsch You Want Me Baby?, Danke-Shiny Red, German-icure By OPI, Suzie and the Seven Düsseldorfs, Every Month is Oktoberfest, Unfor-greta-bly Blue, Nein! Nein! Nein! Ok Fine!, Berlin There Done That,  My Very First Knockwurst, Don't Pretzel My Buttons

much love xo