New Years

I have never been able to keep up with a New Year’s resolution, no matter how meaningful or how simple they are.  I can’t eat healthy, I never exercise more for very long and I usually forget to learn a new word every day.  So this year I have planned to save myself from resolutions and just welcome 2012 in style.  I already have a really good feeling that this is going to be an incredible year for me and I am more than happy to say good riddance to 2011 and greet 2012 with good spirits.

New Old Sparkle

I don’t usually wear a lot of jewellery, especially when it comes to diamonds.  But I believe that the New Year should be rung in with a little bit of sparkle.  I received this vintage late 50’s necklace a few years back from my Grandma and I have just recently started wearing it.  The rhinestones are a vibrant old Hollywood pink and they really shine in the light.  I am still a little timid to wear the clip on earrings because I am far too afraid of losing one.

Summer at Tiffany

While my friend, Torie, and I were in New York together, we spent a fair amount of time in Tiffany’s picking out a locket for her birthday; so when I received Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart from her for Christmas, I was beyond excited to start reading it.  The book instantly sent me to 1945, just five years after the 5^th Avenue Tiffany’s opened.  It is a memoir about two young girls, Marjorie and Marty,  who leave Iowa to spend the Summer in New York and happen to snag a job at Tiffany’s as pages; they just so happened to be the first women to work on the sales floor.  I was so absorbed into this book that I finished it in a matter of days, I couldn’t help but giggle when they referenced going out clubbing, and that kissing in public was a huge deal. It really makes you realize how the times have changed and how class and luxury have diminished.  This book is a perfect read for a Tiffany fan like myself and Torie.

Camel Capes

1.      J. Crew Knitted Wool Cape- $200.00

2.     Kenneth Cole New York Herringbone Belted Cape- $189.50

3.      Mackage Thea Belted Cape Coat- $530.00

4.      Rag and Bone Deep Tan Cape- $374.00

5.      Msgm Colour Block Cape- $369.00

6.      Pasos Checked Cape- $120.90

When I was younger, I used to pull my arms out of my sleeves and bundle myself inside my coat to stay warm.  Sleeves just seemed to be a bother and I found I was cosier without them.  To my relief, capes have now become fashion staple; so I can stay sleeveless and cozy throughout the next couple of months.  Here are a few of my top picks.

Happy Holiday Happenings

{legislature lights}

This year I had a truly memorable Christmas spent with the ones I love most.  The most enjoyable part had to of been watching everyone open the gifts I got them.  I really got spoiled this year receiving nine books, two necklaces and a new Coach purse.  I also got to enjoy my first Dim Sum with my boyfriend’s family, which was a unique experience.

{pyrrha necklace from my loving boyfriend}

 

{new books}

{new camera}

Russell Books

I have taken a serious liking to reading lately, books were pretty much the only thing I put on my Christmas list this year.  So, naturally I was delighted to stumble across Russell Books while I was shopping the other day.  Russell’s is not your everyday Chapters or Bolen’s, this store has been around for many years but I never used to find myself wandering into bookstores until recently.  I was amazed at the rows, shelves and stacks of books; the store is literally packed to the brim with literature and has friendly young staff who are willing to search the store for your favourite author.  Not only does Russell’s have every possible book you could imagine, the prices are absurdly inexpensive.  I managed to snag two books for the mere price of $25; they would have cost me $140 at any other bookstore.

Not Your Normal Boyfriends Shirt

I was shown this video today by my boyfriend’s brother and it has with-out a doubt inspired me to start integrating pieces my boyfriend’s wardrobe into my closet.  Someone is certainly getting a few new dress shirts this Christmas! Just when I thought my shopping was done.

See my Vest

1.      Ralph Lauren Linen Cotton Silk Patchwork Vest- $219.99

2.      PS Paul Smith Striped Sweater Vest- $152.00

3.      WINE Casual Knitted Sweater Vest- $28.99

4.      Etro Multi-Stripe Sweater Vest- $518.00

5.      Neiman Marcus Merino Wool Sweater Vest- $60.00

6.      Paul Fredrick Birdseye Cardigan Vest- $69.50

When it comes to sweater vests, men usually tend to shy away in the thoughts that they are considered “nerdy”.  I seem to believe that as long as you stay away from bold graphics, like argyle or plaid (with exception to #1 because that vest is too good to avoid), and vibrant colours, sweater vests can be a sophisticated way to dress up your average dress shirt and slacks without going the normal neck tie route.  If you still feel that sweater vests are too stuffy, you can always try an un-buttoned button-down vest.

Happy Happenings

{snowy get-a-ways}

Christmas is creeping upon us, and what’s a better way to celebrate the holidays than a mini vacation to the local ski hill?  I somehow managed to get twelve of my friends wrangled up and off work at the busiest time of the year to enjoy skiing up at Mt. Washington in celebration of my boyfriend’s birthday.  I am looking forward to the drinks, stories and food that will be shared among friends to kick off the week of Christmas.  Followed by the last minute shopping, baking and decorating that will take place throughout the week.

{even more gingerbread decorating}

{home-made crazy carrot cake}

{my perfect water bottle}

Crafty Christmas

{creative wrapping}

Lately, I have been looking up simple Holiday crafts to do on my days off.  I just can’t seem to get enough of this site; I have probably looked through every page at least four times in the past month.  Here are a few of my favourite DIY decorations that I hope to make time for before Christmas.

{mirrored garland}

{rainbow sprinkle oranment}

{cinnamon stick candles}

Cancel the Cold

1.      MaxMara Monza Funnel Neck Jacket- $545.00

2.      Mackage Wool Edna Coat- $590.00

3.      Mackage Wool Coat- $640.00

4.      Sofia Cashmere Military Trenchcoat- $495.00

5.      Topshop Grosgrain Tie Coat- £75.00

6.      BB Dakota Josie Jacket- $130.00

7.      Calvin Klein Melton Wool Peacoat- $198.00

8.      Scotch & Soda Convertible Military Jacket- $415.00

9.      Topman Brown Double Layered Coat- £70.00

At the beginning of every Winter I tend to go shopping with my Grandmother and I always wind up with a new Winter coat.  It has turned into a tradition since I easily get bored of my coats because I end up wearing the same one every single day, given that I am the kind of girl who can never stay warm no matter how many layers I pad on so I tend to live in my coat. (Even though I have an abundance of jackets, I just love wearing something new.) I already bought my coat this year but here are a few that I wish I saw before my annual shopping trip.

Christmas Sugar Cookies

Every year my Grandma bakes her traditional sugar cookies.  There is something about these cookies that without them, it would not feel like Christmas at all.  It could be their seasonal shapes and decorations or just the fact that she has made them since I was a little kid.  Since the Christmas season has overcome me, my friend and I decided to make our own sugar cookies as we are not patient enough to wait 2 more weeks.  We found this recipe and they turned out tasting pretty close to my Grandmas, but still nothing can beat her cookies.

Happy Happenings

{hint of my nye dress}

With all the Christmas shopping, store decorating and gingerbread house making over the past week, I have been thrown in the Christmas spirit.  This week I will hopefully have time to decorate the house, bake some holiday treats, finish all of my shopping and prepare for my short skiing holiday next week.

{gingerbread house}

{balloon glitter ornaments}

{prop from our holiday look book}

Newspaper Nails

I have just recently started to frequently paint my nails.  Before now, I didn’t care too much for nail polish; one reason being that I was horrible at applying it so I kept with my Gel nails.  Eventually, the time and money spent on getting my nails done bi-weekly began to add up and soon enough I could not afford to keep it up.  That is when I started to paint my nails, at first they looked horrible, but after a year of practice I have finally mastered the perfect manicure and have now become more creative with my nail art.  Here is an easy how-to on my new favourite manicure, newspaper nails.

{supplies: rubbing alcohol,

shot glass, nude polish,

clear polish and newspaper}

{paint nials nude and let dry}

{dip finger in alcohol for 10 seconds}

{press newspaper onto wet nail}

{top it off with a clear polish}

{et voila}

Instigating the Holiday Season

Kiki Boutique hat, Le Chateau jacket,

Forever 21 dress, Marc Jacobs bag,

Joe Fresh tights, NYC shoes

Despite the season, the weather has not been unbearably cold.  The days have been sunny and warm enough to leave the house in a dress and tights; a perfect ensemble for lunch with a good friend and some Christmas shopping.

Cozy Comforts

1.      Vince Crop Sweater- $260.00

2.      Michael Kors Fisherman Cable Sweater- $120.00

3.      Rebecca Taylor Cable Knit Pullover- $350.00

4.      Free People Cropped Fair Isle Pullover- $118.00

5.      Diesel Kasumi Sweater- $225.00

6.      Topshop Knitted Ladder Jumper- £40.00

7.      Acne Pleated Back Sweater- $290.00

8.      Topshop Knitted Large Spot Jumper- £40.00

9.      Free People Precious Pointelle Poncho- $148.00

I can never seem to keep myself warm in the Winter months.  No matter how many layers I put on, some part of me still ends up freezing. (Usually my little toes.)  Even though you will never catch me in sweat pants, I do love to cozy up in a nice knitted sweater.

Happy Happenings

{i am a bird necklace at bliss}

Things are starting to get hectic now that Christmas is less than a month away.  My working days are getting longer, the days are getting much shorter and my Visa bill is starting to add up.  At least there is plenty of shopping to be done and gifts to be bought.  Here are a few things that are going to keep me sane until Christmas.

{new sparkly shoes}

{firetruck moustaches}

{christmas is starting to creep into the city}