MY FAVORITE THINGS

I purchased my mother the new Tony Bennett Christmas album on which he does a cover of My Favorite Things so I was inspired to put together this little collage. What are your favorite things for the holidays? 

image sources: google images [the knot] | flickr [users: andimarsters, doberdad, caro'slines, electro_cuties, joehatfield, johnmorgan, little silver boxes, mariab3bx, mark.os, mrikillo, piratejohnny, sebastiaan, tess_]

CHRISTMAS PRESENT

                           

                                             

Merry Christmas to me, love my boyfriend. I just love this ring...sorry the photo doesn't do it justice. My boyfriend and I exchanged gifts early because we went to pick them out together anyways...that way, as the Grinch would say, there will be no sad faces on Christmas! I can't wait to see what everyone else receives for Christmas, hope you get all that you are dreaming of (well the realistic things of course) ..darn reality..cuts down my wish list quite a fair bit.

SEQUINS AND SPECTACLES

image source: chantalenadeau.com | model: santa borel | kill magazine

HOME & STYLE

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of posting. I am now FINALLY done my finals...very exciting. I just have a bit more work to finish over the holidays so I am pleased to have a big load of stress relieved! Hope everyone else's finals went well too! I've got lots going on around here for the holidays but I will try to post as much as possible, including holiday outfits...I just love Christmas parties, they are always such a good excuse to dress up, for those of us (like me) who aren't bold enough to rock the fully done up look every day of the week. Here are some really cool shots from the selby, I am really digging these spaces and the style of the homeowners. 

image sources: theselby.com

WHY I'LL ALWAYS LOVE KARL

I'm sure many of you have heard the buzz surrounding Michelle Obama's inaguration day attire. ALL of the top designers are vying to outfit the next first lady, and newfound style icon, for the historic event. I find all of the designs just stunning, but my affinity for Chanel leads me to say this is by far my favorite. I think it is just perfect for Ms. Obama...classic, iconic, and yet understated...all the reasons why I love Chanel, and why Michelle is becoming one of my style muses. I fear; however, that she will not choose such an established (and costly) designer, all in keeping with support of the working class ideals...none the less I can not wait to see who she chooses.

I could not possibly end this post without speaking of the Chanel metiers d'art pre-fall collection for 2009. I am simply captivated...for all aforementioned reasons. It is no surprise Karl has achieved perfection once again in presenting the best of the house's traditional faire. 

image sources: wwd.com

SIMONA MCINTYRE

The lovely Canadian beauty, Simona McIntyre for i-D magazine January 2009. 

image source: blondeoverblue.wordpress.com

A REAL PRINCESS

This may just be the most glorious photograph I have discovered in quite some time. The one and only Grace Kelly. 

image source: flickr.com/photos/tompalumbo

LES JUENE FILLES NATURALE

While I love all the glitz and glamour that fashion can bring, there is something alluring and timeless about the look of a simple t-shit. With their long windblown hair and natural makeup these girls remind me of the true beauty of minimalism. 

image sources: quintessentiallymodels.com [erin blaak], vogue.fr + garancedore.fr [sofia hagglund wood]

MARC A "CLOSET" READER?

Is it just me or does anyone else have a suspiscion that someone over at marc jacobs has been following the lovely Karla?

Thanks to everyone for all of your lovely comments and support, I am still working away with all my essays, but I couldn't resist when I noticed this coincidental similarity. On a side note, you sure would think that I love blue and purple, no? I guess that lovely little number over on my lust list, is overtaking my subconscious!

image sources: karlascloset.com, netaporter.com

STAY TUNED...

It's that time of year again...finals time. I am sad to say I must leave blog land for a while to focus on the abundant number of essays I have to write. I will try my best to respond to comments or link exchange inquiries. In the mean time here are some lovely and inspiring photos...doesnt everything look better as a polaroid? Stay tuned loves, I promise there is much much more to come.

image sources: etsy.com [user - persephone], style-files.com, styleserver.de, thefashionspot.com

ONE OF THE {GOSSIP} GIRLS

anxiously awaiting the next epidode of gossip girl. december 1st is just too far away! can you tell i am obsessed?

shirt: gap
vest: jcrew
headband: aldo

image sources: iheartleighton.com

ERIN BLAAK

These are my favorite recent photographs of my best friend and Ford model Erin. After a busy Toronto fashion week, she has just arrived in London for some editorial work, and I am wishing her the best of luck. 

photography: troy moth

photography: troy moth

photography: timothy lee

OLSEN INSPIRED STYLE

This look from MK has been my biggest inspiration as of late. The print on her jacket is amazing, and don't even get me started on the PS1 bag. I am majorly coveting that little gem in every shape and color, it's just perfect! Here is my own take on the look.

Update: I've just found out according to whowhatwear, that MK's jacket is from the Elizabeth and James collection, I must have it!

dace bonnie tunic

Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Cardigan

...and of course the pièce de résistance, the ps1 clutch . Pair it all together with your favorite pair of black leggings, perhaps a pair of mid-calf boots, and go.

image source: olsen-files.com

PIKSI DUST

For your inspirational viewing pleasure, check out piksi's flawless personal style. She blends vintage and modern classic with incredible ease, and the result is nothing short of stunning.

image sources: http://www.flickr.com/photos/piksi_

GET FRESH

Fabulous trends come and go each season, but in my view the best accessory to complete any look is always a fresh face. Here are my top ten favorite beauty products.

1. La Roche Posay - Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream
Recommended for combination to oily skin types. It leaves my face feeling incredibly clean and smooth.

2. La Roche Posay - Effaclar Active Matt Moisturizer
Perfect for day time wear. Use it as a base under foundation, or alone to combat shine.

3. La Roche Posay - Hydraphase Legere
Restorative moisture ideal for evening repair, or treatment of dry areas. Light texture doesn't clog pores or leave you shiny.

4. M.A.C. - Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
Never being a liquid foundation girl, I have looked high and low for the best powder coverage. This beauty is the winner, blends effortlessly with my skin tone and stays put all day.

5. M.A.C. - Select Cover Up
We all have our flaws, but this will hide them. Ideal for under eye application or blemish cover, apply with fingertip or small blending brush.

6. Smashbox - Aperature Blush
My rogue preference changes with the seasons, but the cover of this product is the best I have found...my blush usually falls flat midday, but this one lasts into the night.

7. Rimmel - Extra Super Lash Mascara
Clinique, M.A.C., Diorshow... I've tried all the "best" brands, and while some do offer results, the effect of Rimmels' product is the same if not better than some of the pricier brands. Save where you can!

8. M.A.C. - Powerpoint Eye Pencil
Ugh, the horrors I have encountered with eye pencils that smudge! Although not entirely waterproof this one will not leave you with raccoon eyes.

9. Clinique - Pair of Shades eye shadow duo - Starstruck/Golden Lynx
This is by far my favorite go to product, I have been using it for years. The combination of soft gold and a deeper contour is flawless and compliments many skin tones.

10. Burts Bees - Honey Lip Blam
Don't get my wrong I am a sucker for bold lip color, but day in and day out I use my Burts to keep my lips smooth and soft.

+ Prada - eau de tendre
No beauty look is complete without a signature sent darling! Admittedly my preferences for parfum also change like the wind, but recently I am loving my prada, so fresh and feminine but with a hint of alluring musk.

C'EST DIOR-ETTE!

Hello fellow fashion and design lovers. For my inaugural post I thought I would share with you my AMAZING find of the day. Lately I have been obsessed with Dior Joaillerie and the Diorette collection in particular. I am just in awe of the beauty and intricacy of the pieces. Today during an outing with a friend I was pleasantly surprised to find a copy-cat at guess. No it doesn't boast the sparkling center stone or 9 000+ price tag, but it'll do just fine for me.

dior original

guess imitation

vogue advert

image sources: myprestigium, guess, us vogue