A Bit of Sparkle

I wore this outfit when I officially became part of the Yorkdale Mall Style Council. I walked around the mall happy...and then was stopped seven times and asked where I got my top...and blazer. Proud to say Tristan! Best part? The blazer is made in Canada.

That's all I have for tonight. I'm back on The Marilyn Denis Show this morning, May 31, on CTV. Need to get my beauty sleep. I'm modelling shorts and how to wear them in your 30s.

Blazer & Top, Tristan. Jeans, J Brand (old). Shoes, Prada. Handbag, Danier. Belt, Tory Burch (old). Bracelets, F21 (old). 

Yellow Checks - Inspired by Louis Vuitton

This coat from Zara is inspired by the Louis Vuitton collection. I just love it and had to have it. I adore yellow and it cheers me up, especially during those dreary days like yesterday.

I appreciate a clutch that also has a strap. I hate going to dinner parties where I have food in one hand, a drink in another and trying to hold my handbag in a third that I don't have. This handbag helps when third hands are in short supply.

Coat, Zara. Jeans, J Brand (old). T-Shirt, The Gap. Belt, Tory Burch (old). Shoes, Prada. Necklace, Ann Taylor (old).Bracelet, Joe Fresh (old). Handbag, Danier. Sunglasses, c/o Jeanne Beker. 


I am still asking for votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. PLEASE vote for me here, I'm on page 9. 

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy for WIWW. Check out what other bloggers are wearing here and Transatlantic blonde here.

Pattern Play

First my big news - I am a member of Yorkdale Mall's (the best mall in Canada) Style Council. To say that I am excited, honoured, happy, pinch me I'm still dreaming doesn't describe how I'm feeling. I will be blogging for Yorkdale Mall and here is my introduction.

For those who have visited my blog you know that my "style" weakness is prints and print mixing. I'm not a big print fan so it's not a stretch that I'm not that great at print mixing. Well my friend Jane at Toronto Shopaholic is pushing me out of my comfort zone and here's to more prints in my future. She's hosting a print mixing blog hop that I'm part of.

Nancy from Cocoa Jewelry sent me these wrap bracelets in yellow, light blue (think Tiffany's) and cream. I am obsessed with them and am wearing them with everything.

The handbag is another one of my favourite from Danier. I was recently at an event at Yorkdale and was constantly asked about the bag. Everyone's first thought was Valentino and looks of shock and awe followed when I said Danier. An affordable LEATHER handbag that is trendy, stylish and accessible. Danier is stepping up their accessories game and I say RUN don't walk to your nearest Danier.

Blazer & Skinnies, The Gap. Top, J Crew (old). Shoes, Jimmy Choo. Purse, Danier. Sunglasses, c/o Jeanne Beker. Bracelets, c/o Cocoa Jewelry (Mocha Line). 

I look miserable in these pictures and I'm not. Not sure what happened.

I'm also linking up with YOLO Monday blog hop here. Enjoy seeing what a new group of bloggers are doing.

Zamrie Skirt & White Tee

It's windy and cool in Toronto...this weather is killing me. Anyway, here is an outfit I wore when the weather was still seasonal. Hoping for warmer weather.

This Foxy Originals necklace is reversible! The back is gold and black and can be worn with the perfect LBD. 

Skirt, c/o Zamrie. Top, Banana Republic (old). Belt, Cassis (old). Shoes, Jimmy Choo (old). Purse, DKNY (old). Necklace, c/o Foxy Originals.

Casual in my Hush Puppies

As much as I love to wear heels I spend the majority of my life in flats, I have lots of flats in different colours and fabrications. When Hush Puppies sent me their Ceil moccasins in aqua I was ecstatic, the colour was perfect and they just looked so comfortable. I immediately wore them to my children's school to help with pizza day. Teacher's and other moms stopped me to ask about my shoes. They told me how much they loved the colour and asked me if they were comfortable. The answer - YES.

I wore them with no socks the first time and continued on to Costco and the mall to run other errands. Not a single blister or any issues there, my feet love these shoes. I was asked about the elastic backing and the first time I wore these shoes the elastic banding in the back did hurt. However, now that I've stretched them out they are the perfect casual shoe. For today's outfit post I paired these shoes with colour. It's spring, why not?

Jean Jacket & Jeans, The Gap. T-shirt, Banana Republic (old). Belt, Joe Fresh. Necklace, c/o Foxy Originals. Shoes, c/o Hush Puppies.

philosophy - purity Facial Cleanser is a BUY

I've been struggling to find a facial cleanser that really removes dirt and make-up. I know that you are supposed to use an eye make-up remover then cleanser but I honestly don't have time for that. After taking care of the kids, husband, house and then there is that very finite "me" time I don't want to be spending what's left of my evening removing my make-up. I really hate it when I wash my face and I still have eye makeup under my eyes which makes my dark circle and bags even bigger! I was given a bottle of philosophy purity one-step facial cleanser at IPR's Mother's Day gift lounge and I was pleasantly surprised that this cleanser actually delivers on its promises

• rapidly dissolves dirt, oil and makeup. No under eye streaks because the product works. There are times I'll use a cleanser and I still need to wash under my eyes.
• gentle enough for use around the eye area. My eyes have never stung when using this cleanser. The same cannot be said about the cleansers I was using. It is supposed to be good for sensitive skin but I can't verify that because my skin is not sensitive.

I've been using this cleanser for around three weeks and I've been nothing but happy with it. My skin doesn't feel dry or tight after I've used it which is also a nice change.

I was in Ottawa this weekend and left my bottle of cleanser in the hotel. I'm off to buy a new bottle, that's how much I like it. I hope whoever finds it will enjoy it as much as I do.

This product is available at Sephora, The Bay and Shoppers Drug Mart

Back in Black with Vivienne Kelly

When I received this hand-crafted, hand-painted statement necklace I knew that I wanted it to shine and be the focus of the outfit. I went back to black.

 The detail and texture of this necklace make it special. I also loved the tasselled jewelry bag it came in!

Top, Ann Taylor (old). Pants, Yoga Jeans. Necklace, c/o Vivienne Kelly (here). Shoes, Jimmy Choo (old). Handbag, Danier (old). Cuff, Joe Fresh (old).

I am still asking for are votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. It requires a Facebook account and you can't vote from your smart phones or tablets. PLEASE vote for me here, I'm on page 7. My goal is to make the Top 15 and from there a Judging Panel pick the top 5. You can only vote once, for those who have voted Thank You.

I am linking up with the Pleated Poppy for What I Wore. Check out what the other bloggers wore here.

Riding a Mother's Day & Birthday High

I enjoyed a weekend with friends and family and I had my annual Burger King Mother's Day dinner. I hope everyone else had a great weekend.

Blazer, Banana Republic. Shirt, The Gap. Jeans, AG (old). Shoes, Stone Ridge (old). Necklace, Banana Republic. Bracelet, J Crew.


I am still asking for are votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. It requires a Facebook account and you can't vote from your smart phones or tablets. PLEASE vote for me here, I'm on page 7. My goal is to make the Top 15 and from there a Judging Panel pick the top 5. You can only vote once, for those who have voted Thank You.

Mother's Day and My Birthday

Let's take a look at the outfit first...

Jean Jacket & Chambray Shirt, The Gap. Jeans, Yoga Jeans (old). Necklace, Banana Republic. Bracelet, Cocoa Jewelry. Watch, Michael Kors (old). Shoes, Naturalizer (old). Sunglasses, Burberry (old).

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and so is my birthday – I am turning 38. This last year has been amazing for me because of this little blog.  I’m not famous or making any money (yet…it is a goal) but it’s nice to have something that is mine. I’ve gotten to go to WMC Fashion Week and tweet for QMI agency, attend Clothing Previews, been featured in the Toronto Sun and given some great products (clothing, accessories, perfume, skin care products, tablet etc.). I even made it to TV as one of the winners of The Marilyn Denis Show’s Real Canadian Women Model Search. The best experience was the most recent - I partnered with Pomp and Pageantry, a Toronto boutique, for their month-long celebration of Moms. They had a little photo shoot for my children and I and the pictures were perfect. Pomp and Pageantry will be donating 10% of their sales during the month of May to MumNet. The mother's group that has been a staple in my life since the birth of my daughter.

I can’t lie I would love to receive some extravagant gifts – an outrageously expensive handbag, red soled shoes, jewelry in a little blue box or a convertible in the driveway (if I’m going to wish, I’m wishing BIG). However, this year there are other things that need to be purchased like Adidas running shoes, dance lessons, books and a toy dragon because my youngest is POTTY TRAINED!!! Honestly best gift is not having any of them in diapers. See? This is all it takes to make me happy…plus a stop at Burger King (click here to learn more).

I often get asked “How do you do it? How do you find the time to shower, let alone dress?” There is no easy answer, no formula or schedule I follow.  I give myself the time I need to feel my best because I AM WORTH IT.  Those are four very easy words to write, yet very hard words to believe. I give the best of myself to my family. I do laundry, I hug the hurt, restrain them when stitches are being applied, I clean up after sickness, I am there to answer the questions, I wipe away the tears, I listen to childhood problems and the politics of the playground. I use my high school French, I feel their pain, physical or emotional and know life will only get harder. I give everything of myself and I complain about it, I suffer silently, I am a martyr and I am selfish.

Life may start at point A but it never ends in a perfectly straight line to point B, why would motherhood? Motherhood is easy and then difficult by noon. I often wonder how the hell I got here – stay at home mother of four and three of those little people are boys! There are times I throw my hands up in defeat and then I give myself a minute to calm down and push my way through until bedtime. Then when everyone is asleep I pour myself a glass of wine and curse and then I thank God I have the four little monkeys. I am blessed to be a mother because the alternative would break my heart.

If you feel the need to get me something all I am still asking for are votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. It requires a Facebook account. PLEASE vote for me here, I'm on page 7. My goal is to make the Top 15 and from there a Judging Panel pick the top 5. You can only vote once, for those who have voted Thank You.

I am linking up with the Pleated Poppy for What I Wore. Check out what the other bloggers wore here.

Anyway Happy Mother's Day!

Drop it Like It's Hot

The weather has been AMAZING!! I've been wearing maxi dresses and skirts all week. This one from Target is really long and really comfortable, except the criss cross top won't stay closed (RIP Chris Kelly). I had to pin it shut, but not before I flashed every person at the Ecco Fall Preview.

Jacket, Gap. Dress, Target. Necklace, Avon. Bracelet, c/o Cocoa Jewelry. Clutch, Jeanne Lottie. Flip Flops, Tory Burch (old). Sunglasses, Ray Ban (old).

I am still asking for votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. PLEASE vote for me here, I'm on page 6. My goal is to make the Top 15 and from there a Judging Panel pick the top 5.

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy. Check out what other blogger are wearing here.

I Smell Amazing - A Perfect Mother's Day Gift

Perfume is one of those things I love. I remember as a child my mother had the most interesting perfume bottles - a young girl jumping rope was the most memorable, a close second was a bottle shaped like a bird bath. She would display them in the bathroom and I vowed that when I grew up I would own my own collection. I'm all grown up and my perfume collection is seriously lacking. I was fortunate enough that the wonderful people at Coty gifted me 3 bottles of perfume - See By Chloe, euphoria by Calvin Klein and Balenciaga 10, Avenue George V.

The bottle for See By Chloe reminds me of my childhood - it's shaped like a birdcage and stands on three little feet. It has a light and pretty floral scent that for me is perfect for Spring and Summer. I love the vanilla undertone and it is my new favourite scent.

My husbands favourite was euphoria by Calvin Klein. Something about the black violet and sensual musk dry notes strike a chord with men. I was visiting the Beauty Boutique at Shoppers Drug Mart and an associate told me it does very well ever Christmas because men just love it.

My girlfriend Nicole was at my house when I was doing the smell tests and she just loved the Balenciaga perfume. If you can't buy a handbag why not this exquisite sent? She asked me who doesn't want to smell like a sophisticated French woman? The beauty of a rose is what this perfume captures. I gifted this perfume to Nicole and wished her a Happy Mother's Day.

 These perfumes are a great addition to any collection or a great start to new ones.

Day and Night

Some of us go from the office to an evening out. Here's my little quick change option.

My son had a little problem staying straight up. He was fine, no worries.

Blazer & Skirt, Banana Republic. Blouse, Joe Fresh (old). Jeans, Adriano Goldschmied (old). Shoes, Jimmy Choo (old). Purse, Furla (old). Necklaces, Cocoa Jewelry here & here. Bracelets, Cocoa Jewelry here & here.

I'm still asking for votes for the Salsa Jeans Competition. You can vote for me here if you'd like. It's a Facebook Competition. 50 Bloggers showing of their denim style. I'm on page 6. The link doesn't work on tablets or smart phones. 

My Cocoa Jewelry Giveaway for $100 gift card ends Sunday. You still have a few more days to enter. Good Luck and have a great weekend!

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Put it in Neutral

I find mixing neutrals as difficult as mixing colours. Finding the right shade of ivory or blush to pair with this skirt was a welcome challenge.

The skirt has a great pocket detail and a wonderful, yet very slight, hi/low hemline. These details make the skirt that much more special.

The skirt is made of this amazing woven fabric, and coral is the predominate colour with gold thread running through it. Everything about this skirt is subtle. The pictures don't do it justice. It was a no brainer to pair it with lots of great gold accessories.

Blouse, Wilfrid (old). Skirt, c/o Zamrie here, Shoes, Christian Louboutin (old). Clutch, DKNY (old). Necklace, c/o Cocoa Jewelry here. Belt, Joe Fresh (old).

I'm still asking for votes for the Salsa Jeans Competition. You can vote for me here if you'd like. It's a Facebook Competition. 50 Bloggers showing of their denim style. I'm on page 5.

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday. Getting inspired by other bloggers.

My Cocoa Jewelry Giveaway for $100 gift card ends Sunday. You still have a few more days to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway