SS 2015 HANDBAG INSPO: EFFORTLESS PASTELS

For spring and summer I'm all about that relaxed, effortless look, so it's no surprise that the same goes for handbags!  (the slouchier the better!)  Also, pastels are on trend right now, so it's great to be able to incorporate some fun seasonal colours into your wardrobe with bags.  I've listed some of my favourites below!

1. Valentino Fringed Tote- $2,995 USD
I can't help but love a good fringe bag!  Fringe is very on trend and gives the "effortless bohemian" look.  The subtle touches of fringe on this tote makes it a practical choice, but also gives off a fun and playful vibe.

2. Chanel Deauville Tote- contact your local Chanel boutique for pricing
I love this bag because it is so different from all the typical Chanel bags everyone has seen before, yet it still has some signature Chanel touches, such as the gorgeous leather woven chain.  It is a great casual/everyday tote for those who appreciate functionality as well as the class and quality that come with a Chanel handbag.

3. Nancy Gonzalez Small Two-Pocket Crocodile Backpack- $3,200 USD
Although not technically a handbag, backpacks have been on the rise for years now, and are becoming increasingly popular among celebrities and fashion icons.  The crocodile exterior keeps this bag classy, while the subdued pink colour adds to it's fun factor yet prevents it from being "in your face".

4. Bottega Veneta Large Intrecciato Hobo- $2,850 USD
Dear Bottega Veneta: if you would like to gift me one of these I'd be really happy.  P.S. I'm not picky on colour...  This bag is my current obsession!  In my opinion, it is the epitome of the perfect spring bag, with its slouchy hobo shape and many pastel colours to choose from!

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs New Q Quilted Karlie Crossbody- $258 USD
This cute Marc by Marc Jacobs crossbody is a great way to get in on the spring handbag trend while still keeping it affordable!  I personally love the quilting and the chain, and I think the size and price make it a great purchase for all ages.

6. Valentino Rockstud Camera Bag- $1,395 USD
I always tend to look past camera style bags, but this one definitely made me take a second look!  I love the classic Valentino rockstud detailing, but also the cute pop of colour.  I think this would make a good vacation bag, as it is small and compact for when you only need the essentials.

7. Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium Fringe Satchel Bag- $1,795 USD
Another fringe pick!  I love this twist on the classic PS1 handbag.  It makes it fun and youthful, and goes perfectly with the rest of the bags details.

8. Celine Lambskin Small Trio Crossbody- contact your local Celine boutique for pricing, Holt Renfrew $1,050.00 CAD
This crossbody is a new favourite of mine.  It is so versatile, with its ability to transform into a clutch, whilst looking polished and chic.  This is a great purchase for anyone who is looking for a simple, casual bag.

9. Stella McCartney Falabella Faux Brushed-Leather Shoulder Bag- $1,195 USD
This handbag is a great choice for those who want a high-end bag, but do not want real leather.  The leather on this bag looks chic, and not the least bit tacky!  I am a fan of the gorgeous mint colour, as well as the edgy chain detailing!

10. Michael Kors Miranda Tote- $1,091
I love every aspect of this tote, from the shape to the minimalistic hardware to the functionality.  The pink colour is the perfect way to add spring pastels into any look.  I think this tote would make a great purchase for anyone looking for a fun and easy handbag.

COZY SATURDAY

As much as I love dressing up, I can't help but equally love a good cozy outfit, especially when it still looks pulled together!  For me, a pair of Uggs and a soft sweater do just the trick when paired with this coat and floppy hat.

I'm wearing: Wilfox Lennon Sweater in Star/Champagne, Wilfred Fei Coat in Black, Ugg Bailey Bow Boots in Victorian Pink, and Topshop Floppy Wool Fedora Hat in Black.

HOLIDAY DRESS GUIDE 2014

It's that time of year again.  All of your favorite department stores have put up their Christmas decorations, and if you live somewhere cold enough, you've probably even experienced your first snowfall of the year.  With the holiday season, comes holiday parties.  As I've been scanning net-a-porter and such, a few dresses have jumped out at me and said "perfect holiday party dress!"  Without further ado, here are my picks for Holiday 2014.  Happy Holidays!:

ALICE + OLIVIA
Tevin Jacquard Mini Dress (sizes 4, 8, 10)
Tevin Jacquard Mini Dress (size 12 only)

SAINT LAURENT
Leather and PVC-embellished crepe mini dress

ALICE + OLIVIA
Nelly Metallic Jacquard Dress (sizes 6 and 8)
Nelly Metallic Jacquard Dress (sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, 10)

OSCAR DE LA RENTA
Wrap-Effect Halter Style Dress

ZARA

Full Skirted Dress

TOPSHOP

Chiffon Pleated Dress

NASTY GAL

Red Alert Metallic Shimmer Dress

A LEATHER JACKET

Leather is one of my favorite materials to wear.  I love everything about it.  The smell of new leather, the texture of it, the way it looks when it ages.  I love this leather bomber jacket with modern details. It looks great with contemporary pieces, but also has the ability to look equally amazing with those fall classics.

I'm wearing: T by Alexander Wang Bomber Jacket in Black Leather, Maje Grafik Smoke Print Crop Top, Babaton Alvin Shorts in Black, and Gianvito Rossi Cap Toe Loafer.

Fall 2014 Trend Watch

Bag Charms

Bag charms are a cute and inexpensive way to revive an old bag or spice up a new one.  They can vary from the adorable (and fuzzy) Fendi monsters to the classy and timeless Louis Vuitton Fleur de Monogram charms.  I personally absolutely adore bag charms and how they have the ability to change up your whole look.

Chiara Ferragni of The Blonde Salad with her Fendi Karlito Bag Charm on her Hermés Kelly bag.

Ponchos
Yes, they're back!  In my opinion, a poncho is the finishing touch on that "quintessential fall look."  I'm loving the Burberry Prorsum blanket and love how Rosie Huntington-Whitely wears it.

Cabin Cozy (and Chic)

Parkas and flannels and fair isle knit sweaters, oh my!  I've always loved a good aspen-inspired look.  This season change up your cozy sweater game by pairing your winter clothes with unexpected items for a fall twist. (I may or may have an obsession with the entire Tommy Hilfiger F/W 14/15 collection!)

JEWEL TONES

Fall is finally here!  Everyone's probably still depressed about summer ending, but fall is by far my favorite season in terms of clothing pieces and colors.  I adore all the emerald and rich ruby tones, and love how they look all tied together with a classic navy.

I'm wearing: Babaton Ainsley Blouse in Emerald/Navy (linked in black), Babaton pants in Navy (sold out, similar here), and J.Crew Anya Suede Ballet Flats in Crimson Maple.

PARIS: Where to stay, go, eat, and shop!

Hey everyone!  I know it's been a while since I've gotten back from Paris, but I haven't gotten a chance to get this post up yet and wanted to make sure I did.  I'll be following up with a post about Venice/Florence within a couple of days, so keep checking for that!

I was in Paris for just over a week, from the end of July to the beginning of August.  We had nice weather everyday, but the downside was when August came around, all the Parisians had fled for their annual vacations and the culture was kind of just "gone".

Where to Stay

Honestly, Paris isn't cheap, and there's no avoiding expensive rates on small hotel rooms.  If you're feeling brave, you can try to look for an apartment.  I know people who have stayed in stunning apartments in Montmartre for a week for the same price as two or three nights in a nice hotel.  Although you'll probably be restricted to using the metro, you'll end up with a huge space if you're lucky and some extra cash in your pocket.  If you do decide going this route, make sure to do your research, or you may end up with some ugly surprises.

My family and I stayed at the Hotel Scribe Paris in the Opera District (9th arrondissement.)  Although I didn't expect this area to be convenient or central, I was pleasantly surprised.  Everything was close and within walking distance (especially shopping ;)).  (For reference, we were able to walk through the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th arrondissements without trouble.  There are probably other walkable areas, but the only other area we went to was Montmartre, which we chose to take the metro to.)  The rooms weren't fancy  but they were fine, and I have come to learn that you pay for a little bit more than what you get in Paris.  I was pleased with the service at the hotel, from a tray of exotic fruits and macarons when we first got to our room, to the gifts we received at our departure.  Overall, the hotel was fine, and because of it's location and service I would recommend it.

Hotel Scribe Paris - managed by Sofitel

Where to Go

Paris can be a bit overwhelming in terms of tourist attractions, but you kind of just have to figure out what is best suited to you.  For example, if you're traveling with young children, it's probably not ideal to be spending everyday in a museum.  It's a good idea to pick up some travel books before you go, and take a look at them.  I personally like the ones that are day by day all planned out, not because I like to follow the long days of tourist attractions they have listed, (that would be EXHAUSTING!) but because I find them easier to follow, and I like to be able to just flip the book open and see what else there is to do in the area I am in.  I recommend Frommer's Paris Day by Day. 

Below I've made a list of the hands-down must-do attractions in Paris:

• The Eiffel Tower- go to the top around noon and come back before 10pm for a picnic to see it all lit up
• The Arc de Triomphe
• The Louvre
• Musée d'Orsay- honestly I preferred this over the Louvre, the Louvre was too overwhelmingly large for my taste
• Sacré-cœur- breathtaking views of the entire city if you're up for the climb
• Notre Dame Cathedral

Sacré-cœur

Where to Eat

Food in Paris is pricey, especially in the mainstream cafés along the busy streets.  You will find better deals (and better food) if you venture out of the main streets.  If possible, I would recommend you try to get breakfast at your hotel included in your room rate.  I would also recommend at least one gastronomic experience if you're in Paris for more than a few days.  I've listed three of my favourite restaurants down below.

Café Constant- good French cuisine at a good price

Laudurée, Champs-Elysées- beautiful setting for a classy Sunday brunch before a day full of shopping,  make reservations in advance if you don't want to wait (a trip here wouldn't be complete without trying their famous macarons!)

Epicure at the Hotel Bristol- a truly gastronomic experience, delicious and creative food, and top notch service and decor

Brunch at Laudurée

Where to Shop

From boutiques to markets to department stores, Paris has something for everyone!

Affordable-chic:

• Zara
• Mango
• H&M
• Monki
• Galeries Lafayette

Mid-priced and super nice:

• Maje
• Claudie Pierlot
• Longchamp
• Galeries Lafayette

High-fashion and couture:

• Triangle D'or (at the east end of the shopping strip of Champs-Elysées, carrying most luxury brands; Givenchy, Chanel, Dolce & Gabanna, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Dior, Saint Laurent, Céline, etc., etc.,)
• Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré (this street houses every french luxury brand you could dream of, as well as most other luxury brands)
• Chanel Flagship Store (an experience in itself; even if you don't plan on making a purchase, a trip here is a must for every chanel fanatic)
• Galeries Lafayette
• Au Printemps

Chanel Flagship Store, 31 rue Cambon