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

MODERN ROYALTY

I don't usually wear skirts during the day, but sometimes it's fun to play dress up.  I love how this look is classy and timeless yet modern and fresh all at the same time.

I'm wearing: Mango Premium Cropped Sweater in off-white, T by Alexander Wang Matte-satin Mini Skirt, Louis Vuitton Favorite PM, American Apparel Wooden Heel Sandals in charcoal.

RECENT PURCHASES: Paris

I just got back from Europe yesterday, and I'm missing it already!  While in Paris, shopping is a must, so I did... Take a look below the photo for details and links to where you can purchase.

From left to right: Christian Louboutin Decollette 554 100mm in nude, Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Thick Headband in black (I couldn't find it available to purchase anywhere else online, but should still be available in department stores and SF boutiques), Prada Bi-Fold Saffiano Wallet in orchid pink, Maje Grafik Smoke Print Crop Top, and Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Tote Bag in navy.

A WEEK IN POLAND: Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk

Hello everyone!  First off I would just like to apologize for not posting for a while. I've been really really busy and haven't gotten any time to catch up with things. On July 21st I left for Europe for three weeks. Right now I'm in the Paris airport waiting on a flight to Venice, but I wanted to kind of guide you through my time in Poland.  Unfortunately they are from my phone because we didn't bring the camera cord, but I promise real pictures when I get back.

Warsaw

Warsaw is the centre of Poland, along with the most populated area.  It is located in the centre of the country.  While it has a convenient central location, it isn't the prettiest city in the country.  It's not ugly, but just looks like most other European "big cities."  There's not much to do, so we only spent 3 days there.

Recommended: Willanow Palace (beautiful castle about 20 mins outside of the main area)

Hotel: Hotel Bristol Warsaw

Really stunning top-notch hotel.  We got breakfast included but I'm not sure if it's included in all room rates.  I can honestly say this was one of the best hotel experiences I've ever had, from the super helpful concierge that went to the ends of the earth to find my phone when I lost it, to the really cozy-chic rooms that made you feel right at home.

Krakow

Gorgeous city, the old town square is absolutely beautiful!  Lots to do here, I would say you need 3-4 days to enjoy it all.  Outside of the city is Aushwitz (Concentration camp from World War II) and the Wielicka Salt Mine.  

Recommended: Wawel Royal Castle (where the polish royals lived), carriage ride around old town square, Da Pietro restaurant

Hotel: Sheraton Hotel Krakow

Nothing really special, but a nice hotel with excellent service and clean rooms.  Sheraton kind of has a "broad spectrum" in terms of hotel quality, but I would say this one was on the nicer side.  They also had a really nice rooftop lounge which was a bonus.

Gdansk

Located on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea, Gdansk is a city full of culture and fun!  We were there during the St. Dominic's fair, which attracts thousands of people each year.  About a 30 minute drive or 1.25 ferry ride away is Sopot, a "hidden gem" in Poland.  Sopot is a beach town housing several resorts and the longest wooden pier in Europe.  As I usually like the relaxed beach towns more than big cities, I would probably prefer to next time stay in Sopot and spend my time there.

(I have no phone pictures because I left my phone at the airport in Krakow, luckily I found it though!)

Recommended: Grycan Ice Cream (locations around the country), Lookier Café, Sopot

Hotel: Hilton Hotel Gdansk

Pros: nice pool, really nice rooftop lounge overlooking the city and the river, new & clean hotel

Cons: service was not the best, general areas were kind of reminiscent of a doctors office waiting area, breakfast not included

STYLE ICON: Kim Kardashian

If one thing's consistent in fashion, it's that Kim Kardashian will always look fabulous.  Even when showing a little skin (ahem, that black blazer!) she always manages to look classy and pulled together.  While we can't all have Kim Kardashians closet (or budget!) we can use her style as inspiration to purchase our own fabulous pieces and create totally Kardashian-worthy outfits.  I've compiled a list below of 7 Kim K wardrobe staples, each with a couture option and a more inexpensive one.  Happy shopping!

1. The below-the-knee Pencil Skirt

Try this favourite in pastel blue patent leather.

STEAL/SPLURGE

2. The White Blazer

Kim loves Stella McCartney's version linked below. (right side, middle row in photo above)

STEAL/SPLURGE

3. The Turtleneck Crop-Top

Business at the top, party at the bottom?

STEAL/SPLURGE

4. The "barely there" Heels

In nude because it's summer and everyone has the black ones.

STEAL/SPLURGE

5. The thigh-rip Jeans

They look scraggly and ragged, but Kim dresses them up.

STEAL/SPLURGE

6. The Bodysuit

You may be surprised to know that most of the time when Kim is wearing a top "tucked in," it's really a bodysuit. (Kim has worn both listed below)

STEAL/SPLURGE

7. The pointed-toe Heel

An elegant, timeless and versatile heel.  Kim loves Saint Laurent and Giuseppe Zanotti.

STEAL/SPLURGE

xo,

Gabriella

(SUN)DAY

There's nothing like a crisp white in the summer.  White is the only color that can be worn on it's own, head to toe (unless it's winter!)  A bonus?  The colour contrasts with your skin to give you a gorgeous glow.

I'm wearing: Wilfred Cassis Blouse in white (sold out, similar one here), Talula Kent Blazer in white, rag&bone/JEAN The Skinny Jeans in white, Aldo wedges (not available anymore, similar here), Louis Vuitton Favorite MM, Banana Republic bracelet, Tiffany & Co. Heart Tag Pearl Bracelet, Charm Bracelet, various charms.

Gabriella

Tea for Two

 

High Tea for two

                                  

There are few things that make you feel more regal than high tea.  Honestly I'm not much of a tea drinker myself, but I do enjoy the occasional trip to the Neverland Tea Salon.  This quaint little tea shop in Kitsilano has the perfect amount of shabby chic decor without looking the tiniest bit tacky.  Their tea list has something to satisfy everyone's tastes, even picky tea drinkers like me!  (Of course if tea really isn't your thing, they have coffees and other beverages as well.)  I recommend the piña colada tea, a neat twist on the original drink.  Along with the fixed price high tea, they also have an à la carte menu with many options, perfect for lunch, brunch, or even a light dinner.  A trip to the Neverland Tea Salon is the perfect way to spend your afternoon. 

Until next time,

Gabriella