The Roundup: April 9th, 2016

Four Things I Loved This Week

The Roundup: Food You Can Wear

The Roundup is baaaack. And this Friday we're talkin food that you can wear, but cant eat.

Trend Talk

Spring may have taken a while to show its face this year, and sure its currently a balmy 3 degrees today, but that doesn't detract from the fact that spring trends are some of the BEST trends!

My personal favorite of these trends happen to be: open toe shoes, moto leather jackets, ripped denim, anything linen, and all white looks. In case you missed my spring trend round ups and discussions, feel free to peruse them here for the first time or again and again --> for shoe trends here --> for jacket trends for a discussion on popular 90's trends....and finally, check out the list below for my Flamingo obsessed trend round up. Also while you're at it check out the 19 other great bloggers who made the cut this week.
 
Enjoy
Also Known as Anuli: "Why Don't You Write a Letter?"

Aspects of Style: 4 Things Yoga Can Teach Us About Blogging

Attire Club: Mens Mid-Spring Outfits: A Bright Easter

Bonjourdin: Beauty Crush: Peach

Burgundy Whispers: Beauty Bit: Clarins Skincare

Daisychains and Daydreamers:  Bournemouth Blogger's Clothing Swap

DressCode:HighFashion: Backstage at Roberto Cavalli

Fashion Tales Blog: The Smart Tech Traveler

I Can Style U:  Cat Eye vs. Bat Wing

Lara Lizard: Beauty Tips From The Ladies of Medieval Europe

Nothing 2 Wear Novello: Trending: Flamingos

Petite Career Girl: Orange Lip Trend for Less than $10

The Coveted: Why Do You Wear Makeup?

The Dragonfruit Diaries: 3 Ways to Wear a Bodycon Dress for a Day

The Stylist: Best Blogger Hairstyles

Trend Survivor:  Trend Posting: Sneakers & How to Wear Them

Wear it Better:  Do You Ever Get Tired of Blogging?
 
We Are Ready Made:  Hero of the Week: Phoebe Philo

Wild Beauty World: What is Looking Young Anyway?

The Round Up: November 1st

Welcome the cooler weather with these 3 beauty essentials

The Round Up: Friday August 9, 2013

Happy Friday guys, I guess today's post is somewhat of a milestone, because it happens to be my 100th post! 

When I started my blog I kept it a secret and actually didn't tell a soul (except my hubby) because I was a tad self conscious about my writing, now only 7 months later I am so happy to be sharing my work with readers from all around the world. So thanks guys, seriously, from the bottom of my heart thank you for all your support and love. Especially to my friends and fam who have given me great words of support and encouragement, Laur, Mila and Nicole, Mom & Yus; thanks a million! 

Anyways, on to this weeks round up, which I know is why you stopped by today. Since I am on a lil narcissistic kick I figured I would share with you my top 3 monogrammed fashionable items. What better way to say "Damn, I really love me!" than with monogrammed swag? There is no better way, so enjoy and as always have a splendid weekend! 

1. Anthropologie has really nailed down the "initial pj" with this one. Of course for your viewing pleasure here is the "J" in all its polka-dotted glory. Sigh...I love it!

I am in love with the fact that each initial comes in a different color and pattern. Mine just happens to be polka dot which makes me a very happy girl. Oh and each letter is designed different  how cute is my lil umbrella?

 Dotted Monogram Buttondown $88.00

2. Net up, in shoes I have been dreaming about but likely will not own, (unless hubby decides I deserve these as an anniversary gift?) the Charlotte Olympia horoscope smoking slippers. P.S I'm a Taurus. 

You don't have to love these, I totally get it, they are so "different" they borderline on weird. But that is what makes them phenomenal! Even just for funzies I think you should check out the entire line, head over to Charlotte Olympia's e-com site and check them out. Or you can pick them up from our friends at Net-a-Porter 

Charlotte Olympia Cosmic Collection - Taurus $695

3. Now, maybe you easily forget your name and wish for a subtle reminder while you're at your desk typing, or you really just like cute tiny rings you can check out Jacquie Aiche's Alphabet Letter ring collection. 

At $77 the gold-vermeil rings are dainty and hand crafted, perfect for stacking or just wearing alone, perhaps on a pinky, I know you wanna. 

The Round Up: July 12, 2013

Two weeks ago in my round up I discussed the many citrus patterns that have been in bloom over the past few seasons.  It had me thinking long and hard about patterns (trust me I can fixate on these sorts of things).

I ended up making a list of my favorite “Print Masters”. You may have a similar list, because these designers are famous for colorful, creative and all around mind blowing prints.

I love patterns so much that if I could only wear 1 of these designers head to toe, for the rest of my life I would be perfectly content. Of course if I were told I could get my hands on ANY of these designers without having to sell my spleen I would be even more content.

My list includes: DVF, Missoni, Etro, Versace, Pucci, BCBG and Moschino.

Personally, I believe that prints are much easier to incorporate into your wardrobe than you may imagine. For some, the idea of wearing prints evokes images that belong in the “What not to wear” section of a magazine. But if worn correctly prints can easily become your new best friend. My apologies to your current best friend who may feel suddenly left out.

My advice is to choose patterns or prints that can be paired with neutral color items or with black. Trying to pair a tropical print with a bright yellow items is for the pros, start off simple with something like a pastel print knit with pair of white pants for the summer.

Check out today’s round up for more examples’, and as always have a fantabulous weekend!

1. Missoni: sigh…..I could get lost in a sea of Missoni, every piece is so fresh and whimsical, romantic and yet mature at the same time. There’s just something about a good knit that makes me really happy. And nobody does printed knits better than Missoni.

(P.S... some pre-fall comin your way) Missoni Stripped wool-blend sweater

Not ready for a full out investment? Try a head band or a scarf. Missoni Wave Print Headband  from Shopbop.

I love this zigzag pattern scarf. Missoni Zigzag Stole. Missoni Zigzag Stole.

2. DVF: when you think of "classic prints" I hope one of the designers that comes to mind is Diane von Furstenberg! Her patterned wrap dress is absolutely classic for a reason, well for many reasons, but one of my personal reasons for why they are all timeless is the bold geometrical print in a primary color. Have you noticed DFV’s use of yellow, red and blue? She throws in green, pink and black and white quite often but doesn't go reinventing the color wheel.

I absolutely love this dress! DVF "Jessica" Dress

Annnnd this dress. DVF "Ruri" Dress

Of course there is always her classic wrap dress. Trust me you absolutly cannot go wrong with a DVF wrap dress.  DVF New Julian Printed Silk Wrap Dress 

3. Versace: its impossible to mistake a Versace print for anything else. The color palette usually involves some sort of florescent pink, bright sky blue or the traditional leopard print. Of course with the addition of  beautifully detailed gold buttons. 

Are you brave enough to wear Versace? You may already know this, but I have a fashion rule (one of my many) the only time it is acceptable to wear a hiked up hemline with a shirt revealing enough for a fashion malfunction (a Janet Jackson moment as Bestie and I call it) is if you're wearing Versace. If you're going to be bold, go all out, but please do it with Italian couture. 

Oh I would really love to get my hands on this vest, I can keep dreaming. Versace Music Print Vest

And here we have a pair of pants, if you know me, you know with certainty that I would wear these to the grocery store. Versace Vintage Floral Skinny Pants

I will admit that the Versace print is not the easiest to digest. To say its bold is an understatement. It takes a bit of bravery to don the two items I posted above. So if you're a print virgin why not try out a bikini? Versace Printed Triangle Bikini 

The Round Up: July 5th 2013

Today I am feeling random, maybe it was the short work week, or the fact that I can’t wait for the weekend to begin, but I can’t seem to focus on one thing today.

 I am all over the map, and so is this round up, I hope you enjoy it :)

1. Dannijo Pete Earrings: Oh Flamingo Pete I love you, and I love these earrings. I am bordering on obsessive with my love for this jewelry line. Available from Shopbop, there’s a large stash right now, including SALE items! I repeat, SALE!

2. NARS lipstick – speaking of obsessed, I have fallen truly madly and deeply in love with these NARS satin lip pencils. For those of us who can’t apply lipstick properly (I’m not the only one, right?) these are the solution!  

“Lodhi” is my go-to shade. It seems to go with everything I’m wearing, and really brightens up my complexion. A bit of bronzer + this lip stick and I am fresh faced and ready to go. You can find it at any Sephora store or online. 

Even more amazing, their Velvet Matte LipPencil (if you’re into Matte, which you should be!)

“Never Say Never – Lilac Rose” is definitely the next one I’m trying out. It looks like the perfect summer shade.

3. Last night I visited Anthropologie  for a little summer fashion show. Their current collection is really romantic, filled with lace, floral patterns, cute girly rompers, lots of open backs and cut out shapes and even some light weight summer leather. I am pretty obsessed with this skirt. It will be the perfect addition to my summer wardrobe, and I would style it similar to the photo below with a thin cotton cami, OR even with a chambray shirt tucked in, even a plain white racer back tank would work.

Anthropologie Swing Skirt . Ohhh, and I could pair those fantastic flamingo earrings with this look!

Wishing everyone a perfect weekend, I will be partying it-up with one of my very best friends’ to celebrate her last few weeks of the single life. Yes that’s right, its bachelorette time, woohoo! I just love girl’s weekends!

The Round Up: June 28, 2013

I have always been a fan of patterns, prints, and stripes. The less conventional the pattern the happier I am. Give me birds, lil horsey’s, frogs, you name it and I will wear it with pride.

Imagine my excitement with the arrival of all these new citrus print patterns that have been sprouting up over the past few seasons.

It all started with the Stella McCartney lemon lime and grapefruit patterned skirt pictured above that sparked my love for citrus print clothing and accessories. Since I didn't win the lottery last summer I never had the chance to own that "sweet" skirt. I truly longed for the day when a more affordable line produced a similar pattern.

Luckily this summer the pattern is still quite popular and very wearable. Today's round up lists three designers who have embraced the trend, in three different price ranges.

Enjoy, and happy Canada Day to all you crazy Canadians ;)

1.Treat Yourself: Pineapple Mini from J.Crew

You guys, how cute is this skirt? And the good thing is its not TOO cute, its just the right amount of fun, it tells the world you don't take life too serious but you can make serious fashion choices (and that's good right?) I love it paired exactly as is, with a basic stripped t-shirt. 

2. The Investment Piece: Moschino Knee Length Skirt

Moschino is having a sale, a big one! This skirt is now 50% off, its still a slight investment and heck its not super practical but its Moschino, so its special, and its made in Italy, and its got pineapples on it, can you really go wrong?

This Pineapple print shirt is also on sale

I have one issue with this amazing online sale, they don't shop to Canada :( As a side note can someone please help me petition for shipping to Canada!!! My favorite brand doesn't ship to my country. This is really distressing. 

3. Break the Bank: And now, in things I will never own unless they go on super sale, the Charlotte Olympia Fruit Clutch.

Its really not fair that these babies are so expensive, but I get it, they are limited edition and highly coveted.  Check out the watermelon counterpart (I'm thirsty for some sangria right now by the way)

Sure, its the same amount as a mortgage payment, but I am pretty sure with purchase you also inherit a watermelon farm, right? Either way i still think its super cute, hey if someone can find me a cheaper version I would be all over that. Lemme know in the comments below if you have any shopping tips :) 

The Round Up: June 21, 2013

Happy first day of summer! 

Today's round up features some super cute items from one of my fav designers -  Rebecca Minkoff. The current collections screams SUMMER, so I have chosen 3 pieces to showcase today, on this lovely sunny day that marks the official start of sunshine and patio season. 

If you don't yet own a piece of Rebecca Minkoff clothing or jewelry I bet you will within the next year. Her line has been around for years but recently has taken on a whole new vibe. That vibe is of course STUNNING, trendy, WEARABLE. 

I have already mentioned how awesome her new jewelry line is, HERE

Now I'm coveting pretty much all of her SS'13 collection, especially the bags! Note: I am not even a 'bag person' yet I have been drooling over her bag collection ever since I spotted them in Holt Renfrew a few weeks ago. 

So today's round up is all about Rebecca, enjoy. 
P.S all items can be found on Shopbop.com. 

1.high heeled sandal

Trust me when I tell you these can be your perfect go-to sandal for the entire summer. The color are neutral but not boring, the heel is high but not SKY high, they appear to be fairly comfortable because there is lots of arch and instep support so your toes wont be sliding anywhere.

You can pair these babies with anything from white skinny jeans, to a cute eyelet dress, or a short leather skirt. Rebecca Minkoff Barista High Heel Sandals.  

2. palm tree print pouch

Summer is the time to have fun with your accessories. And a landscape of palm trees and the ocean is obviously the best way to do so. Rebecca Minkoff Palm Tree Lissa Pouch

3. eyelet skirt

Isn't this skirt gorgeous? The detail + the material make this officially my favorite skirt of the season. 

And then you see the back, ahh exposed zipper I love you! There is also contouring with the seam to enhance your... assets. Rebecca Minkoff Della Eyelet Skirt

The Round Up: June 17 2013

Here is a special Monday edition of the round up due to the fact that I was feeling a tad under the weather last Friday and then I was off camping over the weekend, I don't know if you know this but, its slightly difficult to post while camping in a forest. But don't worry, I didn't neglect Candy Crush, I am on a pretty difficult level right now and it has basically taken over my life. 

So guess what...only 4 days to go until the official start of summer! Over the past two weeks I talked about my favorite skin care and hair care products that have helped me through the humid and hot summers of past. Today I am going to share my top nail care products with you and then you will be on your own. Good luck young grasshopper. 

P.S all products available at Sephora

1. Repair Damaged Nails:  I am a nail polish junkie. Not only are my nails always, ALWAYS painted but in the past few years they are always shellac'd. I just cant resist, the shine, the intense color, never having to touch up my own nail polish, shellac is a nail junkies crack, and I am not ashamed to say I am very much addicted. 

The result is that after months of not allowing my nails to breathe under the shallac my nails end up brittle and cant even hold a polish. I usually let my nails recuperate from the abuse during the summer months because its less dry than the winter when my nails do better with a protective layer of shellac. The best product out there to aid in the recovery is Julep Nail 911 System. 

Its a dose of vitamins B,C and E for your nails,comes with a cuticle serum that aids in the nail growth process and contains sugar cane enzymes to dissolve dull surface cells - like an exfoliate for your nails!

2. Prep For A Perfect Mani: Who doesn't want a flawless mani? Of course if your nails have been through a traumatizing dry winter or you have over done it with the acrylics or shellac then you may have bumpy nails covered with ridges.

Butter London Nail Foundation is fantastic! its a base coat that hides these tiny ridges so you can get a flawless manicure. The bonus is its a nice matte that can be worn alone, also important if you're trying to give your nails a break and let them breathe for a bit. 

3. That PERFECT summer color: I don't know about you, but over here I have been searching for a perfect light blue nail polish for three years. Three years seems like a long time to be yearning and searching desperately for a certain nail color. But that's just the amount of dedication I have devoted to building my nail polish collection. This nails inc London color may just be the one. 

Something about baby blue, I think its the perfect summer color. No matter your skin tone or nail length a nice light blue on a clean nail will brighten up any outfit. If I had a summer wedding I would have worn this color and called it my "something blue" (oh that's GENIUS, I encourage you to try it out)  I guess my search is over...next up, the perfect orange matte lipstick. Anyone have a favorite? Let me know in the comment section below pretty please. 

The Round Up: June 7, 2013

Happy Friday!

We are only two weeks away from the first day of summer. Yippy! The only issue is, its freezing and rainy here in Toronto. So lets pretend I live somewhere warm like say....ANYWHERE ELSE, and make believe that I have to battle the affects of heat, humidity and sunshine.  

Sooo, here I am in sunny MIAMI, FLORIDA (that's better) and the weather is hot, hot, hot. Not to mention its super humid, ugh. I am quite concerned that my color treated hair is already suffering from all those trips to the beach on the weekends. Whats a girl to do?

My top 3 issues are 1. Frizz due to high levels of humidty 2. Damage from heat and sun 3. That uncomfortable feeling of hair sticking to the back of your neck on the super warm days

1. Fight frizz due to humidity: I previously lived in the UK, so please trust that I understand humidity and the affects it has on your hair. The key to preventing epic frizz failures is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!  If your hair is not properly hydrated and you further torture it with a blow dryer, then step out into a humid climate, say bye bye to whatever style you had five min before.

My recommendation is simple, use a natural, high quality styling product before applying any hear to your tresses. I live for Phyto products so here I have shown you their Daily Ultra Nourishing Botanical Cream.

Available at Sephora, this particular product is so lightweight and you only need a teeny tiny bit to do the job. One tube lasts forever because a little goes a long way. I only use it when I am going to heat style my hair, it is not my daily leave in conditioner. 

2. Protect your color treated hair from sun and heat damage: Ojon products work well and smell oh so good. The Ojon secret is a combination of ginseng, lemongrass and honey, which earns bonus points for being a refreshing summer scent. Ojon Rare Blend Protecting Treatment 

I like this one because it doesn't make my hair greasy. Make sure to shake it well before use as it does tend to separate when left to settle. 

3. I just cut my hair last week (more on that later) but prior to that my hair was really bringing me down. My solution was to tie my hair up in a pony tail or messy bun day after day, after day. The only good thing that came from that was I discovered these super cute "ouchless" hair ties from Anthropologie. Not just important for people with gross split ends who haven't colored their hair in 10 months, these cute hair ties will keep your hair off your neck and out of your face in the heat : Cute hair ties from Anthropologie

How cute are they? I feel slightly less guilty tying my hair back when the colorful and sparkly tie peaks out around my pony tail. 

So, now that I shared my summer hair woes I would like to know what issues do you deal with when the temperature rises? 

As usual please share below. And make sure to have a fantastic weekend :) 

The Round Up: May 31, 2013

Happy Friday everyone! The first day of summer is officially only 3 weeks away. While I already got my bronzed skin from my trip to the Dominican Republic (sorry, I just had to bring that up) this is the time of year us Canadians flee from our igloo's and try to absorb as much of that hot humid summer weather as we can. 

Not surprisingly this can destroy your skin, hair and nails. (Yes your nails can suffer from sun damage as well.)

So to prepare us for summer the next three week's round ups will reveal my top summer skin, hair and nail savers.  All products are available at Sephora

This week we are talking skin....

1. SPF 30: I'm starting off with SPF because I am a firm supporter of protecting your skin. I have suffered some brutal sun burns as a silly teenager, but in past years I have taken extreme precautions to keep my skin protected when I'm out in the sun. No more messing around, sun spots and damage are irreversible and don't make me bring up the C word!!

With that said, meet my all time favorite facial moisturizer, Clinique meet reader, reader meet Clinique. This baby is a BB cream with SPF 30 (also comes in an SPF 40 which I wear). The reason why I am obsessed is because its also tinted, it comes in three shades and TRUST me this tinted cream is not like the others you have tried. It goes on perfectly smooth and even, even a dummy like me can apply it successfully without streaks. Clinique Age Defense BB Broad Spectrum SPF 30

P.S I have been wearing this formula (sans BB obvs since BB is a new phenom) for 7 years after discovering it in Boots in the UK, so this is not a fad or a new product I am just trying out. 

2. Bronzing Powder: If you think bronzer is redundant during the summer then clearly you didn't read #1 - SPF! If you're lathering up on sun block like you should be you will still need a good bronzing powder even in the summer months. THIS ONE from Guerlain is my all time favorite. 

My Roomie from law school swears by this stuff. And although its a bit pricey she got me hooked. It really is the BEST bronzer out there. Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer

3. Detox Mask: I don't know what your summer routine includes, but mine is spent outside, hiking, walking, swimming with my dogs. If you're active in the summer you will know that sweaty gross feeling you get after a day in the heat and humidity. If you tend to not wash your face right away or you just need something extra to feel rejuvenated then I think a clarifying mask would be perfect for you. 

Boscia Clarifying Detox Mask  is my all time favorite facial mask. It is a deep cleansing clay mask that truly leaves your face feeling fresh and purged of whatever gross gunk was on it before. 

I hope everyone enjoys the sunny weather this weekend, and since temperatures are soaring here in Toronto I need to just mention that now is the time of year when our pets can suffer greatly if left unattended in the heat without water and care. Please, PLEASE do not leave your dog in an untended car, even for 5 minuets, it can be fatal. Thanks for listening :) 

our Dal's Pepper + Sparrow enjoying a run on the beach in Toronto

The Round Up: May 10, 2013

Happy Friday everyone. Today's round up is what we call Jenny's dream manicure edition. I recently discovered some new fun tidbits on www.sephora.com and have been contemplating whether or not to try them out. 

Two of the three new polish effects below seem pretty simple even  a moron like me could pull them off. Check them out and let me know if you have already tried any of them and how they worked out. If i try them for myself of course I will fill you all in on the outcome :) 

1. Ciate Chalkboard Manicure: What Sephora says." A kit to turn your nails into chalkboard-style fashion statements"

How COOL is this? I really hate calling something "cool", but honestly, THIS is COOL! Simple explanation, this is the most wicked idea ever. It looks simple enough, my only issue would be drawing on my left hand (I'm left handed and cant even hold a pen in my right hand) and also I'm not too artistic so a smiley face would be the only design i could pull off. Still, if i borrowed a talented friend of mine and got help this could potentially turn out to be really cute. I think I may try it.....

2.  IllamasquaPranormal Nail Varnish:  What Sephora says. "A nail lacquer that glows under UV black light." 

If i was still big on clubbing and night life this would be a pretty awesome polish to try out. Although I don't think I will ever come into contact with a black light for the rest of my life this is still worthy of a mention. So for all you cool kids who are still out there partying, enjoy. 

3.Julep Neon Nail Dips: What Sephora says. " Accent your manicure with a pop of color and wollop of texture" I really like that word, WOLLOP. Word of the week: Wollop, try using that in a sentence over the weekend and let me know on Monday how that went ok? 

I'm not sure what a nail dip is, but it sounds like something THIS girl will not be able to handle. Although I do like super bright nails. And I have to say Julep makes a mean nail polish, I almost trust that this will be a decent product. 

The Round Up: May 3, 2013

I have heard mixed reviews on peplum’s “They remind me too much of the 80’s”, “They are not flattering on everyone”, “Too girly”; I don’t believe any of these statements to be true.

In fact, I for one am a huge fan of the style.  I own several tops and one dress which I have featured previously on my blog, a red BCBG number with a peplum front and cut out back.

This week I was looking for the PERFECT peplum to go with a pair of skinny dress pants, I figured it would balance the look of the skin tight patterned pants and draw attention away from the boyish shape of my body, not to mentioned it would allow me to eat virtually ANYTHING I wanted and nobody would have to know. Heehee…

My search led me to some super cute tops from Anthropologie, an affordable style from H&M, and reminded me of one I had been coveting from M Missoni….(maybe it will finally be mine if it goes on sale during Net-a-Porter’s BIG summer sale next month, fingers crossed!)

So here is this week’s round up, three peplum's, at three different price points.

Enjoy, and have a perfect weekend! I will be celebrating Bestie’s last few weeks as a single woman with a party dedicated to her! Bring on the bubbly!

1. The Steal: who doesn't need a leather peplum in their life? Don’t answer that! Just check out this beauty. Leather H&M Peplum.

2. The Splurge: this baby will come in around $100 after tax (if you live in Ontario, which I DO!) I’d say it’s totally worth it because it’s fairly versatile. Wear it under a blazer to work, with a cute leather skirt for a hot date, with jeans for a ladies lunch, the possibilities are endless. I just like saying that “the possibilities are endless”, it makes everything sound so profound doesn't it? Knit Anthropologie Peplum

3. The Investment Piece: investing in Missoni; I don’t mind if I do. Why wouldn't you want this spectacular piece added to your wardrobe? Once again, don’t answer that, because I know your answer will have something to do with the insane price point. Listen; it’s knit, from Italy…that’s all you need to know. And like I already mentioned, if this top goes on sale I will be all over it, like...me at Missoni sale. Sorry, I couldn't come up with a witty simile. Its Friday, cut me some slack. Knit  M Missoni Peplum