Breathe in that mall air

Oh the weather outside is frightful, simply no place to go, go to the mall, go to the mall, go to the mall. 

 I am fully aware my little jingle didn't rhyme but it does make sense, no? I have been on an on-line shopping kick for quite some time and have been avoiding large malls because I'm afraid of crowds, crying babies and line ups. But February is typically a very slow retail month, and a trip to the mall right now is not such a horrible experience. Its not like you have anything better to do right? I know you can buy any of the outfits I am showing below on-line, but sometimes its easier and better for sizing to just get off your butt and go into the store. I find that on-line shopping doesn't always do the item justice, even with superb picture quality you cant really get a proper feel for the texture and the exact colour of the material you're buying. 

So seriously, get out there and get to the mall! And buy something for spring, in case you havent picked up on my subtle and not so subtle hints over the past few weeks that is all I can think about. Here are my top picks from three of my favourite stores, Zara, BCBG and Anthropologie.

Ohh Zara, never fails me, they have such a wide selection of styles and basics that come in so many colours you just cant go wrong, I am sure most of you agree. Bonus: lately their shoes have been on FIRE! That black and white leather number blow is a re-make of last years wildly popular three tone suede which I wore over and over and received so many compliments on, they were only $80, so yeah, why not pick up this seasons version as well? P.S I need that fuchsia suit asap! 

Next up, Anthropologie, the masters of lady-like and delicate clothing. Lace, brocade, fine knits  sequins, these are all things I have to hide from my dogs but still love to wear. Anthro is my go-to when I want a new blouse or a piece of statement jewellery. Their necklace's are out of this world! It was way too difficult to decide on just one to show you, but I settled on the pink and green stone necklace because it can be worn with all of the four outfits below. P.P.S I also really need that tennis print sweater asap!

Last, but definitely not least, my favourite store and my weak spot, BCBG. Most people seek out BCBG when they are in need of a cocktail dress or a gown for a black-tie event, I do the same. But their every day work wear and casual kits are also ahh-mazing! If I could afford to, I would dress in head to toe BCBG every day, I always say it, and I maintain that year after year. Their jewellery is among my fav, because it is trendy and affordable. Their spring line is totally out of control, it was impossible to narrow it down to only four outfits, and I just had to throw in those yellow trousers. P.P.P.S  I reeaaally need that blush perforated leather shirt, I meant it! 

Check Mate

Checkers Three Ways 

A few months back I bought my husband a black and red checker shirt, when I presented him with the random gift his first reaction was "I look like a lumber jack". His comment made me reflect upon myself and my own lumber jack-esque apparel that hung in my closet. Over the past few years I had accidentally collected what I deem to be a one-too many checker pattern button downs. They have become a staple on days when I want to roll out of bed and not worry about using my little brain to conjure up an outfit.  And I guess that reflects in the way I look because when constantly paired with worked in jeans the checker shirt can look a bit too laid back. 

Recently while in Joe I picked up a soft mint green checker shirt and I vowed to wear it differently, that got me thinking, how can you pull off checkers, plaid and flannel without looking frumpy, or like you're a-boot to hunting eh? Check it out below, my top three fav ways to work checks into your wardrobe. 

1. With Jeans: I know I JUST said that pairing the shirt with jeans isn't ideal, but its all in how you accessories. Starting from the top, I have an ass load of make-up on, and a bright lipstick, so it would be almost impossible to confuse me for a boy. Next I added a neon necklace, and blue suede pumps. Et Voilà  

2. With Colour: If you pair checkers with another bright colour it will never look boring or dull. This skirt is such a gorgeous purple colour, with gold accessories you're in the money. 





3. With Leather: This is pretty self explanatory, pair anything with leather and suddenly, va-va-voom! Leather pants, tight, shorts, jacket, or in this case faux leather skirt from Zara. I upped the ante by adding patent Louboutin's (which my dog kept trying to eat) . 

I guess that's it for now, but the possibilities are endless. Tell me, have you embraced the flannel checker trend? How do you wear it? 

The Round Up: Feb 15 2013

Happy Friday everyone, today I am introducing a new post which I'm calling "The Round Up".  I have noticed that lately my life has become a series of lists. Groceries, to-do's, not-to-do's, items I need to budget up for, and detailed lists of things I constantly need to purchase for our dogs. In the midst of all of the action-item related lists I have been craving some motivation, something to keep the juices flowing throughout the week. So I set out to write down a top 5 list of "stuff" that made me happy over the past week. That list is a bit too private to share, so I tailored one to share with everyone in the blogosphere.

My list, which I will share with you every Friday will be a Top 3, to keep it light and because you have better things to do on Friday's. 

So here goes, if you like anything you see here you can find shopping information after each photo. And p.s writing your own "Makes Me Happy" list every week truly is an invigorating exercise. Sometimes we get too bogged down by stress that we allow the negative to weight us down and over power all that we have to be thankful for in our lives. So I encourage everyone to try it for yourself as a positive weekly reminder. If all else fails don't be afraid to try out the powers of yoga. 

1. Kate Spade "Lisa" Pumps - As introduced via my Twitter earlier this week my hubby surprised me with these pumps from Davids Footwear. 

2. Quinn Popcorn - I have become utterly obsessed with Quinn Popcorn. Only two weeks ago I discovered their Vermont Maple & Sea Salt microwave popcorn and ever since I have been living off the stuff. The flavour is like nothing I have ever tasted before in popcorn, not to mention it is organic, GMO and preservative free, uses expeller pressed oil packed with Omega 3's, heck the BAG is even compostable, and pressed to make it grease proof. This stuff is amazing!

OBVIOUSLY I follow them on Facebook, this pic is from their page, Check em out :)

3. Casual Friday - I work in a fairly conservative office with engineers, all week long I usually wear black, grey, white, more black, and circulate dress pants and turtle necks for a look that's less then appealing. Come Friday I always use the dress-down Friday excuse to wear fun prints and colourful jeans. I have been Tweeting a pic of my version of "animal" print, which always means actual animals, not spots, or stripes, but literally images of animals on my clothing. Sigh..I will never grow up. Today I am sporting this Zara blouse with little owl friends on it. 

Zara Owl Blouse no longer available, but similar here from Anthropologie