Such a Fleurt

D&G, Louis Vuitton and Nanette Lepore Spring 2011 - photos by Yannis Vlamos/ GoRunway.com  

We're back from our Viennese vacay and after two 9-hour flights with our kids, a psycho seatmate who almost caused the captain to land the plane in Reykjavik (for reals) a bottle of antibiotics for the baby and a subsequent bottle of anti-histamine due to a penicillin allergy (surprise!), I'm happy to be home.     Health issues aside, we had a fantastic trip - Vienna is GORGEOUS, the weather was sublime and for a fashion-obsessed girl, I've been seriously inspired by the Viennese.  Okay, so it's not a fashion capital like Paris or Milan but never before have I seen such well-dressed men in all of my trips abroad.  And when I say men, I mean MEN.  Like, real manly men dressed impeccably and fearlessly from top to toe (more on that later...) My mom and I spent half the trip with our jaws agape at the endless parade of hotties and my poor James (the hottest one of all, obviously) spent an equal amount of time rolling his eyes.  Hee.  As for the women?  Confident, bold and beautiful girls and 60-somethings dressed to kill whether out for a swish lunch or just grabbing groceries.  When the people of Vienna wake up in the morning, they don't just throw on any old thing - they get dressed and are super proud of their appearance.  Are they born that way or is staying stylish simply a learned habit? 

Driving home from the airport, Ontario had magically turned from grey to green and now that the May long weekend has passed, it's officially planting season.  What better time than now to rock a pretty floral print?  Nervous about picking an unflattering bouquet?  Check out my article in iVillage.ca for the best ways to wear buds for your body shape this spring. 

Whether you adore pretty and painterly blooms or prefer abstract and Asian, click on the thumbnails below to see some of my fave floral finds:

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Blooming Beauty

Battersea Sofette, Anthropologie, $2998

If I had my way, I would spend my entire weekend on this couch with a bottle of wine and a really great book.  What are you doing this weekend? 

Pretty, Pretty Pleats

 

We leave for a much-needed vacation to Vienna today but before I go, I wanted to leave you with three pretty pleated looks.  I adore this season's long, soft skirts and can imagine waltzing my way around Vienna in one.  Do you think anyone actually still waltzes there?  

I'll be back soon but in the meantime, don't forget to sign up here to check out the brand new iVillage Canada, launching tomorrow!  In case you didn't hear, I'm their new Style Reporter (eek!) and have been gearing up to share my style tips with all of you gorgeous Canadiennes.

As always, I can't thank you enough for your unfailing support.  I am so grateful to be able to do what I love and it's all because you read my ramblings every day.  Without you, I would be a desperate housewife with a serious shoe addiction.  Oh wait, I am a desperate housewife with a serious shoe addiction.  Well, at least I'm a happy addict.

Love you to bits

PS - Félicitations to Margaret Buckworth for winning the Parisian Chic contest!  Enjoy the fabulous read!

My Top Picks for your Magnificent Mom

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Mother's Day is less than a week away so you know what that means, right?  Time to get shopping!  I've compiled a must-consult gift-guide to help you in your quest for the perfect gift for mom, sure to elicit a yelp, a squeal or maybe even a joyful tear. 

1. T3 Featherweight Dryer, Sephora, $210; 2. Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Butter, The Body Shop, $16; 3. LOVELY by Sarah Jessica Parker Gift Set, The Bay, $92; 4. Julia Cosmetics Case, Coach, $58; 5. Macadamia Natural Oil Products, Trade Secrets; 6. Clinique Lip Cravings Set, The Bay, $30

1. Straw Hat, H&M, $14.95; 2. Watering Can Set, Bath & Body Works, $34.50; 3. Energetics Eco Yoga Mat, SportChek, $29.99; 4. Sequin Strap Tote, Gap, $49.95; 5. Wilson Hope Tennis Racquet, SportChek, $49.99; 6. Nakamura Inspire 4.1 Mountain Bike, SportChek, $159.99

1. Tina Fey: Bossypants, HMV, $23.99; 2. Adele: 21 CD, HMV, $12.99; 3. Glee Season 2: Volume 1, Sunrise Records, $32.99; 4. 6 x 8 Quick Print Book, Blacks Photography, starting at $19.99; 5. BlackBerry 32GB PlayBook with Wi-Fi, Wal-Mart, $598

1. Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch, Watch It!, $300; 2. Cubic Tennis Bracelet, Metalsmiths Sterling, $188; 3. Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold, Peoples Jewellers, $499; 5. Royal Wedding Ring, Le Chateau, $39.95; 6. Pearl Bracelet, Club Monaco, $49

1. Julia Leather Wallet, Coach, $118; 2. Cory Striped Sweater, Club Monaco, $89.50; 3. Metallic Straw Clutch, Gap, $49.95; 4. Kristina Woven Bag, Roots, $268; 5. Red Trench Coat, Jacob, $129.99

1. Cuisine Essentials Cook Torch, Benix, $19.99; 2. Assorted Chocolates, Laura Secord, prices vary; 3. Bodum Tea Press, Teaopia, $50; 4. KITCHENAID Artisan Stand Mixer, The Bay, $382.49; 5. Sanguinelli Orange and Fennel Hand Butter, Dish Detergent and Hand Wash, Fruits & Passion, $10 - $22

Kate's Morning-After Outfit

Photos courtesy zara.com

Kate, to me, is flawless.  Like many of you, I got up at 4:30 a.m on Friday to witness her wedding to Wills and though I'm not an ardent royal watcher, I believed.  I believed in their love, I felt their connection and for a moment, I totally wished I was her...but only for a moment.  I would totally crack under that pressure.  My hands would have been shaking, I probably would have started bawling and I guaranteed would have put on 10 pounds from stress-related water retention.  I give her props for holding it all together.  As much as I adored her exquisite dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen (adored!), I was almost as impressed by her morning-after look.  (click here if you missed it).  For someone who can afford anything, I love that she chose a totally affordable dress from Zara (pictured above) - plus, I've found other pieces from the store to put together her entire look.  Imagine...a future queen in Zara! 

The Pleated Dress ($99.90), Zip-Up Jacket ($79.90), Skinny Leather Belt ($39.90), and Bracelet Wedge Heel Shoe ($99.90) are in stores now at Zara