Making a DIFF

via @diffeyewear 

Some people collect shoes (I do), some collect coats (I do that, too), but then others collect glasses (to confirm: yep, still me). I have a few "collection" "issues" but I'm working on it. 

You see, here's the thing: curating fashion is a valid pursuit, especially when it has a purpose. I could go on and on about why stockpiling stamps or Pokemon cards or multiple husbands is a waste of time and resources, but accessories? Let me break it down for you. Shoes keep your feet protected and stop you from embarassing ejections from public spaces. Coats shield you from the elements, of course, while allowing you to wear pajamas to school drop-off and cover up coffee spills. And glasses? Well, they shade you from the sun, hide lack of sleep, and make you look cooler at all times of the day (just ask Corey Hart). While most people are obsessed with sunglasses, my particular fetish is for the non-shaded, non-prescription variety of glasses. I have my creative glasses (pink, tortoise, clear), my take-me-seriously spreadsheet glasses (no-nonsense black and heavy rims fit the bill) and then I have my 'my outfit is basic today' glasses that instantly elevate any 'fit.

I scored my first pair of DIFF glasses at Winners last year and while I fell in love with the style and comfort of these shades, it was their company mission that made me a repeat offender. Every pair of DIFF glasses sold helps to provide the gift of sight to someone in need through eye exams, glasses, medicine, and surgery. To date, DIFF Eyewear has donated over 1.5 MILLION pairs of glasses worldwide. So yup, kinda like Toms but in the eyewear space.

With all of the time I spend on my laptop writing, I've recently become a huge fan of DIFF's Blue Light Blocking collection. Not only do these glasses look dope, they minimize eye strain, prevent dry eyes and blurry vision, and reduce headaches that come from too much screen time. 

I'm a fan and I think you will be, too. Ch-ch-check 'em out below. Epic website problems seem to be fixed for now so will be sharing more scores on the regular, kk?

Happy Friday, beauties!

Bella in Clear Crystal

Carina in Clear Leopard

Selena in Cream Tortoise

Carson in Light Pink Crystal

h.e.r x DIFF

Bella in Black

Becky II in Himalayan Tortoise

LONG WEEKEND FEELS | 35 Off-Duty Fashion Wins

via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

There's nothing like a camping trip to relax and unwind. Putting up a tent that may or may not leak (who doesn't love a game of Russian Roulette?), battling mosquitoes All. Night. Long. and peeing in the forest at 2 am is pretty much the same as a weekend at Langdon Hall for me.  Bears. Oh wait. I lied. I'd rather be shopping. 

Whether you're a hardcore camper (props) or prefer to take is easy for reals like me (yay!), the first long weekend in May is a big deal for Canadians. It marks the unofficial start of summer. It kicks off a season of patios and parties and generally just being way more social. It means backyard barbecues and pitchers of sangria and spending time with friends. It could mean cottages for some and glamping for others. And for me, it means the start of a season where we can dress for the weekend like we really mean it. Slides and cute sneakers absolutely scream 'off-duty'.  Easy, breezy dresses and cute jumpsuits let you look casual enough for any random weekend invite but still super chic. And the accessories! I'm all about weekend accessories. Scroll through the slides below for 35 off-duty fashion wins to wear this weekend and the next and the next...

Happy (almost) May 2-4! Hope you do SO much chilling.

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MOM'S THE WORD | My Dream Mother's Day Brunch with Ann Taylor

1. Bandana Statement Earrings | 2. Pleated Block Print Skirt | 3. Square Fringe Scarf | 4. Foldover Straw Clutch | 5. Honor Suede Heeled Sandal | 6. Halter Midi Dress | 7. Wide Leg Marina Pant | 8. Seersucker Fluted Sleeve Top. 

I don't want anything for Mother's Day. Honestly, I don't. Oh, except for brunch. I would like brunch please. I know I'm lucky to be a mom and I wouldn't trade my littles for all of the brunches in the world. But still...when I scroll through my Insta feed every weekend and see my kidless friends drinking, laughing, eating their way through gorgeous brunch after brunch, I feel the FOMO. The more I say brunch, the more I want brunch. 

So, just now, it's been settled. Cute husband has booked us into our new local hotspot, The Walper Hotel, for Mother's Day tea. It's not brunch, because literally ALL of the brunch spots are already booked (naturally), but this is close. So now, I'm into outfit planning mode with a little help from Ann Taylor. 

The new collection is so on-point for spring and it absolutely screams 'Perfect Brunch/Tea Where Nothing Goes Wrong and Your Kids Don't Destroy the Place and You Actually Get to Finish Your Mimosa'. Doesn't it? The citrus hues (that yellow dress!) and the pretty blues will help me enjoy this Mother's Day in epic style with my favourite people in the world. In my dream, nobody is complaining and they are all wearing white with no blobs of strawberry jam in sight. Stop laughing, it's my dream. Check out Ann Taylor's lovely love letter to moms below. The days may be long but the time really is much too short. Happy Mother's Day x

SPRING IN YOUR STEP | 40 Fun Spring Shoe Picks

TOPSHOP Flowers at your feet from Hudson's Bay

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Okay, so most of us don't really need new shoes. If we're lucky, we probably bought a pair or 2 (or 10, who's counting? It wasn't me...), last year. But here's the thing: shoe love, as they say, is true love. Barring injuries or pregnancy, shoes always fit. You may have hibernated all winter enjoying a steady stream of beer, poutine and Netflix and yet somehow, last year's shoes still fit. Magical. So like I said, we don't really need new shoes.

But here's the thing: shoes are incredibly important and thus, justifiable. Our feet are what keep us grounded. They get us from A to B and back again. We walk 10,000 steps in the pairs we wear and we literally cannot leave home without them. Unless you're a yoga instructor who teaches beach yoga. Otherwise, you cannot leave home without them. And casting needs aside, there's that emotional well-being part of us that we need to nurture. With a world in turmoil, shoes have this amazing ability to make us feel good. And so, while you might not technically need new shoes, you can't be blamed for wanting more. 

Speaking of wants, Spring '17 has some seriously cute shoes that have caught my attention. They all get the job done but the focus is on the fun. Block heels and slip-on loafers will help you look right up-to-date, while metallics, florals and beautiful brights will make any basic outfit bananas (in a good way)...

SEE 40 FUN SPRING SHOE PICKS HERE...

TRANSITIONAL DRESSING 101 | How to Look Spring-Ready Right Now

via Telegraph.co.uk

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Each year, Canadians can always count on certain sure signs that winter's on its way out. Whether it's that first crocus popping out of your garden or that dude who rocks shorts and sandals on the first warm day of the year, it's easy to tell when the warm weather's almost here. Emphasis on the almost. Spring likes to tease us with its flashes of sun and double digits one day, then wallop us with snow the next. Sure, dressing is a little tricky this time of year, but that shouldn't stop you from wearing your spring things now. I'm not going to wait for the weather to make up its mind - after all, my mind's already made up. I'm in love with all of the brights and florals and whites that signal the start of the warm season. Luckily, we don't have to wait any longer to wear this season's freshest finds - simply mix your winter and spring pieces to make transitional dressing a total breeze. Read on for how to look spring-ready right now...

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