Happily Ever Après

via Vogue Australia

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I started skiing at Chicopee Ski Club as a tween, and it was all downhill from there; I experimented with powder, drank too much, and I'll admit that at one point, I even turned a few tricks.  Looking back, I blame it on the fact that there just wasn't much else to do in Kitchener back then, especially in the long cold months of winter.   As soon as school was over and pretty much every weekend, my friends and I would get dropped off at Mount St. Chicopee where we'd hit the slopes (okay, fine, it wasn't exactly powder) until our cute, snowpant-clad selves couldn't handle the cold anymore, at which point we'd hit the chalet for some hardcore hot chocolate and serious boy-watching. 

I still ski today but I'll admit that one of my favourite parts of the experience remains the 'après' - the part where poutine is not only available but encouraged, where I get to catch up with my favourites by the fire, and where ski bunny style is embraced in all its cozy glory.

Luckily, you don't  have to know how to step into a pair of bindings to score that coveted après-ski style this winter. From chunky knit sweaters and headbands to the best wind-burn simulating bronzer, every self-respecting ski bunny knows that when faced with a big hill on a cold day (or not), looking good really is half the battle...

SEE MY CHALET-READY PICKS HERE...

LABEL LOVE | FRAANKLIN

The Souvenir Toronto girls show off their FRAANKLIN scarves. Via FRAANKLIN on Instagram

Have you heard of FRAANKLIN yet? My stylish cousin just introduced me to the Toronto brand and I have to share the label love with you. FRAANKLIN scarves are total stunners. The team works with its designers in Germany and NY, then sources the finest materials from around the world - New Zealand wool, German blends and Inner Mongolian Cashmere. Scarves are then produced in-house under strict socially responsible standards. 

Aside from that, here's all you really need to know - no matter what material you choose (yes, even the acrylic ones), FRAANKLIN scarves are so cozy, so generous, so luxurious-feeling, they will ruin you for every other. I wore mine all week and have never enjoyed the winter weather quite so much. Whether you're gifting or simply want to treat yo-self, here are some of my top picks rocked beautifully by those in-the-know (I'm especially smitten with the reversible line - I'm convinced every cool girl needs at least one). 

Happy, happy Fri! 

via big.chantelle on Instagram

Grey Plaid Reverse Houndstooth, $85, FRAANKLIN

via 6 by Gee Beauty on Instagram

Hunter Green Reverse Plaid Herringbone, $85, FRAANKLIN

via dearlynnjewelry on Instagram

Contemporary Royal Plaid, $65, FRAANKLIN

Lauren Soper via FRAANKLIN on Instagram

Merlot Plaid Reverse Herringbone, $85, FRAANKLIN

JET SET | My Shopbop Vacay (Non)Essentials

A super cute Jonathan Adler passport case.

If you're one of the lucky few to have a boarding pass waiting in your inbox right now, you're likely in the market for some beach-ready packables. Your basic one-piece bather and rubber flip-flops might have sufficed(ish) at the splash pad last summer but when on a tropical vacay, remember the following: you are a beach goddess. Your only mission is to drink heavenly rum-filled concoctions, not do the dishes, and look cute. Drinking and not doing dishes is easily done. The cute part?  You are obviously already cute. But it's tough to completely look the part when you're dealing with unstocked stores and rifled-through racks at Winners. Don't settle for leftovers, goddess. These finds from Shopbop will help you be the prettiest player on the playa. Bon voyage! I personally opt for the 'free shipping' option to avoid having to pay duties/customs up front. No promises but I've gotten away scot-free so far. 

Pitusa Abaya Maxi Dress, $98, Shopbop

Nixon Small Time Teller Watch, $60, Shopbop

Loeffler Randall Sarie Strappy Flat Sandals, $175, Shopbop

Bop Basics Neon Stripe Raffia Clutch, $100, Shopbop

Jules Smith Americana Choker, $98, Shopbop

Ancient Greek Sandals, $185, Shopbop

Marysia Swim Antibes Scallop Bikini

Joie Rose Gold San Remo Sandals, $150, Shopbop

9Seed Tulum Cover-Up, $128, Shopbop

Ray-Ban Mirrored Aviators, $170, Shopbop

Disclaimer: Real Life Runway occasionally receives vendor/brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services. RLR only picks things that she is seriously tempted by - hence last night's binge-shop of the above products. Now all she needs is a plane ticket. Anyone?

Birds of a Feather

Metal & Leather Feather Pendant Necklace, $140, Coach

In case you missed this from yesterday's post, check out this stunner from Coach. SO crazy cool, right? I cannot figure out the pricing strategy but the exact same necklace is available with a leather chain for $100 more. Seriously? I plan on hitting up a craft store, buying black leather string or possibly even a black shoelace, and DIY-ing my own. $100? As my mother would say, 'Who's going to give you $100?' Oh, nuh-uh uh. You can't pull the wool over our eyes/the necklace over our heads that easily, Coach. Savvy shoppers, unite!

happy fri

xx

THE NEW | 15 Trends to Try in 2015

Kendall Jenner in Vogue

Originally posted in The LOOK

My favourite thing to do in the middle of a deep freeze is avoid it. No, really, I stay as far away as possible from any natural air, sprint to the closest heated car or building whenever I have to be outside, and generally make any excuse I can to not have to go out at all. My dog and I go on winter runs, not walks, so he and I get exercise but limit the potential for frostbite. And when skiing, you can literally only see the tip of my nose. I look ridiculous but my Hot Hands-warmed thumbs are giving the thumbs up inside my oven mitt-sized mittens. 

While avoiding the cold, I spend my time dreaming. Dreaming of warm places, dreaming that a plane ticket will find its way into my cold hands, and dreaming of spring fashion. The spring runways were loaded with temptations that I can't wait to wear. And since 2015 is officially here, I see no reason why we can't start wearing some of spring's pretty pieces right now. 

These 15 finds will help bring you right up to speed for 2015...

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