It's Black. It's White.

H&M's super gorge, super graphic Spring 2013 Campaign - photo H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I remember it well.  Toronto Fashion Week, Fall 2012 (my powers of recollection are staggering) and the editors, bloggers and remaining fashion flock were rocking their finery in front of the wind-blown tents at David Pecaut Square.  Girls in neon short shorts, sky high heels and super bold frocks and of course, the too-cool-for-school editrixes in their bright coats, flat brogues and crazy expensive shades.  As always, it was a rainbow of notice-me hues as the peacocks (myself included I'll admit) tried to get captured by the street style paps. 

Then out she walked.  A blonde, bobbed 20-something.  Stark black and white striped pants, a black sweater and red lips.  Simple, cool, in a throw-back Mary Quant meets Taylor Tomasi Hill kinda way.  And while the bloggers all backflipped their way around the windy square,  she simply stood there and waited.  And the mesmerized photographers all circled the girl, lured to her like moths to a super fierce flame. 

As much as I love colour, black & white can be equally striking.  Whether you opt for graphic stripes, checks, polka-dots or fearlessly wear them all together, nothing looks more modern, more right, right now.

Check out some of my fave black & white finds in stores now - a perfecly seasonless way to get a jump on spring (no backflips required) x

Studded Barrel Bag, $50, ALDO

Stripe Chiffon Shirt, $29.90, Garage

Statement Ring, $6.95, H&M

Slim-Fit Printed Trousers, $24.95, H&M

Python Print Sneakers, $29.95, H&M

Ponte Knit Stripe Dress, $79.95, Le Château

Faux Leather Tote, $49.95, H&M

Graphic Striped Top, $14.95, H&M

Printed Trousers, $49.95, H&M

Legacy Leather Tanner Tote, $498, Coach

Striped Knit Moto Jacket, $69.95, Gap

Leather Crossbody Bag, $69, Danier

Houndstooth Pointy Toe Pump, $39.99, Le Château

Printed Chiffon Blouse, $24.99, Smart Set

NIXON The Rubber Player Watch, $199.99, Boathouse

Printed Scarf, $14.95, H&M

Zipper Tote Quilted Box, $398, Roots

Renee Top, $79.50, Club Monaco 

Emerald City

Natasha Poly dazzles in emerald. Image source: Vogue Russia

Originally posted in The CLOSET

You may have heard (and you may have not) that Emerald is the It colour of the hour.  Between our penchant for all things planet-friendly and Pantone's declaration of 'Emerald' as the official Colour of the Year for 2013, green is where it's at.  And where last year's Tangerine Tango was a little tricky (to say the least), green is refreshingly easy to pull off, whether you're blonde, brunette or even fiery red.  Not only does it flatter, but green is incredibly versatile, making you look fresh and lively one minute and sultry and sophisticated the next.  Whether you rock it head-to-toe or simply opt for a pretty green polish (stay tuned for loads of Emerald makeup coming to Sephora this spring), there are loads of ways to get your green on.

Being green might not be easy but wearing it?  That, as they say, is a whole other story (or in this case, see below...)

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses, $199.95, Sunglass Hut;  Legacy Leather Penny Shoulder Purse, $198, Coach; Studded Suede Hi-Top Sneakers, $99.95, Le Château; Harbor Jersey Roll-Sleeve Striped Dress, $64.95, Gap

Leather Clutch, $158, Roots;  Skinny Jeans, $79.95, Le Château; Vintage Blue Sunglasses, $145, Club Monaco; Striped Knit Moto Jacket, $79.95, Gap; Ankle Boots, $90.99, ALDO

Crewneck Cashmere Sweater, $179, Club Monaco; Beaded Statement Necklace, $25, Le Château; Chambray Shirt, $29.95, H&M; Parisian Leather Saddle Bag, $268, Roots; Suede Pumps, $99, Coach; White 1969 Long & Lean Jeans, $69.95, Gap

Let's Dance

Image courtesy Vogue

Originally posted in The CLOSET

No matter how routiney or predictable we become, there's something about the end of the year that inspires us to believe; We believe we can get out of that massive rut, that we can tranform into that person we've always wanted to become, that we can change for the better. After a week-long binge-fest, I've already made some mental resolutions that I hope to keep, though I know that every year, sometime around January 13th, I'll likely slip back into at least a few old habits.

Regardless, a girl can always dream - and in my laid-back holiday state, as I lie here happily ensonced on my couch, watching piles of movies with my kids and trying to muster up the effort to hit the toboggan hill, I've already dreamt up some stellar New Year's Eve outfits. I figure by the time the 31st rolls around, I'll be very ready to toss aside my well-worn pajama pants and get back into my heels to kick in the brand new year. Here's to wishing and hoping and for all of us, a truly wonderful 2013.

xo sarah

 

Weak Moment

Ever feel like you're just giving, giving, giving?  Both kids are home-from-school KO'd with a wretched stomach bug and I've had two straight weeks of way too much work and way too little sleep.  I'm feeling weak.  My defenses are down. I still have a bazillion gifts to buy, and I don't have a single delicious thing in my fridge.  La pauvre moi. 

Then I saw my sister in this Club Monaco top (the long-sleeved version) today and it struck me.  This top is the thing.  This top will make it all better.  It's a little expensive but I've been saving so much money on all my gifts by being a grand supreme bargain hunter that really, it all kind of evens out, no?

Ahhh....get.

The Regan Solid Top ($119.50) (along with other similar leather-paneled beauties) is at Club Monaco stores now. 

Holiday. Celebrate.

Hermes Boxes - source: Pinterest

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When it comes to gifting, practicality becomes a bit of a bad word around my house.  I could definitely use a new blender and we definitely need laundry detergent - but you see, those things remind me of work and at Christmas, for just one short time during the year, I kind of just feel like not working.  Are you with me?  Can I get a 'woot, woot' for that?  I remember once when my dad got my mom a microwave for Christmas.  She hated microwaves.  And of course, the time when my husband bought his poor mom a new power drill.  Guess who ended up using it?

Now, 'wishes' and 'wants' on the other hand are definitely top of mind.  The best gifts?  The ones that make your sister, wife, husband our bestie feel super special.  These ultra-stylish presents will do exactly that, and although they all technically serve a 'purpose', their raison d'être is really just to make your favourites look and feel fabulous.  Love!  Check back soon for more great gift ideas, including ideas for the athlete, the classic beauty, the kid (and kid-at-heart) and even your dog.  Oh he's going to get so spoiled this year...

1. Twill Parka, $168, Gap; 2. iPhone 5 32GB, $279.99, The Source; 3. Skull Loafers, $120, ZiGi at Town Shoes; 4. Lana Del Rey: Born to Die, $11.99, Sunrise Records; 5. Tory Burch Cat-Eye Glasses, $149,Sunglass Hut; 6. Eva Lace Skirt, $189.50, Club Monaco; 7. Two-Tone Leather iPad Case, $54.95, Gap; 8. Jewel-Encrusted Ring, $15.98, ALDO Accessories; 9. Jonathan Adler All-Occasion Card Set, $15, The Bay; 10. Laser-Cut Barrel Bag, $55, ALDO Accessories; 11. Isabelle Double-Breasted Coat, $369, Club Monaco; 12. Distressed Denim Shirt, $29.95, H&M; 13. Pushlock Crossbody Bag, $25, American Eagle Outfitters; 14. Metallic Sequin Blazer, $150, RW&CO.; 15. Mohair-Blend Cardigan with Sequins, $49.95,H&M; 16. NARS Lipstick in Schiap, $30, Sephora; 17. Delsey Aero-Lite 18" Carry On Spinner, $99.99, The Bay

1. Nixon 51-30 Watch, $599.99, Boathouse; 2. Native Union Soft Touch Pop Phone, $39.99, The Bay; 3. Bowery Quilted Jacket, $448, Coach; 4. Reversible Cotton Belt, $24.95, Gap; 5. Davis Slim-Fit Chino, $69.50, Club Monaco; 6. Soundgarden: King Animal, $14.99, Sunrise Records; 7. Sunglasses, $12, ALDO Accessories; 8. Bleecker Letter Opener, $98, Coach; 9. Mixed Media Camo Bag, $74.95, Gap; 10. Fitted Herringbone Shirt, $69, RW&CO.; 11. Tweed Tie, $34.95, Gap; 12. iPod Nano 16GB, $169.99, The Source; 13. Cable-Knit Sweater, $49.95, Gap; 14. Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Solo HD Headphones, $219.99, The Source