SUMMER LOVE: Your Under-$100 Shoe Guide

A gorgeous shot from the Dune London S/S 2014 Campaign. Photo: Dune London.

Originally posted in The LOOK

If I had a dime for every time my husband told me I'm a shoe hoarder...just imagine all of the amazing shoes I could buy...sigh...Whether they're super strappy flat sandals or sky-high man-killers, I'm a total sucker for fierce footwear.

Summer is the perfect time to give our wallets a break with all of the affordable sandals in stores and luckily I've found plenty of ways to justify every pair. If you need a little help in this department the next time you're challenged on your 'need' for yet another pair (whether by your own conscience or by someone else) this little cheat sheet should help you out:

1) After so many months spent in socks and clunky boots, your poor feet need to breathe. Sandals are natural way to give your toes the oxygen they deserve. Note: I have exactly zero scientific studies to back this up.

2) Closed-toe loafers, boat shoes and slip-on sneakers are considered 'safety' footwear. You wouldn't want to slip while chasing after your little ones, would you?

3) You've spent all that hard-earned money on your pedicure. Sandals protect (and beautifully showcase) your investment so you can make the absolute most of your pedi potential.

4) Summer requires reaching higher places like that high cupboard where you keep your lemonade pitcher, the top bookshelf where you store your perfect barbecue cookbook and pruning errant branches off your wayward maple tree. Heels are kind of like a built-in stepladder, no?

5) Cute shoes = happy wives = happy husbands = happy lives. I'd say shoe shopping is a no-brainer, wouldn't you?

Check out my fav under-$100 summer shoe picks below. Don't say I didn't warn you...

SEE MY TOP SUMMER SHOE PICKS HERE...

HEAT WAVE: 15 Summer Pieces You'll Want to Pick Up Now

Karmen Pedaru looking lovely in the Michael Kors Summer '14 Campaign. Photo: Michael Kors.

Originally posted in The LOOK

Summer is finally, officially, here and while it might seem hard to believe, I'm totally on board with the idea. I mean, longer days, fewer deadlines, a more relaxed schedule, vacations on the horizon...ahhh, yes, I could totally get used to this.

If one look at your wardrobe has you less-than-stoked for summer, I've got you covered. From flowy shorts to breezy summer dresses to sweet sandals, I've handpicked the 15 prettiest summer pieces you'll want to pick up now. And with most items checking out at under-$100, you can rest easy that your summer budget won't suffer the consequences.

Happy summer to you! Hope this one's full of long, lazy days, super fun nights, and a wardrobe that will make them all grass green with envy...

SEE MY 15 SUMMER STYLE ESSENTIALS HERE...

Crop It Like It's Hot

Swedish blogette, Lisa Olsson, shows how the crop is done. Pic via imnext.se

Originally posted in The LOOK

We spend so many months of the year completely covered up that it's no wonder we want to show some skin once the warm weather hits. There's just nothing like the feeling of the breeze through your hair, the sun on your shoulders, and the wind on your rock-hard abs. What's that? You normally keep those covered up, do you?

This summer, I'm throwing out a serious fashion dare, whether you have a 6-pack or a Timbit 10-pack: the crop top. I know, I know, it seems like something reserved for 13 year-olds and Rihanna. But, you might be surprised by just how wearable the new crop of crop tops can be. If you've got a super toned tummy, you can get away with showing off more skin. But for most of us, showing just a sliver above the belly-button is the way to go. A cute crop worn with shorts, tailored trousers or a skirt (worn high on the waist) will make you look like a total trendsetter all season long. But don't take my word for it; check out the 3 sweet crop top looks below and get inspired to take it up a notch this summer. You can SO do this (minimal sit-ups required).

Happy Friday xo

Get inspired by these 3 seriously cute crop top looks...

FATHER'S DAY: The Best Gifts for Dad

Source: Pinterest

Originally posted in The LOOK

I was lucky to have the best dad. The kind who made every outing an adventure, told the most epic of bedtime stories, and even taught us how to toss a football - then graciously concede that with 2 girls, tutus would inevitably win out over touchdowns, which they did. As we got older, my dad somehow managed (usually) to keep his cool and maintain his infectious sense of humour, even when his two teenage girls were having daily meltdowns over boys and bad hair days. And when we went off to school, it was never too early, or too late, to call my wonderful dad. In fact, I can't remember a single time that he said 'I'm too busy', even though I'm sure he often was. In my mind, my dad was the stuff of legends. Name a job and I'm sure he had it: lifeguard, bartender, pilot, truck driver, football coach, highschool teacher, ad exec. But the job he did best (and the one he loved most of all) was being our dad. 

For those of you looking for the perfect gift for your dad, we've rounded up our favourite finds for every type of guy, from the grill master to the gadget guru. And to all of the amazing guys out there who 'man up' every day to be a great dad, Happy Father's Day to you.

SEE THE GIFT GUIDE HERE...

A Pandora Bracelet ($350 Value) Giveaway

Originally posted in The LOOK

The one-size-fits-all approach rarely ever turns out well. It stands to reason, then, that there's no perfect gift to please every mom. When I think of the things I've picked up for my mom over the years, I can't believe she didn't burst out laughing more often. From pink sparkly makeup brushes one year to soap-on-a-rope that spelled out MOM (literally) another, my mom was a master at holding it together when we'd give her gifts. 'Oh, thank you!' she'd say. 'That was sooo thoughtful of you!' And my husband has similar stories. I'm pretty sure that green power drill in our basement was once gifted to my poor mother-in-law, all wrapped up in a big bow and promptly 'borrowed' by her questionably-intentioned teenage son.

Though every mom says 'Oh, you don't need to get me anything...' a surprise present is always appreciated. I've put together a list of winning gifts that are stylish, thoughtful and fun, and guaranteed to be met with delight this Mom's Day.  Plus, we're giving away a gooooorgeous Pandora bracelet ($350 value) for one lucky mom. Read on for full contest dets...

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