JET SET | 40 Resort-Ready Picks to Help You Pack Like a Pro

#followmeto the Maldives via Murad Osmann Instagram

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

As if the dull, grey days of Jan aren't depressing enough, our generation has social media to make taking off that much more tempting. This time of year, Facebook pages get flooded with pics of braggy beach shots. Insta stories of your friends frolicking in the ocean seem designed to torture you while you're cooped up in your cubicle (see mine here - *sorry*) I mean, it's enough to make even the most live-in-the-moment among us want to grab a last-minute flight to somewhere. Anywhere. Like, I'd take a hut on the beach with no running water, as long as I had an ocean view and someone to make me mojitos. Who's with me?

Whether you've already booked your vacay or are currently contemplating one, I've done a little research to help you pack like a total pro. After all, shopping for cute hot weather gear in January (in Canada no less) can be a serious struggle. And as far as I'm concerned, it's all about making your getaway as challenge-free as possible. Um, unless the challenge involves mojitos, of course ;)

Stream some Bob Marley, imagine yourself on a white sand beach and dream a little while you check out these resort-ready finds. Sigh...I'm feeling sunnier already...D

SHOP FOR YOUR VACAY HERE...

MERRY & BRIGHT | 50 Fun Gifts For Everyone Left On Your List

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

I can't blame you for feeling overwhelmed by it all. I mean, December is always straight up manic - between making plans and hosting parties, grabbing gifts and doing good deeds, this time of year is all about stressing and hurrying and getting it done. But then, when all of that rushing is done, it's all about stopping. It's about pausing and relaxing and fa-la-laaing with your favourites. It's about crisp white days and silent nights. It's about spending time with the people we love. We forget about work and worries for awhile as we watch Clark Griswold light up the night (Joy to the Woooorld) and Kevin experiment with after-shave. We remember what it's like to feel like a kid again as we eagerly wait for Santa to arrive.

As we all learned from Dr. Seuss, we know that in Whoville at least, Christmas came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. We know Christmas doesn't come from a store. We all know it means just a little bit more. But still, you have to admit it - giving great gifts is FUN. Since you're probably a little bit busy right now, I put together a list of 50 fun gifts for everyone on your nice list so you can quickly grab your gifts and get to all the good stuff just a little bit sooner. Happy holidays - hope you're enjoying every manic minute! 

SEE THE GIFT GUIDE HERE...

SHINE BRIGHT | 4 Fun New Ways to Dress Up This Holiday Season

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

December has arrived and here we are: officially in the thick of it. We're about to embark on a month-long bingefest of eating and drinking and general merry-making. And while you might be tempted to throw on your flannel onesie, snuggle up in your mermaid blanket and just call it a day, remember that 'tis the season for dressing up, too. I mean, other than summer, is there any time of year more social than December?

You'll be out grabbing gifts with your fellow shoppers, fuelling up at brunches with big men dressed in red, sipping cocktails with your co-workers and fêting all things festive. And then there's all that time with your family - from Christmas recitals to epic full-day feasts. Your flannel onesie is not going to impress your mother-in-law. You are better than your flannel onesie...

SEE 3 MORE PERFECT HOLIDAY OUTFITS HERE...

ICE ICE BABY | 3 Winning World Cup of Hockey Outfits

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Alright stop, collaborate and listen: it's time to talk hockey. With Team Canada in the finals, much of our country has made plans to have absolutely no plans unless they involve hockey. And while I feel it's my duty as a fashion blogger to talk about fashion, I wouldn't be a true Canadian if I didn't work this post around our national sport - the sport that we grew up watching on TV with our dads, the one we perfected on bumpy backyard rinks long after the street lights had flickered on, the game that so often makes grown Canadian men break down and cry. Sure, our collective hope in Canadian hockey might have dimmed over these last few years but the spark is still there. Our hope still burns deep that Canada will rise to the top once again. Our love for the sport is pure and true. Our dreams of victory will never die. 

So while Crosby and co. get ready for a major game ahead, you can do your part, too. Be red, white and proud. Shake out those jerseys, jump into those Roots joggers, slap a maple leaf on your cheek and cheer like you've never cheered before. This is our game. This is our time. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose. Oh wait, that's football isn't it...

We'll leave the pep talk to Babcock while I focus on what you're going to wear. Whether you're on the edge of your couch, with your squad at a sports bar or were lucky enough to score tickets to the main event, these winning outfits will get you through World Cup of Hockey finals and beyond...

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WHAT TO WEAR TO WORK (When Getting Dressed Is The Last Thing You Want to Do)

via Atlantic-Pacific

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

When the sun is shining, the last thing on most of our minds is work. Summer is a tough time to stay motivated - whether it's tackling a big project or simply getting dressed every day. After all, with our Facebook feeds loaded with pics of cottages, camping trips and epic road trips (#blessed), it's tempting to just toss on our flip flops and call it a day. 

Since most of us need to work so we can play, I thought I'd try to help with a little sartorial motivation. These pretty summer pieces will make getting dressed for work just a little more enticing. And you know my philosophy on this - if getting motivated involves shopping, I'm always game :)

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