BENCH | #LOVEMYHOOD

It's a running joke in my house that I have a Kinesiology degree. Why? Well, I ended up doing my post grad in fashion and am now a full-time fashion blogger. While I exercised regularly my whole life, having kids changed all that and now, cute gym gear has become more important to me than the act of working out itself. I've gotten in the habit of laughing off my laziness but as I get older, turns out I just can't get away with skipping the gym anymore. My sedentary state has produced undefined arms, less than rock-hard abs, and a sitting-is-the-new-smoking phobia since most of my work is done from the cushy confines of my couch. 

When Bench asked me to work with them, I jumped at the chance (literally, see above). I'd already decided I wanted to recommit to an active lifestyle and so, the partnership seemed like the perfect kickstart. I didn't own a single Bench piece so couldn't wait to see what the buzz was about. I headed to my closest Bench store and tried on everything in sight, leaving with a perfect pair of leggings, gorgeous green and white tanks, and a black cinch-waist spring jacket. I'm not big on overt logos so had mentally written off Bench as 'not my thing' in the past, but was happy to discover the store is stocked with loads of subtly branded pieces. 

It's been a few weeks and I can honestly say that I LIVE in my marled made-in-Canada Baddah leggings (the BEST, seriously - ask anyone) and am super impressed by the quality of everything I picked up at Bench. I've figured out that hardcore workouts just don't work for my busy lifestyle right now. And so, I simply try to fit in activity whenever I can. I play tag at the park with my kids, do ModelFit videos in my living room after they go to bed, and have even managed to squeeze in some treadmill time at the gym. Do I look like Gigi Hadid yet? Not even close. But my new workout gear helps me look good while I try to get there.

Thanks for getting this girl in fighting form, Bench. And seriously, I really #LoveMyHood.

 

My Bench spring picks. 

Let's just call this the 'before'. 

My favourite pair of leggings EVER. No joke. 

Serious selfie before I attempt to run. Please don't pass out. Please don't pass out...

Yup, still got it. 

Downward dog.

Think Fonzie's form might be better than mine. #PlankOff

FRINGE FESTIVAL

Now that Coachella has kicked off festival season, I can’t get enough of all the perfect boho looks I've been seeing on Snapchat. MY favourite festival trend? Fringe, baby. I've handpicked 25 fun fringed finds for W Dish this week to help ease the blow of my #NoChella show...

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SPRING STYLE HACK | Dress Luxe for Less

via RW&CO.

Originally posted in The LOOK

You know where she works. You know she didn't just win the lottery. And yet somehow, she manages to look like she's sponsored by a designer every. single. day. Super stylish women are no different than the rest of us - they just have a few style secrets tucked away that they employ every day. And more often than not, they don't have more clothes (or even more expensive clothes) than we do. They just know how to choose them better. Hate them? Don't. You can look like a lady of luxury, too. 

I've handpicked 15 key pieces that will give you that just-rolled-out-of-my-mansion look. The best part? Each piece checks out for under-$100 and nobody will ever know. Unless they read this blog. Then they'll know, too. And then you'll both look like you just rolled out of your mansions. Win. Win.

Happy Easter weekend, bunnies! Hope your immediate future is filled with chocolate. Excuse me while I test out my kids' treats. I mean, it is my motherly duty after all. Nom, nom, nom....

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HERE COMES THE SUN | 45 Reasons We Love Bright Yellow

via GAP

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When it comes to yellow, I say the brighter, the sunnier, the better. And designers seemed to agree, with Burberry, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren & DVF sending bold yellow frocks, trenches and skirts down their Spring '15 runways. 

So why is bright yellow such a popular colour pick this season? Not to hate on Pantone's colour of 2015, Marsala, but really? Is there any contest? After months of dark, dreary, downright depressing weather, we're all ready for a little sunshine. Make that a lot of sunshine.

Luckily, we can take matters into our own hands with all the cheerful yellow pieces in stores right now. I can't wait to pick up a few pop-bright pieces to update my spring wardrobe. First on my list? A bright yellow handbag, of course. Even colour-phobes can add a happy yellow crossbody to the mix to make a statement, even for those who like to wear nothing but black & white. Be sure to pick up a sunny yellow top to wear under your blazers right now, and with a pair of white shorts when things heat up. Finally, a pair of yellow sandals will liven up all of your denim and white pieces this summer. 

Whether you wear it loud or like your brights in small doses, you can't go wrong with cheerful yellow this spring. Here are 45 sunny picks to help brighten your day...

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DENIM LOVE STORIES | My Spring Denim Test-Drive with Reitmans

 

When Reitmans approached me to collaborate on their spring denim campaign, I was excited to check out the collection and get reacquainted with the brand. Okay, hold on, put away your fashion snob hat for a minute. Don't be a hater with that whole 'ugh, no-name denim?' thing that I know some of you are doing. Let me tell you that Reitmans has actually come a long way. With Smart Set closing, Reitmans has shifted its focus to be younger and more trend-focused to appeal to SS's old customers, including women like me. I've always been a big believer in peppering your denim collection with well-made, inexpensive options, and if you can find them at a Canadian retailer, it's always a big bonus.

So, I headed to my closest Reitmans and got right to work. My fashion mission? Find a pastel pair, a bleached pair, and a boyfriend, then style them three different ways. I tried on loads of pairs, tossing aside anything I deemed too 'mom' (even though I am a mom), finally settling on a pair of cute marbled skinnies, a pair of pretty pale pink ankle jeans and a comfy pair of dark drawstring boyfriends. Also managed to pick up a super pretty lace tee, a classic black watch and a perfect long silver pendant (see below).

If you haven't checked out Reitmans lately, it's totally worth the visit to try on some non-budget-busting spring denim. In the meantime, scroll below to see how I styled my picks and don't miss the Reitmans Facebook contest at the bottom of this post where you could win a trip for 2 to the seriously dreamy 5-star Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Sigh...can I win, please? Oh, and be sure to tell me which look is your fav - would love to hear what you think! 

Cat-Eye Sunglasses, ALDO | Flower Necklace, J.Crew, similar here | Cheetah Coat, Bootlegger | Quilted Black Jacket, Old Navy | Non-Iron Fitted Dress Shirt, Brooks Brothers | Only Denim Skinny Jeans, Reitmans | Black Wrist Watch, Reitmans | Black Strappy Pumps, Nine West (top pic) | Patent Croco Slip-On Sneakers, H&M (bottom pic).

THE JEAN |  Only Denim Skinny Jeans (sku 312777)

WHY I LOVE THEM | Bleached denim is a tricky affair, usually best left to the designer denim pros. However, I fell for these bleached marble skinnies because they're just so eighties (in a good way), and made my legs look skinny. I'd say to wear them with a white blouse and keep it simple. But then again, if you're going to wear marbled jeans, why not go all out? Marble. Cheetah. Hot pink lips. Yes. Yes. Yes!

Ray-Ban Aviators, Sunglass Hut | Neon Earrings, J.Crew, similar but even cuter here | Lace Tee, Reitmans, similar here | Structured Trench, RW&CO. | Pastel Ankle Jeans, Reitmans | Leopard Calf Hair Pumps, J. Crew Factory.

THE JEAN | Pastel Ankle Jeans (sku 736949)

WHY I LOVE THEM | Pale pink jeans are so girly that I had to have them. Going head-to-toe tonal always makes a strong fashion statement, especially if you can add in an unexpected pop somewhere. I threw on a pair of neon earrings and they instantly finished off the outfit. I normally find pale denim super unflattering since they show the world every little bump but the Reitmans pastel jeans are the right thickness so they give you nothing but sleek, clean lines and legs for days. 

 

NY Yankees Ball Cap, LIDS | Mirrored Sunglasses, American Eagle | Navy Blazer, Banana Republic, similar here | Long Silver Necklace, Reitmans | Non-Iron Fitted Dress Shirt, Brooks Brothers | Printed Crossbody, ALDO | Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff, Tiffany & Co. | Only Denim Boyfriend Jeans with Drawstring, Reitmans | Patent Croco Slip-On Sneakers, H&M

THE JEAN | Only Denim Boyfriend Jeans with Drawstring (sku 313000)

WHY I LOVE THEM | For me, these jeans are ALL about the drawstring. They're crazy comfy like joggers, only with the option to wear them out. Since this spring is so heavily influenced by the '70s, I am loving the clean denim look right now and plan on wearing these with both heels and sneakers this spring. Yay spring!

It might be spring(ish) but anyone else craving a getaway right now? Then you do not want to miss this amazing Reitmans Facebook contest: Enter here for a chance to win an all-inclusive trip for two to the 5-star Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit resort in Mexico, courtesy of Transat Holidays. Good luck! xx