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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SUNSHINE STATE | Take a Sneak Peek at the Lilly Pulitzer for Target Collection

Photos via Target 

Lilly Pulitzer prints have always been a fav in my family. But while you probably recognize her prints, you might not know the history of the brand. As it turns out, Lilly Pulitzer's foray into fashion was almost accidental. The Palm Beach socialite's husband, Peter Pulitzer, owned several citrus groves, so Lilly turned the oranges into juice which she sold at a juice stand off posh Worth Ave. Not content to look anything but fabulous, Lilly created printed shift dresses to wear while working at the stand, since the pretty prints hid juice stains beautifully. The dresses quickly caught the attention of passersby, including one Jackie Kennedy, she started selling her dresses at the stand, and American resort wear was born. While Lilly passed away in 2013, her legacy continues with her signature beach-perfect prints.  

While some hilariously mad-as-hell Lilly snobs took to Twitter to express their outrage yesterday, the rest of us can rejoice. Lilly Pullitzer is coming to us non-Palm-Beachers at Target this spring! The limited-edition 250-piece collection features 15 exclusive prints (read: works of art) and includes apparel, accessories and shoes for women and girls, plus home accents, outdoor entertaining accessories, beach gear, beauty and travel accessories. 

The late Lilly Pulitzer is famous for having said, “style isn't just about what you wear, it's about how you live.” We're prepared to fully embrace this sentiment when the collection hits stores April 19th. And if the sneak peek pics below are any indication, it looks like we'll be living the good life (and throwing a lot more parties) this spring. Those dresses! The bikinis! The starfish sandals! The patio-perf placemats and cocktail glasses! Can you even?! Follow this blog and @TargetCanada | #LillyForTarget on Twitter are all Lilly-related updates. Eek! 

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STYLE | 15 Resolutions to Keep in 2015

via Bionda Castana

Originally posted in The CLOSET

There's nothing like a brand new year to make us rethink the way we do everything. From getting fit to starting fresh with our family, the hope of change can motivate us to do some amazing things. Luckily, January doesn't have to mean a complete overhaul of the way you run your life. I personally like to keep my resolutions stylish, streamlined and sometimes sparkly. I like getting rid of excess baggage, both metaphorically and physically. Like, I seriously have so many bags to give away to Goodwill. And while a new necklace or pair of shoes isn't going to turn me into the best possible me, I know they'll make me stand taller and slightly shift my point of view. 

Let's all resolve to be a little more stylish this year, shall we? It might be a small thing but you'll be amazed by how 15 pieces will change your 2015 (or at least your 2015 closet) for the better. As for budget, let's just ignore that resolution for the moment. Oh, come on, it's January - it's the best time for dreaming big, don't you think?

SEE MY 15 STYLISH PICKS HERE...

The Little Things | Under-$30 Gifts

A scene from ELF. Classic.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

It's always the last little things that take the longest. The randoms. The extras. The add-ons. You know, those under-$30 things that take up all your time and quickly add up to you splashing an extra few shots of rum into your egg nog after the kids have finally nodded off. Hypothetically speaking.

Whether it's stocking stuffers yet to buy, add-on presents you forgot to purchase, or gifts for the random people who help you throughout the year that you just haven't gotten around to picking up, I've done up a list of the perfect under-$30 gifts. You can always do gift cards (word from my teacher friends is that GC's are the best), but it's always nice to have personal options to wrap up, too.

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Gifts that Empower | Far & Wide Collective

All photos via Far & Wide Collective

Gives and gets are doubly met thanks to Far & Wide Collective, a brilliant Canadian company founded by Hedvig Alexander. She lived in Afghanistan for 7 years working in international development, and after seeing the amazing creative talent of the women who lived there, decided to switch gears. Her dream? Create a sustainable business model to connect artisans and female entrepreneurs in developing countries with the international market, changing both invidividual lives and whole communities in the process.

One look at Far & Wide Collective's online marketplace and I was hooked. With beautiful handmade works by artisans from countries like India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mexico and Swaziland, every piece tells its own compelling story. From jewelry and accessories to truly unique home décor accents, the expertly curated site is both fashionable and philanthropic, so you can pick up beautiful gifts while empowering the talented artisans who make them.

A gift is so much better when there's a story to go along with it, don't you think? Read on for a few of my favourite finds on Far & Wide Collective right now, ready to pick up just in time for the hols. Love this!

Enjoy and happy Friday!

A woman at work at Zarif Design, which employs 50 Afghan women and men who, from their homes and one workshop in the old city of Kabul, revive traditional Afghan textiles.

Black Warrior Bracelet, $86.  Inspired by the traditional bracelets worn by the warriors, this glass beaded flexible cuff with recycled plastic boning is woven together with recycled thread in Tanzania.

Black Beaded Collar Necklace, $53. This necklace is made from rolled-up recycled magazines. Can you think of a more perfect gift for the fashion maven? Made by Quazi Designs in Swaziland. 

Lapis Star Bracelet, $50.  The Aayenda jewelry line is designed by Afghan students who are trained and mentored in jewelry-making and gem-cutting in India.

Hedvig Alexander, founder of Far & Wide Collective, at the opening of the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.

A series of beautiful handwoven sisal baskets from Kenya. 

Gold Plate Aquamarine Studs, $120. Made in Afghanistan by artisan Shugufa Yousofzai.

Colourful Otomi pillows from Mexico. The designs on these pillows and blankets (not pictured) are said to be inspired by ancient wall paintings found in the nearby caves of Tenango de Doria, in the Mexican state of Hidalgo. They provide an income, some independence and a sense of community to the female artisans who create them.

White Jamdani Kaftan, $195. Made by House of Wandering Silk, which partners with a cooperative of 1,400 women in India, bringing them an improved economic status, medical assistance and a sense of community.