Good Things Come in Threes

Printed Long Sleeve Blouse in Turquoise, Red and Blue, $39 each, Smart Set

Perforated Oxford in Oslo Gray, Yellow and Camel, $69.95 per pair, Gap 

Women's Stripe Rash Guard in Navy, Frosted Lilac and Positano Blue, $90 each, J.Crew

From a very early age, my mom taught me the value of threes.  Her style math boiled down to this: even = bad, odd = good.  Just for kicks, I would often offer to set the table if we were having dinner guests and would purposely put two candles in two candle-holders in the middle of the table.  Even if she was at the opposite end of the house, my mom could instantly sense the dissonance.  She'd beeline it to the dining room and stand in the doorway, a look of confusion, discomfort even, crossing her lovely face.  Out came the third candle holder, a little 45 degree turn to the right (to give the arrangement a certain je-ne-sais-quoi) and balance was restored. Ahhh..that's better.  Call it Granny's Mantel, matchy-matchy or classic feng shui but I have to admit that I feel the same way.  Good things always come in threes, don't you think? Hmmm...does this mean I should buy 3 of each?

The Envelope, Please...

Envelope Clutches from Smart Set, $20 each

The Oscars are only a few short days away but I have another kind of envelope on my mind.  These pop bright envelope clutches from Smart Set are a spring must-have at only $20 each, and will add a little whimsy to your spring wardrobe.  And the winner of the cutest clutch goes to... 

Sweet Escape

I love our winters and try my Canadian best to enjoy every moment. But, in the middle of a full-blown February Snowmaggedon and spring so close (yet so frustratingly far away), I'm kind of ready to pack it all in. And by pack it in, I mean literally;  I want to snatch my dusty suitcase out of the storage closet, fill it with cute little things, and take off somewhere steamy. Don't you?  Here are 4 perfect looks, ready and waiting for your next spring vacay:

Ray-Ban Wayfarers, $250, Sunglass Hut; Charm Necklace, $16, American Eagle; Floral Corset Bikini Top ($40) and Bottom ($25), American Eagle; Wedges, $100, ALDO; Men's Checked Shirt, $40, American Eagle

Stackable Bracelets, $12, ALDO; Pleated Floral Skirt, $15, American Eagle; Sparkly Thong Sandals, $50, ALDO; Bikini Top & Bottoms, $20 each, Garage

Ray-Ban Wayfarers, $250, Sunglass Hut; Solid Jersey Skirt, $20, Aeropostale; Metallic Flip-Flops, $20, American Eagle; Striped Halter Top & Bottoms, $25 each, American Eagle; Paisley Scarf, $25, American Eagle

Nixon Watch, $200, Boathouse; Polka-Dot One Piece, $37, Garage; Ponte Shift Dress, $150, Le Château; Ankle Strap Heel, $80, ALDO; Tory Burch Aviators, $240, Sunglass Hut; Military Jacket, $80, Dynamite

PS - When that halcyon day arrives and you're ready for take-off, don't forget these 10 warm-weather travel essentials:

1) An Oversized Scarf - this is a chic jet-setter's best friend since it can be used in so many ways - to keep you cozy in flight, as a poolside cover-up, and to dress up any of your neutrals when you head out at night

2) A Perfect Pair of Sunnies - sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the glorious rays, but also instantly glam up any outfit.  If you're going to invest in a designer pair, Wayfarers or Aviators are an always-cool choice

3) A Great Hat - Many of us are intimidated by hats at home but on vacay, somehow, they feel just right. Pack an oversized floppy black hat or cool fedora to go incognito 

4) Sleek Sandals - Forego your grimy old flip-flops and pick up a metallic or embellished pair - they'll look equally at home by the pool or at lunch

5) Maxi Skirts/Dresses - Jersey maxi dresses or skirts are super versatile for a warm weather vacay.  Wear them layered over your bikini, out at the beach bar, or on your next exotic off-resort excursion

6) Statement Accessories - Keep your good jewels at home and hit up a cheap and cheerful accessories store like ALDO, American Eagle or Claire's.  Pick up a great stack of stretchy bracelets (see above), a statement necklace and fun cocktail rings to add instant personality to your tees, tanks and dresses.

7) A Perfect Swimsuit - If you're going to invest in one thing, this is it.  Make sure you pack a suit that fits, flatters and makes you feel like a goddess.  The key? Try, try, and try again (and a little self-tanner never hurt)

8) A Chic Beach Bag - An oversized tote that doubles as a carry-on will hold all your essentials (beach towel? check. steamy novel? check) and is infinitely more stylish than a plastic bag you swiped from your hotel room

9) Mix and Match Neutrals - Neutral tees, tanks, shorts and breezy blouses will all mix and match together so you can pack light.  Go for black, white, and khaki - then give them a makeover with your bright accessories.

10) An Embellished Clutch - A beaded, fringed or embroidered clutch fits easily into your suitcase pocket and makes a major statement when you head out at night.  Mojito on the beach, anyone?

Bon voyage! (Isn't it always?) xo

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

It's Official: Zara Canada Online

Photo courtesy Zara

How do you make a Friday go from good to great?  How 'bout news of Zara's online shop, finally (finally!) coming to Canada.  If you live in Toronto, this might be exciting enough.  But imagine living in a world where there is literally no real shopping nearby, where a trip to Zara is a 2.5 hour (each way, on a good day) endeavour.  Add to that two toddlers in tow who, bless their hearts, just don't have the patience for scouring the racks, waiting in changeroom line-ups and don't understand the meaning of the words 'fierce', 'beyond' or 'must-have.'  Then imagine getting home and realizing something doesn't fit, which entails yet another full-day excursion back to Yorkdale just to arrange the exchange. It's exhausting. (Insert something about #firstworldproblems here) 

But no longer.  I reported the rumour last week but what was once a pipedream is now official:  Zara is coming online to Canada March 6th.  Yay, yay, yay. I could not be a happier girl today :) And if you do have little ones, you must check out the Zara Kids Spring '13 Lookbook on rlr mini today.  Now that's what I call hope for our future...

Happy weekend, peeps! 

xx

Christian Siriano for Payless + RW&CO.'s New Shoe Collection

Image courtesy Payless

With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in full New York swing, I've already started making my must-have list for Fall '13. Christian Siriano (of Project Runway fame) showed his Russian Opera-themed collection on Saturday, and I immediately added his opulent gold and black looks to my list.  As fate would have it, I just received a memo that Christian Siriano and Payless ShoeSource have teamed up again, but here's the best part - starting Feb. 18, a direct-from-the-runway shoe featured in Siriano's show will be carried at hundreds of Payless stores nationwide for only $45.  How's that for instant gratification?

Says Siriano, "Fashion Week is always about the coming season -- fashion available five months out -- but I wanted to bring shoppers a direct-from-the-runway look that is available ASAP and at a great price."  

The LeToile is an opened-up sling-back dress pump with a platform sole featuring all-over black patent, a criss-cross detail at the toe and a playful animal print lining. Twelve additional shoe designs hit the runway and these styles will inspire the Fall '13 Christian Siriano for Payless Gold collection available at Payless this September.  Check out the video below to see the shoe in action...

Direct from the Runway: Christian Siriano for Payless LeToile from Payless Fashion Week on Vimeo.

Image courtesy RW&CO.

Meanwhile, RW&CO. just announced their first ever shoe collection, available in stores this March.  The collection comprises pointy-toe flats, metallic t-straps and the cool colour-blocked sandals seen above (among others), and ranges between $70 - $90. Want! To check out more shoes from the collection, read on here.