COLOUR REPORT: Radiant Orchid

Pantone's official 2014 Colour of the Year: Radiant Orchid. 

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When Pantone announced 2014's Colour of the Year, Radiant Orchid, along with other top colours like the softer Violet Tulip and Mauve Mist, I'll admit I was disappointed. Between Barney and Hank's klepto wife on Breaking Bad, purple has always just felt flaky to me. But the thing with the Colour of the Year is that someone always finds a way to make it look really great. And the more I've scoped it out, the more really beautiful looks I've found. While I doubt that purple will ever be my fav colour (and I'm certain that I will never condone Barney), I've discovered some gorgeous combos that will bring purple to brilliant new heights in your spring ensembles. So step aside Emerald Green, and welcome to the club Radiant Orchid. I think we're going to get along just fine...

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Bringing Sexy Back

A subtly sexy look from the RW&CO. Spring '14 Campaign. Photo: RW&CO.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Though you might not think it, February is actually a pretty sexy month. Most of us are totally over all the cold and by now, we're angsty, excitable, and ready to rip off our parkas and get on with it already.

The good news? You don't need to wait until the snow thaws to get your sexy on. I'm not talking cheesy lace-up corsets, hot pants or platforms here; the modern woman is far less obvious. Think Nicki Minaj  vs. Beyoncé and you'll know exactly what I mean. The modern sexpot shows off her assets in an almost accidental way - from her handbag right down to her shoes, she oozes charisma, class and confidence. She might rock a bold red lip or killer shoes, but rather than throwing it all out there, she usually only chooses one overtly sexy piece and keeps the rest decidedly low-key. Because, as we've all been told so many times, sexy isn't about thongs and thigh-highs, it's about being comfortable and confident.

From luxe-looking sweaters that hang just so, to cut-out shoes that will seriously raise your game, to the little things you lounge around in at home, I've rounded up some of my fav finds help you be your absolute sexiest (plus a classic smokey eye makeup tutorial that will forever change your gaze)...

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PITTER, PATTER: 50 Valentine's Gifts They'll Love

Pucker up, buttercups. Photo courtesy H&M. 

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Valentine's Day can bring out the best and worst in us all. The idea of someone standing outside your window John Cusack-style might make your knees buckle. For me, I'd be like, 'Dude, it's -30 out there. And seriously, it's 2014 - where did you find a boombox?' Same goes for rose petals (cheesy), chocolate-covered strawberries (kind of overrated - chocolate covered bananas are so much better), and anyone who plays the saxophone. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's just..again, it's 2014 - where did you find a saxophone?

Yet sometimes, I am a surprising sucker for romance. Impromptu slow dances by the fire, Nicholas Sparks movies (I KNOW! I Can't. Help. It.), little love notes, pink peonies, or a bottle of champagne? I become so predictably starry-eyed that you might as well stick a long-stemmed rose between my teeth, sit me under a chocolate fountain, and put The Bachelor on repeat and I probably wouldn't even notice.

There's a very fine line between heart flutters and eye rolls but when it comes to romance, effort is everything. Whether you're the trunkloads of flowers type, or prefer to keep your gestures subtle and sweet, I've rounded up 50 pretty gifts to help make her (or his) heart go pitter patter this Valentine's Day. Don't even try to figure it out - love makes zero sense. Sigh...isn't it just the best?

SEE THE FULL GUIDE HERE...

Look More Chic in 2014 + Win a $100 Smart Set Shopping Spree

Photo courtesy Smart Set

Originally posted in The CLOSET

One week into January and we've already had 3 snow days. Luckily, the deep freeze means that I've had loads of time indoors to manhandle one of the top resolutions on my list: my closet. Though I'm supposed to be a good editor since my job title is 'Fashion Expert', even my closet is filled with things I really don't need. So now, we're colour-coded, culled and totally caught up which means that I'm allowing myself to buy a few more things. Pilled and stretched sweaters need to be replaced, old jeans need updating and, of course, I have my eye on a few things that I want, just because they're pretty.

To kick off the year, I've rounded up some gorgeous finds from Smart Set to help you in your quest to look more chic in 2014. Read on for my top tips + enter to win a $100 gift card to shop Smart Set's new collection...

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NYE 2013: 20 Party-Perfect Trends to Try

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Christmas is over (can you believe it?) and if you're at all like me, this is a week for chilling. But while I chill, I always find myself reflecting. I think of all the things I did this year - the good, the bad and the ugly - wondering how it all went so fast and imagining what 2014 will bring. And while I don't place all chances of next year's success on my New Year's outfit, I do feel that dressing up on the 31st is a tradition worth upholding.

To me, a glittery pair of heels, a fab frock or a festive tuxedo blazer is my little way of celebrating the year that's gone by and ushering in a brand new year. And whether that outfit brings good luck or not, whether anyone other than my little group of friends and family even notices that outfit or not, I like to think that putting in a little extra effort with my NYE look is like a little champagne toast to where I am right now.

Ready to celebrate but not sure what to wear? I've picked out the cutest trends that will help you shine extra bright this NYE. Read on for my party-ready picks and of course, an extra happy new year to you! xx

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