Spring Wish List

Let's be honest.

Anyone who lives anywhere near where I do isn't thinking Spring is coming anytime soon.

But a girl can dream.

This Spring, more than any other, is pulling me towards pretty shades. 

I want to abandon black + grey.

Or at least push them as far back into my closet as possible. 

This Spring, I'm focusing on picking up just a few classic pieces that will keep me on trend but also stand the test of time. 
Yes, the Chanel handbag is a wish list item that may not be in my closet until next Spring {or the one after that} but I have been semi on the hunt through various consignment shops. I know the right one will come along soon. 

1. It's all about the midi skirt for me this season and into the summer. I hope to add a pocket leather one, like this to my collection along with a few pastel hued ones like the pink one above {find it here}. I am in love with the Tibi. Not so much with the price. 

2. One perfectly checked pink and black blazer. Thank you Top Shop.

3. I need to replace my gold watch and have been eyeing this one by Kate Spade. I love how simple it is and the face is nice and large, just how I like them.

4. I'm trying to move away from reaching for a statement necklace and rather, start outfitting my wrist with pretties like these. A dainty bowed bangle {here} + a stunning pastel-hued cuff {here}.

5. There it is again. It's eyeing me. 

6. I've already picked up the shoes I wanted for this coming season. Just yesterday, I found these d'orsay like shoes at Target. Ridiculously cute. They will not last so if you're looking, get them now. 
I also finally {!} picked up a peep toe bootie. These are by Sole Society and are exactly what I was looking for. They don't seem to be available in black anymore but they have other colours still in stock. Great deal! 

7. And lastly, I added one of these YSL babies to my collection and all the rave? Sadly, true. Pricey but my favourite lipstick ever. I knew that would happen. I am contemplating a bright pink like this one. 

So, do tell, what are you shopping for this Spring?

Teen Dream + A Giveaway

Teens and phones.

Phones and teens.

Teens, phones and music. 

Synonymous. 

Izzy jumped at the chance to try out these goodies by jellyfish. 

I jumped at the chance to have her willingly pose for a few photos with said goodies.

And also, we can't believe how amazing the little speaker sounds! 

The photos of us dancing were not included. You're welcome. 

What I Wore : The Pant Suit

It's been a while since I put on a full pant suit. I find each piece gets a lot of use separately, but now that I no longer work outside the home, the need to wear them together is rare.

I still love the feeling of power and confidence it provides. 

And a fun bow tied shirt makes it all not so serious.

This is 40 : Rebecca from Red Tag Chic Los Angeles

Today I'm introducing you all to a mainstay on the 40+ fashion blogger circuit, Rebecca from Red Tag Chic Los Angeles.

There are so many reasons why I am a fan of this beauty.

For one, she is a C.A. by day {hello!} and still finds time to maintain a blog.

She ends every post detailing what she wore and never omits, "hair + smile, my own!". 

I also love that she doesn't take herself too seriously, that she sometimes shares her gorgeous daughter with us and then there's the fact that she has a figure that most 20 somethings would envy.

Welcome dear Rebecca. 

Prom Ready with JenJenHouse

Although my Isabella is a few years away from prom thank God just yet, I do have a lot of friends whose older children are preparing this year.

One of them, a dear friend of mine, came over just last week in a panic about which dress her daughter should choose. She brought her along {such a great kid} and honestly, she was almost distraught. 

Why you ask? Well, to start with, the senior girls have created a facebook page whereby each of them must share a photograph of chosen prom dress the moment they purchase it. Not while they are considering purchasing it but only when the deal is done. 

God forbid you change your mind. This can't happen. 

Also, I stalked said page. And every dress? $500+ at minimum!

I know that for my own daughter, I would scour the internet to ensure I got what she wanted at the fairest price possible.

Enter JenJenHouse.

A Hodoostory Part II + A Giveaway

Ms. Ava Grace and I are excited to share the second round of looks that feature items by Korean children's wear brand, Hodoostory.
I'm so impressed by the quality and easy wear of these items that we've been reaching for again and again. 
I think Ava is just happy that everything is so soft and comfortable.
And I'm happy that's it's all so ridiculously adorable.

What I Wore : The Essentials

Remember when Sharon Stone wowed audiences when she showed up at the Oscars wearing a black, off the rack Gap turtleneck?
That moment is precisely why I am never without one. Or two. 
Paired with denim, black trousers, a short or maxi skirt.
Always chic. 

This is 40 : Janise from Mama in Heels

I'm so excited to introduce you to sweet Janise from Mama in Heels today! 

It's funny, I "knew" Janise before I ever read her blog when we were 1 and 2 in Circle of Mom's Fashion + Beauty moms voting last year.

All day, every day, I was saying, "I'm just behind that  Mama in Heels!" {and it stayed that way until the end} and now, I visit her blog often.

Janise is mama to twin boys and, like me, has an italian hubby. 
She's a yoga lover + former business owner.

Doing it all, and looking fabulous while she does. 
A true inspiration. 

Welcome, Janet.  

Sweet Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day sweethearts! 

I know this day is commercialized. I know it's almost a made up holiday.

But really. Any excuse to overdo it in the red, pink + heart department? 

I am in. 

What Ava Wore : A Hodoostory

I'm excited to bring you the first in a series of looks on Ava Grace, all featuring Korean children's wear brand, Hodoostory.

The colours, textures and fabrics are superb. 

And we had so much fun playing with all of the different looks.  

What I Wore : Just Peachy

If I'm being honest, this winter is finally starting to wear on me.

This peachy-hued piece gave just a little bit of sunshine on this otherwise dreary day. 

This is 40

By a show of hands, tell me, who has seen this movie? I kid.

Well, I'll tell you, anyone 40+ who has and I mean anyone will laugh and exclaim "that is MY life". 

Funny enough. 

I think it's because it is everyone's life.

Eventually.

In this world of blogging, fashion + beauty at 40+ has become somewhat of the new black.

Sure, the twenty-somethings are fabulous and provide endless inspiration but honestly, just about anything I put on at 20ish looked halfway decent on me just because I was well, 20ish.

But at 40? Well, that's an entirely different story.

You know yourself better.

Definitely know your body better.

And most importantly, know how to dress better so that your body looks better.

It's all an illusion really.

But the women I will be introducing you to over the next few weeks make it look so easy.

Today, I bring you This is 40.
And in the spirit of fair play, I've started with yours truly.

What I Wore : Aimee Kestenberg

Aimee Kestenberg.

If you haven't heard of her, you will.

The 27 year old handbag designer, who was definitely one of the sweetest people I've ever met, is making waves on the handbag scene + won a coveted spot on the Forbes Top 30 under 30 in the art + style category this past year. {here}

Did I mention she's 27? 

When I was 27, I might have been considering paying for my own car. Maybe. 

What She Wore : The Cover

Isabella had a fun project in her Communication Technology class where she got to create a magazine cover from start to finish.
She chose to do Seventeen and went about pulling together an outfit and deciding on fonts that would compliment. 
Although I have yet to see the finished product, I did beg to share the photos and she finally, albeit reluctantly, obliged. 

dress - Jacob {not current // option} | scarf - Wilfred  {no longer available} love this for the Spring | earrings - Loren Hope

Which do you think should make the cover? 
Personally, I think there should be 3 editions. But I may be partial.
Love my sweet girl. 

Pamela Lauz Jewellery

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting and spending some time in the studio of jewellery maker extraordinaire, Pamela Lauz of Pamela Lauz Jewellery.

I fell in love with her airy space and it was easy to see why she would be moved to create in such an environment.

The studio doubles as her work space and she allowed me to watch firsthand as she put the finishing touches on a similiar piece to the one I am wearing below. 

I must say, I have a renewed appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into making jewellery. I can't imagine how rewarding it must be to see your own creative idea come to fruition right before your eyes and to have it be made with your own hands.

A true inspiration. 

sunglasses - Forever XXI | dress - Boohoo | "viento" cuff - c/o Pamela Lauz Jewellery
coat - Ethy and Paule {similiar} | shoes - Nine West {no longer available / option} |handbag - Hermes Inspired {gifted}

 The "viento" cuff {spanish for wind} pictured is meant to appear as though the wind itself lifted and created it's flowing shape even though secretly, Pamela worked her magic to make it look this effortless.

Here is just a sampling of some of my other favourites from her many collections:

infinity aquamarine necklace

Grass Large Pendant

Laurel long stud earrings

Laurel Lariat

All products are available in studio or on-line here.

FaceBook ll Pinterest

Through February 16th, all orders of $150+ will receive a free acorn pendant {valued at $50} + all domestic shipping is free. 

Happy Valentines Day indeed.

With Love...A Valentine's Day Gift Guide

i may have mentioned before that i'm a sucker for Valentine's.

I love pink + truly believe that a heart on anything makes it sweeter.

Here are a few of my favourites, all perfect for your big or little sweetheart.

1. I'm not a huge fan of Coach anymore {just find the logo to be on serious overkill} but still love their shoes and their jewellery. I think I have about 3 or 4 pairs of their stud earrings on constant rotation. This pretty bangle would make any valentine swoon.

2. A pink, hardcover book and one that's on my "to read" list. 

Check + check. Find it here.

3. For the Mr. a new cologne by Ralph Lauren in a snazzy perfect.for.valentines.day bottle.

4. If I don't get this, which I will not, I am buying it for myself. Layers of dainty necklaces and lucite hearts by Betsey Johnson. The entire line is just adorable. 

Available at The Bay in Canada. On line, here. 

5. Heart shaped sunglasses. I think so. I also think Ava would agree.

6. How sweet are these cookie jars? My kids would eat them up. No pun intended. Well, maybe it was since the cookies in said jars wouldn't last long in my house. 

7. Locket bangle by Alex + Ani, here I love everything about this line. 

8. Oh, hey there handsome. Just in case he forgets, this will remind him. Daily.

Available on-line at Chapters/Indigo. Like always, they have THE sweetest things for Valentine's Day. 

9. It's not Valentine's without chocolate. 

Can I get an amen?

Now, chocolate anything from Harrod's would be...even sweeter?

hot chocolate // boxed treats

10. A sparkly pouch covered with kisses + hugs. 

Perfect for storing, well, everything. 

{select items at Chapters/Indigo are 25% off + this is among them!} 

And for Valentine's Day...I might like to wear this. Heart-shaped elbow patches? 

Happy Valentine's Day indeed. 

A Coffee Date

It has been far, far too long since we last sat down for coffee. 
Time is funny.
It sometimes seems slow while it's happening but then suddenly, another month or year has passed. 
Another reason I love this space. The luxury of looking back on a particular day or time period.

If we met for coffee, I would choose McDonald's or Tim Horton's {or Dunkin' Donuts} over Starbucks. 
Some might say I'm a cheap date. 
And I might agree. 

I would tell you how happy I am that Isabella is all finished exams for her first semester and that she studied harder than I ever did. 
She is home with us until Thursday + I love letting let her sleep in. The poor kid has to get up before dawn every morning and never complains.
I do try to get up with her but honestly, she's ahem not a morning person. For the good of our relationship, sometimes it's best I just stay asleep and greet her and her much happier self after school.
I think she might agree. 

Julian isn't thrilled with the fact that his sister doesn't have to go to school and he still does.
On Thursday, when I picked him up, he tried to con talk me into letting him stay home on Friday. 
He also tried to talk me into not telling his dad when he would "play sick" the next morning.
Yeah, um, he went to school on Friday.
I commend him on his effort.

I would tell you that we had a fabulous dinner at my mother in laws on Sunday and that she is leaving for Florida for 2 months this week.
I might also mention that I am ridiculously envious.
Since, as you know, we have enough snow to last through next winter.
And no sign of it going away anytime soon.
There's also a brand new outlet mall opening up around the corner from the condo.
Not that I enjoy shopping or anything like that. 


Big news for Ava and I. Like, really big.
We are going to Croatia together in mid-April. 
I haven't been back in 20 years. twenty. 
My aunt Ana turned 90 last week. She still takes the tram to the market daily and stays up until whenever is necessary to watch tennis. 
I can't wait to see her in action. 
I am both excited and nervous about the trip. Lord knows I'm not the best flier.
More about that mess here.
)

I found the above video {apologies in advance for the poor quality + for the butt peek} and just had to share.

See if you catch the little "I love you" at the very end. 

Her little voice! I want to eat her. 

Which is not so new.

And lastly,  on the subject of coffee, we bought {well, practically stole really} this little baby after Christmas. 
To say we are obsessed would be an understatement.
The variety of blends, hot chocolate for the kids, lattes, cappucino's.
Endless really.
And I must admit, the best "in house" coffee I've ever had.
And that is saying a lot because I hate coffee made at home. It's just never hot enough. Bold enough. Tim Horton's enough. 
If you have one, I would be curious to know what blend is your favourite. And more importantly, for my U.S. friends, does Dunkin' sell pods?? 
If you don't have one, I highly recommend. 
You're welcome Keurig.

It's Monday.

Any big plans for the week?