Friday Fancies : An Ode to Rainy Days

In an ode to rainy days that just won't go away, here is what I might like to wear. 

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Isn't this a cute variation of the bubble necklace? 

Find it here along with lots of other crazy affordable goodies.

You're welcome. 

linking this post up with Long Distance Loving

Don't forget to enter the Ancesserie giveaway for a $100 certificate here! 

Friday Fancies : The Perfect Trench

Spring is almost upon us and here in Toronto, this usually means about 3 weeks of semi-warm, "can't go without a jacket weather", before the summer heat kicks in.

But, and this part is important, you MUST be prepared for this time.

And by prepared, I mean, you have to own a classic trench...particularly if you are a working woman.
A reader {and dear friend} recently asked me to help her on the search for the perfect trench coat.
Know that she has 2 children under the age of 4 so comfort, versatility and affordability are key.

The iconic, classic Burberry trench.
The one which all others are measured against.
And yes, you could splurge on this beauty. It would definitely last a lifetime but really, do you want to spend what could very likely be your entire Spring shopping budget on one item?
Not so much.

Here are a few great options: 

J Crew $344 {J Crew Factory : option}

Forever XXI $29.80 

Zara $139

Jacob $169.90 {sign up for their online newsletter & receive $20 off your purchase}

The Gap $128 {less 30% right now} 

I also saw a huge {and fabulous!} collection at The Bay that included tons of great looks by London Fog. Definitely worth checking out. 

My favorite above has to be the leather-trimmed version by Jacob. It's classic but with an edge which I always love.

Which one would you choose?

Friday Fancies : Lovely Lace

I have been on the hunt for the perfect lace dress {in my head, it's black with creamy beige lining underneath in the exact cut of these beauties} for a while now. 

Not that I have an occasion or anything.
But that's the thing with lace.
You can always find a reason.

full product details here

In the case of this Valentino version I could find at least two.
So, naturally, I included both colors.
A girl can dream.

winner of the eShakti giveaway is Addibrae Corson! I will email you today.
enter the $1000 visa gc giveaway here...a pair of lacey louboutins could make your shopping list! 
Happy Weekend.

Friday Fancies : Outfit Crush

I've decided.

If I could raid any one single person's closet, it would definitely be Olivia Palermo's. 

This is the second time I've chosen one of her look's as my outfit crush. 

Between her and Gwyneth, they get me almost every time.

I tried to replicate the look using all  lower-priced items (minus the handbag) including the above $20 faux leather leggings from Top Shop. I dropped the cardigan and opted for a military style jacket with leather sleeves. 

Dare I say I might like this outfit even better?

Yes. Yes, I dare.

Linking this post up here.

Friday Fancies : Emerald City

The pantone color of the year, emerald green, is in the spotlight today.

This color can't help but make you feel like spring is right around the corner.

Even when it's not. 

This pretty shade calls for some equally pretty make up.
I love a bold eye {why not try green?} with a neutral lip. Chelsea Girls by Nars, a long time favorite of mine, would be perfect.
The Lorac product above was my go.to the entire holiday season. This stuff gives an amazing gold glow and a little goes a long way.The closest thing I can compare it to is Scott Barnes Body Bling but this one is even more metallic.
SO pretty. 

Enter the Silver Speck jewelry giveaway here.
And please, vote for Ava Grace's Closet on Circle of Moms here. So honored to be nominated!

Linking this post up here.

Friday Fancies : Something to Celebrate

I love a good party.

Any reason to celebrate really.

Or to wear this little number. not so little, I know, I know. 

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Congrats Alison!
Now, come enter our IN PINK giveaway here. A $30 credit to 30 winners. Sweet.

Linking up here and here. 

Friday Fancies : The Costume Prep

I haven't dressed up for Halloween in years.

But if I did, if I did, the look would be vampire fashionista.

What else would you call a vampire that is wearing a Dolce & Gabbana cape, Jason Wu dress and Louboutin spiked heels?

Exactly. 

It would also be my excuse to finally wear a birdcage veil. 
And way too much MAC Russian Red lipstick. My very favorite red.

Linking up here and here.
Enter our J&M Botanicals body care giveaway here. 

Friday Fancies : For the love of leaves

This leafy color combination reminds me of something out of That 70's Show or my early childhood friend Sheila S.'s living room. 
Brown couches, shaggy rugs, knitted afghans, and orange macrame pillows.
Oddly cozy.
Sort of like this ensemble.

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Happy Friday friends.

Bring on the weekend.

Linking up here and here. 

Update Fall : Jewels

Ahhh, fall.
You are finally "officially" upon us.
See my picks for fashion updates here and beauty updates here.
Now, onto the jewelry drawer{s}:

1. Yes, I really do want a Dannijo collar necklace, alas, it is not in the budget. So, I did what any resourceful gal would do...I ordered this one. 

2. A new heart shaped pendant necklace. I have a fondness for heart anything and have been trying to replace one for a while now. I love the David Yurman collection {scary similar crafting imo} as well as this one by Swarovski. I won't buy heart-shaped anything for myself so dear husband, if you are reading, I really like this. A lot.  

3. A skull something. I've been eyeing a pretty skull wrap bracelet at Bauble Bar for a while, but now, I have my eyes set on this bangle in rose gold. Dainty but kinda dangerous. Love.
And it would go perfectly with the new rose gold watch I'm planning hoping to get. 

4. An updated for fall, darker hued pair of crystal studs. I have a lighter bronze pair that go with everything. As will these. 

5. A statement cuff. This one is by UnEarthed via etsy and comes in a multitude of colors and metals. Any of their pieces would do but I especially love this one in this season's "it" color. This shop is definitely worth a peek. 

6. I already own both a sterling silver Pandora bracelet and an off-white leather one that I wear daily but would love to update it for fall with a few of these fabulous garnet colored murano glass beads. Why not make it seasonal? And while I'm at it, would love to add a dark hued leather wrap bracelet to my collection.

7. A rose gold watch. I wasn't sure whether I was in love or not so much with this metal. I think I'm in love. Particularly with this Michael Kors watch that has just the right amount of bling without being too over the top.

8. A good quality, {read: gold} pair of classic earrings. These gucci horse bit design earrings would be an incredible addition and would be for years to come. 

9. And lastly, a statement cocktail ring. Another piece I have been fighting mainly because I have young children and fear taking an eye out. I would save this tanzanite beauty for date night. Or girls night. Whichever.
I am loving this stone. Sometimes purple, sometimes blue. So pretty. 

Do you change up your jewels come the cooler weather?

Linking up here and here. 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of numerous on-line jewellery retailers. All opinions are strictly my own.

Update : Fall Beauty

Last week I shared my list of fall fashion must-haves and, I'm happy to report that I have already picked up items 1, 4, 6 and 8. {all for just over $100 I might add!} 
Go me.
Now, onto the good stuff. Updating that make-up.body.perfume cabinet.

1. Out with the nude colors of summer and in with rich, dark shades like these by Butter. I love a good red on short, well-manicured nails. 

2. Come the cooler weather, I say goodbye to my barely-there tinted moisturizer and say hello again to my Bare Minerals product. Coverage is fantastic and stays in place. It may be difficult to give up my Boscia BB Cream altogether but I will save it solely for evening wear.

3. Hello stay.in.place.forever dark lip shade! This product by Stila is one of my faves. In the warmer months, I'm a huge fan of their lip glaze {in grapefruit specifically} but come fall, I am ready for something a little more dramatic and this shade fits the bill perfectly.

4. I am a huge fan of an all over body spray {I like this one} in warmer weather but definitely enjoy a stronger, longer lasting scent in the fall and winter. I've recently been using Lola by Marc Jacobs but am really liking this one by Gucci.

5. I love a dark upper lid. This particular shade, Thunderball by Nars, is a favorite as is Nehru by MAC, which I have used for years. Both are more navy than black so they appear somehow softer, less severe.

6. If you're like me, the winter wreaks havoc on your hands and lower legs. I love a good hand cream and feel like I have tried them all. My favorites come from Crabtree & Evelyn, The Body Shop, and L'Occitane. Body lotion's I typically like to keep simple and fragrance-free but I must say, I am loving this verbena all-over body lotion by L'Occitane and it is definitely scented. Rich and moisturizing with a refreshing {not overpowering} lemon scent. I was sent a discovery set by eBeauty.ca and have been slathering myself in it each evening. Truth. 

7. Hands down my favorite liquid liner. Fluidline by MAC comes in a little pot that lasts and lasts. I like to use a small, angled brush and wet it just slightly. Once dry, you can't get this stuff off until you choose to. If you've never tried it and are afraid of liquid eyeliner, this is one to try.

Do you update your beauty routine in the winter months? 
And, tell me, have you ever shopped eBeauty.ca? Pssst, it's 100% Canadian!

Linking up here and here. 

Friday Fancies : Labor Day Love

Last summer long weekend.
Last weekend before back.to.school.

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We've got one last pool weekend and a birthday party on the agenda.
What are your labor day plans?

Linking up here and here. 

Friday Fancies : Road Trippin'

The last road trip we took was B.C. {before children} and it still remains one of my all-time favorite vacations.

My husband and I were a year or so into our relationship and he was itching to take me to California. He had been once before and never quite got it out of his system.

We flew to Los Angeles, rented a car and drove. And then we drove some more.

All the way up highway 1 to San Francisco and then back down to San Diego. Through the desert into Las Vegas {my favorite part} and then on to Arizona. 

I remember wearing a little floral dress. And jumping out of the car to snap a pic in front of every "welcome to..." sign we encountered.

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I would love to go back to that time just for a day. 
Except wearing these boots. And carrying this bag. 

Linking up here and here. 

Friday Fancies : Gingham? Check!

Gingham is one of those things : I find you either love it or hate it.
I am, and have always been a huge fan. {and I hope I've passed that love along to my Ava who owns more gingham than one little girl should}.

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Are you a lover of all things gingham? 

Linking up here and here. 

Friday Fancies : Fit to a T

There are few things I like more than a perfect fitting white t-shirt.

Funny how something so easy to wear proves so difficult to find.

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Who makes your favorite?

Friday Fancies : Ice Cream Dream

Does anything scream summer more than endless scoops of ice cream?
I say no. 
And often, too often, indulge.

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I'm thinking buying a pair of J Brand's in every color scoopable might be better on the hips.

Linking up here and here. 

Friday Fancies : You're Invited

It's wedding season!

And while I have not a single one this summer, it's always a good idea to be prepared.

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Just in case any of you needs a date, know that I'm available.
Happy Friday!

Linking up here and here.