{Christmas Week} Treat Yo' Self

Drawstring bag- 3.1 Phillip Lim | sweater- Pink Martini | jeans c/o Forever 21 |  bangles- J.Crew | rings- Erica Weiner + Urban Outfitters | watch- Michael Kors

Naughty as it may seem, I like to subscribe to the treat yo' self philosophy this time of year. Think about it: You're running around trying to get gifts, everywhere you go is mayhem (ick) and you're basically perma-stressed between social and work obligations. So to keep morale high as the mercury (and my patience) drops, a little retail therapy can go a long, long way.



I'll let you in on a little shopping secret of mine, but only if you promise not to go all credit-card happy and make me regret telling you about this, ok? Here it is: I'm obsessed with Vaunte. It's my favourite online haunt, and for those unfamiliar with the site, it's basically what you would get if Vogue and Ebay were to have a baby � for reals. You can shop the closets of all these different designer/stylist/socialite-types for some seriously deep discounts, avoiding all that pesky buyer's remorse I get from my Shopbop addiction. Long story short, I lusted after this floral bag all last year but couldn't justify the cost for a cotton bag. So when it popped up on Vaunte for half the price, I snagged that puppy without a second thought � Merry Christmas to me.

  Suddenly all the annoying parts of the holiday season seem bearable again � Seeeeee? Treat yo' self. xx

{Wardrobe Wednesday} Helmut Wang

Helmut Want Tshirt c/o Purple Label | varsity jacket- Forever 21 | necklace- Barefoot Contessa

Not a far cry from my sweatshirt obsession, I'm all about Tshirts lately, especially when they come complete with tongue-in-cheek messaging... And if you don't believe me, just look back on the million times I've worn my Celfie shirt. They're fun, easy to throw on with jeans, and spectacular when paired with a jazzy necklace � basically they're a win-win for ladies who sleep through their alarm every morning... Hey, don't look at me. xx


Photos by Kastles

{Wardrobe Wednesday} Hats Off

Hat- French Connection | turtleneck- Zara (old; similar here) | plaid cape- Urban Outfitters | ring- Michael Kors

In keeping with last week's winter-fuelled Wardrobe Wednesday, I thought I would pay further homage to one of my favourite cold-weather accessories: The hat. The eternal warmer-of-heads and disguiser-of-bad-hair-days (you know what I'm talking about), the hat is the most versatile and transformative accessory at your disposal� and don't you forget it. And by you, I really mean me, because I'm the worst for neglecting even my most beloved accessories (#hoarderproblems). But that's why I love both you AND this WW column � you guys keep me honest.



If you're looking for some good, winter appropriate hat options, I really love this Catarzi wool hatand this Brian Lichtenberg beanie (case in point)... Happy (Wardrobe) Wednesday, friends! xx


Photos by Sandy Joe Karpetz

{Wardrobe Wednesday} Winter Wear

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When temperatures drop, I like to add bright layers and beautiful accessories to the mix to dull the pain of yet another winter. Pops of red, plaid and leather galore is the name of the game this time of year, so here are a few of my current favourites (including these delicious boots from Dr. Martens). What are your winter go-tos? xx

Hat- ONE | plaid scarf- Gap | bag- Oasap | red coat- ASOS | quilted leather gloves- River Island | boots- Dr. Martens

{Wardrobe Wednesday} Don't Sweat It

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It's no secret that sweatshirts have become my go -to this season � in fact, they've creeped up in outfit posts at a rate that would have alarmed 2010 Vickie. That's right my friends, only a few short years ago I would have turned my nose up at such items, scoffing at the very idea that sweatshirts could even remotely be a thing... Boy was past Vickie wrong! Now my collection seems to be growing by the day (don't worry Mr. AiF, it's just a figure of speech), so I figured I would show you all my current faves, plus a few that I have my eye on... Hey, you can never have too much of a good thing, am I right?

{Wardrobe Wednesday} Lips Rings

This Wardrobe Wednesday features a save or splurge component which doesn't quite apply to me because � let's face it � I had to go be all greedy and buy both. To be fair, I ordered the CC Skye version online before I knew Forever 21 carried a fun, Lulu Frost-inspired version for a fraction of the price. Woe is me. Regardless, I felt the need to have both. Because really, after shelling out over 100 big ones for a trend item, what's five more.

The verdict? Despite the aforementioned trend (read: fleeting) nature of the design, I actually much prefer the CC Skye version. It's smaller, more streamlined and far more flattering to wear, translating to 20x more use than it's inexpensive counterpart... So on a cost-per-wear basis, the CC Skye version is actually a way better deal, right? Oh come on, humour me.

In other news, congrats to Kirsten Butler for winning a copy of Alexa Chung's new book, "It" � Enjoy, girl! 

{Wardrobe Wednesday} Winter Wear

Knit beanie + double-sided scarf- Zara

Tis the season for bundling up, and when you live in a winter city like I do, one thing is abundantly clear: mo layers, less problems. This year I plan on making this jumbo, double-sided scarf my new bf (don't we look good together?), with plenty of room in my life for this slouchy beanie... It's a big love situation here, people.  

So when it comes to staying warm without compromising style, all you have to do is grab a great plaid scarf, slide on some slick gloves and thrown on a cute beanie... Your day two hair will thank you. xx 

Photos by Andrew Tarver

{Halloween Week} Studded Cat Ears

This week's Halloween-inspired Wardrobe Wednesday is all about the cat ears... More specifically, this studded cat ear headband that I picked up on a whim at Forever 21 many moons ago. Naturally I had no use for it until this very week, but it's precisely that kind of dedication towards "rainy day shopping" (aka- The I may need this someday approach) that keeps this blog populated with content, but that's an issue for another day.

Not only can this headband (coupled with this makeup tutorial) save the day during a particularly busy Halloween season (testify!), but it's pretty darn cute draped over mirrors and side tables (how I justify frivolous purchases). If you're looking for a last minute costume, look no further, and if you feel like getting your craft-on, check out this easy DIY � Happy Halloween Eve!

Studded cat ear headband- Forever 21 | sweater- Topshop | necklace c/o T&J Designs

{WW} Colour-Block Booties

Always down for a good colour-blocking session, these Sam Edelman booties had me at white heel. And cobalt. Oh, and suede... soft, supple suede. Basically what I'm trying to say is these badboys were a no-brainer. The moment I saw them I was as good as sold, although it did take me a few weeks to justify yet another pair of booties � but hey, the heart wants what it wants.

 { Sam Edelman Shay Suede Colour-block Booties } 

Photos by Brittney Le Blanc

{Wardrobe Wednesday} Phillip Lim Clutch

{ My go-to, the 31 Minute pouch }

This week's WW is all about the neutral, go-to clutch, which for me has recently become the Phillip Lim 31 minute pouch (they actually call it a cosmetics case, but who would be crazy enough to spend 300 big ones on a makeup bag?!). Anyway, I decided to update my previous staple � this vintage YSL clutch that I scored for $4 at a thrift shop � because I wanted to reduce the amount of wear it was inevitably getting. I don't know about you guys, but I like to preserve my things for as long as humanly possible, which means being mindful not to 'overexert' anything... Makes sense, right? I'd like to think so, although I'm sure Mr. AiF would tell you that's just me enabling my shopping addiction. Potato, potato.

Thanks for reading, and happy Wardrobe Wednesday!

Photo by Andrew Tarver 

{Wardrobe Wednesday} Fall Footwear

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Fall is my favourite shopping season (if you couldn't already tell), so updating my shoe arsenal with ankle boots and fall-fresh flats is always a must. There's just something about a new pair of shoes that makes your wardrobe feel so invigorated, no? So with that said, here's a look at my favourite fall offerings from Infinity Shoes � lace-up booties, tasseled flats and all. Happy shopping, friends!

This post was sponsored by Infinity Shoes. All opinions shared are my own.

{Wardrobe Wednesday} The F�line Beanie

 

Something about Brian Lichtenberg's quirky, tongue-in-cheek approach to apparel design has captured the hearts of many a fashion phile, earning him a cult following for his Homi�s, Ballin and � my personal favourite � F�line Meow roster of designer-inspired logos. Equal parts homage to, and rejection of, the Herm�s, Balmain and C�line power labels from which the line was built, Lichtenberg's tees, sweatshirts (I have my eye on this one) and head wear are undeniably undeniable.

 

I don't know about you guys, but for me, it's official: A new obsession is born... So burrrr-ing (get it?) on the Lichtenbergs!

{Wardrobe Wednesday} Poppy Barley Flats

This week's Wardrobe Wednesday is an extra special one, because: 1. These flats are from a local shoe company, 2. Said company was founded by two lovely sisters I'm proud to call my friends (not to mention their lovely staff) and 3. Well, there are foxheads involved... 'nuff said.


Why I love them:

Poppy Barley let's you completely customize your boots or flats to your liking (royal purple nubuck, anyone?), and since they're made-to-measure, they fit like a dream... Seriously though, I don't think I've ever worn a more comfortable shoe � plus it doesn't hurt that they're ridiculously cute either. In fact, they're so pretty that I'm almost too scared to wear them outdoors... almost.


Thanks for reading friends, and happy Wardrobe Wednesday! xx

{Wardrobe Wednesday} The Mini Mac...

Tshirt- Rag & Bone | boyfriend jeans- Gap | bag- Rebecca Minkoff | necklace- Ily Couture | bracelets c/o Forever 21 | ring- Saint Laurent



As you can probably tell, I'm a bit of a bag fanatic... Even though I've spent the better part of this year cheating on bags with shoes, they still have my true, undying love. So I guess in an attempt to make up for lost time or whatever, I've been going a little crazy in the purse department lately (exhibit A). But you know what? If loving bags is wrong, then I don't want to be right... So with that said, allow me to introduce one of the newest apples of my eye � man, how many cliches can a person squeeze into one post?!

Anyway, I've wanted a Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac since time immemorial, but just somehow never got around to getting one until I peeped it in fire engine red... The minute I saw this colour (seriously though, can you say va va voom?), it was as good as mine. The leather is buttery soft and it fits just the right amount of goodies, making this little beauty and I fast friends... Is that a healthy way of looking at material goods? Oh who can really say.

Thanks for reading friends, and happy Wardrobe Wednesday to you all! xx

{Wardrobe Wednesday} The Leather Cap...

Remember a little something called Wardrobe Wednesdays? New readers to AiF won't be familiar with it (it last ran in August 2012!), but basically it was a weekly feature where I would highlight beloved items from the depths of my closet... Basically a "sartorial show-and-tell," if you will. So after much thought (and a little shopping), I thought it might be fun to resurrect the series!

First up � the hat. More specifically, the leather baseball cap. It seems like these badboys are popping up in every store, website and, well, head lately, making them the perfect inaugural (if something can be inaugural twice) WW item. Not to have a total 90's Janet Jackson moment on you or anything, but this is a look that I'm planning on wearing the heck out of this fall.

From oversized sweaters and jeans, to more polished, dresses-n-blazers kinds of days, this Bop Basic beauty is going to be making appearances left, right and center... Kind of like the Kardashian of headwear.



Thanks for reading friends, and be sure to let me know what your thoughts are on WW's return! xx

Wardrobe Wednesday...

I love accessories more than words, so when the days get longer and temperatures spike, there's nothing greater than piling on the bracelets and slipping into a pair of fun sandals. These accessories (shoes are kind of an accessory, right?) have been my go-tos this week, elevating them to Wardrobe Wednesday status. Of particular note is the pink spike bracelet and studded collar � both from The Bay � and the jelly sandals I bought last year at Winners (they're like walking on air!). The take away? It doesn't take much to make me happy; just a simple skull or spike will do.

Happy Wardrobe Wednesday, my pretties! xx

Image details: top- jelly sandals from Winners (old); middle- Expression studded collar (via The Bay); bottom- Expression spike bracelet, Blue Vanilla skull bracelet & Michael Kors watch

{Travel Diary} Wardrobe Wednesday

Before leaving for my trip, I was lucky enough to be gifted this adorable polka dot bikini and oversized hat by La Vie En Rose... How cute are they? I wore both pieces a ton while I was away, and received many a compliment on the bikini (because really, who doesn't love polka dots?). Although I wasn't brave enough to take pics of me actually in the bathing suit, I figured this would be the next best thing... And the world shares a collective sigh of relief. 

Happy Wardrobe Wednesday, lovelies! xx

Image details: polka dot bikini and oversized hat c/o La Vie En Rose

Wardrobe Wednesday...

Nothing says summer to me more than stripes and straw hats, so I've had both on steady repeat this past month... And when I found these cute little shades at Forever 21, it was as if I had completed the holy trinity of summer dressing. Throw in a rosary for good measure, and you've got yourself party.

Happy Wardrobe Wednesday, lovelies! xx

Image details: straw panama hat- H&M; sunnies- Forever 21; striped shirt- Zara; rosary- Forever 21 

Wardrobe Wednesday...

Happy Wardrobe Wednesday, lovelies! xx

Image details: Forever 21 drop earrings

Wardrobe Wednesday...

I like big shades and I cannot lie, you other bloggers can't deny... OK, I guess that's enough of that, but the point I'm trying to make here is that I love me some oversized sunnies. When I saw these bad boys at Urban Outfitters last week, I just couldn't resist. They reminded me of my beloved Karen Walkers, only pastel, scalloped and for a fraction of the price... In fact, they were only $20! What can I say, one look at these, and I was sprung.

Happy (Wardrobe) Wednesday, peaches! xx