{Shopping} 9 Must-Have Coats

Depending on where you live and how big a role winter-wear plays in your life, you'll know that January is the best time of year to pick up a new coat (or two). Sale season is in full swing, which means stocking up on cozy outerwear like it's going out of style... So to speak, of course. Right now I'm into fleshy tones, prints and basic blacks in the coat department, so when French Connection asked me to round up my favourite coats from their current (and reduced) collection, I couldn't help but narrow down my focus to those three categories. I find that pastel or camel outerwear generally take an outfit to the next level, while printed coats shine with bright pops of colour or complimentary prints. I save black coats for particularly crazy outfit days to minimize the amount of puzzled stares I generally get, or when a girl just needs a little something something to give the illusion of a slimmer silhouette... And considering that most of us just ate our weight in holiday treats, this last option is looking mighty appealing right about now.

From left, Flesh Forward: Neat Weave Zip Through Coat | Santorini Coat | Divine Dorothy Coat 
Prints Charming: Electric Checked Oversized Boucle Coat | Checked Bunny Coat | Penelope Pop Checked Coat
Basic Black: Ali Faux Fur Coat | Ombre Dustls Coat | Queen Coating Flared Coat


This post was sponsored by French Connection. All opinions shared are my own.

{Style} Traditions

Leather jacket- 3.1 Phillip Lim (love this version) | top c/o Nicole Campre | leather leggings- Wilfred (similar) | heels- Lauren Ralph Lauren | bag- 3.1 Phillip Lim | necklace c/o T&J Designs| rings- Erica Weiner, Urban Outfitters + Front & Company | bangles- J.Crew | watch- Michael Kors


These photos were taken on Christmas Eve in Vancouver, exactly one year after Mr. AiF popped the question (remember?). After the deed was done and I dumbfoundedly said yes, we had a really lovely lunch at the Empress Hotel in Victoria, with me paying far more attention to the new ring on my (shaking) hand than the incredible Indian buffet in front of me � memories. Since then, we decided to make it an annual tradition to visit a Fairmont Hotel in whatever city we happen to find ourselves in that day, pretending to be fancy over tea or (let's face it) the all-you-can-eat buffet. These photos are the before shots from said buffet excursion... You're welcome. xx

Photos by Andrew Tarver

{Style} Red + Green

Plaid jacket- Zara | sweater c/o LUSH Clothing | denim shirt- TopShop | leather skirt- vintage | cap toe heels- Zara | clutch- 3.1 Phillip Lim | necklaces- Barefoot Contessa + vintage (borrowed from The Pretty Secrets) | rings- Winners + gifted



Photos by The Pretty Secrets

{Shopping} Knitwear 101

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Now that the holidays have wrapped up (where did the time go?!) and boxing week is officially upon us, I figure a little retail therapy is just the ticket for getting through a nasty case of PCD (or Post Christmas Depression). And since it's cold outside, a fully-fortified sweater arsenal is always a good idea. That's why I've become something of a hoarder when it comes to knitwear this year, finding any excuse to bring a new sweater home with me... Pied Piper style.

So if you find your jumper-stash running low, I say invest in a couple loose-fitting numbers rendered in black or neutrals first (like these ones from French Connection), adding colour, print and embellishment as you go. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither should your wardrobe.

This post was sponsored by French Connection. All opinions shared are my own.

{Nailed It} 4 Must-Try Holiday Manicures

I love a good manicure, and since there's no better time to fancy-up those fingertips than the holidays, here are four lovely lacquer looks to try... And if all else fails, you can always give this glitzed-up half moon mani a whirl. So throw on your favourite holiday movie (here's a great round-up of what to watch) and get your polish on. xx

{Style} Holiday Leopard

Faux leopard coat- Zara (cute cropped version) | Tshirt c/o Purple Label | midi skirt- ASOS (love this version) | heels- ShoeMint | bag- 3.1 Phillip Lim | necklace c/o T&J Designs | bangles- J.Crew | watch- Michael Kors 

 
Well, it's Monday and you know what that means � only two more sleeps until the big day! Mr. AiF, Meows and I are currently in Vancouver, enjoying slightly less snow than we're used to (what gives, yvr?!) plus lots of amazing food and drink before heading to Victoria on Christmas Day to chill with my family. That's going to lead to even more food and drink, and Mr. AiF rolling me onto a plane come January... Oh the holidays.

Happy Monday, friends! xx

Photos by Andrew Tarver

{Christmas Week} Going Griswold

Denim jacket- H&M | Tshirt- Urban Outfitters | leather leggings- Wilfred | necklace c/o T&J Designs | rings- Erica Weiner + Urban Outfitters | bangles- J.Crew | watch- Michael Kors 




Photos by Brittney Le Blanc

{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

{Christmas Week} Gift Guide Under $100

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Christmas is literally around the corner, so if you find yourself in need of some gift ideas for all those stylish ladies in your life, I've got you covered � and for under $100 no less! From cocktail rings and leather gloves, to horse-emblazoned clutches and pom pom-topped beanies (adorbs!), I would be pleased as punch to open any one of these items from French Connection come Christmas Day... Wouldn't you?

Happy shopping! xx
 
Necklace | leather gloves | T-shirt | leather belt | scarf | cocktail ring | Eau de FCUK | beanie | clutch


This post was sponsored by French Connection. All opinions shared are my own.

{Christmas Week} Playing Dress-Up

Dress- SheInside | leather jacket- Zara | heels c/o Forever 21 | clutch- Michael Kors | necklace- Zara | ring- Saint Laurent | bangles- J.Crew


I love a good conversation starter, so to kick off another theme week (yay, Christmas!), I thought it would be fun to feature this battle-scene dress as a holiday option.... because why wouldn't you sport violent scenes from antiquity on Christmas? My thoughts exactly. So should you find yourself at a holiday fete where you don't know anyone, a dress like this should help break the ice. And if that doesn't work, just ask people what their favourite herb is � it works every. single. time. xx

Photos by Andrew Tarver

{Style} Tweed By Example

 
Sweater and blazer c/o Lulus.com | jeans- Gap | heels- Ralph Lauren | bag- Phillip Lim x Target | necklace- Lulu Frost x J.Crew | ring- Saint Laurent 


Photos by Brittney Le Blanc

{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

{Style} Leopard Coat Love

Faux leopard coat- Zara (similar)  | sweatshirt- Helmut Helmut Lang | leather leggings- Wilfred (similar on sale) | booties- ShoeMint | bag- Rebecca Minkoff | beanie- Zara | necklace c/o T&J Designs | bracelets- J.Crew | rings- Ardene | watch- Michael Kors




I picked up this coat from Zara on Saturday, and since then, I've worn it every single day � now I don't want to jinx anything here, but I think this may be love. Not the kind of love that wavers over time or lessens when people try to knock it down (like, say, when one of your BFFs refers to your new love as a bath robe � chump). 'Oh no, it is an ever fixed mark whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken'... Man, that Shakespeare new a thing or two about girls and their coats, let me tell you.

Happy Monday, friends � here's to a fab week! xx

Photos by Sandy Joe Karpetz