Blush Hour

Silence & Noise blouse, H&M skirt, Banana Republic earrings and bracelet, Christian Louboutin pumps

Today, I'm contrasting a bold pink skirt with a creamy top and barely-there nude pumps - a sign of my impatience for Spring's arrival! I found this top at UO, and instantly fell for the strong yet soft and puffy shoulders. I love how the exaggerated pleats fall just at the right places to create a romantic silhouette. It's also a perfect staple for work, especially when paired with a high-waisted skirt or tailored trousers. And, who wouldn't love the extra 5 minutes of sleep that this simple and easy outfit brings?

Marc Jacobs Loves Canada

Marc by Marc Jacobs Tee, Holt Renfrew Earmuffs, Zara Booties

With the 2010 Winter Olympics happening in 14 days here in Vancouver, I'm feeling the need to show more national pride. None other than Marc Jacobs decided to show us Canadians some love by coming out with this limited edition Mr. & Miss Marc tee. Perfect timing! Wearing Red & white like our flag, these cutiepies are on ski lifts up the Whistler Mountains I'm guessing. It's dapper grey & uber soft, and can convert even those who aren't fond of graphic tees (yours truly). I'm even warming up to the idea of wearing a tee with Miga, Quatchi, and Sumi on it. I'm one proud Canadian eh?

Anna & Kristina's Beauty Call

source: annaandkristina.com/

Today, I met Anna from the locally produced TV show Anna & Kristina's Beauty Call on my lunch break.... I actually called her Kristina by accident! I was a bit embarrassed... I guess the nerves got the best of me. It looked like they were about to start filming and I had the privilege of a quick chat with Anna. I have to be honest in saying that I've only seen this show once or twice, but I'm an avid fan of their older show The Shopping Bags, where they do product testing and reviews. I never bought anything that didn't have the approval of at least 2 shopping bags! Anna mentioned they're spending a lot of time at H&M these days for the Beauty Call. It's a show about how to be stylish on a budget, which is in line with my fashion philosophy. I'm going to be one addicted viewer!

The Closet

Now that we've settled into the new year, J and I have resumed decorating. This weekend was spent Wallpapering the "den turned into my walk-in closet".  For anyone that's considering wallpaper, I have two words: Be prepared! It's a messy and time-consuming job. Being first timers, we had No idea what we were doing. By trial & error, we managed to put them up... just don't look too closely at the seams :) We still need to put up some bars and more shelving, but here's a sneak peak!



(Picture From left: H&M sweater, Forever 21 tops, Silent + Noise silk blouse)

Nude shades in my closet have got me thinking about Spring. I'm ready to embrace this year's strongest understatement.  Silk, tulle, lace, sequin -  I'm loving everything in these soft shades. 

Little Teal Riding Hood

Asos belted cape coat, Aldo ankle boots, Banana Republic earrings

Yes, I stole Blair Waldorf's signature look and I'm not giving it back.  The other day, one of the buttons of my old favorite Zara coat popped off, and then I realized how worn out it was from our Vancouver winters.  I guess this wasn't all bad, as it meant I was due for a new coat!  I was looking for something other than a traditional black peacoat; something classy yet unique.  So there I was on my routine ASOS browse-through, when I saw this gorgeous teal cape coat: it's feminine, lady-like, and everything I was looking for! There was a fair share of capes on recent runways (Thakoon, Derek Lam, Marc Jacobs, and many more).  I was always intrigued by them.  In fact my fav childhood outfit was this purple cape! I remember being super embarrassed when my mom made me stand infront of the playground for photos... while other kids were swinging on monkey bars behind me.  I have to find these pics and post them soon!  It's safe to say I've always been a fan of capes.  I just love the way it falls... this coat almost feels like a dress!  If there's one bad thing about them is that you have to opt for a satchel instead of a shoulder bag.  Although, I imagine a messenger might work too :)

This got me thinking... can a statement piece also be an investment piece? I say Yes. I can see myself wearing this coat 5, 10 years down the road!... if it still fits.

Last time I cooked, hardly anyone got sick

Not really an outfit post today... as I'm wearing a sweater from high school. Slightly shrunken.. but who cares, I'm at home :)

So I'm not much of a cook. Heck, I can hardly boil an egg! This week I started a challenge for myself to actually find recipes and cook decent meals. (Partly inspired by the movie Julie & Julia and partly because I wanted to use our new kitchen utensils) I looked to Martha Stewart for some recipes and tried making the stuffed chicken with sundried tomatoes. Without realizing that you're not supposed to season the top of the chicken with basil... I was greeted by smoke when checking the oven... there goes the fire alarm... $#%@^&!$#... and it was chaos in my tiny kitchen. Yes, I had to scrape some a lot of burnt black bits off the finished product, but it was edible! Serving it on a black plate also helped camouflage it a bit ;) J & I enjoyed a dinner for two on a quiet evening... just how I like it!

Borrowed from the Boys

Vince sweater vest, Donni Charms scarf, Forever21 leggings, Hat and watch borrowed from the boyfriend

The first week back to work after the holidays is always hard. This week feels so much longer than usual... but it makes you appreciate the weekend just that much more! J and I bought Wii Fit the other day and I'm Addicted... I've been playing all weekend!

So, back to work means I can no longer avoid the after-Christmas sales... that every store is having! It's nearly impossible to not look since taking the shortest way home means passing by my favorite stores. I need to either find another way home or put on blinders! Cashmere sweater vest from Vince at 60% off... how could I resist? I love how it can be dressed up or down... It really is casual-wear at its finest. Did I mention it's so uber soft and warm? Thanks Donni Charms for sending me this gorgeous scarf. The angel wing charm together with the knot is truly unique, and there's such a great inspiration behind the name.