Layering Bracelets - How to Mix and Match

Layering is no longer just referring to sweaters these days. A mix of bangles, watches and DIY bracelets are spotted on the arms of many elusive fashionistas and bloggers. To be fair, I'm not sure I am an expert on this subject since my wrists are ... well bare for the most part (I blame the fact they are so skinny). However, I think the key to layering those dainty wrists are similar to clothes: texture, size and focus.

1. Collect & Stack 'Em
The key to having a coordinate arm party is mixing up your stack with different textures, metals and styles of bracelets. You can pile them sky high or keep things minimal with just a few pieces. Don't have the big bucks? There are so many DIY creations that make this trend both, personal and thrifty.

(1 - Gorjana / 2 - ASOS / 3 - Ettika / 4 - Michael Kors / 5 - Dogeared / 6 - Miansai / 7 - Marc Jacobs)

2. Choose a Focal Point [aka Captain]

Now that you've got your army together, it's time to choose a captain. This piece is going to be the focal point, so make it big or bright to pull off a strong statement. Here are some beautiful statement watches that will help your arms stand out.

(1 - La Mer / 2 - Marc Jacobs / 3 - DKNY / 4 - DIESEL / 5 - AK Anne Klein / 6 - Michael Kors)

3. Vary the Size of Your Pieces and Personalize it!
You probably figured out by now that I am a gold girl when it comes to jewelry, but this party is all about what suits your personality. Good rule of thumb is to vary the size of your pieces to keep things interesting (i.e. thicker chains with smaller bangles). It is also great to incorporate vintage finds or personal pieces like a DIY friendship bracelet.

(Source: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6)

So there you have it ladies. Keep Calm and Pile 'Em On!

How to Wear Mint Green Pants

My boyfriend always asks me what my favourite colour is and I never had an exact answer for him until now - mint green! Coloured denim remains a strong trend in retail stores and fashion runways alike, but it's all about pastels for this upcoming season. Mint green is just one of the light, airy shades that is gaining popularity in the blogosphere. Here are 3 ways and some suggestions on how you can rock this trend.

Style #1: Bohemian Luxe

An easy going pairing for mint green pants is a delicate crochet top and neutral accessories. Experiment with layering different textures, but keep your accessories understated to avoid looking like a mess of patterns.

(River Island Skinnies  - Crochet Top - Michael Kors/Bag - Pave Bracelet - Platform Sandals)

Style #2: Trendsetter 

If you are more of a trendsetter, here is a look incorporating some key items this season. The cut out shoulder blouse with embellished collar is edgy, but light enough to compliment your mint green skinnies. Add some colourful coral flats (great colour to pair with mint), a statement ring and cat-eye sunnies and you are ready for a stroll through the city.

Studded Collar Blouse - Patent Flats - Claw Ring - Sunglasses

Style #3: Head to Toe

Monochromatic looks are daring, but this look helps break down the obstacle of being head to toe in mint green. Use bold neutral accessories like a white patent belt or black suede pumps to add visual separation. Also consider pairing a lighter fabric on top if your pants are a thicker denim. 

(Mint Green Tank - Kate Spade Watch - Patent Skinny Belt - Black Suede Pumps)

Will you be sporting a pair of these trendy skinnies?

Weekly Five

Weather has been terribly gloomy one minute and perfectly sunny the next. I think Canadian weather is having some serious bipolar status.

(Clever cupcake tray - Source)

A friend shared a link from thedailybuzz on Facebook earlier and I thought these ideas were just simply ingenious! Using bread tags to hold loose electronic wires together, putting panty hose on a vacuum to find a lost earring, and getting sand off yourself with baby powder. I am very curious to trying some of these tricks out (Mythbusters anyone?). Check out the entire article here

(My Cambridge Satchel)

I know I've already discussed my new bag quite a bit, but ah just loving it each day that passes. This photo is the most accurate (not quite there yet) photo to date. 

(Milk Bottles - Source)

I first saw these adorable striped straws on Cupcakes and Cashmere, but I've been obsessed ever since with their retro charm. I'm very tempted to order a pack from etsy and host a cookie party. (UPDATE: I found a pack at Indigo and immediately bought them!)

(Beach - Source)

I've decided I cannot stand winter weather for much longer. Thus I need to be spending my reading week where the beach, sunshine, cocktails and tanning are always at hand.

(Outfit - Source)

Today, I found a new blogger that excites me with her playful style and combinations. I have about six blogs I like reading regularly, but I adore her aesthetic and very well thought out looks. Definetly check her out as I think she offers tons of inspiration for outfits. Atlantic Pacific - Here

Outfit - All dressed up with no where to go

Happy Monday!

I haven't done an outfit post in ages... let alone use lookbook. Since I feel as though procrastination is always best, I decided to take a break and show off some recent acquirements. My lovely Cambridge Satchel was featured already, but I also recently bought this adorable chiffon fishtail blouse and these sky high Zara t-strap heels. I've yet to wear the Zara shoes out of the house due to the nasty weather we've been having in Canada. However, I think they'd make the perfect finishing touch to a date or dinner with the girls outfit.

On a totally unrelated note, I have a feeling lookbook has changed the way hype and looks are displayed. Before getting 1 hype was like OMGLETSDANCE deal. Now it seems the standard is 30 is low for a look? Maybe this is like Master degrees becoming the new Bachelor but what's up with that?

Cambridge Satchel - Fluro Yellow!

So.. I kind of hinted to my boyfriend a month before my birthday/christmas that I wanted the Cambridge Satchel in Fluro Yellow so badly. Now the next part surprised me because guess what I got to open up Christmas... none other then this beauty! The colour of this bag is honestly next to impossible to photograph accurately - my photos show it being more of a bright sunshine yellow, but its much more neon, kind of like a highlighter shade. In natural day light it is almost painstakingly bright... but my mom and bf made a good point it doubles as a safety vest for night time walks. The stitching is beautiful and quite honestly I'm afraid to use it just cause its too... pretty. 

If you are in Canada and interested in purchasing the bag, do consider www.a2zane.com in Toronto. They ship for free in Canada for orders over $50 and delivery accordingly to my boyfriend was very fast. If you do want more stock options, you will have to order through www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk then. This is well worth the price and wait though - amazing quality and just a unique piece.

Overdue Holiday Gifts

(Fresh Soy Face Cleanser - butter LONDON nail lacquer - Marc Jacobs Lola Rollerball)

(Benefit "I'm Glam... therefore I am" Holiday Palette)

(Gift Cards - H&M, Dynamite, VISA + Mall)

Little overdue but never too late to talk about the exciting hauls from the holiday festivities. I didn't do anything super exciting this holiday, just mainly relaxing at home and spending quality time with the bf.  

I am currently loving the butter LONDON nail polishes I picked up at Holt Renfrew in December. The colours I purchased were "West End Wonderland" and "Come to Bed Red" at around C$17 each. Pricey but I just fell in love with the adorable bottles and trendy colours after sampling some at my previous job. Speaking of which, I was gifted the benefit palette during the holidays from them as well. Yet to try it out but looks almost too cute to use!

Things I Lust - 2012

2011 has been full of changes for myself. I'm feeling a new sense of inspiration to start writing once again and thought, let's kick things off with an ever so fun wishlist. My new year's resolution is to start investing in quality but also pieces that offer diverse wear (i.e. no more impulse H&M buys!). 

Clothes

1. Animal Print - Still loving the animal print + faux fur thing for 2012. I don't know if its the inner Cruelle De Vil in me, but this coat just draws me in. (A|Wear Leopard Swing Coat - C$140)

2. Classic Pencil Skirt - My current pencil skirt was a cheap buy from Costa Blanca years back. I think now that I've reached the 20s, it is time for something a bit more refined and higher quality. J.Crew does it perfectly here. (No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Wool - $146)

3. Embellished Dresses- I own enough little black dresses, but the detail in the embellished sleeves on this number is stunning. Sadly no longer available in black. (Warehouse Embellished Mesh Sleeve Dress - C$103)

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Bling Bling

1. Oversized Gold Watch - Timeless, always chic and adds that finishing touch to a simple outfit. I think every woman needs a classic watch whatever style and finish it be. Currently loving this one from Michael Kors. (Michael Kors Stainless Steel Chronograph Layton Watch, Golden - $250)

2. Chunky Statement Pieces - I've yet to add that oversized, eye catching statement necklace in my small, but unique jewelry collection. I love pretty much anything gold, chains, bling or charms. (Tinley Road Cluster Short Necklace - $38)

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Everything else

1. iPhone - Yes my android shed a little tear after I typed that. I recently ditched my blackberry after an unfortunate incident (washing machine) and switched to the HTC HD Desire. While I do love the android system, it's still not as easy to sync with my beloved macbook as i'd like. Call me promicious but I like to try everything out there. (iPhone 4S - 

2. Shoes that are just too pretty to wear - I recently bought a gorgeous pair of heels from Zara that i've yet to wear out cause I just don't want to ruin them. Some shoes just are more suited for art then daily use. (Sam Edelman Rosa Embellished Crushed Velvet Platform Pumps - $225) 

3. Useful Wallet - At the moment I am using a very run down wallet I bought for probably less then $25 at Winners. Despite having bought possible replacements, I still end up using my ratty wallet - why? it just the right size for everything I need. I am looking to invest in something more "classy" mind you. (Michael Kors Continental Logo Wallet, Vanilla - $118) 

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So what are you lusting after for the new year? Any resolutions planned out?