{Life} Five Goals for 2014

With the coming of a new year comes the inevitable wave of goals, future plans and lists that follow, penned hopefully in those pretty new agendas we're almost too scared to write in. But so long as the 'R' word isn't used, it should be OK... Now I don't know what it is, but setting 'resolutions' is seriously the kiss of death for me � there's just too much pressure surrounding the word, and I've never made a resolution that I've managed to keep... ever. Sorry past Vickie, but took ya long enough to figure that one out! Goals on the other hand, now that I can get behind. So with that in mind, here are five things I endeavor to do in 2014:

1. Put my health first.

This sounds pretty obvious, but 2013 was largely spent in a carb-fuelled, sleep deprived state. This year I plan on eating right, exercising, uping my water intake and making sleep a priority, no matter what.

2. Become an adult.

Along those lines, I would also like to become a more responsible human being in general. That will involve paying bills on time, meal planning, visiting the doctor and the dentist more regularly, etc.

3. Think ahead, financially speaking.

I hate thinking about money, but this year I endeavour to put my financial house in order... And if that means no more Saturday morning visits to Shopbop, so be it.

4. Choose happiness.

It's really easy for me to dwell on the negative aspects of life or let stress get the best of me, so I want to make 2014 as pleasant as possible for myself and all those who are stuck with me... You're welcome, everybody.

5. Plan a wedding.

It's been a year since Mr. AiF and I got engaged and I still haven't even sized my ring yet � needless to say, I need to get on this whole wedding thing pronto!

But enough about me, what are your goals for the new year? Share what plans you have up those sleeves of yours and let's inspire each other to be the best we can be in 2014! xx

Photo by Maria Laliotis, super mom

{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.

{Life} Holiday Wishes

Hello love bugs! Christmas is finally here, so I just wanted to pop in and wish you all the happiest of holidays... So here's to a day of relaxing by the fire, drinking your weight in Egg Nog (or cocktails � no judgement) and spending time with the ones you love best � Happy Holidays!

Photo via Beth Photos

{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} Adult S'mores Hot Chocolate

Who's ready for a little adult holiday cocoa? This fun recipe has Christmas written all over it, and so long as you don't go overboard with the Grand Marnier like I did the first time around, you won't soon forget this festive drink.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup cream
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Shot of Grand Marnier
- Graham cracker crumbs (to garnish)
- Marshmallows



In a small pot, bring the cream to a boil. Add chocolate chips, stirring until fully melted. Poor a dash of Grand Marnier into a small bowl and dip your cup in it before coating it with graham cracker crumbs. Poor a shot of Grand Marnier into the cup and top with the hot chocolate, giving the mixture a quick stir. Throw in a few marshmallows and toast to the holiday season! xx

{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

{Homemade Holiday} Rose Bath Salts DIY

For the final installment of Homemade Holiday, I thought it would be fun to pamper loved ones with some rose-scented bath salts, a great add-on or hostess gift that you can whip up in a flash. Add some food colouring and essential oils to spice things up, or keep just it simple (what what) with some fragrant herbs. So if you want to give this DIY a try (rhyme not intended), here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:
   - 1 cup Epsom salts
   - 1/2 cup sea salt
   - Rosebuds (any herb will do)
   - Jar



Mix both types of salt thoroughly in a large bowl. If you want to keep things simple and smelling oh-so good, simply add your rosebuds and call it a day. Otherwise, stir in a few drops of food colouring before adding your essential oils. Store the bath salts in a jar and adorn accordingly � it's as easy as that.


Thanks for following along my Homemade Holiday series, and if you would like to see more DIY projects like these around here, let me know in the comments below! 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