{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

{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} 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

{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

{Home} Holiday Decor + Entertaining With Target

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It's funny how as you get older, your attention shifts more and more towards home decor over the holidays. Call it a rite of passage, but I'm constantly finding myself gravitating towards cute decorations and entertaining necessities more than anything else this time of year. From gilded cocktail accessories and pops of plaid, to festive mugs and ornaments, I'm in it deep. So here's a look at some of the goodies I'm lusting over from Target � and believe me, it's a long list! I've already made those adorable fox wine accessories mine, but there's still eight glorious items to go... You know, in case Santa reads my blog or something.

Martini Shaker | Fox Wine Accessories | Plaid Tree Skirt | Stag Head | Serving Tray | Beer Mugs | Bar Cart | Ornaments | Coffee Press

 
This post was sponsored by Target Canada. All opinions shared are my own.

{Shopping Guide} Holiday Wishlist

The holidays can be a stressful time of year, but treating yourself a little now and then can go a long way in terms of keeping morale high amidst all the craziness. So when Southgate Centre asked me to make a holiday wishlist from their roster of retailers, it was a therapeutic process to say the least. Now I don't expect anyone to rush out and buy me an MK bag or iPad Air (you're officially off the hook, Mr. AiF), but it sure is fun to dream nonetheless. And in keeping with the whole 'treat yo' self' philosophy I seem to prescribe to, don't be surprised if you see a fun leopard clutch or bright red dress creep into posts during the weeks to come... Just saying.

Be sure to visit southgatecentre.com to make a holiday wishlist of your own � one lucky winner will walk away with their entire wishlist, up to $2,500! How's that for treating yourself?

This post was sponsored by Southgate Centre. All opinions shared are my own.

{Homemade Holiday} Monogram Mug DIY

This week's holiday gift idea was inspired by Anthropologie's golden monogram mugs � aka, the greatest things ever. This DIY is perfect as a last minute hostess gift, stocking stuffer or general add-on, and so long as you have 40 minutes and a Sharpie, you've got this.


Using a metallic gold, oil-based Sharpie, start by drawing a letter on the front of a white mug (mine came from the dollar store).
From there, draw a line around the base of the cup and colour in the handle. Once that's done, bake that bad boy for 30 minutes at 350 degrees � it's as easy as that.
A lovely tea (like this Almond Truffle variety from Sloane Tea Company) or a nice coffee blend later, and you've got yourself a thoughtful holiday gift for the caffeine lover in your life.
Photos by Andrew Tarver

{Details} AiF x FASHION Magazine

Dress- Loft 82 | tights- Hue | heels + pearl bracelet- Forever 21 



I was lucky enough to be included in FASHION Magazine's winter issue, sporting my take on holiday-wear with this flirty Loft 82 dress. To be honest, I would gladly take shimmering gold fabrics, patent heels and pretty pearls any day of the week, but during the holiday season they feel all the more alluring... Kind of like crushed velvet and eggnog, but I digress.

A BIG thank you to the magazine for including me (my mom is ecstaaaatic), and be sure to check out the issue in stores now! Page 216 � errr, what? Who said that? xx

Photos by Andrew Tarver

{Homemade Holiday} Rosette Ring DIY

In the spirit of last week's animal ring holder, I thought I would put together an simple gift idea to accompany it � et voila! The rosette ring was born. It's the perfect little add-on to give a girlfriend or pop into a stocking, and it even functions as a last-minute gift if you're in a pinch (oh who am I kidding, when you're in a pinch). So if you want to make a rosette ring of your own, here's what you'll need:

Supplies:

 - Adjustable rings (available at any craft or jewelry supply store)

 - Rosette cabochons (mine are vintage, but there are lots to choose from on Etsy!)

 - Jewelry glue

Glue your cabochons to the base of the ring, pressing down firmly to adhere. After about an hour of dry time, you've got yourself a simple, yet oh-so cute gift to brighten up someone's holiday season... It's as easy as that!   Box up your rings with a pretty gift tag to add some oomph, then just stand back and humbly admire your gift-making prowess � you've earned it. xx

{Homemade Holiday} Animal Ring Holder DIY

The holidays have a remarkable way of sneaking up on me each year, and all those lofty goals of baking, crafting and general merry-making often go unactualized. That's why I thought it would be fun (and mutually beneficial for readers like me!) to launch a homemade holiday series consisting of a DIY gift idea each week to get your yule-tide juices flowing (so to speak). First up? The Animal ring holder.


I love giving loved ones jewelry, but it never dawned on me before that a playful jewelry holder could be just the ticket to up the ante when gifting baubles. So off to the dollar store I went to pick up some plastic animals to make this simple, yet impactful gift idea.

Simply spray paint your animal any colour you wish, and adhere it to a pretty plate (mine came from Home Sense) using powerful glue... It's as easy as that! Top things off with a pretty ring or some sparkly earrings, and your friends are sure to love you all the more this holiday season!
I hope you enjoyed this new DIY series � stay tuned for more fun projects in the weeks to come! xx

{Christmas Week} Spots & Dots...

Leopard print might not exactly come to mind when one considers holiday prints (with plaid, argyle, heck, even polka dots seeming more appropriate), but for whatever reason, I'm loving it for Christmas Week. Paired with oxblood and some faux fur � not to mention a festive church backdrop � I'm holiday-ready... Four more sleeps! 

Outfit details: polka dot blouse- Forever 21; leopard print skirt- Urban Behavior; faux fur cowl- Michael Kors; cap toe pumps- Zara; ring- Forever 21; gold watch- Michael Kors

{Christmas Week} Festive Details...

You know me and my accessories... I can't live without 'em. Here's a round up of my favourite sparkly bits and bobs this holiday season, including Meows' swanky new collar. Happy Thursday, lovelies! xx

Details: bow pin- Ardene; sparkle clutch- Kate Spade; ring- gifted; statement earrings- Forever 21; spiked heels- Shoe Mint

{Christmas Week} Seeing Red...

I don't know what it is about this time of year, but I always seem to revert back to eight-year-old Vickie in both mind and dress. Alarming maybe, but let's just chalk it up to the holiday season. Take this outfit for instance; I'm pretty sure I look like a kid who's watched too much Madeline, am I right? The barrett and school girl-inspired gettup aren't helping matters, but what can I say, these things happen. Now all I need is hot cocoa and day 19 of my chocolate advent calendar, and I'm good to go.

PS- Notice the atypical laughing photo at the end? That's because some random dude decided to photo-bomb me... How could I not include that?

Outfit details: dress c/o Dahlia; blouse- Forever 21; beret- Simons; bracelet- The Bay; watch- Michael Kors; ring- vintage; necklace- Forever 21