{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.

{Recap} The Top 13 of 2013

Sweats and the City

Another year has come and gone (what the what?!), and I'm happy to say that I learned a thing or two along the way... Like to always shoot in raw, understand that looking directly at the camera won't kill me, and it's OK to embrace change (see ya later, bangs!). I've also learned that working with friends can yield some pretty amazing results (I'm talking to you, SJK!) and that although I can do anything, I can't do everything... Is this what personal growth looks like? I think I may be ready for you, 2014!


Slouchy Sweaters
 
The Long and Shorts of It
  Sweatshirts + Florals
AiF x FASHION Magazine
 
Flower Power
 
Rain Ready
 
Ghost World
 
In the Pink
 
Watermelon Nail Wraps
 
Our Engagement Story
 
The Tell-Tale Heart
 
The Witching Hour

Thank you for your continued support, sweet comments and thoughtful feedback throughout the years � you guys are what keeps me keeping on, and I love you all... Happy New Year, lovelies! xx

{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

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

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