{Wardrobe Wednesday} Hats Off

Hat- French Connection | turtleneck- Zara (old; similar here) | plaid cape- Urban Outfitters | ring- Michael Kors

In keeping with last week's winter-fuelled Wardrobe Wednesday, I thought I would pay further homage to one of my favourite cold-weather accessories: The hat. The eternal warmer-of-heads and disguiser-of-bad-hair-days (you know what I'm talking about), the hat is the most versatile and transformative accessory at your disposal— and don't you forget it. And by you, I really mean me, because I'm the worst for neglecting even my most beloved accessories (#hoarderproblems). But that's why I love both you AND this WW column — you guys keep me honest.



If you're looking for some good, winter appropriate hat options, I really love this Catarzi wool hatand this Brian Lichtenberg beanie (case in point)... Happy (Wardrobe) Wednesday, friends! xx


Photos by Sandy Joe Karpetz

{Beauty} Holiday Makeup Must-Haves

Deborah Lippmann nail polish in 'Red Silk Boxers,' $20 | Nars lip gloss in 'Bleecker,' $26 | Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner in 'Dark Chocolate Ink,' $24 | Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Color, $30 | Dermablend Cover Creme SPF 30, $38

It's no secret that I rarely stray from my daily makeup routine (save for the odd, seasonal lipstick switch-up), but the holidays are the one time of year I actually get excited about makeup. Aside from the products I use on the regular, I could generally take it or leave it where makeup is concerned (what, I really like skincare!). But the way Sephora dangles gift sets in my face and M.A.C. inundates me with flashy, limited edition everything, it's no wonder I can't say no. So aside from some shimmery shadows I'll probably never wear past the new year or yet another illuminator that I really don't need, my holiday must-haves this year are all about creating flawless-looking skin (complete with uber rosy cheeks!) and bright eyes, with festive (and in my case, standard) pops of red thrown in for good measure... Because less is more, right?

These are just a few of the products I'm including in my holiday makeup arsenal, but I'd love to hear what you're obsessing over right now as well! And as a tip from one homegirl to another, if you're looking to try a new skincare range, I would totally recommend Tata Harper; I recently splurged (and believe me, they aren't cheap!) on a few products to help restore my totally neglected (aka- sleep deprived) skin and I'm officially obsessed... Who knew natural skincare could actually be good? xx

{Style} Winter Pinks

Blazer- ASOS | shirt c/o Nicole Campre | jeans- H&M | bag- Milly | booties borrowed from The Pretty Secrets | beanie- Joe Fresh | necklaces + bangles- J.Crew | ring- Saint Laurent | watch- Michael Kors


Winter is in full swing (happy December, by the way!), so to counteract its morale-bursting effects, I decided to wear all the pink I could stomach in one sitting... And believe me, my pink tolerance is low. But you know what? Turns out it's basically impossible to have a bad day or be sad (with a double 'd') when you're wearing this obnoxiously bright shade. Seriously now, winter neons — do it.

Photos by Sandy Joe Karpetz

{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.

{Recap} November Favourites

Lost in the Light


Winter-Wear 
AiF x FASHION Magazine
Animal Ring Holder DIY
Sea of ShoeMint
BRKLN

{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

{Style} Vague

Moto jacket- Club Monaco (love this version) | T-shirt c/o Purple Label | trousers c/o French Connection (eying these floral ones) | cap toe pumps- Zara | bag- 3.1 Phillip Lim | beanie- Zara | lips ring- CC Skye | necklace c/o T&J Designs | bracelets- J.Crew


Photos by Kastles

{Wardrobe Wednesday} Winter Wear

 ___________
1 | 2 |  3 | 4 | 5 | 6

When temperatures drop, I like to add bright layers and beautiful accessories to the mix to dull the pain of yet another winter. Pops of red, plaid and leather galore is the name of the game this time of year, so here are a few of my current favourites (including these delicious boots from Dr. Martens). What are your winter go-tos? xx

Hat- ONE | plaid scarf- Gap | bag- Oasap | red coat- ASOS | quilted leather gloves- River Island | boots- Dr. Martens

{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

{Style} Bundled

Coat- French Connection | striped shirt- Saint James | faux leather skirt c/o Forever 21 | double-sided scarf- Zara (similar style) | booties- ShoeMint | bag- 3.1 Phillip Lim | lips ring- CC Skye | necklace- J.Crew Factory



Layers are a non-negotiable this time of year, but there's no reason not to spice them up with a little print-on-print (on-print-on-print) action. For me, that means stripes, plaid, houndstooth AND leopard, but hey, that's just how I roll. And even though it may sound like a seizure-inducing hot mess on paper, the visual is far from it... Or so I like to tell myself.

Happy Monday, friends! xx

Photos by Sandy Joe Karpetz

{Style} Black + Blue

Leather detail coat c/o LUSH | sweater- Topshop | faux leather sweatpants- Simons | booties- ShoeMint | bag- 3.1 Phillip Lim | lips ring- CC Skye | watch- Michael Kors


Thanks for reading friends — wishing you all the loveliest of weekends! xx

Photos by Kastles

{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