Style Ideas: 1 Pair of Shorts, 2 Looks

I hope you had a great weekend! My weekend was a blast and I totally pushed aside work to have a little fun - margaritas on our patio Friday night, shopping and girl's night Saturday and Sunday was spent recovering from the previous night!

I did a little shopping damage on Saturday (a girl has needs!) and bought a pair of slouchy sweatshorts at Zara - very Alex Wang like. They are the most comfortable shorts EVER and can be worn a few different ways, so I'm predicting these will be my new summer staple. I created 2 looks below with the Alexander Wang version to show you just how versatile they really are. PS. The ones from Zara are only $29.90 CAN!

Sweatshorts by eatliveshop featuring Jeffrey Campbell shoes

Stripe cotton and linen T-shirt
$80 - net-a-porter.com
More A.P.C. t shirts »

James twill blazer
$395 - net-a-porter.com
More Elizabeth and James blazers »

French Terry Sweat Shorts, T by Alexander Wang, size: M
95 GBP - liberty.co.uk
More T by Alexander Wang shorts »

Snick Slingback Stud Wedge Sandals
$165 - intermixonline.com
More Jeffrey Campbell sandals »

Bleach effect denim skirt
70 GBP - karenmillen.com
More messenger bags »

KARA BY KARA ROSS N99-R01 ANTIQUE/GOLD ANTIQUE GOLD PLATINE E2856
216 GBP - farfetch.com
More Kara by Kara Ross necklaces »

Sweatin' Around by eatliveshop featuring Alexander McQueen shoes

New York Fluro Crop Top
$28 - topshop.com
More TopShop tops »

French Terry Sweat Shorts, T by Alexander Wang, size: M
95 GBP - liberty.co.uk
More T by Alexander Wang shorts »

Alexander McQueen Leather gladiator sandal
295 GBP - brownsfashion.com
More Alexander McQueen sandals »

Alexander Wang Diego studded bucket bag
750 GBP - brownsfashion.com
More Alexander Wang shoulder bags »

Chains bracelet with leather closure and leaf
$355 - lindestore.com
More Goti bracelets »

Pick of The Week: Rifle Paper Co.

How cute is this personalized portrait stationary from Rifle Paper Co.? How it works - send in the photograph you want made into an illustration, choose if you want calling cards or flat notes and then pick your font and colour scheme - that's it! So fun and quirky!

It's suppose to be hot and sunny here all weekend long - woohooo!! Have a great one!

Remember to...

Opening Ceremony x Pendleton

Ok so I realize that we finally hit summer-like temps here in Toronto and I'm talking about a fall/winter collection, but I just can't help but get super excited about Opening Ceremony and Pendleton teaming up again. I've been kicking myself for missing out on the turq blanket Pendleton did for Urban Outfitters, so this time I'll be ready! The drool worthy prints below WILL make it into my closet come the fall season.

Wish List: Eskell Dress

With dresses on my mind this week, I thought I'd add another to my wish list! Isn't she beautiful?!



via Creature Comforts

Staircase Ideas

A friend of mine is moving into a new home that requires a few renovations. One area that she would like to change is the staircase area which is currently done in traditional wood with spindle railing. She wants to update it without spending a ton of money and it needs to be kid friendly so taking the railing out completely is a no go. I've been on the hunt for her for some cool ideas that wouldn't cost a ton of money:

PAINT: Paint is the most economical root to go to update the area. The stairs and railing can be painted the same colour or you can have some fun with contrasting colours or you could paint a print design as shown below.

CHANGE THE RAILING: A floating staircase is not an option but who says we can't take some inspiration from floating stair rails? A new railing will instantly update the space especially a metal one such as these:

Images via Elle Decor, Design Sponge, Metropolitan Home

Clashing Tones

via the Whoa!

Current Obsession: Dresses

At 4 AM Saturday night when I couldn't sleep, I decided to do some online shopping. I'm a huge fan of dresses because they're just so easy and versatile. I especially love dresses in the summer and on my recent trip to Florida, I realized I needed some more! They are perfect for all seasons, they can be dressed up or down and in the case of all the dresses below can be worn with several shoe options - oxfords, boots, gladiators and clogs. So I need some help - I found all these dresses on Nasty Gal and they're all under $50 (I know right?), so which one should I get? I'm kind of tempted to get them all.....HELP!





Dresses via Nasty Gal

PS. Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Fitness: 30 Day Shred

I've become a huge fan of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred! I received my dvd a couple of months ago and I try to do it a couple of days a week in addition to my daily jogs. It's the perfect workout for those who don't have a ton of time. Each level is only 20 minutes long and combines cardio, weight toning and abs. It has 3 levels that you can work up towards. I started with level 1 and didn't find it super challenging so I moved on to level 2 right away. I recently tried out level 3 and boy was that a workout! I've tried my fair share of workout dvd's and have participated in a million gym classes and the moves in 30 Day Shred are by far the best and most efficient I've ever done!

Pick of The Week: Lather & Soak

Liz from Wallpaper recently launched an organic soap collection called Lather & Soak. With scents like chamomile and honey, cinnamon sandalwood, chilli chocolat and lavender oat goats milk, I decided that I needed to try some out! I had a hard time deciding which soap scent I wanted to get and in the end choose lavender oat goats milk. I've very pleased with my Lather & Soak choice because it smells incredible - a soft scent that is not overbearing. The lavender oat goats milk soap contains goat's milk,jojoba beads, rolled oats,lavender, and french vanilla fragrant oil - can you say delish??

It's a long weekend here, so I'll be back on Tuesday - have a good one!

Party Ideas: Movie Night

I was browsing around on Pottery Barn's website on the weekend and came across their party planning guide. I was really impressed with all the details they include for each party guide! I love throwing a party and to me a great party is all in the details. Pottery Barn's guides make it super easy for anyone to throw a memorable party. They of course give suggestions on items you can buy, but they also give you recipes along with a timeline leading up to the big day. It even includes links to download invitations and a music playlist. Click here to for the full movie night party guide.

I've been super busy trying to get this big project finished and once it's done it's party planning time for me!

Wish List: LD Tuttle Shoe

As you all know I am a complete shoe whore so when I saw these shoes by LD Tuttle, I immediately thought I want! These shoes can be converted and worn a few different ways which is a big bonus! They're basically a 3 in 1 in case you need to justify the purchase. Check out the video to see how to wear them.

Urban Outfitters' Furniture

When I think of Urban Outfitters, I tend to only think of clothing and accessories. I often forget that they do furniture and a lot of their selection is very cool AND well priced. I'm not sure of the quality but it looks good to the eye! Have you ever bought any Urban Outfitter furniture and if so what has your experience been with it?

Rolf Sachs Frank Chair

Rolf Sachs debuted its limited edition Frank chair last month. The chair has been stripped down to the bare bones showing the pine frame with barely there upholstery along with his signature paint splatters. The Swiss designer aimed to have the chair show 'honesty and traces of life'.

I think this is a love it or hate type of piece. I'm really digging it and like it's raw appeal. What's your opinion on this chair?

Hi my name is Nathan...

But my mama calls me baby boy, monkey, baby monk, monks, stinky, stink stink, stinky mcwrinkle, mcwrinks, trevor (don't ask), trevs, baby trev, squish, squish malish, malishy, turkey, precious.

I just can't help myself! He's so cute and new nicknames just come pouring out of my mouth every day! Does anyone else have a million nicknames for their pets?

My plan was to do a weekend scrapbook but I was too lazy with my camera and didn't get around to taking too many pictures. I had a fun and full weekend: one of my best friend's birthday parties, Brockton Triangle yard sale, a greasy breakfast on Dundas, antiquing up north, and working on some projects. I hope you had a fabulous weekend!

Pick of The Week: Cardboard Design Chairs

How rad are these cardboard chairs? Contrary to what you may think, they're actually really strong and sturdy- I tested them out myself last month at the Green Living Show. Cardboard Design has an extensive line of furniture which are all made from cardboard - chairs, desks, tables and even big shelving units!

Have a great weekend!

Nature Inspired Dental Office

How about this for a dental office? Kisuke Maeda of UID Architects in Japan created this multi-tenant space using elements of nature. One of the tenants is a dentist who mentioned he wanted to treat his patients in the woods. Plywood panels on the walls and ceilings, lots of natural light, and mass amounts of greenery all help draw the forest theme into the building.





via Azure