From the Runway to the Office

Bold color-blocking and fierce animal prints look stunning on the runway, but that doesn't mean they'll be a knockout at the office as well. To translate your favorite trends into office-appropriate looks, just take them down a notch or two. With wild trends like this all over leopard print, incorporate this print into your accessories like a pair of flats or a belt. Take a hint from this article by Lucky to recreate your favorite outfits- you can truly have the best of both worlds!

From the Runway

Dolce & Gabbana
LuckyMag

To the Office

Tory Burch Leopard Flats
Toryburch.com

3 Jackets You Need This Spring

With the weather warming up, then plummeting, then warming up again, you need to be prepared! Dressing for spring is all about mastering the art of layering, and your outerwear is key. No matter what Mother Nature decides to throw your way, these three jackets will get you through it looking your best. Check out these three picks and let me now what you think!

The Trench

Twill Trench Coat
Zara ($89.90)

The Anorak

Tahari Vintage Ruffle Anorak
Bluefly ($178)

The Tweed

Cropped Tweed Jacket
Banana Republic ($175)

White + Lace for Spring and Summer

A white, lacy dress is my summer staple year after year. With both white and lace trends making a comeback this season, I encourage you to invest in one! It can easily be layered with tights and a jacket before the weather warms up. This dress by Free People also makes a beautiful cover-up for your summer vacation. Here's my ideal summer look- let me know what you think!

Day Dresses by Marc by Marc Jacobs
Sandals by Chinese Laundry

6 Ways to De-Stress

For those days when nothing seems to go your way, I have a few tips on how to deal. Whether it's as simple as a bad hair day or as heartbreaking as falling short of a career goal, you can always find a way to learn and move on!

1. Pamper yourself with a relaxing bubble bath. Don't scrimp on the soap or bath salts, go all out. You deserve it!
2. Give yourself a full mani/pedi. Sure, going to the salon is easy, but there's something really satisfying about doing it yourself. Run to the store and grab a new shade if you like; I'm all about bright coral hues right about now. Anything bright will instantly lift your sprits!
3. Do some online shopping. Remember that amazing dress you saw, the one you couldn't rationalize purchasing because you had no place to where it? Go for it! I'm not saying splurge on everything you've ever dreamed of, but if there's one thing that you've been longing for, why not give it a try?
4. Bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Just the process of baking everything from scratch has a soothing effect on me. Not much of a baker? Try starting with a pre-made dough. You can't go wrong with these! 
5. Still not helping? When all else fails, there's nothing that a glass of wine (or ice cream if you prefer) and a good friend can't cure.
6. Read Alexa Hamilton's blog "for to have funzies." Need a laugh? It's the first place I look.

Update Your Favorite Purse for Spring

My dark brown bag from last year, updated with a Coach scarf.

Brightly colored purses are one thing I'm definitely obsessing over this spring season. So will I splurge and invest in one? Maybe, but I still haven't rationalized that purchase yet. Until then, I've decided to give my well-worn tote bag a much-needed makeover! To do this, simply tie a small, lightweight scarf to the handle of your purse. If you don't have one already, you can find one at a very reasonable price. And these scarves are not limited to just your bag; use it to tie back your hair or use it in place of a belt. What do you think? Will you be giving this a try with one of your old totes?

Shirtdresses for Work or Play

Blake Lively
FabSugar

A shirtdress is a perfect combination of professional and feminine, but it's not the easiest look to pull off. It's more of an understated look, and less of a sexy one, so make sure the length of the skirt is appropriate. You're going to look pretty silly if you get to the office and can't even bend over to pick up the newspaper! Ideally, it should hit right above the knee and not raise too high when you lift your arms. 

Now that we've covered the conservative aspects of the shirtdress, don't go so far as to appear frumpy either! A dress with a tie at the waist or one you can belt is definitely ideal. Make sure it's fitted and not too boxy, or you'll look like you're wearing your man's extra large shirt. 

Willing to give this look a try? I seriously suggest you do! Shirtdresses are the best way to transition into summer weather, and they make the perfect day-to-night ensemble for after work happy hours. Check out these amazing but affordable picks- let me know what you think!

Kenneth Cole Shirtdress
Nordstrom ($159)

Splendid Shirtdress
Net-a-porter ($105)

Silence & Noise Silk Shirtdress
Urban Outfitters ($69)

MINKPINK Shirtdress
Piperlime ($97)

How to Wear Boyfriend Jeans

After months of skinny jeans and leggings (the only pants that can be stuffed into my winter boots) it's time to rejoice and celebrate the warmer weather! Embrace the changing of seasons with a pair of boyfriend jeans. They're super comfy, not to mention an easy way to achieve an effortlessly chic look. Follow along for some styling tips, and take a cue from Rachel Bilson's adorable outfit.

When it comes to boyfriend jeans, the most important thing to keep in mind balancing it out you loose-fit jeans with a more fitted top. Here are a few of my must-follow tips for boyfriend jeans:

• Avoid loose, flowy tops. These will drown your frame when paired with boyfriend jeans.
• Don't forget to define your waistline with a belt!
• Go for detail in your footwear, like wedges or strappy sandals.Though Rachel Bilson pulls off the clogs, I'm not a huge fan of them on me.
• Don't spend hours on your hair and make-up. This is an "undone" look, so embrace your wavy or messy locks! 

Here are a few of my favorite picks if you want to try a pair of boyfriend jeans!

7 for All Mankind Josefina Boyfriend Jeans
Piperlime ($189)

True Religion Boyfriend Jeans
Shopbop ($330)

Joe's Jeans
Piperlime ($169)

Maxi Skirts for Spring

One trend I'm constantly going back-and-forth over is the maxi skirt. Ok, so they've been weaving in and out of style for years already, but I just can't make up my mind! After seeing these pictures of Olivia Palermo and Ashley Olsen, I'm convinced it can look cute and sexy. Though I admit, the maxi skirt may just be the ultimate man repeller.

Photo courtesy of Examiner.com

If you're unsure about this new trend, then I suggest you try a more budget-friendly option before splurging on a new skirt. Here are a few options I have my eye on right now.

Black Maxi Skirt
AllSaints ($70)

Splendid Knit Maxi Skirt
Nordstrom ($84)

Side Slit Maxi Skirt
Free People ($87)

Restaurant Review: Cafe Polonez

Courtesy of blogTO.com

After reading about the Best Perogi in Toronto, I was dying to give one of these places a try. With my parents in town for the weekend, it was a great excuse to get out and try something new. First of all, I highly recommend you go with someone who is Polish; my dad is from Poland and being able to order your food in Polish just makes the experience that much more fun. Second, you must order the Polish Zwiec (pronounced jzu-vi-etz) beer! The waitstaff was great, even navigating me to the restaurant over the phone when I forgot my directions at home.

Courtesy of my BlackBerry camera- I was so hungry I started
eating before even taking the picture!

For my main course, I ordered the cheddar and potato pierogi (above) and was completely satisfied! Let me warn you that this is a total comfort food- eating pierogi everyday is not going to help your waistline. But they're totally yummy! Order several different plates with your friends and share, because there's plenty of food to go around.

Do you have a favorite place for Pierogi? Let me know if you've been to Cafe Polonez!

5 Easy Ways to Save Money

Do you know who Gail Vaz-Oxlade is? You should! She has a couple great TV shows that help poor lost souls get back on track with their lousy money-spending habits. Here's a clip, just for my American friends that probably haven't seen her show Princess:



Inspired by her website, here are just five ways to help you start saving now. They're incredibly simple, I promise!

1. Stop your daily latte habit. This $5 a day can seriously add up over the course of a year. Switch to the free office coffee, or if you must have a latte, limit yourself to one a week.
2. Do your manicures/pedicures yourself. I know it's so fun and relaxing to be pampered, but you don't need it every month! Book a spa day for big occasions, and do your nails yourself in the meantime.
3. Cancel magazine subscriptions and just check out their websites instead. Most publications do a great job of posting news online for free.
4. If you must get your hair done professionally (like me), then try and go a few weeks longer in between appointments. At least shop around for a better price!
5. Quit eating out. Bring your lunch to work as often as you can, and limit the number of times you go to pricey dinners. Cooking at home is only difficult because you have to plan the grocery shopping, so try and think ahead each week.

Do you have any money-saving tips to add? I hope these help!

Style Obsession: Bold, Bright Colors

Jil Sander, Proenza Schouler, Prabal Gurun, Z Spoke.
Refinery29.com

Take a hint from the bright, bold palettes that dominated many different lines this Spring and incorporate some color into your work wardrobe. I'll be the first to admit that I let blacks and greys and neutrals take over for the past couple dreary months, but now is the time to let loose and perk up your office apparel! You don't have to take these designers literally, just try to focus on one piece at a time. There's nothing more mood-boosting than a bright flat or vivid print to boost your mood.

Cotton Cardigan
J.Crew ($69.50)

Eliza J Sheath Dress
Nordstrom ($118)

Floral Skirt
Madewell ($98)

Pleated Silk Blouse
Nordstrom ($78)

Pom-Pom Ballet Flat
J.Crew ($198)

70's Accessories for Spring 2011

Emilio Pucci Spring/Summer 2011

One of my favorite looks this Spring is the 70's revival. Flowy, floral tops, wide leg jeans and jumpers- I just can't get enough! An easy way to update your wardrobe this season is to incorporate some of these trendy accessories. No need to go out and buy everything from the runways, although I do love this Emilio Pucci dress. A few key pieces will do just the trick! Maybe even dig through your mother's closet- she did, after all, live through the real deal.

Here are a few of my favorite accessories for Spring 2011.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Flower Ring

Piperlime ($78)

Cara Tie Dye Turban Head Wrap

Nordstrom ($29)

Kenneth Cole Turquoise Beaded Cuff

Piperlime ($88)

Stackable Wooden Bangles

Urban Outfitters ($29)

Wavy Jute Belt

Forever21 ($6.80)

Nanaimo Bars at Kensington Market

Photo taken during my first trip to the Kensington
Market this fall.

While playing tour guide to my sister this past weekend, I decided to take her to the Kensington Market. Although it's more enjoyable during warmer months, we all had a blast! Browsing through quirky vintage stores and warming up with banana liquor hot chocolate will always remind me of her first trip to Toronto. Rain or shine, I suggest you check out the market with some friends.

The bakery shop we strolled into featured some decadent treats in the window. Inside, we struggled to choose between the yummy cookies, muffins, pastries, and bars that caught our attention. After setting my sights on a hazelnut and raspberry-filled cookie, my sister and I both split a Nanaimo bar.  She had never had one before, let alone even heard of this treat. We just had to get one! Believe me, we were incredibly satisfied with our decision.

Photo courtesy of my BlackBerry- I forgot my camera at home!

Want to make them at home? Check out the link above for the full recipe. It's not exactly the easiest dessert to create from scratch, so for now I'll just head back to the market when I have a craving.

Girl On a Budget

Piperlime's "Girl on a Budget" selections may just be my favorite collection since I discovered Nordstrom Rack. I'm not exactly sure when they started this, but I think I first found it a few months ago. It was love at first sight. If you haven't come across this site yet, please do yourself a favor and check out these amazingly frugal picks! Every selection is under $100, and there's even a "jewelery under $40" collection too!

"Roman" Wedge

Blowfish ($49)

Front Lace Top

Collective Concepts ($49)

"Alexia" Clutch

Street Level ($58)

Curved Bangle

Hive & Honey ($26)

Decorate Your Office Desktop

Maybe it's the thought of spring, or maybe it's Blair's glamourous-looking job on Gossip Girl, but something is motivating me to clean up and spice up my drab office space. Just because it's still cold and dreary outside, doesn't mean your desktop has to be the same! Take a cue from some of these adorable desktop accessories, and I guarantee your productivity will spike.

Animal Print File Folders

Ballard Designs ($19-$39)

Metal Pail Pencil Holders

Pottery Barn ($15)

Silver-Plated Frames

Pottery Barn ($24)