for the love of fashion, beauty, food, art, music, dancing, people, culture and life!

Le Scandinave: Log cabins covered in fresh powder. And reallyx3 hot tubs.

Nothing says a Canadian long weekend like heading up North.  I love the idea of skiing, especially after watching the episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills where the ladies take the PJ to Aspen.  To live in truth – I would rather the sitting in hot tub portion of that girls trip.  Plus, I am not the best skiier.  This one time, I almost died on a mountain in St. Donat on my grade 8 ski trip to Quebec.  Let’s save that story for another time, shall we?

RHOBH in Colorada: Lisa Vanderpump channelling Dr. Zhivago. So ridiculous!

As a spa conoisseur, I would encourage you to brave the sub-zero temperatures to rest and repose at Le Scandinave at Blue Moutain (152 Grey Road 21, Collingwood ON).  There is something so lovely and scenic about driving through the country and passing little townships, population 2,000 a la Gilmore Girls.  For a special occassion or the reward to a gruelling work week, you deserve a massage followed by breathing in fresh air, tiny snowflakes landing on your chignon while you sit in an outdoor bath, punctuated by a giant chocolate chip cookie.  Deeee-lightful!   

Some Spa Etiquette for Beginners:

Be a lady in this Ella Moss Vintage Suit: I think it's more appropriate to wear a more covered suit if you are going to a unisex spa. Save your string bikini for Rio - ay! ay! ay!

Whenever I see a cute retro bikini, I'm always like, "Of course! Carmen Marc Valvo" Remember to add your optional halter strap to your bandeau to avoid wardrobe malfunctions.

Most spas will provide a complimentary robe, however, some don't. Bring a robe in a waffle or plush terry. For the super-swank, Ralph Lauren makes customized robes with your very own monogram. Ooh la!

No shirts, no shoes, no service! I really don't want to see Moobs while noshing on my low-cal lunch. Keep your toe-sies warm in this colourful array of Ugg Dakota & Ansley slippers.

Did I mention I love precocious teenage Fashionistahs? Elle Fanning keeping it cool in Rodarte

My favourite flavour of gelato is Pistachio.  I like a refreshing brew of Mint tea in the afternoon.  I am partial to vacations by the ocean.  Why did I never think to incorporate any pale green into my wardrobe until the Pantone gurus declared it was THE COLOUR of the season?  To be honest, it’s a subliminal marketing thing – the colour gods choose the “it” trend colours, release it to the design world, they incorporate it into their collections, the editors pick it up, the buyers buy and presto:  You crave it like a tray of soft chocolate chip cookies coming out of the oven!

Contrary to what the magazines are claiming, Mint is not an easy colour to wear.  Hold it up to your face and you may look like you’re about to vomit.  But for those of you who can pull off Cool Tones, I support you completely.  For the rest of us we can always merch(andise) it up and style it up with some accessories.  For you non-committal fashionistahs, try Essie in Turqoise & Caicos on your fingertips. 

With all trends, remember that they come and go.  Spend minimal on items that will update your wardrobe in season and choose to invest in classic pieces that will never go out of style.  Trust.

This Aqua cluster necklace in a subtle mint would look perfect with a soft cotton t or paired with a simple cocktail dress.

Delicious Botkier Valentina Satchel: Loving the gold hardware, convertible straps and vintage shape of this leather bag.

Appropriate for the Mediterranean: Cameron Diaz pairs a tan cinch belt with her mint shirt dress. Well played Cammie.

Music is my life.  My life is a dance song.  When I am in a crap mood, I blast the music and sing along.  And when I stop at a red light, I sing to my neighbour.  Don’t judge meeeaahh!

This playlist is alternately titled Botox and Hip Hop.  I didn’t want to name the post that because let’s not get it twisted – I don’t love botulism but I do love hip hop.  Alas, to each their own.  Driving bumper to bumper on the 10 West freeway takes a zen attitude, the ability to merge aggressively (yet safely) and solid tunes to enjoy the late afternoon sunset.  Being on the West Coast always reignites my love for Hip Hop.  The proximity to the beach and salty air remind me of old copies of Seventeen magazine featuring a fresh faced Cameron Diaz.    

Did you have this issue of Seventeen too? Bright, bold and casual and characteristic of California girls

Here are some tunes that remind me of California:

Lana Del Rey (aka Lizzie Grant) posters are plastered on every corner.  A young songstress who was recently remarketed to appeal to the blogosphere and Silverlake hipster set with her plumped up lips (not pumped up kicks) and 60’s styling.  Her music is a melange of heartbreak ballads (of the ‘I love bad boys but they don’t love me’ variety) and uptempo alterna-pop.  There is a lot of controversy surrounding her imminent rise to superstardom but I still dig her music.

Lana Del Rey covers British Vogue. If you can look past those plumped lips, her music is Nancy Sinatra meets a Quentin Tarantino movie.

• Lana Del Rey – Video Games
• Lana Del Rey – Born To Die

Oh boy, do I love me some hip hop! Listening to the radio in LA, they always play the best old school R&B and Hip Hop.  You definitely have the chance to discover new tracks.  A dance-y hip hop song is better than a shot of espresso in the morning.  I love the melange of genres when a hip hop artist does an alternative mashup.

• Flo Rida f. SIA – Wild Ones
• Trey Songz f. Nicki Minaj – Bottoms Up
• Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa – Young Wild Free  “So what we go out!  That’s how it’s supposed to be!”

A Perfect Day: Summer & Marissa get their tan and drank on.

OMG, I have been such a baaaaad blogger! Naughtyx3. 

After much cajoling from my loyal fashionistah friends and followers, I have plugged in my laptop to write a fresh post.  It’s a blessing, a Chinese New Year of the Dragon ‘Gung Hay Fat Choy’ kind of miracle that I have a few minutes reprieve to write this.  But it’s far from home that I find myself and inspired to write about where I am – California (insert Phantom Planet).  Sunshine and palm trees, Hollywood vistas and blonde hair.  It’s like a surreal dream or an episode of Access Hollywood.

The East Coast is so vastly different from the West — people are warmer and the vibe is casual.  There are so many great brands borne out of California, from swimwear to apparel.  With so many celebrities and Richie Riches around, there are a ton of contemporary brands that started off on the West Coast to achieve widespread acclaim.  Lovelies, let’s take a look at some Cali brands and trends…

While Juicy Couture is so early 2000's, I love it on babies, especially their bottoms. Any respectable girl would only wear a full tracksuit lounging around the house.

Love me some Ella Moss, especially a chevron maxi dress. Also look for the softest cottons and jersey knits from Michael Stars, Splendid and C&C California. Purrrr!

Teeter tot on the brightest colour block high heels. Enzo Tolten Slingbacks also come in the most delicious turquoise/seafoam green combo.

My butt looks tight in Paige Premium too. Breaking News: the Men in Spain were all about the coral jeans. Give it a year and it will be all the rage amongst the fashionistah adventuress-skinny bitches.

Fun factoid: The iconic Hollywood sign was once an advertisement for "Hollywoodland," a real estate development

As a whirlwind living, globe-trotting fashionistah, my passport gets its fair share of stamp abuse from Customs Officers. 

Dramatic re-enactment:  Officer “Do you have anything to declare?” Me “I had fun.” Not True Story. Don’t try this at the airport. 

The sunshine state has its fair share of shoreline beauty but the glam factor is much like a Hollywood backdrop: airbrushed, re-touched and made for television.  For those who have high expectations of LA because of an unhealthy diet of non-reality programming, you my friend, may be a smidge disappointed.  When it comes to truly enjoying a trip, my friends often seek my advice and I theirs.  Here’s the real deal on California dreaming…

• Baby Do You Like My Ride?  Conquer your fear of the freeway and perhaps rent a behemoth SUV (Cadillac Escalade anyone?).  Los Angeles wasn’t made for passengers, pedestrians or taxicabs.  You will see most of the city by renting a vehicle and driving through the many boroughs.  It will be just like that time Di got on the Freeway in Clueless.  The most important thing to remember is that Downtown LA is sketch but neighbourhoods get progressively tony as you move westward – Hollywood, West Hollywood, to Beverly Hills and the coastal towns of Santa Monica and Malibu.

"But this is an Alaia??!!" If you drive, stay alive...and don't wreck your dress. Make sure you don't stop in shady neighbourhoods at night.

• Rush, Rush – That’s the sound of my heart bursting out of my chest as I hiked up the Hollywood Hills…or the name of a Paula Abdul song and video starring Keanu Reeves.  Park your car at the foothills of Griffith Park and walk your way to the top.  You might catch a glimpse of an off-duty starlet working on her fitness but you will certainly be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Los Angeles skyline.  You can also take a break by visiting Grifith Park Observatory, unleashing your inner astronomy nerd.  Who doesn’t love a good Planetarium??

Griffith Park Observatory also has a water fountain in case you're parched from your hike.

• Shop ‘Til You Drop – Any true fashionistah knows you never pay retail.  “Bahh!”  Adjacent to the Beverly Center is Nordstrom Rack (perhaps one of the best I have EVER been to).  My friend J’s hair got progressively wild as she desceded into her shopping shame spiral.  The greatest scores are for designer jeans and contemporary LA-based labels.  For those stalking the Zoe (as in Rachel Zoe) or you’ve got cash-money to burn, you can try the designer vintage emporium Decades on Melrose.

West Coast Style: Channel Lauren Conrad or Whitney Port. California girls like a mix of boho and casual dressy.

• Eat Then Exercise – While it sounds as though, you may want to go easy on the carbs, the culinary delights in LA abound.  Try the Farmer’s Market at 3rd & Fairfax, a maze of local and gourmet food stands adjacent to the outdoor shopping complex The Grove.  To cool down in the heat, stop for a self-serve fro-yo and top it off with delicious toppings (cheesecake bits, fresh fruit, candies galore) at Yogurtland.  Nosh on brunch and rub shoulders with LA hipsters and undercover A-listers in West Hollywood at Taste, Toast or Joan’s.

Meet me at 3rd & Fairfaix: Get your savoury & sweet on at The French Crepe Company.

I love to travel and over the years have been lucky to experience many wonderful sights and sounds.  Although I procrastinate the packing process, I have amassed an arsenal of good tips for travelling abroad.  To make the most of an extended weekend away or a longer sabbatical requires research and preparation.  You jetset, therefore, you are jetset. 

• Pack Lighter – With all the baggage restrictions and charges for overweight luggage, you don’t want to be THAT GIRL emptying out her suitcase at the check-in while agitated onlookers ‘tsk-tsk’ her lack of travel common sense.  The key is to think ahead and pre-plan your outfits.  Mix and match separates and only take shoes if you know you will need them since footwear is bulky and takes up a lot of space.  Weigh your luggage before you hit the airport and leave a few pounds allowance if you expect to shop.  I only learned this from the hard knocks because I’ve been THAT GIRL.

I swear by my DVF luggage. Different enough when it comes off the carousel, not so ostentatious like an LV that it will get swiped by an evil, mean person.

• Tiny Spender – Booking many reservations online can save you money and headaches.  If it is a glorious sunny day, why would you want to spend hours wasting precious vacation time looking for flights or accomodations?  In my experience, there is no such thing as a last-minute deal.  As soon as you see a phenomenal price (ie. 50% off) for a flight or hotel room, book it immediately.  Try using Expedia or Flight Centre websites to compare prices.  Fun trick:  If you choose to use Hotwire to book your hotel, compare the ammenities, number of stars & reviews on TripAdvisor to determine which hotel you are booking.
• I Don’t Do Lineups – Most airlines let you check-in in advance and select your seat.  This means you only have to drop off your luggage.  Even if you see a queue forming, do not line up unless you ask an airline rep if that’s where you are supposed to be.  Many people will line up without asking and later realize they have waited for nothing!  Random!  This costly mistake could delay your arrival at the boarding gate.  Have you ever run through an expansive airport?  It’s not fun.

Get comfy in this Ella Moss Cotton Top. If you are on a long-haul, remember to drink a glass of water for every hour you are on the plane and to take periodic yogi stretch breaks.

•  Get Loco with the Locals -  Tourist traps are inevitably going to be more expensive than hidden gems and local favourites.  Pick up a few guidebooks but also go online to check out local weekly magazines for their top-rated restaurants, bars and shopping areas.  Book reservations in advance for hottt restaurants and plan visits to tourist spots during free admission or low traffic times. 

Don't miss your flight by running, not walking in these Missoni Ballet Flats

Since the Legging Renaissance, I think I've got at least a dozen pairs. Vince Stretch Leggings