TRAVELS // GIRAFFE MANOR

Africa has been on my list of places to visit (at least once). But, now it's probably hop scotch a couple spots up when I heard about the Giraffe Manor. It is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest and is only 20 kilometres from Nairobi city centre. Built in the 1930s, this luxury boutique hotel has maintained all the charm of the era and is now famous for its resident herd of Rothschild Giraffe. Giraffe Manor offers you an unparalleled experience of the giraffes, with them vying for your attention at the breakfast table, the front door and even your bedroom window. Giraffe Manor is also home to many characters including warthogs, bushbuck, dik dik and more than 180 species of birds and has a striking view of the Ngong hills.

Who would like to trek with me to Giraffe Manor?

charisse
{images via Travelettes}

MONDAY STYLE FILE #15

Work has been crazy. So sorry about the lack of posts last week. Hopefully, it'll calm down this week. :) 

----

You may know her as Lady Mary in Downton Abbey, but Michelle Dockery is starting to turn heads as she graces the red carpets this year with her very elegant chic style. Her jaw-dropping gown by Alexander Vauthier (first photo) at the Golden Globes is what peaked my interest in her style and I thought what the hey... why not. Her style is nothing to extravagant but it's pretty much the main reason that I like about it. She dresses so elegantly and she just exudes extravagance in whatever she wears.

DAILY OBSESSIONS // BLACK & WHITE ZARA

Is it me or did Zara literally go black and white in their new collection? Not that I'm complaining. It's nice to see that the black and white trend is making a big comeback. Black is the new black. The thing about black and white is the contrast with each other that makes it such a bold combination. Then when you add stripes, colour blocking and clean lines... now that's when you get my attention. I presume since the runway was pretty bold with geometric shapes aka what Marc Jacobs did for Louis Vuitton SS13 collection, it's safe to say that black and white will stick around for a bit longer. It is one of the most timeless colour combination and it just oozes sophistication.  So, I'm really loving what Zara did, with all the other brands showcasing colours and floral prints for Spring/Summer, I'm glad that Zara decided to be classically bold.  

Now... let the oohhh-ing and aahhh-ing begin...

MONDAY STYLE FILE #14

I thought it just would make sense to do a Carrie Bradshaw Style File with the prequel, The Carrie Diaries, debuting last week. Who wouldn't want Carrie Bradshaw's closet? I mean did you see her walk-in-closet that Mr. Big built for her. *gasp* Carrie Bradshaw is the epitome of New York high fashion and probably every girl's dream to run around New York in Manolo Blahniks and tulle skirts in effortless style. 

Welcome to the world of Carrie Bradshaw.  

PINSPIRATION #2

Why not fill your day with glitter and all things pretty?

EVERYDAY STYLE // MUSTARD LOVING

Happy Friday!

This week just zoomed passed that I barely noticed it was Friday. It was a quiet week at work so two of the days I left early and instead of prancing around Queen West to "window shop" I opted to go home. I should thank the sudden cold weather for that... saved me from hurting my wallet. This morning I got up and decided to do something to my hair and here it is... probably one of the easiest hairstyle I can do under 10 minutes and look it's still in tact after a day at work.

The mustard wool cardigan is probably one of my favourite buys from Anthropologie, purchased 3-4 years ago. And the scarf was probably my best 'cheap' finds I found at a random store in Pacific Mall. Oh the gems you can find there and most of the time it never hurts your wallet. 

WHAT I'M WEARING | Shirt, Club Monaco (buy here) // Cardigan, Anthropologie // Jeans, Gap // Scarf

Have an awesome weekend! I'll probably be bundled inside, on my couch, catching up on TV shows. I do dread going outside when its snowing and the blistering cold. 

charisse

EDITORIAL // FOAM MAGAZINE

The reasons why I love art is how things are never enclosed in a box. Artists have a tendency to look outside of the box, to create something even greater and better from their previous work. So, how fun are these illustrated photographs? Langley Fox, an illustrator, collaborated with photographer, Zoey Grossman to create an editorial spread for Foam Magazine.

EVERYDAY STYLE // MARCHING ON

I love this vintage marching band jacket. It's made out of 100% wool and it literally keeps me warm. I decided to anchor my jacket with basics but instead of just a plain white shirt or grey shirt... I opted for a striped grey shirt to add more to the outfit. And I finally took out my wide leg denim. I also decided to have some fun with my hair... partial braided crown. I hope Jenny will be proud. :)

WHAT I'M WEARING | Jacket, Vintage // Shirt, Joe Fresh // Jeans, Gap // Necklace, gifted

charisse

MUSIC // WHEN BLACKSTREET MEETS JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

I do love my mash-ups (only if it's well executed). While browsing on BuzzFeed (my fave new site right now)... I heard this. I was holding my breathe... lo and behold. Ahh-mazingness. Oh it takes me back. Hard to think that Blackstreet's fame rose was nearly 20 years ago... and this was Justin Timberlake's first song, post-Britney break-up that catapulted him into a successful solo career. Oh how time flies... Have a good listen to this mash-up of Cry Me a River and No Diggity.

charisse

EVERYDAY STYLE // GREEN CAPE

This was taken last Friday when the weather was perfect. Sadly, the temperature is dropping this week. But it was fun while it lasted. But, I'm so glad to have taken out my adoring green cape I got from Anthropologie awhile back. The forest green is the perfect colour to make an outfit even more perfect. The dress I got from some random store in Pacific Mall several years ago... it's not too wintery, not too summery. Just perfect. Let me geek out a bit... I also got to test drive my new remote control for my camera... (as you can tell with the photos - I was having fun - no more running back & forth for every shot). 

WHAT I'M WEARING | Cape, Anthropologie // Cardigan, Covet // Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs

charisse

MONDAY STYLE FILE #13

Globes was last night and shockingly... I watched most of it. I'm normally not a fan of awards show because they drag on and on with jokes that don't really make any sense. But I'm so glad that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were the hostesses. They were freaking fantastic. And shockingly, while watching the Red Carpet Arrival... I didn't particularly hate a specific dress. A lot of reds, bright colours and blacks. Simple and elegant dresses that walked along the red carpet. My favourite(s) would be hands down Julianne Moore in Tom Ford and Michelle Dockery in Alexander Vauthier. I've pinned my other fave dresses.

I just realised that these two dresses are complete opposites. But what both have common is that its just simply elegant. I've always been in love with Tom Ford's straight lines and bold contrast and he always has stunning silhouettes. Alexander Vauthier is a new designer that I've just discovered and looking through his other designs... I'm completely in love with it. It's elegant without being over-the-top. White and gold are currently my favourite combination and I just love how it has a bit of a Grecian feel. Perfect for Lady Mary.

charisse

LOOK BOOK // PRABAL GURUNG FOR TARGET

It really is too bad that Target won't be opening in Canada this year. Because I would love to grab a couple of pieces from the latest collection by Prabal Gurung for Target that hits shelves in early February. I guess a quick drive across the border is necessary because the prices are a steal! Who's with me?

EVERYDAY STYLE // ACCESSORIZING BASICS

With the temperature rising in Toronto, I just had to take advantage. I knew I can wear tights without really being cold. And now working in the fashion industry... I get inspired everyday to find different ways to define my style. This was taken at the end of day as you can tell... my braids are in shambles. Wearing tailored basics is a good way to start an outfit... all you have to do is accessorize it. I'm still so in love with my vintage Oscar de la Renta scarf. Everyday I try to rework it differently into my outfits. 

WHAT I'M WEARING | Shirt, Club Monaco (buy here) // Shorts, Club Monaco 

Scarf, vintage Oscar de la Renta // Bag, Rebecca Minkoff (available here)

Have an amazing weekend! 

charisse

MUSIC // ON TOP OF THE WORLD

It's finally 2013. 

Which only means.... less than 2 more months until the concert! 2/27

On Top of the World was the song that made me fall in love with Imagine Dragons. 

The only song I will start to dance randomly while walking down the street.

It is only song that just cheers me right up.

Have a good listen and I guarantee you it will be on repeat.

Happy Friday!

charisse

EVERYDAY STYLE // AMPERSAND LOVE

I know. I've been horrible in keeping up with my outfit posts. (I won't even bother with any excuses.)

Just that I will try my hardest to post an outfit each week. Well... let me start by saying...

I've officially plunged myself into the fashion working world. Though, I can't specify where yet... 

All I can tell you... it's looking up for me. :) The people are sweet and very stylish. 

There's no excuse for not dressing your best. Not at all. 

So back to the outfit. This may look familiar to you because it was from my last DIY project. 

Ohh... the ampersand love. I went into work and got several compliments for the sweater. 

I didn't feel like dressing up... so I opted for a city casual look.