EVERYDAY STYLE // VIBRANT GREEN

Yes! I was wearing shorts and no jacket and it's November! Toronto had record breaking temperature this past Sunday with the high of 18 and I just couldn't contain my excitement. I met up with Kate for a much needed photo session and Queen Street-strolling during a day where staying indoors was not an option. 

I decided I wanted to be vibrant and decided to pair my new evergreen Joe Fresh shirt with the Gap shorts and a pair of printed tights that I bought last year and never worn. And I finally got to test drive my new pair of Naturalizer shoes. I am totally loving the burgundy colour, its nice to see a pop of colour in the Fall/Winter.

Hopefully, we will be enjoying a couple of more days of this weather. 

MONDAY STYLE FILE #6

Whenever I think of Kate Moss. I think rocker chic with a touch of boho elegance. Her style is looking like she hasn't put much effort in her outfits and her carefree ways is what makes her style great. She mixes pieces that wouldn't normally go together inevitably creating something that is her own. I guess that's why her style appeals to me because I'm similar where I don't take anything as face value because I want to be set myself apart from everyone else.

OBSESSIONS // GOLD CAPPED TOE

Recently, I've been seeing a lot metallic capped toe and since then I've been obsessing over them. Then, at Eaton Centre I saw these Zorro boots by Jeffrey Campbell at Little Burgundy. Aside from the black, it also comes in the blue and burgundy. For me, it was a toss-up between black and blue because I've been obsessing to get a pair of blue shoes. But I figured the black ones are a better way to go. So, there you have it. I finally got a pair of tied up flat boots with a metallic capped toe and that makes it my second pair for Jeffrey Campbell. I am one happy girl.

charisse

LOOK BOOK // H&M SPRING '13

Winter hasn't arrived yet but the new look book from H&M Spring 2013 is here. And all I have to say is... ONE OF EACH, PLEASE!!! And the best part about H&M is... it's affordable and I can really have it all in my closet. Ohhh... cannot wait when it comes out in stores! Let's skip winter shall we?

Love the pineapple t-shirt!

BRANDS // THE KOOPLES

During my short but sweet time in Paris, being a shopaholic, it was inevitable for me not to window shop at least. So, I was able to see what French fashion is all about. I unconsciously draw inspirations from them without knowing (but that's another topic). Paris doesn't have malls instead they have streets after streets filled with boutiques or department stores that house different brands. I lived in a walking distance from Galeries Lafayette at the Opera and right beside it had Printemps that was introduced to me by Florence. Printemps housed designer brands so it could be compared to Holt Renfrew.

There I discovered The Kooples. It was founded by the Elicha brothers (Alexandre, Laurent & Raphael), who drew their inspiration from Saville Row, which is a street in Mayfair, London, made famous for its bespoke tailoring. The name is derived from a Franglais neologism pronounced Coo-pels with a French accent. What makes this brand different from all the other brands is the philosophy behind it all: that couples frequently borrow each other's clothes: so there is a men's and a women's collection that are supposed to appear interchangeable. The designers purport to create classics with a cool twist, but the result is an unimpressive range of separates, trimmed with token skull details in an attempt to give them an avant-garde edge. So, in essence, at the end of the day, there is a fine line between male and female and that it creates an androgynous feel. Now, that it has made it's way to NYC, hopefully, it'll come over to Canada soon! 

"It's a bit English dandy, a bit rock'n'roll, with a bit of French chic and je ne sais quoi," explains Alexandre, who does most of the talking. "A bit Duke of Edinburgh and a bit Rolling Stones. When we opened in Paris everyone thought it was very English, but in Britain everyone thinks it's very Parisian."

OBSESSIONS // TULLE SKIRT

MONDAY STYLE FILE #5

Alexa Chung is a designer's dream because of quirkiness and unique personal style. This is the reason why I love her style. She goes out of the boundaries and makes fashion fun, which is what we all should be doing. She mixes structure and avant-garde with her own twist. 

BRANDS // SCOTCH & SODA

Walking through the mall has it perks at times especially stepping foot in the Eaton Centre after a couple of months of absence. New stores have popped up... the most noticeable is Scotch & Soda, an Amsterdam-based fashion brand that has been around since the 80's. But it was in 2001, under new ownership that Scotch & Soda rebranded themselves. Scotch & Soda loves to make great garments that suit every individual. We want people to love their clothes and enjoy wearing them. Scotch & Soda products are of high quality, rich in detail and affordable. 

For me, branding is as important as the collection itself. And Scotch & Soda did just that - they were able to convey a lifestyle in their campaigns that just allows the consumers to picture themselves in the same situation. We will be starting to see more of these lifestyle photography in many look books instead of just photographing the product in front of a white background. 

GIFT GUIDE // GOLDEN SPARKLE

Oh Anthropologie! You are killing me with these amazing-ness. This season marks one of the best/worst season for a shopaholic like myself. Best... because the amazing-ness that just keeps spewing out; Worst... as a result of it's all things amazing-ness, my wallet is hurting.

Nevertheless, I will parade on and show you some items that peaked my interest: All things gold. Anthropologie not only does it have something pretty for your closet but it also has so many endless pretty things for your home. And with the holiday season just right around your corner... it's the perfect place to shop for the fashionistas in your life. And so begins my holiday gift guide.

1 Goldleaf Cocktail Dress // 2 Crochet Ardita Tank // 3 Beaded Altitude Tunic 

// 4 Creme Brulee Posts // 5 Capri Blue Cracked Ice Candle // 6 Zeolite Tray

// 7 Hedgehog Measuring Cups // 8 Bright Equilibrium Journal // 9 Golden Viper Journal

charisse

{All images via Anthropologie}

STYLING // TOP SHOP

Quite inspired with the New Arrivals from Top Shop. Yes, that's right my Top Shop love continues on. I don't think I can get enough of it especially since it finally opened in Eaton Centre. I get so much inspiration from their collection - it's just spewing out and I just had to share.

Who doesn't love paisley especially when its in such vibrant colours? Many people usually opt for the dark and gloom during the cold season (I, myself, am a suspect) but I'm changing that with a pop of colour. I fell in love with the skirt and I used that as a foundation of this outfit. As you may have notice, I do like to do a statement piece followed by basics that you may already have in your closet. I paired the skirt with a cozy black knit, I especially love the crystal detailing on the shoulder. Such a big trend this season and it adds some sparkle in your closet. I also fell in love with boots that has a gold tip. I need to get me one of those. It's so elegant yet edgy because of the suede. I topped it off with an army green beanie along with a pom pom to keep you warm and some striped tights that will elongate your legs. Keeps you warm and makes you look good too.

Tall Paisley Dip Pelmet // Crystal Shoulder Jumper // Awake Chelsea Point Boots

// Double Spike Chain Earrings // Clean Knit Hat // Jonathan Aston Horizon Tights