Fancy Shoe Friday: Sophia Webster x J. Crew

Pale browns and pretty pastels? I don't think so. These are a far cry from "neutral," but are sure-fire ways of turning heads this summer. I challenged myself to pick a favourite. Couldn't do it. Can you?

Shop the collection which launched online April 23rd at J.Crew. Shop more Sophia Webster over at Net-A-Porter.

Wear It Now: Trendy Pink Skirts for Spring

Photos via Pinterest and A Little Dash of Darling

Get Summer Ready with Peter Pilotto for Target

About The Collection
Bright and energetic, this gorgeous range is bursting with Peter Pilotto’s signature style. Inspired by a sense of fun and playfulness, the designers have used their innovative print layering technique to create beautiful, graphic pieces just perfect for mixing and matching.

With colourful dresses that will become fast favourites, stand-out swimwear and effortlessly stylish separates, the Peter Pilotto for Target collection is not to be missed!

Details from Target Canada.

January Favourites

Likas Papaya Soap // Olive Make-up Wipes

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey // Make Me Star Gel Liner // The Balm Blush in Cabana Boy

The Face Shop Rice Sheet Mask // Forever 21 statement necklace // Laura Secord Mint Chocolates

Likas Papaya Soap - If you're in need of a gentle bar soap that isn't too fragrant, I highly recommend picking up a papaya-based soap. I have very sensitive skin and used to have eczema patches here and there, so I'm always looking for natural ingredients that are known to help heal, soothe and repair skin problems. I don't really notice any "skin-whitening" but that's not why I picked it up anyway. You can usually find bars like these in Filipino food stores. I found mine at an Asian supermarket and was tempted to just stock up on a few. 

Olive Make-up Wipes - I used to use Yes to Cucumber Wipes, but I found that it sometimes dried out my skin, especially around my eyes. Getting tough eye make-up off is the worst so I needed to find a wipe that could do the trick, but not bruise my eyelids or dry out any part of my face. Tada! This one is a lifesaver for the lazy girls out there. You can rest assured that everything will come off (as far as make-up wipes typically go) and your skin will have a nice moisturising layer that you can just pat-in and sleep with. Much like papaya, olive oil is also really great for dry skin.

Kiehl's Creme de Corps - This is by far, the creamiest body butter I've ever tried. It's probably the most luxurious feeling cream that you'll ever slather on your body. Texture aside, the whole reason this tub was on my wishlist was because of it's warm, sugary, coconut smell. If you've ever had a Chinese buttercream bun, with the coconut shavings on the side, this is the non-edible version for your skin. One thing to note is that it doesn't absorb very quickly, so it can leave you feeling greasier than your average lotion.

Make Me Star Gel Liner - There was this huge craze with white waterliners last year (or perhaps the year before that) and I tried to jump on the bandwagon but the products I tried looked like chalk - it just never came out right. So here's the new thing - rose gold eyeliner that does the same thing to wake up your face, but isn't as obvious as a white-out shaded version. I like it a lot. Glides on smooth, lasts all day, and makes Monday mornings look like I already had some caffeine.

The Balm Blush in Cabana Boy - I was taken by the packaging and the colour was a pigmented mauve-y purple with a hint of golden shimmer. That's all I really needed in a blush for January.

The Face Shop Rice Sheet Mask - I have a new obsession with the skin benefits of rice. I've always heard that it helps brighten and exfoliate without being too abrasive. Perhaps it's a psychological thing, but after I put this mask on for 10 minutes, I felt soft and smooth and healthy and nice. I will be re-purchasing a good set of these and pampering myself regularly.

Forever 21 statement necklace - Winter can get really boring with the constant fat, chunky sweaters that we have to pair with other things to avoid looking like cows. Enter the statement necklace. This inexpensive beauty has saved me many times from sporting the too-lazy-to-put-myself-together look. It's the ultimate add-on that can take your outfit from blah to boomshakala.

Laura Secord Mint Chocolates - Ah, chocolates...where would I be without you? Stuck at home? Eat some chocolate. Had a hard day? Eat some chocolate. Hungry and you're too lazy to fix a proper snack? Eat some chocolate. My box is now done. (I apologize for promoting bad eating habits. I know we're all trying with our new year's resolutions, but sometimes you just have to indulge. So #sorrynotsorry.)

Black and White Shoes

Day

Marino Sunglasses Coffee // Donni Together Double-Layer Scarf

Stripe Pointed Toe Flat // Slouchy Cashmere Sweater // Boyfriend Jean

Night

DVF 440 Envelope // Laced Up Ankle Boot Sandal // Cupro Dress // Colorblock Wool Blend Coat

January's Grey

Indigo Pouch //Byredo perfume //

SS Print Shop Happy Thoughts Print // Zara printed camisole

Aritzia wool coat // Zara wool skirt

Zara heels

Top 5 Pieces from Isabel Marant for H&M

See the full collection at Vogue.com

Marchesa Voyage

Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig recently unveiled a preview of their new lower-priced contemporary line (ranging from $260 to $1000). Unlike their other label, Notte, which is focused on formalwear, Marchesa Voyage will provide glamorous and less expensive daywear for all Marchesa groupies. I'm loving what Keren is wearing (on left). Count me in.

Those leggings.

That jacket.

Images via Vogue UK

Phillip Lim for Target

Get yours on September 15th.

Need satchel.

Is it bad that I want this outfit the most? Wonder if I can find those sneakers in my size.

Moroccan Accessories

Necklace // Belt Bag // Backpack // Scarf // Clutch

I've been obsessed with Moroccan prints and embroidery ever since I came across this wonderful post from Song of Style. I just can't get enough of it.

And I'll be honest and say that boys will never understand the obsession. I'm obviously dressing for myself/other women when I don any of these.

Rihanna for River Island Summer Collection

Summer Décor Trios

Pesto Garden Herb Kit $22

Inverted Madras Glavanized Planter $31.50

Glass Bottle Vase $19.50

Vintage Hobnail Pitcher Blue $29.50

Fractured Mirror Pillow 12x21 $19.75

Vintage Hobnail Tumbler Blue $5.60

Relish Large Jar Candle—Ocean Tide + Sea Salt $19

bluebellgray® Red Rose Pillow $69.50

Linen Pillow—Dark Pink $29.50

All items from Chapters Indigo

Boxing Week Deals

Here are some of my fave places to shop and their Boxing Day deals! Perhaps I'm a little late for those of you who braved the early morning, cold weather, and horrendous lines. I guess this is for my lazy people who decide to shop online from now until whenever the deals end.

Fashion

H&M Seriously reduced items (starting from $3). In-store only. Good luck with that.
Club Monaco Save 50% already reduced items with code SAVE50
Forever 21 Save 30% off select items until 1/2, Save extra 50% on sale items until 12/31, free shipping on Boxing Day
Aldo Extra 30% off all sale shoes and handbags, free shipping on orders over $50
Levi's Additional 20% sale items, only 12/26
Aritzia 20-50% off all fall/winter merchandise

Beauty

The Body Shop 50% your entire purchase when you buy a $5 (reusable) Bag for Life (I went nuts at The Body Shop this Christmas. They are my kind of people.)
Sephora $12 Special Items, only on 12/26
Kiehl's Complimentary shipping on all gift sets until 12/31

Lifestyle

Indigo Up to 75% books, electronics, lifestyle and home decor

*Obviously, if you're reading this now, you're probably not looking for electronics because you would have already collected flyers and lined up way ahead of time. That said, some sales last for a little while (until December 31st and what not), so make sure you also try NCIX, Canada Computers and Tiger Direct when you're visiting Best Buy and Future Shop.

Preview That Polish, Prior to Purchase

I have long sought neutral coloured nail polishes; the greys, the beiges, and the browns. My problem is that I'm never quite sure how it's going to look on my hands. It might look great in the bottle, but some greys give me zombie hands. Unfortunately, I don't do all colours justice.

But lo and behold, China Glaze has an online tool that lets you adjust the model's skin tone and nail length. You wouldn't think that nail length would make a difference, but let me tell you, long nails and black nail polish might look more witchy than you want it to. A short manicure looks great with certain polishes, as do longer nails (french manicure anyone?) It's an excellent marketing tool, because my wishlist has just become so much longer now that I can preview everything. It's like a dressing room for your fingers. One downside is that you can't adjust the yellow, red or olive undertones, but this is a great step in the right direction.

Click here to access the tool and start stocking up on those stocking stuffers!

The Fitting Room Evaluation

As said by Derick Chetty in the Toronto Star, "The change rooms in cheap-and-chic retailers are often chambers of horror — the size of a broom closet, with curtains for doors that never remain closed, pins and labels on the floor, poor lighting and mirrors outside the cubicle that force shoppers to pose in front of strangers."

This holiday season, you're probably out buying gifts for everyone else. But for that special present to yourself, here is the low-down on what's behind fitting room doors. Your time is precious, don't waste in a space that will make you feel awful.

Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection: Who Are The Designers?

American Apparel Nail Goodies

I've been scouting for the perfect neon yellow nail polish and can't seem to find a satisfactory dupe for American Apparel's.  I suddenly have added respect for their line of accessories.  They recently launched a set of limited edition sheer polishes.  The claim is that they're highly pigmented, but I think I'll have to try a few before I'm sure ;).

Each bottle goes for $9.

Top left to right: Summerland Beach, Manhattan Beach, Zuma Beach
Bottom left to right: Redondo Beach, Moonlight Beach and Pacific Beach

Images via AmericanApparel.com

MMM with H&M

Everyone will be blogging about this.  But I thought, why not.  I like H&M.

NARS Loves Thakoon

I'm a huge fan of Thakoon and I recently stumbled upon his collection with NARS.  Look at those beautiful colours!  Each bottle sells for $18 and they started selling this month.  Think you'll grab a one?  Maybe two?

 Lal Mirchi, Anardana, Ratin Jot

Amchoor, Kutki, Koliary

Photos via Elle.com

H&M Loves Anna Dello Russo

The line will consist of jewelry, sunglasses, shoes, and bags.  Can't wait for the whole collection.  Loving how she incorporated those teals.