Travel Musts: Kimonos and Sky Blue Nails!

Happy Canada Day Week and July Fourth Week everybody!
I hope everyone is rested and fed and patriotic.
Usually around this time of year, travelling is on everyone's mind.
Summer's here, school's out, and when the temperature rises we all itch to get away.
Even me!  And, I just might do it!
My family is from Scotland, and I have a lot of relatives still over there.  Up until I was 21, I went over every year with my Mom.  After that, she got too sick to travel, and I haven't been back since.
If you haven't been to Scotland, what are you waiting for?  The scenery is breathtaking, and the people are amazing!  You'll never laugh harder during a taxi ride than one you take in Glasgow.  "Glesga Folk" are witty and down-to-earth, and genuine, and robust.  It's a great combo!
In a few weeks, I just may be there!  So exciting!
Earlier in the week, my In Flight Essentials for Fresh Skin were featured on Fashion Translated, so we know what will be on my face during the flight, and here I'll talk about a few things that need to come along in the suitcase!
The first thing that everyone needs, no matter where you're going, is a kimono!  This is a huge trend this year.

A kimono looks just as great with jean shorts as it does with a maxi dress, along with everything in between!  They can be found everywhere this year, but one of the best places to get one is Forever 21.  The selection is fantastic!  Since I'm petite, I need one that is on the shorter side so I don't look like I'm drowning in it, but taller ladies are looked after too with longer options available.  I love a rich print, which will carry me right into fall.

A vacation in the summer absolutely calls for bright nails!  Essie's Strut Your Stuff fills that bill in spades!  Its a bright cerulean blue that looks wonderful with summer skin of all shades.  It applies quite nicely in two coats for the most part, and the finish is rich and true.  I'm desperately in love with this polish.  I had it on my nails within minutes of walking in my door!  It's that good!  Check out Essie here.

These are just two of my travel musts, I could go on for days with this!  A good bronzer, a big cozy scarf, and fits-like-a-glove jeans are all on the list too!

What do you not vacay without?

 

Donna Xoxo

 

PS - For the month of July, I will be keeping a Lipstick Diary.  Each day, I'll have a different lipstick, gloss, or balm on Instagram here, and Twitter here.  Follow me at #JulyLippyLove!  

Style Love! Black and White Spring 2014

Graphic black and white was all over the spring runways for Toronto World Master Card Fashion Week, and there's a reason it's been a huge trend for a while now!

This combo is always flattering, and appropriate for anything and anywhere.  A crisp white t-shirt and cropped cigarette pants are a clean and modern look. The key is a good fit with these pieces.  The shirt should be skimming the body, as should the pants.  Too tight will pull in the wrong places, and too loose will add extra bulk. The length of the pant is best when either at the ankle or an inch or two above.  Keep the leg tapered too!  Otherwise, its flood territory!

Black and white are also a great backdrop for spectacular accessories!  The blue in the necklace pops like nobodies business against the white.  Add a structured clutch and some d'orsay flats for some cool factor!

I personally can't wait to say Sayonara to heavy boots!  My feet don't enjoy socks.  They rebel at every turn! 

It's almost over!

Almost......

 

Donna Xoxo



Style Love: New Jewels from Forever21

I don't know if you've heard, but Toronto is hosting Canada's only conference for beauty and fashion bloggers. Spark Sessions is being held November 16th and 17th, and the speakers are BANANAS!

Can you say Jeanne Beker?  Elaine Liu from Lainey Gossip?

So excited to be there!

But, Holy Sh!t, is this stressful!

With the speakers, and the amazing bloggers that will be there, I feel like I really need to up my game!

No easy feat!

That's where a really cool accessory comes in!

I found some gorge pieces at Forever 21 that will add something extra to my outfits!

Lately I'm loving the midi-ring!  Midi-rings sit between the two knuckles at the tip of the fingers. The gold and black-enameled ring in the picture was $1.99. 

The necklace in the above pic hits on a couple of trends; gold and spikes. It feels so Rock and Roll!  I love this with something a little girly, or casual. It gives a bit of edge to a look. I think I paid $6.95 for the necklace, so I've had more than my money's worth. 

On a side note, did you see how slender my neck looks in that picture!  Wish I could use that angle for every profile pic. 

However, I digress...

The newest trend I've been drawn to lately is the ear cuff. I really like how it can be a pretty, elegant look, or very tough and punk-y. The cuffs I have on below are more on the elegant side. I like how it's a statement earring without the heft usually associated with one. My face is small and can look roundish, so I'm not always comfortable in a larger earring. This I can rock like a champ!

Well, Ladies, what jewellery trends are your favorites this season?  Any trends you love/hate?  

And, seriously, doesn't my neck look slim?

Donna Xoxo

Ps. I will write a huge post all about Spark Sessions!  Can't wait!  If you're there, say hi!  I'll be the short terrified one in the great accessories!

Costa Blanca, Where Have You Been All My Life?

I don't l know about you Peeps, but I get pretty frustrated when I go shopping. 

Like, I need a drink afterwards because I hate my ass kind of frustrated!

With my age and lifestyle, I want to look like I'm put together without trying too hard. It's a beyotch to find clothing that's stylish, but not overly trendy, with a good price that fits well. 

I'm pretty particular about which stores I choose. I used to look in Costa Blanca when it first opened and got some cute things, but the last few years I've been less than impressed with the product and the prices. Cute if you're eleventeen and 100 pounds. Don't know 'bout you, but those days are ovah!!!

I went into the Costa Blanca in the Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket on a whim, and I was so surprised!  The clothing selection was really diverse, and there was a great range of sizes. They had everything nessecary for an amazing summer wardrobe!  

I spoke to Jessica, the assistant manager, and she mentioned that there is a new buyer in the company which is why the selection has improved and the prices are so great!  

I picked up this snake print tank for $6.99 and I found the necklace below for $2.99. Couldn't believe the fit or the prices!  The staff were quite knowledgeable, and really friendly too!  I was cashed out by Daisy, who was just as cute as her name would suggest!

Costs Blanca is also increasing their presance in social media. They have a super-stylish Instagram (which is running a contest right now!) along with twitter and facebook. The website is worth checking out too, even if its just for the lookbook. 

Have you guys been in Costa Blanca lately?  Love it too?  I want to hear all about it!

Donna  Xoxo

Style Love: The Find of the Summer!

I was wandering around Old Navy last week when I stumbled across the most adorable little bargain in the shape of a navy and white striped tank dress. 

Being short and, well, curvy is a nice way to put it, I'm always a little hesitant when it comes to stripes. I have always believed the "stripes always make you wider" ish and stayed far away. 

I'm here now to tell you it's all about proportion and fit. 

A few years ago, a friend coaxed me into giving a striped tank a try. 

Loved it!

I felt very Audrey Hepburn. 

Since then, I've tried some hits and some misses. This dress was a big hit!  

The top half hangs really well because of the elasticized waist. It camo'd my freak-show sized boobs beautifully!  

Not an easy feat, btw! 

The drape of the material skims over the bottom half, and doesn't cling anywhere it shouldn't.

 For $15.00! 

I immediately started thinking of how this little sweetheart can be worn into fall and be fabulous!  We all look for transitional pieces, don't we!

Right now, I'm wearing it with a belt, throwing on a great pendant and calling it a day. 

Once fall hits, there are so many possibilities. I can wear it with camel and tan for a cute look, but I'm excited to edge it up a bit!

I've shown it below, with a black leather belt, a shawl collar cardi and a silver and black chunky pendant. Add motorcycle boots, and it's a funky little date outfit!  

Ahhhhh, aren't options wonderful!

Tell me your transitional weather ideas!

Donna xoxo