Achtung!: The Tote

Absolutely HAVE to share this hilarious story with you!

The tote is an indispensable item for work and recreation. I'm currently carrying a cavernous, black tote that holds everything - workout gear, laptop, wallet etc.

Last Friday I was running late for work. In a mad dash to jam everything I needed into my tote, it went like this:

• The everyday necessities (wallet, sunglasses etc) were already in the bag (at the bottom).
• Next, I threw in my gym gear: towel, shoes, clothing and the "unmentionables"
• Realizing I hadn't eaten breakfast, I reached for a banana and threw it in the tote.
• Remembering I needed a snack for work, I grabbed an English cucumber out of the fridge and threw THAT on top.
• Ready to go, I heaved my bulging tote over my shoulder and raced to the office.
  

I start my day at 7:00 am and the door to my building requires a pass card before 8:00 am. The card resides in my wallet (at the bottom of my tote). After two (unsuccessful) attempts at waving my tote in front of the card reader, I realized I must dig to the bottom to retrieve the pass card.

As I lowered my tote to the ground to rummage through it, I noticed a construction worker standing beside me at the door, obviously needing to be let into the building. So, as I'm pulling stuff out of my tote to find my card, the first things I removed were:

• one pair of bright blue, lace skivvies
• one banana
• one, very long, cucumber.

You can't make stuff like this up!

Wonder what the guy thought I did for a living?

Shoe Slave: Back to Booties

High-heeled, creeper boot, Phi.

Tabitha Simmons suede and leather ankle boots

Via Spiga, Jaden patent leather lace-ups.

Oh thank goodness fall arrives soon! Let's return to our shoe-staple, "The Boot", with impunity. Boots somehow feel wrong in the summer. Simultaneously hot (temperature) and irrelevant - not good. Rows of boots stare at me from my closet all summer long. And all but the cowboy boots (you know, that Stampede thing) go unworn.

This fall seasons brings yet another round of gorgeous boot options. Loads of flat styles of choose from again - small mercies for those of us living in snowy cities. Piles of black, rocker-inspired spuds, platforms and black leather. Love it all.

With my granny-inspired style sensibility, I can't quite bring myself to confidently wear some of the fierce-looking fashion footwear. So this Jaden boot by Via Spiga was the perfect solution! A granny boot with a vicious heel in black, patent leather. Love. I think the Jadens were fall 2008 (picked them up for a song) but they're perfect this year as well. So cute with leggings and a sweater dress.

Shock and Awe!

In my quest for the perfect earphones to help alleviate treadmill boredom, I picked up these Nixon earphones. I must say, they were not the ideal solution, but the sounds was pretty perfect and they were comfortable. They fit the bill until, two months ago, they stopped working. Expecting a customer service nightmare, I procrastinated.

Well, I just hung up the phone from a very helpful women at Spare Parts Chinook Centre. Guess what? The Nixons are warrantied for one year. All I have to do is take them to the store, and they will deal with them for me. Even better? I don't have to go through mountains of old receipts to find the bill. I actually gave Spare Parts my customer information upon purchase.

How good is this?

Get Your Polish On

We finally have our summer! So, if you haven't done so already, get your pretty toes on.

The best pedicure in Calgary can be had at Macaronies in Kensington.

Macaronies' newest esthetician, Kim, is the lady to see. I broke from my French pedi tradition and opted for sparkly red (OPI Little Red Wagon) last visit. Love it. I also love the mini-OPI polish bottles. Do you ever use up a full size bottle of nail polish before it goes gloopy or you fall out of love it? I don't. Minis are the perfect solution.

Lee National Denim Day

Almost everyone I know either wears jeans every day or on "casual Fridays". That means everyone can participate in the Lee National Denim Day to benefit women's cancer programs. This is US-based charitable organization but funds to find a cure benefit women everywhere.

Organize your workplace and raise money on Friday, October 2nd.

Carine Roitfeld. Sigh.

Photo: Hedi Slimane

This morning, I happened to click up on an image of Carine Roitfeld, editor of French Vogue. Love, love, love her. You simply MUST read this February 2008 New York Magazine featuring Ms. Roitfeld - it's an absolute classic. A few quotes:

“I do not like comfortable,” Roitfeld says. She has outlawed sneakers and what she calls “Hugg boots” in her office because “they are hugly.”

Regarding a trip to Thailand:

“You think this will be so glamorous,” she sighs. “You have the idea in your mind and then you get there and the people in the hotel …” She grimaces and gestures hugely in the hip area. “There were lots of people who were so fat and like that.”

About the first lady of France, Carla Bruni:

“For us it is good. She is very glamour. She can fit in the clothes."

So good. If you want more....

Just Charming

Image: Juicy Couture

Image: Tiffany & Co.

I'm all over the charm thing. It's fun jewelery you can mix and match to your mood and outfit. The clip on charm, like this Juicy Knight's Helmet, is perfect for fashion chameleons. If you have a standard, link bracelet, you can change it up any which way.

Juicy offers loads of clip on charms in both gold and silver tone. Or if you want to go up market, you can spend a little or a lot on charms at Tiffany. Have the jeweler add a lobster clip if want the removable option.

Anthropologie in Alberta!

Wheeee! Such great news on this cold, wintry day. Anthropologie is soon to open a store in West Edmonton Mall in Alberta. If you love Anthropologie as much as I do, this is cause for major celebrations.

They even sell items that are made in Canada, like the cool Nine Pin Earrings above - very cool.

It almost makes going to the mall bearable.

Almost.

Sound Styling

I've taken to carrying copious amounts of food around with me at all times. Part of my healthy-eating, YAYOBA kick. The dusty, beer-chillin' cooler bag just wasn't maximizing my style. So began my search for a cooler bag - focus on the COOL.

Through my search I have deduced that cooler bags fall into one of three categories:

1) Utility: think Walmart, red and navy with plenty of zippers
2) Obnoxious: think Budweiser and Harley Davidson
3) Impractical: think faux-Burberry design, large enough to hold a few carrot sticks and a bottle of expensive water.

The solution I found really has its' own category - Burton.

You know I love Burton luggage. Big fan. Should have known Burton would create the smartest cooler bags too. The Lil' Buddy even has a set of battery powered speakers you can plug your iPod into. The sound's not Sennheiser but it's pretty fun to have music with your cooler.

Good side zip compartments, sturdy zippers and loads of funky prints. Love it.

Check out CNET's review:

We're So Vain: Tickle Me Francey

Yes, the fingers (and now toes) are constantly on display. If you're like me, your hands and nails are the hardest body part to maintain. Someone actually asked me once if I was a GARDENER?! Rude! My hands were even clean.....

I've found a nail polish color that reduces maintenance time. It's very close to nude in color so won't show chips and wear as quickly. Tickle Me Francey is from OPI's La Collection de France, Fall 2008 and is lovely for Spring 2009 as well. So pretty.

Now I will paint my nails, sip my latte and dream of getting my butt to France.

Karl Lagerfeld's Sweet Tweets

Thanks Lainey for giving me the "heads up" re: Karl Lagerfeld's Twitter account. Perusing his comments this morning nearly made me tumble out of my chair. A few....

After the couture, I am spending a quiet weekend in my all-glass apartment, floating over the river on Quai Voltaire.6:55 AM Jan 31st

Believe it or not, I love rap.7:46 AM Jan 19th

Throwing money out the window brings money back in through the front door.12:18 PM Jan 15th

Healthy St. Paddy's Day

Most of us are trying to stay healthy and watch our waist lines. Hard to do when green pancakes (Mom!) and green beer are on the menu. So, try this uber-healthy St. Patty's Day shake.

Vanilla protein powder (two scoops or one serving package)
3 scoops Greens Plus
2-3 cups cold green tea
Ice

Blend in blender until smooth.

Bling! Roberta Chiarella

Images: Roberta Chiarella

We all moaned over the gorgeous emerald earrings Angelina Jolie wore to the Oscars. Seriously gorgeous. OK, so it would be a little much to wear knock-offs of THOSE earrings - but if you MUST - you can buy them from New York jewelery designer, Roberta Chiarella.

Better still, check out her other designs! I love the crystals - max effect on a budget. Am in love with the Rocky Road earrings. I just need an event to wear them to.

Get Back To The Club!

You've been waiting for it - and you're not going to want to miss this FSC event!

Snap up the best deals from 2009, sneak a peak at some sweet spring pieces, check out Elina Viola's Calgary designs and meet Calgary's hottest new Aveda stylist - Tim Kenny!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

12:00 to 5:00 PM

Invitation only - please RSVP.

A Little Viola - Update

Due to my RAGING sinus cold this week, the next FSC event has been moved to March 15th.

The good news is, with the change of date, you'll get a sneak peak of some sweet spring pieces.

Don’t miss it!

A Little Viola

I know you've all been wondering when the next FSC event is taking place. If you've already received your email, you know it's Saturday, March 7th. To make space for all the ADORABLE spring pieces I'm bringing in, Fall/Winter merch will be yours for a steal!

For those of you who showed such great restraint shopping FSC - your reward has come. That coat/dress/shirt you loved but felt guilty purchasing may still be waiting for you to take it home! Make sure you attend on March 7th.

And if the winter deals didn't grab you, Calgary designer, Elina Viola, is showcasing her adorable yoga/lounge wear and ethereal summer tunics at the FSC on March 7th. Elina is best known for her gorgeous bridal and costume creations. Lucky us, she's venturing into clothes we can wear more often. Put away the passe yoga attire and rock the latest in sexy-comfy.

Free T?

Image: Divine Rights of Denim

Ladies, if you haven't already been to Oliver & Lilly's in Vancouver, or attended a FSC trunk show featuring Oliver & Lilly's fashion, now is great time to visit this amazing Vancouver boutique.

Lou Lou magazine's City Deals is currently featuring an O&L giveaway. If you buy a pair of jeans (and trust me - you won't want to buy just one pair) you receive a free T-shirt by Alternative Basic from LA.

So get your fine butts in there and discover how great your Spring denim can look.

Feels Like Spring

Image: MAC

Despite the weather-tease, I highly doubt spring is going to happen anytime soon.
But don't let that stop you from getting ready!! Spring fashions are hitting the shops, and the Fashionista Social Club.

If you're not quite ready to shelve the sweaters (I wouldn't) but you're feeling like a little spring, I have two words for you. Lip. Gloss.

Not any lip gloss. MAC, Plushglass lip gloss in "Fulfilled". It's the perfect, light pink/coral color and looks lovely on everyone. Buy a few and stash them in your winter coat pockets for a little hit of spring in February.

Wrist Shot

Image: Emilio Pucci Spring 09 runway

Image: TOPSHOP

Good news! Bangles are encasing the scrawny arms of runway models everywhere this spring. Big, colorful, sparkly, you name it, bangles are big. Literally.

Love a trend for the masses. Unlike Christian Louboutin shoes, bangles are accessible to everyone.

Bangles are also a "cheap and cheerful" way to incorporate other current trends into your wardrobe. Instead of buying a canary yellow suit, try a bright, resin bangle of the same shade. Way less commitment.

You'll be seeing bangles of every description at the next FSC event. They're guiltless!

Your Morning Sigh

Images: net-a-porter.com

I gasped. Then sighed.

This is what fashion does to a person.

This Marni petal cuff almost escapes words - too beautiful.

Not sure I'd rock it with that dress though. Better with something white? A simple A-line dress perhaps?

Love all the cuffs this Spring!

YAYOBA: Granny Hands

This freezing cold, dry weather really takes a toll on the fingers. So, after numerous applications of Krazy Glue (literally) to close the cavernous cracks on my fingers, I decided my hands needed a little more TLC.

My efforts paid off - no more bleeding fingers! Thought I'd share a few of my DIY, cold weather, hand maintenance tips.

Inside out, drink lots of water and take a good fish-oil supplement. Outside in:

1. Wear gloves outside - always. This seems pretty obvious but I was lazy. Freezing hands = bad.
2. Slough off the dry. When you're in the shower, use a pumice stone, or other scrubby device, all over your hands and around the fingernails. Out of the shower, use a body polish/oil. My hands-down favorite (groan) is Kootenay Body Polish in Thai Ginger.
3. Use a heavy-duty moisturizer like Aveda Hand Relief or Gardener's Hand Repair. All day, every day.
4. Oil your hands. This step really makes the difference. Each night before bed, cut open one capsule of Vitamin E oil (or buy it in a bottle and apply). Lube up your hands, paying special attention to the finger nails.
5. Apply Nail Envy religiously. It protects your nails from the elements and prevents splitting (really). Even better - it's now formaldehyde-free.

Some people swear by wearing moisturizing gloves to bed. I personally can't do it.

Forgot #6: Pray for an early Spring.

Counting Down

Image: another red-iculous Ali Ro dress

Getting so excited for Saturday. Can't wait to get my hands on more Ali Ro!

Many of you have seen my "white house" red, Ali Ro, dress. That dress caught some serious attention in the Vancouver airport when I wore it home to Calgary.

Maybe it was the color.
Maybe it was the impossible-to-ignore reminder of the recent Obama victory in the US.
Maybe my skirt was tucked into my pantyhose.

I do know that dress is a major fashion coup. ONE, red dress will be available for sale on Saturday.

Ali Ro Trunk Show!

Images: ali-ro.com

My New Year's gift to my girls is an Ali Ro trunk show. I know it's January and you need a pick-me-up. A new frock is just the ticket!

Leighann from Vancouver's hottest new boutique, Oliver & Lilly's is bringing her (exclusive to Western Canada) collection of Ali Ro finery to the FSC.

Watch for your email invite and save next Saturday, January 10th to come check out the goods.