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Shopping: Shopbop Spring 2017 Sale!

11 April, 2017 Nelia Leave a Comment

Spring is officially here and it’s time to update your wardrobe for those warm days ahead, which is why Shopbop’s Event of the Season Sale could not have come at a better time! Until this Friday, get up to 25% off your purchase with promo code EVENT17…even sale items are included! And to help you narrow down your options, below are my top 5 must haves to add to your wardrobe this spring. From a comfy pair of fancy mules that add a little something to any outfit, to a pair of well-fitting jeans that show off your best assets, these items will serve you well for months (and years) to come!

What are you top 5 spring must-haves? Share in the comments!

1. Fancy Mules

2. Gingham Style

3. Fun Sunnies

4. Cool Denim

5. Roomy Tote

Wishlist: CHANEL Fall 2017 Bags and Accessories

29 March, 2017 Nelia 2 Comments

Leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to put a rocket ship in the middle of the Grand Palais and still make it about fashion. With space as inspiration, the CHANEL Fall 2017 collection certainly left me star-struck. Astronaut, planet and constellation prints, moon and star jewelry, iridescent tweeds, and even textures imitating planetary surfaces were all part of the dreamy “Ground Control” collection. And while the majority of the pieces were created in a classic palette of black, silver and white, the dreamy midnight blue tweeds studded with beads and pearls (and reminiscent of starry skies), as well as metallic green leather pieces added the exciting pops of colour to the collection.

For me, the standout accessories included the adorable rocket minaudiere, the beautiful CHANEL SPACE constellation clutch, and the star and moon brooches and necklaces. It seems that backpacks are also firmly back as part of CHANEL’s regular offering, as several styles of backpacks were shown on the runway – larger and sportier than the classic quilted leather ones of prior seasons, so perfect for interstellar exploring or the more mundane air travel. Most models rocked various versions of the square-toed glitter boots on the runway, paired with the embellished wool headbands and Brigitte Bardot-inspired hairstyles – lending the show retro 60’s vibes…and perhaps a cheeky nod to the 60’s Space Race.

Scroll through the gallery below and let me know which pieces caught your eye, and whether you loved the stellar CHANEL Fall 2017 collection as much as I did.

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Shopping: H&M Conscious Exclusive Collection Spring 2017

27 March, 2017 Nelia 1 Comment

It’s become a bit of a spring ritual for me, waiting for the H&M Conscious Exclusive collection images to drop, knowing that I’ll most likely want it all (or at least the majority of the collection), and this year is no exception. As always, the Conscious collection is chock-full of perfect party frocks and standout accessories, all made of sustainable materials.

“For this year’s Conscious Exclusive collection at H&M, we thought not only about the look of the pieces, but also how they feel and sound. It’s a collection to please all our senses, and also our desire to be sustainable in everything we do,” says Pernilla Wohlfahrt, H&M’s Head of Design and Creative Director. And while I don’t know how the 2017 collection feels and sounds, it sure does look amazing. Currently on my wishlist is the pink sequined cocktail dress, a pair of statement earrings made out of recycled glass and plastic, and a frilly frock with a delicate hand-drawn print. I am also contemplating several other pieces…but will have to see how they look in real life.

H&M Conscious Exclusive Spring 2017 Collection will be hitting the stores (and online) on April 20th, prices ranging from USD 12.99 to USD 399, and will include a selection of styles for kids and a set of fragrances for the very first time.

If you are in need of a few exceptional pieces to wear this spring/summer, then you must check out the lookbook images below. Share your thoughts in the comments.

More photos after the jump!
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Oscars 2017: Worst Dressed

26 February, 2017 Nelia Leave a Comment

How boring was the red carpet tonight, you guys?! What a letdown! A sea of blah gold and red dresses, with nary a hint of imagination. Of course, I did have a few faves (though picking more than two was a tough task), but let’s start with a few baffling choices first.

First (and certainly worst) is Dakota Johnson in Gucci. That godawful dress! What is that dress??? It reminds me of Sandra Bullock’s character’s wedding gown in The Proposal. I can appreciate Dakota’s attempt to wear something unexpected, but the colour, the fabric, and the styling are all wrong for her. Pair this wrinkly mess of a dress with limp hair and blah makeup, and you have a major wasted opportunity. Dakota is a vibrant young actress, and her Golden Girls-inspired look tonight is super baffling, unless she lost a bet, or someone at Gucci has a juicy piece of blackmail on her. Otherwise…I really don’t get it.

Next up is Felicity Jones in Dior, whom I also really like…but her dress belongs on a little girl at a ballet recital, not on the Oscar red carpet.

I actually really liked Alicia Vikander’s ruffled lace dress, but that hair! That hair belongs in the shower, tied up so that you don’t get it wet…not on the red carpet. There’s effortless hair, and then there’s this hair…

Michelle Williams usually brings her A-game to any event she attends, so admittedly I hold her to a higher standard. So when I saw her in this simple (read: boring) gown, I felt disappointed. It’s obviously not hideous, but it’s also not Michelle Williams-worthy.

Unlike Michelle Williams, I don’t usually hold Halle Berry to a higher standard of red carpet dressing, but I really, really didn’t like her Atelier Versace gown tonight. There’s something so messy about that black mesh on the bodice, and the one-shoulder thing feels very dated. Of course, Halle Berry has superior genes, and she still looks more beautiful than most people, but as far as gowns go, hers was definitely not my favourite.

Photo Credits: VOGUE

What I Wore: Soft and Cozy

23 February, 2017 Nelia Leave a Comment

As February comes to a close, I look around my closet and realise that I’ve been pretty much wearing the same few pieces all winter long – same few sweaters paired with denim or work pants, and same few sweater dresses worn with fleece-lined tights. It’s not super creative, but I guess it’s a winter uniform that keeps me feeling warm and looking put-together during the cold winter months.

This season, I was very lucky to find a few of those perfect knitwear pieces that I get complimented on time and time again, and that I can totally see myself wearing for years to come (with a little TLC), which is why I’m so thankful for Ultra Downy Free & Gentle Liquid Fabric Conditioner. Truth be told, fabric softener is a fairly new discovery for me. For years, I didn’t see the importance of using it, until someone put it this way: detergent is like shampoo for your clothes, while fabric softener is like conditioner. You wouldn’t skip conditioner after shampooing your hair, so why not follow the same logic when washing your clothes?!

Once I started using Downy Fabric Conditioner, I noticed a huge difference in the way my clothes (and especially knits) look and feel. I no longer have to worry about washing my favourite knitwear pieces, because Downy Fabric Conditioner protects clothes at the fibre level to reduce damage from daily wear and frequent washing, which can prematurely age your clothes. When fibres are conditioned, they’re protected against stretching, fading, and pilling, giving you an extra season or two out of your favourite pieces. Even knitwear pros at We Are Knitters trust Downy Fabric Conditioner with their knits!

Thanks to Downy even my most frequently worn (and washed) sweaters look like new, and hopefully will continue to do so year after year.

What about you? Do you use Downy Fabric Conditioner to protect your knits? Share in the comments.

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Style Blog Travels: Packing for Vegas

17 February, 2017 Nelia 2 Comments

I just did the math, and I can’t believe it’s been six years since my last time in Las Vegas! Truth is, I love Sin City. I love the abundance of delicious food options, the rush of playing the penny slot machines (one time I won $400!), the variety of cool shows to see, and the fact that there’s a CHANEL boutique around (what seems like) every corner. Having said that, every time I’d plan to return to Vegas, something would always get in the way…but not this time! This time, I have the best excuse to go back – front row tickets to the Backstreet Boys concert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you just rolled your eyes at all of those exclamation points, then you must not have been a teenage girl back in the 90’s…and you seriously missed out.

Having said that, I am also super excited to be a part of Expedia Canada’s #BigWorldExplorer program (I already saved over $300 on my hotel reservation as an Expedia member, and you can too!), and I can’t wait to share my stories from this trip with you very soon!

But first things first…one of the best things about travel (for me at least) is the actual trip preparation – researching activities, restaurants, and of course, packing and planning out my outfits! In the past I’ve written a few packing–related blog posts, and I do consider myself a bit of an expert, since I can easily pack a carry-on luggage for a two-week trip. So here are a few staples that I’ll be bringing with me to Vegas.

Comfy walking shoes are a must if you plan to explore everything the strip has to offer, so I’ll be bringing a pair of classic white sneakers that go with everything from dresses to jeans.
Pool season may or may not start in March (depending on weather), but I’ll still be packing a few of my favourite swimsuits (and an inflatable or two) to bring with me. Even if the pool is closed, there’s always the hot tub after a long day of sightseeing!
Sunglasses are a necessity when it comes to daytime adventures in the dessert, but they are also a fun finishing touch that adds a little oomph to any outfit. Just like with swimsuits, I usually pack a few pairs of sunnies to style with different outfits when I travel.
While I won’t be wearing heels on the regular while in Las Vegas, I’ll still pack a pair of comfy but stylish mid-heel ankle booties that can be dressed up or down.
Since we’re talking about Vegas here, I’ll also be packing a sexy dress for a fun night out. Something silky and shiny…probably a slip dress since I have so many of them, but hardly get to wear in freezing Toronto.
Standout accessories (like statement earrings) can help you take your look from day to night without having to wear an entirely new outfit (especially handy when you’re travelling with a carry-on).
Even though I’m not much of a gambler, I will still be bringing a couple of my personal lucky charms with me. Who knows, maybe I’ll get lucky with another slot machine and turn $5 into $500?!
Since I’ll be travelling with a carry-on, I will have very little room for several purses, so I’ll be bringing a cross-body bag that goes with all of my outfits – both casual and dressy.

And there you have it, my Las Vegas packing essentials. What do you pack when you travel to Vegas? Share your must-haves in the comments.

Style Guide to a Smooth Valentine’s Day

1 February, 2017 Nelia 1 Comment

It’s no secret that Valentine’s Day is one of my favourite days of the year. I live for the cutesy boxes of candy and chocolates, can never say no to a cheesy teddy bear or two, and want to buy (and wear) heart prints all day every day during the month of February. Regardless of whether I’m coupled up or blissfully single, Valentine’s Day has always been my jam. Needless to say, I don’t mess around when it comes to planning my Valentine’s Day outfit and activities. Below are some of my personal Valentine’s Day tips, in case you need a few ideas.

1. #ChooseToSmooth
While I don’t generally encourage people to go out bare-legged in February, Valentine’s Day is certainly an exception to the rule. Wintertime can be quite rough on skin in general, and while some people use this time to let their leg hair grow wild, I find that shaving my legs regularly helps keep my skin nice and smooth, especially when I use Gillette Venus Swirl razor and shave gel. Venus razors are specifically designed for women’s curves with 5 individually adjusting Contour blades, and give me a quick (but long-lasting) shave, while gently exfoliating the skin all at the same time. And even when I’m too lazy to use the shaving gel, the water-activated MoistureGlide serum provides enough glide for a smooth and comfortable shave. As a result, my legs look and feel great during those rough winter months whether I’m grinning and baring it for Valentine’s Day, doing Barre on weekends, or just lounging around the house with le bf.

2. Plan Ahead
If you plan to go out on Valentine’s Day, then making a reservation ahead of time is key. Most restaurants will have various Valentine’s Day specials, but if you take too long, your options may be quite limited. If you’d like to try something new, Lavelle (where these photos were taken) is one of the city’s most beautiful new restaurants, with super romantic views of the city and a Valentine’s Day menu to drool for. Pre-buy your tickets online, and enjoy a (stress-free) romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.

More after the jump!
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SAG Awards 2017: Best Dressed

29 January, 2017 Nelia 1 Comment

Over the last few weeks it seems that the world has gone insane, so in case you needed a distraction, here are some pretty celebrities wearing pretty gowns at the 2017 SAG Awards. Truth be told, I was pleasantly surprised to see some really exciting choices on the red carpet this year. Nicole Kidman wowed in a birds of paradise Gucci creation, Michelle Williams looked flawless in a glittering Louis Vuitton gown, while Black-ish star Yara Shahidi wore a delightful Naeem Khan beaded frock. Evan Rachel Wood made good on her promise to skip dresses this season and wore yet another impeccable Altuzarra suit, this time in rich blue velvet. Janelle Monae who’s also known for her beautiful suits chose an intricate CHANEL frock instead, accessorised with the cutest hair-do ever.

Michelle Dockery (aka Lady Mary Forever) wore a colourful striped Elie Saab gown (similar to Yara’s), and as someone who loves colour, stripes, and Downton Abbey, this was definitely a hit for me (though that hair was a tad too severe). Kirsten Dunst looked lovely in a bridal-like Dior gown (very appropriate for a newly-engaged star), while Thandie Newton’s Schiaparelli creation looked like it belonged in a museum…in a good way. And while I’m usually not a fan of the “naked” dress, Taraji P. Henson looked simply stunning in her Reem Acra gown. Lastly, I loved Claire Foy in The Crown, and perhaps my judgement is clouded by my adoration of the actress, but I quite liked the Valentino gown she wore on the red carpet (paired with gorgeous Tiffany & Co. earrings), even if the dress wasn’t my absolute favourite.

And there you have it, my SAG Awards 2017 Best Dressed. Share yours in the comments!

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Valentine’s Day 2017: Gift Guide

26 January, 2017 Nelia 1 Comment

We are less than a month away from Valentine’s Day, and I honestly can’t wait! What’s not to love about a holiday that celebrates love and encourages people to eat copious amounts of chocolate? I am a sucker for heart-shaped and heart-printed clothing, accessories, and knick-knacks, so this year’s gift guide is for people just like me, so take note. If your partner’s idea of a perfect gift is not a heart-shaped neon light, then you should probably skip this post altogether…but otherwise, check out my fave Valentine’s Day-themed gifts from those beautiful and yummy Chocolates x Brandon Olsen to retro-adorable Love Is coin purse from Anya Hindmarch.

What are you giving your partner this Valentine’s Day? Share in the comments!

CHANEL Spring/Summer 2017 Ad Campaign

26 January, 2017 Nelia Leave a Comment

If you’ve been patiently waiting for the “Data Center” CHANEL Spring/Summer 2017 collection to arrive in stores, today is the day…the pre-collection hits the stores! Which means we still have to wait until March for Spring/Summer 2017 collection to arrive. But you can still enjoy the colourful and playful ad campaign shot by Karl Lagerfeld, featuring that coveted (and adorable) robot minaudiere.

“The silhouettes combine striking pieces and an accumulation of pieces of fine jewellery. A silk jacket with a hypnotic print is embellished with sautoirs and necklaces in white or yellow gold, diamonds and multi-colour cultured pearls, and with rings and earrings in white gold and diamonds, from the Plume de CHANEL, Sous le signe du Lion, Camélia and Ruban collections. The high-tech aesthetic of two J12 watches in white ceramic completes the look.

A series of resin and silvery metal cuffs accessorise a patent leather jacket worn with the BOY CHANEL handbag, the iconic House handbag revisited here in a perforated white leather version. A fanny pack nonchalantly clashes with a multi-colour cotton tweed jacket and skirt ensemble worn with a yellow crêpe de chine blouse.”

I’m going to be popping into my local boutique today to check out some of the pieces from the pre-collection in person, but what I’m really excited about are those camellia sunnies, though if you had a chance to peruse the CHANEL app, you probably have seen the really cool jewelry from Spring/Summer 2017 pre-collection too. Being good is going to be very, VERY hard today.