Today’s the last day of 2012, and though I’ve had an amazing year, I am ready for new beginnings and new adventures. Wishing you and yours a terrific New Year’s Eve, and an even better 2013!
See you next year!
xoxo
Nelia
More after the jump!
Holidays 2012: 5 Sequined Pieces to Rock This Holiday Season
Tis the season to get your sparkle on! With all the festive events going on, it’s pretty much a given that sequins are all-but required as part of the usual holiday uniform. And though I prefer my sequins toned down (i.e. paired with something not-so-glam), I know that there are plenty of people out there that prefer to go all out, and why not? That’s what the holidays are for!
And this season, Yorkdale has a pretty sequined number out there for everyone! From the majorly blinged out dresses at Mendocino, to the uber-chic sequin tees at J.Crew, to the super fun sequined trousers at LOFT, you can inject your wardrobe with as much (or as little) sparkle as you’d like. Personally, I’ll be rocking my striped sequined tee from J.Crew with a pair of jeans and a pair of statement earrings to a holiday soiree this season, but I have my eye on that gorgeous hippie-like Billabong dress too.
5 Sequined Pieces to Rock This Holiday Season after the jump!
What I Wore: A Different Kind of Cougar
Well, well, well…last week, we got our first chilly reminder of what’s to come – cooler temps, followed by the rain, snow, and slush. Too much of a reality check for you? Me too.
At least, I finally got to wear my new Cougar Pillow Boots, without looking like a crazy person. They kept my feet so warm and comfy – pure bliss. Did you now Cougar re-released its now iconic Pillow Boot? Well, now you do! And this time around, these comfy kicks come in a variety of styles and colors to boot. What’s your fave? Let me know in the comments!
I Wore: Sweater – c/o Billabong; Top – Forever 21; Shorts – H&M; Thigh-highs – American Apparel; Bag – c/o Ecco; Boots – Cougar Pillow Boots; Ring – YSL; Sunglasses – Ray Ban
Billabong Fall 2011 Collection Preview
Ever since last year’s preview, I’ve been a huge fan of Billabong/West 49 and their new fashion direction. Last month, I got a chance to preview the store’s Fall 2011 collection, and once again, I didn’t leave disappointed.
If you liked my Billabong Intarsia sweater that I picked up last year, now is your chance to get a similar one, since there are plenty of navajo-inspired pieces coming in for fall (cardigans, coats, tops, socks…you name it). Another huge trend for fall at Billabong is bodycon – with pieces perfect for layering.
If you’re shopping for your back to school essentials, make sure to check out Billabong’s selection of bags and backpacks – my faves include damask and heart-printed bags – perfect for toting around all of your heavy school supplies. And if you’re in the market for a watch – then look no further than Nixon watches – which come in a variety of colors and finishes. The especially cool ones have a white finish, that tarnishes with time, to reveal a gold or silver metal underneath – this one goes on my fall must-have list for sure!
Most pieces are in stores already, and thank goodness – because with these chilly temperatures, I am definitely going to need to update my closet for fall ASAP. Happy Shopping!
More photos after the jump!
What I Wore: Lanvin for H&M
This is me, around 8:30 am on a Saturday (which is unheard of), happy as a hippo to have been able to snatch up the things I wanted from the Lanvin x H&M collection. Got the dresses I loved, the necklace, the totes, and a couple of other things. I was really, really lucky at the Yorkdale location – most things were gone in less than 30 minutes!
Shopping was done in an actual cage! Can you believe it? Cage shopping in 15 minutes: grab, pull, yank, grab, yell…No, it wasn’t too horrible. No one got slapped nor stabbed in Toronto, as opposed to the rumour that 3 people were hurt in a Lanvin dispute in New York. We were all pretty civilized, considering the circumstances. Sales associates were extremely attentive – helping find sizes, boxes, etc…all while being super pleasant…perhaps they felt bad for all the shopaholics in line.
As a reward for our patience, dresses were wrapped in beautiful garment bags, shoe bags were given for shoes, and credit cards were maxed out all around. Seeing my total on the cash register display made me feel slightly faint, but the 30 day return policy calmed my nerves (a bit).
The collab was a mad success, and some were even wondering whether Lanvin would do a second collab with the fast-fashion giant. Only time will tell. For now, I have to make sure that I coordinate my holiday outfits, as to avoid wearing the same things my friends are wearing. Lanvin or not, being dress-twins is so not cool.
PS. If you haven’t gotten a piece of Lanvin x H&M and are still holding out hope for a dress or two, items off the mannequins will be sold today. So make sure to stop by your nearest store.
I Wore: Cardigan – Billabong; Leggings – Target; Tank Top – Forever21; Boots – Zara; Bag – Prada; Belt – Moschino
What I Wore: Billabong Intarsia Sweater (aka The Sweater)
I’m back from my little European getaway…and as sad as it was to say good-bye to my best friend and her amore, I am definitely happy to be sleeping in my own bed. That’s the thing about me and travelling – I’m always eager to leave Toronto for some new exciting place, but am always very happy to come back. I guess, that’s how you know if your house is a home too.
If you know me, you know that I am a pretty good packer. For the last 8 or so years, I’ve travelled with my trusty green Heys carry-on, and it’s never let me down once. But the thing about carry-ons is that there’s not much room for error. Everything I packed had to be worn at least twice or more. And this year’s most-used item was definitely this Billabong Intarsia sweater that I picked up at a Yorkdale Billabong store during the Fall 2010 preview! It’s extremely comfy, eye-catching, and I wore it with everything on this trip. I got a ton of looks and compliments on it, and once I get around to doing some laundry, I will continue wearing it all through the fall.
What about you? Do you play favorites with your clothes? Share in the comments.
What I Wore: Intarsia Sweater – courtesy of Billabong; Denim Shorts, Top – Forever21; Black Boots, Necklace, Sunglasses – H&M; Boyfriend Jeans, Fringe Sandals – Urban Outfitters; Red Purse – Prada; Backpack – Chanel; Sunglasses – Ray Ban
Billabong Fall 2010 Preview
Billabong – the name is almost synonymous with surfer clothing, no? Apparently – wrong. After attending Fall 2010 preview at the Yorkdale store last week, I realized that Billabong not only caters to surfer dudes, it has a fashionable side as well!
The first thing that caught my eye as I entered the store was a multi-color Portola cardiganwith fringe detailing – a super amazing boho piece, perfect for wrapping oneself during the cold winter nights. I knew I had to have it. Throughout the store, I spotted a few other cozy-looking cardigans, faux leather jackets, super cute black dresses, and a ton of on-trend accessories. Wait, at Billabong? Yup, at Billabong.
Other than Billabong, The Yorkdale location carries brands such as Element, TOMS, Nixon, Von Zipper and Dakine.
And of course, there are rows of bikinis. Bikinis and shorts that are available all year-round. So if you’re looking for one in the middle of January, Billabong is definitely a safe bet.
For guys and boys, the collection seemed to be a bit more grown up from what I remember. There are still plenty of hoodies and t-shirts to go around, but there are also classy button-ups and sweaters available for the dressier occasions. Another cool thing that Billabong store carries is Saxx underwear. It’s pretty great to see a small company with a great idea represented at a bigger store. Plus, guys seem to looove Saxx. If you don’t believe me, get it for your man, and see him rave about the…ahem…extra support.
Overall, I was pretty impressed with the Fall 2010 collection, and having worn my new cardigan around the house, I can’t wait to take it out for a spin in the real world! I’m definitely packing it for my upcoming trip and will share some pics after I come back. You may see more Fall 2010 pieces on Style Blog’s Facebook Page HERE.
Now what about you, lovelies? Do you shop at Billabong? Let me know in the comments.
Huge thanks to Micki Benedetti for the invitation!
