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What I Wore: Seven Magic Mountains


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By now, I am sure you’ve seen dozens of photos from Seven Magic Mountains – the larger than life (temporary) art installation by Ugo Rondinone just outside of Las Vegas – but here I am with more…simply because the colourful rocks truly were incredible to see in person…and I had to show you my new favourite dress. Getting the shot involved waiting around for waves of people to subside, running over to the nearest vacant rock formation as quickly as I could, while my husband snapped away. We probably should’ve arrived at sunrise to avoid the crowds, but who wakes up that early in Vegas?! Not us.

We shot these photos on our way to Palm Springs from Las Vegas, taking the scenic route through the Mojave National Preserve instead of the boring highways, and were rewarded with endless Joshua trees, cool rock formations, and the open road – driving for miles with no other cars in sight. If you ever make the drive, I highly recommend taking this route, it will take longer to get to your destination, but the journey will be seriously worth it.

But back to my dress. Though I said good-bye to my unicorn locks, I’m still dressing like one…especially when in California. Which is why when I saw this tie-dye-inspired watercolour-dreams slip dress, I knew I had to have it. I ordered it from ASOS, and while sadly it was slightly too big, exchanging it wasn’t an option (so expensive!), so I wore it as-is…and though I probably flashed a few Joshua trees while twirling around in the desert, I am kinda digging the loose look of this maxi…and of course, the slightly-faded pastel print. I am sure I’ll wear it a lot this summer, even if the setting won’t be quite as picturesque.

So tell me, have you visited Seven Magic Mountains yet? Planning to? Share in the comments.





More after the jump!
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Style Blog Travels: 5 Things To Do in Vegas


Going to Vegas but not sure what to do other than gamble and walk the strip? Here are some of my fave things to do and see in Las Vegas from my March trip with Expedia Canada as part of the #BigWorldExplorer program.

1. Get Down at the Backstreet Boys Concert

Let me get to the chase…if you were relatively young (or perhaps young at heart) back in the 90’s, then you MUST GO TO THE BACKSTREET BOYS CONCERT IN LAS VEGAS while you still can…or be forever incomplete. Sorry (not sorry) for yelling, but as someone who was obsessed with this iconic boyband back in the day, I have to say that this concert will be in the highlight reel of the best days of my life…and probably more than that.

My equally BSB-obsessed friend Karen and I were super lucky to score front spots in the GA pit (thanks to the Amex pre-sale Platinum “Beat the Line” tickets!) at their concert in March, and it was LARGER THAN LIFE. They sang (really well), they danced (dad moves aplenty), they wore silver boots and sparkly jackets, they brought Lance Bass up on stage to serenade him…and they gave it their all (they had to give). Kevin sang to me for a full minute, making me super uncomfortable (yet excited at the same time)…I got to touch Brian’s hand twice and AJ’s once…and it will all be forever seared into my brain (and the shape of my heart?). Yes, I am a thirty-something who lined up for a few hours to ensure that I had a front and centre spot, squealed like a teenager when the “boys” were near our side of the pit, and sang every lyric to every song (except for one) at the top of my lungs…and I just want you to know that I regret NOTHING. Forget about other Vegas performances and go see BSB at Planet Hollywood…your inner 90’s teen wants it that way.

2. Visit The Neon Museum

I’ve been to Vegas a couple of times before, but for whatever reason I haven’t visited The Neon Museum until this year…and I highly recommend you make the trek. Full of cool signs and marquees, and with a knowledgeable guide at our side, this tour was fun, educational, and perfect for Instagram. Buy your tickets online (spots tend to sell out quickly), wear sunscreen and a hat as you’ll be in full sun for most of the tour, and pay a few extra bucks to visit the Neon Boneyard North Gallery at your own pace and see even more rescued signs.

3. Drive Out to Seven Magic Mountains

Ugo Rondinone’s Seven Magic Mountains has become one of Vegas’ most-instagrammed locations, and with good reason – seven towers of (highly-photogenic) colourful boulders in the middle of the desert, surrounded by mountains, and open to the public free of charge – I ended up going twice! The installation is located 30 minutes outside of Las Vegas and will be on view until 2018, so if you’d like to visit Nevada’s own Stonehenge, then you have a year to do so. Word of advice – if you don’t want a bunch of strangers in the background of every photo you take, then going at the crack of dawn Mon-Thurs is your best bet. Any other time, expect crowds.

More after the jump!
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Style Blog Travels: Packing for Vegas


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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.
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  • 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.

Travel: Stylish Shopping Destinations

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Summer is over, and it seems like my last vacation was an eternity ago. If you, like me, are itching to get away, here are my Top 3 Stylish Shopping Destinations. Grab a friend, and shop away!

Florence – The Mall

If you are considering Italy as your destination, you should save at least one full day on your itinerary to visit the shopping paradise that is The Mall Outlets. Located about 20 minutes outside of Florence, and reachable by bus, train, or taxi, this shopping haven is a perfect shopping destination for both ladies and their gentlemen, too.

While at The Mall, ladies’ must-visit stores include Prada, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent, These shops tend to have a great selection of womenswear and, if you are lucky, some amazing deals on shoes, bags and ready-to-wear. In the meantime, Burberry, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Zegna outlets will be sure to keep any man occupied with some amazing deals on suits, shoes, and outerwear. On our last trip, le bf walked away with a gorgeous Burberry suit, while I snagged a drool-worthy Burberry trench, and some Prada goodies too…all majorly discounted!

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Las Vegas – Crystals

If Europe is a bit too far for comfort, Vegas shopping is a lot closer, and just as amazing! On our last visit to Sin City, le bf and I fell in love with Crystals at City Center. And though you won’t find deep discounts at retailers nestled inside this luxurious shopping centre, you’ll still manage to have fun…even if you’re just window shopping. With such high-end shops as Lanvin, Tom Ford, La Perla, Cartier, Hermes, Paul Smith, Miu Miu, Prada, Mikimoto, Fendi, and so many more, I think I probably drooled the entire time we were there.

Le bf tried on a Tom Ford jacket (which I really didn’t want him to take off – it looked amazing), while I was hypnotized by the largest selection of Yves Saint Laurent Arty oval rings I’ve ever seen. We took some photos by the fake Trevi fountain and Boca della Verita at Fendi, and grabbed some food at Mastro’s Ocean Club. And by the end of our time at Crystals…I didn’t want to leave…EVER.

New York – Woodbury Common

Another place I never want to leave is New York’s Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. Having visited this awesome outdoor mall several times, I always manage to find something amazing to bring home, and so does le bf! When we get to Woodbury, our usual strategy is to split up and visit as many of our top picks as possible, before having to head back to Manhattan. My must-visit stores always include Saks Off 5 th, Barneys New York, Prada, and Balenciaga, while le bf always makes sure to hit up Under Armour, Calvin Klein and G-Star.

After a long day of shopping, it’s good to know that New York City is just an hour away.

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Disclosure: This post was brought to you by The new Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® Card via Glam Media Canada.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Scotiabank®* or American Express®

Travel: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Hotel

I don’t know about you, but my usual hotel policy for travelling is this: don’t overspend, because you will likely spend way more time exploring outside of your room. This obviously doesn’t apply to honeymoons, and tropical vacays in general. So when looking for accomodation for our Vegas trip, le bf and I were trying to be economical, but I just could not get the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas out of my mind. Everyone kept recommending it, and it sure did look nice…so in the end, we decided to go for it, and boy, were we happy that we’d tried something new! Ever since we got back from our vacay, we’ve been gushing and raving about Cosmo to everyone who will listen, and here are some of the reasons why.

Rates: Truth be told, you could probably find a more affordable hotel on the strip. But the value that Cosmo offers (at their prices) simply cannot be beat! Plus, they do not charge the $20 per day resort fees, that most hotels add to your bill at the end of your stay, which helps cut the costs.

Check-in: Smooth and quick, with courteous reception attendants. We did have to wait in line for about 10-15 minutes when we arrived, but that was expected.

Location: On the strip, connected to Crystals shopping centre (aka the Holy Grail for shopaholics), smack dab in the middle of all the action. Paris and Planet Hollywood are both across the street, and Bellagio is just next door. It doesn’t get much better.

Room: Large and spacious, with amazing extras such as a hot tub, large standing glassed-in shower, double sinks, two flat-screen TVs, mini kitchenette, artsy Fornasetti wallpaper, and one of the best features ever – a balcony. Cosmo is the only hotel with views this incredible. Want to take a look at the Eiffel Tower? There it is! Bellagio fountains? Right in front of you. I really doubt you’d be able to find a better Vegas view anywhere.

Bed: SO damn comfortable…one of the best I’ve ever slept in. True story. Turn-down service in the evening added an extra bit of luxury to our stay.

Hotel: Brand spanking new, and gorgeous to boot. Both le boyfriend and I loved it! The entire place is designed in such a way, that you really don’t want to leave the resort – with amazing restaurants like Wicked Spoon (superb buffet), Holsteins (milkshakes, burgers, and lobster rolls…oh yeah!), China Poblano, and so many more – you really are in for a treat. And the gorgeous Chandelier Bar? Just stunning.

Casino: Can’t comment on the casino too much, because the only thing we did there was play slots…and lose. Wah-wah. But if you do sign up for their Identity Cards, you’ll get $10 of free play, which if you’re lucky, can turn into $1000 at the spin the wheel thing (a promo), but make sure to look for it before you spend your free play money.

Speaking of Identity Cards, you earn points on every dollar you spend at the hotel/casino. So if you have brunch at the Wicked Spoon, for example (highly recommended BTW), you earn points, if you play slots, you earn points, if you stay at the hotel, you earn points. And once you’ve collected 1500 points, you can use it as cash! Cha-ching!

Pools: Ok, so we’ve only been to the Bamboo pool, but I really enjoyed it, despite the 50 degree heat. There are a lot of loungers to go around, and the pool area has a nice, relaxing atmosphere. The music isn’t too loud or distracting. Perfect for soaking up the sun. And the rooftop views are just beyond!

Overall, I must admit, I really loved Cosmopolitan Las Vegas – it had everything I needed and so much more – great food, amazing rooms, gorgeous views, kick-ass location…you name it. After our 3 nights were up, we literally did not want to leave. Needless to say, this will be my Vegas base for any future trips. I simply can’t wait to go back!

More photos after the jump!

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What I Wore: Waking Up in Vegas

More like “Gardening in Vegas”. Because I am wearing H&M’s Garden Collection in Vegas! See what I did there? Get it? Ok, I am done cracking myself up, and myself only. Forgive the bad jokes and the puffy eyes, it was a long weekend, and not very restful. But on the other hand, le boyfriend seemed to enjoy his pre-birthday gift of Vegas, poker, and good food (Wynn’s champagne buffet brunch is almost life-altering…almost) – great success! I wore the red dress to an adult Cirque show called Zumanity at New York New York hotel. We stayed at TI, on the other side of the strip, and somehow decided to WALK over to NYNY…not a smart idea. My feet are now mangled. And I think I pulled something in my ankle, because wearing heels has been enormously painful these two days. The things we do for fashion.

The other two dresses were worn out and about (multicolor) and to dinner at Botero (blue dress). Botero was another revelation to me. One of the best steaks of my life (I LOVE steak), and original Botero art all around us – I think I might do a Foodie post later on. If you’re in Vegas, absolutely try Botero – it’s everything a good steak place should be.

I am back in rainy Toronto now, and still wish I was waking up in Vegas this week. It’s like Disneyland for adults, anything you ever wanted, and Chanel on every corner, like Starbucks. Dreamland. I am catching up on LG Fashion week entries, so stay tuned for more coverage. Skin MD contest ends this Friday, so don’t forget to enter!

I Wore: Dresses, Brown Belt, Brown Shoes, Ring – H&M;  Cardigan, Black Belt – Zara; Panda Ring – Forever 21; Black Shoes – Aldo; Purse – Louis Vuitton

WHAT I WORE

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