Windfall Wants

So on pay day this month I'm going to be getting a little more than usual.

Let's be honest, I'm either going to put it directly into the bank (I'm ADDICTED to saving, and have been since I was wee) or going to put it towards the laser eye surgery I've been talking about for at least a year (sorry friends!).

However, it got me thinking. If I had got a much larger windfall, say, a few thousand dollars, what would I spend it on (frivously, of course)? Here are a few pieces I haven't been able to get out of my head. What would you buy if you were forced to spend a pretty penny?

alice + olivia: Alyssa embellished party dress -$1040

Christian Louboutin: Pigalle - $625

Mulberry: Alexa - $1500

Burberry: Mid-Length Cotton-Blend Military Trench - $795

But tequila IS my friend

HILARIOUS.

As a girl who brunches often, this bag might be just right for me. 

Is it wrong to have a purse just for ironic brunching?

Perhaps. But I still hope to see this out in the Annex one weekend morning. 

Who am I kidding. Afternoon..

Tadashi Shoji Spring RTW 2013

Freaking fantastic.
Is it spring yet?
I do love dresses so.

Tadashi Shoji Spring RTW 2013

 via http://www.style.com/

Friends

Being surrounded by friends this weekend has made me realize once again how very lucky I am. Sometimes you don't comprehend, I mean, really understand how many totally wonderful people you have around you. I have been so surrounded with love and affection and attention from those who love me that it is a little overwhelming.  Live gives you ups, and life gives you downs, but it's really hard to be sad when you are surrounded by such wonderful people who make you smile and laugh. My favourite things afterall.

Dear friends.
I love you.

Time to drink champagne and dance on the table

It is my birthday weekend. I hope/plan to indulge in all my favourite things this weekend. This may or may not include brunching, sushi, dancing, eating, throwing parties, attending parties, family dinner, and of course drinking bubbly. See you on the other side! (Where I will rightfully be complaining that I require a detox of some sort.)

Runway: Tory Burch Spring/Summer 2013

Love the preppy pretty styling from Tory Burch's RTW SS2013 Runway show. Beautiful skits and dresses. Today is one of the first chilly days of the year, and I'm already yearning for spring! (Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love fall... but I will definitely miss my dresses.)

All images via vogue.com

HBC Trench Coat

 Ok, ok, so it's been a while! Forgive me. It seems everyone I know is getting married, which means EVERY weekend since June I have been at a bridal shower, bachelorette or wedding. Which I love! Love is grand. Love doesn't allow much time for blogging though. That's ok. Just add me to that handy google reader or blogger dashboard, and you will be notified when I post something. Nice and easy. And because I'm not posting as frequently it means you won't be inundated. I came home from my 4 day Halifax wedding weekend with over 650 blog posts on my reader. Oh no! (See how I turned around my laziness/lack of time into a positive for you?)

So back to the task at hand. This gorgeous Hudson's Bay Company H.R.H. (Her Royal Highness) trench came through my email this morning. I love how stylish it is, and although a small part of me would love a Burberry trench, let's be honest, I'm not at the point where I would spend that type of money! At $295 this coat isn't cheap, but if it is great quality (hard to tell without looking at it in person) then it would be well worth it, as a trench can be worn for years and years.

HBC: H.R.H. Trench Coat $295 Cnd

Recipe: Watermelon Spritzer

Summer time is here! If your summer is anything like mine here in Toronto, you have been hot and sweaty for the past couple of weeks. I've been downing watermelon like crazy. Watermelon is a new found thing for me, as for many years I didn't like any melon at all. Now watermelon has wormed its way into my diet (gateway fruit?) and I do find it so refreshing (and great to bring to a party). Here is a recipe for a delightful fresh beverage to help cool you down this hot hot summer!

Ingredients:

• 2-½ pounds Fresh Watermelon (seedless If You Can Find It), Rind Removed And Cut Into Cubes
• 3 whole Lemons (seedless If You Can Find It), Juiced
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• 2 cups Chilled Seltzer Water (more Or Less)
• 6 sprigs Lemon Balm Or Mint, For Garnish (optional!)

Preparation:

• Place the watermelon, lemon juice and honey into a food processor. 
• Process until smooth. 
• Strain the mixture into a large bowl, pressing the juice out of any seeds or pulp that remains in the strainer. 
• Pour the juice into a large pitcher and chill until you’re ready to drink.
• Serve with a splash of seltzer water and lemon balm or mint, if using.
   
  Found via Tasty Kitchen

New Purse?

What is it, purse central over here? I'm still on the hunt for a mid sized bag/satchel.Once again I have specific requirements which is making it hard to find! I need a shoulder/cross body strap (for when I ride my bike or my vespa), but ideally it would also have a top handle. I want it dressy enough that I can use it in the evening, but roomy enough that I can carry everything. (Wallet, make up bag, keys, umbrella...sometimes a pair of flats.) Marc by Marc Jacobs has a few cute options that are more in line with my budget than most of the bags I am ogling. Here is what I'm considering. (May try and hold off until my trip to Boston in July... everything is cheaper in the States!)

P.S. If you're like me and like to look at what people carry in their purses take a look at my Pinterest Board Purse Contents!

MARC BY MARC JACOBS: Classic Q Lil Ukita

MARC BY MARC JACOB: Petal To The Metal Voyage

MARC BY MARC JACOBS: Too Hot to Handle

Carry-On Suggestion

My blogger friend Nirasa saw my plea for suggestions for carry on bags and threw her suggestion into the hat. She has this pretty bag, and says she "loves it". You can also get it monogrammed. Fancy. This is way more classy than what I use. What do you use?

Coach Bleeker Weekender Bag in Fawn

Suggested by A Fine Balance

Delicate Stacking Rings

How beautiful and simple are these rings I found on Etsy?

via lunaticart

Looking For A Perfect Carry-On

I'm headed back to B.C. today to surprise my Nana for her 80th birthday! Yet another flight reminds my of my newest search... I'm looking for a perfect carry on bag. As a frequent flyer, I've come up with a list of things that this perfect bag would have. Including: ideally a luggage strap so I can rest the bag on top of my rolling luggage. I often travel with multiple bags, and don't have a free arm. If not a luggage strap, then a cross body strap. Size: Big enough to pack my travel essentials, a large scarf, cardigan, a book and a couple of magazines, and some major snackage. It ideally would have pockets making things easy to organize, (passport, electronics, etc) and would zip shut (so I don't lost anything when it's stored under the seat). Where does this bag exist? I've found a few good options here, but none of them are quite perfect.

 

Lug: Cartwheel. 

The only bag that has the ever important luggage strap at the back, but it's a bit large and bulky, and I don't love the look enough to use it outside of the airport. 

Con: No style points.

Plus: Lots of pockets. 

 

 Monocle: Porter Baby Boston Bag

It doesn't have a shoulder strap, or a luggage strap making it impracticable for me, however it's roomy, and I like it's manly look, and it's shoe case.

Con: Needs an extra hand, which I never have. Most pricey of the lot.

Pro: Separate space for shoes at the bottom would be perfect for storage of tupperware snacks, and a separate pouch at the bottom allow for less of a chance for food spillage on the rest of my items.

Hershel: Totem 

This it a totally cute and bright item, but I'm not sure if it's wide enough for all my snacks (guys, SERIOUSLY, I pack a LOT of snacks!), and my sweater, and other essentials.

Con: Not big enough?

Pro: Might actually use this for other things than just carry on baggage. No one likes a one trick pony.

What do you use? Suggestions are SO welcome!

Bags:

1, 2, 3

Sunday Home Tour: West Village Charm

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can't believe how long it has taken me to share this adorable space with you! It's 650 sq. feet, which isn't that big (but as a Toronto apartment dweller isn't that small either). It has a wonderful mix of aesthetic influences, and combines a few of my favourite things such as bar trays, and expedit shelving. Homey but chic, clean and comfortable. Love it.

For more photos please see apartment therapy

Young and Alive In The City

There is something to be said for the pure joy of dressing up and going out, of being young and alive in the city

I couldn't find out definitively who this quote was from. It was attributed to many different people online. But whomever wrote it was right on the money.

Truth.

found via RDuJour

Sunday Home Tour: Montreal Fun

Isn't this Montreal (Quebec) home just fantastic. I love touches of colour, and the feeling of brightness and whimsy. For more photos see Apartment Therapy.