Winter Wonderland

Although the Winter Solstice isn't until December 22nd and we've only been teased with a shot of snow thus far, I can feel my annual hibernation-mode slowly starting to sink in. I'll be honest: I hate cold temperatures and darkness. Along with the shorter days and chilly temperatures comes the desire to curl up in sweats and eat comfort food. Although considered socially acceptable on an intermittent basis, surrendering to these indulgences on the regular kind of takes the warm-and-fuzzy charm out of them.

In a headstrong attempt to overpower my winter blues I've created a winter to-do list (similar to my summer list) in an effort to become one with the season instead of fighting against the forces of nature. 

How do you beat the winter blues?

:: decorate cookies - how pretty are these? ::

:: rent a cabin and curl up with a fire + wine ::

:: more game nights ::

:: craft up some Christmas decor ::

:: expand on my baking skills ::

:: drive around & view Christmas lights ::

:: explore new cheese varieties ::

:: break out my snowboard gear & get a lesson ::

:: Christmas movie marathon ::

:: take a skating trip to the oval ::

:: get my arts & crafts on ::

:: potluck with my besties ::

  

:: read, read, read ::

:: build a gingerbread house ::

:: create a funny snowman or fashionable snowoman ::

:: create a (spiked) hot chocolate bar mmm ::

all images via we heart it

Sequin Secrets

Sequins are everywhere right now, from clothing and accessories to holiday decor and like a magpie I seem to be attracted to anything that glitters. There is just something about this time of year that makes me want to emulate the holiday decor and adorn myself like a Christmas tree - sequins, metallics and sparkles - oh my. The great thing is that holiday events generally allow us to do just that - within the boundaries of classiness of course.

I love me some sequins, but as the old fashion/beauty adage goes - you must pick just ONE feature to highlight. But personally, like most things I think it's okay to take it one step further and pick TWO features to highlight, as long as you do it right. My rules for this personal theory with regards to sequins are:

1) They must be totally different styles from one another in terms of colour, size, etc. i.e. black sequin shoes with a matching black sequin clutch? You're trying too hard. Black sequin shoes with a delicate gold sequin clutch? Now we're getting somewhere.

2) They must not be next to each other in terms of placement on the body. Sequin shirt under a sequin blazer? You really will look like a Christmas ornament. Sequin blazer and simple sequin flats? All class no crass.

3) These rules are not fail-proof and if it looks like too much, then it probably is. So when in doubt pick one feature and rock it.

For those who are weary of the world of sequins, start with just a taste like a headband, sparkly nails or a belt - I bet it won't be your last.

Top row from left:

:: Club Monaco

:: Alice + Olivia

:: Vince

:: Mango
2nd row from left:
:: Michael Kors

:: Halston Heritage

:: Dorothy Perkins

:: Megan Park

3rd row from left:
:: French Connection

:: Alice + Olivia

:: Miss Selfridge

:: BCBG

:: Dorothy Perkins

Bottom row from left:
:: Nordstrom

:: Kate Spade

:: Zara

:: Nine West

set created by me