Style Icon Week 1: Cara Delevingne

Song of the Day: Hang You From The Heavens / The Dead Weather

Sources: Image 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 /

I'm totally obsessed with Cara Delevingne. Her style, her hair, her eyebrows...I'd take it all in a heartbeat! It seems the rest of the world shares my love for the British model, since she was awarded "Model of the Year" at the British Fashion Awards last night. The 20 year old Brit has done an unimaginable number of projects, including countless luxury label catwalks and ad campaigns. What makes her one of my style icons, however, is how she dresses off duty and when she's self-styled. Cara's playful mix of grunge, casual, and designer pieces isn't something that can be taught. You either have it or you don't, and Cara definitely has it.

What do you think of her style? Do you think she deserved to win Model of the Year? Let me know in a comment!

Floral denim disco

Song of the Day: Crave You / Adventure Club

Denim Button Up: Urban Outfitters / Top: H&M / Disco Pants: American Apparel /
Bracelets: Rania Designs / Rings: Peoples Jewellers / Shoes: Aldo /

This outfit isn't anything spectacular, rather it's just a quick and easy outfit to get me ready for my Sunday. I had the most difficult time getting out of bed this morning! It was so warm, comfy, and I knew I could stay in there all day if I wanted... but I've got stuff to do and know I'd feel massive regret if I slept the day away. I'm just finishing up tidying up around the house, then am going to head out for some breakfast in the market. Later today I'm planning on hanging out with my frannndd Miranda and doing a little more blogging.

Yesterday, my family dog was put to sleep (he was about 12 and a half, had tumors, was in pain...) so I'm not the happiest I've ever been but am trying to get through it. He was the first animal I had that I can really remember (we got him when I was 10) and I now live 7 hours away so I said goodbye to him when I was home in September just in case. He was an adorable not-so-mini schnauzer. Thankfully, I have the love of my little yorkie named Cole to distract me!

I'm looking forward to all the shows that hopefully are on tonight. I was less than impressed all my faves on Thursday weren't playing since it was American Thanksgiving. Why must the rest of the world suffer without our favourite programs?! Anyways, that's it from me today. Have a great Sunday afternoon, everyone. xx

Tech Review: BassBuds In-Ear Earphones

Song of the Day: Crazy (Electro Club Mix) / Black Tie Dynasty

BassBuds In-Ear Earphones in Limited Edition White - $85 / £54*

It's as if the earphone gods were listening to me two weeks ago. The day after my beloved (and oh-so-cheap) earphones bit the dust, I opened my email box to learn I had the chance to try out UK brand BassBuds in-ear earphones. Clearly, I said yes, and patiently awaited their arrival - which, I might add was fairly quick considering they had to come from the UK to Canada.

I received a Limited Edition White pair, complete with silver cord, built-in microphone, MP3 controller, ear bud pouch, changeable silicone pieces, and Swarovski crystal elements. They look super classy but, more importantly, have spectacular sound. I've been more than addicted to Calvin Harris' Feel So Close lately so I decided to try the earphones out to what has now become "my jam". The bass is so nice and every note is crisp and clear. They're also the most noise-cancelling ear buds I've ever tried so I'm really excited to try them out at work to block out any distractions while writing. Oh, and I could actually wear these for hours without my ears getting sore. The silicone piece that fits in the ear is very soft and doesn't leave your ears with an ache at all.

To give you some more info directly from the BassBuds site, the highlights are as follows:

• Deep, rich bass tones
• Lightweight aluminium construction
• Control music playback
• Answer and end calls
• Luxury gift box
• FREE accessories bundle
• BassBuds in-ear headphones with hands free mic and MP3 controller
• Soft storage and travel bag
• 6 pairs of silicone tips
• 3 pairs of memory foam tips

I'm really surprised by how much higher listening quality one can get by jumping up to the next price bracket in the world of headphones. In the past, I've only really used Skullcandy, which cost under $20. They left my ears feeling sore, the cord almost always gave out, and the sound was "OK". These, on the other hand, are still under $100 and are really impressive.

If the regular $85 price tag is just out of reach for you, don't worry. I've got a special discount code for you lovely readers, and it's valid 'til the end of December. Enter BB75248 at checkout and watch $30 drop from your total. If you're already set for yourself, keep them in mind for a Christmas gift. Like I said, I love them, and think anyone looking for a high quality pair of in-ear buds for a decent price would too.

I was not compensated for this review. BassBuds sent me a free pair of 2012 Collection ear buds to
test out, review, and to do with as I pleased.

Beauty Review: Origins Moisturizer

Song of the Day: Mud / Peaches

Origins A Perfect World SPF 25 Age-Defense Moisturizer with White Tea via Sephora

After reading all about Origins and their moisturizers on my favourite UK beauty blogs (like gh0stparties.com) I've had the brand on my "must try" list for a while. This weekend I stopped by Sephora with my husband while waiting for my little bro to finish up at the gym and took the plunge. I grabbed an OCC Lip Tar and this Origins moisturizer. I'll say right off the bat, I couldn't believe this 50ml jar was $49. That's pretty pricey for a moisturizer, in my opinion, so I was seriously hoping I liked it.

So far, I've used this five times since purchasing the jar and am pleased. I'm always worried when trying a new facial product out for the first time because my skin is so sensitive. It doesn't take much to leave me with redness or even a rash, but I was totally fine using this one. The white tea in it smells absolutely amazing, and it leaves my skin grease-free and fresh feeling. The next morning, my skin felt hydrated and "plump" for lack of a better word. I wouldn't say it's a miracle cream, because it's just way too soon to tell, but I can say I'll be keeping it and am looking forward to seeing the results each and everyday.

I also shot these photos with my new Nikon D5100 and couldn't be happier with it. It wasn't even that light out, but the settings are so extremely user-friendly I could figure out how to get the most out of the shot. I picked up the body only for $469 on sale at Henry's since I already have three Nikon lenses, and highly recommend the camera to anyone in the market for a new DSLR.

Pink, leather & suede

Song of the Day: Feel So Close / Calvin Harris

Top: Winners / Leggings: Zara / Shoes: Nine West / Necklace: Forever 21 / Ring: Forever 21

Morning! Today I'm headed into work extra early (7am) so I can leave at 2pm and visit with my family. They're up for a business convention, and my Nana is going to come hang out with me in the afternoon. We're basically twins... both in appearance and personality, though I'll admit she has a kinder soul!

This outfit is a little wrinkly, and I've yet to wave my hair, but I wanted to get a post up and show off my favourite fall leggings from Zara. The front is a faux leather and the back is a heavy knit cotton. They zip at the side and ankles, so they're super easy to get in and out of - something I appreciate in leggings. I've been using the KMS California Hair Play Sea Salt Spray I reviewed on Monday and don't mind my hair straight when using it. It adds some texture and gives an intentionally messy look.

I cannot believe it's already nearly the end of November. It's insane! Christmas will be here before we know it... and so will the feet of snow. Luckily, it hasn't started just yet so I've still got some time to put my winter tires on. To be totally honest, I'm a little excited for it to get colder so I can finally layer, layer, layer!

Beauty Review: KMS California Hair Play Sea Salt Spray

Song of the Day: What You Know / Two Door Cinema Club

KMS California Hair Play Sea Salt Spray c/o Trade Secrets

Not only is this a hair product I love, but it' also a hair product I think a ton of people could benefit from - regardless of your hair colour or type. It's a sea salt spray, and the first I've ever tried. I've used KMS California products in the past, even products from the Hair Play line, but never a salt spray. When I was sent this spectacular product from Trade Secrets, I was really excited to try it out.

I use this when my hair is still damp, style as usual, and then spritz my hair again. It helps to texturize my waves (works awesome even with straight hair) and has a total mattifying effect. The ingredient list includes things like peppermint and actual sea salt. It feels nice and light on the hair, but still does its job. All in all, it's an A+ in my books.

Urban Outfitters Tiger Sweater

Song of the Day: I'm An Animal / Neko Case

Sweater: Urban Outfitters / Shorts: American Apparel / Stockings: Secret Legwear* /
Necklace: Forever 21 / Pumps: Nine West / Nails: Essie "Licorice" 

Morning everyone! I can't believe how early we've been getting up the entire weekend. On the bright side, the days have felt much longer (starting your day at 7:30am will do that I suppose) but it's leaving me quite tired come evening. I've got all my favourite shows to watch tonight, so I'm going to have to guzzle down a few coffees and just suck it up! Anyways, today is the last day of visiting with my brother before my parents come up and they all go to the business conference they're in the city for, so we're going to pop out for breakfast, swing by the vinage clothing show I've been going on and on about, see the 007 Skyfall movie and possibly do a Haunted Walk tour tonight. I've never done one before, so I'm not sure what to expect!

This tiger sweater is one of the things I picked up in Montreal last month from Urban Outfitters. I love it with my acid washed black denim shorts (which actually have a high elastic waist but you can't see that here) and solid black on the bottom. The top could be a little hipster if worn in that style, so I did my best to combat that and keep it looking chic. Let me know what you think of it in a comment. PS the tiger is super fuzzy, and the whole sweater is extremely soft, so I should probably avoid sitting there petting it too. Hehe.

I've got a review to post tomorrow on a KMS California product I've literally used every single day since receiving it a couple weeks ago, so please check back for that. There will also be a short video review on it in the post since I got a new camera, the Nikon D5100, and can finally record proper video. :) Have a relaxing Sunday!

Update: The vintage clothing show was pretty awesome! I snagged a custom made aqua and cream tweed coat from London, England and a genuine leather black cross body bag. The coat is at least a size 14 and needs some serious alterations, but considering it was only $50 - and I had a gift certificate - I'm pretty excited. There was hardly any men's clothing which was disappointing, and way too much real fur for my liking, but it was an all-around interesting event to check out!

Cozy colour blocking

Song of the Day: Barton Hollow / The Civil Wars

Sweater: Joe Fresh / Jeggings: Old Navy (similar) / Ankle Boots: Aldo Shoes /
Button Up: Jacob / Rings: Forever 21 and Peoples Jewellers / Earrings: Swarovski /

Hey everyone! Before I go on about my outfit or anything else, I want to let you know I'll be adding a "Song of the Day" to all my future posts. I've been really getting back into listening to music lately and, since I listen to it while doing most of my posts, I'd love to share my inspiration behind different outfits and posts. Let me know how you like it, and I apologize in advance if you find my musical taste horrid. The good thing is, you get to choose whether you'd like to listen to the song or not. My husband and dog, on the other hand, cannot. ;) Also, sorry for the sort of awkward photo colouring. I shot these much earlier in the day than I normally do and it's just not the same.

This is a very comfy, casual outfit. I love the colour blocking on this melange sweater I picked up from Joe Fresh (yes, at the grocery store!) last week. I've layered it over a white button up shirt and, since it's a little fuller, I put on my favourite pair of jeggings, which are now wearing out at the knees after so much washing and need replacing. I'm also wearing one of my favourite recent purchases, a large cocktail ring from Forever 21. To finish it off and avoid looking overly preppy, I've got on my studded ankle boots from Aldo Shoes. On a side note, these ankle boots are the most comfortable things I've ever worn. They fit perfectly after wearing them 2-3 times and keep molding further to only become more comfortable. I highly recommend you pick them up from Aldo if you're in the market for a cute, practical, pair of studded boots that aren't overly trendy.

My little brother is up visiting this weekend, so I'm looking forward to lots of food, a movie, some walking around, and listening to him and my husband play xbox. I'm not actually excited at all about the last part, but I understand they're guys and it's an inevitable part of the visit. Tonight we're heading to Tennessy Willems for some stone banked pizza and then off to the movies. We still have yet to decide what we're seeing, but I think it's going to come down to Skyfall or Flight. Twilight was not a suggestion that went over well, and I can't find a single theatre in the city still playing Looper. Boo!

On Sunday, I'm heading to the first monthly Bloggers Brunch and then to the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show. I'm really hoping to find a few printed silk scarves, killer sunglasses, and some destroyed t-shirts. Wish me luck! If you haven't already, you can check out my appearance on CTV Morning Live (I went on to promote the vintage show and talk about incorporating vintage into everyday outfits) here.

I want to be Nina Dobrev

Sources: Image 1 / Image 2 / Image 3 / Image 4 / Images 5 & 6

I would love to be Nina Dobrev. However, that's not really possible - and also slightly creepy - so I'm going to focus this post on how badly I want her beanie collection! She's obsessed with them, and wears them any chance she can get. Maybe it's a Canadian thing, but she's got me hooked on finding the perfect winter beanie. If you're anything like me, you spend quite a bit of money on your hair colour and products, so why let the winter wind strip your hair of vital nutrients or give you anymore split ends than you already have?

Earlier this week, I placed an order with a Polish Etsy seller for the above two beanies. I got the left one in black and the right one in a cream/pink mix. I'd love to find a bold oxblood beanie like the one in image one, so let me know if there's a specific store I should be looking at. I've seriously struck out of luck finding anything within the mall! I can't wait for them to arrive and will definitely do another post about winter hair care - beanies included. ;)

Outfit of the night: shift dress

Dress: Forever 21 / Tights: Secret Legwear / Shoes: Nine West / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff /
Bracelet: Forever 21 / Earrings: Piercing Pagoda / Necklace: Forever 21 /

This morning, I went and had my hair highlighted first thing at Rinaldo Hair Designers and Spa and then rushed back home with the hope of snapping some photos before hosting a webinar on social media for work. I was short on time, and wasn't able to, so I apologize for the Instagram pics! As for my hair, I wanted to go a little more "Cara Delevingne" and a little less warm for winter. I love her mix of neutral and bright ash blonde. I also love her dark, bold eyebrows but (unfortunately) that's just not something I can make happen for myself. Knowing my hair would be a little more damaged than normal, I went to Lush last night to pick up a tub of Marilyn hair treatment, and plan on using that this week for a good 20 minute deep conditioning treatment. I'll post a review of it later on!

So far today I've done my hair, hosted a webinar, and finished a bit of running around to do. Now, I'm just waiting to leave for the birthday celebration for Miranda. We're headed to Blue Cactus in the market to enjoy drinks in large glasses and yummy food. I'll be wearing this outfit as she'd like us to dress "a little dressy but not better dressed than her". She's only half joking. Haha. Anyways, I'm really excited and also can't wait to enjoy a night out since it's been a little while since I've left the house on a Saturday night.

Tomorrow, I'm doing brunch and an afternoon movie with my husband and a little vintage shopping at a local store. I wouldn't mind swinging by a few other thrift shops to see what they've got, as I find fall is peak season for thrift shopping. Everyone's clearing out their closets to make room for the winter clothes and I can usually find some really cute things. I'm also running over to a local shopping centre to shoot an intro video for a new blogging/vlogging project I'm doing with them. I'm dragging birthday girl Miranda along with me to film it on her lovely little DSLR, so wish us luck!

I'll be posting a little something something tomorrow for you, so check back for that. In the meantime, don't forget to enter my giveaway for a $100 gift card to London Times Fashion and to enjoy your Saturday.

London Times Giveaway

Dot Mesh Dress / Taffeta and Lace Dress / Lace and Satin Peplum Dress / Cowl Neck Shutter Dress

Hey, lucky readers! London Times Fashion and I are hosting a giveaway from November 9 - 23 to help you get ready for the holiday party-packed month of December. One reader will receive a $100 gift card to be spent on whatever you'd like from the London Times website. Personally, I'd use this as a chance to nab an adorable party-ready dress so you can arrive in style to your office party, family Christmas, or anywhere else you're planning on going next month!

Entering is simple, and I'm giving you a ton of different ways to get extra entries. Use the Rafflecopter app below to do everything you need to do. Best of luck and may the odds be ever in your favour!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fall fashion at its finest

Sources from left across: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 /

I seriously can't stop pinning, or even aimlessly browsing through Pinterest. It's an absolute addiction and my vice, for now at least, is chic fall fashion. For those of you who don't already follow my Personal Style board, you can get a feel for the vibe I've been most attracted to this fall by checking out the images above. I'm really drawn to draped jackets, leather anything, and heavy jackets. I've also been on a slouchy beanie kick, and just placed an order for two from an awesome Etsy shop owner who lives in Poland. I can't wait for them to arrive!

The only downside to picking up some of the gorgeous pieces shown above? I have to tuck them in underneath my heavy parka since it's now deathly cold. For now, I'll just continue to admire those in milder climates and enjoy any snowless moment I can get before winter really hits.

Illamasqua makeup review

Eyeshadow palette (similar)* / False Eye Lashes* / Lipstick* / Glitter Nail Polish* /

I'll be honest, I've never tried any product from Illamasqua before. When I heard from a PR agency in the UK and was offered a few goodies to test and try, I couldn't resist. Thus far, I've tried the eyeshadow palette, nail polish, and lipstick. I suck at applying false lashes, so I'm saving those for sometime over the holidays when I can beg a friend to help me put them on properly! As a side note, I actually received this green polish as well but forgot to photograph it (it was still downstairs on my coffee table as I had been painting my nails with it the night before).

I love the lipstick I was sent. It's a pinky red and extremely pigmented. My only suggestion to anyone looking to try an Illamasqua lipstick out is to most definitely wear it with a lip liner. They're creamy (yet matte) so you will probably experience some colour bleeding if you don't first line your lips. The polishes are fabulous, and are in your go-to Fall/Winter jewel tones. The eyeshadows aren't anything spectacular, but they're good. Personally, I prefer Urban Decay eyeshadows and a handful from MAC. I do like the colours in this particular palette, though I can't find it on the website... sorry! I've linked you to something similar in the item box above.

If you've used an Illamasqua product before, please let me know in a comment! I'm new to the brand and would love to learn some more about them. Now,  back to watching my Sunday evening lineup of TV shows. :)

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Ladbrokes. Play games here.