Christmas Wishlist

Here is the list of things I am asking Santa for (or any kind-hearted soul this Christmas):

 I LOVE this bow dress from the BR Monogram collection at Banana Republic. Someone please hold a Christmas party so I have an excuse to wear it!

 I want an Ipod touch so badly, my Nano doesn't work on the best of days.

 Leave it to Kate Spade to come up with the perfect holiday handbag, equal parts utility and cheer.

 Another Banana Republic classic, the shearling jacket will be mine!

 Always wanted this wallet but could never bring myself to pick it up since the price tag is a little high at $198. The Turnlock wallet Marc by Marc Jacobs would go so well with my Michael Kors bag.

These riding boots would look amazing with a pair of dark wash skinnies, very much what you would expect from Ralph Lauren, an instant classic.

Price is Right

Anyone been watching the Price is Right lately? I've been snowed in for three days and this is one of my only sources of entertainment. This is the second time this week they have had Marc Jacobs bags and accessories as prizes! FML. If only I was in Lalaland on that show. The contestants are such fools that the 40 year old men keep winning those prizes! Such a shame... if you are one of those 40 yr old men who won the prizes, feel free to send em my way!

Daily Bread, Winter Edition

Here in London, ON we are in the middle of a terrible snow storm. Currently, we are buried under three feet of snow and are expecting a fourth by this evening. Mom and I decided to venture out after being stuck in the house for two days but left the car at home. See how I bundled up!







Jacket: TNA Parka
Mitts: TNA in sky milk
Boots: Merrell Oslo with fur trim
Pants: Lululemon reverse groove pants
Hat: Wool Toque thrifted

The Annual How to Dress Your Boyfriend Guide

Since last summer my 'How to Dress Your Boyfriend' guide has received so many hits I thought I would post a follow up on how to dress your man in 2010 and into 2011. I still love many of the styles I suggested in the '09 version and I would definitely recommend following it to try to ease your boyfriend into new styles and clothes. For 2010 and 2011 I would recommend a general streamlining of your boyfriend's wardrobe. Does he already wear stylish jackets, shirts and pants? If so, then this guide is for you.

Slim fits are back in a big way. The Gap this season has introduced a myriad of styles and colours in slim fit shirts so now is the time to capitalize on this trend! Slim fit dress shirts are great for all occasions, including dinners out and general day wear. They make men look leaner and more stylish instantly. Slimmer fitting pants are also a great look for men, look for straight leg jeans, or skinny if you dare, and for dress pants a slim or straight leg. If your man already has quite a few dress pants then simply update them by taking them to the tailor and having them altered to a slim style.

Another trend I love for men is beanies and no, they're not just for hipsters. Jake Gyllenhaal was recently spotted rocking one and if he can, anyone can! Jake has a very laid back style, slightly scruffy, often in jeans and a pair of loafers. This style is very easy to imitate and very affordable. Check out J Crew, Banana Republic and Club Monaco to pick up pieces that can be easily worked into your boyfriend's preexisting wardrobe to spruce up his style. Pick up a modern plaid shirt, a striped sweater, anything that is an interesting piece that will be add a bit of interest to your man's outfit.

Another simple tip is to get your man to break free of wearing sneakers! Yes, they may be casual and they may be designer but get him to try a pair of loafers or a simple black dress shoe. A dressier shoe will instantly elevate your man's look. Dress shoes can be comfortable too, my boyfriend recently admitted his pair were more comfortable than his sneakers!

Get him to try a scarf! Scarves are so easy to wear and add that extra little something that your look may be missing. A simple v-neck tee, cardigan and scarf are a great combo!

My last and final tip is not really about fashion at all but rather skin care. A lot of guys don't look after their skin the way they should or at all for that matter. If you really love your boyfriend then give his skin some consideration. If you want him to look his best for years to come, get him to use sun screen, moisturizer and a simple toner or face wash. I recommend Clinique's men's line, which is unscented and gentle enough for everyday use.

Carly's Favourite Things

If Oprah can have a 'favourite things' episode, then I can have a 'favourite things' blog! Lately I've been obsessed with just a couple things, and I couldn't live without them! Here they are:



My wonderful boyfriend bought me an ipod dock/alarm clock for our 3rd anniversary. I am madly obsessed with it. The sound is the best I've ever heard.


Pecksniff's candles. Sandalwood and Vanilla scented. Smell so good and look so beautiful. I love the soft Tiffany blue colour.



Sufjan Steven's new album 'The Age of Adz'. So techno, beautiful, original, and crazy. Perfect for easy listening or even to listen to before a big night out. Favourite song has to be 'Futile Devices', such a lovely love song.




I'm also addicted to David's Tea. I'm just finishing up my fall flavours like Pumpkin Chai and embarking on the Christmas favourites like Santa's Secret, so pepperminty and delish. It even has little candy canes in it!





Anyone who knows me at all knows I am OBSESSED with body lotions, body butter, creams, literally anything that smells delicious and is considered a moisturizer. Recently I've been going mad over Philosophy. I love the sweet and fresh scent of Grace. So simple and so clean. I have the body wash, conditioner, body lotion, and body emulsion. I've also recently started to delve into Philosophy lip glosses (hello watermelon and sorbet, as well as their face creams like On a Clear Day). It's sold at Sephora and is truthfully a bit pricey but so worth it and great for your skin. Also, the little quotes on the front of the bottles are such a inspiration. Yes it's stupid, but grace really is the answer.




Last but not least are my hunters. I love wellies. They are so comfy, so water proof, and so fashionable. I bought them in red just so they would stick out from the crowd.

Daily Bread

Scarf: H&M

Shirt: Gap cowl

Jeans: 1969 Gap Jean Leggings

Bag: Michael Kors Austin Drawstring Satchel

Boots: Barratts in UK

Jewerly: Swatch watch, Tiffany & Co bead bracelet and lock ring, Aerie leather bracelet

Tom Ford

The photos of Tom Ford's Womenswear line are starting to hit the stores (and the blogosphere) and the images are fantastic. The intimate runway show, the real life models like Daphne Guinness and Beyonce, and the clean lines of the collection which scream glamour and prestige are wonderful to pour over. I love the abundance of fur, texture, and to-die-for jackets. Pictures were taken by Terry Richardson, the favourite photographer of designers and models alike. Now if I could only get my hands on that sequined dress Beyonce is wearing...

December Shopping

This December I'm indulging in a few items for myself as I've almost completed the entirety of my Christmas shopping (which I started in September). I recently went shopping with my friend Jess and ended up trying far too many items on at H&M but managed to escape spending just over $20. I love getting deals! I had been searching for a crop top and found the perfect one, studded and black, two of my obsessions lately. I also found a very cute studded exaggerated bow headband which I think I will wear to work tomorrow, just for a little extra something.

Louis Vuitton

I love Louis Vuitton's most recent ads featuring the lovely Miss Christy Turlington. It is so refreshing to see a classic supermodel hawking a product again and not a googly eyed European (Lily Cole anyone?). Christy Turlington admittedly is no longer in her heyday but she is still striking and her new curves really suit her. The corset tops and long skirts included in the Winter 2010 collection are so covetable and have sparked a new trend worldwide. Mini skirts will always be in but now there are so many options for those who prefer a longer skirt. Louis Vuitton has created skirts in muted plaids, creams, and leather, taupes reign supreme, as does subtle velvet details on belts and shirt straps. This fall and winter feminine details have come back in full force, such a change from the military boots and boyfriend shirts that have been so popular the last few winters at certain fashion houses like McQueen. How will you wear a long full skirt?

Favourite Blogs

I thought I would share a few of my favourite blogs with you fellow bloggers so you can see how wonderful they are for yourselves!

First off is Lions, Tigers & Fashion OH MY written by the lovely fashion grad Kelly. This girl could wear a garbage bag and look good and she is always ahead of trends. What I appreciate most is her thrifty ways and her super cool DIYs she posts. Love the way she wears a tail on her bag and always posts the cutest pics of her dog Koda.

Another blog I love and started following very recently is Anna Dello Russo, fashion darling and creative consultant of Vogue Japan. Anna is outrageous, glamorous, and fascinating. I often fantasize what life would be like wearing the latest Givenchy models and living in Italy, just as Anna does. Her blog is so wonderful because it gives us all a sneak peak into the exciting world that she lives, which is often so exclusive. Anna is a huge fashion inspiration for me so I thank her.

Lastly, I'd like to mention The Sartorialist, Scott Schuman's ever popular street style blog, which lately I have noticed has become suspiciously couture including cat walk looks and photos of fashion magnets outside of shows enjoy a cig. Nonetheless, I love this blog and the real every day girls and boys who are featured on it. Not a day goes by that I do not look at this blog. Perez, BBC and the Sartorialist are staples of my life. Scott is a breath of fresh air in this often elite and exclusive world, a well mannered gentlemen who takes amazing photographs and is kind enough to share them with the world. If you haven't checked out his book, which is chock full of beautiful images of the people he has shot, then you must! It is a beautiful look book and a resourceful guide of how to wear certain looks, like minis, parkas and suits in the real world.

Be sure to take a look at these blogs but beware, they are so addictive!