Covet & Acquire

When I set out to find shoes for my upcoming wedding, I was surprised by how much pressure I felt to get the "perfect" pair. 

Despite being confident about what I didn't want, I felt a certain pressure to find a shoe that covered some of the more stereotypical wedding shoe requirements. I know, it sounds silly. But, I've been surprised to find just how much I've felt a similar pressure throughout various stages of the pre-wedding process. 

Wedding shoes often look so, well, wedding-y — and that exactly what I wasn't after. 

I didn't want sparkles or princess vibes. Instead, I was eager to find a pair of shoes that a) suited my personality and b) would be something I would wear again. And these pretty pink tweed flats from Chanel seemed to be the perfect fit. 

The style is sure to add a pop of colour to my wedding-day look. And, they'll remind me of the special day every time I wear them afterward. Win-win.

I've been a fan of David Yurman's iconic cable jewelry for years now. 

The designer debuted his first cable design, a bracelet, in 1982. And the design has been a constant in the collections ever since. 

In recent years, I've been fortunate to add a few pieces to my collection. The twisted rings in gold are my personal favourites as I find they're perfect for stacking or wearing solo — adding a touch of interest to any finger. 

I've linked a few of my favourite cable ring styles below. Happy shopping!

A silk scarf can dress up pretty much anything. Including a simple hairdo. 

This post is proof — and appreciation — of that fact. 

This slim bandeau beauty from Chanel is chic and unfussy, adding a dose of fun to a low ponytail or bun. I love it in the black-and-white combination, but the slim style is also available in pink or turquoise. 

The style is such a fun departure from a simple hair tie, or even a scrunchie. Plus, it will look ultra chic tied onto a favourite handbag (Chanel, of course) ... if I ever tire of wearing it in my hair, that is. 

It's sure to be a go-to hair accessory for me this summer. 

Click here to check out how I style one of my other favourite silk accessories!

I bought this vintage Dior scarf from the Vancouver-based consignment store Turnabout a few years ago. 

I loved it — and couldn't believe someone had consigned it, to be honest. But, admittedly, I haven't worn it all that much since I purchased it.

That is, until I was reading a recent edition of InStyle magazine and I came across a for/against article discussing the return of scarves worn as a top. Safe to say, I immediately thought of this Dior scarf. 

So, here are two ways that I've since styled this pre-loved piece: As a belt to add some colour and print to an otherwise-basic all-black outfit; and as a top, worn under a blazer.

I actually also wore it tucked into a pair of high-waisted trousers and loved the look. It felt very upscale vacation ... not that there's a lot of that going on at the moment. 

Where are you on this trend? Would you wear a scarf as a top? Or a belt? I know I'm looking forward to the summer  when I can explore this trend a little bit more.  

What it is: A new lipstick collection from Armani Beauty that boasts eight-hour wear with a smooth satin finish. 

Beauty bonus: The formula is super comfortable on lips thanks to a "unique combination of oils." 

Beauty bummer: The oversized teardrop shape of the lipstick bullet took a bit of getting used to. But, once we'd mastered it, we found the pointed edge to be quite helpful when creating a precise line on lips.

Overall: This collection offers seriously pigmented shades — 25 of them, to be exact — along with long wear and comfort. 

After seemingly endless seasons of mattes (don't worry, we still love them too) the sleek satin finishes on these lipsticks were a true treat. Lips look and feel hydrated, a factor that's often missing from mattes. 

For a satin-finish lipstick, we were impressed with how long and well it wore. Even through light snacks and sips at the desk during a workday, the lipstick looked nicely intact. Touchups are also easy with this formula, blending in seamlessly. 

As for a favourite shade, 400 (a vibrant pink-red) was a prime pick. 

Would recommend? Yes!

Price: $50 

Retailer: Armani-beauty.ca

If you follow me, you know I love blazers. I have ... ahem ... dozens of them by now. 

But that abundance never stops me from searching out a perfect new seasonal style. I wear them all the time, after all. At least that's what I tell myself to rationalize yet another acquisition. 

I ordered this oversized linen-blend jacket from H&M recently after seeing it online. I wasn't too sure about what it would be like in person (you know how it goes with online shopping), but I was overjoyed once it arrived.

The fabric has a nice weight — not too light, not too heavy — and the fit is perfect. Oversized without being sloppy. In short, it's perfect.

So perfect, in fact, that I'm already wondering whether or not I need to order another colour. You know, just to further fortify my collection. ;) 

Jacket: H&M | Pants: Club Monaco | Bag: Prada 

Lipstick: Rare Beauty 

What it is: The latest addition to the Hermès Beauty collection, the Rose Hermès range includes a curated selection of products that provide a beautiful blush. 

Beauty bonus: As with all Hermès products, this product packaging (designed by Pierre Hardy) is divine. 

Beauty bummer: The price point is expectedly luxe. But, it's Hermès after all.  

Overall: Dubbed the "second chapter in the Hermès Beauty story," this release includes four shades — Rose Pommette (a vibrant pink), Rose Ombre (a dusty pink), Rose Nuit (an antiqued rose) and Rose Fue (a pink with an undertone of purple). 

The pressed powder formula is super pigmented, which means these colours can easily be built for a brighter pop. Plus, the formula is semi-matte, meaning it has a very slight pearl-essence to it. 

We found it wore well and didn't settle or migrate on skin throughout the day. And, of course, we love that it's refillable. 

Would recommend? Yes. 

Price: $103

Retailer: Hermes.com

I've lusted after a piece from the Canadian brand Silk Laundry for quite some time. 

A diehard fan of silk, and all things timeless, the brand's effortless designs — and textile choice — rendered it a fast favourite for me.

Founder Katie Kolodinski's creations channel minimalist chic at its best, and this simple silk slip dress is the perfect example of that. 

I decided to pair it with a flaxen-hued blazer that I've had for a few years. It served to add some structure to the simple simply chic slip style. And added a little coverage, if you know what I mean. 

The outfit had the effect of instantly boosting my mood, making me feel just a little bit sexy —but also superbly pulled together. It also happened to have me yearning for a time when I can have somewhere to wear a look like this again. Sigh.

What it is: A bestselling lineup of brightening products from the French skincare brand Caudalie. 

The collection includes the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, Concentrated Brightening Essence, Instant Brightening Moisturizers and more.

The clean beauty lineup has been reissued with a few formula tweaks for improved efficacy and greener ingredients, plus the packaging is now 100 per cent recyclable. 

Beauty bonus: The regime is simplified to a few key products. Or, the efficacious products can be added individually to your usual routine.  

Beauty bummer: None that I have found. 

Overall: Full disclosure — I'm a big fan of Caudalie products. I've found that they work really well for my skin. The Beauty Elixir is an absolute ride or die for me.

The Vinoperfect collection includes a few products that I've tried previously and had appreciated. But, this was the first time I'd used the products as a system. Using the essence, serum and day or night mositurizers (depending on the time of day), I noticed a marked improvement in my skin. It looked more radiant and my skin tone appeared more even. 

I have mild melasma on my forehead, so I'm excited to see how it works on that area with continued use. 

Would recommend? Yes. 

Price: $48 to $95 

Retailer: Sephora, ca-en.caudalie.com

It's amazing to see all the innovation coming out in the fashion industry. As a "sizeable contributor" to carbon emissions, it's an industry that needs to clean up its act. 

Club Monaco recently released a collection of garments in handful of dreamy hues including sage green and soft pink — each one created with the help of tea leaves. (Yes, tea leaves.) 

Garments like this Tea Dyed Parka (it's currently on sale!) are dyed using Ceylon tea leaves repurposed from waste from the tea industry. The company also recently released a few new recycled cashmere sweater styles, for those who are looking to add a little extra luxe to their spring wardrobe. 

With each new sustainably minded style I discover, I feel more optimistic about what the future of fashion might look like. If you're curious, check out my recent story highlighting initiatives targeting textile waste here! 

It's a topic that I'll surely be highlight in greater depth in the coming seasons. 

Stay tuned! 

Parka: Club Monaco c/o | Jeans: H&M | Shoes: Adidas c/o

I love that chunkier necklaces are coming back into style. 

I point toward the popularity of the to-die-for Tiffany HardWear necklace that's been photographed all over social media as the inspiration point for this. And I'm not mad at it at all.

While dainty designs have been the go-to for so many seasons, I like the idea of adding something with a little more heft into my jewelry routine. 

And a medallion necklace, like the ones on offer by the Vancouver-based brand Pamela Card, is a pretty good place to start. 

The style offers something a bit more substantial than a slim pendant or chain without adding a) too much bulk and b) too much price. (That HardWear necklace is way too pricey to make it off my wish list).  

That's why I've rounded up a few fabulous gold necklaces with pendants that will have you rethinking adding a bit of bulk to your go-to necklace stack. 

What it is: A seasonal beauty collection from the French brand Chanel that takes inspiration from the pearls worn by founder Gabrielle Chanel. 

The products within the collection, which include a highlighting blush,  lip colours, eye palette and more, are designed to create a "striking pearly glow effect." 

Beauty bonus: The products, as is always the case with Chanel beauty releases, are as beautiful on the skin as they are on your Instagram feed.

Beauty bonus: Several of these pretty pearly beauty products are already sold out. 

Overall: This collection is entirely covetable — especially if you're a beauty fan who gravitates toward a naturally radiant look.

Already big fans of the Baume Essentiel products (colour sticks that add a dose of natural glow along with a kiss of colour) we were excited to see two colour options in this release. 

While the eye palettes are undoubtedly pretty, the undisputed showpiece of this collection, the Perles de Lumiere highlighting blush (a product that quickly sold out, it seems), gives skin a gorgeous glow. 

The collection includes shades in three lipstick formulations — Rouge Allure, Rouge Coco and the ultra-hydrating Rouge Coco Flash. The rosy pink shade Rouge Coco 496 Tendresse was a fast favourite. 

Not always a fan of nail polishes (we prefer a nice slick of topcoat over chipped colour), the opalescent Le Vernis 889 Perle Blanche is a new go-to.

Would recommend? Yes! 

Price: From $38-$90.

Retailer: Chanel