OOTD: Polka Dots & Inspirational Bracelets

 Sometimes outfit pictures just don't work out. This is a lovely example. Yeah, my outfit is nice, but my face? Not so much. I'm like evil bird woman..or something. Anyways.

The whole point of this post is this pretty bracelet that reminds me to live life to it's fullest. I was sent this one from the lovely Paige of Eloping Stethoscope. It's a suede rope with a cute pendant attached. It's really nicely made and perfectly fits my wrist! Plus Paige is super nice. So you should probably head over to Eloping Designs to check it out and snag one for yourself...at which point you may or may not find it necessary to also get a glitter headband, because who doesn't need one of those?

Dressing Your Man

Boyfriends/hubbys don't always have the greatest sense of style. Well, maybe it's just mine. But I doubt it. My boyfriends dad lives in short-shorts (yes, short-shorts. in New Zealand they're called stubbys and they are normal for guys to wear...what?). My boyfriend is a fan of shorts with long socks that he pulls up nice and high (he used to do this with a checkered pair, it was horrible). My dad is all about the awkward crew cut muscle shirts with the hawaiian flower print shorts in the summer.

Men. It doesn't seem that I have the most fashionable ones in my life, but believe me... I definitely try to enforce some style on them every now and then. Birthdays and Christmas, I always slip some "Chelsea picks" in there. I'm sneaky like that. And now I'm sure you're wondering what constitutes a Chelsea pick, so let's get into it!


1) Basic tees in neutral colors that are NICE. FITTING. The fit is key. So many guys wear too tight of shirts, too baggy of shirts, too short of shirts. Basics can look great when they fit properly.

ID Denim V-neck T-Shirt from Urban Male Clothing

2) Not-dressy-but-looking-slightly-more-put-together-than-usual shirts. My pick for these is something plaid or checkered...and I don't care if you hate plaid or checkered or whatever cause I think they look nice on all guys. I think my boyfriend is babein' (I made that word up I'm pretty sure) in these button up beauties.

Drunknmunky Checkmate Shirt

3) A nice, semi-fitted pair of jeans. There is nothing I can't stand more (other than ratty looking shoes..or a totally nice outfit complete with a pair of awks running shoes..what?) than when guys are drowning in a pair of jeans and the crotch is hanging out by the knees. Who invented that style? Or, equally terrible, when they ankles are having a party and they forgot to invite the pants down. Floody pants are just not the haps these days, males. My favorite jeans on guys are a slim fit or straight leg, not clinging to the calves but showing a shape other than blob.

Wolfie Black Skinny Jean

So basically, my Chelsea picks are all basics with a good fit. You can't go wrong with neutral colors, pants that sit where they're supposed to and no more flashing of man-bellies. What are your picks for your man or the men in your life?

disclosure: while I was compensated for links in this post, all thoughts and opinions remain my own.

The Most Important Life Announcement..EVER

Guys. This is one of the happiest days of my life (and most life-changing days of my life). We went to a funeral today and the car ride home was a little bit sad and whatnot...and as we pulled up in the driveway my boyfriend's mum was like "check the mail because I want to see if my phone charger has come", and I noticed a bigger piece of mail hanging out of the box a bit and thought maybe that was it. So anyways, we grabbed the mail and it just so happens to be from the Canadian government. My heart stopped for a second (quick back story, my boyfriend is from New Zealand and we are both living here as he ran out of visa options in Canada and we have been waiting on his permanent residency to be approved/disapproved that we applied for months ago) and he opened the letter, which stated his application had been finalized and he is now a permanent resident of Canada. PERMANENT.RESIDENT.OF.CANADA. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know I always say bloggers use a lot of exclamation marks, but that was totally necessary. My heart is full today, friends. And it would be even more full if you went here and clicked vote on my picture. By the way, I am pretty sure you can vote daily, which would be lovely. So thanks. I LOVE YOU ALL!

Handbag Heaven

Can I preface this (is that the right word?) by letting you all know I'm in a contest to be Chicnova's "it" girl and I need your votes? Cause I do. All you have to do is be logged into Facebook and click vote on my picture! It's up near the top, you should be able to see it if this link doesn't take you to my photo directly. I seriously appreciate it!

Now onto the good stuff. I have never been one to spend a lot on clothes. Okay, maybe I should rephrase that. I spend a lot on clothes, but not a lot on a single item. I have always been quantity over quality. I figure, you spill something on your shirt while eating...it's wrecked. You get your pants caught on something and they rip...they're wrecked. Why pay for quality if I'm just going to end up destroying my clothes?

I am slowly learning that if I take good care of good quality clothes, they will last me forever and always fit just like the very first time I tried whatever that piece of clothing is on. Nicely made clothes fit better, last longer and just LOOK nicer. While I know all this, I still struggle with the idea of buying a single shirt for $50 when I could buy four things for $50 from somewhere else. The single item I can think of that I would like to invest money in, however, is a good handbag. This is something you carry with you constantly and is part of your outfit every. single. day. Why not invest in something gorgeous that will last a lifetime? Here are my picks.

Michael Kors Blake Satchel

Marc by Marc Jacobs Calley Cross Body Bag from Van Mildert

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo

DVF Harper Suede Day Bag

Santa, please?

disclosure: while I was compensated for links in this post, all thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Fashion Week: Day 9 (Last Day!) - Florence Adams

Welcome back for day nine of Fashion Week! This is the last day, so make sure to check out the giveaways still running from day four, day five, day six, day seven and day eight of Fashion Week posts to enter to win other great prizes!

Florence Adams says: Our boutique, Florence Adams, is a family affair. When it came to choosing a name, it was only natural to honor our grandmother. She has done so much for us - this business is a tribute to her. It is her image, both in her younger years and her later, that appears throughout the site and our company logo is her signature. We invite you to visit us online or in store. We'd be delighted to show you around!

My favorite Florence Adams pieces: 

                 

 gorgeous bracelet & necklaces

fur bolero

You can find Florence Adams on their Facebook page and website.

Today you can win one awesome prize from Florence Adams!
1) $50 giftcard to Florence Adams

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

In Loving Memory

In memory of the sweet, innocent lives lost last week, there will be no post today. Please take a minute to send every good vibe and prayer you have to the families who have lost so much in a single moment, and to cherish everything life has given you.

Fashion Week: Day 8 - NetaEfrati

Welcome back for day eight of Fashion Week! Make sure to check out day one, day two, day three, day four, day five, day six and day seven of Fashion Week posts to enter to win other great prizes!

NetaEfrati is colorful, daring, feminine and full of style. Elements from dandy men's apparel, stylish women from different decades and the colors of Africa are only some of Neta's inspirations. Her garments are appealing to women of all ages as the fashionable, fun and stylish designs compliment women from day to night. 

Neta says: I decided to fulfill my dream and to launch my own fashion label, Neta Efrati, after working for other designers and brands. My goal was and still is to create fashion that is both functional and flattering for the 24/7 active woman. My personal style and taste is conveyed in the garments, which flow on to the body and offer a sophisticated feminine look with a subtle and unique twist.

My favorite NetaEfrati pieces: 

pastel buttoned cotton sleeveless shirt

sunny yellow polkadot summer day dress

You can find NetaEfrati on their Facebook page.

Today you can some really beautiful prizes from NetaEfrati!
1) Coral sundress
2) Chiffon tie-dye top

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Fashion Week: Day 7 - idea2wear

Welcome back for day seven of Fashion Week! Make sure to check out day one, day two, day three, day four, day five and day six of Fashion Week posts to enter to win other great prizes!

idea2wear is a lovely shop that caters to the casual chic and/or boho girl in all of us. She has three different ranges: carefree birds, which caters to people who like lightweight, flowy clothing; casual chic, comfortable clothing for all seasons; and boho mystery, soft fabrics in loose boho styles. Malee has created something for everyone here. She also makes a little assortment of gorgeous additions to your arm party!

Malee says: It all began with a love of travelling and a carefree lifestyle. I finally decided to leave the corporate world behind and started my small clothes shop on Etsy. It is really just me and a small team... and I always wanted to keep it that way for my freedom. My clothes reflect my lifestyle and how I live the world. I love travelling and love to have some nice clothes with me for that easy beautiful casual look. I decided to create most of my works from cotton gauze and poly-cotton blend fabric because it is light, comfortable and soft… want to see it yet?

My favorite idea2wear pieces: 

greenish grey cardigan with big pockets

turquoise brass beaded bracelet

Today you can win yourself a few lovely prizes from idea2wear!
1) Forest green oversized blouse
2) Long slouchy wrap cardigan
3) Green maxi skirt with pockets

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Fashion Week: Day 6 - Pioo Pioo

Welcome back for day six of Fashion Week! Make sure to check out day one, day two, day three, day four and day five of Fashion Week posts to enter to win other great prizes!

Pioo Pioo is home to a whole ton of gorgeous dresses and other baubles. It was established by shop owner, Mor, in 2008. Everything is created with a super-feminine vibe to it that any woman with any style could rock, and made with lots of attention to quality.

Mor Says: Pioo Pioo is innovative, feminine, edgy and colorful!  I put an emphasis on the highest quality manufacturing and materials. My inspirations always combine fashion elements from different decades that give the pieces a sense of childhood memories and nostalgia. As a woman, I understand the need to look fabulous, so my designs always accentuate the feminine silhouette!

My favorite Pioo Pioo pieces: 

white heart wedding dress (has an adorable heart cutout on the back!)

plum maxi dress

You can find Pioo Pioo on their Facebook page.

Today you can win yourself a really cute prize from Pioo Pioo!
1) White cotton rocket dress

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Fashion Week: Day 5 - Lamb and Links

Welcome back for day five of Fashion Week! Make sure to check out day one, day two, day three, and day four of Fashion Week posts to enter to win other great prizes!

Lamb and Links is home to trendy, gorgeous and most importantly - affordable - jewelry. It is your one-stop shop for the holiday season for every lady in your life as there is a perfect match for every woman in this shop, whether she loves the sparkly, the bold or the dainty pieces.

Michelle Says: Lamb and Links is a small business that was born out of love for fashion + accessories. My mission is to provide fashionistas with fashion forward accessories at an affordable price. I created my business with affordability in mind because I know how hard it can be to keep up with the on-going fashion trends without hurting the wallet.

My favorite Lamb and Links pieces: 

silver bow bracelet

rose gold spiked bangle

You can find Lamb and Links on their website, Instagram and Facebook page.

Today you can win yourself a wonderful prize from Lamb and Links!
1) $25 store credit to Lamb and Links

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Fashion Week: Day 4 - White House Monograms

Welcome back for day four of Fashion Week! Make sure to check out Monday's, Tuesday's, and Wednesday's Fashion Week posts to enter to win other great prizes!

White House Monograms creates all of your favorite fashion pieces with a personalized twist - a monogram! Monogrammed items are a very hot commodity at the moment and make a great gift (whether to someone else OR to yourself!).

Janet says: I have always had a desire to have my own business. I think I inherited the characteristics of an entrepreneur from my father, but wanted to do something that still allowed me to take care of my family. I went to school to be a dental hygienist, so I always have something to fall back on. Through the years, I have had a local interior design business, had an online fabric store, and sold rubber stamps and paper crafting products as a demonstrator for "Stampin Up!". Earlier this year, I bought a friends embroidery business when she retired. I decided to expand it to the internet and within months the sales have skyrocketed. The most popular item is the Cross Body Envelope Clutch that comes in 10 different colors. I offer any color of thread for the monogram as I have over 300 choices. There are also 3 different fonts available. Currently, I sell these and several other monogram-able items through Etsy, but after the busy holiday season will be expanding to a website store. 

My favorite White House Monograms pieces: 

monogrammed pocket longsleeve

monogrammed chevron eco-tote

You can find White House Monograms on their Twitter and Facebook page.

Today you can win yourself an amazing piece from White House Monograms!
1) A monogrammed clutch in winner's choice of color

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Fashion Week: Day 3 - Seven Blooms

Welcome back for day three of Fashion Week! Make sure to check out Monday's and Tuesday's Fashion Week posts to enter to win other great prizes!

Seven Blooms specializies in gorgeous designer organic clothing. They offer dresses, skirts, tops and sweaters made from bamboo, organic cotton and other such materials.

Regina says: Seven Blooms was created in 2009 by me, Regina! I am a 20's something Filipina-American designer. Whenever there is an eco friendly alternative for fabrics, I always try to use that option. I am incredibly inspired by casual luxury, and feel that looking good goes hand in hand with feeling good. 

My favorite Seven Blooms pieces: 

strapless dress with woven striped top

women's ruffled jacket blazer

You can find Seven Blooms on their Twitter, Facebook page, and Pinterest.

Today you can win yourself TWO amazing items from Seven Blooms!
1) Organic Bamboo Women's Hooded Sweater
2) Full A-line Women's Skirt
Note: Winner chooses size however color choices will be left up to Seven Blooms.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Fashion Week: Day 2 - Betty

Welcome back for day two of Fashion Week! Make sure to check out yesterday's Fashion Week post and enter to win a gorgeous clutch!

Betty is all about fashion - simple, feminine and chic. Manufactured in Tel Aviv, the collection is produced in small quantities and guarantees unique and personal items. An elegant mix of day and evening wear maintaining a high quality of fabrics and craftsmanship.

Meital says: My name is Meital, I'm a young designer from Tel Aviv. I studied graphic design and I own a small studio. In the past year i decided to to pursue my passion and created a line of clothing called Betty (my nickname).


My favorite Betty pieces: 

black maxi

mediterranean tunic

You can find Betty at their website, Facebook page, and blog.

Today you can win yourself TWO lovely things from Betty!
1) A blue chiffon print dress (one size) which comes with a minidress for underneath & a chiffon belt
2) A neat print created by Meital herself!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Fashion Week: Day 1 - Meshka Design

Thanks for coming by for day one of Fashion Week! This week on the blog you will see a new super-talented designer each day offering up some of their best goods for YOU lucky readers! Enjoy.

Meshka Design is an Etsy store that offers 100% handmade and customized clutch handbags for every occassion. The brand is owned by Mags and you can be sure her hands are behind the every clutch as a result of her blood, sweat and tears. :)

Mags says: I’ve always been good with my hands, whether it was drawing, crafting, cooking or playing the piano. Rewind to three years ago, I had just given up a job and while waiting for another job oportunity that was about to come up, I needed something to do. That's when my sister showed me Etsy – an amazing place of handmade marketplace. While browsing hundreds of cute products I fell in love with small ladies purses that I've run into and thought to myself "Hey! I can make something like that as well!" And that's how it all started. I like to keep myself busy, so after making my first clutches just to see if I really can make them and getting a full time job I was waiting for, I still decided to open an Etsy store as this quickly became one of the little dreams that I really wanted to come true. The unexpected sales and the positive feedback that I kept getting from my buyers, gave me the kick to start thinking of my little hobby more and more as a professional bussiness that I wanted to develop.

Even though Mags is expecting a baby in a few weeks, she still keeps herself busy with her online Etsy store and working on a new clutch designs. She is soon launching a new genuine leather collection so stay tuned! There's much more still to come so make sure to follow her Facebook and blog (links below!). 

My favorite Meshka Design pieces:

black studded clutch

xl hot pink vegan suede clutch

You can find Meshka Design at their Etsy shop, Facebook page, blog, and Pinterest.

Today you can win yourself an amazing prize from Meshka Design!
1) A fold over clutch in the winner's choice of color

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

What I'm Loving Lately

I am pretty sure there is ALWAYS something that I feel like I need when it comes to clothing. The reality of it is, I don't NEED anything-- I have so many clothes as it is. But, truth be told, we all love getting that something new that we've been dreaming of pairing with our best skinny jeans or favorite wedges. And lately...I've had a dream. A dream of a new wardrobe. I want to throw mine out and start fresh with all of the following!


I've been seriously craving stripes lately. Like, I bought two striped dresses and I'm wearing a striped sweater as we speak. When I like something, I like it. That's how I roll.

French Connection Toulouse Striped Dress from Cruise Fashion

And studded anything/everything. I am all about it lately. Is anyone else loving this? Not that I own anything studded yet, but this top could be a good first try at it, don't you think?

Kiki La'Rue Shoulder Spike Top

This is self explanatory. I have yet to find a maxi that isn't too long for me though! The color of this is pretty to-die-for though.

French Connection Lori Lace Maxi

You'd think someone as pale as me would stray from clothing in the same color as my vampire skin, but no. I'm all about the neutrals, beige-white-ivory-offwhite-eggwhite-cream-etc included. Love love love the simplicity and fabric of this dress.

Kiki La'Rue Sunday Best Dress

I'm trying to justify buying some of these. I only spent how much during Black Friday online sales? Oh yeah... that much. Maybe I'll hold off. I'll gladly take any/all as Christmas presents though, in case there is any creepy old man perusing my blog that wants to buy me things. Or some cool cat that thinks I'm a cool cat. Either way.

disclosure: while I was compensated for links in this post, all thoughts and opinions remain my own.

My Boyfriend Thinks He's David Attenborough

I'll let this video explain the post title.

Hope you're having a nice week!

Christmas Gift Guide: For Your Man

1. stylish but manly gloves $46
2. a hipster watch $167
3. a plaid shirt $22 {what guy doesn't look ruggedly handsome in plaid?}
4. cologne $80 {men like to smell pretty too}
5. skin care & shaving set $45
6. solid-colored AA hoodies $68
7. a beertender $140 {probably the best gift you could ever get a guy}

I would love for you to Pin this to share the ideas with everyone! Just click on the Pin it button below my post signature. Also check out my Christmas Gift Guide: For The Girl Who Has It All.
Happy shopping!

Dresses For The Holidays

New Zealand girls are very well-dressed. I'm pretty sure I've said that before on this blog, probably like a million times. My style has evolved so much since I've been living here for a year, and thank God for that. I used to wear jeans and t-shirts and think I was being risqué somehow...totally not. I never dreamed of wearing a dress, the thought was so nerve-wracking! Now I rock dresses on the regular and I have so much more confidence in my body, shape, and style. Love. It.

With the holidays coming up, it's about time we start shopping for our Christmas and New Years dresses. Lucky for you, I've cut the stress in half by getting together a selection of gorgeous finds, now you just need to choose which one!

the Aubree dress from Kiki La'Rue

the Cut Out Bandeau dress from City Goddess Wholesale

the Clock Strikes 12 dress from Kiki La'Rue

the Sequin Peplum mini dress from City Goddess Wholesale

Which is your favorite?

disclosure: while I was compensated for links in this post, all thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Sunday Social

1. What is your favorite holiday season tradition?

I never considered my family to be one of those go all out at Christmas families...but I guess we sort of are. I love the whole decorating tree with homemade ornaments from over the years whilst listening to Christmas music tradition, the eating take-out Chinese food every single Christmas eve, the tradition of driving through our city on Christmas eve to look at all the house's Christmas lights. I love it all. My family has some pretty sweet traditions that may not be that exciting to other people but for us it's Christmas.

2. Do you have a certain holiday movie you watch more than others? If so what is it?

I have seen A Christmas Story a billion times because my dad loves it. Same with the Frosty cartoon where he goes "Happpppppy biiiiiirthdaaaaay"...does anyone know that one? And also the old school Rudolph claymation movie of course. Aw and the one where the cartoon Christmas tree gets cut down and taken to a house..I totally don't know the name of that either. By the way, right now I'm watching "The Holiday". LOVE this movie.

3. Show us your favorite decoration or Pinterest decoration you wish you could have:

Buy these from my amazingly talented friend Bonnie at her shop, Bonn Bonn Boutique!

4. Favorite holiday song?

This is so hard. I love Walking in a Winter Wonderland if we're being honest..

5. Favorite holiday dessert?

Pumpkin pie, hands down.

6. What is on your wish list this year?

A new camera, always more than happy with clothes or gift certificates to buy clothes.. I don't know really. I don't need anything..other than a plane ticket back to Canada, anyone wanna buy me that?

OOTD: Floral Scarves & Skull Earrings

Ever since I saw an outfit Shanna posted (which I now can't find, haha) wearing a striped top with a floral scarf, I have wanted to pull my floral scarf out of the depths of my wardrobe and rock it once again. And so I did. By the way, Shanna is the master of mixing patterns. I suck at it, so I stuck with black for my mixing with florals. I'm cray like that...

these are my fake TOMs. I got them for a whole $1.50. YEAH!

pretty skull earrings c/o Fizz Candy

I couldn't get those uncooperative skulls to face the camera! 

See those skull earrings? I know, how could you miss them. Sparkly and gorgeous. I am a sucker for anything sparkly/glittery. You could say I'm like a crow...but please don't say that because it's offensive. ;)  Anywho, these beauties were sent to me c/o Fizz Candy, a shop full of pretty jewelry designed by a - wait for it - thirteen year old girl named Payton. How awesome is that?! I wish I had such amazing skills and success at thirteen years old. I was still running our town's scooter club and writing horrible songs with my BFFs in our hopes of becoming the next Spice Girls and hitting it rich. Or not.  Fizz Candy is the creative dream of Payton, who enjoys working with high quality gemstones and unique materials to give her pieces a fun style. She also enjoys drawing and softball (a girl of many talents..love it!) but tries to avoid walking the dog where possible (me too Payton, me too). This sweet girl has kindly offered my readers a 15% discount at her shop when you use the code YOURSTRULY. Can you say Christmas shopping? Feel free to buy me this and this. Happy shopping!