OUR ENGAGEMENT HEIRLOOM

One accessory I stare at for hours but feel I haven't documented clearly enough in my journal, is my engagement ring. I have mentioned before but I want to share and tell here so some day it's written for our children to read. Nathan proposed last July (4th, 2011) at dusk sitting in the park in front of the Eiffel Tower, it was extremely romantic and memorable. In addition to proposing in front of the Eiffel Tower which was epic enough, he advised the ring he had in his hands was "fake" and that when we get back to Toronto, I could design the ring! Every girl or couple is different, and for us, shopping together for the engagement ring after the surprise proposal, was right for us. Nathan understands and respects my passion for fashion design and saw this as an opportunity to design the engagement ring of my dreams.. After a few weeks of diamond and ring setting research, this was definitely the design for me.  I wanted a simple, modern, classic band with the investment made on the best diamond and setting to hold it in all its glory so I could appreciate it from every angle. I wanted a mix of yellow and while gold so no matter what other jewelry I'm wearing, my ring will compliment. Last but not least I feel in love with a setting that contained a small sapphire in the front of the ring. I feel in love with that little sapphire and after discussing the possibilities of our family heirloom, the engagement ring, we researched and planned based on the Birthstone Georgorian Calendar we added a complimentary Ruby to the back of the band to represent July the month we got engaged. Sapphire on the front couldn't have been more perfect to side with Nathan on a Fall 2012/September wedding! We were deciding between Fall 2012 and Spring 2013, but the engagement ring helped make that decision for us ;) The last reason why we have a sapphire and ruby on either side of my band also represents the Tricolour Flag of France! Blue, white, and red! The day we decided on the ring, the diamond and stones also representing where we got engaged, was too good to be true. 

WARDROBE STAPLE: MY SCARF COLLECTION

Over the last 3 years I have been religiously wearing scarves all year round, except hot Summer days of course. I love complementing colours but contrasting patterns with just the addition of a scarf! They also come in handy in cool places where you the extra fabric wrapped around feels warm and cozy.

Above & Below: Scarves from H&M, purchased around 2009/2010.

Above: "Timbalier" designed by Francoise Heron 

Below: "Fleurs d'Ecosse" was designed by Sylvia Kerr

~ Hermes scarves I bought at their charity event in 2011 ~

Above: Grey & Silver sparkle scarf was a Christmas 2011 gift from my Fiance's Grandma. This scarf is magnificent for moi, it goes with everything but simple, stylish, and big enough to be a shawl :) 

Above: Gift from Boyfriend/Fiance when we were exploring Montmartre (in Paris). 

           Below: Jason Wu x Target scarf, my friend picked up for me at the Toronto Pop-Up Store event. It was only $10!!! It's on the longer side, similar to my silver scarf (loves it!). 

MY NAIL POLISH COLLECTION

I have been wanting to document my current nail polish collection because I haven't done such thing since I was a teenager ;) I threw out a bunch of drugstore polishes I never use and were more than a few years old. Must cleanse small spaces for great feng shui, I say. As you can see I am a HUGE fan of OPI nail polishes. I'm going to list the nail colours I own below for both you and I.

My OPI & Essie Nail Polish Collection (left to right):

Midnight in Moscow

Got The Blues For Red

Lunch At The Delhi

Glizterland

Cosmo-Not Tonight Honey!

Bubble Bath

Tickle My France-y

You Don't Know Jacques

Stranger Tides

Green-wich Village

(Essie) Sew Psyched

(Essie) Mint Candy Apple

(Essie) St. Lucia Lilac

Lucky Lucky Lavender

Planks A Lot

Blue My Mind

Road House Blues

Lincoln Park After Dark

WHAT I'M WATCHING: DOWNTON ABBEY

I first heard of Downton Abbey on Twitter through movie and fashion celebrities I follow, interesting commentary takes over my newsfeed weekly. I purchased Season 1 from iTunes and this past weekend watched the entire season! This tv series is absolutely incredible. A constant range of storylines and emotions, an upper class world where people feel trapped but have the courage do anything they please. Other parts I really enjoy is the Cast, Costume Design, and the Set Design (check out: Highclere Castle).

WHAT I WORE TODAY: FAMILY DAY EDITION

Today my fiance and I strolled up Queen Street checking out some of our favourite furniture shop, Design Republic and restaurant/diner, Shanghai Cowgirl. What I'm wearing; my new Jason Wu x Target striped top, a bright coral red cardigan/sweater I bought from Old Navy, and my gray Pepe London jeans. Complete with friendship bracelet, engagement ring, and equestrian with jewels patterned scarf from H&M in 2010 or later, all three accessories not pictured but loved.

STOCKING IS THE NEW PLANKING

On September 2, 2011 ChickAdvisor published an article about the latest posing trend, "Stocking." Today my friend posted a link to the website, "STOCKING IS THE NEW PLANKING" and there was the picture I planned, and moi!

MISCHIEF IN THE DETAILS

The Jason Wu for Target capsule collection communication platform was, "mischief in the details." A huge reason I wanted to support the designer who designs how I dress ;) 

I LOVE this blazer I bought from Zara in the Fall (2010). They have matching pants that I love to wear, when I'm channeling my When Harry Met Sally life's screenplay. They are cigarette style pants so best with tall boots or in the Spring/Fall months. The blazer/suits pattern is very subtle but exactly what I was looking for when  I was shopping. 

Handmade friendship bracelet from my girlfriend, Alexandra. Black heart bracelet was a gift from ELLE Canada and Pandora. Beautiful scarf from my fiances wonderful Grandma's Christmas present to me this last year.

For more "mischief in the details," CLICK HERE. 

MY NEW MAKE-UP: AFFORDABLE GLAMOUR

During my current path of getting married to my beau, and all funds are channeled in that direction since Christmas I have slowly treated myself to a few pieces of quality make-up that has instantly perked me up through the moments I have wanted to go shopping, but instead of going to the mall I send the confirmation email for our wedding invitations! I will post about our wedding invitations next ;)

Christian Dior, Rouge Dior Lipstick. #365, Rose Songe/Pink Songe.

BARE ESCENTUALS Original Foundation SPF 15. Fairly Medium.

Yves Saint Laurent, Gloss Pur. #8, Pur Watermelon.

Also shown above: YSL Pur Gloss, Pur Hibiscus.

All products purchased at Sephora stores across Canada. 

JASON WU FOR TARGET ON MY BIRTHDAY!!!

Tomorrow is my birthday and for weeks my fiance has been asking me if there is anything I would like to do for it.. In addition to upgrading my phone for my birthday he really wanted to do something for me on my actually birthday. After weeks of ideas this morning we decided on a road trip to Buffalo tomorrow so I can try to get my hands on some Jason Wu for Target!!!!! Here are some pieces I will be looking to buy.. It's also my first store visit to Target. I have never been before!

#1. Striped Sweater

#2. Top, bottom, dress, I have to see in person what's going on here. Tres chic!

#3. The Skirt

#4. My fiance likes this dress :) I like the bag too! ;)

#5. (My lucky number..) Top and Skirt here are fabulous. I really want both!

#6. I really want this scarf too...

#7. This bag is really nice and goes perfectly with the scarf..

#8. LOVE this bag too... We will see what tomorrow holds...

#9. Tote bag. I want to carry my purchase(s) out of the store in this bag tomorrow ;)

Picture source: Fashionologie.com
View the full collection of Jason Wu for Target on Fashionologie.com CLICK HERE.

THE IPHONE 4S IS MINE!

For over the last year or so I have been waiting to upgrade my phone to the notorious iPhone. Recently I became eligible and last weekend before my fiance went away to London for business, he bought/upgraded my phone for my birthday present!!! A few weeks before my birthday but it was great to geek-out, get comfortable and settings setup to my preferences while my love was out of town.

Now I'm shopping for an iPhone case to protect my pocket genius. Zazzle.ca has hundreds of covers to choose from and you can also customize almost anything you want, if not everything.. Here are some of Zazzle's options that are sitting in my wishlist.