Gift giving style...

Just a friendly reminder that there is only five shopping days left!! And sadly, I still have a few last minute purchases! Ah well, half the fun is waiting till the last minute and then stressing your self out right?

When it comes to gift-giving, what is your gift giving style?

1. Voice of Reason..
       are you practical, reliable, decisive and sensible?



2. Wild-Card..
       are you radiant, flirtatious, witty and fun?



3. Charm School...
       are you chic, current, elegant and precise?

 

For the boys

I spend allot of time posting about girls fashion and trends, but in reality I spend a great deal of my time admiring and looking at guys style and fashion.  A well dressed male is a huge plus.  If you are reading this post as a male looking for inspiration, or you are a female looking to help a male in need, I hope I offer some insight!

With the Christmas season underway- Christmas is literally in a week... uhh.. There is of course countless parties, functions and get togethers that actually require some effort in the clothing department.  This post will go over and clarify what I believe are male 'must haves' and if you agree or disagree share your love below!

1. A fitted suit:

What a guy really needs is a great fitting suit.  This will make any guy look... wait for it...

LEGENDARY...Cue Barney Stinson.  If you don't know what I am referring too...HowIMetYourMother,  you need to turn on your television now. Barney gets all the lady's because of his incredible taste in suits guys.. its not his amazing personality..

Try to find a suit that is not too loose, but not super-tight — that makes you look taller and leaner, and most importantly.. your ass will also look amazing.. If you aren't feeling the full suited look,  try wearing the pants or blazer solo for a variety of looks.

Ralph Lauren 2011

2.  Button-up Plaid Shirt

First of all, plaid looks amazing on everyone. And when I think of guys in plaid, I tend to picture an Abercrombie and Fitch model wearing one and I loveee it. Plaid is a good choice all year round, worn by itself, or under a blazer or sweater.  However you wear it, guys in plaid look GOOD end of discussion.

3.  Day-Night Over Coat

Hoodies and leather jackets don't always cut it, especially when attending a nice dinner or function.  Look for a fitted over coat that is versatile enough that it can be worn from day to night. 

4.  The perfect shoe

The hunt for perfect shoes aren't just for girls.  Guys need shoes that can go with their jeans and their suits.  Why not save some money and go for a pair that does both. 

5.  Seasonal Scarf

It's December, its obviously cold out.  And chances are, your neck is cold too. Girls don't just wear scarfs because they complete an outfit or look good.. they can actually keep you warm..

6. The perfect Jean

Guys need jeans that aren't baggy at all, but not super skinny and tight either... that trend is luckily over and sorry guys, but skin-tight jeans don't even look good on girls half of the time.  A dark color  means it's super versatile and super stain-resistant, too.

Naked & Famous $126, available at Park & Bond.

7. Crew-neck sweater

Everyone should own their very own versatile grey crew-neck sweater.  It can literally be worn with everything, if worn correctly.  And if you want to spend the extra cash, go for one in cashmere.. both you and your significant other will love the feeling of it. 

 



8. The plain white T

So simple yet so goood.  I dont know if it's just me, but I LOVE V-necks, there is just something about them that looks good.  And guys have it easy, you can buy a pack of four from a store for $20 or less!

Friday Favorites

I hope everyone had an enjoyable week, I was finishing up my finals so now it will be nice to relax and really get into the Christmas spirit! Hope you all have a fabulous final-weekend before Christmas!!!

Cutest Pet

Funny Quote

Amazing Hair!

Ahh love this

Fabulous dress for New Years



Meet me under the Mistletoe..

 

For any gal' on your list, here are some fun options for some simple and classic gift ideas! 

Why don't you try..

*Pick a more feminine, or edgier pair of studs

A classic pullover with a fun pattern or print*

*Try a iPad case that looks more like an accessory

Go for a nail polish that is complementary to the sweater*

Look of the Day

Looking for a cute outfit to wear on a night out, or even afternoon shopping downtown? I put together a look that is both sexy  and fun for night time and trendy and versatile for day (just  trade some of the peices for a simpler look)! 


Pair a classic white button up top with a cute pair of black leather shorts, or if you aren't feeling brave just go with regular black high-er waisted shorts.  Add a black tuxedo-style blazer and a luxurious Scarlett red faux fur scarf.  Pick a pair of black pumps, or flats and pair with gold and black statement jewelry pieces.  The added animal print clutch adds an unexpected edge and then complete the look with a pair of black tights and a black wool hat. 

  

Gift ideas for your bestie!

When it comes to Christmas shopping, I cant get enough.  I love searching for the perfect gift for any loved one, but when it comes to buying for another girl, it is even more exciting! So when it comes to girls gifts, I’ve got you covered. We all know that any girl loves sparkle, glitter and some fun.  I put together a group of perfect bestie-approved Christmas gifts that are stylish, girlie and all $50.00 and under!

Juicy Couture Faux Fur mittens, $48.00 available at juicycouture.com

Kate Spade Iphone Case, $40.00 available at katespade.com

Kate Spade Gold Bow Ring, $48.00 available at katespade.com

Juicy Couture Charm Bracelet, $48.00 available at juicycouture.com

Festive Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish,$18.00 each available at lippmanncollection.stores.yahoo.net

Marc Jacobs wrist-let, $45.57 available at nordstrom.com

Philosophy Sparkling Cranberry gift set, $18.00 available at nordstrom.com

Travel Roll-On Kai Perfume, it spells like fresh Gardenias and exotic flowers, $48.00 available at barneys.com

Cozy Pajamas from Jacob, $29.99 available at jacob.ca

H&M Envelop Clutch, $29.95 available in stores

H&M Fur Vest, $14.95 available in stores





Spotted-Again!

Well this was a fun week.. I was asked to be featured on blog.gotryiton.com for their feature on current trends and this one was about gold-chain necklaces.  The necklace is actually one of my mom's vintage pieces, so I think she deserves some credit for this one! Here is the feature and the link as well!

Trending: The Gold Chain…Your Decolletage’s Must-Have

The December issue of Marie Claire featured the “Curb link Chain” as their Instant Classic this month. With little tidbits like where to find the pieces, who wore them and how they ended up in our jewelry box, we can’t help but showcase the magazine’s page of gilt. Ladies of our grandmother’s time like Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo and Katharine Hepburn dressed their necks with gold links inspired by Sicilian jeweler Duke Fulco, who created these in the 1930s. And the reason behind this trend’s elegance? Their ability to lie flat…who knew?! But this timeless trend didn’t slow as the decades passed. Fifty years later, rappers in the 80’s picked it up this Great Depression fad—and now, we are encouraged to do the same! Check out Ainsley S. below who paired the piece with a pink pursed lips!

http://blog.gotryiton.com/post/14119740677/trending-the-gold-chain-your-decolletages-must-have

Spotted!!

Ahh I am super excited, a few weeks ago I attended the Style Spy and Gap Christmas event downtown and I was asked to be their featured girl of the week! It was really cool and the article looks great! Here is the article and the link to the incredible site: thestylespy.com

Girl of the Week: Ainsley Smith

Ainsley Smith was spotted at the Gap x Style Spy event a few weeks ago. Her fur collar and crimson lips caught both my eye and contributor Melissa’s eye as well and that’s when we knew we had to ask her to be Girl of the Week. Ainsley grew up in Maple Ridge and is currently a Business Administration student, majoring in marketing with certificates in Communications and Journalism. She loves fashion, traveling, good music and good friends. Meet Ainsley.

Wearing… I look like a walking H&M ad. My blouse, necklace, skirt, ankle boots and faux fur wrap are all from H&M (love this store though). My tights are Wilfred and from Aritzia. I am wearing an oversized Micheal Kors watch, and my purse is from Aldo.

My personal style is…Classic, mixed with a modern edge.  I like to look classy, presentable and trendy–but not overly trendy.  I like to mix old pieces with new additions to create a unique look.

Most recent purchase… They were actually from the Gap x Style Spy event! I bought the cutest oversized dusty rose knit sweater that had gold studs on the shoulders.  I also got a pair of cozy off white knit knee socks– perfect to wear under boots! Oh and I caved and bought the Justin Bieber Christmas CD this weekend.

3 items in my makeup bag… DiorShow mascara, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, and NARS Orgasm blush/bronzer duo.

A person living or dead you most admire… Audrey Hepburn.  She is exceedingly talented, beautiful, stylish and so incredibly sweet.  I would love to have tea with her.  I can recite every line from Breakfast at Tiffany’s!

If you could be anywhere in the world right now…Definitely New York City – I visited NYC last fall and I left my heart there! I would personally go there any second of the year, but during the holidays it would be incredible.

Most versatile item in your closet… A perfect fitting pair of dark skinny jeans.  They can be dressed up or down but the slim cut and dark texture looks a little bit more stylish.

Drink of choice… A nice glass of white wine or a Cosmopolitan.  However, any beverage from Starbucks is completely okay in my books!

Favorite accessory…My gold Michael Kors watch.  I bought it this past spring in Las Vegas and I can’t take it off.  I literally wear it casually and when I am dressed up and ready to go out.  It is very versatile and the gold looks amazing when stacked with other bracelets. Arm party anyone?

I can’t live without… My family, friends, my new iPhone and Philosophy hand creams.

Winter essentials…Cozy infinity scarves! These look amazing when worn casually or when paired with a coat. Also, a tall pair of riding boots.

Words to live by…Where there’s love, there’s life.

Photograph by Melissa Chai

The not so 'ugly' Christmas Sweater

One of my favorite holiday traditions is attending a Ugly Christmas Sweater party.  My best friend is putting one on next week and I am excited to debut' my distasteful and tacky sweater.  I hunted around to find one, but had no luck so I actually made one, so it is even more incredible ha-ha.  However, if you are against the tackiness and would rather look more stylish, here are some cute and still holiday-inspired sweaters to wear out--and these sweaters wont leave you feeling embarrassed!

1. TNA Lambswool Sweater-$85.00, aritzia.com

2. Free People Crop Sweater-$120.00, lordandtaylor.com

3. Stella McCartney Polar bear intarsia wool and alpaca sweater-$1,175.00, net-a-porter.com

4. 3.1 Phillip Lim Sweater-$395.00,  net-a-porter.com

5. TopShop Reindeer Sweater-$100.00, topshop.com

6. Warehouse stag print sweater-$64.00, warehouse.co.uk

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Smith family recipes

So, if we haven't noticed it is already December second and in my household that means our Christmas baking is beginning TOMORROW!  Wow I am excited, good thing I have been hitting the gym extra hard these past few weeks;) Here are some of my families favorite Christmas baking recipes!
Enjoy :)

Chocolate-Peppermint Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
• 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 ounces (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 3/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 8 large candycanes or 30 peppermint candies, crushed
• 2 pounds white chocolate, coarsely chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Beat butter and sugar with a mixer on medium-high speed for 1 minute. Reduce speed to medium-low, and add egg, then yolk, beating well after each addition. Beat in peppermint extract. Slowly add flour mixture, and beat until just incorporated. Shape dough into 2 disks, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
2. Roll out 1 disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Using a 2-inch round cutter, cut out circles, and place 1 inch apart on parchment-lined bakingsheets. Roll and cut scraps once. Freeze your cookies until firm, about 15 minutes. Repeat with remaining disk.
3. Bake until cookies are dry to the touch, about 12 minutes. Transfer parchment, with cookies, to wire racks, and let cool. (Undecorated cookies will keep, covered, for up to 3 days.)
4. Sift crushed candy, and separate larger pieces from dust, reserving both. Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water. Remove from heat. Dunk cookies into melted chocolate. Using a fork, turn to coat, let excess drip off, and gently scrape bottom against edge of bowl. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, and sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of either candy pieces or dust on top. Repeat, sprinkling half the cookies with pieces and the rest with dust. Refrigerate until set, up to 3 hours. Decorated cookies are best served the same day.

Lemon Bars

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• pinch of salt
• 2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
• For the filling:
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 Tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the filling:

• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 Tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray. 
2. In a food processor, put the dry ingredients in the bowl and pulse.  Add the butter and pulse until it turns into the size of peas. 
3. Press the crust into the bottom of the pan. 
4. Bake the crust for 20 minutes.
5. Let the crust cool a bit and start on the filling.
6. Put all of the filling ingredients in the bowl of the food processor and process until smooth.  Right before you are ready to pour it over the crust, add the baking powder.  Give it one more whirl and you can pour it in. 
7. Pour it gently on top of the crust or the crust can break.
8. Bake the lemon bars for another 25 minutes or until the lemon filling is set.
9. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Coconut-Chocolate Patties

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 3 drops pure almond extract
• 3 3/4 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, and spread coconut in a single layer on parchment.
2. Place in oven until golden and toasted, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to color evenly.
3. Remove from oven; let cool completely.
4. In a medium bowl, combine toasted coconut, almond extract, and melted chocolate. Stir gently until combined.
5. Press about 1 tablespoon coconut mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture.
6. Place in the refrigerator until cookies are set, about 20 minutes. Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Cranberry Squares



Ingrediets

•  1/2 cup flour
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 cup fresh cranberries or blueberries or other berries
• 1/2 cup chopped, toasted cashew nuts (optional)

Direnctions 

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter the pan you are using.
2. In a large bowl,  beat the sugar and eggsuntil creamy and smooth. Whisk in the melted butter and almond extract. Add flour and fold until incorporated. Fold in cranberries and nuts (if using) carefully so as not to break the fruit and color the whole batter red.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan.
4. Bake for about 40-50 minutes or until tester inserted into center comes out clean.
5. Transfer to a rack to cool completely (takes about an hour really!)
6. Cut squares and serve.