FASHION DIARIES - ZARA FALL SHOES

 I know it is only August, but seeing all this fall merchandise already in the stores has got me all excited for the new season! I have gathered some of my favorites from Zara, because let's face it, Zara kills it every time, and it is so affordable! I am especially loving all the metallics and glittery boots! Another fave, is Navy. There are so many great selections in navy this year..I might just become my new fave colour.

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COLOR CRUSH: POWDER BLUE

I have never been a fan of the colour blue, any shade of it. I am not sure if I have always associated it with my school uniform growing up, which was a Powder Blue shirt, paired with Navy blue skirt. For a very long time I stayed away from the blues, I have every colour under the sun in my closet, but I do not own much in the colour blue. It all seemed to have changed however, and I think the Paris print above had everything to do with it! When I saw this print by Anna with love, I was immediately in love. Not sure if it was the whole Parisian style, or blue paired with gold, but my outlook on blue changed forever!
So, when I saw this same shade of blue come back into fashion, I couldn't wait to get my hands of some of these pieces. It is light and summery, but can be very elegant. Zara seems to have done a great job adding some amazing pieces this season! Click below for the direct links to items shown below.

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FASHION FRIDAY: BLUSH CRUSH

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As much as I love bright colours, about half of my closet is Blush; half my shoes are colorful and other half are Blush! This color never seems to go out of style. I have been accumulating blush toned clothes and accessories for almost a decade now and I love how it goes with everything, and works in every season! It is pretty and feminine yet not so girly. It looks light and airy in the summer, and warm and cozy in the winter. So, if I have an option of buying something in bright colors or in blush tones, I almost always go for the Blush!
Blush is HUGE this season, from nail polish to shoes, to dresses and bags..you can get anything your heart desires. I have put together my Spring wishlist in Blush..hope you like it!

Rebecca Minkoff 'Love' Crossbody Bag

JS Collections Embellished Chiffon Gown

Michael Kors Mid-Size Rose Golden Stainless Steel Parker Chronograph Glitz Watch

H&M - Shoulder Bag - Black - Ladies

Michael Kors Rose Golden Pave Turn-Lock Bangle

Chloé 'Marcie -Small' Leather Crossbody Bag

MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma Medium Convertible Satchel

Kate Spade New York Charm Glittered Bow Slingback, Rose Gold

Maje Rayure mesh-striped jersey mini dress

Tiga lizard skater shoes

Valentino Rockstud Slingback Pumps

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 Satin Pumps

H&M - Short Coat - Powder pink/pattern - Ladies

Eclipse Metallic Rose Gold Watch

MICHAEL Michael Kors Michael Kors 'Amelia' Moon Phase Bracelet Watch, 38mm (Nordstrom Exclusive)

Street Level Reversible Vegan Leather Tote & Wristlet

H&M - Drawstring Shoulder Bag - Powder beige - Ladies

Big Buddha 'Abigale' Tote

Christian Louboutin Senora Patent T-Strap Red Sole Sandal, Nude

Saint Laurent 'Baby Sac de Jour' Grained Calfskin Leather Tote

Essie Sheer Nail Polish

FASHION FRIDAY: DATE NIGHT OUTFIT

I usually post about design and other pretty stuff which I love. I have thought about doing a fashion post here and there but I am extremely camera shy, and not very good at posing. I was going to do a flat-lay of my outfit (as I usually do), but this skirt from Forever21 is my absolute favorite piece in my wardrobe right now, and it simply needed to be shown how beautifully flows. I am more of a skirt/dress person (esp during this skinny jean trend which just won't go away). My pear-shaped body is not very forgiving in a skinny jean, so I am always on a hunt for a pretty skirt or dress that takes me from day to night. This piece does exactly that! I paired it with a simple tank and heels for a casual yet sophisticated look. Pairing with crop top or lace top would be perfect for an evening look.

Yves Saint Laurent Babydoll Kiss and Blush // Urban Decay 'Naked3' Palette // Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush, Candy Glow 0.19 oz (5.5 g) // L'Occitane 'Roses et Reines' Eau de Toilette // Forever21 Pink and Gray Floral Midi Skirt (similar here and here)

I also finally got the chance to try YSL Babydoll cheek stain...it does not disappoint!

THINGS I AM LOVING THIS WEEK

I am all about the statement necklaces, and seemed to have collected a hefty amount in past year. Only problem was that they are all gold! So when I found this silver beauty at Frorever21 for only $17.. I was beyond happy! I have seen similar ones online with a much higher price tag. This is such a fun hippie chic necklace anyone can wear from day to night..I have a feeling this one might replace my ever so precious Pegasus necklace!

L'Ombre dans l'eau - aka Baies for your body! Yes, it sounds crazy but my obsession with Baies candle by Diptyque is still going strong. Not only do I love the fragrance for my home, it is such a lovely scent to wear yourself. It is available at Holt Renfrew in Canada.

Lovefresh Vanilla Beam Hand Lotion: all natural, smells like birthday cake, and every so hydrating. There is no going back after you have tried this Toronto based skincare!

Lovefresh Body Butter: What is better than Lovefresh hand lotion? Lovefresh Body butter of course! Best of all, you can choose from 8 flavors ranging from Pomegranate, lavender, pear and many more!

HOME DECOR: BLACK AND GOLD INSPIRATION

Even though we have summer like weather, with the arrival of September we tend to start preparing for fall. Though we have had a short summer, I am starting to get a bit excited for fall! I love it simply because it never disappoints! If it is mild, great..if it's cold then well it's fall! Along with the low expectations I love the coziness of it, the days are short but not too short (unlike Dec!), but it is nice to wear layers and sit by the fireplace.
So let's ignore the summery weather outside for a second and dream of a glamorous fall. I usually don't shop with a theme in mind, but rather discover a theme among the things I have around, and I noticed I am kind of crazy about Gold and Black!

I gathered few things around the house to show easy it is pull a theme together without having to buy everything new.

Fan- I bought from Venice a few years ago, I fell in love with the lace detail

Gold Shells - spray painted gold shells I picked up from the beach in Costa Rica

Gold Doily- an ordinary paper doily spray painted gold by yours truly

Black Rocks- another DIY by moi (posted last week)

Ampersand - a recent purchase from Chapters-Indigo (I love the simplicity of it)

Chair print- I actually purchased this print as a set of 4 from "Paris in Color" Etsy shop a few months ago. I have yet to frame them but I just love how it ties in my love for Black, Gold & Paris 

It is not that hard to bring a theme together. Chances are if you love a particular color or style you will find a few things at home already, and rest can be fixed with a spray can! And the best part of spraying anything is that you can always change it another color if you get tired of it.

Another closer look at the objects I used for this theme.  

Indian Trend Report

Before I do the Fall 2014 trend report, I figured I should a Lehnga report. I am loving all the pastels with Gota work, for a simple look. It is prefect for the smaller functions or for bridesmaids! Light and airy, these lehngas would be dream to wear. Even though wedding season is pretty much over in Canada, it is just about to begin in India, so naturally this is when the trends begin for the next year!

First, lets begin with the gorgeous tulle dresses with metallic details. I am in love the soft peachy/blush hues. As I mentioned it would be great for a smaller function..or a big one because they are so light and lovely.

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And then we have colours! No Indian function is complete without tonnes of colour, so naturally bright orange and pinks are a must! But I am loving the neutral options with creams and blacks. I the zebra print saree is to die for! 

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DIY: SPRUCE UP YOUR ROCK COLLECTION WITH GOLD PAINT

I have seen some painted rock DIYs on Pinterest for a while now. I always wanted to try something like that but never found the right kind of rocks to paint. As you know I went camping last month and while up north I picked up some rocks. I tried displaying them in a vase but they just didn't look as pretty as I thought they would..so naturally I think of painting yet another thing gold! This time however it look a little more than 10 mins, but my material list is short as ever!

 So let's begin with materials:

1. Paper plate, I just used some left over plates from hubby's birthday party

2. Metallic Paint: I used two colours, Martha Stewart Metallic Gold and Yellow Gold (more details below)

3: Paint brush: medium size will do

4. Tape of any kind

On the left is "Yellow Gold" and right is "Gold"- both metallic from Michael's



This is how they look on a plate. Notice the yellow gold looks a bit pale in comparison

First, use the tape to make any pattern you like. I did mostly diagonal lines or triangles to give it more modern look. Masking tape might be a better choice and removing the clear tape was bit of a challenge as it was invisible!

Since this was my first time with both paints I will show you my trial and error process as well. Top pic shows the first coat with "Yellow Gold" paint. It is a bit translucent. So I decided to use the "Gold" instead as the base coat (shown below)

Much better result with 2 coats of  "Gold" paint.

Once fully covered, I topped with the "Yellow Gold" to give it more shiny/blingy look

I did try some free hand designs for the fun of it. Good thing about this project is that by the time you are done doing the first coat on all the rocks, first ones are ready for the 2nd coat so there is no wait time at all. You can tape all at once, I taped as I went along that gave more drying time for the rocks too.

Once dried remove the tape and enjoy! How pretty are these beauties!

Chapters-Indigo Fall Favorites!

Even though we are still enjoying this beautiful summer, I can't help but get excited over all the fall inventory coming out right now! And it is no secret I am a huge Chapters-Indigo fan, so I have compiled some of my favorites from the Fall collection.

There seems to major trends this fall, Monochromatics and GOLD! I like the subtlety of the monochromatic look but I am obsessed with gold these days. And the best part is that they go beautifully together. So, there is no need to just pick one theme when you can mix and match from both. Blacks and Whites tone down the gold a little bit, and gold adds bit of glam to the simple subdued monochromatic room.

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Metallics are always big around the holidays, so it is the perfect time to start with gold. But, there is no need to put it away after..gold blends beautifully in an all white room, or why not add a touch glam to every day life!

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Ily couture shop

I love finding online shops that are trendy and have one of a kind type of apparel. So I stumbled upon Ily Couture after noticing their "wifey" t-shirt on a few bloggers. I am simply OBSESSED with the shirt and went on their website to place an order, only then I found more amazing stuff! Not only do they have cute Tees but also a great selection of jewellery. So I pulled together a few of my favorites below.

Okay, how cute are these tees! I want the Wifey one badly, but they even have "preggers" for the next step!

Oh the colours! I want one of each please!

They even have gorgeous neutral collection for the glamorous evenings, or afternoons!

I love the versatility in the bracelets, no two are the same in design..as I said I want them all!

All images are from Ily couture. Be sure to check it out, you will be amazed at the collection!

La Fashionista: Lace and Tulle

one of my fave fashion blogger, Pink Peonies

I have seeing bloggers wearing gorgeous tulle skirts everywhere..and quite frankly I am a little jealous that I can't just walk around in a large tulle dress and be taken seriously! So I found some practical alternatives that are on the just as much fun to wear but little less out there.

How gorgeous are these! I want them all!! The first one is my favorite, short lining but longer skirt, very cute and sexy at the same time. But really I think they are all stunning!

I like all the different options, lace, lace & tulle, lace & embroidery, and a tutu dress! Something for everyone. Also available in different lengths for different body types. My personal favorite is the bottom left, love the embroidered roses!

I have a thing for blush, so of course I love the bottom two pieces, how dreamy is the blush skirt at the bottom. The black and beige dress is also a good alternative instead of committing to a full skirt. All in all I would love to have a closet full of all these piece but I think there is something for everyone.

All images above from Ruche

Home Decor: Herringbone floors

So hubby and I are starting to look into getting a custom home rebuilt. We want one of those ultra mod houses that seem to popping up everywhere and I am quite excited about it! But it is still technically winter here in Toronto, so for now I will just day dream about my future home. One thing I am sure of what I want in the house is Herringbone flooring! It looks so chic and so classic all at the same time. What I absolutely love is that it works in every setting, from modern to country to mid-century!

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How gorgeous is this simple black floor! I could literally stare at this image for hours..simply stunning!

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Talk about statement! I love the sea green and the herringbone pattern, it looks as if you are walking on water. A great way to add colour to a neutral place, but you better love the colour are about to commit too because flooring is not something you can change every year.

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This just looks fun! Mixing two colours and creating a gradient effect, it may not be for everyone but a cool concept none the less.

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Now little more practical options. If you want a pattern in a large area such a the whole main floor, you should stick to light neutrals. The pattern can be busy overpowering so balancing it with light colour makes a subtle statement.

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You can't get more neutral than this. This flooring blends right in with all the furnishing and becomes part of the decor. If you have a hard time committing to a colour neutral is the way to go.

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And then I found this! This brick flooring actually reminds me our home in India, where are was born. It is easy to maintain and great for exteriors or even a mud room. Small area with a great punch of personality!

La Fashionista: All blush errything!

So, my love affair with Blush continues! This time in clothing, especially the Sarees and dresses! How gorgeous are these soft pink, floral sarees. Blush is definitely the colour of the year, we are going to see it through into fall! Here are some of my fave feminine outfits.

via Pernia's Pop up Shop

This is a pre-draped saree, which means you just slide it on like a dress and look like a goddess in no time!

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This lehnga is to die for! So summery and feminine, it's like a dream!

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Gorgeous pale colours by Kate Spade, which is a nice change considering Kate Spade is known for bright pops of colour (which I also love)

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Asymmetric Tulle Anarkali 

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Blush Midi, so on trend!

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This saree just screams summer!