not so secret garden.

In desperate attempts to banish my winter blues, I have been finding tons of cute floral prints popping up wherever I go. I recently purchased a pair of Deena & Ozzy Spectator oxfords, in a super cute floral print, and I cant wait for them to arrive.
Florals are such a sweet, feminine way to add some color to your wardrobe. I am usually all about black, so I am looking forward to hopping over to H&M to score some pieces from their new Garden Collection.

Made from recycled, sustainable fabrics, it's a collection we can all feel good about. I have to say, I have been pretty disappointed with their last few lines, but with this one, they have completley redeemed themselves. Bright colors, loose layering, draping, and soft cotton make a perfect combination for spring. Which I hope, is just around the corner!

i want your leather-studded kiss in the scene, i want your love.

Lady Gaga is the most fearless star we've seen in a long time, when it comes to her sense of fashion. Her outfits, as ridiculous as they are definitely grab everyone's attention, and leave people talking for days. Fashion is a huge part of her musical career. Her most recent music video, for Bad Romance was designed completely by Alexander McQueen. From the dresses, to the set, the fashion aesthetic was evident throughout.

As much as we love to hate her, it is definitely her eccentric sense of style mixed with her killer beats, that makes her such a huge star.

bangin' betty.

New look for a new year.

I'm LOVING the bangs that I finally got after talking about it for months. I needed a little change, and I'm glad I went for it.

just a small town girl, living in a lonely world, took a midnight train going anywhere..

The beautiful Ayla White turns 23 this week, and last night we celebrated her birthday in true Toronto style. The spread- Anna and I decorated the table with fake orchids, in honor of the featured cocktail, the Wild Orchid Martini, and fed our guests baked brie with pecans and brown sugar, assorted candies, crab stuffed mushrooms, and mozza sticks.

I purchased these little parfait glasses at Value Village for a mere 99 cents each, and they were a perfect way to serve the assorted candies at the party.

Brie cheese is always my go-to appetizer, because no matter how you bake it, everyone always seems to love it! This time I used a tsp of melted butter, with 2 Tbsp brown sugar and 1/4 c crushed pecans. I baked it 425 degrees for about 15 minutes and served it warm, with rice crackers.

Happy Birthday Ayla! I hope your 23rd year is the best one yet! Love you.

the cat's meow.

Hugo makes everything better.

I love this picture of Audrey Hepburn, and Cat, in Breakfast at Tiffany's because it reminds me of every single snuggle session I have with Hugo. He may be mental, but he melts my heart.

i simply remember my favorite things, and then i don't feel so bad.

It is snowing like mad in Toronto right now. This could not be more upsetting to me, since winter is not exactly first on my list of favorite things. It couldn't be farther from the top, in fact. It's during these times, that a reminder of the things you love, is the most essential. Everyone needs a little something to warm their spirits.

Here's a list of the things that fill my heart with sunshine, everyday. Even in a blizzard:

Family. Friends that are basically family. Hugo, the best part of my day.

Dance parties, themed parties. Any party, really.

Disneyland, New York City, California, the ocean. Sunshine. Champagne & Cupcakes.

M&M's. New shoes, High Heels. Christmas, Halloween costumes. Songs you know every single word to.

Running, the best way to relieve stress. Fashion magazines, cookbooks.

Sex and the City. A glass of wine after a long, trying day. Sleeping until noon.

Cute boys, secret crushes, being there for each other, falling in love.

Laughing until it hurts.

Rollercoasters, lipgloss, party dresses, a strong cup of coffee, bicycles with baskets.

With so many great things to make me happy, it's hard for me to spend too much time being sad. Sometimes it's just the fondest memory, or the littlest thing that can spark the most happiness and light up even the dreariest of winter days!

winter white.

1.2.

Marion Cotillard is absolutely breathtaking in this white Elie Saab one-shouldered dress at the SAG Awards on January 23. I used to think white was a color only to be worn in the summer, but lately, I have just been loving winter white. I think it's such a stark contrast to the typical blacks and grays that we grow so comfortable with in the winter months.

Marion Cotillard is one of my favorite actresses to watch at award shoes. My number one favorite gown of all time is the one she wore to the 2008 Academy Awards, where she took home the coveted Best Actress Award. It too was white, and a Jean Paul Gaultier masterpiece. With scalloped edges, and a mermaidesque feel, she was not only the best actress of the night, but also the best dressed.

1. Elie Saab, at SAG Awards 2010, photo courtesty of justjared.com

2. Jean Paul Gaultier, at Academy Awards 2008.