Travel Essentials

We're getting set for a little trip to Paris and it got me thinking about travel neccessities. We're flying with a soon-to-be one year making the need for planning and a very precise packing list quite high. Here are a few travel essentials off of my current Paris trip list.

1. Herschel Duffle Bag. The perfect carry on - loads of room and a stylish print (another fun print here.)

2. An iPad or tablet. Bring your music & apps with you and stay connected en route. Loving this Kate Spade iPad case.

3. Headphones. Block out 3B in style.

4. Jewelry. I like to bring a) stacking rings, b) a few dainty necklaces for layering, and c) a fun statement piece.

5. A travel journal. Jot down your memories in this Rifle Paper Co. journal so you'll never forget them. I also recommend taking notes ahead of time so you don't miss out on any key landmarks, must-try restaurants, and boutiques (write down those addresses!).

6. Ray-Ban New Wayfarers. I love this update on the original. Every holiday needs a good set of sunglasses.

7. Snacks. Snacks for me. Snacks for the baby. Neither of us do well going hungry.

8. A good read. This one and this one are high on my list.

Currently Loving: March 2014 ed.

The sun is shining, the snow is melting, and spring is just around the corner. It has to be! This has been one of the worst (read: coldest) winters in recent memory. I am so ready for spring and really, summer. Here are my March favourites and the products I am using and loving as we head into spring.

1. These red wines. I just got my clear braces off (yes, adult braces, ugh! So happy to have this chapter behind me!) which meant no red wine or else be cursed with stained ugly brown brackets. 20 months later, I am indulging in my favourite reds again. These two reds were consumed last week and are just as good as I remember. Maybe better.

2. Yay for t-shirt weather (well, almost!). Loving these graphic tees from J.Crew, and bonus, they're currently on sale with code HAPPYSHOPPING.  Floral  // These Are The Days // C'est La Vie //

3. Aveda Hand Relief. This cream is a little pricey but so amazing and indulgent. It smells divine and is the only reason my hands aren't totally chapped this winter.

4. Vale Staple ring. This ring is simple, beautiful, easy, and everyday cool. (Also pictured is my Jennie Kwon open cuff equilibrium ring. I've posted about it ad nauseum and is safely an all-time favourite!)

5. Happy. A pleasant reminder in a mess of gold chains.

6. House of Cards season 2 on Netflix. We're savouring these episodes because once they're done, they're done. And then the waiting begins again.

7. Thumb rings. I've started wearing a thin twisted gold band on my thumb and I am kind of loving it. Inspired by Emily.

8. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder. I had a gift card to Sephora that I'd been saving since Christmas. I finally made my choice and went with Hourglass' super pretty, sheer, glowy powder in Dim Light. I can't really describe it, but it just makes my face bright and awake. It's sheer so you can't really see it. Which is maybe the beauty of it? You'll just look brighter.

Celebrity Jewelry Style: Kelly Ripa

Pint-sized, pixie-esque morning talk show host Kelly Ripa knows a thing or two about accessorizing. Working with her small frame, she chooses dainty gold necklaces, fun pops of colour, and vintage, art deco rings. Some of her favourite brands include Vale Jewelry, Tom Binns, and Cartier.

Get the look below!

Clockwise from top left:

Michael Kors Gold Bangle

Vale Baby Heart Necklace

Tai Evil Eye Bracelet

Heather Hawkins Black ring

Tom Binns Colourful Necklace

Vale Sharktooth Necklace

Elizabeth and James Hexigon Ring

It's a Staple

You know when you get a piece of jewelry that will automatically become one of your daily staples? That's how I feel about this vertical bar ring from Vale. And funny enough, it's actually called the diamond pave staple ring. Welcome to the daily rotation!

Trend Spotting: Open Cuff Rings

I just got back from a trip to LA where I shopped Robertson, the Grove, the Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade looking for a cuff ring. Sadly, I returned empty handed. So here we are with an online round-up of my favorite open cuff rings. Aren't they pretty?

1. Jacquie Aiche

2. Gabriela Artigas

3. Loren Stewart

4. Anthropologie

5.  Eva Fehren 

6. Max & Chloe

7. Boticca

8. Claire Kinder

9. Ariel Gordon

10. Jennie Kwon

11. Vale

The Full Finger Ring

full finger ring, c/o Kami Lerner // onyx ring, Jennie Kwon // necklace, Vale // 

top, Ann Taylor Loft // nails, essie's chinchilly // lips, MAC Up the Amp 

With the arrival of cooler temps and heavier knits and layers, jewelry lovers can safely switch out their dainty jewelry for heavier, edgier pieces. This full finger ring is the perfect example of a piece that might seem too clunky, warm, and bold for summer, but fits right in with the autumnal weather.

And here's a glimpse of my wee Sage. Loving her moccasins for autumn!

Must Have Jewelry for Fall

I don't know about you, but Fall is my favourite season for fashion. I love the reintroduction of rich colours, snuggly knits, and leather boots. I also love switching up my jewelry, retiring my friendship bracelets and neon necklaces for more metallic and refined pieces. Here are my top jewelry must-haves for  Fall 2013. 

What are you looking most forward to wearing this Fall?

chain earrings (catbird)

evil eye jewelry (Jennifer Zeuner)

lariat necklaces (Ariel Gordon)

black stones (Jennie Kwon)

dainty necklaces (Vale Jewelry)