Valentine's Round Up

RED SKIRT:  Chic Wish / PINK BLOUSE: Halogen x Atlantic x Pacific via  Nordstrom / PINK CANTEEN BAG: F21 / RED BERET: ASOS / PINK MJ HEELS:  Zara 

As long as I can remember, I have always looked forward to Valentine's Day.  Growing up, my mom would always make it such a special day for my brother and I.  I loved getting dressed up in my most festive pink or red outfit, exchanging Valentine's cards with my classmates, having fun at our class party complete with Jello in the shape of hearts lovingly made by Sarah Martin's mom (without fail on every single celebratory party each year), enjoying all of the decorations, mini chocolates wrapped in pink or red foil, cinnamon hearts, and of course a Valentine-themed meal planned and orchestrated by my mom.  She always found a way to make each day and occasion so special...which is why I probably love and look forward to these holidays as much as I do. 

Purest Form

As long as I can remember, there's been something appealing about supporting local designers/artisans.  Some of my earliest memories of supporting Canadian small businesses started off at "The One of A Kind Show" in Toronto that I would visit religiously with one of my friends when I first got hired permanent and had a steady paycheck.  I would swoon over the unique creations and beautiful artisanship while strolling up and down the aisles.  I felt good about being able to support fellow Canadians while leaving with one-of-a-kind treasures.  To this day, I love the idea of supporting a Canadian based company with values that resonate strongly with me.  I am so thankful to be collaborating with Tanya of the Purest Form; a Canadian gal who designs figure-flattering yet comfortable clothes that feel like second skin for the modern day women.  Her clothing is as unpretentious as she is, polished, feminine and elegant.

Polka Dot Perfection

So, I have a bit of a minor confession to report.  I don't know exactly when it happened but I have become totally smitten with polka dots!  I've been continuously on the hunt for that ultimate polka dot statement piece and I'm have no doubt that there will be some great ones on sale this Black Friday.  There's something very elegant about the ones we've been seeing this fall/winter on the runway by the likes of Rodarte, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, Tory Burch and it seems to be a trend that is going to continue long into the spring and summer of 2020.  Sometimes it can be a bit intimidating to come up with some fresh ways to style polka dots but I've come up with a couple of styling tips to help.  Keep scrolling to learn more!