i'll be home for christmas.

Being home for the holidays has been the greatest gift of all. Cheesy , I know, but so true. In the past two and a half weeks I have been able to reunite with all of my friends, and all my family. I have spent lots of bonding time with my parents and my brother, which is wonderful because I have missed them so much, being away.

Every year on Christmas Eve my aunt and uncle come over and we play board games, watch Christmas movies and eat appetizers. It's the Christmas tradition that I look the most forward to. We've been doing exactly the same thing every year for as long as I can remember. We make meatballs, dry ribs, fresh salad rolls, shrimp, spanakopita, and a japanese style salad made from chow mein noodles and cabbage. It's always a feast, and I always go to bed feeling like I gained about twenty pounds. Since I don't really like turkey, or any of the fixings, I usually enjoy the Christmas Eve feast a lot more than the fancy dinner we eat on Christmas Day.

The best part of the holiday though, is the games we play. Every year my mom buys the family a new board game to add to the collection. Scrabble and Catchphrase are definitely the favorites, but no matter what we play, we always do so with the most intense competition. It's so much fun and my brother and I are always trying to outsmart each other.

I think the one thing about the holidays, is the familiarity that comes with each set of traditions. We decorate with the same ornaments, eat the same food and see the same people. It's so wonderful to be home for the holidays, surrounded by so many people that I love.

a hostess for all seasons.

1.
23.

4.

5.
'Tis the time of year for holiday parties, which means trying to come up with the perfect hostess gift amongst all the chaos that holiday shopping brings. Flowers are a nice gesture, but rushing around to find a vase, while trying to keep your guests entertained can be stressful for your hostess. I like bringing things that can be useful all year, and not just festive things that are only appropriate for the season. Colorful napkins, wine glass charms, or a bottle stopper are all nice gestures. I have compiled a little list of cool gifts that are sure to make any hostess smile.

1. Chocolate Shoes available at Gayle's Chocolates, $40

2. Pinocchio Teapot for 2 available at Stylehive.com $56

3. Happy Hour in a box, available at urbanoutfitters.com comes with all the fixings for a cocktail party. Umbrellas, swirly straws and a lot more fun, $16 (online only)

4. Chia Herb Garden, available at most hardward stores and Zellers, price varies

5. Little Pink Book of Cocktails, I want to try the Blueberry Acai Mojito, but there are many other cool cocktails to experiment with it's really just an excuse to have another party , Urban Outfitters, $9.95

Urban Outfitters and Home Sense are great places to find cool, eccentric gifts that showcase your originality and make your hostess smile and think of you everytime she uses her thoughtful gift.

an oldie, but a goodie.

This is an old outfit post from summer, but I love it. It's probably from June or July because I was still blonde.

Leather Jacket- Le Chateau

Crochet vest- Value Village

Gladiator Sandals- Aldo

Leggings- American Apparel

Medallion Earrings- Forever 21

can't. hardly. wait.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKQ5yRFkBnE

Check out those clothes. The best part of the SATC movies is definitely Patricia Fields' work in costume design. Can't wait until Summer 2010 when this blockbuster is finally released.

from my kitchen, to yours.

Here is the recipe for the homemade hummus my mom and I just made. Hummus is a definite staple in my diet, whether paired with crudites, spread on crackers, or added to sandwiches, it gives plain food a healthy and flavorful kick! Besides the fact that it is delicious, it's also very easy to make and can be whipped up on short notice.

Pesto Hummus:

2 Tbsp Tahini

4 cloves garlic

1 can chick peas (rinsed and drained)

1/4 c olive oil

1/2 c lemon juice

2 Tbsp pesto*

3 tsp water*

Add all ingredients to blender, and blend until smooth.

Serve chilled.

* for a different flavour of hummus, substitute lemon juice for the water, and dill for pesto.

auld lang syne.

Every year around this time, I start thinking about resolutions. A new year always holds the potential for a new you. A fresh start. A way for us to make ourselves even better than we already are.

I always make a resolution, every year. For the past ten years or so, it has always been to stop biting my nails, but it's obvious that I have never stuck to it. So this year I have decided to try a different approach. Instead of limiting myself to one thing, in one year, I am going to make a list of life goals. Things I want to accomplish over the next five or ten years, and not necessarily just in 2010. I guess you could call it a Bucket List. So here it goes, and in no particular order:

* Finish my degree.

* Marry the man of my dreams.

* Start a family, and have healthy kids.

* Find inspiration in the smallest things.

* Laugh more. Aim to make others do the same.

* Learn how to play poker.

* Own my own home.

* Have my own event planning business.

* Publish a cookbook. Also a coffee table book, about parties.

* Be an editor of a magazine. Preferably, one that I start myself.

* Backpack Europe. Alone, to conquer all of my deepest insecurities.

* Become bilingual.

* Finish Grad school.

* Always find the good in people.

* Skydive.

* Go green.

* Make my own clothes.

* Make it onto a best dressed list, somewhere.

* Run a marathon.

* Save money.

* Stop biting my nails.

I think this should do it. I love setting goals for myself, and it looks like I have my work cut out for me.

Happy Holidays!

damn! i feel like a woman.

Lately, I have been very into the androgynous look for women. I love the idea of rolling out of bed, and throwing on the first thing you can find off your boyfriend's bedroom floor. I bought a pair of black Oxfords from Aldo back in the summer and I can't get enough of them. They add an unexpected cuteness to practically every outfit, and I have always been a firm believer that a classic men's white button up is an essential part of every woman's wardrobe.

This winter, androgyny has definitely been the trend to watch. Celebrities such as Kate Moss, Agnyss Deyn, Katherine Moennig, and Rihanna are channeling Diane Keaton's character in Annie Hall and embracing this masculine vibe.

Above are some of the hottest androgynous looks of the moment, from H&M's F&W09 collection.

california, here we come. right back where we started from.

As the weather turns disgusting and I feel like huddling inside the covers like a little bug, I think of California. Single handedly my favorite place on earth for so many reasons. Mainly, the lack of seasons, and therefore lack of any real winter. The copious amounts of beautiful, shirtless men, potential for star spotting, and some of the best restaurants and nightlife aren't exactly points against them.

I could have stayed there forever. One for the beautiful sunshine, which just makes everyone radiate from within, and the other for the ocean. There is nothing better for your hair and skin, and ultimately, your soul, than the warm breeze that comes off the ocean. Besides, any place where the weather permits mini dresses and high heels 365 days a year is always number one in my books.

If there is any way for me to do my Masters in Santa Monica, believe me I will. I loved the way the Pier was always bustling with vendors and tourists, and the way the air smelled like a combination of vendor food and salt water. I've never felt so alive, nor have I ever seen so much liveliness and excitement in one place.

In my opinion, some of the best places to hang out:

Restaurant: Ketchup- Featured on MTV's reality show, The Hills, this red and white eatery on Sunset serves a trio of fries, skinny fries, sweet potato fries and yukon gold fries with 5 of their signature ketchup flavors. I liked the wasabi best, but for those who don't like spice, you have the option of mango, chipotle, dill and maple. The decor was cool with red lacquer tables and white leather banquettes, and silver chandeliers. It's definitely not a place to miss out on!

Club: H-Wood- A Hollywood hotspot, located in the heart of Hollywood itself. This club was massive. The concept was cool too. It was designed in a half inside, half outside style so you could enjoy the California sun, drink in hand, or dance the night away indoors, upstairs. The crowd was young and stylish, but the drinks were a little overpriced.

Store: Fred Segal- I know, way too out of my price range. Or most people's for that matter, but it's still worth checking out. From the cool shoe section, to the uber trendy patio cafe, the store has definitely hit the trendy mark, spot on. I picked up a cool pair of legging jeans, by Current Elliott, which I love. They have the feel of leggings, but are actually made out of denim, so even non jean wearers like myself can enjoy them. Fred Segal also has really cool selection of guy's clothes. I could have shopped all day for my brother.

Beach: Manhattan Beach- Santa Monica was beautiful, with its bustling pier, but Manhattan Beach had so much character. The cobblestone streets were lined with mexican restaurants, sports bars, surf shops and hand-made jewellery stores. The girls and I enjoyed $4 margaritas and fish tacos, and could literally smell the salt water because we were so close to the ocean. I could have stayed there forever. I would have, had I had the funds to support my ridiculous spending.

California, you've stolen my heart.

Above are a couple pictures from our girl's trip back in july.

hey, i know you!

This little package arrives tomorrow! Can't wait to reunite with my love over vodka, dance parties and shopping!

Toronto is no match for this hot mama.

bit off more than they can choo.

On Tuesday, I finally got an opportunity to check out Jimmy Choo's line for H&M. I headed over to the Eaton's Centre on my lunch break to get my bangs trimmed, and popped in to see what all the hype was about. The Bloor W store, which is the one I frequent, is either already sold out of the Choo, or they just never carried it to begin with so this was the first time I got to see it.

To be honest, I was a little bit disappointed. The price point is a little steep, and the clothes aren't really that special. A studded sheath dress goes for $99.99, while most of the shoes are upwards of $139. A steal by Choo standards, but I thought the point of celebrity designers creating lines for H&M was to help broke college students like myself afford designer pieces.

Being a shoe girl, I figured I would love this collaboration, but sadly, my expectations exceeded the outcome.

Better luck next time, H&M.

a single girl's shoes.

friendship and footwear: two of the best things in life.

holt's happy.

You know how when you get super stressed out and someone tells you to "find your happy place"? Well I have definitely found mine. This Christmas, happiness for me, comes in the form of the Holt Renfrew holiday window display. Designed by creative director John Gerhardt, the theme for this year's display, is "resonate and animate". They have definitely hit their mark. Holt's is never one to disappoint when it comes to visual appeal, but I have to say this season, they have particularly outdone themselves.

The focus of each of the windows are 7 words, each prodominantly displayed: joy, warmth, beauty, magic, wonder, sharing and love. Perfect for describing this wonderful time of year.

The words are surrounded by tulle, sequins, gold, and snow scenes, including a carolling snowman, (or 'snow-woman' to be socially correct), that in my opinion bears striking resemblance to Vogue's Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour. (There's another one that looks a lot like Sex and the City costume designer, Patricia Fields, with her wild, fire engine red mane).

It's like Galliano meets the Nutcracker Ballet. Throw in some hot chocolate, and christmas carols, and you've got your very own winter wonderland, perfect for those times of much needed bliss.

Happy Holidays!

The holidays are coming, and as mentioned in my previous post, so are the holiday cocktail parties. The Martha Stewart in me, loves the holiday season. And the party girl in me, loves a good cocktail party, complete with appetizers so you don't get too tipsy.

Here's a recipe for one of my favorite recipes, that never disappoints. EVER.

Baked Brie with Grand Marnier:

- 450 g wheel of Brie cheese (really, it could be any size it doesn't matter. I usually think about how many people will be at the party, and then go from there)

- 1 3 oz bottle of Grand Marnier ( you know the sample size, from the liquor store)

- 1/2 c of Orange Marmalade

Cut top of brie wheel off. Spread the marmalade over the cheesy middle part, and then pour over the Grand Marnier. Place top half of brie wheel back on and place on a cookie sheet. I highly recommend putting some parchment paper underneath, as it can be pretty messy. I actually received a special ceramic brie cheese baker for my birthday last year, because my friends know how often I make this appetizer, but it's not necessary to have it.

Bake the cheese at 350 degrees, for about 10 minutes. Check it, and it may need longer, you basically want it to be like a melting pot. Serve hot, with crackers or nice bread.

Trust me, your friends will thank you. There's nothing better than a warm, runny mixture of soft cheese, liquor and a hint of orange zest to keep you toasty during the holiday season.

sparkling, like champagne.

As the weather gets colder, it can really only mean one thing: (besides crowded streetcars, and fuzzy mittens, that is) holiday cocktail parties. My favorite stores are already stocking up on hot attire perfect for any holiday soiree. This season, I am noticing sequins are a big trend. Whether it be blazers, leggings, dresses, mini skirts, or even handbags and shoes, designers are glitzing up their holiday wear in a really big way. I just picked up a pair of black sequined leggings from Forever 21, and I am going to scour the vintage racks next week for a sequined blazer, or mini dress to add my collection.

Here are a few of my favorite, must have holiday pieces from designer to discount to help make your spirits bright:

Diane von Furstenburg vest $349, H&M sequined blazer $99, Forever21 mini skirt $21.80

my name is brittany...

i have a terrible spending problem.


i just checked my bank statement: LCBO, LCBO, LCBO, random ATM withdrawal (i am assuming that was at a bar), eBay PayPal, LCBO, urban outfitters, forever 21, LCBO, vintage, vintage, vintage.

Not hard to guess my vices.

family matters.

"The most important thing in life, is your family. There are days you love them, others you don't, but in the end, they're the ones you always come home to. Sometimes it's the family we're born into, and sometimes it's the one we make for ourselves."

-Carrie Bradshaw.

That will always be one of my favorite quotes, becuase it means so much to me. Last night the Saskatoon/Toronto crew had a first annual thanksgiving dinner. Everyone brought a dish, and we drank too much wine, and ate too much delicious pumpkin cake.

Now I can't wait until next year. Hopefully our beautiful group will continue to grow. Afterall, the more the merrier.

interning 101.

today i am sitting in my intern's office, at COCO Models in Yorkville. i still can't believe i got the internship in the first place, and i am so excited to finally be getting hands on experience in the fashion world.

on another note, i REALLY need to get my camera fixed. its hard to blog, without a camera.

i promise to keep y'all posted.

the return of carrie bradshaw.

Thanks to my favorite celebrity blogger, justjared.com, I have been able to catch a glimpse of some stills from the new Sex and the City movie.  As much as I disagree with the idea of a second movie, its obvious that I will  be first in line opening night.

Sarah Jessica Parker pulls off so many "classic Carrie" looks, that I know on-set stylist and costume designer Patricia Fields will have her work cut out for her.

After all, not many would pair Christian Louboutins sequined pumps with a plain white jersey dress, and actually pull it off.

a pack rat's lament.

4 suitcases.  Barely close-able. 

7 boxes.  Maximum weight.

And there are still things I need to leave behind.

Wish me luck.

style.com

This look from H&M is hot, hot hot. 

I am totally digging this leather look that is going to be huge for fall '09.

  http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/shoppingguide/080309_Fall_Shopping_Guide/

Check out the  forties and fabulous section; it's the second outfit.

inspiration.

Beauty.  Grace.  Style.  Passion.  Love.

forever and for always.

Today I got to thinking about soul mates. Everyone makes such a big deal about finding theirs. Hopeless romantics everywhere spend years searching for that 'head over heels, can't eat, can't sleep, daydream believing, can't live without you' kind of soul mate. And if they don't find it, they assume they're all alone. I, however, have to disagree. I happen to have a whole handful of soul mates. This beautiful little family of people, that I have chosen for myself. I can't live without them, and I know they will be around forever.

Sometimes a word can have more than one definition, and I love knowing that my friends are the soul mates that I don't ever have to go searching for.

Lately, I've been having issues deciphering what I need from what I want.

I need to be a better sewer, but I want to be good at it before I will spend any real time working on it.

I want to write more, but I need to be inspired first.

I need to come to terms with what's to come, but I want to pretend that nothing has changed.

I   need to save money, but I want to buy everything, all the time.  I just can't help myself.

I need to figure things out for myself, but i want to have all the answers given to me.

I am so excited for what is to come, and so sad about all the things I am leaving behind. 

This picture* sums up my recent trip to California, better than any of my photos ever could.  The sheer simplicity of it, showcases the laid back atmosphere that is the California beach life. 

I could very easily get used to this kind of life. 

*image courtesy of Vogue (1990's)

coco's quest.

Coco Rocha is absolutely stunning.  Out of all the top models right now, she seems to be the one that can pull of the most elaborate looks.  Whether it be dying her dark hair, bright red, or Irish dancing down the runway at Gaultier, she's always full of pleasant surprises.  

Plus she's Canadian, and appears super down to earth. 

Go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK3tGZtJB7s to watch Coco Rocha open the show for John Paul Gaultier FW 2007.

before and after.

After two years of debating it, and saying I was going to do it, I finally took the plunge.  I dyed my platinum blonde hair, basically black.

So far I am loving it! It's crazy how hair color can make such a dramatic change to your overall look. My clothes look different, my makeup looks different, and my eyes look brighter. 

So far I'm not missing the blonde.  I'm thinking blondes really don't have more fun.

autumn en vogue.

OMG! The Devil Wears Prada in real life. This is gonna be good!

I really respect Anna Wintour. I know that she's one of those "love 'em or hate 'em" types, but I think its respectable to know what you want, and not settle for anything less.

The September Issue, just like in the magazine itself is gonna be awesome; can't wait!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9-bAwz9uWk

out with the old, in with the new.

As I prepare to pack up all of my 22 years into as little boxes as possible, I have been busy going through everything.  Now I wouldn't call myself a pack rat, but there are definitely times when I have a bit of trouble, just letting go.  The task of actually going through drawers, organizing photos, and deciding what to keep, and what to toss, seems so daunting that I would rather enter a state of zen, close my eyes, and let the boxes pack themselves.  

It is funny though, to see some of the stuff that I have held onto.  Old photographs, letters, birthday cards, and articles of clothing with sentimental value that I don't even remember now.  Its funny to see how my style, and my character, have evolved so drastically over time. 

It reminds me of one of my favorite scenes in the Sex and the City movie: when Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda arrive at Carrie's apartment to help her prepare for her move to 'heaven on 5th'.  The girls do a fashion show, modeling the monstrosities that Carrie held on to from the 80's.  They hold up signs indicating whether or not she should TOSS, KEEP, or TAKE.  The whole scene is just so fun to watch.  It is the perfect blend of fashion and friendship: my two favorite things. 

Maybe that's my best solution.  I love my girlfriends. And I know how much my girlfriends love to drink.  I'm thinking I should chill the Prosecco, and invite the girls over for an afternoon of gossip, nostalgia, and manual labor. 

the big t.

Tomorrow Riis and I are going to Toronto.  I have been waiting for this trip for five months, and let me tell you....my Visa card is about to get an ass kicking unlike anything it has ever seen before.   

I can't wait!

welcome to margaritaville.

With summer fast approaching, I dug deep into my vast pool of cocktail knowledge and pulled up a cocktail recipe sure to please any margarita lover. 

A huge fan of the classic lime margarita, I figured that this Blood Orange Margarita would be a nice change of pace from the original.

Besides, after a long hot day at work, there is no better way to  unwind, than to kick off your shoes and enjoy a cocktail, jimmy buffet style.  

 

To start, salt the rim of a set of rocks glasses using a lime wedge, and very course salt. 

To a cocktail shaker, add:

- 2 oz tequila (Silver tequila works best for margaritas, try Sauza Blanco or Sauza Hornitos)

- 1 1/2 oz fresh lime juice

- 3/4 oz orange liqueur (I like Triple Sec)

- 1/2 oz simple syrup (make this by boiling one part sugar, with one part water, until sugar dissolves and a syrupy consistency forms)

- 3/4 oz blood orange puree

Garnish with a lime wheel, and a blood orange wheel.

Put on your summer dresses and enjoy!

fashionable to a "tea".

Always one for horoscopes and believing in destiny, I daily check my Tazo tea fortune, while having my Awake tea every morning. 

Today it said: "The journey will be long, wear sensible shoes."

I laughed out loud. I don't own sensible shoes. Even the shoes I wear to work aren't that sensible and this is probably why  my back hurts and my feet are covered in calluses and blisters, but so what. My shoes are fabulous and I don't care.

I was a little excited about the message though. I know that this coming year is going to be a big one for me.   New city, new school, new opportunities, new friends.  Trying to find  a balance between embracing these changes, and holding onto the things, and people I hold closest to my heart. I have a lot of insecurities, a lot of unanswered questions, a lot of fears, but so much excitement that I can hardly bear it. 

It's not just Toronto, the most fantastic city in the world, it's the fact that I am just one small step closer to being the person I want to be.  One step closer to having that dream job, and being completely, well, complete.  

I know that it's going to be a long journey, but I am positive that it will be a fabulous, fashionable journey, chalk full of very insensible footwear.

Because fashion, well, that's my destiny.

I really like the transition hollywood it girls are making these days.   It seems that all the former hard partying socialite/movie stars are trading in their heroin for chic style and grace. 

Nicole Richie went from being a spoiled, drug using wild child, to a loving, doting mom to her fifteen month old daughter Harlow Winter.  Now pregnant with her second child, it appears that Ms. Richie has shed her party hard ways for a sober life of domesticity, although never compromising her killer style.  I remember seeing pictures of her when she was eight months pregnant with Harlow, still sporting the 4 inch Louboutin heels.  She has an unwavering ability to look completely pulled together, whether she be rockin the red carpet, promoting her House of Harlow 1960 jewellery line*, or walking in LA with Joel and Harlow, she's rarely a fashion miss.  

Drew Barrymore was another Hollywood wild child.  In the public eye since the age of two, Drew was in rehab even before she turned twenty.  After a string of failed relationships, she has finally come into her own, and into her own style as well.  She has shed her hippie look for a more mature, bohemian meets rock and roll glamour that is entirely her own.  Instead of cringing at what Drew was sporting on the red carpet, I now look forward to see what she's chosen to wear.  As the face of Covergirl, she finally seems a lot more comfortable in her own skin.

I am so glad that these ladies have trading partying for fashion, because I love seeing what they will come up with next. 

*House of Harlow 1960 is now for sale at Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street, Toronto.

true confessions.

I just got back from Confessions of a Shopaholic.  I know, long over due.  I have been wanting to see it since it came out, but we always seem to make other plans, and I don't get out to the movies as often as I'd like to.  This was definitely a must see for anyone who has any interest in high fashion. Although it still doesn't even come close to Patricia Field's costume direction in the Sex and the City movie, it still has more than enough couture to please any aspiring fashion magazine editor, or budding fashionista. 

The costume designers did a fantastic job outfitting  Isla Fisher throughout the entire movie.  The fact that she is completely stunning, definitely helps, but the costume selection was perfect. She wore a ton of Yves Saint Laurent which you don't see very often, considering what a huge name this fashion house represents.   I have such a soft spot for YSL, especially after reading his biography, and  I particularly loved the scene in Barney's where Fisher's character picks out the stunning purple Gucci dress with the ruffled neckline, and pairs it with a stark white YSL trench.  When she walked out of the fitting room, I had to hold my breath. 

 

big sister comes to town.

You have no idea how excited I was to see that Anthropolgie, the big sister store to Urban Outfitters finally established it's first ever Canadian store.  It opened this week in Toronto, in Don Mills, and lucky for me, come August I will be an official Toronto resident.  Too bad you have to go all the way out to Don Mills & Lawrence to get a taste of anthropolgie's great finds.  I first visited this store in New York last October, and at first glance it does have a very distinct resemblance to Urban Outfitters. (When I found out they were related, I wasn't at all surprised).  The same bohemian, vintage vibe is a common denominator between both stores. 

Let's hope that the rumors are true, and a second location in Yorkville really does open up mid-summer.  

For now, check out Anthropologie, at Shops at Don Mills, at 1090 Don Mills Rd, at Lawrence, or more specifically at 19 Clock Tower Rd.  

breakfast at tiffany's. well, more like cocktails at tiffany's.

the theme was old hollywood glam.             and glamorous it was.

appetizers of smoked salmon canapes, baked brie cheese glazed in brown sugar, mini cheesecakes, and champagne.  

dressed head to toe in fur, pearls, diamonds, bird feathers and hats with veils my friends and I celebrated Haleigh's 23rd birthday in high style.  we've always loved themed parties, but this one was definitely my favorite.  i wish people still dressed like they did back in the time of marilyn monroe and audrey hepburn. i think one of the things i love the most about the movie breakfast at tiffany's, is audrey hepburn's wardrobe.  Her wide brimmed hats, her french twist hairstyle, her classic approach to the LBD, and her long strands of pearls; she pulls everything together so beautifully, so gracefully.

can't wait for the next themed party, so i can get in touch with one of my many style icons.

typical saskatchewan style.

This is the time of year, when being fashion forward, becomes very challenging. In the last week, we have had sunny temperatures, followed by below freezing temperatures and a mini blizzard yesterday morning, that gave me the feeling summer would never come. It's also the time of year when everything in my closet needs to be thrown away. I have spent the last 6 months wearing the same sweaters, leggings, scarves and t-shirts and it's time to retire them until next winter. Only problem is, the constant weather changes make it nearly impossible to splurge on spring's hottest trends because it's still not appropriate to wear most of them.

It makes getting dressed in the morning such a challenge! Last week when everything was melting, the streets were a mess. It was as if the South Saskatchewan River had overflowed onto residential streets, and I'm surprised my little red car didn't get stuck in one of the hundreds of giant potholes buried beneath all that water. I didn't want to go outside. I don't have any shoes that I would risk ruining in puddles up to my knees.

Yesterday, there was a blizzard. Just when I thought I could finally retire my ugly black winter coat and leave the house in a nice blazer, I'm back to gross salt-stained boots, quilted jackets and fuzzy mittens.

I just want to wear the cute spring clothes I've been seeing in the magazines. I am so excited for my upcoming trip to Toronto to stop in at Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street, and grab an Alexander Wang tank top, and the coveted Twenty8Twelve butterfly dress that I have sweet dreams about. Hopefully by then, it may actually be nice enough to wear them without having to bundle up like an Eskimo.

closet space.

My biggest dream in life, besides having a shoe collection to rival Carrie Bradshaw's, is having a walk in closet big enough to house the entire population of Saskatoon. Mr. Big built Carrie her dream closet on Sex and the City, and Nick Lachey built his then-wife, Jessica Simpson one for Christmas, on their reality TV show Newlyweds.

I say, well done guys! To me, there would be nothing better than having a whole room filled to the brim with designer and vintage clothing. And not to mention shelf upon shelf of beautiful high heels.

Celebrity closets are more like their own private little boutiques, housing all their fabulous couture. Above, is a picture of Mariah Carey's closet. If I had that closet, I would see no reason to ever have to leave.

altitude chic.

With two big trips coming up in the next 6 months, as well as a possible move to my favorite city, it's time to start thinking about airport outfits.  Well, that and really trendy luggage.  

I have always been a big fan of airports.  Some of the fashion industry's most well known supermodels were discovered in airports, so I've always been a firm believer in dressing for success.  

Drapey, loose fitting sweaters, paired with light cotton tops, layered with scarves are usually a safe bet.  Airplanes are always so cold, and those facecloth sized blankets they give you, only cover one knee cap, so it's nice to have a few extra layers to cover yourself up with.

For bags, the bigger the better.  The more stuff you can stow away in your carry on, the more stuff you can buy when you arrive at your destination.  And we all know that the main reason I travel somewhere, is for the shopping.  I always carry a really big purse on the airplane, that way it still counts as a purse, and you can still pull on a small suitcase.  

I've always loved luggage.  I think that matching luggage sets are the most fashionable part of traveling.  When I was in Paris, I remember watching this beautiful french woman, with a long fur coat, perfectly manicured nails, and a cigarette holder, loading her full set of Louis Vuitton luggage onto a luggage cart.  She even had  a trunk! It was the most beautiful piece of merchandise I have ever seen, and to this day I have never forgotten how awestruck I was watching her load her bags.

My own experience with luggage, however, has not been so positive.  After asking for a set of luggage as a gift from my grandma, I received a set of 3 suitcases, in varying sizes, with a pattern of  multi-colored paw prints scattered across them.  I had asked for plaid or polka dots, but I can totally see how they might get confused with each other.  These suitcases, although perfectly proportionate, are not something I want to be seen loading onto my luggage cart.  I can't master the perfect airport outfit, only to be outdone by my paw print luggage.  It just wouldn't make sense.

Someday I will own my own very fashionable set of matching luggage, trunk included.  It may not be Louis Vuitton, but there are a lot of designers popping out some pretty cool luggage right now.   Betsey Johnson's line of polka dot luggage, with blue and red bows are super adorable, and just the right amount juvenile.  A few different styles are being sold at Winner's right now, and I'm hoping to spring for one before I leave on my vacations this spring.  

After all, no one ever got discovered carrying paw print luggage.   I might as well dig up my Barbie backpack, throw in my passport and call it a day.

Check out some of the trendiest celebrity travelers, above, with great style and even better luggage!

ruffles, lace, and shoes to boot.

Lately, I have had trouble getting inspired; in all areas of my life. I'm going to blame the cold, dreary Saskatchewan winter that has no end in sight. However, after flipping through the new issue of Elle Canada yesterday, my mood brightened.

Designers have gone all out for Spring/Summer 2009. The pale color palette, romantic ruffles, and abstract hemlines are a refreshing twist from the dull blacks and grays of winter that we become accustomed to. This summer is all about being a girl. Feminine prints and patterns, and voluminous skirts perfect for picnics, date nights, and cocktails al fresco.

Embellished mini dresses and boyfriend blazers are going to be my signature look this summer. Paired with a pair of hot strappy sandals, and really big hair, it won't be difficult to banish my winter blues.

To see the new spring styles for yourself check out http://www.ellecanada.com

golden statues everywhere.

Now that award season is underway, I am on constant dress watch.  I love award season, because designers really kick it up into high gear, and hollywood starlets never disappoint.  The Golden Globes were held on Sunday, and I have to say it seemed like everyone was trying to undo everyone else.  Cameron Diaz was fabulous in pink satin, Olivia Wilde was mesmerizing in a lavender colored chiffon dress that was absolutely breathtaking.  Jennifer Lopez and Eva Longoria-Parker were the real show stoppers however.  While Eva walked the red carpet, in a red satin gown with a scalloped sweetheart neckline and long train, Jennifer Lopez stunned in a gold Grecian style halter dress that sparkled almost as much as her enormous bling.  The dress itself actually reminded me a little of her infamous green Grammy dress from her P.Diddy days.  Even Hayden Panetiere, whom I usually don't like, surprised me.  She was a beautiful plum colored dress that had a jeweled belt. For more information on who wore what, check out the  official website of the Golden Globes at http://www.goldenglobes.org/ 

Now with the Oscars and Grammys approaching in the next few months, I could not be more excited to see what everyone will come up with.  I don't know about you, but I will be keeping my eyes on Cameron Diaz and Anne Hathaway come Oscar night.  those are two fashionistas that never disappoint.