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