Glitter Beauty

I've been obsessed with glitter makeup since my tweenage days of wearing cheek glitter. Yup, it was as tacky as it sounds, but really cute on an 11 year old (especially in the 90's). Eventually I replaced it for blush and illuminator, and haven't seen a resurgence of glitter makeup until now (which, if you can't tell, I'm totally stoked about). This spring the glitter nailpolish trend has extended to everything from lipstick to eyeshadow to liner. However, I have to give it to Audrey Hepburn for rocking the trend 40 years before it became mainstream. She never ceases to amaze me!  

Old Hollywood Beauties

Recently I read a critique that insisted fashion has not changed for the last 20 years. I was instantly offended, but looking back at these old Hollywood beauties, I can't help but agree. It's so easy to recognize what era these lovely ladies were dressing in, be it Diane Keaton's mis-matched androgyny as a result of the 1970s Sexual Revolution or Grace Kelly's feminine ensemble from the 1950s. 


So, what defines fashion of the new millennium? That's probably more appropriate for an essay than a blog post. Nevertheless, I continue to be inspired by fashion legends of the past. Be it a red lip, messy shag of hair, or everyday accessory, all of these ladies have a distinct feature that ties her style together and makes her unique. 

DIY Cake Toppers

  

With a friend's birthday coming up, I was inspired by these cake toppers by Potter and Butler, because every girl deserves something pink and poofy on her birthday. 


Supplies: 
* Scissors
* Tissue paper
* Wooden skewers or white popsicle sticks 
* Glue gun 


Directions (for one cake topper):
1. Cut three 60 cm long and one inch wide strips of tissue paper. 
2. Place stick through tissue paper after about 1 inch of material. 
3. Secure tissue paper with glue. 
4. Twist longer end of tissue paper up and around the stick, and punch through the stick another inch in, creating a slightly twisted zig-zag effect. 
5. Repeat this process with all three strips of tissue paper, making the width of the inch smaller as you get closer to the top. 
6. Secure with glue once the stick is full of tissue paper and resembles a pink poofy flower. 


There is really no exact process to this craft, so experiment and have fun with it!

Fashion Favourite: Metallic Loafers

Top photo: Kate Spade

I love seeing how fall trends are reinterpreted for spring to become fresh again. Metallics and penny loafers are here to stay for another season, and I've seen a surge of these two trends becoming one in metallic loafers. My favourite so far is Anthropologie's version. Slightly sportier than other versions, they win my vote in comfort points. These shoes will work with just about anything from pastels to bold prints, but I can't wait to pair them with my pleated pink midi-length skirt and pale denim jean jacket. 

Brunch at Lady Marmalade

Decrepit tables and mix-matched garage sale chairs make this brunch spot all the more charming. Well-worth the 45 minute wait, I chowed down on eggs benny with brie, bacon, and a whole avocado. There's no shortage of interesting options on the menu - my boyfriend enjoyed an authentic mexican breakfast complete with the tastiest bean dip and spicy sausage. We eyed the aged cheddar and spinach waffles and good morning poutine that graced our neighbour's table. I can totally see why this place has the reputation for best brunch spot in Toronto's Leslieville. Not the healthiest meal, but it's a welcomed change to my uniform breakfast of dry cereal and coffee eaten on-the-go!

Cozy Reading Nooks

Photos via Design Sponge and Desire to Inspire

Reading nooks are like the adult version of children's forts - small, cozy, and inextricably our own. I treasure the nights I've spent cozied up in mine with a good book, encapsulated by the warmth of too many pillows and a really good blanket. I like to add a scented candle, glass of wine, and some coffee house music for a well deserved evening of winding down. How do you like to unwind? 

Chocolate Raspberry Gateaux with Fresh Whipped Cream

A decadent brownie-like cake is offset by fresh whipped cream and tarte raspberries. 

Cake

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened, Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup packed brown sugar 

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly 

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 eggs

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

2. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into a small bowl. Mix together until combined.

3. In a large bowl, add the granulated and brown sugars, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add one egg at a time to the wet mixture, beating with an electric mixer between each addition. 

4. Add dry mixture and mix in until combined. 

5. Divide batter in two greased cake pans. Let bake for 20 minutes. 

Whipped Cream

1 cup 35% whipping cream

1 tsp vanilla bean paste

2 tbsp sugar 

1. Add ingredients into large bowl and whip with electric mixer until light and fluffy 

Garnish

1/2 cup fresh raspberries 

Remove cakes from pan and let cool. Press fresh raspberries on top of the bottom layer of the cake. Spread on fresh whipped cream. Place second layer on top. Spread on fresh whipped cream and garnish with fresh raspberries. 

A Valentine DIY: Message in a Bottle

It's so romantic to think that this used to be an actual form of communication between lovers. Tragic, yes, that they didn't have the luxury of instant communication or even the option of snail mail, but all true romance stories involve a bit of tragedy, don't they? This Valentine's Day, I'm thankful that me and my honey aren't separated by vast oceans and broken telephone lines. I'm celebrating with a bit of old world romance with this simple DIY. Simply write a love letter to your cutie, spritze it with your signature scent, roll it up and slip it into the soda bottle. Garnish with some red-and-white kitchen twine for a homemade card that will score major points with your beaux.

Supplies

- glass soda bottle

- paper

- pen

- perfume

- kitchen twine 

3 Bright Cocktail Looks

With a spring wedding to attend, I'm already dreaming up what I'm going to wear. I know it's a little bit early, but the fashionista in me can't help but start to ponder about what type of look I want to master for the evening. Dressing for weddings is the most fun, because it allows me to unleash my girly side full throttle and create a perfectly put-together look from head to toe (with a few quirks in it here and there, like an unexpected shoe or bauble earring). Here are a few cocktail looks I'm lusting after right now, infused with bright colours to ring in the spring a few weeks early. 

Diane von Fürstenberg short mini dress, €398
Dorothy Perkins sleeveless dress, $79
Robert Rodriguez embellished dress, £208
Shoes, $110
Steve madden shoes, $80
Anton Heunis crystal dangle earrings, $160
Kate Spade enamel jewelry, $98