In Bloom

Florals for spring? Not exactly original, I know. Nevertheless, I'm a person less about cutting edge and more about wearing what is pretty and what feels right~ and that absolutely includes prints laden with blooms as we head into the months that bring us such loveliness sprouting from the ground and dripping from the trees.

Wearing flowers is to be dressed in the best nature has to offer and I, for one, have loved it since my British grandmother introduced me to Liberty prints as a little girl. What can I say? I love finding inspiration in the small, daily things and this above photograph makes me want to dress for a walk in an English country garden or an outdoor picnic. This spring I'm on the hunt for printed dresses, a sexy skirt and accessories that are literal blooms.

These make a very good start, I think.

J.Crew's long pale pink and nude rose trellis gown would be stunning at an evening wedding.

Hand painted cherry blossom bangles would be gorgeous on any girl's wrist. This would be wearing a true work of art! Bracelet by Amy, via Silver Blue.

I adore the bold print on this pencil skirt. Forever 21 is laden with pretty florals this season.

I saw this delicately printed bustier dress in the window at Guess this week and was immediately drawn inside. It's now on my To Buy list and I'll juxtapose its sweetness with a shrunken leather jacket to wear at night.

J.Crew's amazing evening bag is literally comprised of gorgeous shredded silk and chiffon blossoms. Every girl would envy the one who carried this to the party.

Anthropologie is always the source for perfectly feminine pieces and this watercolour floral strapless dress (called Cooling Magma!) is both whimsical and beautiful. The shape is flattering to many body types and it would be perfect for date night or for a dinner with the girls.

You choose!

No J.Crew in Vancouver is a Bad Thing

I love living in Canada for many reasons. Universal health care. Relatively inexpensive university education (and my university has a nude beach, no joke). The birthplace of Aritzia, Club Monaco, Ryan Reynolds, Tim Hortons (and tons of other cool things, I won't go on).

Something I'm bitter about however? How is it that we are hosting the Olympics but we have yet to open a J.Crew?! The closest store to Vancouver is a significant border line up and then a solid 2 hour highway drive in Seattle, Washington. Hallelujah for online shopping! These fantastic looks for spring are quintessentially J.Crew~ casual but perfectly pulled together, easy but stylish, effortless but chic. I adore the layering and perfect accessories throughout. I can't WAIT for the girls shopping trip in April! I'll be ready to buy spring clothes!

I love this vibrant coral tank and I'm oddly finding the distressed denim alluring!

I love the casual denim shorts paired with the more structured blazer. Easy chic.

Dress up jeans and a simple jacket with a sequined tank. Wear anywhere.

I'm in lust with this shrunken leather jacket. It looks as great with shorts and a tee as it would over a little cocktail dress for evening!

Love love this sweater and scarf combo. The watery colour of the sweater is so soft and flattering~ and just happens to match my new bedroom wall colour!

Lilac Love

This is not about want. This is about need.

When the Olympic fervor in Vancouver dies down and my bank balance is wonderfully fatter after the craziness of the games, this baby will be coming home with me. There is nothing like a pretty coloured handbag to kiss spring hello.

(Photo via Coach)

Not Just For The Bedroom Anymore

I adore scrolling through the lookbooks on Shopbop.com, ever in search of what-to-wear inspiration. Their latest had me stopping dead in my tracks with a slackened jaw. Is it hot in here or is it me?! Hello, sex appeal. Lingerie inspired looks are more popular than ever for the upcoming spring season and I can't wait to be able to dive into this trend. Clothes that look like they should be hidden as underpinnings have such a naughty but nice edge~ forbidden fruit and just as sweet. Corset inspired tops, lots of lace, slippery satin, pale blush colours and barely there hemlines? Sign me up, immediately.

Drool over the lookbook yourself here.

Easter Egg Dresses

Nah, I'm not seriously dreaming of spring... whatever would make you say that? Just because I am longing to break out my sunglasses again, throw a light jacket over my shoulders and spend my days in thin, gauzy frocks in Easter egg colours doesn't mean that I'm dying for spring. Le sigh. Okay, okay. You got me. J.Crew's lovely dresses have given me the itch and as much as I am a sweater and boots kind of girl, I have a serious yen for prettiness and femininity again instead of heavy layers and utilitarian warmth! Bring on the sun!

(ps- We have had the mildest winter here in Vancouver, seriously. This is hugely ironic as the Winter Olympic Games are set to start here in two weeks!)