Fall Hair Trends: The Messy Bun

Seen on the runways of Chanel, Alberto Ferretti, and Narcisco Rodriguez, 'the messy bun' is this fall's version of the up-do. The look, which is simply chic and offers an air of confidence is super fast and easy to do. Pull your hair back into a mid of low pony tail and secure it with an elastic, wrapping it around and fastening it with a bobby pin. The messier the better so you really can't go wrong!!! If my hair was a little bit longer, I would totally  love to wear this messy bun for fall. 

elle.com

Love,

Karen

Fall's Top Trends - The Wild West

Since the first week of fall is now upon us, I thought I would begin the round up of my favorite fall trends. One of my favorite trends this fall is the wild west. From Lanvin's floppy hats, to Isabel Marant's fringe boots, to Dsquared's salloon girls, there is definitely a western vibe for fall. I think the best way to wear this trend is to limit the western inspired gear and pair it with other 'city' style gear. So saddle up and keep your eyes open for some great western gear!!

Lanvin via Style.com

Isabel Marant via Style.com

 

DSquared via Style.com

XOX,

Karen

Signs of Change

Well fall is finally upon us, which always means big changes around our household. Soon it will be time to pack up our things and head back to the city. We will again be heading back to St. John's Newfoundland which I am so excited about. The city, located on an island off the east coast of Canada, feels like a secret little gem just waiting to be discovered. And although I have enjoyed everything about the prairies this summer, I am excited to smell the humid salty air and hear the amazing sound of the waves crashing up against the shore. 

One thing that our life of moving every six months has taught me, is that you have to enjoy and take it your surroundings where ever you are. So for now, I will enjoy the prairie harvest air, the most fantastic sunsets in the world, the the changing colors of leaves to brilliant hues of yellow, orange and red and of course my family which I always miss when I go away!! I am not sure if everybody would enjoy our lifestyle of moving all the time, but I love it and I wouldn't change it for the world. 

Suede Jacket: Vera Moda

Shirt: Zara

Pants: Zara

Sandals: Sam Edelman

Happy first week of fall.

Karen

Alexa Chung for Madewell - Fall 2011

For the second time, Madewell and Alexa Chung (my favorite stye icon) have collaborated to bring us another amazing collection. The line, which is the epitomy of casual chic, is available today at madewell.com. If you haven't yet checked it out, I suggest you do, as last time the entire lines was sold out in days!! I have my eye on the cute bell bottom jeans and the polk-a-dot dress!! 

Happy Shopping,

Karen

Isabel Marant vs. Dolce Vita

As some of my dedicated readers may know, I have been in love with these western inspired Dickie boots by Isabel Marant (a french designer) for quite some time. But since they are a bit over my budget and they are virtually sold out every where, I was unable to buy them. Even though I was not able to get the rare single malt scotch of boots (Isabel Marant's), I was able to get the blended Irish whiskey version which are appropriately named Jamison's. And like  Jamison's whiskey, they are perfect for everyday use, just as reliable and of course readily available. I ordered them last week and now I am anxiously awaiting their arrival in the mail and I can't wait!!

Love,
Karen

Harvest Time....

I haven't been doing much as of late, except for harvesting our grain/bees on the farm.  So, when I saw this old grain truck in our neighbors yard, I just knew this was the perfect location for my weekly photo shoot. And although I don't wear these cute, light colored clothes in the field, I do my hair everyday and I try to dress somewhat nice as I think it is important to feel good about yourself, no matter what you are doing. And even though I don't get to dress like this everyday, it makes me enjoy the times that I do get to even more!!

Aran Sweater: Joe Fresh

Polk-a-dot shirt: Joe Fresh

Skirt: United Colors of Benetton

Socks: Joe Fresh

Clogs: Sanita

XOX,

Karen

Travel Destination: Morocco

I woke up this morning thinking about Morocco. And although I have never been there I could almost taste the fresh squeezed orange juice and hear the morning call to prayer. If I could be whisked away for the weekend, I would love to walk through the busy, colorful markets and find deserted little alleys that look like this. Morocco is definitely on my list of places to be!!

source

Happy Weekend,

Karen

Backpacks in Blue

Backpacks are currently on a comeback, unfortunately a little late for me. All throughout my university degree I had a one shoulder leather satchel to carry my laptop and books, refusing to give into the dreaded backpack. Often wishing that I could switch it up for a comfortable backpack. Now, almost five years later, there are an abundance of cute backpacks out there.  Luckily for me, backpacks are no longer for school going kids but make a practical and cool accessory for any occasion. And I for one am going to get in on this little trend! Here are some of my top picks for backpacks this season...

Since it's debut in 1978, the Fjallraven has kept generations of Swedes stylishly equipped for school. Now hitting the streets around the world, the classic Fjallraven design, which is available in a variety of colors, is the perfect bag any occasion.

Shabd x Baggu

Brooklyn-based designer Shabd Simon-Alexander's who has been instrumental in brining back tie-dyes has teamed up with CH favorite Baggu, creating a trendy and  affordable line of totes and backpacks in a variety of colors.

Handmade in Germany, this mini canoe Seil Marschall backpack would be great to have for a day trip or your daily commute to work!! Love it  
         

Love,

Karen

Fall's Top Trends - Colored Jeans

If you have been shopping in the past few weeks, I am sure that you noticed one of Fall's brightest trends - colored jeans! When we were in Vancouver this summer, I fell in love with a J-Brand pair of red jeans. I reluctantly left the beautiful red jeans at the Aritzia store because I felt like $210 was a bit pricy for jeans that I will probably get sick of before they wear out. I thought that on the off chance that I might be able to find them cheaper somewhere else.


Fast forward a few weeks to when Dominic and I were in Mexico. Since Dominic was attending a conference, I had an ample amount of time to go shopping. If anyone has ever spent time in a large Mexican city, you will know that the shopping in amazing due to the abundance of stores owned by Spanish clothing giant Indetex.  While I was familiar with Zara, Mango and Berschka, I was delighted to find that they had another store called Pull and Bear. The store, which offers clothes similar to Zara's trf is where I found my red jeans for only $30!!!

I picked up this little gem of a purse in Mexico at a little leather stand. It was handmade in the state of Chiapas and is genuine leather. 

tank top: T. Babaton (from Aritzia)

red jeans: Pull and Bear

clogs: Sanita

purse: hand made from Mexico

Love,

Karen

Beet Borscht Recipe

September in Saskatchewan has been amazing thus far. Not only because it has been over 30c for the past week but also because we have been harvesting and eating the food from our garden. Our garden has been so productive this year that we are struggling to find things to make with our food before it goes bad. As a result we have been canning and jarring a bunch of different recipes so that we can have garden goodness throughout the cold long winter. This borscht recipe, which is a recipe from my grandmother Sophie, is the most delicious soup ever and almost every item is from the garden. So, if you are still looking for healthy ways to preserve your garden vegetables, I suggest you give it a try!!

Borscht Recipe
1 onion
1 small cabbage
beats
carrots
peas
beans
1 pound fresh tomatoes or 3 large cans of tomatoes
1Tbsp vinegar
1 Tbsp white sugar
1 large hand full of fresh dill


1. Chop onion and cabbage into small pieces and fry in butter or olive oil until cooked thoroughly
2. Chop remaining vegetables into bite sized pieces and add into pot. There is no set amount of vegetables so you can decide how much you want to add, based on what you like best.
3. Add tomatoes into pot and then add enough water into the pot to cover the vegetables.
4. Simmer until the vegetables are cooked and then add vinegar, sugar, dill, and salt and pepper to taste
5. Add a dollop of sour cream on top of each bowl and serve!


Enjoy!! Have a happy weekend!!


XOX,
Karen




P.S - If you are looking for more healthy recipes you should check out my friend Erica's blog -Organic Chatter!! She is a naturopath is training based out of Sydney Australia and has tons of good advice and recipes to offer!! 

Emerson Made Fall 2011

It is forecast for sunny and hot weather for the next week which, means that it is way to early to begin thinking about winter coats but Emerson made just launched the most amazing collection of coats which I couldn't resist posting!! Plus, as Canadians who are forced to bear the elements for over six months of the year, I feel that it is important to have a wide selection of coats to choose from. As an essential part of your outfit which has to be worn everyday, your coat should match or at least compliment the rest of your outfit! So if you are in the market for a new winter coat, look no further because these Emerson Made coats are to die for!!

I think this coat is absoulte perfection. The shade of olive green which you will never tire of and it has the perfect amount of fur on the collar - just enough to say that I know what cool this season but i dont want to show off. 

I love the 1960's vibe of this velvet daycoat!! Suitable for any occasion!!

Not only does this camel color coat the perfect length to keep you warm on those cool winter days and the pink lining will make you smile every single time you put on!! Love it!!

Which one do you like best??

XOX,

Karen

Blanco y Blanco

How do you wear your hair at the beach?? I like to be able to go swimming in the water without worrying how my hair is going to look when I get out of the water. Although my previous haircuts did not allow me to do this, my current hair cut, which is a bit longer, was perfect for the beach. I was able to put my hair up in this cute little bun and it basically looked the same at the end of the day. Plus, this was a great way to keep my bangs from off of my face which helped to keep me cool in the hot hot weather!! I would love to hear how you wear your hair at the beach??

On a side note, I am really sad to report that I lost these amazing linen pants from United Colors of Benetton. And despite many phone calls to try to Mexico to try to locate them, they seem to be gone which is super sad because this was the first and only time I ever got to wear them!! But alas, there will be more pants!

Pants: United Colors of Benneton

Bikini: Joe Fresh

Sunglasses: Rayban

Love,

Karen

Fall Inspiration

I love how effortlessly chic this couple looks!! As my hair gets longer and longer, I am constantly searching for a medium length hair cut and as such I am finding myself smitten with her haircut and color!! Do you like it??

Photo via The Satorialist

Happy Friday,

Karen

We're Back From Mexico....

We are back from Mexico....with our skin a lit bit more tanned and our spirits rejuvenated by the beauty of the Mexican culture. Although the trip started off on a bit of a bad note with Dominic losing his wallet, the rest of the trip was absolutely perfect. The sun was hot hot hot, the city of Merida was enchantingly colonial and the water at the beach was almost a fluorescent blue!!

We ate lots and lots of palettas (a Mexican Popsicle-like treat) to stay cool....

We visited Chichen Itza - one of the largest Mayan Pyramids and ruins in the world

We also stayed in a beautiful boutique hotel el posada del sol which is right on the beach....

and hung out in the hammock...

and with each other....

and of course drank lots of sangria and margaritas...

Since Dominic (aka my photographer) was busy organizing his Toxicology conference, of which he was the hit of the show, was unable to take that many outfit posts when we were down there. But I will post the few that I got, in the next few days.


XOX,
Karen