Gina Tricot's New Online Store

Gina Tricot recently opened an online store!!! However, this trendy store, which is based out of Sweden only ships throughout Europe. While this is unfortunate for those of us that live in North America, we will just have to wait for them to expand their shipping horizons. But, lucky for me I have a brother in law that lives in France and has agreed to let me ship some clothes there!! Yay!!

So when I saw the Ellen Coat, I was absolutely thrilled as it is an amazing cut and the price is definitely right! I love the oversized look of the coat, I just hope that I ordered the right size! I will keep you updated!

If you love the look of this cut and you live in North America, Zara has a navy blue wool coat that has a very similar cut!

Love,

Karen

Wall Art: Waiting

Even though it is only September, I am starting to really miss summer. So, I have been looking for some art that would be a constant reminder of the hot, sunny, summery days. This photo, from 20X200, titled 'Waiting' emanates the very essence of surfing and reminds me of the countless hours I spent sitting on the beautiful sunny beaches in the endless summer of Mexico watching my husband surf!! Plus, I think it would look great in our white on white house!

Love,

Karen

Fall's Top Prints: Camouflage

The military trend is super big for Fall 2012 and as a result camo is quickly becoming one of this season's top prints. This super versatile camouflage cotton jacket can be paired with just about anything from a little dress to leggings!! The camo jacket gives a  a hard edgy look when worn with a pretty feminine dress and when worn with the pants, the jacket emanates a casual military style (which is all the rage this season). And since this seasons camo jacket is meant to be on the baggy side, it is great for layering and perfect for fall. 

Source: Carolines mode, graziadialy and Pacific-Atlantic

I just ordered this camo jacket from Topshop and I cannot wait until it arrives.  I will post some pics as soon as it arrives!!

Have a lovely day,

Karen

Leather Jackets for Fall

Summer is slowly slipping away as the weather is starting to cool down and the leaves are starting to change to a color spectrum reminiscent of plump pumpkins. Although I will miss the hot days of summer, Fall is by far my favorite fashion season! 

I know that I have been MIA for most of the summer season, but sometimes life just happens and before I knew it, summer was over and I hadn't made any posts on the blog. But now that I am getting an itch for fall shopping, I am also feeling an urge to blog again as it keeps me (and hopefully you) inspired.

I have been searching up and down the internet for the perfect leather jacket for fall. And I came across this Trouve Quilted Leather Biker Jacket from Nordstrom. I love the burgundy color, the detail on the shoulders and not to mention the price point, which is amazing. This may be a winner!! What do you think? Black or Burgundy?

Love,

Karen

white on white decorations: lilacs

We are back at our sweet little summer cottage and we were lucky enough to arrive home just in time for the lilac bloom. The white lilacs, which are from our back garden, have made the perfect decoration these last few weeks. So if you are looking to create that white on white effect, nothing is easier than cutting some fresh flowers from your garden and putting them in a vase or even a glass canning jar which I used.

Love,
Karen

Summer Trends: Accessorizing

As I have mentioned numerous times before, my brother is getting married this summer. You may remember that I fell in love with this dress but I finally came to the realization that I couldn't afford it. But not worry, I found another really pretty but basic navy blue silk dress at Club Monaco. And although  navy blue is not really a summer color and it is definitely not the color of the season, I think that a few trendy accessories will give the dress an updated modern look. I actually think that this rule would apply to any classic black or navy blue dress - hence the little black dress that lasts for years and can still turn heads!

The key is to choose accessories that were inspired by one of the major trends of the season. This summer, I have been inspired by desert, Navajo, bohemian chic trend which has an amazing color pallet that often combines blues and corals. And when I saw these amazing Sigerson Morison tangerine shoes at The Block in Vancouver I just knew that they would be the perfect contrast to the navy blue as they will add that little bit of umph that is missing from the dress.

Cheers,

Karen

West of West

Due to our busy and slightly different work schedules, Dominic and I have not had much time to hang out together since we moved to Vancouver Island.  So, this weekend, we decided to take a bit of time off and we took a drive to the West Coast where we visited Tofino and Bamfield, both of which are known as 'end of the line towns', meaning that they are as far West as you can go in Canada.  

We have spent alot of time in Tofino and we love it for its laid-back surfing culture and great restaurants. Bamfield, however was a completely new experience as we have never been there before. And after the 2.5 hour drive on a bumpy, steep, dusty gravel road we were elated to end up at the treasure of a town. Full of sweet little cottages over looking the Pacific Ocean, Bamfeild is full of west coast charm and old growth forest and an amazing group of funny, educated and environmentally friendly locals!

Our little holiday was made even better by the fact that we met our wonderful friends, Mark and Shanti, in Bamfield. We first met this beauty of a couple in Newfoundland about a year and a half ago but it feels like we have known them forever. And since we have not seen them since Christmas, it was so nice to see them in their element as we spent the weekend hanging out with them in their home town of Bamfield. While Shanti and I had some quality girl time hiking around nearby beaches, Dominic and Mark went surfing to some boat access only spots. All in all, we had an amazing weekend with lots of good food and good conversation. 

On the first day of our mini holiday, we had some amazing Island weather as it was sunny and 29 degrees. As such, I thought it would be the perfect occasion to pull out my CM linen poncho which is currently my favorite item in my closet. And although I will probably not be attending any festivals this summer, this outfit was inspired by the Sasquathch, a music festival that occurred in  Washington this past weekend. And since a true festival look is all about accessorizing, I threw on a few friendship bracelets and and my new ring! 

Poncho: Club Monaco

Jean Shorts: Levis

Sandals: Birkenstocks

Bonnie Bracelet: Club Monaco

Ring: Club Monaco

Love,

Karen

Pink Jeans

Light pink jeans are a must have this summer and I have been swooning over them for quite some time now! But after this photo of the super stylish Caroline form carolinesmode.se, I absolutely need to have them! 

I have narrowed my choices down to a few top picks including J Brands Baby Pink Skinny Jeans and Alice and Olivia's light pink skinny jeans!Do you have pink jeans? Are you going to get some this summer?

Cheers,

Karen

Theodora and Callum

Scarves aren't just for winter anymore!!! These lightweight and gorgeously printed scarves from Theodora and Callum are the perfect summer accessory. "Drawing inspiration from Morocco, Bali, Turkey, India and the Mediterranean as well as the bon vivant mentality of the late 60’s and early 70’s European jet-set, each style feels as if it has been discovered in a far-off locale." 

The scarves are super versatile and can be worn in a variety of ways. Check out this video for some summer scarf inspiration!

Cheers,

Karen

Spring's Top Trends: Maxi Skirts

Maxi skirts are quickly becoming one of the most popular trends this season. I for one am definitely jumping on the maxi train as they are not only stylish but they are super functional for the following reasons. 

• First, a good maxi skirt will keep you cool during the hot summer days and warm for the cool Canadian nights. 
• Second, although they encompass a lot of material, maxi skirts create the most amazing hour glass figure leaving just enough to the imagination. 
• Third, there are so many amazing prints out there so your options for the perfect maxi dress will be endless.

Finally, I will leave you with one more tip, make sure you get the right length skirt for your body. If you are going for a floor length make sure it just touches the floor but doesn't drag behind you. If the skirt is a little shorter, go for an ankle length look but be sure that it covers your ankles and wear some super cute shoes/boots to make it look like it is supposed to be that long. So, get out there and find the perfect on for you! I picked up this skirt at Zara and not only is the cut amazing but the print in right on trend! 

Scarf: Club Monaco

Tank: Vintage Club Monaco

Skirt: Zara

Shoes: Handmade in Argentina

Cheers,

Karen

Just In: Minnetonkas

I think that walking is the best form of transportation, at least for short distances. Not only is it great for the environment, but it is also a great form of exercise which keeps the body looking great and most important healthy. I TRY to walk as much as possible but there is just one problem with that...my shoes tend to wear our really fast. And even though I may not be ready to get rid of my old shoes, it is always great to get some new shoes! I recently came to the conclusion that a pair of frye flats I always ware are completely worn out as they hurt my feet every time I wear them. Yesterday, I replaced them with these cute little minnetonka moccasins! They are called the El Paso and must say that I love the extra modern aztec detail! What are you wearing on your feet these days?

Love,

Karen

Banana Bread Recipe

I woke up this morning to a dreary, rainy and cold day and since I had a few old bananas kicking around I decided to bake some banana bread for breakfast. I must say that there are few better things than warming up the house with the comfort of banana bread. And the best part is that it makes the house smell wonderful all day long! Here is the recipe I used in case you might like to do the same! Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose_flour
1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated_sugar
2 tsp (10 mL) baking_powder
1 tsp (5 mL) baking_soda
Pinch salt
1 cup (250 mL) chocolate chips
2 cups (500 mL) mashed ripe bananas
1/2 cup (125 mL) butter, melted 
1/4 cup (50 mL) milk
2 eggs

Preparation

In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt ; add chocolate chips. In separate bowl, whisk together bananas, butter, milk and eggs; pour over flour mixture and stir just until blended. Spread in greased 9- x 5-inch (2 L) loaf pan.

Bake in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool in pan on rack for 15 minutes. Turn out onto rack; let cool completely. (Make-ahead: Wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or overwrap with heavy-duty foil and freeze for up to 2 weeks.)

Recipe from Canadian Living

Love,

Karen

Spring has Sprung

We have been so busy lately that we haven't had much time to do any photo shoots. But alas, we managed to make time for some photos and even though it was raining, the pretty pink cherry blossoms seem to exude happiness. I have really been enjoying Spring on the West Coast as the weather has been amazingly warm and the flowers seem to brighten each day!

I have to say that I am absolutely in love with this dress. Since I got it over a month ago, I have worn it so many times. The open back and the twirling factor make me feel like a ballerina, and an age appropriate one at that! Hope you are enjoying the spring flowers as much as I am!! 

What I am wearing:

Dress: Club Monaco

Scarf: CLub Monaco

Boots: Frye

Jean Jacket: Gap

Cheers,

Karen

Silk Pajama Pants: Two Ways

What are your thoughts on the silk pajama pant trend? At first, I wasn't so sure that I liked it but it seems to be growing on me. And now that Club Monaco is carrying a great pair of grey silk pajama pants, I am starting to think about how they can be worn. First off, I think they will be pretty versatile piece in anyones wardrobe, as they can be worn with a tank on hot days or a long sleeved silk button up shirt when it cools down at night! Second, since the pants are pretty loose and flowy, I think it is going to be key to wear a slim fitting shirt on the top. Not only will this give your body some definition but it will also help to create the desired pajama pant look of the season!! 

Tibi's Spring 2012 RTW collection is a great example of how to rock the pajama pant!  

Love,

Karen

Garden Inspiration

We are almost finished renovating our little Swedish Cottage in Saskatchewan. I am absolutely thrilled with how the renovations turned out as the house has successfully been transformed into a Swedish Cottage in the heart of Saskatchewan. But now that the house looks so good from the inside and out, it has made our backyard look a bit barren. And even though we have done a bit of work outside, I think the backyard could use a full make-over.

Since our house is pretty tiny, we use our backyard as an extension of our house, almost like another room. As such, I think it is important the backyard theme flows with that of the inside. As you all know, our house is decorated in a white on white Swedish cottage theme, so I would like to keep that cottage feel in the backyard as well. I love the serene cottage vibe that these gardens invoke and I would love to have my backyard garden look like this one day! Do you like to spend time in your backyard? 

Source

Love,

Karen

Chevron Potato Stamping

I hope you all had a great weekend. We spent the past few days on the mainland visiting with my grandpa and aunt. I grew up seeing my grandpa every day and it is such a treat to have him so close to us here on the West Coast. I feel so lucky to still have my grandparents as they have so much wisdom to share and so many lessons to teach! Were you close to your grandparents when you were growing up?  

I am feeling sort of crafty today and I may just attempt to make one of these super cute chevron potato prints. Made from a potatoe and a few different colors of paint, this chevron print looks like it would be so simple to create and would definitely spice up the bare walls in our house! Click Here for the full instructions!

Love, 
Karen

La Serena

I am super excited that my youngest brother is getting married this summer. The wedding is going to take place in a beautiful meadow overlooking the rocky mountains. I have recently started to look for the perfect dress to go with setting I think that it would be nice for the dress to be flowy, maybe a pretty pastel, but definitely elegant.  

I was super happy when I found this pleated chiffon dress from Tibi as fits all of my dress requirements. Plus, this dress would also be the perfect way to indulge in the Oceans Trend that is so big this summer. Accessorized with coral accents, the mermaid vibe that this outfit emanates might just be the perfect contrast for the summer mountain meadow! 

Are you attending any weddings this summer? Do you have your dress yet? If so, what does it look like?

Cheers,

Karen

Spring 2012 for Madewell

I have been swooning over Madewell's Spring 2012 collection. With a bit of a Parisian vibe, I love the all of the pastels, especially the pink jeans, which are on my list of things to buy this spring/summer. And what about those overalls? I think I could live in them on my days off this summer! What do you think?

Cheers,

Karen

How to Trim Your Own Bangs

I really love my bangs but I am not such a fan of getting them trimmed at the salon. Despite the fact that most salons now give free bang trims, I don't really enjoy the entire experience of going into the salon, sitting in the chair etc. There are just so many other things that I would rather be doing. So instead of going in for bang trims in between my hair cuts, I have been cutting my own bangs. I thought  I would share a quick tutorial on how to trim your own bangs as I also learned alot from it! Have you or would you ever trim your own bangs?

Love,

Karen

All Saints in Seattle

I hope you all had a great Easter weekend. Dominic and I definitely had a great time as my parents-in-law came out to the coast for a visit. While they were here we took a high speed ferry over to Seattle, Washington. And although we didn't see the Easter Bunny, I must say that Seattle is one of the most diverse and refreshing cities I have ever been to. We ate some delicious meals, in some pretty cool restaurants/bars, while listening to some grunge music, in some pretty rad areas. 

Oh yeah, the shopping was also fantastic!! I was even introduced to a few new stores, such as All Saints. Although I have previously seen All Saints on-line, it was the first time that I have  actually ever been in an All Saints store and I fell in love with almost everything, especially the outer wear. The leather jackets were amazing as were the desert parkas. Although I didn't end up buying either, as they were both fairly hefty purchases, I can't get them off my mind, so I thought I would share them with you. I am deciding between these two leather jackets (the strabler or the walker). If I had tons of money...I would just buy them both.....Which one do you prefer?

Cheers,
Karen

Dressing Room??

A room like this one would be the perfect start to any day. Wouldn't you love to have an entire room dedicated to getting dressed? If I ever build a house, I will definitely include one of these into the floor plans!

Source

Hugs and Kisses,

Karen

black and white with a touch of pastel

Check out this great Swedish home. The owners Sara and Kristian, have utilized black and white as their base color but have also added a bit of pastel to add a pop of color. Simple, yet fun and I must say that I love it!

 Source

Cheers,

Karen