Getaway

My former coworker Tatiana is organizing a girls weekend at her cabin, which reminded me that I need new luggage since my own pieces have been banged up on my trips to Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Europe. For weekenders, I prefer using the smallest bag possible to avoid unnecessary empty space (especially when there will be no possibility of shopping) and this 17.5" suitcase with light-up wheels would be perfect:

xcase Mini from Heys

Celebrate good times, come on!

Tonight I will be going to my good friend Elisse's stagette (aka bachelorette party aka hen night in some parts of the world) to celebrate her last few days of singlehood. Although we are dressing up for a sophisticated evening out, what would be better for a celebration than party tights? Wear these with a mini to maximize their wow factor:

Hanalei tights from ModCloth

Let there be light

My fascination with lighting did not surface until I visited my friend Tania in Toronto last May. When we were shopping along Queen Street East, I noticed a lighting store and was transfixed by the beautiful designs I saw through the window. Unfortunately the store was closed that day, but I knew right away that if I lived in Toronto I would pick my lighting from there.

This glamourous long chandelier from the Luminous collection suits me well because it combines simplicity with a little, (okay, a lot of) sparkle. Perfect for a dining room table!

Crystal chandelier from Vienna Full Spectrum

An anteater for an auntie

I picked up a plush bunny for my friend Aimee's baby (due in November) and had to share the wonderful selection available. There are giraffes, dragons, kangaroos, and many more. This one is my favourite aside from the one I bought:

Amanzo the Anteater from Happy Horse

A whiter shade of pale

When we were in Vienna last year, my friend Gurvinder and I banded together in what felt like an extended scavenger hunt. She was after sexy stilettos to wear to the opera and I was looking for a store called Liska because one of their adverts featured this white patent bag. After a half day of wandering in the 1st district, she settled on a pair of Ferragamo heels and I learned that the well hidden luxury store was closed. At least we got some good exercise out of it!

From Yves Saint Laurent

An envied coat

I am hugely in love with the Canadian outerwear label Soïa & Kyo after my good friend Tania introduced me to it in 2007. I was visiting her after she had temporarily relocated to Toronto when I came across one of their signature assymmetrical coats. Short story: she got one in white and I got one in black. I visited her again the following year and got myself two more coats because they masterfully blended classic lines with modern esthetics into some very unique styles.

What I like about this coat from the spring/summer 2009 line is the feminine detailing - there is a nipped in waist, flaring at the bottom, and a bow at the back... It is available in black, white, and green, and although the green would be the hardest to integrate into my wardrobe, I think it's the best looking one:

Ami coat from Soïa & Kyo

A way to show off that pedicure

My friend Gurvinder introduced me to Giuseppe Zanotti shoes while we were travelling in Croatia (Split to be exact) and I think these black booties are rather fabulous. They are like the lovechild of a zebra and a paper lantern and are super duper sexy:

From Giuseppe Zanotti Design