the ever sweet wrist candy

There is something that has always drawn me to those females that have their signature wrists adorned with a watch, bracelets and bangles, appearing nonchalant yet so put together at the same time. Starting in the 90's in the days of friendship bracelets and power beads, I was queen of all wrist candy. I had power beads in every colour and a braided embroidery bracelet from every friend. I would say a long time fascination and girl envy of this particular style has forced me to better understand what would Arin-ify and allow me to execute such a style in the here and now. 

Personally my current style self enjoys starting with a watch of choice (silver, gold, black leather, brown leather or rose gold) and build around it from there. I have taken a liking to the addition of leather bands but have also enjoy the addition of beads, pearls, bangles and cuffs. That is, not all at the same time though. Less is more and more is more with this one... yet again, another customized style choice for you.

Watch Leather Combo

Watch: Michael Kors Silver Oversized Runway Watch

Band: Club Monaco Leather Wrap Strap

Watch Bangle Combo

Right Wrist Lowest Bangle: Michael Kors Buckle Bangle

Left Wrist Watch: Montre Britannia- Anthropologie

Simple Cuffs
Silver Cuffs: Kenneth Cole New York Silver Sculptural Hinged Bangle Bracelet

Bangle Cuff Combo
Top bangle: Kate Spade New York Idiom Bangles
Center Black Cuff: Swarovski Intervalle Wide Galuchat Pattern Bangle

Cuffs Cuffs Cuffs
Bottom Cuff: Celine Urban Bracelet
Top Cuff: Leather Hardware Bracelet

"You're never fully dressed without a little wrist candy.... and a smile"

kicks aren't just for kids

Throughout my "travelling life" I have developed this love for wandering the streets of unfamiliar cities (during daylight of course) not necessarily with a destination but always ending up on an adventure. Spending hours upon hours of walking along sidewalks and walkways while losing track of time often sparked my curiosity and sense of wonder within each city. Well if I’m being totally honest, what will often begin as curiosity and wonder usually ends up me, lost, trying to find my way back to my hotel, hostel or bus depot and what began as a stroll turns into a full on 10K hike.

Now during these expeditions in Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Francisco or any of the other cities, I have learned my lesson as to styling my outfit of the day with less than practical shoes.  Nothing puts a damper on an afternoon of shopping, dance drop-in’s or city exploration like blistered and bruised feet. 

That being said I love that as far as fashion goes sneakers aren’t confined to gym class and the playground. One can always count on the classic sneaker brands to deliver; however designers of all kinds are now also on this casual street style bandwagon. 

Ultimately, you and your chucks can head out on the town... any town... in the upmost comfort and style.

Left: New Balance- 574 Trainers (asos.com)

Top Center: Keds- Champion Originals (keds.com)

Top Right: Nike- Blazer Mid Suede Trainers (asos.com)

Bottom Right: Converse- Chuck Taylor Classic Colours- (converse.com)

Top Left: Similar Style to: SeaVees- Baja Slip-on Surfari (6pm.com)

Bottom Left: Jimmy Choo- Demi Slip-On Trainers (jimmychoo.com)

Top Right: Fred Perry- Phoenix Canvas Plimsoll (fredperry.us)

Bottom Right: Superga- 2750 Cotu Classic (superga-usa.com)

tote guide: for the starving student

So the term "starving student" has floated around me for more than half a decade now. Spending the large majority of my post secondary education living on my own, I feel as though I have very seriously and quickly learned the value of a dollar. All that being said I have equally as quickly learned the importance of a good carry-all tote. 

Now we all know the enjoyment of carrying around a classy Alexander Wang, a fun-loving Kate Spade or a popular Marc Jacobs but realistically when considering the price tag, do you really want to run the risk of spilling in that silk lining or snapping a pricey leather strap under the weight of your textbooks, Macbook, water bottle, notebooks and whatever else your day of academics calls for?

This weeks post is for all of you readers that are trapped in the world of student loans, credit card debt, part time income and all those other fashion debilitating situations but still want that enjoyment of having something slung over your shoulder day in and day out carrying all your needs, that's on trend and fashion forward. 

Personally, my Black Michael Kors Tote which I got on sale at the North Outlet Mall in Vegas for a whopping $80.00, took me through a good portion of my undergrad. Now beaten to a pulp and looking less than black, it has done its job and did so stylishly (while it lasted).  

I hope you find your perfect carry-all for all your goodies because let's be honest, the nicest carry-all's aren't always the most practical carry-all's when it comes to carrying-it-ALL.  

For the sake of shoppers convenience (as per a Minot blonde beauty's suggestion) I'll be featuring the links and prices to each piece so you can pop them in your shopping cart and have them being shipped to you before you even make it through the remainder of this post. (For all you less patient folk like myself don't forget "Express Shipping")

Top: Market Tote- Herschel- $59.99

Bottom Left: Strawberry Shopper- Browns- $85.00 $69.98

Bottom Right: Boshard- Spring- $45.00

Left: Pocketfront Padlock Shopper- Warehouse- $71.00

Top Right: Zip Tote Bag- Mango- $99.95

Middle Right: Trinny Strappy Colour Block TO- Oasis- $63.00

Bottom Right: Printed Horses Leather Shopper Bag- French Connection- $148.00 $59.99

Left: "Le Pliage- Large" Tote Bag- Longchamp- $168.22

Top Right: Carry Me Om Tote- lululemon- $128.00

Bottom Right: Hemlock Wool Tote- Etsy- $135.00

cuddled up in cable knits

As I watched the snow fall long and hard yesterday afternoon I couldn't help but get nostalgic of home and the true beauty of winter that Winnipeg brings. Now before I get hate mail from my Winnipeg friends who are enduring a record-setting cold often minus forty winter, the beauty of winter I'm talking about are those Saturday afternoons where it's a mild temperature, there is nearly no wind, and snow is falling in fat fluffy pieces in an almost playful dance-like way. Think: The perfect day to skate at the Forks or toboggan at the floodway .

 Before heading out of the house I found myself reaching for what I'd like to refer to as my University Uniform from my days going to the University of Winnipeg downtown. That cozy, warm, oversized, {insert other joyful, fuzzy adjectives} knit sweater. 

The beauty of this piece #1~ it can create a feeling. 

When was the last time someone insulted you on the coziness of your sweater? There is something happy about getting cuddled up in a cable knit. 

Left: Unisex Oversized Fisherman Turtleneck- American Apparel (AmericanApparel.net)

Top Right: Hope Grand Sweater- Polyvore (polyvore.com)

Middle Right: Braided Square Cut Sweater- Zara (Zara.com)

Bottom Right: Source: Jakavo.tumblr, via: Pinterest

The beauty of this piece #2 ~ the possibilities are endless. 

I personally steer away from wool (itch, itch) and head for cotton or cashmere (I'm a sucker for softness) but really there is no wrong way . As my best friends Alexa and Kara can vouch for this, I am inevitably drawn to cream coloured sweaters (after my purchase of two on a five day trip) but again, this is your style so dress to you. 

Left: Source: TheyAllHateUs (feedly.com), via: Pinterest 

Top Center Beige Flat Knitted Sweater- Anine Bing (AnineBing.com)

Bottom Center: Source: 24.media.tubmblr, via: Pinterest

Right: Metallic Coated Cotton-Blend Sweater- STELLA MCCARTNEY (net-a-porter.com)

The beauty of this piece #3 ~ this is peoples hobby.

If you can't find "the perfect one for you" it's likely you can find someone with a killer pair of knitting needles to craft you your own personalized piece. During my stay in North Dakota last year I crafted this black wide neck oversized cotton sweater which is my own rendition of a Donna Karen I had seen online. Now knitting is likely not for everyone in the hussle-bussel that is life however it's likely there is someone in your iPhone contact list or friends on Facebook that uses this activity as a pastime. 

So after your sweaters on, grab your tea tumbler, your Sorels and your toque cause it's only February and we still have a few months of winter to go.