Hunter vs. Hunter

I was gallivanting around Yorkville today when something in the Capezio window stopped me in my tracks. At first glance, the Hunter boots peering out at me looked like the Hunter x Jimmy Choo croc-printed wellies I was wearing. Upon closer inspection though, I realized the print was not at all the same; in fact, to be honest, I was rather turned off by what looked to me like fish scale printed rubber. I was dismayed by what I saw, and it was not until I got home and checked out the description of the newly released Hunter Carnabys on the Hunter website that I realized the print was meant to be boa snakeskin, not fish scales. My bad. And Hunters' too...for putting out what, in my eyes, is one hideous pair of boots. These are not a suitable alternative to the Hunter x Jimmy Choo boots. This little rant isn't me feeling slighted by Hunter releasing similar boots to my beloved Hunter x Jimmy Choos, because I don't even see them as being in the same realm. If I were to suggest a lower cost alternative to the Hunter x Jimmy Choos, it wouldn't be these...I'd stick to the Hunter Originals.

xx, S

Hey There, Sailor

My very first collage! It's the result of a full on raiding of Net-a-porter with the search terms "stripes" and "navy and gold", because I am obsessed with all things nautical right now (more so than usual is what I mean). In the middle of the collage is the Sonia by Sonia Rykiel striped bow intarsia sweater I'm coveting that they regrettably did not do a version of for the H&M collaboration launching later this month. The McQ by Alexander McQueen skirt with gold buttons that I ordered from The Outnet last week (my first Outnet purchase!) as part of my newfound desire to add more skirts to the wardrobe is featured (under the sun hat)...I love it! I also included a McQueen skull scarf in a navy/ivory colour combination that maybe I wish I picked up rather than the grey/ivory...but then again maybe not. Oh, and those Lanvin flats with the corded detailing and that Anya Hindmarch anchor tote up in the corner? Beyond cute and perfect for vacation wear.

This collage, plus the innumerable Breton-striped tops I've amassed over the past little while, are proof that my affinity to nautical-inspired clothing and accessories may be becoming an unhealthy obsession. If I continue down this path, my closet will be so overwhelmed with navy stripes I'll be liable to getting seasick.

xx, S

Coveting from the Backseat: Stella McCartney Lace Jacket

Coolspotters.com

I'm so spoiled this season. The stores are filled to the brim with some of my most favourite things, because they've been deemed trends for the Spring. Never have I seen so many nautical-themed garments - I'm diving head first into a sea of striped shirts and captain jackets. And lace, the most romantic and sexy fabric of all, is everywhere and I'm in lace heaven. Lace tops, lace leggings, lace skirts...yes please! I'm trying not to go overboard though. I already picked up a BCBG black lace turtleneck (sounds like a bit of an oxymoron, but it's fantastic) from the end-of-season sale at the Bay, have lace leggings I bought early on in the Fall, and have an off-season Nanette Lepore ivory lace tank I'm ready to break out of the closet again.

The only essential (I use this word very loosely) remaining is a lace jacket, and I've been feverishly searching for the perfect one. Good news is, I found it. Be still my heart - this Stella McCartney lace jacket is just...I have no words. No articulate ones anyway that adequately describe how beyond perfect it is. 'Exquisite' seems like an understatement. Bad news is, it's Stella McCartney. I have nothing against her (love her, in fact), except that it means that it says $3,365 on the price tag. My heart sinks. Oh sure, I can just go on my merry way and continue with my lace jacket search, except that I can't. You know when you come across something so amazing that you can't have for whatever reason, and then nothing else you see thereafter ever even comes close to being a suitable replacement? This, I believe, is one of those times. Cue le very dramatic sigh.

xx, S

Admiring from the Backseat: Giovanna Battaglia

TPF

There comes a time in every female's life when she stops dressing like a girl and starts dressing like a woman. The transition can be a tricky one. The garment I've found to be the most challenging to navigate during this sartorial metamorphosis is The Short Skirt. How does one wear one without looking like a hoochie on the way to the club on a Friday night ("My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard...")?

I may be struggling with this one, but Giovanna Battaglia has it all figured out. In my book, she's the queen of short skirts - for good reason; she's knows how to assemble a fabulous outfit around a short but classy skirt. It seems her rule is this: If you're going to show off the gams, cover up with a more demure, sophisticated top or jacket up top. Seems a simple enough rule to follow.

Once I've sufficiently consoled myself over the fact that my legs are not tanned and do not go on forever like Giovanna's, I intend to celebrate the impending arrival of Spring with some chic and inspired skirt ensembles.

xx, S

Admiring from the Backseat: Adrian Grenier

Ray Tamarra/Getty Images

I don't usually feature male street style, but I'm loving Adrian Grenier's look at Sundance. He's got winter casual chic down with his simple but stylish parka and scarf. And that aviator hat is beyond adorable - the fur, the polka dots, the pom poms...I want it!

xx, S

Amber Le Bon Covers Tatler March 2010

TFS

I recently received a tongue-in-cheek e-mail asking me how life as a "lady who lunches" (a.k.a. a new mom on mat leave) is going. I have no idea what the life of a lady of leisure is like, but I'm certain if I ever became one I would fill my closet with beautiful Dolce & Gabbana dresses like the one Amber Le Bon is wearing on the cover of Tatler. I'm generally not a print person, but there's something so lovely and lady-like about donning a pretty floral dress for afternoon tea. And scones. And bite-sized sandwiches. And mini cakes and éclairs. Oops, I digress. Stuffing your face at tea - now that's not very lady-like.

xx, S

Miss Marc Hearts Canada and I Heart Miss Marc

I've been on a search for the perfect Miss Marc tee over the past few months, but hadn't yet spied any that stole my heart. I was patiently awaiting next season's Miss Marc printed tees and did a check of the M by MJ stock on a recent routine visit to Holt Renfrew when, lo and behold, I spotted something rather exciting - a Mr. & Miss Marc ski lift t-shirt exclusive to Holt Renfrew...how fun! I've been feeling especially patriotic the past little while with the Olympics coming up, so it seemed like a cute way to pay homage to Marc Jacobs and Canada.

As intrigued as I was by my discovery, the timing was a bit off. I'd just done some damage elsewhere in the mall and wasn't sure if the most judicious way to spend my money was on a Miss Marc tee. Well, 2 weeks later, I was still thinking about that t-shirt and how perfectly it would've gone with my official Canada Olympic hoodie from the Bay. Unable to resist any longer, I made some calls this morning, found my size, and I now have a package on its way to me from Holt's. I couldn't decide which colour to get (it comes in white and dapper grey), so I have both coming to me. I'm leaning towards the white though...the white/red combo just seems a tad more Canadian.

Armed with my new Miss Marc tee, my official Canada Olympic hoodie and my remote control, I'm now set for the Olympics. Let the Games begin!

UPDATE:

Holt Renfrew overnighted the package to me, so it's already arrived just a mere 24 hours after I ordered the t-shirts - now that's service! And quite unexpectedly, it appears it's the grey version I'll be sporting during the Olympics rather than the white. The graphic and colours pop a tad more against the grey background. My first Miss Marc tee - yay!

xx, S