Cruisin' Cafes: St. Louis, MO

I suppose I should, in the words of vintage Hilary Duff, simply come clean. While I pride myself on being a lover of all things quaint, cozy, and comfy – locations and attractions with the very same homey welcome as a roaring fire, a well-loved old blanket, or a dependable childhood friend; those are not the qualities which drew me to fall under the spell of St. Louis, Missouri. No, I’m sorry to tell you that the true appeal of this particular locale had more to do with the typical tourist temptations – the downtown entertainment district of Laclede’s Landing, the haunted horrors found at Lemp Mansion, and even the small town sophistication of the Benton Park West Streetscape. Of course, if you ask me, all this combined would be nothing without a trio of darling cafes ripe for popping into for a cocktail hour cappuccino, or daybreak demitasse!

♥Park Avenue Coffee Wrong state, darlings! While it shares a title with the hoity-toity location of the Big Apple, Park Avenue Coffee is, in all actuality, named for its close proximity to Lafayette Park in the heart of Lafayette Square – a picturesque spot for people watching should you be lucky enough to snag a seat on the patio; but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

If you’re looking for a home-away-from-home aesthetic, your search ends here. Park Avenue Coffee is like your mother’s beloved living room – sans the strict orders to remove your shoes before stepping foot on the carpet, or to keep your feet off the furniture. It retains a minimalist vibe while being powerfully inviting all at once courtesy of hardwood floors, vibrant hues speckling the walls, and overstuffed, chocolate-toned chairs that you could virtually get lost in. And, might I add, you will get lost – at least in the mouthwatering aromas emerging from the kitchen; for while Raspberry Mochas, Hot Chocolates, and Vanilla Lattes are whipped up by the dozen, the true crème de la crème of Park Avenue is the gooey butter cake. Pig out on a piece of Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake on the patio, or curl up in an armchair with a slice of Apple Cinnamon Gooey Butter. Your waistline may whine, but your tastebuds will explode! 1919 Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104.

♥The Map Room Walking into The Map Room is like entering a different era; and that’s precisely where the charm of this secret treasure lurks. From outside alone, the all-brick construction casts a very old-fashioned noir, reformed firehouse aura upon the place; but even once you’ve made it inside, you can’t help but feel that you are destined to spot Jack Kerouac hunched over his latest masterpiece at a secluded table in the back; or bump into F. Scott Fitzgerald nursing a glass of Merlot upon one of the vintage couches.

The rustic elegance and glamour of The Map Room, while slightly reminiscent of an antique store laden with “Do Not Disturb” signs, is a throwback to simpler times when electricity was not yet in existence, and families would play music around the fireplace until the very last embers burned out. That’s not saying that The Map Room is not modernistic in its design; it simply has held fast to the quaint qualities of yesteryear that many have since long forgotten. But I digress; while free Wi-Fi is offered during business hours, the most enticing aspect of The Map Room is the large bookshelves brimming with the classics, and the abundance of board games available for quiet play. Couple an Austrian Mint Coffee, a Snow Geisha White Tea, or an Apple Tarte with a game of Scrabble for an evening of peaceful fun and solitude. 1901 Withnell Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118.

♥Coffee Cartel There’s something quite thrilling about prowling the streets late at night, when most people are tucked away safely in their beds; an undercover seductiveness that makes one feel like a cat burglar, and cloaks one in a sheath of mystery even if you’re simply munching on cold fries at the corner diner after a long night of partying, or, even better, sipping a Caramel Frappuccino topped with luscious whipped cream at a twenty-four-hour coffee shop. Coffee Cartel is the shop in question.

Unlike so many cafes that shut their doors long before the midnight hour, Coffee Cartel is that happening spot that keeps on brewing way into the wee hours of the morning, providing a primo spot for late-night gossip, early-morning study sessions, mid-afternoon dates with cute boys, and everything in between! While somewhat smoky at times, the proffered pool tables (and people lining up to challenge you to a game) in addition to the opportunities for watching an abundance of personalities come and go more than makes up for it. Plus, if you’re an insomniatic blogger looking for a place to fill up on ice cream while catching up on comments, the free Wi-Fi will most definitely keep you satiated. Just don’t forget to try the Raspberry Italian Soda – a fabulously fruity way to cap off an evening! 2 Maryland Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63108.

Which of these St. Louis cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Sparkling Sophisticate Giveaway for your chance to win a pair of Keaton Sequin Leggings from BB Dakota.

Style Secrets: New Year's Eve

“Youth is when you’re allowed to stay up late on New Year’s Eve. Middle age is when you’re forced to.”
Bill Vaughan
Perhaps I’m the only one, but I truly think that many suffer from the same type of predicament regarding dressing for New Year’s Eve…what to wear. Many feel that anything that sparkles, twinkles, glitters, or shimmers will work wonders. I’m certainly not going against that thought, as I couldn’t agree more. But, there is a time and a place for everything. Each New Year’s Eve situation requires a differently planned and thought out ensemble. For instance, you would not wear a barely there frock displaying décolletage galore to an office party; nor would you wear a stuffy pants suit to a cheerful celebration involving a handful of your closest friends and a cute boy. The key to having the perfect New Year’s Eve is having the ideal New Year’s Eve style for what you will be doing.

In general one is expected to be bold as opposed to blasé while ringing in the New Year. It is assumed that one will take chances and be over the top – they’ll replace understated makeup with overstated, they’ll allow shorter hemlines, and embrace ostentatious baubles. All this is fine, as long as it is within reason of the gala you are gracing with your presence. So, select your New Year’s Eve destination du jour, and get to shopping!

♥Just Dance For the singleton, I can’t help but feel that New Year’s Eve is the optimal time to go out with a gaggle of your girlfriends and meet new friends – particularly of the cute boy variety. After all, you are transitioning from one year to the next, and what better way to accomplish such a feat than with a cute boy in tow? Thus, heed the advice of Lady Gaga, and head off to a trendy club to dance and chit chat over cocktails! Remember, your plans are loose; you are out for a good time; therefore, it is essential to keep your look simple and comfortable yet cosmopolitan and urbane.

Skinny jeans are a close, personal friend of mine year-round, but for a night out with the girls they become your BFF. You want to downplay your look and display classic sophistication…skinny jeans in a dark wash, like AG Adriano Goldschmied’s The Stilt Skinny Jeans in Durini will help you do this as they are sexy without being too overpowering. Tonight, the focal point is your upper half; thus, pull out the risqué tops! I favor Juicy Couture’s Sequin Sunburst Date Top for its subtle shimmer and Geren Ford’s Zip Tank for its playful yet posh aesthetic. No one is saying that you have to be too flamboyant, but a daring top and some killer shoes, like Cesare Paciotti’s 560410, will make you feel seductive, alluring, and absolutely adored. Just don’t forget the essentials! Tuck a tube of gloss, mascara, eyeliner, the shadow required to create a smoky eye, and, my personal favorite, mark’s Crystal Shimmer Luminous Loose Powder (to add a little sparkle to your décolletage) into an eye-catching clutch like Lauren Merkin’s Eve Metallic Snake Clutch and off you go!

“A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.”
Unknown
♥The Office Parties are supposed to be fun; a celebration to be enjoyed with close friends, cute boys, and some of your nearest and dearest. But all signs of joviality seem to go out the window when the thought of the office party comes up. Suddenly you are overwhelmed with stress as opposed to good spirits – riddled with worry that you will do something to offend your boss or a fellow co-worker; or, worse than doing something, wearing something that will put you on the outs.

Despite the fact that it harbors the title “party,” the office get-together is one of the few types of events in life that you will attend in which you are expected to maintain some semblance of conservatism in your dress. Your faux leather pants? Lock them up! The skintight dress that hugs your every curve and keeps all eyes in the room fixated on you and only you? Sorry darling, tuck it behind your blazers and dress pants. Tonight you are going to a gala as…the professional. No pouting! Professional and conservative does not mean snooze-worthy; it’s simply indicative of keeping things on a classy level.

First and foremost you must remember to stick to neutral tones – black and white are your comrades for the evening. They will ensure that you look posh, sophisticated, and chic…three things that all bosses adore. To avoid any worries about your hemline, forgo a skirt and instead opt for wide-leg trousers in an ebony hue like Theory’s Max C Pants. If you want to stay completely streamlined, a black sweater like Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Claire Sweater will do the trick; if, however, you want to break up shades a bit, a top in either an off-white or winter white shade will work wonders at helping you retain regality – especially when coupled with a playful patent peep-toe like Vera Wang Lavender Label’s Sherry Peep-Toe Platform Pumps. With a look like this you still have the ability to turn heads and come across as sexy; but with a feminine mystique aura hovering around you – which will only make you more enticing. Even better, it’s a slimming style that will boost your confidence by miles.

Given the fact that everything about your look sticks to the basics, it is your responsibility to be bold with your accessories. Think brilliant baubles and costume jewelry galore – statement necklaces with oversized gems, cocktail rings visible from twenty-feet away, dangling bracelets tinkling with whimsical charms, and earrings that swing to and fro from your lobes; in addition to a metallic clutch, of course. To finish things off, don’t be shy with your makeup. Steer clear of body glitter, but a few swipes of mascara and ravishing red lips will cast a seductive, come-hither smolder reminiscent of Old-Hollywood glamour that will keep you polished yet breathtaking.

♥A Family Affair You may think that, due to the fact that no cute boys are a part of the equation, it is fine for you to spend the evening in a pair of flannel pajamas that have been collecting dust in your dresser drawer for the past two years. You’re wrong! You may be ringing in the New Year with your family, people who have seen you at your absolute worst, but that is no reason for you to feel unfabulous. In fact, it is an even greater reason for you to turn on the glamour. So what if the sparkling champagne of grown-up gatherings has been replaced with sparkling cider – they’re both fizzing with the spirit of celebration; therefore your ensemble should too. Your mission tonight is to retain all sense of comfort, whilst holding fast to your cuteness!

Forgo the dress. As we all know, this is a family affair; and, as such, it is fairly casual. While denim would work wonders right now, it’s not as forgiving as flannel in terms of repose; nevertheless, you still want to look stunning for those snapshots that are destined to commence throughout the evening, therefore opt for denim’s cozier cousin…jeggings. A pair like Paige Denim’s Contrast Verdugo Denim Leggings is ideal. The aesthetic is virtually identical to jeans, with the added bonus of stretchiness which will make curling up on the couch in front of a warm fire an absolute cinch. Top it off with something sparkly like a sequin sweater or vest layered over a thermal tee; then slip on a pair of knit socks to keep your tootsies toasty. Complete the look with a pale pink pout, like the one achieved via mark’s Dew Drenched Moisturlicious Lip Color in Pink Posey. Remember, you may be watching the ball drop in Times Square from the comforts of your own homey living room, but that’s no reason to look like something the cat dragged in!

“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.”
Bill Vaughan
♥Kiss! Kiss! Oh, I see…you’re one of the lucky ones. The girl who managed to snag herself a cute boy to wine and dine her for an evening of cheerful toasts full of well wishes, colorful confetti, and loads of kissing once the clock strikes twelve! You’re already halfway to the New Year’s Eve of a lifetime darling; now you just have to choose the perfect look for your romantic tryst! Here’s where many lovebirds get it wrong; don’t make your ensemble du jour overly complicated this evening…simplicity is your new best friend!

Tonight a dress should be donned. Something flowy that drapes over your body to create a subtly sexy silhouette with a neckline that leaves everything to the imagination, and a hemline with the ability to make your legs go on for days. Sweetheart necklines, like the one found on ADAM’s Strapless Draped Dress are your best bet as they provide a corset-like design in a very classic and urbane fashion that is equal parts sophisticated and sassy. They also work wonders in balancing out the petite pleats created via the flow of the frock. Search for a fabric with a texture and hue that possesses a slight shimmer – this singular touch will assist you in beaming brighter than any star in the sky!

As I said, simplicity is key, therefore keep accessories, shoes, and makeup minimal. You’re looking to impress your date here, not an entire audience, and your goal is to do so by being yourself – while looking radiant, of course! Elongate your form by skipping the strappy sandals (it is December, after all!), and opting for black opaque tights paired with understated black pumps. Such a coupling gives the illusion that your legs are supermodel-long because it streamlines your style without breaking you in half.

While I am the biggest advocate of cocktail rings, when keeping things to a minimal it’s best to bag the bling; instead peruse the power of the pendant necklace. A pretty pendant, especially if trimmed in rhinestones or diamonds, adds a twinkle to your throat, and truly makes your eyes sparkle. Dust your shoulders with a bit of mark’s Twinklebelle to give your skin a dewy glimmer, slick on some Glossblossom Ripening Lip Tint for a pretty pucker, and watch your cute boy’s jaw drop!

♥For Your Listening Pleasure Whether you’re planning on smooching a cute boy, a beloved kitty, a younger sibling, your BFF, or a practical stranger come the stroke of midnight, it’s evident that you need a soundtrack for the special moment; now you’ve got one! Here are a few of my favorite songs to pucker up to – use them wisely!

♥Soul Meets Body - Death Cab for Cutie
♥Lover I Don’t Have to Love - Bright Eyes
♥Infatuation - Maroon 5
♥Collide - Howie Day
♥Sweet and Low - Augustana
♥Blush - Ben Lee
♥Fall For You - Secondhand Serenade
♥1 2 3 4 - Feist
♥Baby’s Romance - Chris Garneau
♥Yankee Bayonet - The Decemberists

“Cheers for a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”
Oprah Winfrey


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Buy Costumes, Shopbop, TMI Weekly, ASOS, Guess, and …lofts of dallas… for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Sparkling Sophisticate Giveaway for your chance to win a pair of Keaton Sequin Leggings from BB Dakota.

Smitten Saturday

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Sparkling Sophisticate Giveaway

Loves some turn to decadent desserts or carb-filled feasts for nourishment; not I. I turn to glitter, sparkles, sequins, and all things that twinkle and glimmer when I need a little pick me up. To be completely truthful, sequins are my sustenance. They provide a ray of sunshine on those gloom and doom days with their winking playfulness and ability to induce giggles in all who gaze upon their fabulousness. And now, kittens, two (2) of you lucky readers have the chance to shimmer like the best of them!

In celebration of the holiday season and the grand opening of the Dakota Collective store in Costa Mesa, California; Café Fashionista has teamed up with BB Dakota to bring two (2) of you a pair of Keaton Pants – body-hugging black leggings adorned in scrummy sequins!

To Enter the Sparkling Sophisticate Giveaway:

♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, December 17, 2009 at midnight PST.

♥For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, December 17, 2009 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL.

♥For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista on Blogger/Google Reader/Google Friend Connect, and leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, December 17, 2009 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment).

I will randomly pick two (2) names out of a hat (who knows, one of them could be yours!), and announce the winner on Friday, December 18, 2009.

Good luck everyone!

This Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to BB Dakota for the pictures.

Thrifty Thursday: Diane von Furstenberg Lace Top for Less

Kitty cats, I’ll be blunt. There are very few designers in the world of fashion who have the power to make me go completely gaga in the blink of an eye; whose mere creations can make me weak in the knees or produce butterflies in my teeny tiny tummy with little more than a quick glance. Diane von Furstenberg, however, is at the top of my list of individuals who can do just that. Her aesthetics are flirty and feminine; her creations are mysterious yet mind-blowing; her choice of everything from runway music to patterns is downright impossible to resist. Hence the reason I have fallen madly in love with her simple yet sophisticated Lace Top.

I’ve told you time and time again that I’m a sucker for lace; but the fashion in which this particular piece is styled and cut is positively prim, proper, and just the slightest bit devilish – perfect for those times when you must look completely polished for an event that is destined to be dull and boring; but just as easily transformed into a hot to trot top for those moments when you’re ready to leave your cares behind, slip on a pair of red-soled stilettos, and dance the night away!

Black three-quarter sleeves constructed entirely out of lace allow your porcelain skin to play peek-a-boo through the dainty cut-outs, and move upwards to meet a wide scoop neckline embellished with a gathered front which slides gracefully down to a scalloped trim hem. It’s a romantic piece with a vampy element of seduction that channels old-Hollywood glamour juxtaposed with the tantalizing traits of alluring undergarments.

Of course, as much as I love this versatile sliver of frippery, at $255.00, my nearing-the-negative-numbers bank account most certainly doesn’t. Non, my wallet much prefers the $49.00 Jennie & Marlis Lace Tunic, DVF look-alike.

While the Jennie & Marlis is devoid of the Victorian-inspired scalloped hem that finishes off the DVF piece; it does possess the same lacy arms and gathered scoopneck to add a splash of ladylike loveliness to your look with minimal effort. Besides, its affordable price tag may just let you splurge on a new pair of skinnies to pair with it!

Your turn loves…will you be thrifty or suckered into putting on your spendthrift cap?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Neiman Marcus and Dillards for the pictures.

I'm With the Band!

Darlings, there’s something so glamorous about being able to allow the words “I’m with the band” to slip through your pouty, MAC Lipglass enhanced kisser, don’t you think? An exclusivity that invokes thoughts of glamorous parties held in tour buses with champagne galore spouting every which way; of mysterious musicians sporting carefully mussed bedhead; and smoky bars full of old-fashioned grit and noir. But alas, we do not all have the same sort of luck as Almost Famous’ Penny Lane, the most well-known band-aid of them all. Therefore, we must search for other ways in which to exclaim that we are, in fact, with the band; and really, what better way than with a flashy band jacket?

Forever 21 “Sgt. Runway Jacket” I’m a girl who simply cannot resist an I-mean-business cropped blazer; but that doesn’t mean that I’m against seeking out styles that proffer that extra hint of je ne sais quoi which virtually transform one’s look from posh to playful and back again; Forever 21’s Sgt. Runway Jacket is capable of just this. Embellished with grosgrain trim and cording that loops and swoops about the front like a graceful dove soaring high in the sky, the military-inspired piece adds a lighthearted kick to your look du jour without ever straying from its professional aesthetic. Imagine teetering into the boardroom wearing sky-high heels, a perky pencil skirt, and this beauty; or simply slip it on with skinnies for an afternoon of strolling the shops. Face it…your wardrobe will never be the same again!

BB Dakota “Sgt. Pepper’s Jacket” Why simply accept the title of being with the band, when you can imagine yourself as an actual part of the band via BB Dakota’s Beatles-inspired Sgt. Pepper’s Jacket. Gold braided trim criss-crosses over the front, adorns the shoulders, and even weaves itself about your wrists, a stunning juxtaposition to the inky black surface, bringing a hint of nostalgia to your closet and easily morphing your more casual looks into something quite a bit more mind-blowing, and runway-approved. Dolls, I understand that the architecture is slightly flamboyant, but please, don’t you dare reserve this lovely for special occasions. It must be showcased on quick sprints to the supermarket, celebrated over chats at the corner coffee shop, even fawned over at the farmer’s market. Wear it with pride; you’re a superstar – and an honorary member of the Lonely Hearts Club Band, of course!

Alice + Olivia “Shrunken Military Jacket with Embellishments” Kitty cats, if I had the funds available at this very moment to buy an original Balmain jacket, I would do so; but I do not, therefore I believe that Alice + Olivia’s Shrunken Military Jacket with Embellishments is truly the next best thing – and absolutely ideal for the girl who likes a little shimmer in her step. From the back, one would never know what glittering surprises are lurking, lying in wait to be admired; but when you spin around…voila! Crystals, pearls, beads and chains converge with one another to offset the masculine vibe of the black wool construction, creating daring designs that twinkle and sparkle like a Vegas showgirl shimmying on the Strip! Buttoned to the throat, or flapping in the subtle breeze allowing a plain white tee to peek out at the world, it’s a piece that will have you feeling paparazzi-ready – just don’t forget your friends once you hit the big-time!

Free People “Military Ruffle Jacket” I am a swooner by nature. I am incapable of keeping my knees from buckling when introduced to a new piece of frippery that I simply must claim as my own; unable to stop from reaching into my handbag and yanking out my trusty credit card from it’s home deep within the folds of my wallet; and downright powerless when in the presence of a pretty. Case in point, Free People’s Military Ruffle Jacket. I tried to ignore its asymmetrical button front closure. I attempted to turn away from the ruffled cuffs and tiered bottom hem. I did my best to refuse the glistening buttons and frayed edges. But it was not meant to be…I swooned. And, quite frankly, I believe you will as well. The decorations spotting the Military Ruffle Jacket put it into a category all its own – its aesthetic is flirtatious, providing a style that can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion; while the heavyweight knit will keep you feeling warm and looking irresistible from dawn to dusk. Ivory, burgundy, or black…hmmm, would it be wrong to take all three home?

Ralph Lauren “Wool Cabled Military Jacket” Winter, spring, summer, or fall, I’m sure many of you are like me in your inability to resist the charming lure of a cozy knit. With minimal effort such accoutrement manages to add an air of elegance to your style, and take it to completely new heights; while, to be sure, keeping you perfectly comfortable at the very same time. Ralph Lauren’s Wool Cabled Military Jacket is the band-influenced version of such a look. Forgoing the stiff and oftentimes stuffy and constricting cotton or felt fabrication most often seen, the Wool Cabled Military Jacket is nothing more than a chic sweater jacket in a ravishing red made all the more dapper with the addition of double breasted goldtone buttons – a quaint way to add a little edge to your snuggly style.

What about you…are you with the band, kittens?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Forever 21, Fred Flare, Shopbop, Free People, and Ralph Lauren for the pictures.

Tightwad Tuesday: Sass & Bide PVC Black Rats Leggings for Less

It was not too long ago that I literally loathed leggings. I was of the conviction that they were unflattering to one’s physique; that they created a stumpy silhouette, as opposed to an elegant etching. Dare I say it, I was wrong. Something drew me back to them time and time again. An incessant calling that made me scour the shop racks for textures, materials, and lengths that were more flattering and forgiving to one’s form. And then it happened. One day I simply had a fashion epiphany of sorts and came to the very clear conclusion that, as long as they hit the ankle as opposed to mid-calf, leggings can be fabulous! The moral of the story? I now wear them at least three times per week, and am completely obsessed with adding more to my collection – especially the sassy PVC Black Rats Leggings from sass & bide.

While the texture looks similar to that of the latex legging, the PVC Black Rats Leggings are not of the normal slim leg construction. Rather they are a tight fit, but come across almost like a regular leather pant as opposed to a spandex-crafted legging courtesy of the ruching about the ankles and waist, and glamorous embellishments found in both the inseams and the sides, which add that extra dash of volume and oomph to your look du jour! Coupled with a slouchy, oversized gray tee you look effortless for an afternoon of strolling through chic boutiques; paired with sky high heels and sequins you look enticing for an evening out with the girls. Despite the fact that they are tough and rugged in all of their glossy glory, they are also quite glamorous, if not completely out of my budget.

Ordinarily I would simply find a pair of standard liquid leggings; but darlings there is an element of empowerment in the aesthetic of these beauties. But alas, they are not meant to be a part of my world given the fact that they come attached to a $214.50 price tag. I should have expected nothing less given the fact that they are splendrous in every way, shape, and form; then again, so is AKIRA’s Rouched Liquid Legging – the only difference is that AKIRA’s offering is something I can actually afford.

Available in beatific black or stunning silver, at $59.00 a pair, the Rouched Liquid Legging offers everything that sass & bide’s beauties serve up – right down to the inseam embellishments and ornamenting around the ankle – at a price so friendly you can’t help but want to scoop one up in both colors!

Who are you kittens…a spendthrift or a tightwad?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to My Wardrobe and AKIRA for the pictures.

Cruisin' Cafes: Toronto, ON

Darlings, I blame Hollywood, I truly do. If not for the fact that I’m constantly being bombarded with news of various television programs and films being taped on location in the aforementioned area, it probably would have remained unknown to me. That said, while the thought of hobnobbing with celebrities is what lured me into the subtle glamour proffered by Toronto, Ontario, the hip, professional, cosmopolitan, urbane vibe of this particular destination is what has kept me smitten. I think of Toronto as an international version of New York City laden with culture, architecture, and the most heavenly, gleaming view of the Harbourfront once night falls. As such, it is the ideal place to settle into a handful of quaint cafes all ripe for discovery!

♥Moonbean Coffee Company It was Barrie’s Peter Pan who influenced me to never let go of my childlike imagination; whom inspired me to believe in magic and fairytales – even going so far as to hold fast to the idea that someday, somehow, someway a handsome Prince will trot up to me atop a grand white horse and sweep me off my feet. Perhaps that is why I am utterly spellbound by Moonbean Coffee Company.

Found within Kensington Market, I can’t help but feel that Barrie would have been more than happy to allow his imagination to run wild while sipping a latte or nibbling upon an Orange Creamsicle right in this very location. Inside, the aesthetic is eclectic and cozy with seating to spare; yet even with all the tables nestled in close proximity to one another, there is no feeling of claustrophobia – whether you’re alone, or in a group, as you sit you feel as if you’re shrouded in your own little world, private and pensive; though the outside back patio is most certainly the piece de resistance of Moonbean. Inviting benches swing to and fro from a perch burrowed in the charming garden-like atmosphere, awaiting your pending arrival. Curl up on one with a carrot muffin and an Americano and you’ll never want to leave. 30 St. Andrew St., Toronto, ON M5T 1K6.

♥Saving Gigi You are all well-versed in the amount of time I devote to choosing the perfect soundtrack for just about any situation I may happen to find myself in; therefore, it is no surprise that when searching for an enchanting cafe, one must not only take the menu and ambiance of the place into consideration, but the tunes playing softly in the background, as well. Bloorcourt Village’s Saving Gigi has the lazy, languid coffee shop music down pat, establishing an even more ambrosial experience for the visitor from the moment you step inside until the time you depart.

As opposed to catering to one specific scheme of décor, the interior of Saving Gigi mixes different design elements, juxtaposing rustic, dark-stained wood plank floors with pristine white walls adorned with scant framed art pieces and an oversized mirror; a coupling that establishes a very haute monde look quite reminiscent of an upscale art gallery or museum. But unlike those places, here there are no restrictions, rules, or regulations about what you can or cannot touch. Banquet seating found along the front window is the preemptive location for sipping an Espressado while people-watching, or taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi by updating your blog while listening to the sorrowful strains of Duke Ellington poring quietly from the speakers. Do me a favor and indulge in a sandwich made on raisin bread – you won’t be sorry! 858 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON M6G 1M4.

♥Luna Café It is not everyday that one stumbles upon a captivating spot situated smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood; but perhaps that is what truly makes Luna Café so enchanting…it’s location.

Snuggled between towering apartment buildings and houses, if you don’t look closely it’s quite possible that you’ll miss the hidden little gem known as Luna, for it is nearly invisible to the naked eye – until you walk through the door, that is. Precious and petite, Luna seats no more than thirty or so people at a single time; but having the chance to take a load off in her lovely locale is worth the wait, as well as the trek. While evocative of a home environment, there is a dark, brooding essence found within Luna which gives it a very weatherbeaten, Sam Spade feel that is gritty, glamorous, and oh so inviting. Come for the coffee, but stay for the scrummy weekday brunch. 181 Dovercourt Rd., Toronto, ON M6J 3C6.

Which of these Toronto cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the pictures.

Style Secrets: Sequins Before the Sun Goes Down

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Darlings for you it may seem peculiar; but for me it is nothing of the sort. I am, to be completely truthful, a very shy individual personality-wise; therefore, I rely on style to give me the chance to shout when I enter a crowded room – without so much as opening my mouth, mind you. Sequins provide such a fashion-forward outlet. They shimmer and sparkle like the most vibrant of dignitaries; while making you look and feel like a stunning superstar from the outside in and vice versa.

But alas, hesitation involving sequins is still a powerful force – even in today’s couture crazed society. Too many associate them with glamorous galas, brilliant balls, and swanky soirees; all of which take place after the midnight hour – or at least once night falls. I’m going to let you in on a little secret…so is not the case!

While not for the timid or feint of heart, there is not a single thing stopping you from perusing sequins in your daily dress. They may appear ostentatious, flamboyant, extravagant, grandiose, and theatrical; but dolls, those are the very qualities that make them so appealing. The key to pulling off the look, however, relies on two very important things: confidence, and incorporating them into your wardrobe in small doses. Once you have those aspects down pat, trust me, you too will be donning sequins before the sun goes down!

♥Single File Given the fact that many are surprised to see sequins at any other time or place than holiday parties, it is essential to ensure that you’re not overdoing it. Sequins are bright, boastful, and beaming – as long as they’re not competing with any other type of bling. When outfitting yourself in sequins you want to keep everything else understated. Leave the cocktail rings at home, put away your bold handbags, and remember, wear only one sequin-embellished piece at a time. You want to effuse shimmering seductiveness in your style; while retaining a sophisticated, smart air. The best way to do that is by forgoing the Vegas showgirl look, and keeping your aesthetic alluring, sultry, and sensible by making certain that the rest of your ensemble is toned down.

“To the dull mind nature is leaden. To the illumined mind the whole world burns and sparkles with light.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
♥Top It Off I always say, when in doubt, turn to the boyfriend. I’m sure you’re expecting a cute boy to enter the picture by now – sorry to disappoint you, darlings, but I’m referring to the boyfriend jacket. Sequins are most easily done right via a sparkly tee like Juicy Couture’s Sequin Sunburst Date Top or Forever 21’s Iridescent Sequin Sweater Top. The problem with wearing such a piece of frippery when showcased when the sun is shining, however, is that the look comes off as over the top, and trying too hard. Enter the boyfriend jacket. Coco Chanel once said “Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions,” – heed this advice. A boxy blazer or oversized motorcycle jacket like Gryphon’s The Boyfriend Blazer or Tony Cohen’s Motorcycle Jacket adds a splash of macho masculinity to an otherwise feminine look, which produces a no-nonsense balance that is more high-fashion than frivolous – simply perfect for the daytime!

♥Bottoms Up! For some reason unbeknownst even to me, sequins oftentimes come across as much more haughty and imposing when worn on the upper half; thus, if you’re feeling apprehensive in any way, shape, or form, I recommend satisfying your sequin craving with a piece that accouters the derriere. Shorts like Silence and Noise’s Sequin Tap Short are ideal – they’re flouncy in a very flirty fashion, and look gorgeous if layered over opaque tights; or you can go the legging route for a more smoldering afternoon style with something like BB Dakota’s Keaton Sequin Leggings. When worn on the lower half, sequins create a sense of symmetry in terms of your shape by breaking up textures, and casting a smidgen of sparkle upon your overall look; and, if coupled with a simple v-neck sweater or slouchy top, they look completely casual – in the chicest of ways.

“Life’s enchanted cup sparkles near the brim.”
Lord Byron
♥Pops of Panache I’ll be the first to admit that sequins can be a very intimidating style to take for a spin. They do tend to draw all eyes towards you, and if you’re not ready to be the main event in social situations, you may be frightened off. Please stop shaking in your boots! You do not need to don sequins in jaw-dropping ways to glimmer like the gorgeous creature we both know you are. Like I said, sequins in small doses are just as effective as those showcased in larger venues; thus, lock away your black patent leather handbag and replace it with a twinkling carry-all like Felix Rey’s Grace Sequin Bow Clutch; slip off your simple scuncii and slide on a scintillating headpiece like Free People’s Sequin Bow Headband; cast aside your blasé knit scarf and wrap yourself up in Free People’s bombastic Convertible Sequin Cowl; and, my personal favorite, bid adieu to your basic matte ballerinas and embrace a pair beaming with personality! After all, subtle sparkle is oftentimes the best kind.

♥Shades of Shimmer One of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for sequins is selecting a color that you feel comfortable wearing day or night. Black is the most versatile for the sheer fact that it is ostentatiously inconspicuous – it plays mind games with the person gazing upon it in all of its gleaming glory by twinkling ever so slightly; an aesthetic that works like a suggestive wink leading one to question whether they’re truly viewing sequins or not. It is also the most flattering shade when adorning your lower half as it possesses a very slimming effect. If, however, you prefer to be daring, silver, blue, and even stripes are fabulous selections. The main thing is that you are comfortable in the hue embellishing your form. And as long as you are…well, let’s face it; you’re good to go – sequins and all!

“Personality is the glitter that sends your little gleam across the footlights and the orchestra pit into that big black space where the audience is.”
Mae West


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Urban Outfitters, Nubianzombiegirl’s Blog, Rockstar’s Closet, and Shopbop for the pictures.

Smitten Saturday

♥Sipping the Season I’ve never been one to ignore the holidays. There’s something about watching the decorations go up, and experiencing the joys of the season that literally makes me giddy until we’re well into the New Year. But I musn’t fib – or at least I shouldn’t. It is not just the spirit of Christmas which sends thrills and shivers up and down my spine for weeks on end, nor is it the catchy holiday tunes that are constantly spiraling through my mind. Mais non! The truth of the matter is that, aside from those addictive aspects, I simply cannot get enough of seasonal drinks! I know that they’re not necessarily the healthiest beverages on the block, but there’s something quite irresistible about being able to taste Christmas with each swallow. The Toffee Nut Latte, the Dark Cherry Mocha, the Pumpkin Spice Latte, the Peppermint Mocha, the Caramel Brulee Latte, the Gingerbread Latte, the Eggnog Latte… – kitty cats, I can’t help myself; I want to sample a different flavor with each passing day! How will you sip the season?

♥Easy Rider I will admit that my foray into horsemanship consisted of a handful of pony rides as a child, and a lifelong obsession with pop-up carousels that play whimsical music as you spin round and round upon plastic horses; but that has certainly not stopped me from developing an extreme obsession with equestrian styles in terms of fashion – specifically of the footwear variety. Darlings, it is my conviction that whether worn in the dead of winter with skinny jeans, or paired with cutoff denim shorts during the final days of a sultry Indian summer, riding boots are a necessity of the utmost importance – especially when they have a touch of weatherbeaten, rustic flair to their aesthetic. Frye’s Dorado Suede Riding Boot in Sand, with its seam detailing and distressed styling, is a stunning way to accessorize a flirty, floral-embellished flowy tank and dark wash skinnies. The faux-fur lined cuff of Sam Edelman’s Women’s Newport Flat Riding Boot in Black is a sophisticated way to add a splash of coziness to your look du jour. The creamy hue of Chrisantha’s Riding Boot in Mushroom is a high-fashion way to brighten up a low-key ensemble. And Rosegold’s Manon Riding Boot in Grey? Let’s be honest kittens…your body-hugging black leggings will never be the same. Ready to horse around?

♥A Date to Remember Despite the age of technology, each December I find myself eagerly scrounging the shops for a true pocket-sized calendar that I can hold in my hand. Something that doesn’t beep or require the use of buttons to input important dates or destinations that I simply cannot forget – like a romantic tryst involving an indoor picnic and a cute boy; or a dreaded yet necessary appointment with an obnoxious co-worker. Oui, it’s extremely old-fashioned; but the nostalgia adds such a vintage spice to life that is both quaint and charming – and, of course, extremely beneficial for those moments when twenty-first century luxuries fail. Thus, the hunt is on; and the contenders are making their way into my world in droves. Already I have been mesmerized by the whimsy of Kate Spade’s 2010 Spiral Desktop Calendar; smelled the roses proffered by Cath Kidston’s floral-bedecked 2010 Mini Agenda; gotten dreamy with the 8 Days A Week Planner; cooed over the cuteness of the Sukie Agenda; and come to the conclusion that I simply cannot make up my mind – I need them all! Dolls, do you keep a date book as well, or do you rely solely on technology?

♥You’ve Got Questions; They’ve Got Answers Darlings, obviously we can’t all afford our own personal stylists. As much as we’d love to simply ring up a hot to trot expert whenever we’re in a fashion jam, it’s simply not possible. Nevertheless, it’s no surprise that we adore celebrity style, and long to mimic the looks of our favorite starlets. StyleQ makes doing so a cinch. Not just an Online retailer, StyleQ literally gives you the chance to shop side by side (virtually, that is) with the people who personally dress some of today’s hottest stars – including Leighton Meester, Rachel Bilson, Kristen Bell, and Scarlett Johansson – learning everything you could possibly want to know about channeling your own celebrity, and styling your chosen pretty. Currently I’m coveting the Sheer Ruffle Top by Jonesy, recently worn by Sophia Bush; the Wool Swing Cropped Coat loved by Rihanna; and the Natalie Silk Dress in Green so effortlessly worn by Kristen Bell. Whose celebrity stylist would you like to spend a little one on one time with?

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to So about what I said... and Shopbop for the pictures.

The Bulky and the Beautiful

Whoever said baggy sweatshirts were unflattering and anything but sexy couldn’t be more wrong. With one simple try-on I have found a piece that is bulky in every sense of the word, yet downright beautiful at the very same time. Though crafted in the form of a dolman sleeved sweatshirt, I can’t help but feel the desire to fashion it as a flirty frock worn bare legged with over the knee boots that meet the hemline halfway to create a mid-thigh peek-a-boo effect that is smoldering, seductive, and simply sensual. But I digress; it’s unfair of me to tantalize you so with such a description, leaving your tongues wagging with curiosity, yet keeping the accoutrement in question hidden away – a fashionable secret only I am privy to. So I’ll tell you…American Apparel’s The Oversized Circular Pullover.

Kitty cats, I have fallen for hundreds, if not thousands, of tops in the past. But The Oversized Circular Pullover is truly in a class all its own. The versatility of the aesthetic gives you the ability to toss it on with leggings while lazing around the house, or creating a cosmopolitan style with a few choice accessories and a pair of killer heels for an amazing girls night out.

Made out of various materials, all of which work together to concoct a design featuring a feeling not unlike that of your ex-boyfriend’s cozy, comfy sweater which you accidentally on purpose failed to return to him upon the time you parted ways; The Oversized Circular Pullover creates a juxtaposition between slinky and slouchy in its silhouette in the form of a banded bottom, a one-size-fits-all formation, and a bat-like ambiance courtesy of the wide dolman sleeves – which are impossible not to fall in love with upon first glance.

But possibly the true crème de la crème of this particular style is the neckline. All too often we are bombarded with the sweetheart, v-neck, scoop-neck variety; The Oversized Circular Pullover uses these as influences, yet cuts the perfect round shape that flatters girls of every shape and size, dropping down just enough to display both your swanlike neck and a petite peek of décolletage.

The Oversized Circular Pullover has only been in my possession for little over a week, and already I’ve worn it more times than I can count. How my wardrobe ever survived without this gem lurking about inside is a question I will never have the answer to; but now that it has arrived, I may need to pick up a few more!

Don’t you want to be bulky and beautiful too, darlings?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to American Apparel for the pictures.

Thrifty Thursday: Kova & T Lace Leggings for Less

Darlings, I’m sure you’re well aware of it by now; but just in case you aren’t on the up and up I’ll simply spell it out for you…I’m suffering from a severe bout of lace case. It started a few short weeks ago with my admiration for American Apparel’s Nylon Spandex Stretch Floral Lace Unitard, but has only served to grow twofold since then. Everywhere I go my eyes seemingly land straight upon any lace offering within my line of view. In fact, I could enter a shop with a sole lace piece, and somehow my peepers would spot it. Thus it is no surprise that Kova & T’s Lace Leggings are now a primo part of my fashion radar.

Don’t play coy with me; you all know about my obsession with leggings – and have for quite some time now. So I figure why not couple my adoration for lace and leggings into one spellbinding accoutrement that I shall never want to remove from my form for the rest of my days?

Smoldering in their ability to play peek-a-boo with your many admirers via the semi-sheer construction, yet sophisticated in the sense that they remain classy in every sense of the word, Kova & T’s Lace Leggings are an amazing way to have fun with a pencil skirt, or simply showcase your lower half by topping them with a drapey tee or a cropped blazer for a girls night out. And the stirrup, while extremely retro in its design, makes for a preemptive finishing touch, for it holds them in place, making them fit more like tights than anything else.

With so much perfection why must the one blemish about these beauties be their price tag? Oui, I would give absolutely anything to call them my own; but non, at $150 a pair I simply don’t have the ability to do so. Don’t get me wrong; I certainly would if I could, but it’s out of the question. Therefore, I am going to settle…for something just as spectacular, of course!

Victoria’s Secret’s Lace Stirrup Legging are a striking piece of legwear which, at $39.50 a pair, are affordable enough to allow you to buy that sassy new clutch you’ve been eyeing – the perfect accessory to these lovelies!

Tell me, kittens…will you be a big spender and go for Kova & T, or be thrifty and spring for Victoria’s Secret?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Madison Los Angeles and Victoria’s Secret for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Shawl Talk Giveaway for your chance to win a Charlotte Scarf from The Shawl Shop.

Cream of the Crop

Kitty cats, as a prepubescent adolescent being exposed to the powers of MTV for the very first time, I was bombarded with images of the belly-baring Britney and the shimmy-shaking Shakira; both of whom seemed to share a fondness for crop tops that left the tummy exposed to tease the world – or at least whatever cute boys happened to be in your midst at that point in time. At that impressionable young age, it was enough for me to believe that no other accoutrement could top the fabulosity of the crop. Yet by the time I was of age to don one myself, I was uninterested in the look, and turned the other cheek. American Apparel has imposed a change of heart in my world. Once more I am convinced that the tops in question are truly the cream of the crop!

Riller & Fount “Kirby Crop Top” There is quite a bit to be said for a design that manages to bridge the gap between slouchy and seductive and comfortable and cozy, Riller & Fount’s Kirby Crop Top is it. While sporty in its aesthetic; the versatile charcoal heather hue coupled with the long sleeves and scoop-neck make it a simple style to morph from situation to situation – say inelegant slumming to an enchanting night on the town – with just a few minute adjustments or add-ons in the accessories department. Pair it with leggings and over the knee boots for a look that lengthens or toss it on over a skintight tank in a contrasting color for a touch of volume mixed with an offbeat, ethereal vibe.

Free People “Sheer Batiste Crop Top” Too many associate crop tops with afternoons or evenings spent sweating at the gym. The truth of the matter is that there is no rule stating that crop tops are solely sporty; they have the ability to be sophisticated and chic, as well – case in point Free People’s Sheer Batiste Crop Top. Forgoing the typical cotton or jersey fabrication, the Sheer Batiste Crop Top is constructed out of a semitransparent, sheer gauze which features ruching around the hem, shoulders, and back; and dips into 3/4 dolman sleeves sporting elastic banded cuffs which match that found around the hem. The silhouette is very earthy and free-spirited; perfect for pairing with distressed jeans for the ideal bohemian silhouette.

Wildfox Couture “It’s Only Rock – Cropped Jock Sweatshirt” Resisting the lure of Wildfox Couture is simply not an option. Even without the stellar photography displaying their designs in a more than fabulous light I would find it nearly impossible to resist their playful, oftentimes retro tops, and cropped offerings – especially the It’s Only Rock – Cropped Jock Sweatshirt. Like something out of Grease, the It’s Only Rock – Cropped Jock Sweatshirt is reminiscent of the letter jackets worn proudly by the popular boys whom we always lusted over. The vintage varsity wash has a weatherbeaten ambiance to it that is more suave than sloppy; while the contrasting shade around the hem and collar offset the fading to create one magnificent morsel you’ll never want to take off!

American Apparel “Interlock Zip Shoulder Crop Top” Darlings it would be downright devious of me not to include the design that started it all; the style which reawakened my obsession with crop tops and has virtually transformed my wardrobe into something more fabulous than I ever could have imagined – the Interlock Zip Shoulder Crop Top. Please don’t allow the zipper details about the shoulders to frighten you away. I am one who has never been fond of epaulets, and while the placement of these silver hardware embellishments is synonymous with that of the military-style, the effect is quite different – yet striking nonetheless. The one-size-fits-all piece is the perfect way to flaunt your toned tummy; or if you’re a bit bashful simply layer it over something stunning – like the Nylon Spandex Stretch Floral Lace Unitard. No matter how you wear it you’re sure to turn heads!

Pencey “Bow Tee” It is nearly impossible to imagine a crop top that works as evening wear, but Pencey’s Bow Tee is somewhat of an exception to the rule. While lacking the sequins or shimmer that are so often akin to pieces worn once night falls, the Bow Tee retains more of an urbane, Blair Waldorf influenced cut courtesy of the cuffed short sleeves, contrasting taupe toned mesh bow which is laced daintily at the front, and matching mesh detailing on the shoulders. As a whole, the black/nude shades juxtapose between light and airy and dark and domineering, a variation that could be awkward in another form, but works in the most mesmerizing of ways in this configuration – especially when paired with slightly baggy tailored black slacks.


Ready to join the crop top revolution, darlings?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shopbop, Wildfox Couture, and American Apparel for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Shawl Talk Giveaway for your chance to win a Charlotte Scarf from The Shawl Shop.

Tightwad Tuesday: Rachel Pally Farrah Jumpsuit for Less

I am a child of the eighties through and through. I can recant the theme song to the My Little Pony cartoon television series at the drop of a hat, mimic almost every move shown on Mousercise, and divulge some of the most important stats about the boys from New Kids on the Block. I can also remember the time of the embarrassing jumpsuit. The crinkled fabrics, the khaki shades, the oft-times nylon construction, the shoulder pads. Each piece was more unattractive than the last; and even at the age of five I knew that I never wanted to be caught dead in such a hideous get-up. But Rachel Pally’s Farrah Jumpsuit is nothing to shy away from.

Unlike the jumpsuits of yesteryear, Farrah does not possess any of the unflattering vintage nostalgia that the pieces our parents raced around town in decades ago; rather it is modernistic and urbane in its aesthetic, sticking to a glamorous palette and a streamlined silhouette.

The jersey halter features a v-neck which dips dangerously low, in addition to an open back that shows off one of the most seductive parts of your body, both of which slide into a banded waist which nips and tucks to create an hour-glass contour, before falling dramatically into an extra-wide leg with bohemian-inspired unfinished edges about the hemline. Darlings, never before could I have fathomed that I would desire such a daring ensemble; but there is something quite sexy and timeless about Farrah which manages to retain style while being simplistic all at once.

But alas, Farrah is most certainly not in my future. At $255, while Farrah is as elegant as the feather-haired blonde bombshell she was named after, she is well outside the spectrum of my budget; especially given the fact that she, most likely, would not receive much wear. Hence the reason why I have my sights set on ASOS’ Wide Leg Cross Front Jumpsuit.

Oh kitty cats, I’m well-aware of the fact that it lacks the fun title reminiscent of Charlie’s Angels and doesn’t sport the same pleats throughout the bustline; but at $47.59 a pop, it’s much more budget friendly than it’s more expensive flirty counterpart. Plus, it’s also available in blue!

Are you a spendthrift who will splurge on Farrah, or a tightwad who will save with ASOS’ ambrosial offering?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shopbop and ShopStyle for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Shawl Talk Giveaway for your chance to win a Charlotte Scarf from The Shawl Shop.

Guest Post at La vie...J'aime!

Curious to know what I'm hoping to find in my stocking on Christmas morning? Check out my Guest Post My Stocking: The Cat's Meow at La vie...J'aime to find out! Fashionably yours!