Theom Design's Measuring Tape Ring is Oh So Couture

I am very particular about the jewelry I wear. I don't like to wear pieces that you can find just anywhere. I like to seek out individuals who are doing something a little different.

Theom Designs by Menelaos Theodosiades out of Cyprus, does extraordinary work. Menalaos is both an Interior and Fashion Designer, so one day he is designing the exterior off a restaurant and the next, he's making fascinating jewelry and clothing.

Check out the amazing photos of his chairs, Granny Bag and necklaces, to mention just a few items.

My favourite pieces are his rings because when I wear jewelry, I like to rock a big statement piece and let it be the focus of my ensemble.

This stunning measuring tape ring (pictured above) stands high on my finger. It's like a bouquet, really, or fireworks that move with your every gesture. It says, "I love fashion and I'm not afraid to stand on the outer edges to prove it." It screams, "I know what I like and this is it." It alights when I raise my glass of wine or when I reach to shake someone's hand. It shimmies and shakes when I dance and it remains in the spotlight no matter how dim the lights.

Want to be noticed? Then get yourself  Theom Design Jewelry. Because there's nothing else like it.

Check Out PUMA's New Collection of Lifestyle Socks

Socks can make a huge difference to how comfortable you are throughout the day, whether you're walking running, going about your regular day at work or running errands and picking up the kids.

That's why you should check out the new Lifestyle Sock collections from PUMA. There are a number of styles and a variety of colour combinations for men and women (pictured above), so no one has to be jealous of the other for having cool socks.

They are made of  70% cotton, 28% polyester and 2 elastene, so you never have to worry about slouchy socks again.  And with 3 to a pack, you've got enough to take you from home to work to the gym or soccer field and back home again.  

The style is short and spunky with the awesome PUMA logo, so you can have them peek out over your shoe, but not be too long to make you look like a dork.  And for once in your life, when you have to slip off your shoes while visiting someone at home, people will notice your socks in a good way.

I've never had anything PUMA before, but I'm telling you - I'll be getting these socks from now on. My other supposed sport socks never last more than a month or two before there's a hole or tear. And they certainly don't look this good. Who knew a sport sock could be so sexy?

These awesome PUMA 3-pack sock collections are available at all major retailers across Canada including The Bay, Sears and sports stores.

Cover Up in a Snap with Cleava

This thing is a lifesaver.

I always, always want to dress appropriately. I wear knee-length Mad Men-type dresses or modern pant suits to meetings. No cleavage, no nothing.

But some of my tops and dresses are a little low cut for during the day. We're not talking Jersey Shore popping-out kind of thing, but enough that I need something to cover up and look professional.

Up until now, I've been wearing tight, bodice-tight bandeau tops and layers camisoles and tanks underneath my dresses and tops. The problem with these options is either I can't breathe or I get rolls underneath my top or dress from my underthing bunching. 

 

Then I found Cleava and all my wardrobe malfunctions disappeared!

First of all, I have to tell you that it looks much better in person, than on the website or packaging. And secondly, once you use it, your wardrobe options will double, maybe even triple.

I love that you can put it on before or after you get dressed, so you really can go from the office to drinks on the patio in one fell swoop! Here's a video on how it works. It's so easy: the triangle-shaped fabric (it kind of looks like a thong) snaps into place around your bra straps and through the front part, in between the cups. This gives you a smart straight line across the top of your chest, keeping your cleavage undercover until you decide to reveal it.

And the best part? You no longer have to wear an entire other layer under your outfits (just think of how much cooler you'll be in this sweltering heat!). There is no bunching or bulging of tops or underthings. It stays in place even when you don't, so you don't have to ever readjust your clothes again.

I got the Original Classic in Black, but I'm telling you - I'd love a bunch of 'em to extend my wardrobe through the seasons. Just imagine the possibilities: different colours, different materials - lace, rhinestones, ooh la la!

Cleava is a complete wardrobe saver. My dresses and tops that I could only wear out after work? Now they're doing double duty. All thanks to this little fashion hero.

Get yours now.

Luxuriate in Linen Towels This Summer from the UK's LinenMe

Linen is a timeless fabric. 

I remember seeing black and white photos of Audrey Hepburn and Katharine Hepburn in linen pants and suits and yet, here they are today at stores like TopShop and Banana Republic.

But perhaps you've never considered linen for your home. Linen Me in England has a whole online shop dedicated to not only linen clothes, linen scarves and linen fabrics but bed linen, throws & blankets, kitchen linen, table linen and bathroom linen.

Inga, an interior designer who graduated from London’s KLC School of Design, explains her love of linen:

"Over years I have come to the conclusion that pure linen, like any other natural fiber, has some sort of magic powers, and I love to share my expertise, skills and passion with LinenMe customers. Making our luxury products affordable and available to any home and taste has always been one of the highest priorities at LinenMe. I’m a regular visitor and exhibitor at interior design fairs in the UK, Germany, France, Japan and USA, so I do try to produce home interior accessories suitable for various tastes, fitting different size standards and as much up-to-date as possible." 

In addition all of the designs at LinenMe are produced in a small, family owned facility in Lithuania. 

I love looking through this site because it shows that linen can be extremely vibrant and colourful like the Silk Wool Orange Scarf and this stunning Purple Linen Dress! And while looking through all of the beautiful items, I was surprised to learn that there are thick and luxurious linen bath towels. I had only seen linen tea towels and cloths before.

So I was really excited to try a Natural Striped Huckaback Linen Bath Towel Lucas (pictured above) to greet me after an energizing shower or a relaxing dip in the tub. This 100% organic linen towel is so super soft (it's been pre-washed, so it's even softer than you can imagine) that you'll wonder why you've been buying cotton towels all these years. The size (70 x 130 cm, 100 x 150 cm) means that everyone in the family will get to envelope themselves and have that spa-at-home feeling and the stripes lend a decidedly modern and exciting look to an otherwise ordinary bathroom.

I'm making the switch over the linen everything - what about you?

Shop LinenMe's incredible collection now.

Jockey's New Staycool T-Shirts are a Summer Necessity!

They say this summer is going to be sweltering. Does this mean you can't wear anything with sleeves?

Not if you get yourself Jockey's New Staycool T-Shirts - available for both men and women.

The way it works it that the fabric (95% cotton, 5% spandex blend) has been engineered to keep your skin 3° cooler than in other fabrics. The Outlast technology that Jockey has created not only gives you an advantage against the heat, but it's breathable too (there's nothing worse than feeling stifled in the heat). This video explains it further:

The tee is cut to look just like a regular one, except this one's super soft and comfortable, as well as flattering.  Because of the stretchy fabric blend, it's more fitted than your regular boxy shirt with narrow sleeve hems and bottom- skimming your body here and there, giving you a most enviable silhouette.

And it goes one step further - it's reversible! How amazing is that - you get a crew neck and v-neck in one. You just doubled your look with one great price!  It's machine wash and dryable, so no need to spend more money at the dry cleaners, like with your other tops.

There is a whole line of Jockey Staycool products - reversible tank, reversible t-shirt, bikini and brief underwear.

What are you waiting for? Shop now!

Shop the Season with Earth Creations' Sustainable & Organic Cotton Clothing

Ugh. Have you looked in your closet lately?

There's nothing to wear!

That's why you need Earth Creations eco, pure and simple clothing.

Fashionable beyond belief, you'd never know that they were made out of mud! Well, kind of. Here's the story:

"Earth creations evolved from an ordinary bike ride. One day after a storm, Joy took her mountain bike out for some off-roading and ended up covered with Alabama red dirt. Despite many tumbles through the washing machine, the shirt, socks, and shoes remained stubbornly stained by that mud! When Joy and Martin met years later, Martin was intrigued by the strength of that red clay. Where most people saw ruined clothes, Martin saw potential. Armed with his background in chemistry, concern for the environment, and a natural curiosity, Martin began experimenting with the clay as a dye for T-shirts.

That was almost 17 years ago. Our garments are still colored with natural clay dyes using the process Martin originally developed. From the first 'Alabama Dirt Shirt' tinted with that infamous red clay, earth creations has grown into a full line of organic T-shirts dyed in a rainbow of colors for men, women, and children. We also have a complete casual wear line for women made from sustainable fibers."

Founders Joy Maples and Martin Ledvina are really onto something here. 

Check out the gorgeous Tiki Top (pictured above) that I got in Sunstone. It's the perfect spring/summer top. Dusty rose is one of the top colours of the season and with the 100% organic cotton crocheted yokes with elasticized rouched shoulders and 100% organic cotton jersey fitted bottom, it fits and slouches in all the right places. It looks like 2012, yet it got a 1963 vibe to it. 

It looks fantastically sexy paired with jeans, slim capris or skirt. It can look dressed up or dressed down just based on what bottom you wear it with. And because of the crocheted peek-a-boo top, you don't have to accessorize at all, making like a whole lot easier and less time at home getting ready!

And because this spring hasn't been exactly warm, I envelope myself in my Juneau Jacket pretty much every day. Both because it looks so good and is so comfortable, I can't bear to slip on my other coats!

 

I love the range of summery colours that are available, but I went with Black (it just goes with everything).  This too is something that can look both easy-breezy casual or ooh-la-la dressy. The tie front and shawl collar give it an operatic presence, while the princess seam fitting lines show off the intricate detailing and fine finishing. It's incredibly flattering, thanks to being semi-fitted, so you can wear it with pants or dresses - widening your wardrobe options even further. And the material feels fantastic against your skin. It's no wonder I never want to take it off: 66% bamboo, 28% organic cotton and 6% spandex french terry blend together in a cozy, but never too warm concoction.

I want one of everything at Earth Creations!

 

Shop it all now - women, men and youth/infant - and get yourself a wardrobe that is good for you and to you.

Live in Complete & Utter Comfort with Pajama Jeans

Look, as much as I like to wear towering heels and skinny jeans, as I get older, comfort does come into play more often than not.

And I'm more active than ever. Though I'm not dancing at clubs until 3 a.m. anymore, I am rushing to meetings, running errands and generally trying to keep up with the speed of life.

That's why I am forever grateful for having found Pajama Jeans.

I have never been a jeans gal, only because I have a wonky body that makes it hard to get a comfortable fit. I've been trying to find a comfortable pair since my teens and while I do own a couple of pairs, I almost never wear them because they just aren't enjoyable to wear.

Now with Pajama Jeans, I get the look of dark-washed jeans with the feel of being in a pair of PJs!

The stretchy denim fabric - Dormisoft - is a blend of cotton and spandex, so you get a great look without sacrificing a comfy feel.  

Other than the immense comfort factor, I love that you can't tell their not just a regular pair of jeans. With their front and back pockets, brass rivets and contrast-stitched fly area, you'd never know they're pull-on with a hot-pink drawstring on the inside! There are no zippers or buttons to fiddle with, so you can just pull them on and go.

Because really - do you have time to lie down and squish yourself into another pair of jeans?

And the tailored boot cut style makes sure you always look good and that you can wear them with a variety of shoes and boots.

It is such a luxury to look at the sizing chart and pick out a pair of jeans that will actually fit. When my pair arrived, I was thrilled that they fit around my waist and bum as well as the length of my legs. No tailoring required!

Do yourself a favour and get yourself a pair now.

It's time you lived life in complete comfort, don't you think?

Deo-Go Tackles Those Unsightly Stains - All of 'Em!

It happens to everyone.

You're working out or running for the bus or simply living in the concrete jungle where temperatures are not abated by even the most powerful air conditioners.

You sweat. A lot.

There's nothing wrong with that, except for the fact that you've left the evidence behind in your tops, tees and dresses in the way of deodorant or antiperspirant stains.

Until now, you probably believed (like I did) that no amount of scrubbing or washing would get it out.

But thanks to Deo-Go, you can save the clothes that you would have previously thrown out! That patch of residue or discolouration in the armpit area does not have to mean the end of your awesome blouse that you love to wear when you go dancing or that dress that looks super hot (even though it does not breathe well at all).

All it takes is spraying the area with Deo-Go, scrub the area to help it along, and toss it in the wash.

What I found so amazing is that even if I skipped the scrub part, by simply spraying the area and leaving it for 20 minutes before washing, I was able to get out stains that had been on my beloved items! It worked on shirts that my fella has been wearing for decades too. I didn't believe it until I saw it for myself. This spray is never leaving my laundry supply shelf (each bottle does about 15 pieces of clothing, so it will last you aewhile). And with such a light almond scent, you won't mind using this a bit.

Oh, how I wish I'd known about this before I tossed aside such wonderful clothes. But I am grateful for having discovered Deo-Go now. I just saved myself from throwing out a bunch more!

Save yourself a whole bunch of time, energy and cash and get Deo-Go (I call it the "miracle worker"), now!

Slip Into Spring's Latest Designs With Ease, Thanks to Body Wrap Shapewear

Have you seen this Spring's silhouettes?

Skinny jeans, teeny little dresses and sheer tops.

In other words, there's no wear to hide. No more heavy coats and big sweaters to camouflage the areas that you're self conscious about.

But don't worry. I've got you covered. Literally.

Body Wrap Shapewear is here to help.

See, I like to eat and so I want to still be able to look good when I go out.

That's why I consider Superior Derriere High-Waist and The Catwalk High-Waist as vital dining companions as those joining me at the table for dinner.

The Superior Derriere High-Waist give me a uniform slim look without squeezing the life outta me (thank you!). The tummy control front panel gives me a Gisele-eque stomach without any bulges like the doughnut-like rings you get with other brands.

And the Catwalk High-Waist (pictured above) nips and tucks, while also providing lower back support. The figure I cut in this sucker is unbelievable. It's me, but 10 years ago me. You know - just what you're looking for, but can never achieve.

These are the folks that should be designing bathing suits, space suits, every kind of suit!

What differentiates Body Wrap Shapewear from the rest is that their pieces are seamless - so I can wear slim-fitting dresses, pants, whatever, and I won't have any embarrassing Grandma lines following me around all night. And they actually lift and shape your butt, so you get a little extra oomph, without having to do a darn thing. I love the material - soft and squishy - and the fact that this is body wear that you can breathe deeply in without popping or tearing anything (ahhhh).

Oh, and in case that's not enough to convince you, they are also machine washable and they come in black and nude. But that's not all - there are tons of different designs and patterns. You've got to check it out, because there are so many fantastic possibilities - you want something for every part and every occasion in every colour and print!

Get a new, slimmer looking body in an instant with Body Wrap Shapewear. Just in time for all those clingy, frothy spring designs...

Look Svelte in Every Outfit This Season Thanks to Secret Fusion

I am feeling a little bloated.

First, there was all that food at Christmas. Then January was so cold that I tucked into pot pies, stews and casseroles endlessly. And here it is just after Valentine's Day and the idea of just a salad for lunch doesn't quite do it yet. The flurries happening outside my window might have something to do with that.

So let's just say I'm not feeling as slender as I have in the past.

That's why when I discovered Secret Fusions latest designs, I was thrilled. This oughtta get me through the months until bikini season.

The Secret Fusion High Waist Brief  (pictured above) is the perfect dining companion. It allows me to look fabulous in my body skimming dresses and still have that glass of wine or extra bite of risotto. It goes right up to the bottom of your bra - seamlessly, no less - so you're absolutely covered, yet thanks to incredibly soft, stretch microfiber, you're also completely comfortable.  Your tummy and waist will look like it did back in the day, while you enjoy the present.

And you're going to love the Secret Fusion Shaping Camisole (pictured above). It's the consummate accessory for your wardrobe, no matter what the season. The nylon/elasthane fabric is so soft stretchy that you will be as taut as you would be wearing a corset, but without any of the discomfort or unsightly bulges. The adjustable straps and slightly longer length than you usually find in a camisole gives you the versatility to look good in everything from your little tank tops to full-length jumpsuits.

Both come in nude and black (I say get both colours to really rock your body - and wardrobe!) and are available across Canada exclusively at Zellers. 

A new you for spring? Absolutely.

Stay Warm & Dry This Winter with Dahlgren's Incredible Alpaca Socks

Today I went for a 3 hour walk with my Mom. It was 12 below with the wind chill making it seem like it was minus 17.

Good thing I had on a pair of Dalhgren's.

See, they have patented a technology - Dri-Stride - that absorbs moisture as it's created and then disintegrates it, so that your feet stay dry no matter how long you walk. 

And while you might be thinking that you have to sacrifice comfort for dryness, think again. The fine folks at Dalhgren's - a family business, by the way - use alpaca, one of the softest fibers, and blend it with merino wool. So you get a crazy comfy and warm sock that stands up to the cold, long walks and whatever else you do.  Oh, and their design and technology actually fight against blisters. And with half of your boots (although very nice) being too big or too small, you know you could do a lot more this winter if you didn't have oozing sores on your feet.

I tried out the Metro (pictured above), which are thin and light-weight, but so unbelievably warm. It feels like your feet are being warmed by a blanket by the fire the entire time you wear them. Isn't that how you want to feel in this harsh weather?

I will never spend another winter without Dalhgren Socks. They offer me everything I need - and then some: there are supercute socks for everyday, outdoor socks for those of you who like to get your camping/hiking on, and perhaps my favourite category, the winter boot selections that keep your tooties snug and warm despite the freezing temperatures.

Dalhgren only makes socks. That's all they do. So why are you buying your socks from a company that makes jeans and workboots?

Shop Dalhgren now and have a warm, dry winter for once.

Recycle Your Hangers with Ease with the Hanger Hamper

I love our place, but our bedroom closet is a constant source of agony (it even frustrated our organizer!). No matter how much I cull my clothes and rearrange things, I end up with having to yank out tops and by the end of the week, the closet looks like it's been raided by a 12-year-old.

One of my recent discoveries was that as I've been donating clothes at our local shelter box, I've been folding everything and hence, my closet still has the same number of hangers.

But how to recycle them? I've tried taking an armful to my dry cleaner, but that ended with hangers all over the sidewalk. Plastic bags don't work because the wire and plastic tears right through them.

Thank goodness for The Hanger Hamper.

This clever product helps consumers and dry cleaners easily reuse and recycle their hangers. Approximately 3.5 billion wire hangers are discarded in landfills every year, so I like feeling like I'm part of the solution - and it creates room in my perpetually cramped closet!

The cloth collapsible bag is shaped to stack up to 100 hangers neatly. The sturdy sides means they won't be tossing about on your way to the dry cleaner and the straps make it easy to transport them.  Then, when you're not using it, collapse it never worry again about wasting precious closet space. But even when it's open, it's triangular shape conform to your closet corners, making it wonderful to use for laundry or storing small items in the interim.

This afforable system ($9.95) is really a revolutionary household product.

Get your Hanger Hamper now.

Say it with HeartThreads Clothing This Holiday

If you're like me, in recent years your mailing and gift lists got so immense it became a burden. So this is the year that you're only doing quality, meaningful gifts to a few close friends and family. 

One way to do that is with HeartThread Tees.  

Scott Wilson created these amazing t-shirts with a message INSIDE, right next to your heart. "It's what's on the inside that counts," he says.

"After a close friend lost their daughter, I wanted to do something to express my love and support for the family. The vision was to create a 'message close to the heart,' by taking the father's t-shirts and printing a picture of his daughter on the inside of the shirt positioned above the heart. The thought was to keep her image close to him at all times. Seeing the joy it brought this father and his family combined with my belief that 'what's on the inside has more meaning than what's on the outside,' the 'HeartThreads' clothing line was born."

This gift allows the recipient with be walking around with that thought right over their heart. It would be near impossible to feel unloved with a gift like that!

There is much love in these tees. First of all, there's the affirmations themselves. Which one means something to you or to the person you're giving it to? Will it be Friendship or Hope? Be Still or Celebrate? There are a lot to choose from. I am wearing the Faith tee, which comes boxed and reads:

"I believe unconditionally. It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

And not only are the messages powerful, these tees are so freakin' sumptuous (if only everything could be made from 100% ultra fine supima cotton jersey), you'll feel good inside AND out. They are preshrunk and machine washable, but you're going to love the fitted contour body and longer length, so you'll actually wear it (unlike all those tees that came before).

And the dedication to detail doesn't stop there - the shoulder seams are sewn with gold colored thread "symbolizing purity, prosperity and longevity." 

Now that's what I call a fabulous gift.

Shop HeartThreads now.

TOCCA Scents Were Made Just For Me... And You

TOCCA is one of those brands that once you discover it, you become what I call a "lifer" - you just simply cannot do without it now that you've tried it.

TOCCA's Fine Fragrances are some of the most sensual, sumptuous scents I've ever come across. I'm currently addicted to Colette Eau de Parfum (pictured above).

It's sheer coincidence that the one fragrance I tried was inspired by a writer. French novelist and libertine Colette was known for her dalliances as much as her writing and this scent "embodies the irresistible scent of a woman that lingers on the pillow long after she leaves." Pretty sexy, right?

I love how the scent spirals around you, sprinkling a warm scent here, a spicy scent there. It is forever evolving, just like you. It warms right up on my skin, leaving hints of bergamot, pink peppercorn, violet, amber and cedar-wood. Oh, I could wear this scent forever

I don't normally swoon over perfume bottles, but this one is simply stunning. A round bottle with beveled edging is finished with a burnished gold top, complete with a decorative garden scene etching on it. I will keep the bottle long after I've used up the fragrance.

A lovely and sweet addition is when you open the box, the inside top reads, "Love Yourself." What a fantastic gift!

And if you're looking for something to get for a co-worker, your hairdresser or just a beautiful stocking stuffer, the Crema Mani Viaggio (Hand Cream Set) is quite the little luxury. The trio features 3 2fl.oz tubes of wonderful scented lotions that keep your hands incredibly soft and supple, thanks to ingredients such as avocado, coconut and jojoba seed oils and shea butter. The collection -  Cleopatra (grapefruit cucumber), Stella (blood orange) and Florence (Orris Rose) is ready for air travel or just at the ready on your desk.

There is so much to love about TOCCA. I mean, I haven't even mentioned their clothing collection yet!!!

Shop now.

Discover the Awesomeness of Robot Luv and Pass It On!

There are some people that are just able to capture a feeling onto paper or clothing.

Carrie Masters of Robot Luv has created a line of clothes, patches, totes, lamps and other fun stuff that are whimsical, fun and downright awe-inspiring (You can also shop her collection at her Etsy storefront where you can also shop additional items such as cards, puzzles and knitted accessories).

Robot Luv lamps bring a bit of fun into the study or living room.  And her totes make me smile - how can errands be dull when you've got a cute bag like these?!

Gosh, she's got a great style, doesn't she? It's no wonder I want to cover myself head to toe in Robot Luv gear!

It's easy to shop for the music lover on your list here - How About A Little Moog Music Tee and I Heart Indie Music Tee makes a fun and original gift. And I adore the Airstream Camper Tee. How fun is that?! The tees are "vintage soft" which means they are 100% cotton and feel like you've worn it in already. Ooh, they are amazing!

And to keep you stylin', you\re going to want these incredible patches. I got the Boston Terrier Side View Patch (pictured above) to put on my winter coat, which will make my coat the cutest coat E-V-E-R! You can select from a whole whack of 'em - one for everyone on your list! Isn't that a great gift?!

And to go with all those gifts, you should pick up some greeting cards while you're at it too. It doesn't get much better than these.

It's not too late to get the most amazing holiday gifts  - Shop Robot Luv now!

With All This Snow, You're Going to Need a Cute Hat - Pistil's Got You Covered

We are in the middle of snow squall here. It's like someone shook a snowglobe and I'm right in the middle of it. However, that's not going to stop me from going outside. After all, I have things to do, people to see. The key I've learned is to simply dress for it. 

I know that sounds obvious, but really, you've just got to dress warmly and then you can be outside without discomfort. But that also doesn't mean you can't be stylish.

Much of your body heat is lost through your head. So wearing a hat during these colder months is a must. I recommend cute and pretty over a bulky toque with your favourite sports team or company-issued gear.

Take a look at Pistil's awesome collection. Their modern hats are perfect for those wanting to be warm this winter, without having to sacrifice your personal style.

The 2010 Winter Collection offers hats for men, women and kids, so you can outfit the whole family at once!

I love the clean design of these hats. And somehow, they manage to create gorgeous finishing touches - linings, buttons and other details - that accentuate the design without ever taking away from it (How do they do that?!).

Take the Leaf Beanie for instance. The little tucks and pattern really make this hat spectacular, but it's not too busy or too much. This is one of the best - and most flattering - winter hats I've ever seen. Sugar is nicely streamlined and accented with the most beautiful colours. Snowberry's design will add life to that plain winter coat of yours.

If you like a brim with your knit cap, I think Blythe is a stylish warmer, as is Harper.

I'm rockin' the Cabbie in Charcoal (pictured above) and I've got to tell you - I've been stopped twice! People can't wait to tell me how much they love it. 

Me too. It's wonderfully sturdy, but comfy and warm (the wool/poly blend is so thick and there is a little elastic gathering at the back to keep it secure without ever being tight) The shape is incredibly flattering and you can wear it straight on or a little off to the side, so at least you've got options (it's going to be a long winter, so it's nice to be able to change it up).  The button detail gives is a little snap, but the unexpected surprise is most definitely the lining - it's pretty floral cotton! You get to enjoy it a little as it also like the inner edge of the hat's brim, but when you take it off, don't be surprised if you often put it floral side up.

I don't know how they do it - such a wonderfully detailed and beautiful hat that's affordable. I'm not complaining, mind you. In fact, now that my head is so warm (and stylin'!), I'm going to head out into this winter wonderland.

When you look and feel this good, you don't want to keep it to yourself!

Shop Pistil now - shop online or find a retailer near you.

Icebreaker: The Stylish Clothes You Crave With the Added Bonus of Comfort & Warmth

Once this cold weather hits you probably think, I don't care what I look like, I just want to be warm.

Then two days later you decide, Okay, I want to be warm AND look good.

That is why you should shop Icebreaker.

Their clothing is made from Pure New Zealand Merino, a fabric that goes beyond all others because the individual fibres breathe. This results in giving you a warm insulation, without the risk of sweat or feeling clammy - your temperature remains remarkably steady and comfortable. So bring on the windy cold! You won't feel a thing!

The other exciting feature to this merino fabric is how lightweight it is. It is so comfortable to wear, you'll want all of your wardrobe basics to be made out of merino. You can layer the pieces to give you the feelings you're wearing just one piece - there's no bulk here, or that awful scratchy feeling.

Take the Rapid Zip, for instance. This awesome jacket is described as a "classic midweight high performance top that maximises freedom of movement." Midweight? Really? Because it feels so cotton candy light to me. As soon as I put it on, I wanted to:

1. Start running. Hey, when you look this good, who doesn't want to show it off?

2. Switch all my clothing over to Icebreaker because everyone should feel this comfortable.

This slim-fitting jacket is incredibly flattering (Well no, I don't work out, but thank you), and I can't believe that something this close to the body doesn't pinch or cinch anywhere. Not even in the crook of my arm when I bend it LIKE EVERY OTHER JACKET I'VE EVER HAD. It's a complete dream! 

Even the pockets are nice - you zip them open and they are warm and deep. They are actually handwarmers. Oh my.

I wore it on a freezing cold night this week and I was so toasty that I could have walked for hours.

But what if you want something a little dressier for the holidays? If you think all of their clothing is made for athletic function, think again!

The Villa Dress (pictured above) from their Travel Lite Collection is so pretty. You can dress it up or down and layer over or under it for a number of different looks. And the added bonus? It's super light and comfy, DOESN'T NEED IRONING (!!!) and can be washed in the machine!

The wide, deep v-neck is flattering and the dress doesn't cut too closely (read: covers you where you want it to). The cap sleeves, raw edge details and double looped belt keep it modern looking - no one has to know it's this cozy or feels like pajamas. Roll it up and throw it in a bag - wear it as soon as you hit your destination: no ironing required! When was the last time you had a dress like this?

These are just 2 of the many items of men, women and kids clothing and accessories that Icebreaker makes. If you want clothes that you never want to take off and that make you look and feel good, ensconce yourself in Icebreaker.

Shop the Icebreaker collections now.

p.s. With every garment featuring a unique Baacode sewn in, you can go online and trace the fibre back to the sheep farm that grew the merino, all the way through the Icebreaker supply chain.

Meet Yummie Tummie - The Battle Against Your Bulge

I cook and eat for a living, so it's safe to say that my flat stomach of my teens is long gone.

That doesn't mean that I don't want to look svelte and sexy though!

So in addition to eating healthy when I can and walking everyday, I am taking full advantage of Yummie Tummie's line of shapewear and body shapers to keep me looking slim.

Last week, I went to a swank dinner where I knew the cameras would be everywhere (sure enough, they got me). I really wanted to look good.

I changed dresses 5 times and still felt like a baked potato. Ew. This wasn't going to cut it.

Thankfully, Yummie Tummie's Peek-A-Boo Cami (pictured above) had just arrived. I slipped it on under my black sheath dress and voila! A miracle occurred, where all of me was slimmed and smoothed - My midsection had been flattened, without having to endure any situps or crunches.

Not only did I have a stealth body, but it was so comfortable, I forgot I was wearing it? Can you think of that last body shaper you wear that felt like that? That didn't pull, tug or roll up on you?

Yeah, didn't think so.

There are fantastic design features too, like the deep neckline, so that the slip dress never shows no matter what dress you're wearing. And the straps are adjustable, so no matter where your chest lies (mine's somewhere near Texas, y'all), you can have it fit your body p-e-r-f-e-c-t-l-y. Oh, and if you don't want to have to wear a dress to get the benefits of being all Jessica Alba-y, you can tuck the lace trim into pants or skirts. Sweet.

This is one of those life-saving, where-have-you-been-all-my-life items that you will count on as much as you do your morning cup of joe.

Ooh, and the Short Sleeve Crew T-Shirt is a wardrobe necessity. So much so, you might want to buy a bunch.

This tee does everything you've ever wanted your t-shirts to do - there are 3 panels on the interior, which keeps you looking more Kate Bosworth than Kate Gosselin.  And because there are no visible seams on the outside, you can layer without looking bumpy or bulgy.

And it's damn comfy too. It's like wearing a regular tee, without that binding, can't breathe feeling that you get with most shapers.

It looks great on it's own or paired with a jacket or sweater. I love that I can wear a tee that keeps everything tucked away. There's nothing worse than seeing a tummy over the top of jeans. Yeah, you can say goodbye to that look forever, thankyouverymuch!

I am hooked on Yummie Tummie! I never thought that I could look this good AND be comfortable at the same time.

Shop the whole collection now.

Step Up Your Wardrobe With Jockey Tights, Sheers & Shapers!

I get soooo bored with my clothes.

Dressing for work or a party, I always feel like I have nothing to wear, that I wear the same 5 things.

Recently I have discovered a secret to extending and expanding my wardrobe - getting accessories that will add flair to my outfits and change up my look for "whatever" to "wow."

And that's so easy with the new collection from Jockey!

Take Sheer Dot Hosiery, for example. 

How cute are these? The small dot is perfect - not too big, not too small - and can look smart with office wear or be damn sexy paired with a little black dress.  And here's where the Jockey savvy comes in - the pattern goes all the way to the tips of your toes, so you can wear these with peep toes and look smashing from head to well, toe.

And for those days and nights that you want to look your best, the Waist to Mid-Thigh Slimmer tucks you in an all the right places and the waist and leg bands stay in place, whether you're taking a stroll after dinner or tearing it up on the dancefloor.  

You can have the shape you want, thanks to Jockey!

And even though our wardrobes are getting thicker and darker, I like the look of a light nylon against a gray wool skirt or a hint of natural looking skin between the edge of a black dress and the top of black boots. So when I saw Jockey's Sheerest Ever nylons (pictured above), I knew I'd found a wardrobe staple.

First of all, they are soft and sheer, so your legs look and feel fantastic. Secondly, you'll love the  smooth wide waistband -  if you're stuck hunched over your laptop for the workday, you'll actually be working in comfort for once. The lengthened control panty is a nice feature (keep that pizza you had for lunch tucked away, at least until you get undressed!), as is the sandal foot, which means you can rock a high-heeled sandal or open-toed shoes.

Which means, you can extend the wear of your spring and summer shoes, skirts, dresses and pants for a little bit longer.

These collections are available online and in department stores across Canada.

Threadless: You Love the T-Shirts, Now Get the Book!

The artwork is mesmerizing, inspiring.

The community is building.

Threadless: Ten Years of T-Shirts from the World's Most Inspiring Online Design Community is the soon-to-be released book (October 10th, my birthday!) from Threadless, one of the coolest t-shirt companies around.

Celebrating their 10th year, this book covers their immense online community of designers, cofounder Jake Nickell's year-by-year account of the Threadless story, and the most amazing illustrations and photos.

The book is a fascinating read. Here are some of my favourite highlights:

- Harvard Business School devoted an entire class to studying Threadless.

-  John Maeda says, "It isn't simply an online store. It's the ideal mix of an authentic expression of artistic practice with innovative economic models.

- "I Hate You, Bike Thief," a hilarious story and t-shirt by Julian Glander.

- The Joker as the Queen. Oh my!

- The sheer brilliance of "It's Toile About You," "We've Got Some Work to Do Now," and "Springfield Still Life."

- "Red"and "The Red" t-shirts. The illustrations are stunning, and it's just by coincidence that 2 I liked are on the same theme, Little Red Riding Hood, a story I don't even like!

Anyone who loves art, design, fashion and pop culture will devour this book, as I did. 

What a fabulous gift!

Pre-order it online now.