Holiday Jewelry Idea: Tryst

I met Kerry at Tryst Jewellery a few years ago at The Clothing Show.  I was attracted to her magical meets nature inspired pieces that she was selling in her lil booth.  Kerry was very soft-spoken and told me some lil tales on what she liked and what inspired her when it came to the designing her pieces.  I was mesmerized.  I wanted everything.  They are absolutely stunning in person and exquisitely handcrafted.  The prices were also just right and would make for a lovely dainty addition to my work and night out wardrobe.  I still wear her pieces even years later.  The quality?  Sublime. 

As the holidays are coming I thought I’d let you ladies in on the secret about Kerry and her line ‘Tryst’.  It can be found at http://www.trystbykerry.com/shop/ .  Her current collection offers you themes of :  forest + folklore, sunscapes + poetry, basics and even bridal that come in necklace, earring, bracelet, rings and in vintage forms.

If you’re looking for some dynamic pieces to enhance your HOLIDAY wardrobe; some pieces I’d like to shine some light on are the Waterdrop necklaces and the Oxygen necklaces and earring sets.

Waterdrop Fluoresce Necklace

The Waterdrop Fluoresce Necklace would not only make a nice conversational piece on a LBD but would definitely make you pop on a night out with friends and family.  I love the swallow accent; it’s very simple but could be worn layered up with a few simple necklaces or on its own.  There are loads of colours to choose from.  Just do a search of Water drop on the Tryst website.

Here are the details:

• Materials:

(Silver) plated brass, silver plated chain, chalcedony quartz.

(Gold) plated brass, 18kt gold plated chain, chalcedony quartz.

• Dimensions: Faceted drop measures 13x13mm (just over 1/2″ x 1/2″).

40.5cm (16″) length with 5cm (2″) extender chain.

$26.00  On sale for: $10.50

Another piece which could be an option for a holiday outfit are the  ’Oxygen’ earrings and necklace set.

Oxygen Earrings

The earrings are glowing green quartz teardrops dangle sweetly from airy golden leaves. Finished with flattened French ear wires.   It’s a very subtle piece but still very earthy, fragile and pretty.  Putting the set together really makes it dynamic and could pull together an outfit in a lighter shade.

• Earrings Materials:

(Silver) silver plated brass, quartz glass, silver plated hooks.

(Gold) gold plated brass, quartz glass, gold plated hooks.

• Dimensions: 64mm (just under 2 1/2″) length including hooks.

Oxygen Necklace

• Necklaces Materials:

(Silver) silver plated brass, glass, freshwater pearl, silver plated chain

(Gold) gold plated brass, glass, freshwater pearl, 18k gold plated chain

• Dimensions: 42cm (16″) length. Leaf pendant measures about 24mm (1″) wide.

40.5cm (16″) length with 5cm (2″) extender chain.

Earrings are $26.00  On sale for: $12.60  Necklace $36.00 On sale for:  $25.20

Head’s up the sale prices for the above pieces are on now until end of day Monday November 28th, 2011.  Pick them up fast!   Check back for more sales and great deals!

Check out the Tryst sale section for some awesome deals http://www.trystbykerry.com/shop/index.php?main_page=specials .  Btw, the shipping is very affordable.  I’d encourage you to get a jump start on your holiday shopping and pick up some items for your gf’s, mothers, grandmother’s and aunt’s too. 

As an added incentive, I’m giving away (THANK YOU KERRY!) a Maylily Bracelet to one of my lucky readers.  It has a hand wrapped rounds of soft blue amazonite stones as they run parallel with a delicate handmade chain of elongated golden loops. Dangling playfully near the clasp are a pair of golden leaves and a sweet vintage lily in a contrasting coral pink, set upon a lacy heart charm.   Retail value is $40!  Truly, a perfect piece to wear with your holiday outfit.

Maylily Bracelet

If you have yet to subscribe to my blog the link is on the right hand side of the screen or email me at thirtyfourflavours@gmail.com.  For those already subscribed, consider yourself already entered into this contest!  Contest closes on December 5th, 2011.  Good luck everyone!

Grandpa Cardigan’s

I’ve been scouting out a cute lil grandpa cardigan to kick around in at work when it gets ‘arctic’ like in the office.  Something of good quality but also stylish and not too boxy.  I really like the Canadiana sweaters, you know the one’s that you may see on hipsters to grandpa’s that have bowling pins & balls, wolves in the forest scenes and fall leaves.  There is something about them.  I’ve never owned a grandpa cardigan but I like the idea.

The Bay has a neat one that they are selling as part of their Olympic Collection.  The adult version is sold out – you snooze you lose.  But the kids versions are still available if you are so inclined.  I like the kids version anyway, they have a nicer fit and hit right at the waist.  Perfect fit with a tank top or tee-shirt.

Olympic Collection Knit Sweater

 This Olympics Collection knit sweater features high quality lambswool and a beautiful Canada motif woven into the back. The traditional pattern and super warm feel will inspire the Canadian Olympian in all.

• Shawl collar
• Zip closure
• Long sleeves
• Front pockets
• Ribbed cuffs and hem

The price.  It’s pricey at $80.  But I checked the quality – it’s quite nice, not too warm, not scratchy – just a very comfortable transitional cardigan from fall to winter wear.  You will love the beavers and the Canadian maple leaves on the arms.  The zipper detail is nice as it allows the cardigan to sit flat on your body.  The collar is not bulky and adds a nice accent to the piece. There is even a ‘Canada’ logo on the back of the cardigan just in case you forget where you are from.

Yours in fashion,

Mel xo

Starbucks Holiday

Starbucks Skinny Peppermint Mocha

I was in Starbucks today picking up one of their Skinny Peppermint Mocha’s.  Have you had one?  It’s a yum treat for a mid afternoon pick me up.  The skinny is a lighter version of the traditional Peppermint Mocha. A perfect treat with 100 calories in a Tall.  It’s a combination of espresso, steamed non-fat milk, skinny mocha sauce and sugar-free peppermint flavoured syrup.  How much did it cost?  Well almost the price of a meal; at $4.50 Canadian.   I noticed Starbucks also had a Tall Eggnog Latte and Tall Caramel Brulee Latte for the same price.  If you want a lil Christmas cheer – give them a try and let me know your thoughts!

Starbucks Cake Pop Kit

The power of Starbucks merchandising beckoned me to their Seasonal Gift Shelf before I left the store.  I found a cute Starbucks® Cake Pop Kit which sure is a gimmick but the more I looked at the packaging I thought it could make a nice alternative to a candy cane to adorn gift bags this year.

 The Starbucks Cake Pop Kit contains all of the ingredients you’ll need to make 12 cake pops: vanilla cake mix, vanilla frosting, peppermint candy toppings and most importantly, the sticks. (You’ll also need water, oil and an egg.) Step-by-step instructions are included. The Starbucks® Cake Pop Kit comes in a ready-to-gift holiday package, trimmed with a holly ribbon.  It makes 12 pops and costs $9.95.  Oh yes, it’s time to start my holiday baking! 

Win a Smith’s – Lavish Layers Gift Tin – 3 x 0.8 oz! Subscribe to Thirty Four Flavours for your chance to win!

Smith's Rosebud Salve Tube

I’m a Lip Gloss addict.  I love a good gloss that I can apply throughout the day that doesn’t taste like chemicals and yet nourishing for my lips.  This time of year it’s so crucial to keep your lips moisturized.

I’ve been a fan of Smith’s Salves http://www.smithsrosebudsalve.net/products.html for a few years now when I picked up one of their salves on a trip to the U.S.   For over 100 years, the Rosebud Perfume Company of Woodsboro, Maryland, has worked to provide quality beauty products at reasonable prices. The Company offers a wide variety of salves to match a wide variety of preferences!

They have a mom and pop shop feel of products and at the end of the day make some neat products that could be neat gift items for not only yourself but for holiday season gift giving.

I encourage you to go to Anthropologie and pick up Smith’s Salves. They run around $7 Canadian Dollars at Anthropologie and come in convenient tubes you can pop into your purse for a night out or for work.  My three favourites include of the following:

Smith’s – Rosebud Salve Tube – 0.5 oz – The original Rosebud formula since 1892 is now available in a convenient tube! This cult-favourite, multi-purpose lip balm has been re-discovered by Hollywood stars and makeup artists. Rosebud Salve is still a favourite to aid in the relief of chapped and dry skin, blemishes, diaper rash, and detergent burns. Rosebud Salve is also a wonderful lip moisturizer and natural looking lip gloss.

Smith’s – Mocha Rose Lip Balm Tube – 0.5 oz – The Mocha Rose Lip Balm with Vanilla is the newest aromatic and moisturizing lip balm from Rosebud Perfume Co. Mocha Rose imparts a dewy gloss to parched and chapped lips. Apply to rough hands, cuticles, chaffed elbows and feet or anywhere you need an emollient body boost! Infused with chocolate, vanilla and mocha coffee shop flavours.

Smith’s – Strawberry Lip Balm Tube – 0.5 oz – The Strawberry Salve is formulated to aid in protecting and moisturizing the lips, cuticles, and elbows from the drying effects of the weather. The aroma of Strawberry Shortcake attracts Hollywood Celebrities, Skiers, and Sun Worshipers alike.

Smith's - Lavish Layers Gift Tin - 3 x 0.8 oz

If you aren’t a fan of the tubes, Smith’s also has their wonderful lip glosses in vintage looking tins.  Which again is very handy and beautifully packaged. 

One of my lucky readers can win a Smith’s – Lavish Layers Gift Tin – 3 x 0.8 oz all you need to do is subscribe to my blog!  If you have yet to subscribe to my blog the link is on the right hand side of the screen or email me at thirtyfourflavours@gmail.com.  For those already subscribed, consider yourself already entered into this contest!  This set includes: an Original Rosebud Salve 0.8 oz., a Minted Rose Lip Balm 0.8 oz., and a Strawberry Lip Balm 0.8 oz.  Retail value $20.  You can keep if for yourself or give share with friends.  Contest closes on November 22, 2011.  Good luck everyone!

The Queen’s Trunk

The Queen's Trunk

I was just about to send a friend a Facebook message over the weekend when I saw on her wall an ad for an event which looked intriguing.  The link read ‘The Queen’s Trunk, a pop up shop, supported by CEO of Venture Capital and Dragons’ Den, Arlene Dickinson, and created by Canadian/British actress and singer-songwriter, Karen David. (Scorpion King 2/Couples Retreat/and new Fox TV series, Touch)’.

Pop up shop?  This seems to be the latest trending fashion marketing term.  Topshop was all over it this summer as it got the word out of its arrival.

Hmmm I was intrigued.  After living in the UK for a few years; that experience really opened my mind to English fashion but most importantly making purchases which are timely and have some long term quality attached to it.

The Queen's Trunk

I touched base with Karen this afternoon over tea and ginger biscuits (who just happened to also be from Rexdale but now a full English girl transplant) and she explained to me that this pop up shop is the second showing after a successful Spring 2011 run.  Karen is a hard working actress and songwriter who has access to the loveliest pieces from British high Street Fashion, vintage & designer clothes, accessories and shoes. All pieces are brand new or worn once on the celebrity red carpets or on British television shows – all in pristine condition, and all proudly British. She also understood my penchant for quality goods and ensured all the items in her shop adhered by the same mantra.  She gets it!  Those British girls really know how to have fun with their clothes and stay on trend. 

Some of the brands  being housed at Karen’s shop include of: ASOS, River Island,  Bebe UK, Missoni, TopShop, Whistles, Karen Millen, Joseph, Miss Selfridge, Apostrophe – Notting Hill, Ted Baker, All Saints, Rare, TFNC.  Yep, very drool able.  Girls, these are investment pieces, solid purchases for your wardrobe for years to come and supremely tailored.  I can guarantee no other fashionista in Toronto will have any of the pieces and they are true conversation starters.

The sizes range from 2 to 12/14 Canadian/American or 6 UK to 12 UK and from what I could see in shop there is a lot of variety left for all sizes.  Check out the accessories and shoes too!

The Queen's Trunk

I really loved the Mina K mini dress which was priced at $40.  Sienna Miller favoured this young English designer’s frocks in the press.  Up close the garment you can see that it has loads of detail and is a substantial piece.  I saw a similar swing type dress at the Clothing Show this Fall and at Preloved for over $80 and they had nothing on this piece which Karen has acquired.  Its way too polished even for a Queen Street hipster.

There were even some lovely Lamb’s wool scarves which were priced at $45 in sweet turquoise and rose shades.  They were made in Florence. I haven’t seen anything like them – they exuded pure warmth, style and yet simplicity.

The selection is substantial so you will need time.  Karen and her mom Jenny were so gracious and really give you a full service shopping experience.  If you need a lil space to walk through their room and try on jewellery and some handbags it is welcomed and encouraged.

 For the price and quality of the pieces you can’t go wrong.  Keep in mind a portion of the proceeds will go towards Breast Cancer Research, Canada and The African Famine Relief Fund.

 Check them out this weekend from November 19th and 20^th 2011 at 504 Wellington St.W, Toronto. 11am until 7pm.   Cash Only.

Luggage

Delsey 76 CM 4-WHEEL EXPANDABLE TROLLEY CASE

The stats:

This 100% polycarbonate range, popular for its amazing lightness, pure lines and expandability up to 5 cm enabling 15% more storage capacity. Its maneuverability conferred by 4 multidirectional wheels.
- 100 % polycarbonate
- Pure & chic design
- Lightness, expandability & maneuverability

Size : L 55 x H 76 x E 30/35 cm
L 21.7 x H 29.9 x D 11.8/13.8 inches
Weight : 5.1 kg
11.2 pounds
Capacity : 97 + 11 L
5919 + 671 inch³

A few year’s back I was done with my old The Bay bought suitcase.  Sure, it was cheap but it was heavy and I dreaded trying to pull it off the conveyor belt at the airport on trip’s home after a long flight.  When an elderly man asked me if I needed help and then looked like he was going to have a heart attack pulling the case off the belt one day…I thought, enough is enough.  No more boys helping me pull my bags off at the airport.   I don’t need help, I’m a strong girl!  I can do it!  Girl Power! 

So I asked my boy, Danny, who is the King of all things Nerdy and Luggage related what we recommended in a cool, swish, stylish luggage piece.  He recommended Delsey from France.  Oddly enough he just happened to be at a Winners in Yorkville that had a decent case in stock.

So I went off to the Winners and as usual he was right.  It was black, light, its had loads of space, it could turn 360 degrees, a flex hard case, two hand grips, a built-in safety lock, shiny exterior,  sturdy zippers and very cool.  The price?  An affordable $150 reduced from over $250.  I bought it on the spot.

I have been to France, England, Chicago, San Francisco with this baby and never once has she let me down.  It’s been even easier pulling her off the conveyor belt when I come home after a trip as well as hauling her up and down stairs especially those at Heathrow Airport.

As per the Delsey website, their suitcases have been tested in the following ways:

Wheels are made to carry fully luggage over 30 kilometers of abrasive surfaces and obstacles

The loaded suitcase is placed one meter above the ground. It is then dropped 26 times in 26 different places

They are tested by being raised and lowered several thousand times

They are opened and closed up to 5,000 times, the equivalent of 5 years normal everyday use

They are subjected to extreme corrosive and weather conditions to test resistance to rust. Fabrics have to pass tear resistance tests

Next time you’re in Winners, check a Delsey case out.  Forget about those horrible Roots, Air Canada cases ladies. 

Yours in fashion,

Mel xo

Holiday Party Outfit Idea: Playsuits & Jumpsuits

Motel Winnie Placement Rose Open Back Playsuit http://www.asos.com

 I love the idea of a jumpsuit.  It reminds me of my childhood in Montreal and wearing cute lil sets that my mom would buy for me from Bonimart.  I remember I had a blue jumpsuit, of the polyester variety which had cute buttons on the chest and a slim belt.  I thought I was a kingpin.  Well, not really…I was 6.  But I remember I would love wearing it around the playground.  I was a mini hipster.  But cuter, bien sur.

ASOS Abstract Print Wrap Front Playsuit http://www.asos.com

These days when I see jumpsuits on sales racks I think Studio 54 and 70′s retro but still very age appropriate for the 20 to mid 30 set.  The only difference is that the current pieces are low on the polyester and sweet on the cotton, rayon and of silk variety.  They are light enough to wear with a bare leg or with tights and leggings.  You don’t need to wear them with a heel if you’re so inclined.  But if you want to sex it up, it is an option.  A flat shoe works well and adds a simple but yet mod feel to the outfit.  They could also make a nice change up from the traditional holiday party dress for your work and friend’s holiday parties too.

Motel Winnie Spots Open Back Playsuit http://www.asos.com

Now let’s speak about the obvious, you do need a wee body for these outfits.  They are pretty stream lined.   I feel like if you want to rock the trend – don’t let your current frame hold you back.  You may have to try on a few different pieces to find a look that works.  If you aren’t a tiny mini – get a looser fit jumpsuit that covers your bum appropriately, perhaps even with a full or long sleeve.  The cut will make you look slimmer, very sleek and sexy.

ASOS Butterfly Print Wrap Front Playsuit http://www.asos.com

Try these items on the next time you’re in stores.  You maybe pleasantly surprised.  Now that Christmas and holiday party season is upon us – try something a lil bit flirty and maybe out of the norm.  Stay tuned for a post on how to dress up your holiday party outfit with some lovely jewellery coming soon.

Yours in fashion,

Mel xo

Diana Mini & Flash

Diana Mini & Flash

The other day I saw in my email box that the Lomography store in Toronto had a Groupon on for a discount at their shop here in Toronto.  I called the store and spoke to a nice gentleman who gave me some feedback on the deal and which cameras would be nice for a beginner photog girl like me.  For awhile now I’ve been swooning over pictures in galleries and art books that have these lovely soft and dreamy images something off a Spritualized meets My Bloody Valentine album cover.  This lil baby will do the job.

Its not digital bien sur..it’s old school.  But the negatives can easily be popped onto a CD at any good Lomography shop.

Diana Mini Photo

Here’s the description as per http://microsites.lomography.com/dianamini/

“The Diana Mini has big shoes to fill being the little sister of the classic beauty Diana F+. Luckily the “Mini” was born a star in her own right. Super sweet, the Diana Mini has got plenty of style and features to the nines. With the flick of a little switch you can move from the retro square format to the amazing Half-Frame, giving you the ability to Shoot Forever, packing 72 shots onto one 35mm film! Her handy-dandy size and limitless creative potential is a revolution in analogue photography.

Diana Mini Photo

With the Diana Mini long exposures are no biggie thanks to the ‘B’ setting, tripod mount and cable release attachment – a Diana first. Its wide-angle lens means you can get close or chose between any of the four focal distances. There is the possibility to take multiple-exposures and if you’re into abstract expressionism when it comes to your Lomography, you can overlap frames endlessly creating multiple-exposure panoramas. The in-built Diana flash plug makes it compatible with the retro-styled Diana Flash (available separately)!”

Diana Mini Photo

The Groupon wasn’t really any big savings.  So I happened to check Craigslist and found a photographer willing to sell a Lomography 120mm Diana F+ camera and the smaller 35mm Diana Mini camera both for $60.  A savings of $90 plus tax.  Yep.  Score?

I can’t wait to take some pictures when I go to Boston in a few weeks and just kicking about Toronto.  Thank you good karma.  Seems like I’m surrounded with it these days.

Yours in fashion,

Mel xo

J. Crew: 3 Cool Fall Looks

The Jean Shop® dark denim shirt $260

I like a nice balance of badass meets cute/sweet girl in my look.  The Fall is my most favourite time of year.  Layering, hot drinks, kicking up leaves and chilling with friends and family.  Wearing clothes that make me feel good as we head into the blistery winter weather just makes it easier and a lil more bearable.

Tissue turtleneck tee in stripe $45.50

J. Crew does a nice mix of pairing up transitional pieces for both work and play.  The prices can be really off at times but I always appreciate the quality you can get in J. Crew products.  The above denim shirt would look awesome with skinny black jeans or a mini.  The turtleneck again awesome with tweed trousers or just kicking it on the weekend with jeans or Fall shorts with a woollen tights pairing.

Hacking jacket in double-serge wool $290

I always forget about pairing a nice fitted jacket or blazer to change-up my look for work.  It can really sharpen up an outfit and also be flirty.  A good investment in a daring colour should be a staple for any girl’s wardrobe.  Just be sure to pick a colour that you like and you know you will wear.  Buying a poppy coloured jacket ‘just because’ or to have sometimes just isn’t worth it if you won’t wear it.  You all know what I’m talking about out there.   ;)

Yours in fashion,

Mel xo

Anthropologie: Lingonberry Mini

Lingonberry Mini ($248 On Sale for $69.95)

 

A summery print and a short-and-flippy silhouette make Leifsdottir’s skirt your best bet for hot-weather outings.  But I also like the idea of pairing this darling skirt with a pair of black tights or leggings and wearing them with a cute riding boot.  The good news is that it’s on sale this week.    Will you buy it?

• Side pockets
• Back zip
• Silk; acetate lining
• Dry clean
• 15.75″L
• Imported