Starts with a morning routine...

I'm not going to lie, my morning routine is anything but "wash n' go". However, with a few vital products in my make-up arsenal a potentially long prep time is greatly decreased. Though  I've dedicated previous posts to a few of my favourite products (here and here), I've since added a few new ones to my list of must-haves. 

The perfect accessory to carry all these essentials? A Louis Vuitton cosmetic case, which my parents brought back for me from their last trip to Europe. 

From top:

Dior Diorskin Nude Tan Nude Glow Sun Powder (here)

Dior Diorskin Nude Compact powder (here)

Dior 5-Colour eye shadow palette in Earth Reflection (here)

Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme (here)

Benefit "They're Real" Mascara (here)

Dior Addict Lip Glow in Pink (here)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Poweder Duo (here)

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch (here)

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment (here)

Dior Diorskin Nude Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer (here)

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain in 15 Rose Vinyl (here)

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (here) 

As you can see I use quite a few products from the Dior Diorskin Nude line. For someone who does not like heavy make-up, this particular line offers enough coverage while still being sheer, light, and very natural-looking. 

The Dior Addict Lip Glow is somewhat of a miracle product. It`s a balm that goes on clear and then works with your lip chemistry to enhance your natural colour. Perfect for days at the office. Conversely, the YSL Glossy Stain is a wonderful, long-lasting lip stain that offers the perfect amount of berry pink. 

If you have specific questions about any of the products above, feel free to leave a comment below!

Happy Tuesday!

Fashion News: Nicolas Ghesquiere is the new Artistic Director at Louis Vuitton

Confirmed today, Nicolas Ghesquiere, formally of Balenciaga, will be joining Louis Vuitton as Artistic Director. Hot on the heels of Marc Jacobs' departure announced last month, this appointment is sure to mean some exciting new changes for Louis Vuitton.

Ghesquiere is set to debut his new collection for the fashion label in March. 

Image credit: Wall Street Journal

Starts with pastels and denim...

Happy Friday! Last summer I had written about my search for the perfect denim jacket, finally this year I found one. Even better, I found it at Aritzia's summer sale (one of my favourite annual shopping events). 

For a casual weekend dinner, I paired it with a pastel lace tank and white skinny jeans. For added pop, I added a chunky statement necklace.

I love the juxtaposition of the geometric beads against the lace. As the weekend is upon us, with whatever you're doing I hope you have fun and enjoy the sunshine!

Jacket,  lace tank and hat: Aritzia (Jacket and tank on sale here and here, hat here)

Bottom: Free People

Shoes: Kors Michael Kors

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Jewelry: J.Crew bracelet, Banana Republic necklace (old, similar here)

Starts with a cargo jacket...

Hello! Hope you had a great weekend. If you celebrated Mother's Day, I hope you had a wonderful time with her and your families!  

In addition to spending time with my own mother and my  mother-in-law, I also had another special event this weekend. Back in January, I wrote about signing up and training for my first 10 km race. This weekend, I ran it and managed to achieve my goal time! I definitely felt a great sense of accomplishment, and am already looking forward to being even faster next year!

Top: J.Crew jacket (here), Club Monaco t-shirt (here)

Scarf: J.Crew

Bottom: Citizens of Humanity "Avedon Slick" skinny jeans

Shoes: Zara

Handbag: Louis Vuitton

Starts with Inspiration: 2013 Oscars Edition

Tonight's Oscars ceremony had no shortage of head-turning, eye-catching, breath-taking and heart-stopping gowns.  On a side note, how amazing was that performance by the Les Miserables cast? A perfect tribute to one of my favorite musicals of all time.

Nothing says casual-chic like a simple sheath adorned with a subtle splash of jewels. Not bad for someone who just decided what she'd wear hours before stepping on the red carpet. 

Anne Hathaway in Prada

I'm loving Amy's dove grey gown with its fitted bodice and skirt with all kinds of fluffy, feminine, and lovely detailing. Somehow, ever since seeing Ms. Adams in Enchanted, I think, "once a princess, always a princess". How fitting.

Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

Rocking peplum and a subtle train with her flattering pixie cut, Charlize let this dress speak for itself without many accessories.

Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture

Loving the splash of coral and elaborate beading on this dress.

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu

An homage to future-inspired glam - Naomi Watts' dress with its intriguing asymmetrical detail managed to be edgy while incredibly feminine all at once.

Naomi Watts in Armani Prive

Reese Witherspoon's gown in cobalt blue, one of my favorite colours of the moment, is classic Hollywood and fits her beautifully.  I'm also loving how the colour-blocking at the waist further accentuates the figure and creates an even more dramatic hourglass shape.

Reese Witherspoon in Louis Vuitton

I saved the best for last. My heart literally skipped a bit when I saw Jennifer Lawrence in this breathtaking Dior Haute Couture gown. It was regal, ethereal and old-Hollywood all at once. If I was getting married this year I would definitely have this silhouette and style on my gown wish list. Of course, with Jennifer Lawrence's Miss Dior ad pictures debuting this weekend, it was really no surprise she'd wow us all in Dior. 

Which gown was your favorite from this year's Oscar red carpet?

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture and Roger Vivier clutch

Image credits: People

Starts with Vegas...Part III

There's something about hot Vegas days that calls for bright prints and bold colors.

And something about special Vegas nights that call for a feminine full-skirted dress and a statement necklace.

This was a lovely trip and the perfect getaway to end to summer.

That's it for our Las Vegas trip! Until next time...

Top: Topshop

Shorts: Club Monaco (old)

Dress: Theory (also loving this version)

Sandals: Tory Burch (last seen here and here)

Jewellery: Tag Heuer, J.Crew, Hermes

Bags: Louis Vuitton tote, Fendi Baguette

Starts with skulls and lace...

Happy Sunday! It was such a beautiful weekend here, and it's an especially special weekend because it's both my hubby's birthday and our one-year wedding anniversary!

For dinner earlier last week, I decided to branch out and reach for my skull scarf. This was an impulse purchase from Las Vegas a last year and really is more of the "edgier" pieces in my wardrobe. I'm loving how it contrasts with the lace top, and matches perfectly with the ruffled heels.  If it wasn't so delicate, I think this scarf would be worn much more often. For now, it's relegated to simple outfits to avoid snags and pulls in the silk.

We came upon these adorable lanterns set up at the Shoppes at Don Mills. For those who've been to The Grove in Los Angeles - the mall reminds me a bit of that. We don't get many months of warm weather there, so any chance to mix fresh air and shopping - I'm in!

Hope you're spending the weekend relaxing and enjoying time with loved ones!

Scarf: Alexander McQueen

Top: Aritzia 

Bottom: J Brand

Shoes: Elizabeth and James (old)

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Sunglasses: D&G

Jewellery: Hermes, Tag Heuer 

Starts with a silk black tank...

Happy weekend! I originally purchased this silk pocket tank with work in mind - perfect for layering underneath cardigans. However, this flowy staple was also perfect today for a lazy city stroll and good eats!

Top: Ann Taylor (old, loving this version here)

Bottom: J.Brand

Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Shoes: Tory Burch

Jewellery: Michael Kors, Hermes, Gap

Sunglasses: D&G