Cozy up for Fall

Here are some delicious pieces I want to cozy up to this Fall.

1. Smart Set Aviator Jacket $42.00 on sale
2. Murrah Faux Fur Cross-Body Tote from Aldo $55
3. Fair Isle Sweater Dress from Smart Set $55
4. Twisty Booties from Payless $29.99 on sale
5. Topshop Cable Knit Leggings in Burgundy from The Bay $40

Polish Fixation's Halloween Polish Giveaway!

Polish Fixation is having a HUGE Halloween polish giveaway! Check it out:

Contest closes October 2, 2011. Good luck everyone!

I am Definitely Addicted: Halloween Giveaway

I am Definitely Addicted blog is having a super scary halloween polish giveaway! Check it out — contest closes September 30, 2011 so hurry up and enter already! Good luck everyone.

Deborah Lippman Collection Giveaway

Aly Loves Lacquer is celebrating 200 followers by having a super Deborah Lippman collection giveaway!

Good luck everyone, contest ends September 30, 2011.

Hermetic's Polish Blog Giveaway

Hermetic is celebrating 200+ followers with a cool giveaway! Check it out.

Good luck everyone! Contest ends September 30, 2011.

Crystaliciousss' 30th Birthday Giveaway!

Check out Crystaliciousss' awesome 30th birthday giveaway, where you have the chance to win 30 polishes! The contest is open worldwide, and ends September 30th, 2011. Good luck everyone!

Camel's Back!

I just love the colour Camel. For me, it evokes images of warm wool overcoats, afternoon walks in the rain; feelings of trustworthiness and prosperity. This fall, camel is back and with so many more options than just the usual overcoat, you're sure to find a piece that suits your personal style.

Camel's Back! So many choices, so little time...

1. Dior Nail Lacquer in Mitzah Camel
2. Madison Leather Satchel in Camel from Banana Republic
3. All Over Elastic Scarf in Camel from Miss Selfridge
4. 3.1 Philip Lim's gorgeous Short Pea Coat (want!)
5. Knitted Roll Neck Sweater in Camel from Top Shop

Nail Polish Obsession: China Glaze Westside Warrior

China Glaze Metro Collection Fall 2011 - Westside Warrior

A new colour in nail varnish this fall is khaki green. There are many greens like this in every line, but Westside Warrior in the Metro Collection by China Glaze was the one I was drawn to.

Blurry cell phone photo for your viewing enjoyment.

I love China Glaze's formula. It goes on beautifully and has a lovely finish. This is only one coat, plus my usual Essie Good To Go top coat! The verdict: I will be wearing this over and over this fall.

Faux Ostrich Satchel Tote

Celebrate going back to school in style with this classic tote from Aldo.

'Teem' Faux Ostrich Tote from Aldo

I am coveting this faux ostrich satchel-style bag. It is large enough for a small notebook computer or an iPad, plus all the essentials you need to get through the day. The classic style goes well with any outfit — from business attire to your favorite jeans and white t-shirt. Available in Cognac (pictured above) or Bone. Buy it now online at Aldo Shoes for $55.

Nail Obsession of the Day: Wet 'n' Wild Sunny Side Up

Wet 'n' Wild - Wild Shine - Sunny Side Up

What a yummy, sunny colour! Wild Shine is very affordable — barely $1.50 at Walmart here in Canada. The formula is great — this is only 2 coats, plus Essie Good to Go top coat.

Wet 'n' Wild - Wild Shine - Sunny Side Up

My only negative comment about this polish line is that the brush is a little too skinny for me. Overall, Wild Shine is excellent value with lots of trendy shades to choose from.

WTF Nicki Minaj: VMAs 2011

Nicki Minaj walked the Black Carpet at this year's MTV VMAs in this:

Nicki Minaj at the 2011 MTV VMAs

It's apparently constructed of random stuffies, slippers, bandages and solar collector parts. Love the addition of the hygiene mask — it really brings the outfit together. {crickets}

She's like the budget, flea-market version of Lady Gaga.

Red, Red Wine

As I was flipping through this month's Lou Lou magazine I was inspired by a fantastic page dedicated to fall's newest colour trend: Maroon. Call it Maroon, or call it Wine, Burgundy, Bordeaux, or Merlot — this dark red with blue undertones is a rich, classic colour that looks great with many skin tones. I've chosen some delicious finds for you to savour. Cheers!

Red, Red Wine

1. George blazer in Burgundy at Walmart $20

2. Essie Nail Lacquer in Bordeaux $11 at Shoppers Drug Mart or Walmart Canada

3. Dooney & Bourke Dillen 2 Large Pocket Satchel in Bordeaux $298 US

4. Michael Kors Vail Wedges in Dark Mushroom Kid Suede $195 US

5. Sephora Lush Flush Lip & Cheek Stain in Wine $12


6. Pepper.Werner Trousers in Wine from Theory $295

Bonus: Red Wine
Guest Contribution by Kathleen Rake
Now that we're getting ready for fall, despite summer having just arrived, a red wine with a little more weight than the rosés and whites we’ve been sipping is the perfect companion for cooler evenings.

One of my favourite red wines from BC is the 2008 Nichol Vineyard Syrah, displaying classic Syrah aromas and flavours of black pepper, black cherries, and salami. This wine measures 13.5% ABV and rings in at $29.90.

A more wallet-conscious choice is an Italian wine I had just the other night: 2007 Monte Antico Toscana IGT, with 13% ABV and a price tag of $16. A blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cab Sauv, and 5% Merlot, this wine is juicy, fruity, earthy, and yummy.

Kathleen Rake a perpetual student of wine, who’s managed to marry her decades-long love affair with wine to her craft—writing. Read more of Kathleen’s wine-soaked musings at www.betweenthevines.ca. Feel free to contact her directly by e-mail at kathleen@betweenthevines.ca.

Polish Giveaway!

Check out Polish Infatuated's Cool Giveaway!

Beauty blogger Sharon celebrates her first year of blogging with a huge giveaway of 2 fantastic prizes! Contest closes September 18th. Good luck!

Pon Pon Pon!

WTF is this? I don't know exactly, but it's catchy. I dare you not to sing along.

Summer Lovin'

Summer is here, finally! After months and months of waiting impatiently for the rain to stop, it is here. Here are some cute things I am lovin' for summer! I hope you love them too.

Summer Lovin'

1. Deborah Lippman nail lacquer in Yellow Brick Road

2. Suzy Shier maxi dress - on sale for $19.99

3. Aldo 'Kenne' earrings, on sale for $7.98

4. Cute sunnies from Skechers

5. Aldo 'Ruffina' flat sandals, on sale for $39.98 

Confessions of a Secret Costume Addict

I have a secret. Well, not anymore since I'm sharing it with you now. I have had a secret career crush on Costume Design for quite a few years. The first time I became consciously aware that I was paying more attention to the costumes in a movie I was watching, was Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Not the greatest film, but I didn't care. I could feel my blood racing the first time Queen Amidala entered the scene in her red gown. I was hooked.

Red Invasion gown, from Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, designed by Trish Biggar

Spotted: Nyan Cat Earrings

Is there anything better than rainbow pooping poptart cats? Probably, but why not wear your favourite meme with these super cute Nyan Cat Earrings from ShanaLogic. Originally created by Chris Torres, this necklace was a collaboration between him and the amazing Claire Belton! $12.00 on-line.
If you've been living under a rock, turn up your sound, watch the Nyan Cat video and prepare to be amazed*.

*No actual amazement will occur.

Orange Crush

I'm obsessed with the colour orange. The happy, fresh colour always gives me a thrill. I think of orange, and immediately thoughts of mouth-watering orange slices spring to mind. Here are some delicious, orange delights I am currently crushing on. I hope you like them, too!

Orange Crush

1. Essie 'Meet me at sunset' nail polish

2. Smart Set Shirred Scoop-Neck Tee

3. Ikea Fillsta table lamp

4. Aldo Roloson ring

5. Aldo Heister Sandals

What are you crushing on?

Wish List

Lately, I've been thinking about goals. Recently, my husband was laid off from his job of 18 years and my salary was cut in half.  This brought many things into perspective and caused us to re-evaluate our goals.

Goals are one thing. They are tangible. They are practical. Goals are sober and well thought out. But what about wishes?

Where have I been?

I am neglecting this blog.

I plan to begin posting regularly again soon... watch this space for new content!

Don't worry, I still love you =)