Update: What's in My Bag

I thought it'd be fun to do an update on What's in My Bag since a lot has change since my first post showing the contents of my purse. I've downsized my bag to my Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo, and I've been making an effort to carry around less stuff (it also helps that my daughter now carries her things in her own backpack).

Clockwise from left:

• Prada sunglasses
• Chanel Vitalumiere Eclat compact powder
• iPhone in a Rilakkuma case
• Naris Up lip gloss
• Joe Fresh Mango lip tint (c/o)
• Kiehl's Cranberry scented lip balm #1
• Crabtree & Evelyn La Source age defying hand cream
• Banana Republic wallet/clutch (old)

Here's a closer look at everything:

And since it's summer and I lay on the beach quite a bit, I'm considering doing a What's in My Beach Bag post if you're all interested. Let me know in the comments!

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Monday Muses: Ali Larter & Theodore MacArthur

Hi Everyone! Can you believe it's already the last Monday of July?! The summer has really flown by! The final Monday Muses for this month are Ali Larter and her son, Theodore. Get their easy summer looks below!

For Mama:
1) Guess by Marciano Michy chambray shirt $158.00 USD
2) Miss Selfridge bleach denim shorts $21.00 USD
3) Full Tilt rhinestone flat top sunglasses $9.99 USD

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For Mini Mister:
1) Old Navy pique polo $5.00 CAD on sale
2) Carters pull-on shorts $5.25 CAD

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Pocketful of Sunshine

{ Dress: Xhilaration (via Target) // Sandals: H&M // Bag: Zara (seen here & here) // Sunglasses: House of Harlow "Chelsea" // Watch: Michael Kors // Jewelry: Spike the Punch "Rainey" necklace; H&M bracelets; Cameo ring from Greece }

{ Photographed by Eleanor Chow }

I absolutely love a dress with pockets. I was already sold on the cute stripes and colours on this dress but the moment I discovered the pockets, it was a done deal. I don't know what it is but pockets make it that much more appealing to me. Are there any garment details that you're particularly fond of? Share them with me!

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Leo

{ Blouse: Joe Fresh (with DIY shoulder cut-outs) // Shorts: H&M Kids (similar here and here) // Sandals: Zara // Bag: Chloe // Sunglasses: Karen Walker "Number One" // Necklace: vintage }

{ Photographed by Eleanor Chow }

I admit that I occasionally shop in the kids department (as seen here) because of the lower price point. If the style isn't too junior and it fits, I'm all over it! I mean, how cute are these leopard-print shorts?! And they were only $12.95. You can't go wrong with a little leo, and for me that goes for fashion and in life because my hubby is a Leo and today is his birthday! Happy happy birthday to the love of my life! xox

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Monday Muses: Alicia Silverstone & Bear Blu Jarecki

Let's ignore for a second that Alicia Silverstone's preference to mouth-feed her child like a bird is...different, and you'll see a rather cute outfit of the mother and son. A classic black shirt dress and flip flops are ideal for cool summer evenings, while little onesies are always an adorable pick.

For Mama:
1) James Perse cotton-twill shirt dress $108.23 USD on sale
2) Flojos Sandi sandals $38.00 USD

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For Mini Mister:
1) Kee-Ka organic striped onesie $23.00 CAD

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Summer Layers

{ Maxi Dress: Old Navy (similar here & here) // Denim Shirt: H&M (similar) // Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs // Sunglasses: Dior // Jewelry: HRH Collection Tres Chic necklace; DeLysh Design GLAM bracelet (gifted); BCBG Max Azria ring }

Photographed by Eleanor Chow

With the sudden drop in temperature, it became too cool for me to wear my maxi dress on its own. Putting a denim shirt over the dress and tying a cute knot in the front was the perfect layering solution.

Isn't this train car cool? I went inside it for the first time and it was a little eerie. Eleanor and I could only stand to photograph one interior shot before getting the urge to go back outside. As romantic as the notion of train travel is to me, the charm got a little lost in this railcar museum. I think I'll stick to air travel! Have a great weekend everyone!

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Fashionably Fixated on...

Celine Micro Luggage leather tote bag in a neutral, goes-with-everything camel colour. I mean, look at that face! It's taunting me with its zippered grin...

What are your current fashion fixations?

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Monday Muses: Alicia Keys & Egypt Dean

Hi Everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend! Today's Monday Muses feature Alicia Keys and her little man Egypt on the beach, which is exactly where I want to be! Here are some pieces inspired by their day enjoying the sand and sea.

For Mama:
1) So Low string bikini $43.00 USD
2) Tie Dye hibiscus beach towel $14.99 USD
3) SW Global sunglasses $20.79 USD

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For Mini Mister:
1) Petit Bateau poplin bucket hat $18.20 USD
2) Guava Jelly cowboy nex onesie $25.00 USD

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Flower Bed

{ Peplum Top: Zara // Skirt: Topshop (similar here and here) // Shoes: Stuart Weitzman (old, last seen here) // Watch: Gucci // Bag & Sunglasses: Chanel // Jewelry: HRH Collection Original Silver Cuff necklace; JewelMint Tough Love rings }

{ Photographed by Eleanor Chow }

I wasn't intending to wear three different floral prints together but it just sort of happened this way when I got dressed. To keep myself from looking overly girly, I put on one of my much-loved chains from HRH Collection to toughen up the look. Alex, the talented girl behind HRH Collection, just re-launched her online store yesterday with some new designs! If you're a fan of her jewelry like I am, check out her site and get it while it's hot!

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Hello, Summer

{ Dress worn as top: OASAP (c/o) // Crochet Shorts: OASAP (gifted from Kerri) // Shoes: ShoeMint Hattie // Bag: Chanel // Sunglasses: Prada // Watch: ToyWatch // Jewelry: Christina M. Boutique necklace (c/o); Joe Fresh bangle, Forever 21 large spike bracelet, ASOS small spike bracelet; Cameo ring from Greece }

{ Photographed by Eleanor Chow }

It's summer, it's hot, and I love it! My uniform lately has been a variation of short shorts and a tank. I decided to wear this OASAP sleeveless dress as a top with their beige crochet shorts that Kerri kindly gave to me (thanks girl!). I also have these shorts in black (seen here and here) and they're really a great, versatile piece. So glad to have them in both colours! Happy Hump Day!

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Monday Muses: January Jones & Xander Dane Jones

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you all enjoyed the first weekend of July! Mine was mainly spent outdoors soaking up the sunshine! The first Monday Muses for this month are cutie Xander and his mom, January Jones, wearing one of my top 5 summer wardrobe essentials: a maxi (or midi) dress! Shop their looks below!

For Mama:
1) T by Alexander Wang marled draped back jersey dress $148.00 USD
2) Marc by Marc Jacobs round tortoise sunglasses $110.00 USD
3) Nomad Rumba flip flop sandals $32.00 USD

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For Mini Mister:
1) Osh Kosh B'gosh short sleeve polo bodysuit $5.99 USD
2) Gymboree foldover socks $3.25 USD
3) Gap contrast striped cuff pants $14.95 CAD

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Print Mixing

{ Blouse: H&M (old, similar here and here) // Shorts: Sugarlips (c/o) // Shoes: Zara (worn here and here) // Bag: Salad // Sunglasses: Le Chateau // Jewelry: HRH Collection Ombre bracelet; ring from Mexico }

{ Photographed by Eleanor Chow }

When Sugarlips sent these shorts over for me to style, my goal was to avoid pairing them with a solid black or white top because it seemed too easy. I reached for this polka dot blouse instead, which still acts as a neutral base to the colourful shorts but adds more interest with the mixing of prints. I did have a moment of doubt after putting this combination together, so I posted a photo on Instagram to get some feedback and make sure I wasn't going crazy in the styling department. A lot of you liked it and said the print mixing worked, which made me feel better. Thanks for the vote of confidence, dear readers!

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My Top 5 Summer Wardrobe Essentials

Summer is my absolute favourite season. The long sunny days, warm nights and laid back attitude calls for easy dressing that's light and colourful. My top 5 go-to pieces in the summer always include breezy maxi dresses, stylish flat sandals, cute little bikinis, chic sunglasses and classic denim shorts. Check out my complete round-up of summer wardrobe essentials after the jump! And Happy 4th of July to my American readers!

1) Forever 21 island print maxi dress $24.80 USD
2) J. Crew Amie striped jersey maxi dress $112.24 USD
3) ONE by Chelsea Flower colourblock strapless maxi dress $235.00 USD
4) Old Navy chiffon tie front maxi dress $19.97 USD on sale (worn by me here)
5) Gap gathered pocket maxi dress $55.96 CAD on sale

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Pretty in Peplum

{ Peplum Top (current) & Faux Leather Pants: H&M // Shoes: Aldo (old) // Clutch: ASOS (last seen here) // Sunglasses: Prada // Watch: Gucci // Jewelry: DeLysh Design GLAM bracelet (gifted via The-Unprecedented); HRH Collection Arctic ring }

{ Photographed by Eleanor Chow }

It's no surprise that I have a love affair with mint green right now (seen here, here, here and here), so when I finally spotted this mint peplum beauty at my local H&M I quickly snatched it up. The detailed Broderie Anglaise on the front and the zip-up back on this top makes it that much more special, don't you think?

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