Sparkle and shine, it's party time

The spark of Christmas is in the air and that means the holiday parties are quickly approaching. For me, half of the fun is in getting ready. The first step is finding the perfect party dress with the right amount of shimmer, then complementing it with stylish stilettos and sophisticated jewels. Don't forget to outfit your mini-me with an equally fun frock and accessories that will glimmer into the night.

For Mama:
1. ModCloth Striking Gold Dress $104.99 USD
2. Blue Nile Freshwater Pearl Ribbon earrings $360 CAD
3. Christian Louboutin Lady Peep platform pumps approx $980 CAD
4. ASOS Feather Clutch Bag $45.68 CAD
5. YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick in Red Muse $34 USD

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For Mini-Me:
1. Zara Ponti di Roma knit dress with feathers $39.90 CAD
2. Gap lurex rosette cardigan $35.96 CAD (on sale)
3. Payless girls' toddler bow Fiona ballet flat $8.99 USD (on sale)
4. The Children's Place sequin bow headband $5.95 CAD
5. H&M glittery tights $9.95 CAD

Rain drops keep falling on my head...

Vancouver is notorious for its rain but it's not a bad thing; it's what keeps our air so fresh and our scenery lush. But when the seemingly endless rain starts to dampen your mood, inject some stylish pieces into your wardrobe (and mini-me's too).  Staying fashionably dry in the rain is sure to ward off the winter blues and might even get you jumping in puddles with your kids.

For Mama:
1. Zara Three Quarter Length Puffer $199 CAD
2. Burberry Studded Check Umbrella $297 CAD on sale
3. Hunter Watling Lace Up Matte Boots $185.38 CAD
4. Diane von Furstenberg Clarissa ruffled leather gloves $195 USD

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For Mini-Me:
1. Kidorable polka dots rain coat $45 CAD
2. Hunter kids first rain boots $55 CAD
3. Western Chief Kids Hello Kitty umbrella $18 USD

Fall Wardrobe Wish List

Now that Fall has hit Vancouver, the air is feeling crisp and the leaves are turning gorgeous shades of red, yellow and orange. This change in seasons has got me looking for wardrobe items with warm colours and textured fabrics for both myself and my mini-me. I'm currently coveting faux fur, animal prints, leather, and anything cognac, white or gold.

For Mama:

1. Alexander McQueen leopard and skull print scarf $475

2. Gap snakeskin print legging jeans $69.95

3. West Avenue Jewelry gold medium monogram necklace $160

4. Aldo "Boro" over-the-knee leather boot $180

5. Elie Tahari "Vanessa" leather jacket $395

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For Mini-Me:

1. Old Navy leopard wool coat $44.94

2. Gymboree glitter snowflake tights 2 for $20

3. Joe Fresh turtleneck sweater dress $22

4. H&M faux suede and fur boots $34.95