TOTOKAELO

I've nothing but big at-first-sight love with the styling over at Totokaelo. Really, it epitomizes the magic of simplicity. Although I personally prefer un petit peu plus, I've always marvelled before minimalism - which I firmly believe is a lifestyle, and not just clothing choices. However, regardless of the angles of your fashionable inclinations, the one lesson we can all withhold from these works is the importance of finding what works with one's body. The right pant length can do wonders to a silhouette! As of late I've been really pleased with an right-above-the-ankle hem, but even from there, there are so many variations to explore! 

photos: totokaelo

9:30 AM

Today feels like my first real day off in weeks. I'll finally be able to catch up on small but apparently highly significant things such as laundry, blog surfing, and of course, big breakfasts. I've been a real bad blogger so I'll definitely be trying to redeem myself on that front too.. Other than that, what is everybody doing for NYE?

HO HO HO

Happy holidays to youuuuu! I wish I could be wearing this Peter Pilotti dress whilst sipping on a mojito facing this heavenly seascape, but instead I have the weekend and Monday off and back to work on Tuesday.. ps. it is a bone-chilling -17c here in Montreal today. Brrr..

photo: vanessajackman

photo: desiretoinspire

POST-YOGA BLISS

I just came back from my first moksha class in over 2 months!! I've been majorly slacking off but hopefully my plans of making it to class twice a week will stretch on and onnnn. I feel so energetic and positive right now when typically I would be beyond zombified at this point in time. Exercise IS imperative to a fulfilling lifestyle, so get off your bums now! Or make it your 2012 resolution ;)

KATE

photo: kate moss, by bert stein.

No words needed.
Right? I'm printing this one out for my mood board. Trop bien. 

CRAZY FUSHIA

L'Oréal Color Riche in Crazy Fushia (370) and Magnetic Coral (373) have been given quite some lip time lately. When it comes to red lips I usually like a velvety mat finish. But with these more playful shades I'll top with a clear gloss. 

LEMON POPPY SEED CAKE

I have a terrible sweet tooth, so naturally I love the weekend because it means I have the time and leisure to whip up a cake, or two, and maybe scones, and why not also a batch of biscotti's. I came upon this recipe a couple of weeks back, and I had to share (and in time for the weekend too!). You will be craving this from now on. 


Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 stick butter (113 grams)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (zest of 2 lemons)
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp of your favorite jam

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour one 12 x 4 inch loaf pan.
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Mix in poppy seeds.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine butter, sugar, heavy cream and lemon zest and beat until creamy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract and lemon juice. Beat to incorporate. Add the flour mixture and stir with a spatula until combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Remove the cake from the oven, remove from the pan and place it on a wire rack. Brush the top of the cake with your favorite jam and let cool completely.

photo: lindentea

SMOKY

I'm beginning to enjoy receiving packages in the mail un petit peu too much.

SOFIA GUELLATY

Another shot of the ravishing Sofia Guellaty, MSQRD's editor in chief. I'm still on the hunt for a perfect silk ivory shirt like hers. I would rip it right off her back, but her unsuspecting (and infectious!) smile is catching me off guard.

photo: vanessajackman

HMMMM

Daydreaming of a Céline stash and a vélo Chanel.

A LITTLE INSPIRATION ON A COLD DAY

A hiatus means a hiatus. But I can't leave you guys hanging. Although I can't find as much time to meander out and about and take pictures and pose, I'm resolute about organizing my time more efficiently in a way that weekends will allow me to concoct and anticipate posts for the week to come. In other words, I'm showing you guys some loooove. Lotsa loooove. Here's some inspo (albeit some suited for warmer instances) on a cold saturday - the grounds of Montreal are officially covered with their first layer of doom powder.

photo: streethearts | Gray and green make a fresh combination, especially in colder months.

photo: emmaelwin | Leopard print is best in form of pony hair, and a little bit of tassels and leather doesn't hurt either.

photo: carolinesmode | Okay, I know what you're thinking. What kind of inspo is this for December? Unfortunately I haven't come up with a witty reply. So yeah.

 photo: emmaelwin | Play with leathers of different textures and colours - weather appropriate and badass.

photo: northernlight | Last but not least: I wish I had long (and blond?) hair so I can put it up in braids like this and walk down les Tuileries. 

Happy weekend!

HIATUS

Forecasts of yet another hiatus on its way - life is pulling off the station and rolling back on track! And I don't want to really bore you guys with half-assed posts...anymore. I'll let these chic little ladies keep you company amid my absence.

photo: unknown

LA MODE IN BLACK AND WHITE

Parfois, je me laisse séduire par les magnifiques clichés en noir et blanc du Photodiarist. Sans les couleurs, ces photos font ressortir une dimension hors pair de profondeur, et un air de romance.

Et vous me connaissez bien - je profites de toute opportunité pour vous en glisser une gratuite de Gio ;) Cette femme est SU-BLIME!

photo: thephotodiarist