LKISObsession: A Few of my Favourite Things. Self-Gifting Made Easy (and stylish, of course), Part 2

Alright, we got through the start of my gift list, but that doesn't mean that I am finished.  No sir. 

I still wanted to share a few of my fashion faves:  

If you are going to treat yourself to a little something before the year  is over (and with everything on sale why wouldn't ya?) here is another bunch of perfect pieces to indulge your-stylish-self.

The perfect bag: 

I already bought this for one of my besties (love ya, CD) and I'll be honest, as she opened the present I was contemplating how I could work it into my own wardrobe.  These awesome Rookie duffles from Deux Lux (they have mini and weekender sizes) are statement-making, reasonable and totally delish. 

If you are more of an bling kind of gal, there a few bold necklaces that have definitely caught my eye.  Where, you ask?  Betsey Johnson!  I adore this deer and wolf piece that would be great with jeans or even a fun black cocktail dress. 

I flipped for this lace poncho from BCBG.  The perfect accent to any outfit and definitely perfect for travelling, this delicate and elegant piece is perfection. 

I am into anything asymmetrical at the moment (especially when it means playing with hems).  I have been snapping up pieces that are long in the back and short in the front, like this dress from TopShop.

For the shoe fetishist in all of us (you're with me, right?), I freaked for these studded Zink pumps by Ruthie Davis. 

Okay, we have finally come to the present I reeeeeally want to give myself. I am completely sweet on these Stuart Weitzman boots.  An ideal colour and the best heel height  (ever) for every day wear, these boots are totally calling my name....

So, the holidays are over and the family gifting is done. 2011 is coming to a close, but that just means there is a whole year of fashion coming up!  

Go ahead, treat yourself to something cool and stylish to ring in 2012.

Happy New Year!

XXX

LKIS

LKISObsession: A Few of my Favourite Things. Self-Gifting Made Easy (and stylish, of course), Part 1

My mother and I have a tradition.
Every year we head out in late November and snap up all the gifts we need to get for our family for the December holidays.  We spend the day looking (and buying) and then we wait.  We wait almost a month before we exchange presents and let me tell you, patience is truly a virtue.  

I cannot wait to give gifts!
I love watching my loved ones tear into something I have painstakingly researched and purchased for their enjoyment.  But there is ALSO something to be said for buying yourself a little trinket.  So, just when you thought the holidays were over and the gift-giving was done, I think you should head out and treat yourself to an extra bit of holiday cheer.... 

One way to indulge yourself is to beautify a little.
Personally, I love to try a bunch of different looks when it comes to makeup.
This kit (available at Sephora) boasts a bazillion colours and a cute new look from Hello Kitty Noir. 

Another great cosmetic buffet is found in the limited edition OPI nail kit available exclusively at Sephora.  Mini nail polishes in a cute shelf-like display are perfect if you want to have a selection without taking up a ton of room.

Teckie?  I am.

Anything technological and I am totally intrigued.
Add in a little element of instant gratification and you are seriously speaking my language.  
If I am speaking your language too, the absolutely chubby and adorable Fuijifim Instax MINI 25 Instant Film Camera (for $82 on Amazon!!!) snaps shots and then prints wallet-sized photos. 

I also love this old school handset.
I saw it originally by a gorgeous pool on vacation (James this one is for you!) and was smitten with the retro vibe and the intrigue it caused.  Well, for $28 on www.forever21.com, it is a total conversation piece that will definitely make those who grew up with a rotary phone feel right at home. 

Are you a fashion and music junky?
I flipped for these winterized headphones from Juicy Couture:  A little bit country and definitely a little bit rock and roll. 

And if you want to take better care of yourself this year, try the Lark.
I actually bought this for Birkin- sleep is a commodity these days and I HATE alarm clocks.
The Lark syncs with your iPhone or iPad and gently lifts you out of your sleep with a vibrating bracelet, not to mention that it also tracks your sleep patterns and gives you suggestions on how to improve your zzz's. 

The holidays are all about the joy of giving...well, giving is one thing,
but getting a little is pretty darn good, too.  

What is your favourite gift to give to yourself?

More presents from me to you coming in my next post!!

XXX

LKIS

LKISEvents: Cruising with Tristan

I have never actually been on a cruise.  

I think there must be something kind of magical about escaping the hustle and bustle of winter and basking in the sun on the high seas (and eating your face off, from what I hear).  Hence the whole "cruise collection" trend that has emerged from high-fashion house trendsetters, who release resort-wear, mid-winter.  

Well, Tristan has created a vacay line for the more reasonable shopper and it certainly made me want to migrate south. 

The event celebrating this innovation was filled with local media and Tristan invitees, who were happily enjoying pina coladas while it dipped near zero degrees celsius outside. 

I was digging basic red sandals that would be the perfect go-to flat on holiday. 

Another hit: a loose and long treated grey tank (had a kind of light shimmer) and a matching fabric necklace.  

This was extremely chic- especially given the price tag. 

A patterned silk (ish) layering piece evoked a semi-Versace vibe...A little dated for my taste, but I liked the royal blue and black mix. 

After perusing the goods, it was time for a fashion show. 

Then we were left to wander some more.  

I fell for a stand alone collar complete with Western beaded detailing (for $25, I bought it!). 

And speaking of collars, I thought this faux fur accent would be the perfect (and completely politically correct) way to refresh a past season coat. 

The winning piece of the evening?  

An awesome pair of delicately sequinned black pants that all the ladies were wondering about...

If you are into a little glitter, I also thought there was fun to be had in this accessory combo:  

Who could go wrong with blinged out shoes and a red felt hat?! 

Especially together...

And, I know I was supposed to be checking out the cruise wear, but I was thinking about my own new year's plans and how I could integrate a lotta sparkle and shine for 2012!

A cruise sounds good, but ultimately, I adore the cold weather during the holidays.  

I love the whole thing: the new year starting, the ball dropping, having a glass of bubbly and watching the fresh snow fall.  

The high seas may be far off for me, but at least I know where to go in case I have to fill a suitcase in a hurry.

xxx

LKIS 

LKISEvents: Finding Out if I am Naughty or Nice, with Little Burgundy

I would like to think that everyone has a little good and a touch of bad in them...There is something comforting about being the good girl, but there is definitely something awesome about being the bad girl.  

I know, I know, Santa only gives toys to the good kids, but who needs toys when you are busy having all the fun being naughty!

 Well, Little Burgundy (a retail division of the Aldo empire with over 70 world class brands on their shelves) decided that they would celebrate this "Naughty or Nice" theme to ring in the holidays and show off a few great spring looks....

I got to this event and decided to check out the displays that had tons of covet-worthy stuff.  

My first stop: Floral Docs would be a super addition to anyones footwear collection. 

I also LOVED these neon book bags...(I have seen this great look in action at this past LG Fashion Week). 

And once we are on the schoolgirl theme (what is naughtier than that, I ask you?), there was an adorable blue floral satchel and some great backpacks (I have been sporting a backpack for a year and I am excited to have a little company with this trend). 

These amazing red Hunters would be perfect come spring (and a matching bag?! I never wanted it to rain so badly). 

Check out these shoes with the perfect touch of Aztec. 

You can never go wrong with killer kicks from Vans. 

And of course there were loads of hipster shades that would up any cool factor. 

After scoping out the goods on display it was time to contemplate whether I am naughty or nice.  

And there were an array of tools to evaluate this.  

Firstly, which coaster would I use: 

Then, who did I associate with: the Biebs or the always-winning Charlie Sheen...

What candy did I want to eat: The blue or the red stuff??

It seems there were other naughties/nicies like these fab gals from Aldo. 

This was not going to be easy.  

A true identity crisis would ensue...  

SO, I decided to really reflect on my inner self (deep stuff here, people) and see which vibe fit. 

I definitely have some nice in me (I say this as I see a picture of me trying to lick Justin Beiber's face...hmmm)...

But I also do have some naughty...

But in the end, who am I kidding...I am a good girl...

...........mooooooost of the time!

What does it say on Santa's list about you?  Well, he's checking it twice so he'll know, for sure....

xxx

LKIS