Flared Denim -- 3 Ways!

Flared Denim -- 3 Ways! by vodka-caviar featuring balenciaga handbags

Bikini or One piece?

Bikini or Onepiece? by vodka-caviar featuring a bathing suits two piece

 

This is my current dilemma... rough right? In exactly a month today I will be on the beaches of MEXICO with my boyfriend and best friend! I'm beyond excited to escape the cold and get a tan! However....I don't really feel like I'm "bikini ready". Since January 2nd we have been eating portioned out meals and hitting the gym religiously to feel better and more confident. My current issue is... do I say screw it and prance around in my two pieces that I'm not 100% comfortable in anymore or, do I continue the hunt for a one-piece? Does anyone else find it very difficult to find a one-piece that doesn't cut your legs off in awkward spots? Where can I find well fitting suites?! HELP!

What Santa Brought!

What Santa Brought! by vodka-caviar featuring a crock pot

What to wear: New Years Eve!

What to wear: New Years Eve! by vodka-caviar featuring Helmut Lang

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Stocking Stuffer Ideas by vodka-caviar featuring a leather flask

Holiday Gift Guide Under $100

Holiday Gift Guide Under $100 by vodka-caviar featuring a wood cheese board

Holiday Gift Guide for Him

Holiday Gift Guide for Him by vodka-caviar featuring a whisky decanter

Holiday Gift Guide Under $25

Holiday Gift Guide Under $25 by vodka-caviar featuring Pier 1 Imports

What to Wear...To a Holiday Party!

What to Wear...To a Holiday Party! by vodka-caviar featuring a lace shirt

Bridal Shower Gift Ideas!

Bridal Shower Gifts by vodka-caviar 

I'm getting to that point in life where my friends are starting to get married, which is obviously super exciting BUT I'm not 100% sure on the "traditions" and "rules" when it comes to gift giving at bridal showers and even the wedding! This coming Thursday I am attending a bridal shower for one of my closest friends! The kicker is she lives in Vancouver and the shower is taking place in Toronto {while she is visiting for another wedding} and the gift I give her needs to be small enough to pack in her suitcase but personal and more unique than a gift card! So I started thinking of cute ideas that I would love to receive....and started searching the internet for ideas! Here is what I found!

1. Kate Spade new york Say Yes "Mrs" Necklace $78: available at Kate Spade and The Bay

2. Pinch Provisions Bridestastic Deluxe Wedding Emergency Kit : $75: available at SEPHORA
3. Levtex "His & Hers" Pillowcases $26: available at Nordstrom
4. Vera Wang Infinity Ring Holder $55: available at The Bay
5. "I DO!" Sugar Paper Coasters $30: available at J Crew
6. Silver - Plater His and Hers Teaspoons $51: available on Etsy

7. Philosophy Here Comes the Bride Skin Care and Fragrance: $32: available at SEPHORA

I actually ended up getting her the Kate Space new york Say Yes "Mrs" necklace! I'm super excited about it and I really think shes going to love it! It's simple and understated but classy and chic! I'm really excited to give it to her!! {hopefully she doesn't read this....shhhhh!}*

Forever 21 Binge!

Forever 21 Binge! by vodka-caviar featuring sleeveless dresses

I mentioned yesterday that I had done some online shopping at Forever 21! I use to really dislike shopping there, it was overwhelming and I thought the clothes were terrible. However, I have since developed a new appreciation! I have really scored some great pieces that have been getting a lot of compliments. I tried to find some of them online but they aren't available anymore. The ones that are, are shown above! 

I was in desperate need of some new spring/summer work dresses I was excited when I found these work appropriate pieces that can also transition into going out. I wasn't 100% sold on the green colour of this Belted Skater Dress {$24.80} but I needed to venture out of my comfort zone of neutrals so I gave it a shot and got tons of compliments on it!  I picked up two classic tiered dresses, one in white with a high neck {$27.80} and one in purple {$27} both are from the LOVE21 line which fits half a size larger than the regular line so size down! Sadly the purple dress is currently sold out! 

Next up, I needed some new tanks/tops. I cannot express to you enough how comfortable and amazing this light blue Chiffon Racerback Cami is! I highly recommend it! It's loose fitting and the straps are adjustable! The best part is it $12.50! How can you pass that up? I wore it {here} to my friends wine tasting Birthday party last weekend. I also took a chance on this Floral Crochet Lace Top {$14.80} it's somewhat a crop top. I picked it up in a size small and it fits perfect I'm really happy with it! So far I've pair it with jeans but it would look cute with a high waisted skirt or shorts!

Finally, I picked up this Open - Knit Shawl {$27.80} a few months back before I went to Bermuda for the first time! It's a great piece to pair with a bikini {here} or a dress and shorts. Very versatile and well made! 

Basically 99% of my current wardrobe is from Forever 21, and I get compliments daily which is reassuring considering how inexpensive the store really is compared to other retailers that I love like Zara, Aritzia, Top Shop and BCBG.... I think I would rather spend $100 and get a few different items than $100 on one item, does anyone else feel this way?!*

Recent Summer Shoe Purchases!

Recent Summer Shoe Purchases! by vodka-caviar featuring leather ballerina shoes

Since I was unemployed last summer I obviously didn't make too many unnecessary purchases {sadly}! So after 2 full summers of the same shoes and sandals I was in desperate need of some new footwear for both work and everyday! I made a Forever 21 purchase online and picked up a pair of these strappy sandals in brown for $45. Next up, I was in terrible need of a new pair of ballerina flats! I loved the ALDO ones I bought maybe 2 years ago so I tried to find a similar style and grabbed a pair of cute pink flats called Adrirawien for $60. Finally, this past weekend I hit up the Niagara Outlets with my friend before her birthday party. Nine West was having a sale buy 1 get 1 50%! I obviously couldn't pass that up! So after much deliberation I decided on these and these! A fairly successful shoe binge! All I need is new pair of flat sandals and I think I'm all set!*

how to pack a carry on!

 

So I have been doing a lot of travelling the past few months especially to Bermuda! Since I only go to Bermuda for a few days I really didn't want to have to check my bag every time I flew. I like to pre-check in going straight through security and spend as little time as possible at the airport! I think I have finally mastered the carry on! It took A LOT of cutting back {I ALWAYS over pack...always} and a lot of self control but I think I finally got the hang of it! Here are a few tips!

 

The Bag

• Make sure your carry-on bag or suitcase is the correct dimensions and size. The last thing you want is to put a lot of effort into packing carry-on and you have to check it anyways! This Victoria Secret bag shown above is perfect but I have this Swiss Duffel with wheels. {Check here for the exact dimension of a carry-on}

Liquids, gels and everything else

• Check with the airline you are flying with {or here} for their carry-on regulations for things like: disposable razors, nail clippers, gels, aerosols, liquids etc. to see what the maximum allowance is. For most airlines it 's a 1L bag full of 3oz bottles. This just helps with packing what you need and limits how much you have to throw out at security!
• Place all your liquids, gels and aerosols in a clear plastic bag. These are always available at the airport or you can use a sandwich sized zip lock!
• Make up: take what you need! If you're travelling to a hot destination, chances are your going on vacation and you do not need to take your everyday make-up! Limit what you take and if buying something if you need it is possible on the other end do that! I normally just take a blush, bronzer and mascara!
• Travel sized everything is key! Go to your local Wal-Mart or drug store and hit the travel aisle! You will be very surprised at the amazing travel sized products that are available now! A lot of high end or high quality products are available in small sizes which is perfect! You don't have to give up your favorite products just to travel!
• Hair tools: Always check your hotel before you go to see what is provided in the room {i.e. a hair dryer} sometimes {ok most of the time} they aren't the best but it's something and it will save you room in your bag! Do you really need a curling iron, curling wand, straightener etc.? If YES, you can actually purchase travel sized hair tools! Amazing right?! They won't work AS WELL as your regular sized everyday tool but it will do that trick! Sephora has amazing selection {here}.

Clothes

• This is where I have the most difficulty! My mind always goes to....well what if I need this...what if I do that and need to wear this.... LIMIT it! Chances are you're not going to need HALF of what you think you do! A good trick it to lay out everything you think you're going to need for your trip and cut it in half! Again, if you really need something {a rain coat, another bikini, a hat a cover-up, sandals} try to buy it at your destination!
• ROLL ROLL ROLL! I know your first instinct is to fold everything nicely but don't! That takes up way more room! Roll everything! If you're worried about things getting wrinkled just hang them as soon as your get to your destination! Also, your clothes are less likely to get wrinkled while rolled than folded! Trust me!

I really hope these tips help! I find travelling carry-on much less stressful and much quicker than checking baggage. Sometimes you have to obviously if your trip is longer but try it next time you fly you will never want to go back! Oh and an added bonus? The airline will never "lose" your luggage!What are your carry-on tips?*

 

Nude Lacquer for Spring

Nude Lacquer for Spring by vodka-caviar 

I have been on the hunt for the perfect nude nail polish for awhile....some are too dark for my skin tone some are too light. It's hard to find the perfect colour! After many {failed} attempts I think I have finally found a few choices that I think will work! Last week Shoppers Drug Mart had a buy 1 get 1 free nail polish special so I invested in Essie Topless & Barefoot and Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Pink Slip....so far so good! I have heard rave reviews about Topless & Barefoot  so I was super excited to try it out...as well as Ballerina Slippers {which is always sold out}!  Sometimes you just want something subtle on your nails! What are your favorite nude colours? What ones do you recommend?!*

the perfect beach bag

the perfect beach bag by vodka-caviar 

I always have such a difficult time finding a beach bag. I never want to spend too much on it, because I can't justify it's based on what it used for! I want something stylish enough to be able to tote around on the plane or even on day trips. It's such a difficult purchase for me, I really have a difficult time with it! I usually end up taking my free Victoria Secret totes {womp womp}! What's your beach bag requirements? Where did you find yours? HELP!*

Santa Brought Me....

Santa Brought Me.... by vodka-caviar featuring Bodum

My Holiday Wish List

My Holiday Wish List by vodka-caviar featuring king bed linens

The Look for Less

I mentioned in my Friday Favorites post last week {here} that I love these Givenchy Shark Lock wedge boots. So....I have been searching the internet like a mad woman since then to find a similar pair for less...aka The Look for Less!  All I can find are these Aldo Penvy wedge boots for $100. I may go try them....any thoughts on where I could find such a beautiful boot for say under $1900?! Let me know in the comments! But for now here is what I've found!*

Embellished Sweaters

Embellished Sweaters by vodka-caviar featuring sweatshirts hoodies

 

I am loving the embellished sweater trend this fall/winter! I always find wearing sweaters makes me feel frumpy and not very girly. But pairing a feminine embellished sweater with a pencil skirt, a pair of jeans or leather leggings makes wearing sweaters more fun and a lot more versatile! Top Shop, RW&Co, J. Crew and Club Monaco are all offering great styles and patterns to choose from in many different fabrics, cotton/cashmere.  If you're looking for something less expensive Forever 21 and Old Navy also have great styles to choose from! These sweaters are also a great alternative to layering on 2 or 3 necklaces or a bauble necklace that can get heavy by the end of the day. It's a subtle touch of girly and sparkle and I love!*

Recent Lulu's COVETS!

Recent Lulu's COVETS! by vodka-caviar featuring a gathered skirt