Mark by Avon Archives - Pearls and Polkadots

In keeping with the wishlist spirit, I am continuing the Christmas wishlist trend this week. Last week, I focused on primarily accessories. Well, this week I want to focus on every gal’s best friend (no not diamonds)…bags and shoes! Now, there are some people who believe that picking a bag or a pair of shoes out is a personal decision. However, if you know that person’s style well enough…it can be the perfect gift for her.

Go Pack Tribe 15 inch, Roots, $368.00

This is not your every day backpack. In fact, this is probably one of the nicest backpacks I have ever seen. Roots is known for its leather goods, and this is definitely one of the best of theirs. Complete with full zipper pockets, and all leather features…this backpack will hold everything you need for work and school. I believe the backpacks come in black as well – but I have a thing for brown Roots leather.

Julia Street Plaid Nisha, Kate Spade New York, $159.00

Plaid, plaid and more plaid. Can’t go wrong with a red tartan accessory – that is for sure. This cute little Kate Spade New York wallet in red plaid is perfect for the holidays. My favourite detail on this is the abstract black leather bow on the front where the embossed logo is featured. Can’t get more stylish than this little one.

Faux-Patent Leather Loafers (Light Taupe Brown), Old Navy, $24.94

There is no reason not to put some cute and inexpensive shoes on your wishlist. Since I am not a millionaire…and I don’t actually know any millionaires (I wish!), I love reasonably priced brands and Old Navy is one of my favourites (seriously…I could own a franchise). These taupe leathers are so cute!! Best thing about them? They go with everything.

Hunter Original High Gloss Boot (Red), Hunter @ Nordstrom, $150.00

I know what you are thinking…$150.00 for rain boots!? But believe me when I say that these are the cutest, and most comfortable rain boots out there. Red is a very classic colour for Hunters. You will stand out in style! I personally love the red gloss because it is what I think of when I think Hunters. But of course, there are TONS of other colours if red isn’t what you like.

Aldo Vanwert Tote Bag (Red), Aldo on Amazon, $27.56-$38.05

Red may seem to be a theme here…ever since I saw the one and only Selena Gomez sporting a few red handbags in her street style, I have been on the prowl. This is a bit more structured than the one that Sel had on her arm…but the one on her arm almost cost over $2000…so I opted for a little more structure, a little less cost. This one from Aldo on Amazon is so cute – and just the shade of red that I like.

Canada Hanging Pouch Tribe, Roots Canada, $88.00

The Canadian in me is squealing over this bag. I don’t know exactly where I would sport this but it would certainly come in handy for Canada day, or any summer outing. I saw this bag a really long time ago (there are various renditions of the pattern), and ever since, I have been in love. I am hoping that some day, one of these babies will be mine (a girl can dream).

Tall Order Boots, mark. by Avon, $90.00

I have never gone wrong with mark. by Avon boots. About a year ago, I purchased the dark brown riding boots and to this very day, they are my most worn boots in my closet. What that means is they are very worn down and therefore, are getting close to being replaced. What I love about mark. by Avon, is that they consider shorter women with bigger calves…a real problem for me when boot shopping.

Forquer-U Dress Pump, Aldo on Amazon, $65.00-$120.00

I was browsing on ShopStyle for gold pumps one day and saw these…which is exactly why I am including them today. They are perfect for New Year’s Eve (which is right around the corner) and I think the pattern on them is subtle, yet lovely. You can see there is some kind of texture, and the gold undertone (so it’s not too flashy) is just the right amount of glam you need in a shoe.

Embossed Pouches, Chapters Indigo, $14.00-$20.00

Whenever I visit Chapters, I almost have to spend time in the style section. They are really coming out with some amazing things. I am loving their handbags right now, but I am loving their embossed pouches even more. There are such cute phrases like “I Can and I Will” or “Stay Wild & Free” (and more where that came from!). I like using them for make up, hair things, or even as a cute clutch for dinner. Adorable.

Carraly Leopard Heel, Ivanka Trump, $135.00

My sister will not approve of this one but oh well! I am going through a bit of a leopard phase right now. I don’t like to wear leopard or any animal print as a huge statement piece in my looks, but I love wearing it in the accessories. Leopard clutches, bags, shoes, scarves, hats…you name it. Any accessory, and I will wear it. These pumps are so cute, and I love how these would look with earthy tones (look it up…simply fabulous).

That rounds up part three of the Christmas wishlist. Not only do I want every single item on this list, but I love to give people gift ideas (kind of like a wishlist gift guide). All of these items are linked in the titles, so if you fell in love with an item, click away and you can have it in your closet!

What are your feelings on these picks? Do you have anything that you are dying to get for Christmas? Let me know in the comments below!!

One of my favourite parts of running a style blog, is getting to go through email subscriptions, catalogs, websites – you name it -, prowling for great clothes that I love! Sharing my style with you is what I love, and today I get to do that again for #WishlistWednesday for part two of my Christmas wishlist. A couple of weeks ago, I created part one of this wishlist…

Today’s wishlist is going to focus mainly on accessories and things that I love (as opposed to clothing…):

Gold-Tone Bow Stud Earrings, Kate Spade New York, $67.04

I have really been getting into earrings this past year. I have really sensitive ears, so no all earrings work well with me…but lately, I have found as long as I stay away from cheaper brands, I am home-free! These bow earrings by Kate Spade New York are adorable, and personally…I love the all-gold motif (#teamgold)

Long-Knit Inset Leather Gloves, BCBG Max., $135.00

Like most, as I grow into adulthood, my style has completely changed. I like the more sophisticated look and with sophistication, comes expensive things (of course, any lady would love an expensive item or two). One of those expensive accessories that I am in love with right now are long, black, leather gloves. Personally, I am not brand-picky when it comes to hats and gloves, but these are to-die-for. (However, I did see this exact type at Winners…hint hint Mom)

Warm Up to It Muff Bag, mark. by Avon, $38.00

I profiled this in my very first gift-guide (check it out here), so of course it has to be on my Christmas wishlist this year. It is SO adorable – I love faux fur, and this muff bag is the perfect bag to keep me looking fab this Winter season. mark.Avon makes the best clutches and handbags (in my opinion). I have so many, thanks to my mother being an Avon rep. Believe me when I say that mark.Avon is completely worth it.

Two of a Kind Jeweled Bottle Stopper, Kate Spade, $35.07

Much to my mother’s dismay (hehe), I do enjoy the casual glass of wine, and although it may be tempting to many to drink the entire bottle in one sitting…I usually have a a glass or two. With this wine stopper, you can stop your bottles in style. Kate Spade does it again…does she have everything?! Pretty much…

Mark Jacobs Daisy Perfume, Various drug stores, ~$50.00

Okay, I know I am a little behind on this one. Everyone I know has a bottle of this perfume, which makes it easy to steal swatches here and there before heading out for the night (reality of living with all girls). However, it’s time that I get myself a bottle of this sweet-smelling, amazing, jaw dropping, butterfly smelling perfume. That was a lot of adjectives…I know. It’s how much I would love to sport this scent…just sayin’.

Put a Bow on it Drop Earrings, Kate Spade New York @ Lord and Taylor, $71.54

I know I already put a pair of bow earrings on the list…but these are literally too hard to resist. The pearls with the bows? The drop style? Come on… can I just be rich now? These cutesy little earrings are adorable and they may have to become my favourite ones in the jewelry box!

Initial Charm Pendent Necklace, Kohl’s, $43.75

When I came on the blog scene (first through Instagram), this ampersand necklace was all the rage. I saw it on every pretty lady I follow on Instagram. I would have loved to purchase one for myself, however I could not find a retailer that really fit my needs (I tried Etsy, along with other smaller retailers). Finally, it has become a bit more mainstream, which is why this year, I want to be sporting one around my neck!!

Classic Winchester Watch, Daniel Wellington @ Amazon, $125.07

Okay, technically, this is what I am planning on getting for myself when I graduate in the Spring…however, it could very well be my Christmas gift as well! I really admire Daniel Wellington watches. I find a lot of watches to be extremely flashy, and even though I love the bling, I don’t like flashing too much around. This understated design is simple, chic and completely classic. Plus, it had me at the pink and navy stripe…

Cedar Street Jensen, Kate Spade New York, $378.00

This is definitely not something I need. However, I feel like if someone were to ask me what my “big ticket item” was this Christmas…this would be my go-to answer. This bag is everything that is right with Kate Spade. So what does that mean? Well, I will tell you. It’s classic. It will never go out of style. It’s structured. It is big. It is marvelous. It is wonderful. Sold yet? Doesn’t matter…this bag sold me about a year and a half ago when I first laid eyes on it.

Occasions and Contacts Journal, Kate Spade New York, $35.07

Can anyone tell what my favourite brand is so far thanks to this post? I can’t help but love Kate Spade. She just makes the best accessories, clothes, shoes, bags….everything really. This little book is perfect. I am big on paper everything. I use a planner (it’s like my bible), I write out my notes to study…and although I love technology….there is just something about writing something out that I love. Truly, it helps me remember important things…like dates, occasions and contacts…

Well there is part 2 of my wishlist (your welcome Mom!). Personally, I don’t love whining about what I want (I feel like I sound bratty), however this #WishlistWednesday series is a place for me to express my style, show you guys what I love, and possibly showcase some GREAT deals that are going on right now. If any of these items interested you or caught your eye…click on the titles because I have linked for you right where to get them yourself.

What are you hoping for this Christmas? What is your big-ticket item? Let me know in the comments below…

This holiday season, you will want to make sure you are dressing in style. The holidays bring all types of fashion potential, but wherever you are, you will want to make sure you are dressed appropriately. Today, I want to show you three simple looks that you can rock to several of the holiday events. All of these outfits are inspired from the Pinterest world (since I spend so much time surfing the boards).

3 OUTFITS (2)

Decorating the House

The holiday season brings baking, decorating and fun family activities. In order to do these activities (and keep in style) you want to keep your outfit comfortable. Comfort is what you want when you are crawling on the roof to put up lights, or rushing around the mall to shop.

Plaid Flannel Shirt | Black Skinny Jeans | Brown Flat Boots | Cream Boot Socks | Cream Infinity Scarf | Pearl Studs

Red plaid is so Christmas-y, right? I love it. Plaid screams holiday to me (and Fall, of course) and flannel is extremely cozy (there’s the comfort factor!) – especially J.Crew Factory plaid. I paired the flannel with black skinny jeans by Dorothy Perkins, but you could switch these out for black leggings as well. Black acts as that neutral that gives the base to the look. Knee boots are a given during the holiday season. Why? They keep your legs warm – especially with these cream boot socks that I included from L.L. Bean. The infinity scarf and pearl earrings top the look off and give it that girly charm that it needs!

Cheers to the Holiday Season

I’m sure you have a fun holiday party to attend this season…so why not dress up for this one? The last look was all about comfort…and although this look isn’t completely uncomfortable, it puts more of an emphasis on class and style. With this look, you will be getting out on the dance floor and raising your glass to toast soon enough…

Cream Lace Top | Red Midi Skirt | Nude Design Pumps | Black Evening Clutch | Crystal Cluster Statement Necklace

Red seems to be the focus colour of the season, right? Well, it makes sense. This red skirt is the true focus of this party outfit. Midi skirts are a trend that I am loving right now, and personally, I might just have to order this for my Christmas look of 2015. Lace is one of my favourite fabrics…it goes great with everything and puts such a holiday spin on this party look. When you pick a colour scheme for an outfit, you want to keep it simple. Red, cream with a hint of black is the colour scheme of this look – so choosing a neutral heel is essential. The black should be played down, which is why we only see black included in the clutch. To top the look off, this crystal cluster statement infinity necklace from Kate Spade New York is just the bling you need to bring the glam.

Bundling Up in Style

Who says Winter coats need to be big, bulky and awkward? If you are from a place that gets completely covered in snow during the holiday season, then you will know when I say that winter wear is not always the most fashionable…well that’s not completely true! There is some outerwear out there that will make Winter your favourite fashion season.

Tan Wool Coat | White Knit Turtleneck | Dark Skinny Jeans | Tan and Cream Tote | Black and Cream Gloves | Statement Necklace | Earrings | Winter Boots

Winter fashion is exciting and so fun to do. I love buying coats and jackets (I get this from my mother) and I have several that I pull out during the holiday season for different occasions. Wool is always a great material for nice Winter wear. This wool coat is from J.Crew Factory and I included it solely because it is beautiful. Hidden clasps and zippers, so that overall you have a very “city” (as they call it) and polished look. Right with it, I paired a Winter white turtleneck from J.Crew…because why not? This will keep you all nice and cozy on a blustery Winter day. Other Winter essentials for bundling up such as gloves and boots are of the most stylish trends out there right now – bean boots (enough said) and bows (I am big into bows this season). The tote, I chose because of the tan and cream colour palette – perfect! Finally, the jewelry is from mark.Avon – their pieces are super trendy right now, and I am a huge fan (plus, I like the nature feel they have).

Well there you go…

Three looks to rock this holiday season! Stay tuned for more holiday outfit posts because as we inch closer to my favourite holiday (Christmas!!), I am going to go crazy. Two things that I looove talking about when it comes to fashion is Fall Fashion and Holiday Fashion – both great topics…I could really go on forever!

What are you rocking this holiday season? What item are you particularly obsessed with? Let me know in the comments below…

The gift gifting season is right around the corner (four Fridays away!!), can you believe it? We just celebrated Halloween, and now it’s the middle of November! Christmas commercials are on, all the Christmas decorations are in stock, and I watched the first Christmas movie of the season (Christmas with the Kranks) a few weeks ago!! It’s coming up fast, and I am super excited.

With Christmas, obviously comes gift giving – friends, parents, kids, bosses, employees, siblings…you name them, there is a gift out there for them. Well today, I am going to show you ten items that you can get for her – all from the current mark. by Avon collection! My Mom is an Avon rep and Christmas is probably the busiest time of year – I have already selected my favourite items for this holiday season, and some of them are in this guide!

mark. by Avon “For Her”

mark. Warm up to it Muff Bag | mark. Dream Sequins Shimmering Eyeshadow Palette | mark. Second Nature Necklace | mark. Crushing on Coconut Body Scrub | mark. Crushing on Coconut Body Butter | mark. Baroque the Mold Ring | mark. Shine of the Times Ring | mark. Clutch Situation 5-piece pro brush set | mark. What a Tassel Necklace | mark. Draw to a Close Bag

Christmas shopping can be hard sometimes and gift guides can certainly make it easier! All of ten of these picks are $50.00 and under, just the right amount to spend on your loved ones! I am a huge fan of mark. by Avon and I always know that some of my best Christmas gifts will be from the magalog! If you haven’t checked into it, I suggest you find a rep and quick, because these items are the perfect gifts for your best friend, Mom, sister, or Aunt! Trust me, if she likes fashion, beauty and accessories…this is your go-to catalog!!

These are ten of many fun gifts that mark. by Avon offers – head over to their website here to check out more great picks for this year’s gift-giving season. Keep in mind that many of their products can be purchased on sale and that way you can bundle them together in a gift basket (especially with the bath products…such a great gift!!).

I can’t wait to begin my Christmas shopping and wrapping them all up – the season is upon us and I could not be more excited (Christmas mode activated!!). Have fun shopping!

There are certain colour combos that just work. Blush pink and navy blue is one of them. I love these two colours together, for any season really. I don’t have too, too many “blush pink” items that work well with multiple items in my wardrobe, but today, I am really excited to showcase my blush pink, leather skater skirt by mark. by Avon.

This sweater is beautiful. The white polka dots against the grey is beautiful, but even more, I love the blend. I can transition this sweater from Summer to Fall to Spring, and it doesn’t matter, because the heaviness is that that I can layer or wear it without anything over top!

Puffer vests are a fall staple of mine. A vest is a vest, but personally, I love how puffer vests look over many layers. This puffer vest from J.Crew Factory in particular, has a quilt-like pattern which is beautiful. The detail on it is so great, I fell in love with it in the store. It is hands down one of the best pieces of outerwear that I own.

This faux leather skater skirt is from the mark. by Avon collection, and it transitions into Fall nicely. I wore this throughout the Summer season to work and what not, but I had never thought of transitioning it (and this colour) into the pumpkin season. Well, I’m convinced this is the perfect colour for Fall…

Blush + Navy Combo

Details

Sweater: Old Navy (similar here and here) / Skirt: mark. by Avon (similar here) / Vest: J.Crew Factory / Boots: mark. by Avon (similar here and here)

A fashion misconception that many have is that blush pink is only hot in the Spring season. Well, I am challenging that notion by showcasing how lovely this colour can look against the Fall colours! Blush pink is beautiful and how subtle it is next to navy blue is even more beautiful!

#WishlistWednesday: Christmas Wishlist Part 3