Ava Grace's Closet: September 2013
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Friday, September 27, 2013

What I Wore : A Lacey Perspective

These are the last set of outfit photos that I have BHC.
That's before hair cut
This has been a sort of uniform lately.
Well worn jeans amped up with pretty accessories. And in this case, a little lace. 
lace top - Zara {no longer available / similar}
necklace - c/o Alilang Jewelry
sunglasses - RayBan c/o Smart Buy Glasses
jeans - Forever XXI
shoes - Truth or Dare by Madonna {no longer available / have my eye on these}
purse - Hermes inspired {gifted}

Perfect weekend attire.
Enjoy yours. 
Enter the Glam Vacay Giveaway here! Over $500 in prizing up for grabs.

Linking this post up here + here.
And here for Monday Mingle.
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Thursday, September 26, 2013

What Ava Wore : Dear Ava

This kid.
She kills me.
Every day is a new chance to share in the joy that is Ava's World. 

sweater - Baby Gap {no longer available, love this one}
denim jacket - Baby Gap {old} options one + two {30% off!}
jeans - H + M Kids
shoes - Old Navy
Dear Ava,
Now you're 3 and a half. 
You started swimming lessons this past weekend and we could barely believe it when you got right in. 
You see, your older brother? He wouldn't. He sat on the stairs and cried. 
Looking for mama.
He lasted precisely one half of one class.
You are SO brave.
Not afraid of anything this girl of mine.
You have ants in your pants. And just CANNOT stay still. 
Always jumping. Even while on the pool deck waiting for your turn to jump into the instructor's arms.
You still don't like water on your face but you'll get there.
We have full fledged conversations you and I. I guess it's because I am talking to you {or at you?} ALL THE TIME. Poor thing, you have no choice but to respond and try to keep up. 
Your mama likes to talk. And so do you.
You are still not much of an eater. And still drink enough milk to feed a small country. 
You love pasta, strawberries, chocolate and "cumbercues". 
Pizza too. 
And going out for dinner. You love that.
I think it's because you're such a social butterfly.
Always ready to talk to anyone and make a new friend. 
If  someone asks you what your name is, you reply "Ava Grace" 
When asked how old you are, you usually say "10".
And anytime of day or night is "7 and 30" for you. 
I never want to forget these things.
You are truly one of a kind.
And I wholeheartedly believe you are going to do big things one day.
Love you my sweet girl.
xo
mommy

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

What I Wore : Frenchie Chic

Some days are made better by the little things.
Which may be in the form of a spectacled frenchie on this particular day.
sweatshirt - c/o Skip n Whistle
shirt - abercrombie {kids, no longer available} loving this adult one
necklace - J Crew {on sale!}
jeans - J Brand
rain boots - Aigle via Raindrops T.O.
tote - {no label} Winners
sunglasses - c/o Smart Buy Glasses
Skip n Whistle makes a ton of fun printed t's + sweat shirts for kids and adults. 
All guaranteed to make your day better.
Be sure to check them out + use code AVAGRACE15 to save 15% off your purchase! 
And while you're at it, check out the Aigle rain boots I won in a recent giveaway.
I have never worn anything as comfortable. {I'm talking Ugg comfortable} And they're sleek.
In love. 

Linking this post up with:


Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Addicted to the Screen

source
We had a bit of a rough day yesterday.
The older kids were home from school and like always, Julian didn't know what to do with himself. Bored.
So...he played video games on his play station.
My husband and I were having our morning coffee and we could already hear him on the phone with someone.
He was speaking with a friend and playing on line. 
I likely should have asked him to get off but, I didn't. 
I had an entire house to clean + far too much laundry to take care of.

I am guilty of something.
The need for peace. For time to get things done.
I have come to learn that if I don't keep my little guy busy, he will drive his little sister crazy. 
This in turn drives me crazy.
And a crazy mama is no good for anyone.
So, in today's case, I let him play. 

After some time, I asked him to come up to do homework.
He did that in about 10 minutes flat.
It's only coloring mom.
He did a few other things and at some point returned to the basement. 
I'm not sure exactly how long he played but I do know it felt too long to me. 
I calmly went down.
I calmly unplugged the console. 
And then I calmly told him he would never see it again.
He was not so calm. 

We spent just under 5 weeks in Florida this summer with no video games + very minimal "screen time" in general.
And then, we came home to find that the neighbourhood boys were all playing. And not outside. 
At first, we set it to an hour a day but somewhere, at some point, we all lost sight of how much he was playing. Even Julian.
He will hide it. 
He will lie about it. 
He doesn't realize how long he has been playing and will vehemently deny being on for "that long".
This is when I knew it had to end. 
The year before last he lost computer + video game access for an entire year.
We mean business.
It just takes us a while to get it sometimes.
Today, I got it. 

My name is Susan and I'm addicted to my iphone. and coffee.
I play games. I tweet. I check out people's photos on instagram.
source
I love it all.
Probably a bit too much.
My husband? He's addicted to his ipad. Although he's been getting better lately.
Sometimes for fun, I check his google search feed.
You can learn a lot about someone + their thought process by doing this. 
Sons of Anarchy
what season is Sons of Anarchy on
Charlie Hunnam {sp?} 
british
does Charlie Hunnam have an accent 
 Isabella? She's addicted to not being able to leave her phone anywhere. God forbid she miss a phone call or a text. This too is new. 
She was the last kid in her entire 8th grade graduating class to get a phone.
And also the only one with a mother who managed a sales team for a telecommunications company.

We all have something.
So really, it's no surprise that Julian loves electronics.
And I still believe there is a time and place for them. 
After all, he does plan to be the next Steve Jobs.
But, until that time, I need to curb this thing. And get this kid outside.
Is it just me or do kids not go outside anymore??
source
Late yesterday afternoon, I told Julian to call a friend and walk over to the park. 
He did. They did. 
They played for a good long while and then walked back to our house.
Wanting to go to the convenience store.
It made my heart happy. 
I mean, I spent my entire childhood walking back and forth to the convenience store. 
And eating far too much candy.

Little steps. 

Do you feel that there is an unhealthy amount of electronic usage going on in your home?
What, if anything, are you trying to do to change it? 
Help a mama out.

Monday, September 23, 2013

GlamVacay Giveaway

I'm so excited to share an amazing giveaway with you today! 
I have collaborated with a group of fabulous bloggers to give one lucky reader the chance to visit a loved one or travel to a city they have always wanted to explore!
 This fantastic prize package includes $290 for flights (can be used towards any flight within the US), a $250 Visa Gift Card (for some extra spending money!) and $100 KiKi La'Rue Store Credit (everyone needs a fab new outfit to wear on vacation!)
For your chance to win, simply enter using the Rafflecopter below! 
Tell me... where would you go?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest runs from today through September 30th.
Open to U.S. residents only. {apologies to my Canadian readers! A great giveawayexclusively for you coming soon...}
Good Luck! 

Friday, September 20, 2013

Friday Fancies : The Ultimate Fall Wish List

The weather here in Toronto has been crazy.
One day, it's quite chilly...like cold enough to need a jacket. And socks.
The next, it starts out this way {and of course, we dress accordingly} come to find that by mid-day, we're sweating.
I know, I know, be careful what you wish for.
Here are a few things that are allowed on the list.

Fall Wish List

I have been on the search for the perfect pair of tortoise shell sunglasses for a while now. I may just bite the bullet and get these Karen Walker's since they are the ones I am comparing all others to.

I'm in love with this leather pocketed merino wool sweater from J Crew. I am sure it would be on constant rotation, with and without crisp shirts underneath. 

Also on my want list for the longest time is this Claire Vivier fold over clutch. I just worry that it's been completely over-done. That said, there is a great more affordable option available here via Mimic Design. And this Gap version is also pretty cute. At that price, you don't mind being one of many.

Already crossed off my list is a simple, black leather tote. While I couldn't find the exact one I picked up, this one by Zara is quite similar minus some gold zippered detail. I have been using it daily and am just loving the functionality. If you don't like this exact Zara one, they have tons of options available on the website. Hard to choose a favorite!

A leather pencil skirt. 
OK, this one by All Saints is a little edgy. And while I love it, I would likely go with this one for the longevity factor alone. 
I am also still on the hunt for a somewhat reasonably priced pair of leather leggings if I can find such a thing.

These BCBG Max Azria peep toe booties would be just the thing to transition into fall with. And then, bring out again in the Spring.
Aren't they perfection? 

And lastly, I definitely need a new short coat this fall/winter season and am just loving this peplum version by Ted Baker. It's available in an array of colors {including basic black} but this pastel pink might be just the thing to get me through the winter blues.

What's on your fall wish list? 

Linking this post up here + here.
Don't forget to enter the eShakti giveaway here for your chance at 1 of 2 gift cards!
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Thursday, September 19, 2013

What I Wore : The Jumpsuit

One of my favorite looks right now is definitely the one piece jumpsuit. 
I own one, {see it here + here} and love both the simplicity and the versatility of it. 
Plus, it's one of the most comfortable articles of clothing I own.
Ava feels the exact the same way. 






jumpsuit - c/o FabKids | sunglasses - Nordstrom Kids | jean jacket - Old Navy | shoes - Converse
FabKids does it again.
This time with this little animal print jumpsuit. It came with the cutest lace bow headband and a perfect black + white ruffle t-shirt. 
Get your first outfit for half off the regular price of just $39.95
What's not to love?

Disclosure: We received an outfit from FabKids at no charge for the purpose of this review/post. All opinions are strictly my own.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

What I Wore : eShakti + A Giveaway

The moment I saw this eShakti dress, I knew it was the one I wanted to feature.
I love the print and the vintage vibe of the style.
It gets bonus points for being full of lycra + for having pockets.
I added a cap sleeve to what was originally a sleeveless dress.
Just another thing I love about the brand.



 

sunglasses - Forever XXI
dress - c/o eShakti
handbag - Hermes inspired {gifted}
shoes - Lauren by Ralph Lauren 
Oh, and you might have noticed that I cut off my hair. Still playing around with styling and decided to go with loose curls for today.
Since, there's a giveaway and all.
Enter below to win one of 2 (!) $30 gift cards at eShakti.
Mandatory :: visit the site + let me know what your favorite item from the new fall line is.
Be prepared, there is lots of goodness there! 
Open to the U.S. + Canada.


Monday, September 16, 2013

The Shopping Channel + A Shopping Challenge

I've been a longtime fan of The Shopping Channel so obviously, when they changed up their site to be even MORE user-friendly, I couldn't wait to take a peek. 
The fact that the Isaac Mizrahi Live! collection just launched made it all the more exciting.
I love the revitalized, colorful logo and the redesigned website.
So many fun new fashion + beauty brands to explore including Aimee Kestenberg handbags, Perricone MD, NYX Cosmetics and of course the Isaac Mizrahi Live! collection which is overflowing with goodness.

The Shopping Channel now offers a "shop TSC" app which is available for your iphone or ipad {check it out here} alongside their mobile website.
As a bit of a shopaholic + someone who doesn't always have time to watch television, I love that I can see the showstopper of the day on the go.
If you are watching the on-air programming, live viewer tweets and comments make it easy to interact with hosts + allow you to see what other shoppers think of the product before purchasing. 
That said, improved shipping policies {including a FREE SHIPPING with $150 purchase of many products on now!} and hassle-free returns ensure you're 100% happy with your selection.
Bravo to an organization that stands behind customer service.
A seemingly lost art these days. 

I had the chance to shop the new site and anxiously await my purchases.
Here is a sneak peek of what I chose.

Isaac Mizrahi Live! Girly Dress
Anne Klein double-breasted collar jacket

NYX round lipstick in Stella + Eros

I'm excited to share all of these finds in an upcoming What I Wore post.
There may even be a giveaway involved for my Canadian readers.
Just maybe. 

Tell me, have you shopped The Shopping Channel lately?
If you're in the U.S. are you an HSN shopper? 
Would love to hear your thoughts.

Disclosure: I was provided with a gift card to shop The Shopping Channel site. 
All opinions expressed are strictly my own.