Summer Wish List + Blog Award

Summer Wishlist items by shawnahynes featuring prada shades

Happy first of June! I haven't been shopping in approximately a month (this is border-line unheard of). So while I can't show you an outfit full of shiny new things, I can show you what I'm plotting for this Summer. I had quite a bit of fun compiling this set on Polyvore. With these items alone I could create about 20 different outfits (hence why things are organized a little haphazardly) - the sign of good investment pieces! 

The first items entering my wardrobe will most likely be the versatile staples: leopard print loafers, boyfriend jeans, & a lace/crochet dress (how beautiful is the Alice+Olivia one above?!). Apart from that a bit of neon here, a bit of fringe there.... and of course prints permeating every piece possible! Tragically the Missoni ruffled swimsuit & Acne blue pistol boots are sold out at the moment, but I'm optimistic about finding something similar. 

What pieces are you craving most this Summer? 

On one last note: Darling Sapana of Dreamy Sapna chose me for the 'Your blog is great' award last week! A huge thank you to her - it's so nice to be recognized for something I love doing! And to share the love, I'll be passing the award along to 5 blogs I've really enjoyed lately:

1. Wanderlust and Such

2. Island Life

3. Chemana Accessoires

4. Heart in the Clouds

5. Jade Ella

Have a great weekend everyone! <3

New In: Spike the Punch

Despite my 4 AM mad dash to the airport, I ended up missing my flight to Halifax by literally one minute. Finally here & checked in, I figured I'd get in a quick blog post before my busy weekend! 


I'm so excited to finally show you all the latest edition to my accessory collection - a Rainey necklace by Spike the Punch! These elusive handmade beauties sell out in minutes after being posted on Etsy; in fact I've been trying to get one since the Autumn to no avail. The constant stalking was certainly worth it. When my pink + purple version arrived in the mail last Tuesday I squealed with delight. Not only was it every bit as lovely as I had imagined, it was also packaged delightfully & thoughtfully. Elizabeth, the creator & shop owner, is an absolute doll & I can't say enough wonderful things about her customer service. I'll definitely continue trying to get another colour in the Rainey, & perhaps her Addison necklace as well. My week has been such a whirlwind that I haven't gotten in an outfit post, but you can certainly expect one soon. In the meantime, I'm currently wearing my Rainey necklace to jazz up my colourful airport outfit :)

If you're interested in snagging a Spike the Punch piece for yourself here are the links:

Etsy Shop

Twitter

Facebook

It's boarding time! Have a lovely weekend everyone :)

Spring|Summer '12 Wish List

While I will grudgingly admit a closet full of statement pieces does not a wardrobe make, I can't help but fall in love time & time again. The vibrant colours, unique designs, & beautiful fabrications are just a delight to behold. An approaching season & prospective new wardrobe is always exciting. As per usual my wish list for this coming season is rather extensive, so I've decided to share with you just a small portion of it - neatly categorized for your viewing purposes into Bags/Shoes & Beauty/Accessories! ;)

SS'12 - Bags & Shoes by shawnahynes featuring party shoes

Notice any trends? ;) My love for satchels has been ongoing for quite awhile now. Add to that a little colour-blocking here, a little plastic there & you've pretty much covered off my SS'12 bag wish list. My shoe lusts are much the same. I'm loving brightly coloured footwear; particularly neon + neutral combinations like the Jil Sander brogues. My other latest shoe obsession is the ankle strap - this cute detail will definitely be a determining factor in regard to which shoes enter my closet first this season. 

Beauty & Accessories Wishlist SS12 by shawnahynes featuring chain jewelry

Next up is Beauty! Admittedly I've never been huge on beauty product shopping, but my interest is certainly becoming more keen this season. Of the products above the only one I've used is the Lush 'Big' shampoo (which I swear by, by the way). All the others I've read good reviews on, & am looking forward to trying out soon. I'd love to hear recommendations from any of you beauty bloggers reading this! If any of you can suggest a good brand of foundation I'd be particularly delighted as finding a decent one for my pale & dreadfully dry skin has become a bit of a nightmare. 


Last but not least is my whittled down accessories wish list. Aside from wanting brightly coloured belts, earrings, & bracelets galore the major item I want to infuse my closet with is the statement necklace. My number one choice? The hand-painted crystal necklace by Spike The Punch - in any colour I can possibly get my hands on! Coveted by style bloggers, these beauties are seriously difficult to come by (the last set available sold out in 4 minutes). I swear I've been stalking their Etsy shop. Hopefully with a little persistence & positive thinking one of these will come my way soon! 


And there you have it: a little insight into the items & trends I am most looking forward to for Spring/Summer 2012. Thoughts, comments? What items are on your wish list this season?

X-Ring: My Favourite Accessory

In honour of the Feast Day of Saint Francis Xavier I'd like to share a little personal tidbit with you about my X-Ring. Calling it my favourite accessory is somewhat of an understatement… it's probably my most treasured material item; and for good reason. If you've followed my blog or lookbook you've probably seen it sparkling on my right hand - the large gold ring emblazoned with the bold black X.

If you're wondering it's significance; it's actually my university ring, that of STFX University in Nova Scotia, Canada. From your first day of classes in your first year, you count down the 1188 days until X-Ring. And every December 3rd, 4th year students attend the event which is touted as one of the most important in your life.

Any Xavierian will proudly explain to you that it's the 3rd most renowned/recognized ring in the world (after the Pope's ring & the Superbowl ring of course). If you take notice of someone's X-Ring you'll likely win them over in a heartbeat. Although the monetary value is hefty, it's something that has to be earned to be worn & therein lies it's real value among all my other prized possessions. It's also the most amazing networking piece. Anywhere I've ever travelled I've run into at least one STFX graduate or someone who is related to one. It truly is a family affair. 

So, happy 1st birthday to my X-Ring & a huge shout-out to the entire Xavierian family - I miss you & am so proud to be part of such a wonderful, enduring tradition. <[X]>

Here are some photo's from last year's event - the dress is by Betsey Johnson (aka my 80's prom dress ;)