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

Colour Experiment

When I saw that today's forecasted rain was a no-show, I decided to celebrate with some colour experimentation. Orange & purple isn't an every day combination of mine, but I tried it, I liked it, I wore it. They're actually my two favourite colours this Spring; so why not pair them up? 

There's nothing more comfortable for summer than an oversized batwing shirt. More importantly, they are incredibly versatile. You can pair them with denim cut-offs, a pencil skirt, jeans, or in this case colourful trousers! This orange batwing top c/o Oasap is one of my ever-growing collection. The pastel purple trousers have some pretty unique detailing which makes me love them even more (squared pocket seam, zippers in the front of each leg, & slight ruching). My nails were already painted in Lily 610 by Revlon, so I was unintentionally a little matchy-matchy. 

To avoid looking too colour-crazy I accessorized fairly neutrally. Jewellery wise it was pretty difficult to match anything with the vibrant orange top (gold blended, others clashed too much), so I opted for a vintage white + black costume necklace & simple bangle. I also attempted to break in my new JC Pizan wedges. I managed 4 blocks, but admittedly came out with some war wounds. All shoes give me issues the first couple times, so I'm still in the optimistic zone with these beauties ;) 

On one last note: I'd like to thank you all for the overwhelming amount of comments I've received lately. I respond to each & every one of them, though it may take me a day or two (I'm a busy gal!). Keep them coming - they're so very appreciated! 

I was wearing:

Orange batwing top - c/o OASAP 

Pastel purple trousers - H&M

Necklace - Vintage (Grandmother's)

Cream+Gold Bangle - H&M

White Pizan Wedges - Jeffrey Campbell via Nastygal (here)

NEW IN: Jeffrey Campbell White Pizan Wedges

My highly lusted-after white wedges arrived yesterday & I couldn't be more excited! As much as I am loving the variety of vibrant & patterned shoes that are currently trending, I thought something in a classic white + wood combination would be a great versatile staple for Summer. I ordered this pair from Nastygal, one of my favourite online shops. There are still a few sizes left in this model so if you're interested you can check them out here :)

This is my third pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes, & I'm sure they won't be my last. The quality is always excellent, especially for the price point. The only qualm I have is the discrepancy in sizing. I usually take a size 7 or 7.5 - my Foxy pair is a 7.5 & slightly too big; my Lita's fit well at an 8 (7 also fit, but I wanted to go a size up for socks). With this pair I decided to go with the 7 & thankfully they fit perfectly. I believe a 7.5 would have also worked; & with this style a thin insole could be discretely used. So if you're hesitant to order shoes online, there's a size guide you can judge accordingly.

I've been pretty much living in flats recently, so readjusting to 6 inch shoes should be fun. I expect a few stumbles may be in store. Either way, I'll be sure to include them in an outfit post within the next few days!

Enjoy your weekend :)

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?

John Fluevog Sample Sale

Holy line-up! And in the rain too...

Immediately after work today my dear co-worker (& Fluevog-aholic) & I headed for the John Fluevog sample sale taking place in Gastown. To our surprise & dismay the line stretched all the way down the block. Having trekked all the way there in the rain (me in my cat tapestry lita's might I add) we decided to wait out the line. So with each other for company we waited, umbrella-less, for a chance to find ourselves some beautiful shoes.

For those of you who aren't familiar, John Fluevog is a Canadian shoe designer, born & raised right here in Vancouver. His designs are fun, unique & art deco inspired - & have certainly gained the international spotlight. For more information or to do a little online shopping for yourself you can visit the Fluevog website here. 

I didn't end up getting any myself (focusing on Christmas gifting & not myself currently!), though I did see so many gorgeous pairs that it was quite a task to refrain. I particularly fell in love with 2 pairs of oxfords (one black, one two-tone cream & tan) - the heavy, masculine type which you know will probably outlive you. One day... 

Have you attended any good sample sales recently? 

<3 Shawna

The Cat's Pajamas

Hello lovely followers! :)

It's a gorgeous sunny day here in Vancouver & I am happy to report that yesterdays wardrobe melancholy has all but disappeared. Thanks in part to an early morning shopping spree and some delightful new additions to my closet:

I came across these beauties last night. We were heading to the cinema to see 'Anonymous' (which by the way was absolutely fantastic & I highly recommend!) & with a little time to spare beforehand I decided to take a peek around the Little Burgundy on Robson. I've had my mind set on a pair of Jeffrey Campbell Lita's lately anyhow, but had never really considered these kitten-print fabric pair. After seeing them in person however, I instantly fell in love. I wisely decided to think on them overnight so as to avoid the all too unpleasant buyers-remorse. From that moment to this one, I've been intermittently chanting ''Kittens on my feet'' with pure joy. Evidence of a good purchase? I think so :)

And then there is this! This cute (not to mention bright) little number was a great H&M find from my morning shopping wanderings. It's a lovely shade of orange, perfect for Autumn. What I really love about it though is the silhouette when worn; very fitted at the waist, then a cute little peplum bottom. 

Apart from my lovely new purchases, my good mood is also due in part to the fact that I'm going to check out Vancouver Fashion Week this evening. Quite excited about that little outing, though somewhat behind on the getting ready part. On which note, I should probably go and figure out what in the world I am going to wear for it! I will hopefully have a new outfit post for tomorrow! 

Hope you're all having a wonderful day,

Lots of love :)

<3 Shawna