Christmas Wishlist

There are only 25 days, 5 hours, & 6 minutes until Christmas…. but who's counting? :) My outfit of the day had some cute festive elements, but the minute I was ready to shoot it outside the rain began. As such, I've officially declared it a cosy xmas movie + Noel Nog kinda night! 

In lieu of a look of the day post here is my Christmas Wishlist, which I've been meaning to post lately anyways! I've been thinking long & hard about a lot of things I'd like this year for Christmas, but ultimately I'm really in need of some versatile pieces for my wardrobe.... and an umbrella (I'm probably about the only Vancouverite that doesn't own one). 

Christmas Wishlist 1 by shawnahynes featuring a mohair coat

I know colour-wise this set doesn't look very festive, but I feel these pieces would make the perfect additions to my winter wardrobe! The black Marc by Marc Jacobs bag I'm desperately in need of, as all my bags seem to be uncanny shades of brown & pink. As for coloured trousers, I've been on the search for some all season with no luck in this city. These glitter boots by Topshop aren't the only glittery footwear I've got my eye on for Christmas, but seem the most practical weather-wise. As for the 2 outerwear pieces; I have also been on a desperate search for a perfect faux fur vest & a coat that isn't black/form-fitting. These 2 beauties definitely fit the bill! 

And there you have it, a rough idea of what lovely items are on my mind for Christmas! What do you think about my choices? What pieces are you wishing for this holiday season?

It's holiday movie marathon time for me - hope you all have a fabulous night! <3 

New In // Stella & Dot

If you're an avid blog follower like me, I'm sure you find yourself entering giveaway upon giveaway, with little to show for it. Well, about 2 weeks ago I was pleasantly surprised to find an email from Veronika of Girl & Closet saying I had won her Stella & Dot giveaway - score! I've been an admirer of Stella & Dot jewellery for some time, but until now didn't own a piece myself (problem solved :)


After some correspondence with Shannon of Stella & Dot my delightful little package was on its way & just happened to arrive the other day! So what did I choose?

There were so many pieces I would have loved to own, but I finally decided on the ''Chantilly Lace Chandelier Earrings'', which can be found here. These are a far cry from my usual earrings of choice (simple studs with a bit of sparkle), but I decided it was time for something new - not to mention, how gorgeous are these?! I'm really looking forward to fancying up my work look with these beauties, as well as using them for a special occasion.  

If you're stuck for Christmas gifting ideas might I suggest taking a look at their website - they have so many beautiful accessories which would make wonderful presents! And for those of you interested in seeing a little more Stella & Dot, here are 2 of my favourite pieces at the moment:

The 'Audrey Cluster Bracelet' - on sale here.

The 'Isadora Pearl Bib' necklace, found here. 

What do you all think of my choice? Do you have any of their lovely pieces yourself? 

A huge thank you both Veronika & Shannon/Stella&Dot for this beautiful new addition to my jewellery collection :) I'll definitely be adding more Stella & Dot pieces to my wardrobe soon! 

<3 Shawna

They build buildings so tall these days

Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in the hustle & bustle of everyday life. The past few days of non-stop work, & (shameful) neglect of proper sleep/nutrition have left me exhausted & a little out of it. Thankfully my work is wonderfully understanding & I was able to go home sick from work today. 


What ensued was some much-needed wholesome food (delicious delicacies from Gorilla Food raw vegan cafe), some fresh air on a beautiful day, & some well-appointed laughter from seeing the latest Muppets movie. We also quickly popped into the quaintest used bookstore I've ever seen, MacLeod's (on the corner of Richards & West Pender). The very definition of organized chaos, this place is my idea of heaven - books floor to ceiling; shelves upon shelves; random stacks higher than me, just threatening to topple at any given moment…. delightful! 

Now I'm home & happily preparing for bed before 9pm. Thank goodness for the littlest things that make you feel so much better. 

I was wearing:

Military-style jacket - Zara

Peach cropped sweater - Vintage

Navy velvet skirt - American Apparel (new)

Lace-up oxfords - F21

Earmuffs - Burberry

Bag - H&M

It feels so good to finally get a new post in, however fashion-less it may seem. I've got some lovely new things to show you over the next few days & am also looking forward to getting in several outfit photoshoots - stay tuned :)

<3 Shawna

Banana Republic x Vitamin Daily present ''Holiday Style in the City''

1. A fairly thick crowd on the women's floor

2. Make-up & manicures by Beauty Mark

3. Miniature cupcakes a la "Cupcakes by Heather & Lori"

4. Mannequins beautifully dressed by the bloggers of the night.

5. Holiday clothing & accessories in sequins, sparkle, & faux fur! 

6. A festive red polka dot top I've had my eye on recently

7. A beautiful cream-coloured rosette skirt that I've also been contemplating... 

8. Sequin, glitter, leopard faux fur, & velvet - 4 huge holiday trends all on one shelf! (Although difficult to discern, the black velvet top on the far right is the exact one I purchased last week!)

9. A bold centre-piece surrounded by cute shrugs & glittering clutches

10. More mannequins styled by the featured bloggers

11. Petra from Style Lounge certainly made my night when she picked me out of the crowd. She was an absolute delight to talk to, & I only wish I had had more time to do so! Thank you once again for all your positive feedback Petra :)

12. The cashmere corner

13. A gorgeous array of holiday glitz to dress up any outfit!

14. Holiday heels

15. I've been coveting one of these cute mini-cross bodies for awhile now - what do you think?

16. The event coming to a close

Although I was technically working at last night's ''Holiday Style in the City'' event, I did manage to do a little socializing & photo-documenting while on break. I also ran into some lovely ladies who follow my blog, as well as Becky from Champagne Weaknesses (who I had the pleasure of meeting last weekend at the H&M x Versace event).

Complete with cupcakes, cocktails, DJ, makeup & manicure bar, & some great shopping discounts, the event was quite a success. Bloggers Anya Georgijevic (I'm The It Girl) & Kelsey Dundon (The Anthology) were also on hand to provide style & gifting tips. From an employee point of view the women's floor was pure chaos, in terms of maintaining neatness & navigating through the crowd. That being said however, everyone was extremely friendly & patient; something that was greatly appreciated! 

Today I'm off work & really contemplating braving the rain to do a little shopping. I've got my eyes on a faux fur vest & some Betsey Johnson jewellery, so we'll see what happens. One last thing of mention before I go - I was pleasantly surprised (okay, admittedly ecstatic) to have been tweeted as 'Blog of the Day' by London online magazine ''The Upcoming''. Thank you so much for that! And a huge thank you to all of you for reading & following my blog - I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate & enjoy your comments & support :)  

<3 Shawna

LOOKBOOK: The night starts here

Here is my latest Lookbook.nu post - please hype if you like it! :)

As for today, I'm off to work in a few hours with a looming 9 hour shift ahead of me. Fortunately the store is having an event so it should be quite busy & interesting! The event, Holiday Style in the City, is being hosted by Banana Republic & Vancouver guest bloggers, Anya Georgijevic & Kelsey Dundon. There will be complimentary cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, & shopping discounts; so if you're in the city please stop by! :)


Wishing you all a fabulous day <3 

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

Rainy Days & Mondays

Being silly :)

I was wearing:

Pearl shoulder-detail sweater  - Forever 21

Blue chiffon skirt - American Apparel

Pink belt - Vintage

Lace socks - F21

Plaid coat - F21

Black Paloma wedges - Dolce Vita

Karen Carpenter had it right. Today, being both rainy & a Monday, has been a bit too much ''doom & gloom'' for my taste. But between the grey skies, rain, & wonky alley lighting I at least managed to get in a little 'Look of the Day' post! Nothing too fancy; just a cosy sweater, comfy wedges, skirt + tights for a quick trip to the grocery store! I do however love the pearl-bead shoulder detail & the pop of colour added with the vintage belt. My apologies for the poor lighting (that's a shameful 2 in a row) but I sadly can't control the weather! 

Now I'm off to study a little microbiology (great fun, I know) & later reward myself with some Christmasy treats & a movie :) How are you all spending your Monday?