Beach Babe Accessories

I have a beach getaway lined up in a few weeks and I could not be more excited. I can't wait to just lounge around in the sun, dip my toes in the water and bask in the ocean's salty breeze. A few things on my checklist are a new swim suit, a floppy hat, cover ups, copious amounts of sunscreen, and I am even going to try my hand at DIYing some beaded bracelets.  I've rounded up some of my favourites below.

1. Mara Hoffman Modal Kaftan 

2. Color-Block Sandals 

3. Zhuu We Run This Beach

4. Land Over Sea Sunscreen Stick

5. Star Mela Selma Embroidered Pouch

6. Jewel Embellished Slide Sandals

7. Ray-Ban Aviator Flash Lenses 

8. Harvest Front Twist Open Piece

9. Sensi Studio Striped Maxi Tote

10. Flopy Brim Hat with Thin Cognac Sash

11. Beaded Bacelet

Do you have any summer holiday plans? What are your beach must haves?

Ethical Fashion With Lou Harvey

It took me all of 10 seconds of perusing Lou Harvey's website and collection of accessories to realize I had fallen for the brand. Bold patterns, pretty colours, and social responsibility are three themes dear to my heart, and are ones that Lou Harvey prides herself on showcasing. The South African brand creates fun, yet functional products, and the line ranges from laminated bags, totes, cosmetic pouches, wallets, to travel, baby and tech accessories. It's no wonder that the brand has exploded on the African scene and is making it's way all over the world (welcome to Canada, Lou)!

The vibrant colours and floral prints, that are synonymous with Lou Harvey, originally caught my attention, but I love how durable the material is -it's waterproof and machine washable! I have been using my Beatrice cosmetic pouch as a clutch (as seen in this post) because the pattern is so fun to play with, but it's also great to transport key items from bag to bag. The baby cosmetic (seen below in Alex Sage) is also perfect for storing lipsticks, hair ties and other small items that are usually consumed by the bottomless pit that is my purse!

What I truly admire about this brand is the story of the lady behind the bag, Lou. The bags and accessories are manufactured in Durban, Africa and seriously it lifts my spirits and warms my heart to learn how much of a difference Lou is making in this community. The factories are closely watched to oversee production, and to ensure proper working conditions are met, and Lou employs "Grannies"- the women who care for children whose parents have been directly affected by AIDS and HIV. Not only are these women able to find work and support their families and communities, but they are also encouraged to set up their own mini factories, and in turn Lou purchases the products back. It really is special to discover a company that is striving to make a positive impact on, not only the world, but within it's local community. 

If you're looking to treat yourself to the perfect summer bag or accessory,  one that is stylish, unique and ethically created, look no further!  Lou Harvey can be found around the GTA, and also online.  Thank you to Lou Harvey for not only sponsoring this post, but for implementing ethical fashion practices. The world needs more brands like yours! 

{Lou Harvey cosmetic pouch and mini cosmetic, Lilly Pulitzer jumpsuit, Target sandals}

What do you think of this little date night number? Green is a huuuuuugggge step outside my comfort zone (I think I received one too many "carrot" jokes as a kid), but I'm glad I ended up with this piece from the Lilly Pulitzer for Target line. I'm so ready for the beach!

Tips For a Better Sleep

Getting a good nights sleep is something I seriously value. A few months back I was going through a phase where I was unable to get a solid night's sleep and my livelihood was becoming seriously disrupted. I would wake up a few times throughout the night, be up for the morning around 4:30am, and go to work exhausted. I have since gotten back on track and have learned how to encourage my body to sleep better and fight against strange waking patterns. Here are a few of my tips for a better sleep:

1. No eating after 7:30/8, especially foods high in sugar. I'll admit- on weekends I rarely stay true to this rule, but on weeknights I have come to the realization that if I have sugar so close to bed time I am unable to fall asleep within a reasonable time-frame, or alternatively, I'll wake up with a face paced beating heart. 

2. Keep the phone off your nightstand. It's so easy to roll over and check your phone while you are in the falling asleep phase, or tossing and turning phase. Sometimes I'll see things that rev me up, or just the light in general catches my eye. Try keeping electronics a few extra feet away from the bed for a proper nights sleep.

3. Relax with a warm bubble bath, a tea and some light stretching. If I have too much energy before bed I'll make a soothing tea and fill the bath tub with some of my Perk Naturals Lavender and Lemon body scrub. It's relaxing and signals my body that it's time to wind down. Just before you get into bed do a few easy stretches and deep breathing exercises. It actually works!

4. Clear your head by reading a chapter of a book (and not on a black-lit device!). It sometimes can help to wind down your busy mind by lighting a candle and reading a chapter or two of a book. Just avoid the suspenseful books that suck you in for hours on end!

5. De-clutter and organize. Spend a few minutes de-cluttering your room and put away any clothes that may be lying around. I find it does help to know you are in a tidy environment. I also try to have my breakfast prepared (overnight oats, duh!), along with my lunch, and I try to lay out my clothes for the next day. I don't go to bed stressing about what to wear or eat the next day and that is just one less thing to rack your brain over while trying to fall asleep!

I hope these help! Do you have any tried and true remedies for sleeplessness?

As Of Late

Life has been progressing at super sonic speeds as of late. If you follow me on Instagram you would like likely seen a sneak peak into floral filled, and rather colourful activities. What exactly are you looking at? I'll fill you in. A morning spent turning my cookie dough "Lara Bars" in balls, a delicious lunch with my momma at Humble Beginnings,  watermelon margaritas for an impromptu girls night, card shopping at The Paper Place, our blooming Magnolia tree, cupcake decorating at Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionary Arts, and lastly, something that I am extremely proud of, the medal I received after completing the Sporting Life 10KM run last weekend! Thanks for sticking around, and be sure to check back in next week for a collab I am working on with a pretty amazing brand! 

Fancy Floral

Getting fancy in floral is probably one of my favourite past times.  Last week, to celebrate my dad's birthday, we headed out to a lovely golf course for an insanely good brunch. It was a beautiful day so it only felt appropriate to whip out this summery ensemble for the occasion. This dress, which is still one of my favourites from last year, can easily be dressed up or down. Add a pair of  bright purple or jade pumps, and you're ready for a night on the town. To keep the dress from feeling too dressy for Sunday social hour, I paired it with some neutral accessories; my favourite vintage clutch, and a pair of sandals I've had for about 5 years.

{Necessary Clothing dress, vintage clutch, Kate Spade sunglasses, Call It Spring sandals (similar)}

Summer Sunnies

We have reached the point where sunglasses are a necessity on my morning commute, and I couldn't be happier! The days are long, the sun is bright (usually), and the hot weather is on it's way. In light of summertime being my favourite and the fact that I'm literally jumping for joy in my seat, I rounded up some sweet sunnies below. I love how you can get away with multi-coloured pairs, and oddly shaped glasses in summer; so fun, so fresh. And, at such a great variety of price points, you really don't need to pick just one! 

Which pair is your favourite?

Invader - Quay Australia
Starburst - Karen Walker
Rounded - Prada
Polarized - Tory Burch
Vintage Inspired Square - Forever 21
Agrayssa - Aldo Accessories

Lovely Lavender

I love how this skirt has the ability to change colours. I could have sworn it was blush pink all along, but pair it with a punchy lipstick (MAC's All Fired Up), and a purple clutch, and suddenly we have a lavender birdcage on our hands! I know what you're thinking…a pretty outfit, but what's with that ugly wall. Now, if I didn't have my most favourite shoes on my feet, the fact that we were rushing to make an event and the red brick was the only thing around would have really bothered me. Sometimes the restaurant is in the middle of nowhere and all you have is an ugly brick wall. But not really, because you're wearing your favourite pair of shoes, and you have an amazing boyfriend to support your crazy antics. Life's good, eh?

Hope you all had a wonderful, warm weekend! Are there any pieces in your closet that totally change colour depending on what you pair them with?

{H&M top, ring and bracelet, 424 Fifth skirt, Danier Leather clutch, Valentino heels}