What’s in my bag – Winter Edition

Winter is all about feeling cozy and nourished. And sometimes all of that needs to be carried around in an extra large shoulder bag! And ofcourse, come summer I have reduced my everyday go a tiny top handle ;) + a few cotton tote bags for my round year favs!

Sharing what I have in my bag during the winter months!

  1. Planner & Stationary: I love this vertical daily physical planner to keep with me always. I like to be able to jot down activities, plans or to-dos as needed
  2. Camera: Whether it’s my Instamax or my DSLR, I like to have a camera because I want to be ready when creativity strikes
  3. Water Bottle: Winter means dryness, so helping my prevent that from the inside out
  4. Jewellery: If it’s not on my hands/fingers, then I’ve got some stashed in my purse. Whether its an extra set of hoop earrings, rings and bracelets, I like to have options
  5. Literary Entertainment & Annotation tools: I once read a quote about never leaving the house without a book under your arm, I take that advice very seriously
  6. Change: Yes I’m a Woman in Tech (and usually pay with my phone/watch/digital wallet), but having some form of cash on me just makes sense (random coffees or treats for the kiddos)
  7. Hydrating potions: a few Sephora products because they are just that good (and required for the cooler months)
  8. Everyday Essentials: Nail polish, extra hand cream, claw clip and nail necessities.
  9. Handbag of choice: A little tattered but still loyal… my LongChamp has gone the distance!

Our Experience at Valarie in the X Hotel

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to check out the fantastic roof top patio at the X Hotel.

Valarie is boasted as Toronto’s newest nightlife concept with an innovative Japanese menu, inspired cocktails amidst unparalleled views the six.

What we ate:
Cocktails: Single Malt on the rocks, Espresso and Cosmo Martinis
Food: Truffle Fries, Maitake Mushroom (bowl) & Truffle Teardrop (sushi roll)
Food Menu

The mushroom item was delicious.  Crispy and with a truffle flavour. 

And the martinis were perfect (flavourfull and strong!)

The entire rooftop is lined with a glass balcony – so you get views of the lake, Mississauga, the downtown core and the lake of course.

And of course I only got pictures of the CN Tower.

The views and cocktails really made it for me, although I wish they had more food items.

Over all it was a great experience (we tried to ignore the early 2000s clique vibes between patrons and the restaurant staff).

We got reservations through OpenTable, but I think a walk in is worth a try!

Outfits I wore as a wedding guest

Wedding season (of dread!) is upon us.  Being wedding guest is great when you aren’t very close to either the bride or groom or if you are close in relation to the bride or groom but you know a lot of other guess – then it’s a BLAST.

This is the first time that I bought NEW outfits for a wedding – and believe me – I’ll be re-wearing these for many weddings to come (just my style).

This royal blue suit was designed all around the dupata (designed by me I might add).

I loved the large floral laser print design with an extra large boarder.  The same boarder was on the neck line and at the bottom edge and foot edge.

So unique and classy – can’t wait to wear it again! 

I’ve NEVER word anything like this! The sparkles, lace and the slit on the mermaid cut, the nude heel and the off the shoulder neckline…

*chef’s kiss*

I bought this off the rack and there were about 10 more in different sizes and colours. I styled it with diamond drop earrings and diamond bracelet.

Even though this was so economical – the fit and feel made me feel like a million bucks + and it’s a classic style I can wear again and again!