The "Should-Have-Done-Some-Reading-Over-The-Reading-Week" Playlist

1. Ultra Orange & Emmanuelle Don't Kiss Me Goodbye
2. Magnet Lay Lady Lay
3. Rod Stewart Maggie May
4. Chromeo Mercury Tears
5. Interpol Evil

Brought to you by Meredith Gillies, on her way home from the wild wild west.

Shake It

Shake It

A big hello to Kevin Chubey, Mr. Livin-the-Life-in-the-land-down-under.

Quoi Que Ce Soit - A Guide to Romance in the Dressing Room

For those of you wondering how to navigate this blog, fret no longer, all shall be revealed.

Activities - A collection of things to do

Ali Columbus - Our traveling contributor and resident vegetarian chef

Amanda Michal - Our everyday Eloise

Beauty - How to primp and preen with the best of 'em

Claire Webber - Sharp, witty and to-the-point How-To quips from the East Coast

Decor - Quick pointers on how to adorn your abode

Dining - Best of where, how and what to eat

Drinks On Me - Recipes for lovely glasses of this and that, along with when are where these beverages are deemed appropriate.  Often with a musical recommendation to spice things up.

Etiquette - How to behave like a lady

Events - Junk that's goin' on

Family - Family-based articles or articles written by family members

Fashion Fades- Take A Picture - Glamour girls (or boys) in all their glory

From the Desk of Michelle Tiangco - Tips and tricks from Suite 101's better half

How To - How to do stuff...

Jayne Siwik - Unendingly poised and polished - a real class act coming at you from the West Coast with photo shoots galore

Kate Palimaka - Our resident Babymama with a dash of sass

Let's Get Romantic - Casting calls and announcements from yours truly, mostly having to do with the blog

Madeline Ferrier Webber - Photog extraordinaire and travelin' fool

Meredith Gillies - Hippie-veggie-music-buff 

Millie Roy - She sent in a playlist once, and basically deserves major props

Mmmm - Recipes!

Oh Baby - Babytalk, minus the incoherent mumbling

Photography - Take a wild guess

Playlists - Our five-song guesstimates at putting you in the right mood

Shake It - Your daily dose of Polaroid photographs

Small Things - Really little stuff

Talking Shop - Our favourite stores, plus a few reasons why

Travel - Jaunts to the countryside and recollections of the jet-set

What to Wear - A few tips to aid in your pursuit of stylishness

Words - When there's nothing left to do but quote someone else

Click on one of the labels in the sidebar to get all the articles pertaining to this department, or simply read your way back in time through the archives.  New updates [almost] daily, so check back soon!

Props to the Homeland

The Hudson's Bay Company

This continent's oldest commercial corporation, fondly known to Canucks as The Bay is oft-neglected by our generation, used as a portal to the faux-marble hallways swarming with spend-happy youth of our precious malls.  But breeze past no longer, the grandpappy of shopping's still got it going on.  Not only are those high-end cosmetic and perfume counters utterly irresistible on all accounts, but the clothes aren't so bad either.  Skim off the layer of Mom jeans and Grandma sweaters and you're left with some nifty picks from DKNY, Jones New York (iffy, but a gamble's always got it's rewards), Mac & Jac et al.

Check it out, you're Canadian*

*if you're not Canadian, make it a roadtrip.  Rad.

Oh, milieu!

If Wednesday is hump day- that final shove before the weekend rolls around- late February to early March must be hump season.  When the groundhog can't make up his mind and neither can Mother Nature, it's time to take matters into your own hands and force some spring into your step- and your wardrobe.

Top Five Hump Season Items

1. Trench coat - for the balmier days
2. Tough-chick boots - for the slush that never melts
3. Long, winding scarves - the easiest item to peel off or wrap on, weather dependent
4. Socks - anywhere from one to four pairs to match the yo-yo-ing thermometer
5. Tights/leggings - double up on these ones too, they go with anything

Lay It On Me

For days of dashing about town, or even an afternoon of leisurely strolls through the garden, dressing for the one-minute-arctic-next-minute-tropical weather system that blesses this time of year is all about layers.  Carry a big bag to tuck layers away when they're no longer necessary, or to stash them for later.  Layering isn't just about warmth, though.  There is a way to go about it with flare.

Tricks of the Trade - How To Layer

• When keeping to similar colours or shades, vary the textures for a neat effect.  Greys and blacks look great together, but kick it up a notch with a mix of thick knits, thinner cotton blends and well-placed bits of lace peeking out.
• It's also a good idea to keep in mind that wearing four wooly sweaters will create a different, slightly puffier look than, say, a tank top, a t-shirt and a cardigan.
• When layering lots of different colours, make sure they complement each other.  Orange and blue are friends, but they're fickle.  Not always a safe bet.
• Brights are beautiful!  The skies may be perpetually stony, but that doesn't mean your outfit has to be.  Bright mossy green, candy-apple red, sunshine yellow- it never ends.  Stay sleek by balancing brights with neutrals, black, white and dark grey are best for the sharpest contrast while beiges, browns and creams are nice for a milder look.
• As usual, have fun.  Experiment with different patterns (plaid and paisley!  do it!) and items you haven't worn in a while.  

Stay warm, all you layered ladies!

Dancin' Fools

Fashion Fades

Take A Picture

A shout-out to all you Aldershot beauties, have a lovely Semi-Formal ce soir!

Pull yourselves together, dance you little bums off, and take a photo!

Special thanks to Carla Coveart for her photographs.

Hops, Skip, Jump!

Whatever it is you have to celebrate (or drink away), raise a glass with friends and indulge in a lovely pint of ale.

Blondes Have More Fun

Best Toronto Brew Steamwhistle

Best East Coast Brew  Keith's

Best Budget Beer Labatt 50 or Red Baron

Best "Treating yourself" Beer Stella Artois

Shake It

Just Can't Get Enough Of Those Blooms!

Shake It

Today's Polaroid chosen for you by Madeline F Webber

Peeping Toms

There is nothing- nothing- more glamourous than a bunch of fresh-cut blooms peeping out the top of your shopping bag.

Make the investment, give someone a bouquet today!

Hot Mamas

It's family day.  Now, more than ever, it's time to sit around playing Yahtzee while sluggin' back mugs of hot chocolate.  Here are a few takes on the classic feel-good cuppa, from three different breeds of Mama.

Mama Webber's Own

1 tablespoon each of sugar and cocoa powder for every mug you're making

A little salt if you remember

A little cayenne if you remember

A little hot water to make your base with the cocoa and sugar

Stir, stir, stir!

Add milk and get it good and hot.

Serve with a few marshmallows... if you remember.

Our "Den Mother's" Blend

When you're living in res, this is as good as it gets sometimes

An ode to our mom-away-from-mom, Chloe Shantz-Hilkes

Boil up some water.

Add some hot chocolate mix.

Stir.

Drink from pot if you can't find a clean cup.

Add a marshmallow if you can afford it.

A la Juliette Binoche

Sinfully delicious

Sift 1/2 cup of good quality cocoa powder with a teaspoon of unbleached flour.

Add a bit of milk and stir the cocoa/flour mix until it turns to paste.

Slowly add four cups of pre-heated milk, stirring continually (don't add the milk too quickly, or you're clumpy-cocoa-bound, but this can be sorted out later with a blender).

Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, three crushed cloves, 1/4 teaspoon chili peppers (crush the cloves and peppers like you would garlic, with the flat edge of your knife) and a cinnamon stick.

Scoop the cloves and cinnamon off the top and add two teaspoons of powdered sugar with 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla.

If you want a thicker hot chocolate, add corn starch.  

If you want a sweeter hot chocolate, add more sugar.

If you want a sexier hot chocolate, add a dash of Depp.

Note: Thank-you to Andreas.com for this recipe.

You're Making That Up!

Call it what you will - spring cleaning, retail therapy, momentary lapse in judgement - every girl should get themselves to the drugstore (or if you're reaching a little deeper into your pocket, Sephora or Holt's...) on a semi-regular basis in order to stay well-stocked and well-groomed.

The Basics

Perfume: because every lady is only as tempting as the scent that lingers in her wake

Good brushes: keep them clean and they'll keep you looking your loveliest.

Eyelash curler: if you don't have one, get one.

Foundation: this should change with the seasons, just like your skin tone.  Take your time choosing your right shade, and think about what sort of makeup goes best with your skin type - dry-skinned gals should steer clear of powder, girls with oilier skin generally don't need a liquid foundation.  Do ask a shop assistant though, because everyone's skin is different and it's important to get it right.

Mascara: it doesn't make sense if you don't own mascara.  If you're not going to put a single thing on your face, put mascara on.  That is the rule.

Blush: also seasonal.  Summer begs for more sun-kissed, peachy tones while winter is all about pinks and reds.  It's also a skin thing, so sample sample sample and find what's right for you.

Lip chap/gloss: Keep your pout peachy-keen with this three-step routine.  Lightly exfoliate your lips (you can buy lip exfoliant, but baking soda or salt do the trick) apply lip chap/balm/whatever you call it to moisturize then slick on a gloss or colour.  Bam!

Champagne-coloured/white shadow: to highlight your peepers- a swipe beneath the brow and a smudge in the inner corner.

Skin CARE: cleanse, tone, moisturize.  You may be tired of receiving the same tip from every single source, but that's because it's the only way.*  Stock up on thicker creams for nighttime, and always always look for SPF in your moisturizer.  Toners come in different varieties for different skin types, so look around.  You can do foam or cream cleansers, but the tried-tested-and-true formula is Dove soap.

Tooth care: buy toothpaste.  Buy floss.  Buy mouthwash if you want.  Just keep that toothy grin smiling and healthy, you only get one set of teeth!  (Not counting the first set of baby teeth...)

The Frills

False eyelashes: so so glam.  Just do it.

Sparkling shadows: very Hollywood.

Liquid liner: some would say a basic.  This depends on how far you're extending that stroke.

Head-turning lip colour: dare to paint your pucker a deep shade and the boys won't be able to look away.  (Just make sure you execute this technique properly, you want them gawking because you're a smokeshow, not a woman of the night).

*It's sometimes not the way.  Consult with dermatologist.

G&T...easy on the T

Whether you've spent your last dime on a cinnamon dolce latte (good choice!) or a night on the town with your best pals, your best bet for a night on the cheap is a knockin' back a few G&T's with the gals:

• 1-1/2 oz. Gin
• Fill glass with Tonic water
• Garnish with lime

Polish off a few of these babies and chat-chat-chat the night away. Or listen to a few tunes in your room all on your lonesome. Whatever makes you feel good.

Have a fabulous night ladies. And never, ever regret a thing!!

Ah, l'amour!

Happy Valentine's Day, all you lovely little things.

Today's your day for late breakfasts in bed, warm cups of Early Grey tea and a box of chocolates, a stroll through the park and a night of cupid-induced tomfoolery.  Whether you're being wooed or are the woo-er yourself, spend your February 14th celebrating yourself and the people you love.

Valentine's Day To-Dos

1. Bust out the liquid glue and glitter and get crafty.  Everyone loves a little je-ne-sais-quoi in the mailbox, and all it takes is three little words to brighten their day!
2. Flick on a flick - there is quite literally no end to the cinema that revolves around racing hearts, lost loves and happily-ever-afters (not to mention a great deal of dry, biting anti-love fodder for the Valentine's-Day-is-just-another-reminder-of-my-singlehood-boo-hoo-hoo crowd)
3. Pump up the jams - Nothing like a little love song, whether you're being serenaded by your bf (lucky girl! [or boy!]) or Frank Sinatra.
4. Dance like a fool - you don't even have to go out for this.  Plug a set of speakers into your laptop and refer back to #3 if your credit card doesn't stretch across town in a cab to a club.
5. Play dress-up - Gettin' all dolled up is the name of the game (and the name of this blog...) whether it's a little pink frock for the dance floor or a set of sultry skivvies for... well, for wherever it is you choose to prance around skantily-clad.  Just try and keep this mystery location candlelit and private, for the benefit of all parties involved (and more importantly, all parties uninvolved).
6. Host a bash - Do up the holidays Suite 101-style with a black tie affair complete with valentine mailbags, spin the bottle and a non-stop dance party.

February 14th Dress and Decorum

• There is really only one rule when it comes to dressing for Valentine's Day.  Wear. Red. Or. Pink.  You have absolutely no excuse not to, and they are universally flattering colours.
• Take advantage of the hype!  Spend an extra hour or two on your routine and pamper yourself!  We're talking extra creamy body washes, lovely lovely scents (think floral and pretty), a little powder for an extra-soft finish, etc etc etc.  Linger over your makeup, add a little shimmer and a lot of blush: tonight's a girly, girly evening indeed.  Here's one lovely V-day look:

Skin: moisturize like crazy, but work a little foundation in, too, for a light, fresh glow.  Touch up any problem areas with a little concealer and sweep your whole face with translucent powder to set it.  Brush on a light pink blush and highlight your cheekbones with a dusting of shimmer just above.

Eyes: Sweep a very shimmery shadow over your whole lid, from lashline to brow, then work your blush into the crease of your eye.  Add a dash of liner to the outer rims, cat-eye style.  Extend your liner-stroke up and out a little for added drama.  Stick on some false lashes if you're being a glamour-puss, otherwise give your real lashes a few good swipes of dark, dark, dark mascara.  [Trick! Wipe of any excess mascara on a tissue before applying, this gives you a flawless finish- sans goopy gross clumps]

Lips: Minimal!  Minimal!  You've got a sweetly dark eye going on at this point, don't turn into a clown-face by going nuts with lipstick.  If you're really jonesin' for a dark tint, go back a few steps and omit the liner and falsies.  Otherwise, we're staying light and pretty with a peachy gloss.

Once over: Groom your brows with a brow brush, check for smudges, whip your hair up into a non-chalant (but highly-polished and groomed) ponytail and headband combo.

Look at you, princess!

However you choose to spend this much-anticipated (and in some cases, much-dreaded) day, make sure you don't get too mopey.  It's just another day in the life.

The "You-did-not-just-put-that-song-on-don't-toy-with-my-emotions" Playlist

1. Ella Fitzgerald I've Got A Crush On You
2. Nat King Cole Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup
3. Elvis Presley Love Me Tender
4. The Beatles When I'm Sixty-Four
5. The Zombies The Way I Feel Inside

Be smitten!

Shake It

How To Dine Solo

Elbows off the table, earbuds in your pocket and books safely stowed in your bag, take twenty minutes (or more!) to yourself for a small something- on your own.

Whether you're snacking on the curb between classes or stopping for a spot of tea mid-gallery-prowl, dining alone is a skill held by few. Last-minute hunger pangs or a planned affair, grabbing a bite to eat sans company is a luxury to be experienced if not regularly, at least once in your life. Sad? Most definitely not. Undeniably posh and mature? That's more like it.

Keep these ideas in mind and you'll hit the café toute seule more frequently.

1. Don't fidget. You've already decided to go at it alone, so now is not the time to "appear" preoccupied - put the books away, wrap those t9-happy fingers around a fork instead, and enjoy your meal!
2. Order well! You're not splitting the bill, you don't have anyone to impress or trick into thinking you eat like a bird, so choose a dish you're going to love.
3. Have an idea of what you'd like to start with before you are seated. You'll look/sound like you've got your act together when you coolly say, "I'll take an Early Grey while I decide" or "I'd just love a glass of your house wine, please". Side-note: As always, keep your ID close at hand so you don't look like a fool rummaging in your purse or pockets.
4. Don't go nuts with the breadbasket. This in fact applies to all dining experiences, but is always worthy of note. You're at a restaurant to eat a meal, and that meal is not a breadbasket. Stay. Cool. Please.
5. A few quick somethings to do between bites: dab your mouth with your napkin (which is undoubtedly in your lap at this point), sip on your water, sit back and enjoy, glance about the space and take in the ambiance.
   

What To Wear When Out To Eat

• For the café: Be cliché, wear a beret! Button-down shirts and cigarette pants are lovely, too, with a neat pair of flat boots and a scarf tossed non-chalantly about your neck.
• For the sandwich shoppe: Trousers and a nice sweater, market bag and cloche hat.
• For High Tea: A print skirt and tights, a lacy camisole with a sturdy cardigan, a pair of flats and a smartly-placed bow.
• For curb-side noshing: Leather bomber, fluffy sweater, straight leg jeans tucked into salt-stained boots of perhaps a pair of high-top kicks. Throw a dash of flannel in there and NYLON will snap a picture faster than you can say "I swear I'm not a hipster..."
  

Have a lovely meal, ladies. You deserve it!

Babygurrrrl

Simply lovely, it's Mallory Paige Webber, Baby-About-Town and Reigning Staring Contest Champ.

Photographs by Christopher Webber.

The "Lazy-Days-At-Home-With-Baby" Playlist

1. Jack Johnson Banana Pancakes
2. Sarah Harmer Basement Apartment
3. The Beatles Golden Slumbers
4. The White Stripes Cause and Effect
5. Joe Dassin Champs Elysee

Shake It

The "Four-Hour-Plane-Trip-Surrounded-By-Babies" Playlist

Brought to you by our newest contibutor and token vegetarian, Meredith Gillies.

1. Emiliana Torrini Big Jumps
2. Tegan and Sarah Nineteen
3. Chairlift Bruises
4. Noah and the Whale Five Years Time
5. Kings of Leon Sex On Fire

Shake It

All That Glitters...

From Marathon, Ontario, Katimavik participants Gabrielle Ranger, Ali Columbus and Kara Loo strike gold in a brand-spankin'-new series of well-dressed gals caught on camera, 

"Fashion Fades- Take A Picture"

The gang

Photography by Gabrielle Ranger

From Langley, With Love

Models, stylists and photographers to boot, roommates Jayne Siwik and Carli Alexander take a hopelessly stylish study break.

The "Blue-Steel" Playlist

1. The Ting Tings That's Not My Name
2. The Arctic Monkeys I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor
3. The Temptations Ain't Too Proud To Beg
4. The Beatles Mean Mr. Mustard
5. The Virgins Rich Girls