Currently Craving: Fall Polka Dots!

I have been loving polka dots lately. Aside from florals, it’s definitely one of my favourite prints this season. Not only is the polka dot a classic pattern that is easy to mix and match, it’s also a simple way to add a playful punch to your wardrobe.

When I decided to blog about my dotty love affair it got me thinking… Why is this print called polka dot anyway? Well ladies, I researched the matter and was surprised to find that there is a supposed relation to the origins of the polka dance! Who knew? Apparently, the print was popular right when polka music and dancing were all the rage. And the rest is history…


I especially love the dotted print in neutrals and classic combinations such as black and ivory, navy and black, or navy and white. It’s the easiest of all prints to mix, which is why it’s a staple in my closet.

What do you think about this dotty look? Are you ready to give polka dots a go?

Style polka dots into your look, snap a photo of yourself, and upload it in the comments bellow!
Get dotty ladies!

Saskia XO

Mani Monday: Point à Point!

Yes! Your eyes do not decieve you, it is the unanimous return of the infamous....Mani Monday!! And this season it's kicking back with fantastic fall fun!

It’s good to change things up every now and then. Today let’s have a some fun with the classic French mani, shall OUI!? We’re simply adding two rows of cute little dots below the classic French manicure line. Simple enough, right? Get out your dotting tool and let’s get started!

1. Essie makes some of my favorite colours for this particular look. You’ll need a good, strong white and a very sheer pink or peach. I used this + this together.
2. Make sure your nails are completely clean. No need for a base coat.
3. Paint a classic white french tip. It’s fine to be a little messy.
4. Use a little polish remover along with a brush to clean up + perfect the bottom of the line.
5. Go about just below the french tip line and make a row of 5 dots. There should be a little space (about 1/8″) like you see in picture 5. Make one dot in the very center first, then two on each side. We had the best luck when we made these 5 dots first and then sandwiched the middle row in between in the next step.
6. Now go right in between the French tip line and that row of dots and make 4 more dots. They should be centered between the dots from the first row you created.
7. Wait for your dots to dry completely and then do a coat of a sheer pink/peach colour. I did 2 super thin coats.
8. Last but not least, add a fast drying top coat.

Then VOILA!!!

Happy Monday!!


Saskia XO

In Remembrance: Never Forget 9/11

It is with a heavy heart that we should take pause today and remember those who sacrificed so much on this day 11-years ago. I remember exactly what I was doing when it happened and I’ll never forget. It was an unreal day. And a very sad day.

This post comes as a reminder that we must cherish each day and love the people in our lives.

Please join me in taking a moment today to honour all those affected by the 9/11 attacks. My heart goes out to all the victims and their families as well as all of the heroes too.

Saskia XO

How to Wear your 'LWD' mid-season!

All hail to the rise of the LWD! What is this “LWD” I speak of? The little white dress, of course. The LWD was one of the summer’s most key pieces and can continue into the beginning of autumn. It was spotted all over the spring/summer and resort runways and is the perfect staple to any girls’ closet. There are dozens of different takes on this trend: Ralph Lauren’s lace minis, Calvin Klein’s clean cut sheaths, Chloe’s flirty frocks, Chanel’s delicate dresses… the list goes on! When selecting a LWD, make sure you pick something with a classic cut. This way, you can style it for a variety of occasions. The great thing about white is that it looks good on everyone and a simple LWD is versatile beyond belief…

Below I have listed 10 simple ways to style your LWD mid season: 

1. Get edgy. Style your LWD with a leather jacket. Accessorise with a studded cross-body bag and strappy sandals or booties for a play on the rocker chick look.
2. Make a statement. Try a beautiful statement necklace and some strappy platform heels. It’s a simple yet chic look that’s perfect for mid-summer parties. Bump up the fab-factor by wearing your hair down with a hint of vintage.
3. Casual cool. For a laidback look, pull on a relaxed denim jacket and finish off with platform wooden sandals. Leave your tresses a little undone with these everyday effortless waves.  
4. Layer it. Layer over a loose tank, a long necklace and a cropped jacket. Pair with heels for an office friendly summer ensemble or strappy flat sandals for a more casual look.
5. Brighten up. Add a splash of summer’s hottest trend: neon. I suggest piling on a day-glow bangle or necklace or cinching your waist with a bright belt. Punchy hued sandals are also a fun way to liven up a LWD.
6. Go boho. Wear a lightweight scarf, a neutral cross-body bag, strappy sandals and some bright coral lipstick for a fresh weekend look that's perfect for a sunny Saturday.
7. Get fancy. Make your LWD nighttime friendly with a black blazer, patent leather peep-toe heels, an oversize black envelope clutch and some seriously red lips.
8. Business. Pair your LWD with a crisp blazer (bright colours are especially great for the change into autumn), a thin belt and strappy heels. This look is perfect for the office. For an added dose of sophistication, wear your hair in a Ballerina Bun.
9. Crop it. Wear a cropped denim or white vest over your LWD. It adds the perfect bit of edge without going over the top. Carry a print clutch and sport some nude flat sandals for an easy on-the-go outfit.
10. Stay on the fringe. Add a draped jacket, a leather fringe bag, camel colored heels, a loose side-braid and natural makeup for a modern take on cowboy cool.

Never thought one dress could go so many ways, did you?

When it comes to filling your closet, aim for pieces that multitask. When you have a selection of great basics, it’s easier to layer and style it into new looks. The LWD is a prime example of versatile clothing.

Will you be sporting a LWD this summer- autumn, mid season!?

Saskia XO

Last of the summer wine....

As the countdown to the end of summer roles on perpendicularly, everyone seems to be remenicing on their summer memories! For a change, and as something different, I thought of doing a Summer/Autumn shift over for the latest beauty products :-) 

After much deciphering, I came up with the idea of posting a 'Beauty Hall' video by one of my favourite bloggers, Tanya Burr!

ENJOY!!

What is your favourite beauty buy from August?

Saskia XO

P.S. Please let me know if you enjoy this kind of post!?

Chalk It Up

Chalkboards aren’t just for classrooms. Don’t believe me? Well ladies, be prepared to snag a box of chalk because blackboards have graduated to bigger and chicer things… and they are headed straight for your home! Thanks to chalkboard paints, you can make your mark on everything from flower vases to living room walls. Speaking of living rooms—one of my friends and her roommates, painted a wall in their living room with chalkboard paint. They're constantly writing silly messages to one another on it and update it with fun drawings too. Last month, she drew this flag for the 4th of July:

Pretty cool, right?

Now, you may be thinking, “I don’t think I want to paint an entire wall of my home like a chalkboard that will remind me of my 2nd grade classroom.” And you don’t have to. There are plenty of ways to incorporate this fun idea into your home. Here are a few ideas:

Grocery or shipping lists…

A message board…

Or, use it to label things!

Other ideas for chalk paint:

• vases
• tabletops (Could be fun for guests!)
• wall calendar
• the base of your wine glasses (to label with names)

The traditional in-store paints only come in classic shades of black or green. However, I recently discovered that you can make your own batch of the paint in any shade!

Here’s how to make your own chalkboard paint in just 10 simple steps courtesy of the only and only, Martha Stewart…

Note: You will probably have to make a trip to your local home improvement store. I can’t imagine anyone has “unsanded tile grout” just laying around.

What you need…

• flat-finish latex paint in any colour
• unsanded tile grout
• paint stirrer
• paint roller or sponge paintbrush
• 150-grit sandpaper
• sponge

Instructions (as listed in Martha Stewart Living, January 2007)

1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout into paint.
3. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.
4. Apply paint with a roller or sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface.
5. Work in small section, going over the same spot several times to ensure even coverage.
6. Let dry.
7. Smooth area 150-grit sandpaper.
8. Wipe off dust.
9. Rub the side of a piece of chalk all over the entire painted surface.
10. Lastly, wipe away chalk residue with a barely damp sponge.

What are you going to paint?

Saskia XO

Beauty Note: Up in the Air

Fasten your seat belts ladies! I have spent a lot of time traveling in the last couple months, which can really take a toll on your appearance. So, I thought I would share a few helpful beauty tips that I have picked up along the way...

• Moisturise!  I can’t stress this one enough. The recycled air in the plane can really dry out your pretty skin. The night before you are headed to the airport be sure to use a good moisturiser and lots of it. Also don’t forget to include a travel sized face and lip moisturiser in your carry-on luggage to use during the flight.
• It’s time to “takeoff”… your makeup!  If you are like me and dread the thought of strolling though the airport bare faced, then pack some makeup removing wipes in your bag. Then, once you have boarded the plane, remove your makeup and apply a layer of moisturiser.
• Avoid carbonation and salty foods.  I know this one is a challenge considering the first things to be served on a plane are salted nuts and soda, but stay strong ladies! Instead, opt for some herbal tea or good old H2O. Also try packing your own snacks. Things like unsalted nuts or dried fruit make an excellent in-flight treat and won’t leave you puffy or bloated. It is also smart to avoid alcohol (sorry!) because it is more likely to make you dehydrated.
• Compression socks.  Some of you might experience swelling in your hands and feet while flying. One way to avoid this is by wearing compression socks.  They aren’t the most fashionable items, but they keep your tootsies from swelling up during the flight.
• Freshen up!  Most perfume bottles exceed the limit of liquid ounces allowed through security and have to travel in our checked luggage, but no one wants to arrive at their final destination smelling like a 747. Next time you fly pack a couple of perfume samples with you. They work just as well and won’t be confiscated in security.

Have more tips for for flying pretty? Share them in the comments below!

Saskia XO