In this video I show you how I create my messy French twist I rocked a few weekends ago.  It's super easy, takes under five minutes and is great for day 2 or 3 hair.  

Hope this is helpful and if you rock this look, tweet/instagram me @acoest1984 and use the hashtag #acofrenchtwist  

I'd love to see your take on it!





I have several sequinned items; tops, skirts, dresses, a pair of shorts, but no pants and I could see these babies fitting right in.

I'd pair these with a black blazer and silk cami for work or a party with friends and something sexier like a sleeveless top for a night out with my man.  These are definitely flashy but would work so well for NYE and since I'm a pant lover--more so than dresses, usually--these would be the perfect compromise.


Outfit deets:
* Urban Planet sweater which I have in baby pink & maroon (and you saw all of them in my Colour Pairings video), and you've seen outdoors with denim and boots.
* Urban Planet pants--my go-to black skinnies, they are the Brazil fit, $20 and perfect.  I own three pairs (hello that price!).
* H by Halston cap-toe heels that I picked up in Vegas which I wore during Toronto Fashion Week this year, also with my favourite maroon waxed pants & in my How To Wear a Sequin Skirt post last year around this time.
* Accessories: Sirens necklace, F21 wrap bracelet & MK watch.

So the good thing about blogging is you don't need a voice.  The bad news?  When you're sick you don't feel like taking pictures of yourself.  Fortunately I had this one that was taken earlier this week with this beautiful tree.

So I have Laryngitis; I've been fighting something all week and woke up on Wednesday with no voice.  I didn't realize this until I got to work and someone came to discuss something with me…Oh my! Where is my voice?  

It progressed and got worse through the day, until I was whispering only when necessary and my vocal chords felt very strained.  I went to the clinic and she confirmed, viral Laryngitis which means the only cure is rest--ie. no talking--and that I'm contagious.  That said, I'm home today, resting and missing my Christmas party lunch with colleagues #wahwah.  

How's everyone's Christmas shopping going?  Mine is not even half complete so I'm hoping to finish up this weekend and meet my goal of wrapping everything by Sunday night.  I always tend to shop right up until the last minute anyways, so, this is pretty normal.  Any last minute shoppers out there like me?


Follow me on Twitter & Instagram (I'm @acoest1984) for more frequent updates!  

As always, thank you so much for reading and coming to my little corner of the Internet.



The holiday season is upon us and I asked you all on Facebook if you had any topics to suggest for the next LCW (Let's Chat Wednesday--thanks Kate) and someone suggested holidays traditions and re-gifting.  So without further adieu…

I think I might have re-gifted something once or twice, but I don't tend to make it a habit.  Additionally, if I'm going to re-gift something, I'm going to add another item to beef up my gift, so to speak.

One thing I love re-gifting for though is a hostess gift.  If someone gave you something like a spa kit, a bottle of wine, or something for the home that isn't necessarily your taste, I would see nothing wrong with passing that brand new item onto someone who will truly love it.  Additionally, a hostess gift is not a gift you had to give, but a nice gesture.

Thoughts on re-gifting?  Would you?



With Christmas quickly approaching, I've got several things on my radar at Place d'Orleans I'm hoping I will find under the tree.  

Here's a quick look at what I'm wishing for:

Clockwise from top left
1. Aldo, Herveline over-the-knee boots  |  Confession: I already bought these as an early Christmas gift to myself.  I know they will take me from holiday parties with friends to out shopping for gifts and well into the new year.  Bonus, they have a chunkier heel making them easy to walk in during winter and totally on trend.

2. Jean Machine, Vegan leather & ponte jacket  |  Love this waterfall-front blazer, I'd pair it with leggings on the weekend and ankle boots.

3. Maurices, Bow earrings  |  These remind me of bow earrings my mom wore in the 80's but with a modern twist that make them chic for now.  I love studs and like to mismatch my earrings for added interest so I'd likely only wear one at a time.

4.  Roots, Mabel tee  |  I love slouchy tees and I always tend towards grey.  This would be perfect with denim for an effortless look.  Add a statement necklace and wedge boots to dress it up or a beanie and some hi-top kicks to dress it down.

5. Bluenotes, Ombre gloves  |  Who doesn't need an extra pair of gloves?  If not for yourself, these make a great gift or add on for someone else.  Love the subtle ombre which is a trend that is still going strong.

6. Eclipse, Tattoo French terry zip-up hoodie  |  I have to admit the colour and leather pulls on this hoodie sold me.  I love hoodies and wear them on weekends and to-and-from the gym.  This one looks so cozy and comfy.

7.  Limite, Delaney faux sherpa jacket  |  This is nothing like anything I own and I think it would be a really cute with some leggings or over a plain dress.  Since it's not too heavy, it would be more of an indoor layering piece now, and a coat for next Fall.

8. Softmoc, Converse Chuck Taylors  |  I have been eyeing a pair of Chucks for months now and have decided they are a necessity for my wardrobe.  Bonus, they are on sale at PDO right now!

9. Jean Machine, Blank NYC vegan leather denim  |  I can never get enough black pants and waxed or faux leather are a personal fave because they add interest even if you pair it with something plain and black.

10. Aeropostale, Bayla perfume  |  I found this in the summertime and haven't stopped thinking about it.  It's a light, citrus-y scent that would be perfect for daytime or a holiday down south.  The price can't be beat either.

11. Dynamite, Soft faux leather shorts  |  Love these jogger-esque shorts.  I have a pair of faux leather shorts and wear them all the time; in the summer with sandals & in the winter with tights.  So versatile and I like how these are an unexpected take on the trend.

12.  Boathouse, Nixon Monarch watch  |  I like how this is different that a regular gold watch with the tortoise/gold strap.  I love thick, metal watches and this would be a great one to add to my slowly growing collection.


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