Sweeten your Office with Office Candy

We spend a lot of time in our office -- why not jazz it up with a little cute and sassy?
If you were to see my office space, you would know the type of woman that works there. It's filled with everything that I love including framed pictures of my husband and kids, scented candles, lots of colour and pretty prints, quotes to inspire and it's always organized. I am super type-A all the way.
I cannot work in cluttered environments so organization is key.

I fell smitten after stumbling across Office Candy - offering charming and also cheeky office supplies for the stylish women.
I have always loved Lilly Pulitzer so when I noticed they carried them, I knew there would be an instant connection between the two of us.
Always vivid and pleasant, it's so hard not to raise spirits when stepping into your office filled with Office Candy. Like a breath of fresh air.

Going back to my talk about Organization, check out their gorgeous Totes!
Get down to business with a sophisticated alternative to the briefcase. Office Candy totes are fashionable and will hold all your documents in an organized fashion. Whether you choose the leather portable file box or the expandable file tote in recycled leather, you will be organized and professional with their colorful assortment of file totes. Their all purpose totes work as well in the office as on the beach. Versatile and useful in many ways. Great for travel, car organization, and for meetings. 
Top Sellers for professional women!

I received the Recycled Leather File Tote in Plum. Although they have many beautiful colours to choose from, I am just crushing on Plum!

Stunning, isn't it?

You wouldn't even think it was a file tote looking at it. I could carry it over my shoulder and people would think it was just a fashionable tote bag! Trés chic!

Wouldn't you rather carry this to your next meeting to hold all your files then a briefcase? I would!

The Leather Totes hold standard letter size files/documents. Designed with an expandable interior, with metal feet on the bottom, this tote bag will safely store your daily necessities. Boasting a stylish flavor, this tote is chic and eye-catching. The shoulder strap ensures comfort wherever you may go.

Size: 13 ¼”w x 10 ¼”h

8 Pockets

These totes are hand made in Italy from recycled leather. Not only are they stylish and sassy but good for the environment too! 

If you're looking to add a little pizzazz to your office or searching for a great gift idea for your boss, co-worker of anyone else you know that would love to embellish their office - have a bite of some of some Office Candy!

To learn more about Office Candy and their other products, visit www.officecandy.com.

They're also on Facebook here.

----

Disclosure: Full sample was provided for review; however as always, all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Read More

Parisian Soirée: Paris-Themed Event Inspiration

Wouldn't it be most splendid to ring in my Champagne 30th Birthday with the la tour Eiffel shimmering in the background?
However, our budget this year unfortunately will not allow my dreams of a Party in Paris to materialize.
That does not mean I can't bring Paris to me!

As my 30th birthday approaches, classic Carol of course is already googling and thinking about how I can make my day extra special. It's only 9 weeks and 4 days away.....

I know I shouldn't even be the one handling this (it's my birthday after all), but the event planner in me just can't help it!
I may not even have a big shindig, but a gal can dream and conjure up the perfect Parisian party in my head can't I? Sure I can.

If you love Paris as much as I do, and are looking for some très beau inspiration, look no further!
I scoured the net trying to find chic and lovely Parisian-themed party ideas without it being overly chichi or childish.
Check out my vision boards below (click on photo for larger image)!

What's a Parisian Party without pâtisseries délicieuses?

And of course, there needs to be lots of fresh and darling flowers too!

Photo by Sarah Yates Photography

You will surely make this an event you will never forget!
Paris is always a good idea.

Read More

Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange

Parisian style radiates an air of self-assuredness, that indefinable je ne sais quoi that initially seems so elusive, and yet at the same time almost appears simple, uncontrived, perhaps effortless.

Inès de la Fressange, the premiere model for Chanel in the 80s and currently the brand ambassador for Roger Vivier, has graciously decided to share these coveted Parisian secrets of style in her new book Parisian Style: A Style Guide which is officially available Tuesday, April 5th.

I must confess, I was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to take in her tips, ideas and expertise for more than just a few months, and upon the delivery of my copy, it barely left my side until I was finished.

First of all, while the cover alone is captivating and impossible to miss with it’s scarlet red jacket and gilded font, the contents are just as creatively and vivaciously presented. With the feel of a large Moleskine journal, ribbon bookmark and all, additionally all of the photography of shops, products and destinations are by Inès, as are the drawings and hand-written lists. The the layout as well is playful, easy to read and unpretentious unlike what one might expect due to the topic at hand. 

Inès has clearly taken special care to create guide for all of us who are short on time and thus sometimes imagination, being sure to help us create a style that appears effortless, yet is full of great thought.

The Magnificent Seven are what is defined as the brilliant basics that are key to creating Parisian style in any scenario.  Modeled by Inès’ daughter Nine, each of these items are demonstrated as part of a complete outfit in order to better exhibit how to incorporate exactly what she is suggesting must be in our closet:

The Magnificent Seven:

1. A Man’s Blazer

2. The Trench

3. The Navy (cashmere) Sweater

4. The Tank

5. The Little Black Dress

6. The Perfect Jeans

7. The Leather Jacket

While this may be where many style books cease in their guidance, Inès has only just begun.  For each of the Magnificent Seven she shares more ideas on how to meld it into anyone’s wardrobe, a list of fashion faux pas, a lux celebrity style idea and a hall of fame reference. She is spilling the beans so to speak, sharing the secrets and letting us all in on where one can acquire the look of Parisian style.

And be sure, after sharing her tips on fashion, she continues on to accessories, the five essential bags, shoes, beauty, entertaining, and home decor.

Having lived in Paris for most of her life (although not born there, further proof that one does not need to be a born and bred Parisian to possess such style), she also takes her readers through her recommended shops, boutiques, hotels, restaurants, spas, and hot spots that would take more than a few travel guides to figure out when attempting to plan their next trip to the City of Light.

It is without reservation that I highly recommend Parisian Chic: A Style Guide as an informative, delightful and forever resourceful book that I am sure to pack for my next trip to Paris and have already begun to tweak my wardrobe accordingly – navy cashmere sweater, white jeans and ballet flats – my new go-to chic outfit. Thank you Inès!

Credits: thesimplyluxuriouslife.com

Read More

2011 Holiday Gifts under $50 for the Chic Woman

'Tis the season for chic gift-giving!
I don't know why (most) men think shopping for a woman is so complicated. Really, it's not. I personally think shopping for a man is a lot more difficult! Do you want to know what's even more difficult? Finding the perfect gift for that diva on your list for under $50!

Every Christmas Eve, my family gathers at one of our family members homes (changes every year), and we pull names a month or two in advance for all the adults to take part in a Secret Santa gift exchange. Our cap is usually $50.

Do you have a seriously chic lady on your Christmas Gift list?
If you're a on a budget and need to find something under $50, here are some amazing gift ideas that even the pickiest will love!

If you're still thinking about what to get, remember, you can never go wrong with a nice $50 gift card to Bath & Body Works, Body Shop, Sephora or Chapters. All us Chic women love a good gift card to an awesome shop. We can get a whole lot with $50! Gone are the days when giving gift cards are inappropriate (well, unless it's someone very close to you. Then you you must take the time to find something  perfect).

Happy Shopping!

Credits: ellecanada.com, anthropologie.com, asos.com, chapters.indigo.ca

Read More