Hump Day Hunks: Italian Edition World Cup

Better late than never, right ladies? As promised in my last Hump Day Hunks: Football Edition, I would dedicate a whole HDH to just the players on Team Italy. Why? I think it's obvious isn't it, especially when Dolce & Gabbana features them year after year, pretty much naked.

This behind the scenes video of the D&G photoshoot is a bit steamy...

I must confess that unlike hockey, I really don't know too much about football or the players for that matter. So let's just get straight to it.

First up, Fabio Cannavaro, who I definitely recognize from many shirtless ads.

Next up, goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.

D-man Leonardo Bonucci.

Sexy striker Alberto Gilardino. I must say I'm liking this shot.

This next footballer is who I think the most gorgeous on Team Italy: midfielder Claudio Marchisio. Looking cute with both long and short hair (second pic below).


Not too sure about his posing here but I've included Gennaro Gattuso for you girls who like more manly-man types.

I've got heaps more coming on Hump Day Hunks as we build up to the start of the FIFA World Cup so stay tuned!

If you enjoyed this article, you might want to check out:
Hump Day Hunks: Surfers Edition (my all time favourite)
Hump Day Hunks: Football Edition
Hump Day Hunks: Olympic Games Edition

Chop Chop

This is the last shoot of me with my longish bob because today I cropped it all off into a pixie! Not quite as short as Carey Mulligan but definitely inspired by her as well as Michelle Williams' new cut she debuted at Cannes. Not that it matters in these photos anyways since you can't see my head! I promise to have photies soon.

I've been living in these slim cut cargos by Armani Exchange. Never thought I would put on another pair of army green cargos after my college years but with the tapered cuff leg, they are a different breed from the sloppy version of the late 90's/early 2000's.

Looking at the tiniest bit of sun peeking through these pics is making me a sad given the miserable weather we've had. On the bright side, the rain is reminding me of my mini Tofino getaway. My friends Allie and Allan were also in Tofino so we had a chance to hang out. We went to the Spotted Bear Bistro for dinner and then I hit the water with them for some evening surf with my brand new board. I had so much fun, and I'm so glad we got to spend some time together.

Wearing:
Studded black tank, from Hong Kong
Tapered cargos, Armani Exchange
Chain shoebooties, Belle
Black miniature purse, from Hong Kong
Snake necklace, Simply Sublime
1960's vintage Submariner Rolex with Nato band, stolen from hubby

I ran away and joined a harem

Remember when I asked just over a year ago, "To harem or not to harem"? Some of you, like my friend Taline, said yes.

I found these low slung harem hipsters in Hong Kong. As soon as I put them on, I never looked back. They are incredibly comfortable and amazingly, the accentuated hip was not as unflattering as I expected. I've been rolling them into cuffs and wearing them with all sorts of crazy platforms and high heels. Like these Betsey Johnson platforms from my uni days that I completely forgot about.

My sheer rose blouse is made in Japan, but like the engine-red tuxedo jacket, it was scooped up in Hong Kong. I think my bag looks something like from Grandma's attic (nevermind that my Gran never lived in a house with an attic); it was a basement bargain for $2 at the York House School Fair. Easily my cheapest hangbag of all time.

Happy May long weekend for all my Canadian readers! Anyone have any exciting plans? I'm looking forward to some good cold surf, fresh BBQ seafood, and key lime pie.

Wearing:
Black harem pants by Ambient
Sheer rose blouse by Atmosphere
Red tuxedo jacket, from boutique in Hong Kong
Red wooden platforms, Betsey Johnson
Three individual strands of pearls
Bronze cuff, Morocco
Silver cuff, custom
Grandma bag, thrifted York House find
Clubmaster sunnies by Rayban

Can a piece of coral...

...really inspire a whole outfit?

In this case, the answer is overwhelmingly, YES.

Ever since I got this remade vintage coral ring from my momma, I can't stop crushing on all things coral. The ring is even extra special because the coral was originally one half of an earring mom wore on her wedding day. My sister-in-law has the other half, made into an identical ring surrounded by white and yellow tiny diamonds.

I wore this same dress earlier in the week to JK Model's Anniversary Party held at the upscale LEONE boutique. It was a fun night hanging out with some local bloggers, including Kelsey of The Anthology, Nicole of Le Mode Du Jour, Aces, Nikki of A Haute Mess, Olivia of Stylestruck, Lisa of Solo Lisa, Raul of Hummingbird604, and Erin of Haus of Hybrid.

Wearing:
Strapless dress with diamond back cut-out, by Elizabeth and James
Brown leather jacket, by Blues Heroes
Gypsy macrame thong sandals, by Elizabeth and James (available at ShopBop.com)
Remade vintage coral ring, gift from mom
Silver seahorse pendent, custom
White bone carved flower pendant, Simply Sublime
Mother of pearl cuff bracelet, from Knysna, South Africa
Bronze cuff, from Morocco
Floppy hat, American Apparel

Heart Shaped Box

Spring's romantic movement in ruffles, lace, and frills has me on the lookout for antique-y, super detailed jewelry. Anything that looks victorian, with motifs such as crosses, fleur de lis, hearts, and animals, or anything my grandma or pa might have worn, is catching my eye right now.

Like the pieces created by Vancouver's own Pyrrha. The rings, necklaces, and bracelets have an aged look which are cast using from 19th century wax seals. Each piece has a meaning behind it: the above Lion and Stag ring has a crest which reads "Neither be fearful nor wanting". The Horse Cameo below signifies courage, intelligence and grace.

I spotted this cute dove in a cage piece on Mod Cloth. I would get rid of the pink bow but other than that, it's a lovely accessory at about $20.


Something else to keep my eyes out for is a vintage locket. I love the idea of a romantic story behind an old one - perhaps it was a gift from a first love. LOL, how very Edward/Bella-esque of me.

Below: Square locket and Cross locket from Heart Smith


This cute red heart locket isn't vintage, but another great find from Mod Cloth.

When I was ten, I had this silver ladybug watch necklace. It was in the shape of a ladybug and you flipped the wings open to reveal the watch. I really regret letting that one go into the bin.

Luckily, watch necklaces are cropping up everywhere, I'm guessing due to the Alice in Wonderland influence. Quirky yet practical, a watch necklace would look great with a tank or a rufflely blouse.

Below: Watch necklace from Mod Cloth.


Hope you all have a great week! I'm looking forward to meeting some of you at JK Model's anniversary party at Leone's this week. Please drop by and say hi if you see me!

Hump Day Hunks: Football Edition

Football. Aka soccer in North America. The sport that gave us Becks, Henry, Iker, and Ronaldo. With World Cup of Soccer fast approaching, we naturally turn our attention towards South Africa for inspiration. Ladies, I present to you Hump Day Hunks: Football Edition!

Above and Below: Yoann Gourcuff of Bordeaux, France. According to France Travel Guide, he loves to "strip at games and run around in his underwear".

I've got to say that I've got a major crush on Brazilian Kaká; he'll be the player my eyes will be on during the World Cup. Apparently Armani agrees because he's the star of many of their ads. RAWR...



I found this hunk, Lukas Podolski, on a top 10 hottest soccer players list. He seems to like celebrating without his shirt. Good on ya, Lukas, good on ya.


OMS = Oh My Sweden. Freddie Ljungberg in one of many, many Calvin Klein ads. With all due respect to all the hot Swedish hockey players who have played on my Canucks (Matty Ohlund, Alex Edler), I think Freddie takes top honours.

There's just something incredibly foxy about France's Thierry Henry. And the man knows how to dress.

And lastly, Vanity Fair sent Annie Leibovitz to shoot some of the world's most gorgeous footballers, and they've kindly released this behind-the-scenes video for your Wednesday viewing pleasure. Make sure you watch til the end as the boys do some amazing things with their balls...



Now I know I don't have any Italians in this group today but that's because they deserve a whole edition all to themselves. Watch for them to come...

59 Bottles, Bday, and Bikinis

Hello loves! I know it's been a while since I've written. In between watching hockey and planning my Europe trip, I haven't found the time. I really wanted to take some outfit pics over the weekend but the weather wasn't cooperating.

Last week, I came into about 60 bottles of vintage wine. FOR FREE. Someone we knew (immensely wealthy, multimillionaire) just sold his mansion which had a stocked wine cellar. He doesn't actually live here, and he wanted us to get rid of his goods. So away we went and carted out boxes after boxes of wine, some dating back to the mid 80's. I'm not sure how much of it is still "good", since half of it was white wines, but I know there's definitely a bottle or two that might be worth something. I will be documenting my journey through these mystery bottles over at The Unreserved, a wine, foodie, and lifestyle publication and community (I'm one of the editors). So come check it out if you're interested. I should be posting the first bottle over the weekend.

Above: Me marveling at all those cases of wine at a winery in South Africa.

I also had a great bday celebration on the town with my closest besties. We headed to Judas Goat, a small Spanish tapas bar with a great wine list on the recommendations from my friends at Noshwell (review here) and Senses and Style. It didn't disappoint, and we were fully stuffed. I didn't take very good pictures but here's a sampling of what we ate: mini bruschettas (mushrooms and melted cheese, chorizo and onion, roasted pepper), brisket meatballs with tomato sauce, slow cooked sablefish with Israeli couscous, and cured salmon pastrami.

Now something completely off-topic - my new Reef bikinis arrived! Although it hasn't exactly been beach weather here, I can't help but be excited about the two mix-and-match tops and bottoms I got (especially when I could be wearing them in the South of France...).

I got this above top but in dark purple and black so the reef label isn't quite so loud. Then the matching bottoms below but in black. In "cheeky" fit too =D.

I couldn't resist this beautiful multi-coloured triangle top - love the hippie vibe.


The detailed braiding on the sides of this pair was so unique so I picked that up too.

I bought everything from Spyder Surf and they were great about the order. I was a bit apprehensive about ordering swimwear online but everything turned out great! I can't wait to test them out, even if I have to wear them underneath my thick "seal suit" (aka wetsuit) when I'm in Tofino in a couple of weeks.