Va Va Vanessa

Did you see these awesome street snaps from Vanessa Jackman's blog? They are reminiscent of the Sartorialist, just good old fashioned fashion snaps. The above were featured on Who What Wear Daily a few days back. Really wanting some cutoffs and old school Chuck Taylors now. BTW, have you seen the Converse website lately? It's kind of awesome, you can make your pair completely your own down to the eyelet color.

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Goody Two Shoes

Photo via Refinery 29

I love these Monika Chiang driving moccasins. How cute and kitschy are these guys? Also love the precise cut of her pant cuffs, perfect.

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Bachelor Recap: Week 5

Puerto Rico!!! 

I know you can't tell by just the writing, but I'm doing some pretty impressive "r" rolling over here. Thank you collegiate-level Spanish. Also, I can let you know several nouns such as "casa" and "gato," but enough about me...

Episode five was all kinds of fun. The one-on-one date with Nicki was underwhelming, but I did love the fabulous all-white ensemble Ben picked out. He looked like Tommy Bahama, and that made me laugh.

All photos via abc.com

Current favey-faves Lindzi and Kacie B. (above) joined the other girls (less Nicki and Elyse) and went to Gigantes training where they did sprints, batting practice, lunges and a few errant cartwheels (I'm looking at you Emily).

Then, the greatest all-girl baseball game ever recorded took place....

It was basically chaos. My personal favorite part was team captain Blakeley's intensity. There was a lot of bleeping and "I thought you guys wanted this as much as I did." Apparently she played softball in high school and college, and is pretty much a pro. However, she was no match for the red team and thus, bitter sadness for the blue team.

The winning red team had more date time with Ben, while the blue team just went home, and I'm guessing got an earful from Blakeley. 

The next one-on-one date went to Elyse....

Have you ever had a conversation that you couldn't recover from? Elyse definitely has. Aside from saying she's "sick of being single" and "I've done everything I wanted to do" (she's 24 by the way) her utter lack of interest in Ben led to a hasty departure and no rose. I felt so bad for her and just really need her to know she's precious and I love her coral nail polish and fancy earrings. I could tell Ben felt the same, he's a good guy. Also, ABC, no more David Grey. It's just too much, even for me.

Okay, so now onto Courtney. Note to Courtney: I'm not sure if you're aware, but there's kind of a stigma against those in the modeling profession. The stigma is that models are vapid (that means boring) and dumb. Saying things such as, "Should I take my robe off? I'm not some vixen or something" and "I like to be in my birthday suit" is not helping that perception, but, unfortunately Ben's into it. So, you stay another week.

So aufedersein to Jennifer. I was kind of surprised about this one, I really felt like she was clicking with Ben. Nine ladies remain. Previews would suggest lots of drama and smoochy helicopter rides to come. Until next week!

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Best Dressed: SAG Awards

I was pretty impressed by the ensembles at the SAG Awards last night. In my opinion, there was no one clear-cut winner, but lots of great contenders.

I'm a big Armie Hammer fan and I think his wife, Elizabeth Chambers, is just about the cutest. Loving both of their outfits (both Gucci, btw). That color on her is just the best and I love the clutch with the tassle. So Gucci, so amazing.

Emily Blunt in Oscar de la Renta. A personal fave designer and that color on her is to die for. I am kind of over one-shoulder dresses as a general rule, but for this one I will make an exception. Also, I just love that she's married to Jim--er John Krasinski. They are beyond cute. Also, he wore navy, which is a bold sartorial choice in and of itself.

Julie Bowen in Temperley. I love the color of this dress, the open back, they way it flatters her slim shape. It's awesome.

Naya Rivera in Naeem Khan. I had the great fortune of interviewing Mr. Khan when I lived in Dallas. He is an incredibly interesting and kind man and his designs are just fantastic. Incredible beading and flattering shapes abound, as Ms. Rivera illustrates above. I love this color on her and pretty much everything about the outfit.

Sophia Vergara in Marchesa. Usually not a huge fan of her choices, but for some reason this really stuck with me. That particular shade of fuchsia is hard to pull off, but she's definitely doing it. Also love the pairing of the purple stones in her jewelry.

Viola Davis also in Marchesa. I love this white and gold against her skin. She looks amazing. So elegant and perfectly polished.

Also, not normally one to call out the "press" at these things, but how amazing was Giuliana Rancic's dress? Obsessed. The designer is Basil Soda. As G herself would say, amazeballs.

Photos of Armie Hammer and Elizabeth Chambers, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, Julie Bowen, Naya Rivera and Sophia Vergara via Popsugar. Photo of Emily Blunt and Viola Davis via People. Photo of Giuliana Rancic via Global Grind.

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Weekend Snaps

I had a fun weekend, full of cozy activities to ward off the cold. From the top: Minaudere (on loan from mom), $6 slippers from Target, new top with a chic label that reminds me sometimes simple is best, Troop Beverly Hills possibly the greatest ditzy movie of all time and Elsie and her new Valentine's Day toy--it was destroyed shortly after the photo was taken.

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Pom Pom Curtains!

Photo via Design Sponge

Totally loving the pom pom trim on these curtains. They somehow look crafty yet still chic. Curtains available at Anthropologie.

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Friday Pick(s)

About this time of year, I start to feel like I look a little bit like a zombie. Pale skin, scary hair, a hunger for human flesh. Kidding, about that last one, but seriously I'm needing a little help in the beauty department. And thus...

Kerastase Bain Nutri-Thermique and Nectar Thermique

Kerastase, my French-speaking friend since college, you are awesome. Just purchased this shampoo and leave-in conditioner from the Systeme Thermo Intense line, which supposedly shields your hair from heat styling tools. So far my hair feels softer and is looking less puffy.

Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua

It's heavier than a tinted moisturizer, but not quite a foundation. It offers fantastic coverage and is water based, so it won't break your face out like your average foundation.

Moroccan Oil Luminous Hairspray

My friend Alice turned me on to this at drybar. It smells so good and gives you the perfect amount of hold without getting crunchy.

Wella Enrich Nourishing Treatment for Fine to Normal Hair

For a little more hair moisture, I use this once a week. You leave it on for five minutes after shampooing and "voila!" shinier strands.

Jo Malone Wild Bluebell and Vanilla and Anise Colognes

I bought the Wild Bluebell scent at the end of summer last year and became so attached that I just couldn't stop wearing it when the weather got cooler. So, I began layering it with the richer-smelling Vanilla and Anise. It's amazing, and I love how there are so many Jo Malone scents, you can make your own combo.

Avalon Organics Vitamin C Nourishing Eye Cream

I use this in the evenings under my standby Kate Sommerville eye cream. Super moisturizing, and the line is really great for people who want to lighten any discolored spots.

Kate Sommerville CytoCell cream

And, speaking of Kate...I totally love the CytoCell moisturizer! I use this on the parts of my face that feel the driest. It's amazing.

Kate Sommerville ExfoliKate Acne

Also a big fan of sloughing off dry skin. In addition to the Clarisonic (which I use daily), I use this scrub once a week. It feels so good on your skin and has softer exfoliating granules.

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Open Letter

Photo via People.com

Dear Elizabeth Banks,

In addition to portraying one of the greatest characters ever--the fabulously abrasive type-A Avery Jessup on NBC's 30 Rock--you also can wear a dress. I mean, dang. This is just about the greatest frock ever embroidered. Wish I could see your shoes in the above photo. Pretty sure they would be fantastic too. Keep basically killing it. 

Most Sincerely,

The Canary Diaries

Do You DIY?

I've always been really skeptical of DIY projects, for the simple reason that they tend to look a little DIY.

But, I kind of like this pasta necklace...

I've got some penne in the pantry, so I just might get going on this.

The step by step from Design Sponge, in case you are so inclined...

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Oscar Noms

Photo via Dustjacket Attic

What do you think about the Academy Award nominations?

I was pleasantly surprised for the most part. I am equal parts shocked and thrilled that Melissa McCarthy was nominated for Bridesmaids. I can't think of someone I enjoyed watching more last year, except maybe Viola Davis in The Help, also nominated.

I also really like The New York Times Oscar ballot. You can submit your votes and share it with your friends. One thing is for sure, I have some serious movie watching to do before February 26!

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Spring in my Step

Photo via Refinery 29

This outfit makes me excited for spring. For some reason purple and yellow together are just rocking my world lately. And the best part of this ensemble? It's from Topshop. 

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Bachelor Recap: Week 4

All photos via abc.com

This man is your future husband. No, I'm kidding, don't worry. He's just the bachelor. No big deal.

A lot happened this week:

-Rachel: Good hair does not mean you have a a great connection with Ben and this makes me sad. Glad you got a rose despite this.

-Samantha: What did I tell you? I'm really sorry for liking you, that was obviously the kiss of death. Apologies.

-Courtney: One word,"Ugh." I know you really, really like Ben, but maybe do a poker face every now and then with the ladies. It would keep them from saying terrible things about you when you leave the room. Also, Ben, really? The group date rose to this gal? C'mon guy.

- Ladies at home: Fly fishing is not easy at all. In fact, if those glasses are any indication, I'm pretty sure Ben didn't even know how to do it prior to this episode.

Then, the one-on-one date with Jennifer. How scary would it be to repel in a bikini on your first date? 

I'm adding you to the awesome list just for doing that.

Also, so sad there is not an image of this, but how awesome was it to see Blakeley doing Emily's hair during Jennifer's date? I always wondered how you kept your highlights fresh whilst on the show. Now I know. Bring your own bleach.

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Chanello!

What Goes Around Comes Around Vintage Chanel CC Cage Earrings available at Shopbop

Bachelor recap forthcoming...

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Weekend Snaps

How was your weekend? Ours was pretty low-key, but definitely nice. From top: a beautiful letterpress card with a strong message, my favorite new necklace, a finial my mom gave me for Christmas that I spray-painted gold.

xo,

The Canary Diaries

More Ad Love...

Perhaps it's our spring-like environs this weekend (in Texas at least) or all of the amazing spring ads packed into the February magazine issues, but for whatever reason I am ready for spring! How much do you love Karlie Kloss in these amazing Oscar de la Renta ads? Can we also agree that this perfect minty blue shade is THE color for spring. Pretty sure I would look pale as a ghost wearing it. Maybe I could do pants...

You can see more of the ads at Styleite.

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Everything's Great When You're Downton...

The Grantham daughters in front of Downton Abbey, photo via pbs.com

Have you been watching Downton Abbey? I got to the party a little late, but just finished the first season. It is amazing. It takes place from 1912 onward in Britain and centers around the wealthy family and hard-working staff of Downton Abbey. The costumes are beyond and the lives of the characters are completely fascinating. A must watch. It airs Sundays at 8 p.m. Central on PBS.

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Friday Pick

Photo via NewYorkDailyNews.com

How amazing are Kate Hudson's new ads for Ann Taylor? I am completely enamoured with the yellow dress she's wearing above. Counting down the days until spring!

Wishing you a very sunny weekend!

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Benji Wednesday: Royalty Edition

One of the interesting parts of having an adopted dog is that you never know what breed/breeds they are for sure. Unless, you buy one of those DNA tests, which I have yet to do. Anyway...when I adopted Benji from the SPCA, they told me he was Chihuahua and Pomeranian, but at 17 pounds he's HUGE by either of those breed standards. Then, our vet said Chihuahua, Dachshund and maybe grandma was a Cocker Spaniel, which I definitely see in his face.

Now, I'm totally sticking to that last one, because guess what cute dog Katie just got?

Photo via People.com

People says it's most likely a Cocker Spaniel. 

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Mad Men Update

It's baaack! On March 25, 2012 Mad Men returns. I'll be re-watching season four in preparation. 

Until then enjoy these precious photos of January Jones and her new baby, Xander. Too cute!

Photo via Popsugar.com

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Bachelor Recap: Week 3

Well, week three was something else. What, I don't really know. Less a train wreck and more a complete cultural apocalypse.

I knew things were going to be craz-AY when the group date was skiing in bikinis. Yes, it got really weird.

All photos via abc.com

Big props to Samantha (above left) who stayed mostly clothed while careening down a man-made bunny slope in San Francisco. New favorite, ya'll...which probably means she will be voted off next week. Sorry Sammy.

Also loved Emily, our current Bachelor fave. Her daring bridge-scaling date with Ben was really cute and I loved that he later confided in her that his dad married his mom because she was smarter than he was. She happens to be getting a PhD.

We also saw the return of undertaker Shawntel. Yes, I spelled that correctly. She was swiftly rejected by our darling Ben. I didn't watch Brad's season so I don't really have an opinion about her, but I do think it a weird ratings ploy that she came back when she did...and haven't I been ployed enough, ABC?

Also, did you watch the very end with the gal with the mouth tattoo. Yikes. Didn't even know you could do that. See, you do learn things from reality TV.

xo,

The Canary Diaries

Outfit Inspiration

Did you notice how many ladies wore bright yellow at Sunday's Golden Globe awards? While I loved the  sunshiney sartorial shoutout, I didn't fall head over heels for any of the dresses I saw. Did you? Yellow is like red lipstick, it packs a punch and therefore must be handled carefully...

Which is why I loved Rachel Zoe's Parallel Universe pick in yesterday's Zoe Report. This BCBG dress is simply cut, but has a modern feel to it. I think it would fabulous with a gold belt. 

Available at Saks

xo,

The Canary Diaries