Happy Birthday to ME!

"Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that was invested in you at birth is present once again."
-Menachem Mendel Schneerson

I turned twenty eight over the weekend!

Typically I love birthday's, but for some reason, I just wasn't looking forward to this one!

I'm not sure what was bothering me about this year, but I just wasn't as excited as I usually am! Normally I plan a big party with all my friends, have a big dinner with my family, go for a date with Chris... basically, I drag out my birthday for as long as possible! But this year I didn't plan anything, I just wasn't in the mood!

It's amazing how life continues to amaze me... Without any planning or excitement on my end this year, I managed to have one of the nicest birthdays I've ever had!

On Saturday, after sleeping in shamelessly until 11 am, I spent the whole day catching up on the TV I had PVR'ed over the last two crazy weeks. Chris went out an bought me a birthday cake, and we decided to eat it for dinner and dessert... That alone might have made the weekend, but on Sunday, my sister organized a brunch for me with at Newport Grill all of my friends! I can't even begin to tell you how blissful I felt as I sat eating my belgium waffles with vanilla bean whipped cream and raspberries and looking around at all the amazing people I have in my life.

I am one lucky girl!

I can't even think of a better way to start my next 365 day journey around the sun, than surrounded by all the people I love!

It's going to be an amazing year... I can feel it!

(A bit late) Long Weekend Week: Packing List

"I travel light; as light, that is, as a man can..."
-Christopher Fry (b.1970) British playwright

Packing is by far the worst part of any trip.

I'm one of those people who likes to decide what I'm going to wear each day depending on lots of things... the weather, the day’s events, my mood... So I find it agonizing to try and plan out what I will need for a trip. I'm also a bit of an over planner (a staircase as Chris not so affectionately calls me) and I need to have every outfit to be decided ahead of time, so I can make sure I have all the underpinnings and accessories I will need!

Out of necessity more than anything, I’ve come up with a must have packing list.

The items on this list are what I consider wardrobe basics… pack these and all you'll need is to throw in a few fun or colourful pieces and you are good to go! All the articles listed can be interpreted to fit you’re personal style; you just want the basic idea!

The List:

1. Skinny Jeans



I love these classic J. Crew matchstick jeans


2. Boyfriend Blazer



Mine is really similar to this Halogen Boyfriend Blazer from Nordstrom


3. Maxi Dress




So comfy... but looks so good! I have this Victoria Secret Halter version in Black


4. Basic Tee



This American Eagle V-neck Favorite T is awesome! You can layer it or wear it on its own... Plus you can actually throw it in the dyer with no shrink!


5. Long Cardigan



I always go for a black cardigan, but you can add some colour here if you want. I love the American Apparel Solid Rib Cardigan


6. Ballet Flats



I live in ballet flats! These Tory Burch 'Reva' Ballerina Flats are super comfortable and super stylish!

7. Basic Tank



I always make sure I pack a couple of layering tanks. I love the fit of the Garage Sheer Cami, and for under $10 you really can't go wrong!


8. Wrap or Scarf



I love having a wrap with me when I travel! It can easily double as a blanket when you're cold, and if you get hot you can loop it on to your handbag! I am loving the colour and texture of this Love Quotes Linen Scarf available at Tobi


9. Sunglasses



I like classic sunglasses that are a bit hip, so I usually go for a pair of Aviator or Wayfarer Ray Bans.


10. Leggings



These Lululemon Wunder Under Pants are so comfortable and fit amazingly! These are not only great for traveling... if you don't have a pair already, you should!


11. Shorts



A great pair of shorts can easily go from day to night if you pick the right style and fabric. I would choose a pair like these Linen Tie Shorts from Forever 21. Great with flats during the day, and then dress them up with heels for the evening! Va va voom!

12. Heels



I just got this pair of Spriggle heels by Spring and I am in love! They look so hot, but are comfortable enough I can dance in them all night!


I find that with this basic wardrobe, I never stress out about having nothing to wear. Pack a few fun tops, dresses and accessories as well and the outfit options are endless!

Happy Packing!


Photo credit: replicapot.com

So sorry... Can't talk!

It's been such a crazy busy day! I'm so sorry I didn't have time to post today's Long Weekend Week post! I promise to try and update tomorrow!

Until then, I hope you enjoy this fabulous photo of one of my favorite style icons Victoria Beckham... She looks almost as busy as me, although the killer stilettos would really slow me down!


Photo Credit: Glamour

Long Weekend Must Have: Urban Outfitters Straw Fedora

"Cock your hat - angles are attitudes."
-Frank Sinatra

Hats are the perfect summer long weekend accessory! Not only do they protect you from the sun and the heat, but they keep you looking cool at the same time!

There a a ton of awesome summer hats out there to choose from this year, so you'll have no problem finding one to perfectly suit your style. If you look for a lightweight hat in a classic style that can be packed easily, it will work for almost any occasion this season. Don't plan on spending a ton of money though... the last thing you want, is to be worried about sand and water damage. Besides, this way you can buy a new hat next year guilt free!

I have tried a few different styles of summer hats over the last couple of years... a perfectly broken down Shady Brady cowboy hat that I absolutely loved, a gorgeous floppy black wide-brimmed hat from Forever 21 that made me feel like Audrey Hepburn, a surfer-girl military inspired newsboy hat by Roxy with more style than function... But the one hat that I wore again and again was a cute little straw fedora with a simple black ribbon I picked up at Urban Outfitters.

To me it is the quintessential summer hat. It's made of woven lightweight straw and can bounce back after spending 10 hours in a suitcase. I love that it's casual enough to throw on with a bathing suit to hang by the pool, yet doesn't look even a little out of place with a dress and gladiators for dinner on a patio. It's hard to believe you can get all this chic and it's cheap too... I picked it up for under $40.

Although my hat is a few seasons old, the almost identical (although maybe even cuter) version pictured is available from Urban Outfitters for $48. I'm loving the menswear inspired checkered hatband!

The Long Weekend Week: Golden Glow

"The only reason why we ask other people how their weekend was is so we can tell them about our own weekend."
-Chuck Palahniuk

The long weekend is almost here!

I'm sure you are all just as excited as I am to celebrate the birth of Queen Victoria... No?

Just me?

Well, I may not be excited to celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday, but I do enjoy a holiday long weekend! And I'm even more excited than usual for this one, since I'll be spending it celebrating one of my best friends bachelorette in sunny Kelowna BC!

I can't wait!

In anticipation of this momentous occasion (or the fact I can't seem to focus on anything else!) I've decided to dedicate the entire week to the long weekend.

First up... getting that much needed Golden Glow!

As I mentioned in my post on bronzer last week, I am in desperate need of some beachy colour before I can even begin to think about spending the entire weekend in my bikini! And considering we had snow on the ground just a couple of weeks ago, I'm starting from square one!

A few years ago I would have been forced to spend the whole weekend faking a smile as friends and strangers laughed at my pale skin and made comments about needing to wear sunglasses for the glare I was creating... Well not anymore! Since discovering the Spray Tan, I can now get that golden goddess glow in under 15 minutes!

These days, I swear by spray tans! They are inexpensive, convenient, completely healthy and most importantly, leave you with a beautiful flawless tan!

New technology has virtually eliminated unwanted overspray and skin over saturation which means no more streaking. And with multiple depths of colour to choose from you can say goodbye to the oompa loompa orange as well!

I've tried a few different Spray Tan salons in the Calgary area, but for the best overall value I recommend California Tan at Willow Park. They use the Autobronze system which is said to offer the best results for an automated application! They also offer a really great deal on the spray tans... 5 tans for just over $100. It's perfect because if you use a great self tanning lotion in between, it can get you through almost the entire summer! The service at California Tan is also really great, and since they are open until 10:00pm on weeknights its really easy to work into your schedule!

Here are a few recommendations to make your spray tan the best it can be:
-Make sure your skin is exfoliated really well
-Make sure you are waxed or shaved before your tan
-Be sure to wear dark, loose fitting clothing... but don't worry, the tanning solution washes out!
-Make sure you are make-up, perfume, lotion and deodorant free
-The longer you wait before you shower the better... I usually sleep on it, and shower the following morning... but be aware you CANNOT get wet for a minimum of 6 hours, so plan accordingly!
-If you plan to sleep on it, don't use your good sheets... but again, it does wash out!

So, if you're like me and are freaking out about baring all for the first weekend of bathing suit season, try a quick and easy spray tan and you'll feel like a bronzed up goddess!




Photo Credit:
Kelowna - summit chiropractic
Spray Tan - ourmanly.com.au

Friday Morning Must Have: Hoola Bronzer by Benefit

“To be successful, keep looking tanned.”
-Aristotle

I'm pale.

Ultra pale.

And after spending all winter long, inside and under multiple layers of clothing... let's just say my skin needs all the help it can get!

I don't know what I would do without my daily dose of Bronzer. It gives me that radiant "home from holidays" glow I love so much, without the nasty wrinkles and age spots!

I have tried so many different bronzers over the years... with very different results! I've tried some that make you turn orange, some that make you look dirty and some that have so much sparkle in them I looked like I walked out of a teen-rom vampire novel... not good at all!

These days I swear by Hoola Bronzer by Benefit for an instant tropical glow. It's a bit pricey, but it is hands down the prettiest and most natural looking colour I have ever used!

If you want that sun-kissed goddess glow too, you can pick up Hoola Bronzer at Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora for around $30!

Ps. The little bamboo brush it comes with is super cute and practical too!


Next on Truly, Madly, Deeply...

My friend J and I are heading down the DeVille Luxury Coffee & Pastries at Art Central... Morgan from Mon Petit Amour was raving about their Nutella Latte, so I can't wait to try one!

I'll let you know just how hip and delicious it is!

Happy Friday!

xoJana

Hero Worship: Robin Hood

"Oh, he's so handsome... just like his reward posters."
-Sis, Robin Hood (1973)

Can you keep a secret?

When I was a little girl I wanted to marry Robin Hood the fox. His sophisticated British accent, they way he always outsmarted that slimy Sheriff of Nottingham, the whole stealing from the rich to feed the poor thing... I was in love!

I used to watch the movie over and over wishing I was Maid Marion. I know it's a bit weird to dream of marrying a cartoon fox, but hey, I just couldn't resist how dangerous he was. So much more exciting than all of those human Disney Princes!

Even now that I'm grown up and married to a fox all my own (of the human variety!) my love for Robin Hood hasn't faded... I still get giddy when ever I hear Bryan Adams' "Everything I do"! So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when I saw they were coming out with a brand new Robin Hood movie this year!

This version looks awesome! It stars Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett and focuses on how Robin Hood becomes the hero and legend we know today. In case you haven't seen one yet, here is a preview:







Preview

Robin Hood opens in theatres this Friday, May 14th.
Don't miss it!


Disney Photo Credit: www.thefoxwebsite.org

Wednesday Morning Must Have: Crate & Barrel Appetizer Plates

"I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends."
-Nancie J. Carmody

I love to entertain!

I come by it naturally though, entertaining runs in my family. My sister, my mother and my grandmother are all really big entertainers. Seldom a week goes by when we aren't all organizing some sort of get together! It must be genetic... the hostess gene or something?

There are very few things I enjoy more than planning and hosting events. Bridal showers, wine tastings, holiday parties... you name it, I've done it! I'm constantly waiting for inspiration to hit with the next fun event idea.

Over the last few years, working my day job as an event planner, I've accumulated quite the collection of event stuff. Just ask my husband... He's constantly complaining about how much room it's taking up in garage! I have candy jars, serving dishes, center pieces, bar equipment, table risers... The list goes on and on!

The one thing I can't live without... these Crate & Barrel Appetizer Plates (Set of 12). They are one of the few things I use for events that I actually keep in the house. I use them all the time! They are the perfect size for appetizers and desserts and I love the modern square shape. They also stack into a small box that takes up almost no space in my kitchen. The best part of all... They are super inexpensive! It's under $3o for a set of twelve plates!

Next time you're planning a get together, don't forget to pick up these perfect plates!
You'll be glad you did!

Mindful Meat: Eating Cruelty Free

"Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight."
-Albert Schweitzer

I'm a sucker for cute baby animals. Calves, chicks, piglets, lambs... I like them all. I think this was one of the main reasons I became a vegetarian twelve years ago, I just couldn't wrap my head around how we can separate the animals we call pets from the animals we call food. My husband on the other hand, is a sucker for meat. Beef, chicken, pork… He eats them all!

A match made in heaven, no?

Needless to say, we've both had to make some adjustments. Chris is super supportive of my decision not to eat meat, and I respect that it's a personal choice, and I try not to force my views onto him. Over the last five years we've come up with some great compromises! Cruelty free meat being one of them!

It wasn't long after we moved in together that we first started looking for alternatives to factory farm mass produced meat. My adversion is not so much with eating meat, but rather with how the animals are treated before we eat them. So when I happened upon this great program run by the BC SPCA that offers certification to farmers and producers of meat, eggs and dairy products that follow humane practices, Chris and I jumped on board!

SPCA certification is an extremely innovative certification, food-labeling and advocacy program that easily lets consumers know that products labeled "SPCA certified" come from farms that adhere to strict farm animal welfare standards. The specific standard vary by species, but the over all goals are as follows:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
2. Freedom from discomfort
3. Freedom from pain, injury, and disease
4. Freedom from distress
5. Freedom to express behaviours that promote well-being

As an Albertan, I am so proud that we have some really progressive local farmers producing an amazing selection of ethical and organic products. These animals have access to pastures, sunshine and fresh air. Here are a few of my favorite:

Sunworks Farm
Armena, Alberta
Beef, Bison, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Turkey and other poultry
Available at the Calgary's Farmers Market at the Blush Lane Organics stand

TK Ranch
Hanna, Alberta
Chicken, pork, lamb and beef
Available at Community Natural Foods (Downtown and Chinook Centre locations), Amaranth Whole Foods and Planet Organic (North and South locations)

First Nature Farms
Goodfare, Alberta
Beef, chicken and pork
Available at Community Natural Foods (Downtown and Chinook Centre locations)

Not only do we have some great producers, but they are supported by and carried in grocery stores and farmers markets across the province! Not so bad for the wild west! Here are a few of the places you can pick up the products from the farms listed above:

Blush Lane Organics
7 Day Market
3000 - 10 Aspen Stone Blvd. S.W.
or
Calgary Farmers Market
4421 Quesnay Wood Dr. S.W.
Assorted: Sunworks Farm

Community Natural Foods
10th Avenue Market
1304 - 10th Ave SW
or
Chinook Station Market
202 - 61st Ave SW
Pork: First Nature Farms
Chicken: First Nature Farms
Beef: TK Ranch

Amaranth Whole Foods
7 Arbour Lake Drive NW
Beef: TK Ranch

Planet Organic
Calgary North
4625 Varsity Drive NW
or
Calgary South
10233 Elbow Drive SW
Beef: TK Ranch

Don't shop at any of these stores, but still want to make a change? Download this Request Card to give to the manager at your local grocery store.

Next time you go to the grocery store or go out to dinner think about the effects of your buying choices... The only way change will ever happen is for all of us to vote with our dollars! A couple of extra dollars for cruelty free meat, makes a huge difference in the life of an animal! That's money well spent to me!

Join the growing number of people who are choosing cruelty free products to vote for change in our agricultural communities!


Photo Credit: www.loyalkng.com

Monday Morning Must Have: Echinacea Complete Care Tea

"If I had my way I'd make health catching instead of disease."
-Robert Ingersoll

I'm sick!

I've felt it coming for a few days now, but wasn't hit with its full force until early this afternoon. I hardly have a voice, my throat is on fire and I can't stop coughing... It's not fun at all!

I hate being sick. I hate missing out on things. I hate being confined to my house. The only thing remotely positive about being sick, is that my amazing husband takes such good care of me. He makes me vegetarian "chicken" noodle soup, comes up with delicious juice mocktails, goes to the store to pick up cough drops and best of all, makes sure my cup of tea is continually filled up and warm.

I don't think there is anything as soothing as warm herbal tea when you have a sore throat. Normally, my go to tea is Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime, but I recently discovered the new Wellness tea line by Celestial Seasonings, and they are even better when you're sick. These Wellness teas combine herbs and natural ingredients that are specially designed to support a healthy body, while still tasting great!

Celestial Seasonings Echinacea Complete Care Tea looks perfect for the endless colds and flus that seem to go around every season. A blend of echinacea, vitamin C, and zinc boost your bodies natural defenses and help you stay healthy naturally. It's like a warm delicious cup of cold FX! It's also completely natural and is caffeine and gluten free. Just make sure you steer clear of echinacea if you have an autoimmune disease!

Don't forget to take your vitamins... I'd hate for you to get sick too!

Have a great monday!

Fashion Friday: Sail Away!

“Who is staring at the sea is already sailing a little.”
- Paul Carvel

I had such a great time last night! One of my really good girlfriend just got home from spending eight months in Europe. It's going to be so nice to have her back home, at least for a few months!

Of course, after spending all that time eating only eastern European food, we had a comfort food feast of hot wings, Pizza Hut cheese pizza and cupcakes, while she filled us in on life in Latvia and unpacked all of her cute European clothes and accessories!

I'm not going to lie... I was pretty jealous as she pulled out a pair of super cute jeans, a really hot turquoise leather bomber jacket and a gorgeous sheer red wrap, printed with white and navy anchors. I was loving the wrap! It was HUGE! So big that you could wrap it into a floor length maxi dress! How awesome is that! We were chatting and I wrapping my friend up in different experimental styles, and we ended up talking about my love of all things nautical this season. Apparently, the trend is huge in Europe right now as well!

Needless to say, as soon as I got home I grabbed my laptop, and started shopping for some cute sailor stuff! I just recently bought a pair of Earnest Sewn high waisted denim shorts to get me started. Now I just need to pick up a few more pieces and wait for some warm weather to try them out!

Are you up for some nautical influence this summer? Even us landlocked Calgarians can appreciate this cool, fresh look! Here are a few cute sailor inspired ideas you might like to try:





GILES & BROTHER
Gold-plated anchor necklace
$115



American Eagle
Striped Racer Back Tank
$10



Vineyard Vines
Anchors & Stars Headband
$30



Forever 21
Nautical Striped Cardigan
$22.80



Old Navy
Espadrille Wedges
$25



Vero Moda
Nautical Stripe Shift Dress
$59



Pierce Denim
Sailor Pants
$95



Kayce Hughes
Red Acrylic Anchor Necklace
$40



Forever 21
Seafarer Cardigan
$15.80



Oasis Naughty Cool
Resin Anchor Cuff Bracelet
$20


So even if the closest you'll get to the ocean this summer, is the beaches of Auburn Bay lake... You can still rock this breezy style. Just don't go over board...

Sorry, I couldn't resist!


Boat Photo Credit: Jana Elliott Hooper

Around Town: The Little Cupcake Shoppe

"Looks like you could use a cupcake!"
-Tracy Flick, Election

Cupcakes are magical! I haven't met very many people who don't fall under their spell! The adorable little cups, the perfect serving of soft delicious cake, the dollop of pretty whipped frosting... Everything about them draws you in! And the best part? They really serve no purpose other than pure enjoyment!

I absolutely love cupcakes, and if the number of cool new boutique cupcake shops in Calgary is any indication, I am not alone. A few years ago there was really only one place for gourmet cupcakes in the city, and it was not unusual for people (...ME!) to plan an entire day around cupcakes. Getting your hands on a few of the coveted cupcakes, involved driving all the way across the city first thing in the morning to avoid the devastating "SOLD OUT" sign.

Thankfully for me, times are changing. Gone are the days of suffering through a chocolate peanut butter cupcake, because all of the other flavours were sold out and I didn't want my trip to be a complete waste. These days there seems to be a cupcake shop within minutes of most people, all offering their own unique and tempting flavour combinations.

A few months ago, we were lucky enough to have The Little Cupcake Shoppe open a few blocks from our house. This family run shop is definitely worth checking out if you happen to be in south Calgary. The owners are passionate about the flavours of their cupcakes, and only use the best ingredients. Madagascar vanilla, bernard callebaut chocolate, fruit purees made right in the store and lots of real butter! YUM! Their menu includes 16 standard flavours as well as seasonal specials and are all available in regular and mini sizes. For a full list of their amazing flavours visit The Little Cupcake Shoppe Menu, but here are a few of my favorites to get your mouth watering:

Chocolate Chip Mint



- chocolate chip mint buttercream on chocolate cake
- topped with bittersweet chocolate
- the perfect balance of chocolate and mint

Raspberry Vanilla



- raspberry buttercream on vanilla cake
- made with real raspberry puree
- topped with dark chocolate curls

Pina Colada



- pineapple buttercream on coconut cake
- made with real pineapple puree
- topped with coconut flakes

Cocoa Rouge



- red velvet cake made with buttermilk and a hint of cocoa
- topped with rich cream cheese frosting
- sprinkled with callebaut cocoa

The Little Cupcake Shoppe is located at 230, 11 Mckenzie Towne Avenue, just a few doors down from brewsters, and next to pet planet. They are open tuesday - friday 10:00am to 6:00pm, saturday - sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm and are closed mondays and holidays.



Want to guarantee you get all of your favorites? Make sure you check out The little Cupcake Shoppe's Online Ordering that lets you place your order in advance, so your cupcakes will be waiting for you when you get there!

Treat yourself today! I promise you will be happy you did!

Wednesday Morning Must Have: Essie Nail Polish

"I love the smell of nail polish in the morning"
-Jason Stackhouse, True Blood

Is anyone else feeling a bit blah this week?

Calgary has had some horribly miserable weather lately, and I'm in desperate need of a pick me up! And what better to brighten up the day, than some fab nail polish in a sunny summer shade!

For a few year now, I have had an on going love affair with the super chic J. Crew. I love how effortlessly elegant their clothes are from season to season, and that their price point make them an affordable luxury. The creative force behind the brand, executive creative director Jenna Lyons, is brilliant... and has a wardrobe to die for! Last summer J. Crew announced that they have teamed up with the ultra cool Essie Nail Polish! Each season, they will select a few colours that reflect the vision of their collection, and will offer them in store and online at J. Crew for a limited time.

This spring/summer J. Crew is offering these fun, bright and glossy polishes, guaranteed to make you forget all about the snow, sleet and grey skies looming outside:

Russian Roulette



Punchy Pink



Van D Go



Peach Daiquiri



I am personally loving the Punchy Pink... and it's currently on route to my house from J. Crew as we speak!

Make your toes and fingers happy!
These are a must have in every colour!

The Simple Things: Spa Cucumber Water

“Water is the only drink for a wise man.”
-Henry David Thoreau

As part of my never ending quest to live a healthier lifestyle, I've been trying to drink more water lately. It's hard work to get the recommended two liters a day and I like water! I actually think a tall, cool glass of water is hard to beat. The problem is having to drink 8 of them when I'm constantly tempted by diet coke and pink lemonade! I find after a glass or two I just get bored... so I decided if I was ever going to make this whole water thing permanent, I would need to get creative!

The first thing I did was went out and bought some pretty glass water bottles to keep in my fridge. I really like having a constant supply of ice cold water, and to be honest, it just feels so much more special coming out of a bottle than a tap and sink over flowing with dishes!
I picked up four of these from IKEA for only $2.99 each!




Next I decided to recreate one of my favorite parts of going to the spa at the Banff Springs Hotel ... the cucumber water. This water is amazing! It is so refreshing, looks and smells fabulous and actually helps to improve the look of your skin! How great is that! Here's how its done:

Spa Cucumber Water

2 liters of water
1 cucumber, sliced and unpeeled
1 lemon sliced and unpeeled
fresh mint sprigs (optional)
Lots of ice

In a large pitcher (or a pretty glass bottle!) combine the water, cucumber (hold a handful for decoration), lemon and a few sprigs of mint.
Let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but preferably 24 hours. If you want instant gratification, and just can't wait 2 hours, squeeze the juice from the cucumbers into the water instead of stirring them in.
Before you enjoy, remove the original cucumber slices and add the ones you set aside, along with some mint, for decoration.
Stir in some ice and you're good to go!


I hope this helps you stay hydrated!


Photo Credit: www.apartmenttherapy.com

Four Weddings and a Fashion Fix

"After all there is something about a wedding-gown prettier than in any other gown in the world." -Douglas William Jerrold

Now don't get me wrong, I love weddings! I love going to the mail box and finding the beautiful invitations. I love getting teary eyed while holding Chris' hand during the ceremonies. I especially love celebrating with friends and family over great food and too much wine. The only thing that ever stresses me out as the wedding day approaches, it trying to figure out what I'm going to wear.

It seems like over the past five years everyone has been getting married, and this year is no exception. We have four weddings to attend this summer alone! Normally, I like to use weddings as an excuse to by a fabulous new outfit. I can usually justify this to myself, and more importantly to my husband, with a combination of "everyone who will be there has already seen me in that" and "I've had that dress forever, and it doesn't fill anymore"... The problem this year, is that the weddings are super close together (4 weddings over 3 months), a lot of the same people will be at each of them and I'm on a budget. So you see, although I'd love to buy dresses for each wedding, I think I've found a pretty innovative alternative... the Convertible Dress!

These dresses are awesome. With anywhere from 15-20 different ways to wrap them (yes, the same dress!) you get multiple looks for one price. How sweet is that! A dress like this, will not only carry me through the wedding season in style, but will no doubt become one of my summer staples. Now I just have to decide on the colour and the brand...

A lot of companies are offering versions of this dress, but here are a few I really love:

Twobirds



These dresses are beautiful! They come in a short and long length and are available in 18 colours. They are a bit on the pricey side at around $300, but if you're going to wear it a lot, it's probably worth the investment. You can order on line from Twobirds.

Butter by Nadia



Butter by Nadia is a favorite with celebs and offers not only their signature wrap dress, which is available in short or long, jersey or satin and a ton of colours and patterns, but also convertible wrap pant suits, multiple dresses and tops. These are about the same price as the Twobirds dress, at around $300 and are available online at Butter by Nadia.

Victoria's Secret



Victoria's secret offers three variations on the convertible dress, but my favorite it their ruched convertible dress. This body hugging dress can be worn at least 10 different ways, is available in 12 colours and with a price of under $100, you can afford to buy two. Available online at Victoria's Secret.

American Apparel



If you're looking for a more casual dress, American Apparel offers two styles featured in at least 21 colors that can be worn 15 different ways. I am personally coveting the Le Sac Dress... I just love the braided details! These dresses are also the most frugal friendly at under $50. You can order them online at American Apparel.



I can think of endless occasions when a dress like this would be perfect... for a vacation somewhere warm, for a bridal party, for a trip with limited luggage space, for a busy wedding season or just for increasing your spring/summer wardrobe by 15 dresses with one purchase. This summer, the convertible dress can become the perfect outfit for every occasion, making it not only the most versatile, but the most economical piece of clothing you can buy.

Happy shopping!