Mood Music - Wye Oak

Hey hey y'all,

No, I didn't die or fall off the planet or anything. I did get insanely sick last week and am still feeling the effects. Hence, no posts for awhile.

Bright spot of last week? Getting to see the always amazing Explosions in the Sky play at the Sound Academy. They are such amazing musicians and so, so good live. The opening band, Wye Oak, was really great too.

Bright spot of this week? Getting to meet a very cute little fella named Harvey, born yesterday. He is my nephew, but I'm not being biased here...Harvey is definitely one of the cutest babies ever. Yay Harvey!

Double ANTM recap tomorrow!

XOXO,
Emily

It's Tyra!!!! - ANTM All-Stars Week 3

Hi! Want to find out what happened on ANTM this week? Let's do this!

Max Out Yo Credit Card - Preen Dress

Oh hey there dollface! I felt like throwing on something colourful today...like the leaves that are already falling from the trees. Holy crap! It's autumn!

Preen Grace Dress (satineboutique.com)
Rochas Double-Face Wool Coat (neimanmarcus.com)
Giuseppe Zanotti Patent-Leather Pumps (net-a-porter.com)
Yves Saint-Laurent Medium Easy Satchel (ssense.com)

XOXO,
Emily

It's Tyra!!!! - ANTM All-Stars Week 2

It's week 2! Yee-haw! We're getting right into this All-Star season, aren't we? This episode we get Ty-overs, drama and a gross hotdog photo shoot. Allez-y!!

Mood Music - Spin Doctors

Hi hi y'all,

What a week! Busy, busy...lots of rain. At least it's Friday! I'm taking some vacation time from work today and next week. I'm hoping to get lots of house cleaning done, recharge my batteries and have lots of fun with my 'lil peanut.

Poor 'lil peanut is having a bad week too. He's got a lump on his head from tripping on a toy yesterday, and he's mega teething too. I took him to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live, and poor buddy was confused about why his tv pals were dancing live in front of him. Every time I tried to get him to dance, he would hug me tight. He had more fun riding the subway and eating a snack at Union Station than watching the show I think.

After his head bump and the concert and travelling all around, poor peanut had trouble falling asleep last night. He wouldn't let me or his dad put him to bed. I can normally calm him down with a little Baby Beluga action, but he wasn't buying it last night. I tried all of the kids songs I could with no luck. In desperation, I sang him a couple songs I know he likes to dance to...including Two Princes. It totally did the trick and he fell fast asleep. Thanks Spin Doctors!

XOXO,
Emily

Great Moments In Soap History - Erica Kane vs. Bear

I haven't watched All My Children for many years. I watched the show one summer during high school, but apart from that I haven't watched the show too much.

Today is the last day All My Children will air on tv (it will continue online apparently), and is the last time we will all see the fabulous Susan Lucci as Erica Kane. Susan Lucci is beyond fantastic. I hope that she finds another acting role that is just as great, and that she's in the spotlight for years to come.

I could go on and on about why Erica Kane is such a great tv character, but I think this sums it up quite well: Erica Kane is so boss that she scares away a bear just by yelling at it. Best.

Bye Bye Erica Kane!

XOXO,
Emily

Max Out Yo Credit Card - Balmain Jacket

It's gonna be another marathon night at Toronto City Hall. The Executive Committee are debating the budget, and they have decided to meet all night in order to hear all of the 300 deputants that have asked to speak about the budget. I know that politics is tedious, dahling, but I have to go and say my piece so that the city doesn't sell the zoo, or privatize all the services, or close down any daycare centres, or libraries...

So, yeah, if I'm telling the gov'ment what's what at 3 in the morning, I've got to look like I mean business, while still being as comfy as possible. Time for a fancy jumpsuit!!!

Now for a blazer that says, "Raise my taxes and that deficit will be gone in no time"...

Wedges will be comfy enough to wear all night, but still look amazing when I'm on tv yelling at the mayor.

Chloé Jacquard Jumpsuit (net-a-porter.com)
Balmain Wool Military Jacket (net-a-porter.com)
Charlotte Olympia Ostrich Velvet Wedge Pump (bergdorfgoodman.com)

XOXO,
Emily

It's Tyra!!!! - ANTM All-Stars Week 1

Whoa...you know that summer (and I guess "the party") is over when ANTM is back on the air. This season, Tyra has brought back her "All-Stars": the (so-called) fan favourites from the past 17 cycles.  Won't you join me for a little episode recap action? I promise to bring my A-game; it is All-Stars after all.

Mood Music - Feist

Hey hey hey y'all,

Hope you're enjoying the slight chill in the air that's been creeping up the last few days. It's kinda fun to wear a jacket. I've been listening to CBC Radio 2 all day for the past few weeks and they've been playing the hell out of this song. It's totally grown on me.

Happy almost weekend! Stay tuned for an ANTM recap tomorrow evening!

XOXO,
Emily

Max Out Yo Credit Card - Miu Miu Dress

That's right...it's TIFF time! Famous people come to Toronto for 3 days and we all go crazy! Will I see movies? Maybe? Will I be attending fancy parties in even fancier outfits? Hellz yeah. Tell Madonna I'll try to squeeze in her dinner thing in between parties. Kisses!

Got to make sure that I look good from all angles...with those blasted paparazzi all about...

It may rain...it may snow (it is Canada after all)...so boots are always a good call. 

The purse only needs to fit my Chanel Rouge Coco Shine and my cell. Drinks are on the studios! Cheers, fellas! Happy TIFF!

Miu Miu Embellished Open-Back Crepe Dress (net-a-porter.com)

Alaia Boots (colette.fr)

Pheasant Green Chameleon Lily (mulberry.com)

XOXO,

Emily

I Like You...Emma Willis

The Big Brother's Bit On The Side host is the poster girl for how to look amazing while pregnant.

Short hair, pretty makeup, super cute outfits...perfection. Cheers, lady!

I think it's awesome that she wears heels while presenting her show and running all around the set. I got a bit of shit from well-meaning folks for wearing heels pretty much up until the end of my pregnancy. If you can work heels while pregnant (and give your feet a rest now and then), go on with your fancy self. Emma looks fantastic in hers. Yay heels!

XOXO,
Emily

Max Out Yo Credit Card - Clare Tough Coat

Hey there, honey! So sorry to hear about your recent legal troubles. Stay strong. Hope you have a great lawyer! Don't you worry, my lovely, I'll be sitting behind you in court lending my support. Here's what I'll be wearing, since you likely will be a little too distracted to notice:

 A Cardi-Coat to keep warm in that old drafty courtroom

A body-skimming but still demure dress. No Lindsay Lohan courtroom fashion antics from this lady!

Throw in some heels that mean business...

...and a bag large enough to hide a file in. I got your back, boo! Not that I think you're guilty or anything...

Clare Tough Hand-Knitted Cardi-Coat (net-a-porter.com)
Donna Karan Belted Wool-Blend Jersey Dress (net-a-porter.com)
Fendi Cutout Pump (barneys.com)
Michael Kors Gia Satchel (neimanmarcus.com)

XOXO,
Emily

I Like You...Celebrity BB UK Cast

...well, mainly Amy Childs. She is pretty adorable and I'm thinking she's going to be a big, big star someday. I'm also surprisingly Team Kerry Katona, as she seems pretty sweet also. Jedward? Fairly charming? Who knew? Yay Jedward! They would annoy the shit out of me if I had to live with them, but they are tv gold for serious. Shout outs to Paddy, who is pretty adorbs. I even like Darren and his faux abs! I love Brian Dowling too, and hope he gets snapped up by a US tv show of some sort because he is super fun.

I was pretty sure it would be Sally voted out tonight, but I really wish it was Bobby. Who goes to the trouble of mopping up their sweat and tricking their roommate into drinking it? Rude!!! He is the worst...even worse than Tara Reid. Wait, I'm not even going to hate on Tara Reid. She's been way better than I expected and seems alright.

Poor Sally was too smart for the Big Brother fans. Bye, bye!

XOXO,
Emily

Mood Music - Amos Lee

So, yeah, I'm back to working my 9 to 5...3 whole weeks so far. I obviously miss spending my days running around with my 'lil peanut, but I've enjoying a few aspects of my return to the working world. I can sip my tea while it's hot, my clothes stay pretty clean all day and I've been listening to lots of great music. I love you, Raffi, but after hearing you sing every day for 6 months it's kinda nice to listen to you only on weekends.

We've got a few driving trips planned this weekend, so hopefully I can sneak a little Amos Lee onto our car trip playlist, maybe between Baby Beluga and Bananaphone?

XOXO,
Emily

Practical Fashion - Careless Whisper

I have always been pretty clumsy. When I was young, everyone always blamed my mega-klutziness on being really tall for my age. I stopped growing about 20 years ago now, and sadly my clumsiness has stuck around for the long hall.

If I'm not tripping and falling into messes (like dirt or grass), I'm constantly spilling stuff on myself. Having a toddler around is not really helping matters, as my 'lil peanut loves to come over and wipe his grubby hands on my pants. I guess being clumsy all my life has informed most of my fashion choices. My wardrobe is pretty much composed of pieces that work with my clumsiness, as opposed to working against it.

Even if you are not a clumsy klutz like me, if you have a little one at home you will very likely get mess on yourself every day. Here are some tips for still looking alright while rocking the baby dirt:

Max Out Yo Credit Card - Jason Wu Dress

Oh hey, you're back from the Hamptons! I haven't seen you since that garden party for the Countess last June! We should catch up over French 75s at our country club. Here's what I'll wear (so you don't wear the same thing). Toodles!

Jason Wu Belted Dance Dress (neimanmarcus.com)
Miu Miu Glitter & Suede Booties (bergdorfgoodman.com)
Lambskin Motocross jacket (jcrew.com)
Christopher Kane Aqua Gel-filled PVC Clutch (net-a-porter.com)

XOXO,
Emily

How I Spent My Summer Vacation...

Hello hello hellllllllloooooooooo!

Been awhile hey? It's been so flippin' gorgeous outside that I haven't spent much time indoors, let alone on the internet. I also just stepped back into reality as my mat leave is all finished and I'm back at my 9-5 job. My job is alright and I work with some great people so it hasn't been too hard to adjust. Don't worry, I'm not going to be blogging about being tired or my work or anything. No complaining here, not even when stuff like this happens:

My 'lil peanut is one! Shoutouts to my sweet 'lil peanut, who is adorable, but breaks my heart just about every day when he cries when I pick him up from daycare. He loves it there and doesn't want to leave. I'm really glad we found a place that he loves, but still...give your mom a smile when she picks you up from daycare. Sheesh.

Since winter is just around the corner here in Canada, I'm going to be inside more and will try to keep up with my postings. Stay tuned for some Ask Arlo fall fashion specials in the coming weeks.

XOXO,
Emily

photo via torontolife.com

It's Not Tyra!!!!! - BINTM7 Week 1

Ummmmmm...guys? I think I made a mistake. I decided to recap Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model, because I've enjoyed the show in the past aaaaaaand...they've changed the format. It's not good. Not at all. This may be my first and only BINTM recap.

The episode starts out with an introduction to the judges. First impressions? Elle looks beautiful as always, except for a terrible Toddlers-And-Tiaras-esque hair piece. Grace is a stylist but has trouble dressing herself (terrible earrings!). Charlie looks like a cute Pet Shop Boy. Then there is Julien McDonald. He looks vile.

Max Out Yo Credit Card - McQueen Cape

Do you ever get the urge to do something bad? I totally do, at least once every few months. I'm not talking about doing something bad bad, like cheating on your partner or stealing or anything like that. I mean doing something a teensy bit bad, like smoking one cigarette or eating a container of ice cream for dinner. My current bad deed, in this scorching heat, is turn the air conditioner up really high for a couple of hours so that I can hang out in my new fall wardrobe. Terrible for the environment, I know. Sorry, sorry!

Alexander McQueen Belted Wool Cape (net-a-porter.com)
Goldsign Lure Skinny Leg Jeans (shopbop.com)
Jimmy Choo OTK Calf Leather Boot (bergdorfgoodman.com)
Burberry Leather-Trimmed Trilby Hat (net-a-porter.com)

XOXO,
Emily

Mood Music - Calvin Harris

Can I have this dance? It's another beautiful day...let's go dance around and interrupt someone's video shoot.

XOXO,
Emily

Practical Fashion - The Only Way Is Fancy

So, yeah, The Only Way Is Essex is one of my current fave guilty pleasures. It was pretty awesome during my recent visit to Dublin to read all about the cast behaving badly in Marbella. I'm pretty excited to see what happens come this fall. 

The TOWIE look has even been creeping into my personal style a bit. It's hard not to adopt a bit of their cartoonishly glam style of dress, as it's pretty cute. It's way more classy than J-Wowww or Heidi Montag anyways. It's an especially fun look to try out if you're a pregnant lady, as you've got the requisite big boobs.

Here's how to pull off a TOWIE-inspired look without looking like Snooki or Katie Price:

1) Party dress...day, night, whenever

You can't lose if you throw on a party dress for any occasion. Even camping (or glamping as they call it on the show). Dress it down for day with ankle boots or sandals and a cute jacket; throw on some jewels and extra-high shoes at night.

2) Boobs out!

...as in cleavage, not actual toplessness. Start with a bra that is properly fit (always!) and then look for something cute that is low cut enough, but not overly so. The best way to keep it classy while still showing off your chest is to make sure your bottom half is covered at least to the knee and that you also try to cover up as much arm and back as possible. It's also a good idea to try to keep your outfit on the "sweet side" (as opposed to the "sexy" side) when brazenly flaunting cleavage.

3) Spend your money on the shoes

One of the best things about the way the TOWIE girls dress is that they all seem to wear high street dresses mixed with crazy expensive accessories & shoes. Despite them maybe not being known for their brains, this is a totally intelligent way to dress. Spending a bunch of cash on a pair of shoes in a classic style and colour (black, taupe or a classic red) means that the shoes won't wear out and will last for several years, plus they won't go out of style.  This advice can also be applied to handbags. Plus, unlike a dress that you're likely to only wear for a season or two before getting sick of it, you can wear your expensive shoes every day if you feel like it (although it's not advisable to wear the same shoes 2 days in a row).

4) Show off your tan

So, I'm guessing that you don't want to be as orange as the TOWIE folks. It's a bit too orange, I'm afraid. Stick with fake tan (for serious - skin cancer is no joke. No tanning!) or bronzer, the less orange the better. If you wear colours that highlight the tan that you do have - turquoise, coral, white, brights - it will make you look extra tan-tastic.

5) Keep it reem (obviously!)

These fellas care about details. Every bit of your look should be well-maintained...makeup, nails, jewellery, underwear, every little thing. No hairs out of place. They talk a bunch about vajazzles on the show...that should tell you about the importance the TOWIE folks place on the little details. Just make sure to keep the nail polish to yourself...and off of your pet pig's hooves.

Tasmin Mocha Silk One-Shouldered Dress (reissonline.com)
Claudia Crochet Wrap Dress (monsoon.co.uk)
Giuseppe Zanotti Patent-Leather Peep-Toe Slingbacks (net-a-porter.com)
Herve Leger Crisscross Open Back Dress (shopbop.com)
T3 Featherweight Luxe Blow Dryer (sephora.com)

XOXO,
Emily

Throwback Inspiration- Sugar Jones

Man, oh man...do you remember when days were like that?

Eyebrows!! Crop tops!! Giant hoop earrings!! Yes, yes, yes!!

XOXO,
Emily

photos via last.fm

Max Out Yo Credit Card - Stella McCartney Dress

Gaaaaaah! It's hot outside! I love the heat, and I've been lucky enough to go swimming in an awesome pool the past few days. Still, it's hard to find the energy to pick out clothes, hey? Guess I'll just have to throw on a little dress or something...

Stella McCartney Lace Full-Skirt Dress (neimanmarcus.com)
Jimmy Choo Emily Cutout Patent Leather & Suede Sandals (net-a-porter.com)
Da Yun Tiger Clutch (judithleiber.com)

XOXO,
Emily

Happy 4th of July!!!

Today is awesome so far and there's lots going on! Hope you're enjoying your day off if you're reading this in the USA. Reports are out there today that Victoria Beckham is having her little baby today also. Congrats!

Most exciting for me is that today is my Grandma's birthday. Her name is Ruth and she is 91 years old today. She is the cutest lady and I had a great time at her birthday party yesterday. The main thing she wanted for her birthday was a gingerale because she hadn't had one since her birthday last year. So cute! Happy birthday Grandma!!

Today is also an awesome day to check out the gossip blog Crazy Days And Nights. Seriously.

Lots of posts to come this week - including a whole wack of Throwback Inspirations. Haven't done one of those posts in awhile, so I thought I'd try to do 5 this week.

XOXO,
Emily

Happy Canada Day!!!

Hope you get outside and don't spend all day watching footage of William and Kate on CBC.  I've already been to Ontario Place and eaten a crazy bbq sandwich. Yay holidays!!

XOXO,
Emily

William and Kate photo via cbc.ca

Naptime Netflix - Non-Netflix Edition

OMG, OMG, OMG. Last night, while waiting for my fantastic husband to get our 'lil peanut to go to sleep, I was boredly flipping through the PVR listings when I stumbled upon the most fantastic movie of all time. By fantastic, I mean horrifically, terribly, ridiculous. Pretty much right up my alley.

PAPARAZZI PRINCESS: THE PARIS HILTON STORY!!! This movie chronicles the harrowing journey of wronged do-gooder Paris Hilton. Yes, my friends, we are supposed to feel sorry for Paris Hilton and how wronged she was by society. The bad guys in this movie are (*spoiler alert*): the paparazzi, the Los Angeles District Attorney's office, and, of course, Lindsay Lohan.

This movie is from 2008 and does not include any of Paris' recent troubles. That being said, it's totally worth a watch so that you can check out how all of the actors cast look and sound nothing like the famous people they are portraying. I also quite enjoyed the revisionist history and twisting of events to make Paris seem likeable. Luckily, the actress playing Paris is so terrible that you never really get to feel anything but annoyed at her character. If you'd cast muppets in this film it would have been more realistic.

In terms of "so bad they're good" movies, this one takes the cake. I definitely recommend checking it out. It's not available on Netflix Canada yet, but I'm sure it will be on tv again sometime soon. Check your local listings!!!

Paparazzi Princess: The Paris Hilton Story (imdb.com)

XOXO,
Emily