MATERNITY TOP 10 - #3 The Ruched T

At #3: The Ruched T.  Either as a regular tee or a t-shirt dress, ruching allows a fitted cut while expanding with the growth of the bump.  In fact, it's even flattering post-pregnancy when there's still a few pounds to shed!

This easy and fail-safe stable is definitely a no-brainer.  And if I factor the cost-per-wear, it's really worth investing in a good quality stretch jersey that can survive the weekly wash&dry.

T-shirt - H&M; Skirt - Alexander Wang; Pumps - Miu Miu; Hat - Zara; Scarf - Hermes; Necklace - Street Vendor

TRES CHIC TOT STYLE - Dolce & Gabbana

(Dolce & Gabbana)

Although Ayden is a handsome little dude (and I dress him the part), I've always secretly wanted a daughter for the obvious reason that girls have a wayyyyy wider selection of clothes, shoes and accessories, etc.  Over the past two years, I've been lusting at all the little tweed jackets, hair bows and ballerina shoes while shopping for yet another polo shirt for Ayden.

Well, now that we found out I'm having a girl, I can't wait to dress up my little princess!  So off I go, shopping online at some of my favourite designers' site for inspiration...

Who knew that leopard prints and brocade can be soooo adorable on tots!  I-must-resist-the-temptation-to-buy-everything...I'm not due until next march 1st...

GIRL CRUSH - Zoe

I noticed that I haven't posted any "Girl Crush" recently...mostly because I haven't been inspired by anyone...until last week!

My best friend just sent me a recent picture of her 7 yr old daughter (who also happens to be my god-daughter). I couldn't help myself but to share with all of you (see how I'm not only proud of my own son, but also of my god-kids)...I had to ask permission from her mom to post this as she's simply too cute!

With a fedora hat, All Saints maxi dress, Vintage Hermes double-tour Kelly belt and Hermes Kelly bag (all courtesy of her stylish mommy) and let's not forget about the pose, I think we're raising a little style icon here!

MATERNITY TOP 10 - #4 The Skinny Belt

At #4: The Skinny Belt.  This accessory really highlights the now smallest part of your body, which is no longer the waist but rather right under your bustline.  No wonder empire-waist tops and dresses are so popular among maternity wear.  On a side note, I wouldn't mind a regular 1 1/2" wide belt but definitely avoid thicker width belts as they only create a shorter and bustier upper body than desired.

I also sometimes like to wear my belts right below my belly, especially during the first two trimesters.  By gather some material around the waistline, it serve as a camouflage when it's still hard to tell if I'm pregnant or just had a really big lunch!

Double-tour Belt - Dries Van Noten; Dress - Alexander Wang; Scarf - H&M; Watch - Swiss Legend; Bracelet - Street Vendor

RUSSIAN PRINCESS

(Tatler Russia)

When I look at these photos, I wish I was a Russian princess...not because I actually want to live in Russia (after a lifetime in Canada, I had my share of freezing cold weather thank you very much), but to wear such opulent outfits!  The fur and the jewelry and the capes and the dresses...all in a winter wonderland setting!

Marant-inspired H&M Spring 2013

(H&M Spring 2013)

Can we all say that H&M has gone a little Isabel Marant-inspired?!?  Don't get me wrong, the whole point of high-street is to allow us to get designer looks at Walmart's prices.  And if it's done right, I'm the first one in line!

As for myself, I think I'll be in line for the red patchwork jacket and the red beaded tassel skirt (obviously not to be worn together).  Just hope the finishing is as good as it look in real life!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

So I'm Canadian and our Thanksgiving was over a month ago, but it didn't stop me from joining some of our American friends here in Shanghai to celebrate their Thanksgiving tonight!

And it definitely didn't stop me from getting a second plate of yummy turkey and stuffed roasted pork!

And of course, I ate my whole slice of cheese cake (and even took two more slices to go!).

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

MATERNITY TOP 10 - #5 The Pencil Jeans

At #5: The Pencil Jeans.  Although the skinny jeans came to a close tie, I think the cigarette cut is actually more flattering on a "Janet+15kgs".  I have the unfortunate (or fortunate depending on how you see things) body type where the minute I gain 1kg, it's all going to the hip/thighs/ass area.  So naturally, during the past months, I've packed on a little in that area too!  With a pencil cut, which is usually has an 12" leg opening, it's more forgiving and slimming.  And when you fell like a whale, "forgiving and slimming" sounds really really good!

Jeans - J Brand Mama J; Blouse - BCBG; Fur Snood - Vintage; Boots - Modern Vintage; Necklace - Street Vendor; Bottle Pendant - Hermes; Watch - Swiss Legend; Bracelet - Street Vendor; Cuff - Etro

Hula Hoops!

(CHANEL S/S 2013)

May I say a thing or two about Chanel?  So we all know that Karl is a genius (I really don't know many other who can handle the pressure of being the creative director at such a prestigious fashion house on top of the other 20+ jobs he takes on).  And often, like most girls (and boys), I drool over his creation for the upcoming season.

But this Hula Hoop bag...I really don't get.  I mean it's has great impact on the runway, but it actually made it to the production and is available for sale!  I'm sure some Chanel devote will purchase it out of collectible purposes, but seriously?!?  How?  When?  Why???

On another note, I'm totally in love with the Lego bag from the same collection.  It's cute, it's iconic and it can be used day/night (let's just hope the price is not outrageous!).

Ok, that's all I had to say.

BLACK MAGIC

(Vogue Paris November 2012)

Legendary fashion houses and their respective iconic perfumes.  There's some black magic happening when the right look is combined with the right scent...especially if you've also got legs like Anja!

MATERNITY TOP 10 - #6 The Parka

At #6: The Parka.  It can be worn casual with jean and a T or chic by belting it with a LBD, this utilitarian coat is so versatile and easy to wear.  Personally, I adore my 3/4 length military green one, but you can also opt for a shorter version in any shade of neutral, including camouflage.

Parka - D&G; T-shirt - Club Monaco; Jeans - J Brand Mama J; Runners - Isabel Marant; Watch - Swiss Legend; Bracelet - Street Vendor; Necklace - Ebay; Belt - Dries Van Noten

EXTRA extra!

My skin has been extra dry lately and needs extra moisturising.  On top of the creams and masks, I like to use Bobbi Brown's Extra Tinted Moisturizing Balm, which is light-weight, ultra-rich and creamy upon application.  It doesn't accentuate my flaky skin the way most foundations or even tinted moisturizers do (don't you hate when that happens?!?  I hate it with a passion!).

The added SPF25 and ability for hand application are always welcomed!  The only downside is the "medicated" smell...I don't mind it so much but have heard from some of my friends that they are bothered by it.  Oh well, I guess we can't always have it all!

SHOPPING - H&M X Maison Martin Margiela

I only had one thing in mind this morning when I woke up: MMM for H&M!  Yes, today was the first day of Maison Martin Margiela's collaboration with the Swedish high street giant and I'm in desperate need of that pair of chocolate brown plexiglass wedge heel knee-high boots!

Unfortunately, due to other commitments, I was only able to get to the nearest flagship store around noon, which means NO MORE SIZE 6 IN ANY STYLE!  After turning around in circle in the MMM collection area for 15 mins and asking every single sales possible, I was able to score a pair in size 7, which turns out to be a better fit with thick socks.  Yay!

But my mission didn't end just there...I was also assigned to get a pair of the nude plexiglass wedge pumps in for my best friend.  That one turned to be a whole lot more challenging as the only pair in nude left was size 5 (which is obviously nowhere near her size)!  I started taking pictures of the red ones as well as the black ones in hope that she wouldn't end up empty handed...and right then, someone gave up on a pair in her size!!!

"Grab them and run!!!", I told myself!  To the cash register!!!

MATERNITY TOP 10 - #7 The Maxi

At #7 - The Maxi Dress.  I love how a maxi dress highlights every single curve, especially in a fitted ribbed material.  Although my all time favourite is a black sleeveless, I wouldn't rule out a long sleeve for the chillier fall days.  And the best part, this one-piece-wonder can be the entire outfit, without additional frills...but I love frills!

Maxi Dress - Helmut Lang; Faux-fur Vest - Winner's; Clogs - Hunters; Ring & Bracelet - Street Vendor; Earrings - Urban Outfitters; Belt - Hermes

OBSESSION DU JOUR - Emerald Sequins

(Asos)

To continue my obsession with sequins (or anything shiny) for the Holidays, this is probably the best bling for the buck!  ASOS sequin cowl back dress.  It's super chic with a midi length skirt and super sexy with a deep cowl back and super festive in an emerald green (black or dark pink also available but I think this colour is the most stunning)...all that for a mere $130!

Does it get better?  Yes, free shipping!!!

Should I?  Should I?  Should I click on checkout???