Ava Grace's Closet: November 2013
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Thursday, November 28, 2013

What Ava Wore : Spectacled + A Stuck on You Giveaway

Right now, Ms. Ava is all about the puzzle. 
It may have something to do with the fact that her auntie brings her a new one EVERY time she visits. 
Poor thing can't get through our door without Ava looking at her in anticipation.
You can imagine the pure glee that happened when this little number showed up in the mail.







glasses - Target {in $1 section! love these too}
plaid waffle t - Joe Fresh {last winter} {this years version here}
leggings - Baby Gap
shoes - Joe Fresh 
I think this would make just about the most thoughtful gift ever. 
And, once your little sweetie is done playing, it looks equally adorable propped up in their bedroom. 
Not that I do that each evening or anything. 

Enter below to win a $50 voucher for Stuck on You's site full of personalized puzzles, pj's + just about anything else you can think of personalizing.
All too cute for words. 
No pun intended. 

Wishing all of my U.S. readers + friends a very Happy Thanksgiving! 



Disclosure: We received the above item at no charge for the purpose of this review and giveaway. All opinions are strictly my own. 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

What I Wore : Quilted

I wore this outfit to a recent press day and was happy I did as I had quite a trek outdoors to reach their office.
If there is such a thing, this sweater is actually too warm. 
And the quilting on the jeans? All about it. 






hat - David + Young via Winners {similiar} | necklace - Isis {similar here}
sweater - Ted Baker | jeans - Express | boots - Zara {this year's option} | handbag - Louis Vuitton "Alma

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

A Kid's Christmas Wish List '13

In our circle, there are just a few little ones left to buy for {always my favourites on the list!} as all of the rest of them have all but grown up.
And teenagers? As my SIL puts so wisely, want gift cards or cash. Sadly, true. 
For those of you still blessed to be buying for younger children, here are a few of the things that I am eyeing or that we already own and love. 

Children's Xmas Wish List


1. These are the only item on my daughter's {yes, I know} Christmas list this year. I think they're equally way more adorable for little boys + even littler ones. $69.99/$54.99

2. Tulle skirts are ALWAYS a good idea. Especially when they are $5.95. Why not get one in each of the 4 colours? I can't think of a good reason not to. Find them here.

3. Each of my children always receives new jammies at Christmas. It's a tradition that I never plan on changing + find that even though they're getting older, they still get pretty excited about knowing they will get a new pair. This year, it will be onesies all around. Still deciding on whether or not to get footed ones. $20 {on sale!}

4. We just received one of these for Ava from Stuck on You and I cannot tell you how incredibly cute it is! Hoping to have a full review up on the blog this week but in the meantime, I think this is a brilliant personalized gift for the holidays. $29.99

5. This has to be one of the coolest iphone cases I've ever seen. R2D2?! My son isn't old enough for a phone yet but I know he would totally love this one. $35

6. The trapper hat. This one never gets old. I love the way kids look in these and the fact that they are the perfect accessory for the cold winter months ahead. Ridiculously cozy + on sale for 20% right now at The Gap. Find it here. $14.95

7. Julian already has this. And read it in 2 nights which means it is F.A.B. We own them all, love the movies and quote lines from both on a regular basis. Greg Heffley's in my room Rebecca...   Canada here / US here $12/$8

8. You may remember this dress from here. I love this FabKids dress for many reasons the most of which is it's versatility and the fact that layered, it can quickly transition from summer to winter. On sale for Black Friday, $14.95

9. The girls and I were out at Chapters this past weekend and fell head over heels in love with this bear plush. Not sure if the picture does it's size justice but this cutie is huge! Soft as can be and the perfect addition to any child's room. Or mine. $39

And last, but certainly not least. ANYTHING from J. Crew's retro toy section, here. These brought back so many happy memories! This is my favourite. I think. 

You'll be happy to know that I've officially started my shopping! Not sure if I'll achieve my December 1st goal but I hope to be close.
Tell me, what's on your kid's Christmas list?

See this year's previous gift guides here + here
Enter to win an Ily Couture necklace here

Friday, November 22, 2013

One Dress :: Two Ways

This season brings so many events; it's great to have pieces in your wardrobe that are as versatile as this little number.
A simple black dress can easily transition from day to night, with minimal effort. 
Opaque tights complete the look + do double duty by keeping you warm. 


One Dress : 2 Ways

Dress used in both looks : Malene Birger Imania {on sale!}
There are so many reasons to love this dress...it's simplicity, it's fuller skirt + my favourite fabric, a beautiful wool crepe. A piece that will stand the test of time.

Day

baseball cap - Forever XXI {I just picked this one up, it's perfect}
necklace - Maurice's own here
jacket - Yigal Azrouel {less expensive option}
crossbody bag - Michael Kors 
booties - Jeffrey Campbell 

Night 

jacket - Etcetera
necklace - Ily Couture
clutch - Monsoon
shoes - Nine West "Charly"

And a PSA to all my Canadian readers re: the above shoes by Nine West. Please note the Canadian price of $135 vs the Zappos price {$62.99} linked above. I reached out to Nine West's customer service department re: the discrepancy {similarly, the product is much less expensive on their own US site as well} and was told that it was due to customs and duty.

More than double? Ahem
That's all I will say about that.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

What Ava Wore : We "heart" Fall

Oh, Autumn. 
As much as I love you, I don't enjoy cleaning up after you.
Especially when the very next morning, it looks as though we never raked a single leaf.
Ava might have been the only one that was happy about it. 
sweater + pants - c/o FabKids
shoes - Old Navy
It might have had something to do with it being mild enough to wear her new FabKids outfit sans winter coat. 
Or the fact that we had perfectly matching shoes. 
Totally unplanned. 
Take a look at their holiday collection here. So many adorable options and just $19.95 for your first look! 


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

What I Wore : In the Navy + An Ily Couture Giveaway

There are few things I love more than I love navy. 
Always a classic.
And even more perfect paired with this stunning Ily Couture cream tassel necklace.
blouse - Dex {no longer available : option}
jacket - Anthropologie
necklace - c/o Ily Couture
pants - Joe Fresh {last season : option}
shoes - Marc Fisher
clutch - Rebecca Minkoff
sunglasses - Ray Ban
 The gracious team at Ily Couture is offering my readers a chance to own the very same necklace.
Hello fabulous! 
This one's open internationally. 
Best of luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Linking up here:

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Christmas Wish List '13 : What to get Her {under $50}

After posting last week's gift guide for men, I received this comment from the sweet Ms. Shanna.
"Why are men so hard to buy for? Men have it easy buying us gifts because we WANT everything."
Can I get an amen?
Here are just a few of the things I think would make any woman in your life merrier:

Xmas Wish List

1. Show me a woman that wouldn't love a little sparkle under the tree. This stunner by Ily Couture would do quite nicely thank.you.very.much Bonus points for being on sale! $22

2. I receive emails from Sephora on a regular basis and maybe it's just me but it seems like that amount triples around the holidays.That said, it is with good reason since their marketing team has done  a superb job of making me lust for every single one of their holiday gift boxes including this "draw the line" box. $36

3. Alice + Olivia's collaboration with Starbucks is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. This teddy is still available on the Canadian site here. Sadly, it appears the now famous striped tumbler is sold out. If you're really desperate, check out ebay where you can find lots. $21.95

4. A little more sparkle this time in the form of a golden fold over clutch and Kate Spade polka dotted notebook. Perfection in two little packages and combined, they're under $50.
Sidenote : I could get every last person on my list done at Chapters/Indigo this year. Wow. They've got an incredible selection of holiday wares and gifts this season. 

5. I'm all about warm + cozy at this time of year. Flannel pj's, flannel shirts, any flannel will do. This is a great colour combo + the price is definitely right. Find it at American Eagle. $35

6. Statement necklaces may have had their moment but how about the statement bracelet? I may or may not have purchased this for myself already. I'm envisioning it with a soft denim shirt and tulle skirt combination. $24 (Friends + Family offer on NOW through this Sat :: receive an extra 25% off your purchase!) 

7. And, lastly, they say nothing is healthier for you than a good, hearty laugh. 
Well, then this {U.S. here} dvd set is a definite MUST HAVE + the perfect gift for each of your girlfriends.
I laughed so hard and so loud, the kids kept coming in to check on me. Episode 3 is my favourite; ridiculously inappropriate + so brilliant I may or may not have seen it more times than I care to count. 
Yes, you have to watch in private. But like it's namesake, this one is just for us girls. 

I am hoping to get my shopping finished up by December 1st. 
Might be a good idea if I actually start. 

See last week's gift guide for him here









Saturday, November 16, 2013

Sixteen

16 years ago today, all of my crazy planning came to fruition.
My wedding day. 
It was everything I hoped it would be + more. 
My father was so nervous. As was I. I can still remember my bouquet trembling.
I shared some of our professional photos last year. See them here
This year, I share some of the photographs taken + shared with us by our family and friends including my favourite below; my girlfriend MaryAnn being serenaded by the live singing duo.
It captures the essence of the day so perfectly.
Pure joy. 
16 years ago, on November 16th.
Happy Anniversary to us.