All I Want for Christmas Is...

...these gorgeous Sergio Rossi booties.  Please Santa!  I've been a good girl this year...mostly!

Sergio Rossi Calfskin Ruches Low Booties in Red

Jane Birkin's "Birkin" Bag

Remember a while back I was going on and on about the iconic Birkin bag from Hermes?  Well, after reading Glamour magazine's December issue, I've learned a little more about the bag's namesake, Jane Birkin, as well as how she carries the bag.

The story of how the bag is named after her is pretty interesting, but what is more shocking is how she treats her own Birkin bag.  To sum it up, she treats her Birkin kind of like how a 7th grader treats their backpack:

Horror!  You cannot even tell it is a Birkin!

I guess this is what happens when you are rich and famous and designers name great bags after you.  You treat $10,000 bags indispensably.  All I know is that if I ever got my hot little hands on a Birkin, I'd guard that thing with my life and keep it under lock and key!

Chanel "Boy" Bag

When I think of Chanel, I normally think of the iconic quilted chain strap bag that has always been on my fashion wish list:

Gorgeous purple croc Chanel bag from Pre-Fall 2011 (via Purseblog)

But now, I think my list is going to get a little longer with the introduction of the Boy Chanel Bag.  Inspired by Coco Chanel's tomboy side, these bags still have the chain strap detail but a preppier feel with a squared off more subtle design:

Chanel Boy bag collection (via Purseblog)

Aren't they fabulous?  Totally on my wish list...now I just need to win the lottery!

Glymm Beauty Box!

Have you all heard of the beauty box trend?  In a nutshell, for a small fee a month, you get a box of fun beauty samples delivered right to your door to try out.  I just ordered my first Glymm Beauty Box today and I am so so excited!  I will be sure to share the contents of my first box with you all as soon as I get it!  An example of what one might look like is below.

Countdown to: Cyber Monday!

Forget Black Friday...according to the New York Times, Cyber Monday is a better option for scoring the best deals this holiday season.  Personally, I love online shopping for its convenience, and even more so because sometimes I can't stand being in a crowd.  If I were to hit up a Black Friday sale, it would have to be for a really good deal on something I have been lusting after for a while, because the thought of dragging myself to a sale that hundreds of people would also go to is just stressful.

What about you?  Are you skipping Black Friday and going straight for the deals on Cyber Monday?  If you are, here are some of my favourite sites for shopping:

• Ebates - if you haven't signed up for Ebates yet, you need to right this moment.  First of all it is free, second of all you get access to some pretty sweet promotional codes for extra discounts and last you get cash back - I repeat:  CASH BACK - for any purchase from a website you jump to from their website.  So on top of the great Cyber Monday deals, you'll be getting some extra cash in your pocket around Christmas time in the form of a cheque from Ebates.  Join now!

• The Gap and Banana Republic- always are a go to for staple items for work and play.  When you sign up for Ebates , be sure to jump to either of these sites from there to get that cash back.

• Nordstrom is a must for designer looks, as is Revolve Clothing for designer jeans.  Bonus:  Revolve has free shipping to Canada.

What am I lusting after this Cyber Monday??  New boots!  Finding a pair of flat fall boots to wear with jeans and tights and a pair of high heel boots for work is my mission.

Frye Veronica slouch boots

Cole Haan boots with lace up detail

Wishing you a Cyber Monday full of great deals!

Holiday Style

I love Christmas and I am lucky it is generally a stress-less time of year for me.  We don't do a gift exchange in my family, so there are no mall shopping meltdowns or parking spot battles to endure.  We also don't make it a habit to prepare an elaborate dinner that involves anything more than a great turkey, yummy side dishes and lots of people popping in when they can.  Because of this, I do get to enjoy what I love most about the season - decorating the house, baking cookies, and spending time with family & friends..with lots of wine of course!

I know I am probably the exception...for a lot of people, the holidays are a source of stress and deciding what to wear to an office party, cocktail night at a friend's house or even (especially) Christmas dinner with the family can add to that stress.  So, in light of that, I thought I'd share some of my  holiday style "rules" with everyone!

Miss M's Holiday Style Secrets:

1.  Sparkle and shine at the holidays are always a good thing...but in moderation.  Pick ONE sparkly item of clothing or jewelry instead of multiple items that will make you look like a Christmas tree.  For example, a sparkly miniskirt with a white blouse.

Heidi Klum wearing just the right amount of holiday "sparkle"

Fun sequin detail dress from Mango

2.  Lace and velvet are classics for winter and perfect for the holiday season.  A lace blouse is both romantic yet modern and a velvet blazer is easy to throw over your normal work outfit for a mid-week gift exchange.

Red velvet blazer and slim cut black pants from Elie Tahari

Green lace blouse and sparkly tweed skirt from Red Valentino

3.  Wear "holiday" colours like red in a classic shape dress to avoid looking gaudy.  Think fitted with a great belt in either sleeveless or 3 quarter length sleeves.  If you don't like red, then think winter wonderland with something white.

Fitted and belted Red dress from Oasis

Evan Rachel Wood looking chic in winter white with a black bustier

4.  Above all: wear what you are comfortable in that flatters your body and enjoy the season!  

Gaga and McQueen

I have to share this picture of Lady Gaga in Alexander McQueen at an awards show in Germany.  The bodice of the dress and the headpiece are unbelievably ornate and the skirt looks like it is tufts of chiffon sewn together to look like petals of a flower.  Amazing.