Utility Jacket

I managed to snag this utility jacket during a store close-down sale a few years ago for only $10, and since then it's been a very happy addition to my wardrobe. I wore it a ton during the Paris leg of last year's Euro-trip and just love the way it pairs effortlessly with all my favourite layered looks. If you don't already own your own version of this jacket, what are you waiting for? This one's a workhorse!

Here are some options similar to mine (though unfortunately not $10 - sorry!): Love 21 Faux Fur Collar Utility Jacket, ASOS Popper Parka, and Talula Trooper Jacket.

Top: H&M / Jacket: Urban Planet / Leggings: TNA (Aritzia) / Booties: Kelsi Dagger (here)

Toque: TNA (Aritzia) / Gloves: Club Monaco /Scarf: Singapore (similar)

Hair Donut = Amazing Invention for Fine Hair

I've been attending a series of barre fitness classes over the past month and maybe it's the new ballerina in me (okay, I admit that calling myself a "ballerina" is stretching it just a bit) but I've been really into the whole hair bun thing lately. As you know, I pretty much never wear my hair up, so this is kind of a big deal.

Because my hair is super fine, my ponytails/buns always end up a little sad-looking and regular sock buns don't work well either because I don't have thick enough socks. Thankfully "hair donuts" exist. Hair donuts are these mesh/velcro donut-shaped things that you can create buns with using the typical sock bun method. However, they come in different sizes and colours to match your hair (plus you can find them on eBay for only 99 cents). But the best part, in my opinion, is that you can't even tell that my bun is basically 90% apparatus and 10% hair!

Sweater: T. Babaton (Aritzia) / Faux Fur Vest: H&M (similar) / Pants: 7FAM (here)

Boots: Steve Madden (similar) / Bag: Marc By Marc Jacobs  (here)

Scarf: Marc By Marc Jacobs (in white) / Wrap Bracelet: Alden Rae

OPI Skyfall Magnetic Lacquer: Morning, Moneypenny

Apparently it's nail polish week here on the blog (check out my cupcake nail art tutorial if you haven't already). This post features Morning, Moneypenny, which is part of the recent OPI Skyfall Magnetic Lacquers Collection. The Skyfall Collection celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the James Bond enterprise and is full of gorgeous colours that are perfect for the holiday season. In addition to the 12 regular polishes, OPI released a set of Pure Lacquer Nail Apps and 3 Magnetic Sets.

Magnetic polishes have been very popular this year but I personally hadn't found any I was too intrigued by. However, when Vervegirl asked me to review this polish, I figured now was as good a time as any to give them a go!

OPI's Magnetic Set is different from a lot of other magnetic polishes I've seen because it includes a unique and easy-to-use plastic magnetizer that you slide your finger into to create the design.

I thought it might be useful to show you guys how the magnetizer works so I've created this quick tutorial. As a note, with magnetic nail polishes, it's best to do one nail at a time since you want to ensure the polish is still wet when you're applying the magnet.

1. Apply two coats of Morning, Moneypenny to the nail.

2. While the polish is still wet, place your finger onto the bottom of the magnetizer with the magnet positioned over the nail. Press the top side down until the edge touches the finger below the cuticle being careful not to touch the nail with the magnet. Hold for 10-12 seconds.

3. Release the magnet and pull it away carefully to reveal the design.

4. Finish off with a top coat since the polish does finish a little gritty.

Interestingly, the design revealed looks more like a chevron pattern as opposed to the picture shown on the magnetizer. I think I actually like the chevron effect more anyway, and I love the extra dimension this polish gives to my nails. Looks like I'll need to pay more attention to magnetics from now on!