Woman in Real Life

If you have been reading this blog for any time at all, you know that I head straight to the vintage dishes whenever I enter a thrift store. I don't often take the time to go through clothing, pick through purses or browse the jewelry counter. Last time I was at the Salvation Army Thrift Store, though, I had a coupon that required spending $25 to get $5 off. (It was an old coupon. You can now get a $10-off coupon when you donate clothing or housewares.)

I didn't find quite enough glasses, plates, etc. to reach $25. But I did spot this floral-design straw tote bag. I got the idea from Design Mom to keep a "summer bag" packed and ready to go for summer excursions - you know, with sunscreen, towel, hand wipes, sunglasses - that sort of thing. So when I saw this thrifty bag, I knew just what I would use it for. Of course, being the hasty and kind of unobservant thrifter I am, I didn't notice the name stitched on the bag.

When I got home my daughter was like, "Why does your bag have a name on it?" Oh well, I'll just pull those stitches out! (Dianne says it's a country name and I can leave it on. I'm not even sure what it's meant to say. If it's Suyana (or Sullana), that is a name and a Quechua word meaning faith and hope. Sullana is also the name of the capital of the Sullana Province, in the north-western coastal plains of Peru.)

ACCESSORIES, INTIMATES OR MAKEUP BOXES

Wantable

If you are a regular reader, you know by now how much I love my Wantable boxes. That's why I asked Wantable if they would partner with me to give away a box to one lucky reader this holiday season. If you're not familiar with Wantable, the company sells accessories, intimates or cosmetics boxes, curated just for you based on your preferences. There's also a new fitness category, currently only available in the U.S. Whatever category you choose, you get a fun surprise box of goodies in your snail mail. You can buy just one box or get a discounted price by subscribing for monthly boxes.

I think it's a great holiday gift idea for any woman on your list (including yourself) who could use a little extra pampering this winter. My December accessories collection did not disappoint. Wantable accessory boxes can hold anything from jewelry to sunglasses to scarves. This month I received a large statement necklace, two pairs of earrings and a bracelet.

According to the insert that came with my September Wantable box, fall is the time to "vamp it up" and "unleash your inner bad girl." Only when it comes to accessories of course! So pair your cozy fall sweaters with "vampy and bold" accessories to liven them up a bit. And bring out those colourful scarves that have been waiting patiently all summer.

I love the accessories included in my Wantable box this month. Cate & Chloe is the featured brand, and I received a gorgeous Cate & Chloe Laurel Leaf necklace. This silver-tone piece is very light and delicate with a long chain. I also got the Jayden gunmetal stretch ring, which features delicate beading. Wantable suggests pairing it with a glitter party nail. Fyi, I get lots of stretch rings from Wantable because I listed that as a preference. I'm too afraid that regular rings won't fit my big fingers!

The weather in September here in Ontario can be quite unpredictable. A hot, sunny day can be followed by a windy, cold evening. Believe me I know - I've spent some recent chilly evenings on the soccer field. My August accessories box from Wantable features pieces to transition my wardrobe nicely from summer to fall.

These stylish pieces will dress up my summer apparel and also continue to meet my accessory needs in the cooler weeks ahead. Key among these transitional pieces, of course, is the Aimee scarf, a lovely multicoloured striped piece in pretty shades of emerald green, sunshine yellow and tangerine. It's the perfect light and cozy scarf to add to your outfit on a September evening. I also love the Carolyn necklace, a rather dramatic layered piece in red, mint and black. Wantable suggests pairing it with a favourite maxi dress.

Summer is going strong and my wardrobe pretty much consists of shorts and t-shirts, with some jeans thrown in on cooler days. Thankfully, my July Wantable box was all about summer accessories, allowing me to beautify my wardrobe basics a bit.

This month my box contained a lovely mix of boho and Old Hollywood glam. A girl doesn't need to stick with just one style, right? One of my favourite pieces is the breezy Kaleigh Scarf, perfect for cool summer nights. It features a feathery print on an earthy, taupe background. Wantable style experts suggest pairing the scarf with a shimmering taupe eyeshadow and a soft plum lipstick.

My monthly accessories subscription from Wantable gives me a steady supply of new accessories to jazz up my wardrobe. Which is good, because I really don't buy a lot of clothes. With new jewelry, scarves and sunglasses, I can at least make my old reliable wardrobe more stylin'.

Or my daughter's wardrobe, as the case may be. My June Wantable box included this pretty, patterned twistable headband. It's not something I think I can carry off at my age, but it looks pretty cute on her. This would be the ideal piece to keep your hair in control while visiting festivals, parties and beaches in the summer heat and humidity.

I spotted an enticing booth at the Toronto Vegetarian Food Festival last year. It housed the tempting wares of Pixie Mood, "The Cruelty-Free Handbags & Accessories Company." This Canadian company sells designer vegan handbags (purses), clutches, wallets and toiletry cases, all made with animal-friendly materials such as cork, cotton, canvas, faux suede and vegan leather. And Pixie Mood bags are all pretty darn cute too.

I took Jolene for a walk this morning and it is the most glorious day. It's a shame the kids are in school because, after the winter we had, we should all be out enjoying a perfect day like this one.

I have been slow to pull out my warm weather clothing, because the winter was so long I feared it would never end. But my summer accessories are at the ready thanks to my Wantable subscription.

My April box featured items to help me with my spring/summer styling. I particularly love the light and breezy Arianna scarf. It's a lightweight infinity style in a beautiful pistachio green floral lace. Of course, you can't face the sun without shades. The bigger the better as far as I'm concerned. These Amira sunglasses are oversized with geometric metallic accents. Wantable suggests pairing them with boho beach waves and hoop earrings. I love my Addie necklace too - it's a distressed silver toned pendant with small turquoise stones and dangly bits. The Hillary earrings, featuring faceted onyx black studs set in a silver tone base, are great everyday earrings for somebody who often wears black (like me).

Spring seems like a fantasy around here - the snow is not yet melted and the temperature rarely floats above zero. Nevertheless, one can accessorize like it's spring, right? A cheery watch, a dangling pair of earrings or a colourful scarf is sure to pick up one's mood when the weather is unfriendly. Enter the March box I received recently from Wantable - with its fun selection of accessories, it brought me a much-needed sensation of springtime.

Lately I have been making an effort to accessorize more with earrings, scarves and bracelets, and I have to say it's been a lot of fun. I've been getting an exciting delivery from Wantable every month to help me up my style quotient. In case you aren't yet familiar with the company, Wantable is a fun, personalized subscription box service offering three types of boxes: makeup, accessories or intimates.

I received my second accessories box this month and boy was it a treat! Each accessories box comes with three to four boutique accessories. Based on the personal preferences that I have inputted on Wantable's website, the expert curators sent these little treats above.

The Osbourne Scarf is a chic combination of animal print and skulls in gray and black. Wantable's style tip suggests pairing it with neon earrings for a perfectly on-trend look. The Daisy Blue Earrings (above, left) are drop earrings featuring sunshine yellow and sky blue stones. The Stella Earrings are geometric black drops accented with rhinestones. Wantable suggests pairing them with geometric winged eyeliner for a trendy look.

Back in June, I told you about a thrifting outing I took with my sister. This past weekend, she and I hit the thrift stores again. Bargain shopping is never far from my sister's mind, and I am easily convinced to go along. We were in my parents' small town, where the thrifty deals are greater than they are in my area.

At the first store we visited, I found this large Blue Mountain Pottery jar, above, for $5. The woman at the store said she thought it was hideous. Luckily, I know what I like...namely bargain-priced home accessories. I love the orange "drips."