| Keep Calm and Carry On |

This mantra has become so popular that it is easy to forget its validity. Since January, I have been focused on school and work. I am happy to say that I am finished all of my classes and have four weeks left in an internship I am doing and then I will truly be done school.

As I have seen lately, there is nothing better than working hard towards a goal and finally achieving it. it is literally the best feeling in the world. I can't get enough - what should my next goal be??

Anyway, the reason for me posting this is that it reminds me of times in the past few months where I have been under immense stress and instead of folding under pressure, I kept calm and carried on. Sure there were moments of weakness (like yesterday morning when I took the wrong bus), but I made sure to bounce back as quickly as possible. Here's to all the hard working students who struggle on a daily basis, keep calm and carry on...the end is closer than you think!

-Grace

| Love Me, Love Me, Say That You Love Me |

Lovefool - The Cardigans

I have a new obsession - lingerie. There's nothing more tantalizing than wearing sexy lingerie under all of your clothes. I have gotten rid of all my less than desirable undergarments and am slowly replacing them with lace beauties.

One of my favourites? This bustier. It hugs my figure and when I wear it under my clothes, I feel like the sexiest woman alive.

This brassiere is so sweet it gives me a toothache. I go crazy for the pale lavender colour and the rosette.

There's nothing wrong with simplicity. This ski tone brassiere with matching panties is classic.

What makes you feel sexy?

- Grace

| LITTLE BLACK BOOK|

Journalism school has been very busy for me lately and I felt that I was drowning in all the work that I had to do. I felt distraught, disorganized and drained. However, since buying this day planner, all my days are organized and it feels that I have less to do. Sorta. My day planner is more than just an agenda. It has a notepad, a pocket for pens, a business card holder among more.

When your schedule gets busy, how do you stay in control?

-Grace

| The Casual Side of Business |

Blazer: H&M, Turtleneck: Club Monaco, Trousers: Zara, Shoes: Aldo

I've always been a big fan of blazers and I'm ecstatic that I'll be wearing them more often in the very near future. I hope to launch my career and although it is not required for journalists to wear suits or even blazers all the time, I think it is very important (as discussed here) to not only look the part, but to look professional.

 

What I'm really excited for is to find ways to dress up those blazers or to show my personality through more serious business attire. I think that can easily be achieved through jewellery choices.

I wore an outfit similar to this one (I wore dark pants instead) to a casual business meeting and I think it's very hip, but business casual. Then I realized that the definition of business casual is very muddled, so I decided to figure it out.

I found this great article by The New York Times that delves into what many professionals think business casual is. I think as a woman in a casual environment, I got it right...but it is quite confusing.

If you've ever had to dress up for a meeting, what did you wear? What is your definition of business casual?

-Grace

| Tres Tres Chic |

Tres Tres Chic - Mocean Worker

| Compact: Forever XXI |

| Miss Dior Cherie Miniature |

| Cristian Dior Creme De Rose |

-Grace

| Brooches |

I've recently began to collect costume brooches, yet I don't know what it is about them that I love. Eighty per cent of brooches are ridiculously tacky and I only wear a couple of these, but I still love them all to pieces.

This is one of my newer acquisitions. My mother gave me this owl brooch and I'm quite fond of it after my brief encounter with a real live owl.

A kind retiree gave this to my mother (she works at a retirement home) and then my mother passed it on to me. I think flamingos are adorable and love the tarnished silver on this brooch.

Lastly, the "medal" brooch. I like this brooch because it almost looks like a medal that would be awarded to a soldier.

Are there any strange items that you collect?

-Grace

| Modern Lady |

Dress: H&M, Boots & Tights: Gifts from Europe?, Gold Watch: Vintage, Necklace: Gifted.

I am now finishing my last semester in journalism school and not only my future, but my role in society has been on my mind lately. I wonder where I will be in a year: where I'll be living, what job I'll be working and such. I consider myself to a very business oriented person (so I've been told) and I try to reflect that through my wardrobe.

I think that more than ever, I'm trying to figure out who I am and where my goals may take me. These days more and more women are choosing to dress in a more provocative manner, which is fine. Hey, it's their prerogative, but dressing in such a manner really does limit your opportunities.

While I don't feel that this is my most serious outfit, it has an aire of confidence and I feel that in a way, it is very professional.

Plus check out my boots and tights, they are pretty cool! (fashion moment).

My point is, I just don't think many people understand the importance of their physical appearance. I know it may sound shallow, but someone who is always manicured and well dressed will be taken more seriously than someone who consistently looks like a slob.

In a day where the Snookis and J-Wows are worshipped by the masses, how do you keep your fashion head screwed on tight? When does flirty turn into trashy? Let me know.

-Grace

P.S. I'm working with the every talented Kendra Coupland of Redivivus Photography. All photos are courtesy of Redivivus Photography.

| Material Girl |

| large mirrored jewellery box |
Material Girl - Madonna

I can't help but to buy mirrored items and was very happy when I opened this present. I really like the über fashionable art on the top of the box - it reminds me of Paris!

| owl box and conch necklace |

One of my best friends gave me this owl jewellery box (it reminded her of this little guy) with a friendship 'conch' necklace inside. I love presents with meaning.

| a vintage sherman necklace |

I can't help but to collect glitzy costume jewellery and couldn't believe my luck when my mother gave me this vintage Sherman necklace. The best part? One of the retirees at the retirement home she works at gave it to her. Vintage or what?

-Grace

| Fire In Your New Shoes |

Fire In Your New Shoes - Dragonette

Do you have a pair of shoes that make you feel like a different person when worn? These shoes make me feel like I'm about to ride off in the sunset with James Dean (another fantasy of mine) on the back off a motorcyle.

The shoes are Material Girl and I purchased them for practically nothing on boxing day from The Bay. I am truly impressed with Madonna's line and can't wait to wear these boots everywhere. Look at the spider zipper pull! Let me know what you think about these boots!

-Grace

| A Very Merry Christmas |

| cleverly wrapped presents |

All I Want For Christmas is You - Mariah Carey

| the glint of Christmas ornaments |

| preparing mulled wine |

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

-Grace

| Rocker Chic |

Message In A Bottle - The Police
I'm a big fan of music and I love the fact that I grew up listening to classic rock and idolizing The Doors, The Clash and The Police.

Vest: Forever XXI, Tee: H&M, Jeans: A/X, Boots: Unknown but from Italy.

I just adore the rockstar lifestyle (well, to a certain extent). I especially love the fashion: leather jackets, band tees, studs, patches and just generally wearing whatever you want no matter how ridiculous. Maybe if none of my career plans work out I'll start a rockband! (teehee).

On occassion I like to channel that rockstar aesthetic and pretend I'm Grace Slick or Joan Jett. Why not?

I've always been a fan of studded vests and when I was parousing around Forever XXI looking for a sweater to keep me warm....I bought a studded denim vest instead (dang). Isn't it great though?

Lets be honest though, what would fashion be without the accessories? I wore some of my favourites with this outfit including my lightning bolt necklace that I purchased in a quaint store in Yaletown, peacock feather clip-ins from Little Burgundy, bangles from Little India and cowboy boots I received as a present.

My last point, is my photos. They're fantastic aren't they? I have begun collaborating with the beautiful and talented Kendra Coupland of Redivivus Photography who has offered to photograph me and is doing an amazing job. Check out her website, she is so talented. This girl is going places!!

-Grace

P.S. Have you followed my Twitter?

| The Afeminada's Kitchen: Linzer Cookies |

 I've always been a fan of cookies that have jam in the middle and how can you not love a cookie as attractive as a linzer? After many many months of practicing my baking, I felt that it was time to challenge myself.

These cookies were very, very difficult to make. It seems simple enough but the dough doesn't use any eggs which causes it to easily fall apart. By the end of it all, I was utterly exhausted.

 

Despite all the gruelling work the cookies came out great and I loved sharing them with my family and coworkers.

-Grace

| Christmas to-do List |

| Drink many egg nog lattes |

| Sport Christmas-themed manicures |

| Watch Christmas movies such as 'Home Alone' and 'A Christmas Story' |

| Decorate my house like this |

| Only give homemade gifts |

 | Bake a new dessert every week |

| Listen to a disgusting amount of Christmas music |

-Grace